PREFACE 



This volume represents the fourth colloquium in the Ciba 

 Foundation's programme for the encouragement of basic 

 research relevant to processes of ageing which was initiated 

 by the Trustees early in 1954. In line with the series of 

 conferences begun earlier on Endocrinology, these meetings 

 are arbitrarily described as Colloquia to distinguish them from 

 the single conferences on isolated subjects which are known 

 as Symposia. 



This colloquium on Water and Electrolyte MetaboHsm in 

 Relation to Age and Sex brought together a number of people 

 working on these problems from very different angles, with 

 what success the reader may judge for himself. Membership 

 had to be limited to a small group, as usual, but it is hoped 

 that the published proceedings will have a world-wide 

 readership, and will prove to be of value to those workers 

 in this field who could not be asked to participate on this 

 occasion, as well as to others not so closely associated with 

 such research. 



Professor McCance, who directed the meeting with firm 

 but friendly skill and split-second time-keeping, also gave 

 much valuable help to the Deputy Director in its organization 

 and planning. He and Dr. Widdowson have continued their 

 assistance with some much appreciated advice on editorial 

 matters. 



To those to whom this book serves as an introduction to 

 the activities of the Ciba Foundation it should be explained 

 that it is an international centre which owes its inception and 

 support to CIBA Ltd. of Switzerland. Under the laws of 

 England it is established as an educational and scientific 

 charity and is administered independently and exclusively by 

 its eminent British Trustees. 



