This volume is a second undertaking - following the proceedings of the first workshop published in 1982 under the title Genetic Basis of the Epilepsies -to review our current knowledge on the genetics of epilepsies. It also developed from a workshop held in Berlin in September 1986. It contains the papers presented by the speakers, but is revised to incorporate the results of the stimulating discussions. The main goals of the book are to stimulate communication across traditional disciplinary lines and further collaborative research, as well as to provide pediatricians, neurologists, and geneticists with a basic knowledge for genetic counselling while at the same time putting emphasis on the evidence of heterogeneity in this field. This book contains separate sections on population rates, family studies on selected syndromes, genetics of EEG characteristics, morbidity risk in offspring, and special methods and topics. Among the topics covered are the prospective evaluation of seizure morbidity in offspring of epileptic patients and the relationship of pharmacogenetics to epilepsy, two questions of current interest. The editors are greatly indebted to Mrs. Ilsebill Brookes, secretary of the Department of Neurology, Universitatsklinikum Rudolf Virchow, Free University Berlin, for her valuable assistance in planning and arranging the workshop. Major funding was provided by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft; Stiftung Michael; Freie Universitat Berlin; Boehringer, Ingelheim; Ciba-Geigy, Frankfurt; Desitin, Hamburg; Hoff mann-La Roche, Grenzach; Knoll, Ludwigshafen; Labaz, Munich; Nordmark, Uetersen; Parke-Davis, Munich, and Schering, Berlin. The editors are indebted to these institutions and firms for their generous support."

"A comprehensive and useful discussion of Christian ethics applied to a variety of difficult and timely issues is no simple task, but Reichenbach and Anderson have risen to it. They have provided a book that is a great starting place for further consideration of topics such as the environment, assisted reproduction, abortion, surrogacy, the human genome, the pursuit of knowledge, the brain-mind issue, and human sexuality. Their treatment of these issues is integrated by the adoption of a biblically based paradigm from Genesis: 'filling, ' 'ruling over, ' and 'caring for.' This is a book packed with information, suggestions, and challenges." -Richard Bube, Stanford University "An important book for the Christian community. The authors have rescued creation from the polemical battlefield it has become for too many Christians and have applied God's creation ordinances to some of the pressing practical issues of our time. Their approach is wide-ranging and novel, getting us away from the tired debates about conservatives and liberals. On Behalf of God may provide the fresh look at ethics that is badly missing in entrenched Christian circles. I believe we may look back ten years from now and see this book as a watershed for Christian witness in the real world." -R.J. Berry, University College London