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Modern techniques of laser spectroscopy enable measurements of optical isotope shifts and hyperfine structures to be extended across long chains of isotopes reaching far from the region of stability. While the hyperfine structure yields precise information on the spin and electromagnetic moments of the nucleus, the isotope shifts are sensitive to small differential changes in size and shape of the nuclear charge distribution. The experimental situation is reviewed, with an emphasis on the techniques used for rare and radioactive species. The status of the experimental data is summarized. Modified King plots are used to make a detailed inspection of the apparent similarities seen between neighbouring chains in different regions of the nuclear chart.