The Year in Endocrinology 1977

This has been a year of substantial change for The Year in Endocrinology. The first change, though perhaps only a semantic one, nevertheless represents a landmark. Although last year's volume was designated as the first of an annual series, that seemed to me at the time merely a hope-a realistic hope, perhaps, but a hope, nevertheless. With the publication of this year's volume, however, this can accurately be said to be an annual series, one that we trust will fulfill a need and will therefore continue for years to come. Among other changes from last year's volume are some that were originally intended and others that were unintended. In the former category is the substitution of a chapter on water metabolism and vaso­ pressin, excellently prepared by Dr. Gary L. Robertson, for the chapter on paraendocrine syndromes that appeared last year. Chapters on these two topics will continue to appear on alternate years. Obviously, the non­ recurring chapter on a topic of special interest has also changed, and this year's comprises a comprehensive review of autoimmune endocrine dis­ ease by Drs. Jay Silverberg and Robert Volpe. The unexpected change results from the inability of Dr. Louis Avioli to continue as a member of the Editorial Board. Most fortunately, however, we have persuaded Dr. Charles R. Kleeman to join the Board and to be responsible for the chapter on the parathyroid gland and mineral metabolism. Dr. Kleeman has been assisted on the preparation of this chapter by his daughter, Dr.