Complement before molecular biology

Complement activity was first described in the 1890s and the characterisation of this highly complex system has continued ever since. This review traces the history of complement research from its beginnings until it was transformed by the advent of molecular biology in the 1980s. It takes as a focus point the CIBA symposium on Complement held in London in May 1964 and reflects – and is slanted by – the views and research experience of the author.