Although it sounds cliched, there are many people who need to be thanked for there contribution to the completion of this thesis. Above all I must thank my supervisor Dr Marcus Taft. His professional contribution to this thesis is hard to overestimate, and I am deeply indebted to him for the many inspiring, stimulating and clarifying conversations that we have had over the past five years. More than a supervisor, he has been my friend through what has been a difficult time for me. I cannot

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... him enough for that. I must also thank my many close friends. While I cannot express my gratitude to you all individually here, you know that I appreciate the special and valuable contribution you have made to my well being through the last few difficult years. Your patience while I placed my work above these friendships, shows what a special group you are. I feel however, that I must mention three very special people, Meredith Hardie, Jennifer O'Neill and Dr Martin Fryer, you have kept me sane when I needed it most. Alii can say is THANK YOU. Dedication To my wife, Elizabeth, for coming back to me.