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As recalled by Dr. Wilhelmi, it is now 30 years since Li, Evans, and Simpson conclusively demonstrated the existence of growth hormone (GH). Now, GH has an established place in the promotion of growth and the regulation of energy metabolism. In 1957 Daughaday discovered a serum factor ("sulfation factor" or somatomedin [SM]) that, under the influence of GH, promoted the uptake of sulphur by dividing cartilage, while Raben reported positive results following human GH (hGH) administration to the first hypopituitary patient. Animal GH had proved ineffectual in man. In the last decade, the measurement of GH in the blood became established, permitting definitive diagnosis of GH deficiency states. In 1963 the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases (NIAMDD), under the directorship of G. Donald Whedon, MD, established the National Pituitary Agency (NPA) with the full cooperation of the College of American Pathologists. The NPA is presently an integral