production of this volume of the Handbook. If this joint enterprise has succeeded it is thanks to their competence, knowledge and application, for the editor's role is merely that of a coordinator. My thanks are also due to Springer-Verlag, the publishers, who gave me every possible assistance in seeing this volume to completion. Dr. D. Maroske was kind enough to prepare the Subject Index. And lastly I should like to voice my indebtedness to the Management of Sandoz Ltd., Basle, which allowed me to devote a not inconsiderable part of my time to the editing of this volume. I am also very grateful to a number of members of the staff of Sandoz Ltd.: to Mr. J.E. Smith, B. Sc., F.1. L., who translated some chapters and revised the language of others and to Miss Hannelore Straube and Miss Sonja Ebner for their valuable secreterial help.

Neurohypophysis. Structure and Function.

Chemistry of the Neurohypophysial Hormones.
The Influence of Enzymes on Neurohypophysial Hormones and Similar Peptides.
Bioassay Procedures for Neurohypophysial Hormones and Similar Polypeptides.
The Assay of Neurohypophysial Hormones in Blood and other Body Fluids.
Production, Release, Transportation and Elimination of the Neurohypophysial Hormones.
The Influence of the Neurohypophysial Hormones and Similar Polypeptides on the Kidneys.
The Effect of Neurohypophysial Hormones and Similar Polypeptides on the Uterus and other Extravascular Smooth Muscle Tissue.
The Milk-Ejection Reflex and the Actions of Oxytocin, Vasopressin and Synthetic Analogues on the Mammary Gland.
The Circulatory Actions of the Neurohypophysial Hormones and Similar Polypeptides.
Metabolic Effects of the Neurohypophyseal Hormones and Belated Polypeptides.
The Influence of Neurohypophysial Polypeptides on Adenohypophysial Function.
Actions and Functions of the Neurohypophysial Hormones and Related Peptides in Lower Vertebrates.
Phylogenetic Aspects of the Neurohypophysial Hormones.
Antagonists of the Neurohypophysial Hormones.
Basic Pharmacological Properties of Synthetic Analogues and Homologues of the Neuro-hypophysial Hormones.
Author Index.