Since RUTHERFORD MORISON left us with the concept of the Omentum being the 'abdominal policeman', clinicians have tacitly assumed that they know sufficient about the structure and function of this organ. However interest in the omentum and its relationship to clinical surgery has recently been develop­ ing. This book examines all aspects with special reference to surgery and should provide a welcome impetus in research and clinical practice. The editors and contributors have produced a book which is comprehensive and well illustrated and contains detailed refer­ ences to the important original sources - so essential in a work of this nature. It is written for those who wish to share the delight of acquiring knowledge - even about a comparatively humble organ - as well as for practical surgeons. Both will find ample information to arouse their interest and expand their surgical horizons in exciting ways of which they will almost certainly not have dreamt. I welcome a book of this calibre on a subject which deserves our increasing interest. I delight in the fact that it is dedicated to my friend and colleague MARTIN ALLGOWER.

Introduction by: A. Parks