This issue of The Archives has been dedicated as a memorial volume to John B. Hickam, MD. Anyone who was closely associated with him or who has evaluated his accomplishments knows that he demonstrated qualities of excellence as a physician, left behind clearly visible evidences of his role as an educator, and made important contributions as an investigator. His research was important, not only in advancing knowledge, but also as a springboard for the development of the careers of numerous other physicians, educators, and investigators. One group of papers in this volume exemplifies his own research while the other group, composed of ten original papers, represent the work of some of his former associates. One of the papers was written by Eugene Stead, who had an important role in the development of his career. One or more authors of the other nine original papers are men and women in medicine