the reports are published annually and are divided into three main sections. a:(i) metals and (ii) inorganic compounds; and b: organic compounds (including opgano-metallic compounds). the format of information in individual reports is: names, formulae, papers reported, unit cell and space group data, details of analysis, atomic positions, inter-atomic distances and angles, description and discussion of the structure (with diagrams), and additional references. the subject index is based on the names of the substances as given in the headings of the individual indexes are published as separate volumes. the reports make the search through hundreds of journals unnecessary, as each volume gives the essence of one years worldwide literature on crystal structure determinations. the series thus forms an essential bank of information.