Medicinal Chemistry

centerpiece of the first two editions. The nine chapters of the third edition are grouped
in two parts: the basic principles of medicinal chemistry (chapters 1–3), and applica-
tions of medicinal chemistry from a target-centered viewpoint (chapters 4–9). Given
this organizational structure, the book is not a catalogue of drugs. It does not present
medicinal chemistry in a “telephone directory of drugs” way. Rather, it emphasizes the
understanding of mechanisms of drug action, which includes drug and receptor struc-
ture. The book’s target-centered philosophy facilities a clear, mechanistic understand-
ing of how and why drugs work. This should give students a conceptual framework that
will enable them to continue learning about drugs and drug action long after they have
left school.

As with the first and second editions, this text is aimed primarily at students of pharmacy,
pharmacology and chemistry who are interested in drug design and development. It
provides the core of biochemical- and molecular-level thinking about drugs needed for
a basic medicinal chemistry course. Another new feature of this edition is designed to
enhance the book’s appeal to all readers: the multiple sections on the “Clinical–Molecular
Interface.” These sections strengthen the book’s clinical relevance by making it easier
to understand the treatment of human disease at a molecular level.

Many co-workers, colleagues and reviewers have given their time, expertise and
insights to aid the development of this third edition. Dr. Chris Barden (Department of
Chemistry, Dalhousie University) provided detailed remarks on the entire book. Joshua
Tracey checked molecular structures for accuracy, providing extensive assistance with
molecular formulae; Vanessa Stephenson checked references and the suggested reading
citations; and Dawnelda Wight provided clerical assistance with tables. Cheryl Weaver,
Felix Meier, Vanessa Stephenson, Valerie Compagna-Slater, Michael Carter, Buhendwa
Musole, Kathryn Tiedje, and Colin Weaver provided additional assistance with figures
and diagrams. To all of them we offer our thanks.

In addition, one of us (DFW) wishes to express his gratitude to Dr. R. A. Purdy, Head,
Division of Clinical Neurology, Dalhousie University, for his generous “protection of
time” to provide the many hours necessary for the revision of this book. We also thank
the editorial staff of Oxford University Press, Jeffrey House in particular, and Edith
Barry, for working on the second and third edition, and for their never-ending patience.
As with previous editions, we look forward to a continuing dialogue with our readers
so that future editions can be further improved.

T. N.

Kingston, Ontario

D. F. W.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

April, 2005

viii MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY