The relationship between infection and arthritis has occupied the attention of everybody throughout the history of investigative rheu matology, no less today than formerlyl. The present issue is a com pilation of essays reflecting some of the facets of this particular diamond and I am especially grateful to authors and publishers alike in the unusual and tragic circumstances which attended its preparation. We were all stunned and saddened by the untimely death of Pro fessor John Calabro which deprived us of a good friend and wise counsellor as well as a much esteemed professional colleague. Prof. Calabro's contribution to medicine was considerable, spanning highly individual, exemplary and caring clinical management, enthusiastic charismatic teaching at all levels and major contributions to research particularly in the field of juvenile arthritis. As with Robert Burns, whose works John knew, "when will we see his like again?." A personal sadness is that I was looking forward to welcoming John and his wife to "Geordieland." There is a strong tradition of the highest level of competitive ballroom dancing here and John was looking forward to visiting us and demonstrating the considerable skills which he and his wife displayed in this arena. To his wife and family we all extend our heartfelt condolences. W. CARSON DICK 1. Atkin, S., Walker, D., Mander, M., Malcolm, A. and Dick, W. Carson. (1988). Observation on the causes of rheumatoid arthritis. Br. J. Rheumatol., 27 (Suppl."

"Rheumatic Disease" is the second monograph in a new series on management and treatment in major clinical subspecialties and patient groups. Further volumes will be published over the next few years. Each book is complete in its own right. The whole series, however, has been prepared to fill a gap, perceived by the publisher, myself and the volume authors, between standard text books of medicine and therapeutics and research reviews, sympo sia' and original articles in specialist fields. Each volume aims to provide a concise, up to date account of treatment in its subject area with particular reference to drug therapy. Wherever pos sible, authorship has been undertaken by practising clinicians who themselves have training and experience in clinical pharma cology. The volumes are intended to be guides to treatment, to assist in the choice of drug and other treatment and to provide easy references to drug interactions and adverse reactions. The aims of the series should be upheld by this volume on "Rheumatic Disease." The book has been prepared in Glasgow and Newcastle. The authors, Drs. Hilary Capell, Terry Daymond and Carson Dick, are not only respected clinicians and rheumato logists but have wide clinical and research experience in the clinical pharmacology of antirheumatic drugs and therapeutic management of connective tissue disease and other areas of rheumatology. This volume combines practical pragmatic man agement with new concepts in drug treatment."