We are pleased to present to our readers the Proceedings of the Third International Workshop on Phosphate and Other Minerals which was held in Madrid, during July 15-18, 1977. It was hosted by Dr. Aurelio Rapado, Head of the Metabolic Unit at the Fundacion Jimenez Diaz. The Third International Workshop was organized in the tradition of the previous two Workshops. Scientists from 15 countries attended the meeting which provided a forum for formal presentations and informal discussions of topics of current interest in the field of phosphate metabolism, and that of the homeostasis of other minerals. One day of the Workshop was devoted to the subject of Phosphate Depletion. The latest information on the various aspects of the metabolic consequences of phosphate depletion were brought into focus.

In the preface of the Proceedings of the Second International Workshop on Phosphate, we indicated that the enthusiasm with which these Workshops were received generated the idea for the creation of a Journal which will publish research endeavors related to mineral and electrolyte metabolism. These efforts were brought into fruition, and the first issue of the new Journal, MLneAa,2 and Ee tAoeyte Metaboti~sm has already appeared in November, 1977. It is published by Karger of Basel, Switzerland under the Editorship of Dr. Shaul G. Massry of Los Angeles, with Dr. Louis V. Avioli of St. Louis and Dr. Eberhard Ritz of Heidelberg, serving as Associate Editors. The Journal is supported by an Editorial Board of 44 distinguished scientists from all over the world. It is designed to be a scientific forum which will provide for the dissemination of information in the broad field of mineral and electrolyte metabolism.

Its content will be of interest to the biochemist, endocrinologist, nephrologist, nutritionist and internist involved in investigation of the clinical disorders and in the basic research of mineral and electrolyte homeostasis. The Fourth International Workshop on Phosphate and Other Minerals will be held during the month of June, 1979 in Strassbourg, France. It will be hosted by Professor H. Jahn, of the University of Strassbourg. The theme of this coming Workshop will continue to focus on the pathophysiology of phosphate homeostasis and the metabolism of other minerals.