Harry Ralph Gordon - Harrys cosmeticology Volume 1 : focus books : handbook of skin anti-aging theories for cosmetic formulation development : anti-aging pathways

Acknowledgements

I acknowledge the ongoing sense of calm thoughtfulness of Ben Carr, my wonderful publisher and his confidence and trust in my judgment while providing the special support that has meant so much to me, over the almost three years it has taken to produce the book you are reading today.

I also acknowledge and thank the many authors of this book for their commitment to making this the best Harrys ever written. They have taught me many things by their writings and provided superb networking contacts to people who had the background to write about the areas I saw as needing to be in the book. I am grateful for their growing friendship and relationship and providing me the opportunity to interact with many of the finest minds/people; and their thinking, as well as following my guidelines to achieve our goals.

I am also grateful for the many kind words from my authors and editors who liked my professional editing skills and sharpening them as I went along. Their patience in explaining- in writing- the answers to all of my seemingly endless questions contributed much to my understanding our industry in a way that was far more in depth than I brought to beginning this book. As I said to them, If you cant explain it to me so I really understand it; then how will our readers understand what you are saying?

I give special thanks to my Editors who took my thoughts and ideas and worked with me to find authors who knew their subjects and could organize and combine the thinking of- the- many to produce a unified- whole. Special thanks also to Navin Geria, Howard Epstein, Chia Chen, Bruce Victor, Bozena Michniak-Kohn, Ruud Overbeek, Manuel Gamez-Garcia, Michael Prencipe, Chuck Warren, Lee Stapleton, Adam Friedman, M.D., Ray Rigoletto, Roger McMullen, Randy Wickett, Martha Tate and so many others who have contributed to this book.

Finally, I wish to thank my friend and colleague, Professor Doctor Johann Wiechers, former President of the IFSCC (International Federation of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists) who unfortunately, unexpectedly and oh-so-quickly passed from this life while on one of his numerous visits to countries around the world. Johann travelled to more countries than I can name, to encourage and support the IFSCC in its mission to bring beauty and health to the many through his clear thinking, close, objective, ever-questioning and challenging examination of the science associated with cosmetics and personal care. Once upon a time, he told me that while travelling the world, he always stayed in the same type of room of his favorite hotel chain because it always made him feel like he was at home.

A manager I once had told me that if I had lemons, I should make lemonade. And so it was with Johann, who turned the enormous amount of time he spent in travelling to producing an incredible volume of questioning, challenging and probing scientific papers for us to read and think about for years to come.

Wherever you are, Johann, I want you to know that your work and critical thinking approach to cosmetic science has impacted us all- and we miss you greatly.