The incidence of Dupuytren's contracture in 405 male patients was studied with particular reference to its association with alcoholism and hepatic cirrhosis. As in reports by others, Dupuytren's contracture rarely occurred in patients of less than 40 years of age. In ages 41 to 50 years there was no apparent increase among alcoholics when compared to nonalcoholic controls of the same age. However, in ages 51 to 60 years Dupuytren's contracture was significantly increased in alcoholics when compared to controls. These differences were unrelated to the presence or absence of hepatic cirrhosis.