The pharmacology and clinical pharmacology of skin are being studied as a fascinating new way of exploring questions of human physiology and pharmacology as well as an important step in the development and study of new drugs. Detailed information in this attractive field is now available for the first time in one complete work, providing an invaluable basis for further study for both academic and industrial researchers and clinicians. The work is divided into two volumes which are independent, but complementary. The first is an account of the general pharmacology of the skin, while the second is concerned with disease and drugs. This initial Volume 87/I presents a well-structured description of the basic pharmacology of the skin systems, including their epidermal and dermal components, organs and functions, followed by a discussion of autocoids in normal and inflamed skin. The topics are dealt with by experts who update current knowledge, critically review subjects of controversy and indicate potential areas of development.