The abstract texts in Chemical Abstracts are not intended as substitutes for the contents of the original document. They should, however, furnish the reader with enough information to enable him to decide whether intensive study of the original document is worthwhile and if the costs for ordering or even translation are rewarding. There are many ways to obtain the original literature which is held at the disposal of central libraries in many countries for loan or for photocopying. Printed files and online databases make it possible for the user to identify the respective library.