Background to the Topics Concerned in the Present Papers

The present background description concentrates on the structure of wood xylem, on the mechanical strength properties under monotonic external loading, on the degradation of the structure of wood and somewhat also on the influence of thermal treatment (heat treatment) on the structure and properties of wood. The presentation is largely based on a recent publication of the author /1/. In this manner, the description tries to illustrate the status of the present general knowledge in the fields, into which the present papers bring new results and ideas for a better understanding of the structure and behavior of wood.