Advances in Oxytocin Research [antikvár]

PREFACE The Blair-Bell Research Society was founded in 1962 with the intention of bringing together in an informál manner research workers of all kinds interested in the study of the many and varied problems associated with reproductive processes. That such a fórum was desirable has been confirmed by its immediate success; the membership now exceeds 100 and includes biochemists, physiologists, anatomists, pharmacologists, endocrinologists and biologists as well as obstetricians and gynaecologists. Ordinary meetings are held five times a year at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in London. Oxytocin was chosen as the subject of our first symposium because recently important work has been done on its physiology and pharmacology, and a new method of administering the drug for the induction of labour in women has become available after extensive study in America, Europe and Great Britain; it seemed desirable therefore to discuss this new work as a whole and the Society appeared to be a proper body to do this. The proceedings here presented embody the facts and opinions given at the symposium. The latter inevitably lack unanimity representing as they do a variety of points of view. In spite of, and indeed because of this it is hoped that they will be of generál interest and value to all who are concerned with the study and clinical use of oxytocin. The Society is indebted for assistance in the organization of the symposium to Professor Carl Wood of Monash University, Australia, till recently our Secretary, and Dr. H. C. Masheter of Parké Davis & Co. Ltd., who acted as joint secretaries for the symposium; to all those who took part in the symposium, especially the main speakers, for the prompt preparation of their typescripts; to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists which since the Society began has put its rooms and facilities at our disposal; to the publishers Pergamon Press Ltd., for their expert help and advice in the preparation of the Proceedings; and in particular we are indebted to Parké Davis & Co. Ltd., for the financial support unstintingly and unobtrusively given, without which the symposium could not have taken place.