Future X-ray observations of `normal' galaxies

This paper starts with a brief review of the status of our knowledge of the X-ray properties of normal galaxies after the Einstein Observatory survey. It then summarizes some of the currently open issues on this subject, and addresses how substantial increases in sensitivity, angular resolution, bandwidth, spectral capabilities, and the capability to do timing observations are needed to further our knowledge of the X-ray properties of galaxies. It concludes by proposing a large throughput X-ray lunar observatory as a goal for the high-energy astrophysical community, but this should be preceded by a series of increasingly ambitious missions.