This volume is based on the nato advanced study institute, "advances in mor phometries" held in 11 ciocco, tuscany, italy from july 18-30, 1993, and directed by leslie f. marcus. the "advances in morphometries" asi was advertised in nature and a number of professional journals. announcements were sent to relevant institutions and departments throughout the world. because nato required that the majority of attendees be from nato countries, the 71 persons attending represented nine nato countries, four eastern european countries, now recognized as equal partners for as is, and a few participants from non-nato countries. participants were all active scholars in different disciplines within biology, as well as computer science, statistics, geology and paleontology. their experience ranged from that of graduate students to senior faculty, as well as one emeritus scholar. a complete list of the those attending and their addresses, phone and fax numbers and, where available, e-mail addresses is given in the participants list. all the local arrangements were made by marco corti and anna loy of the university of rome "ia sapienza. " they made the initial contact with the ii ciocco conference center and then arranged for computer and xerox rentals, design of logos, organization of posters, and publication of poster abstracts.