This ongoing series, originated in 1967, has become the standard guide to the preparation, properties and uses of thousands of reagents, and additional references to reagents previously discussed. It includes data on structural formulae, molecular weight, physical constants, preferred method of preparation, and examples of important uses. It also contains data on commonly used reagents from 1966 to 1988.

Mary Fieser received her formal education at Bryn Mawr and Radcliffe. Since then, she has been active with her husband in research and writing. Their numerous books include Organic Chemistry, which was translated into ten languages, and Steroids, of which four editions have been published. Mrs. Fieser has received the D.Sc. degree from Smith and Mount Holyoke, and the Garvin Medal of the American Chemical Society.