The Archives has usually left to more general journals the important, but by nature imprecise, examinations of medicine's responsibilities to the larger public and we, by and large, plan to continue such a policy. The subject of the following article, however, has become a major issue in the contemporary neurological world, for the outcome of the enormous expenses of "critical care" must be judged by not only the relatively low survival rate (N Engl J Med 294:982-986, 1976), but by the neurological capacities of the survivors as well. Accordingly, the Editors believe that Professor Jennett's thoughtfully expressed point of view deserves wide attention by those involved with care of the severely brain-damaged of any age. Needless to say, the subject has stimulated varying opinions among ourselves and we expect that it will do so among our readers, whose views on this important issue are welcome.—ED.