Upon its first appearance in 1950 this textbook, under the skillful editorship of Fanconi of Zurich and Wallgren of Stockholm, promptly took the lead among pediatric texts in German language. In rapid succession the first 2 editions were sold out, and it is a safe gamble that the same fate will presently befall this third edition. To the roster of collaborators, some 20 in number from various countries of Europe who have carried the brunt of the writing, 2 new authorsone Dutch and one Germanhave been added.