preterm labour, once initiated, are in­ effective. In addition, procedures to stimulate labour and dilate the cer­ vix at term may not be used effectively. On October 19th - 21 st, 1992, a Schering Foundation Workshop took place in Berlin to discuss the "Basic Mechanisms Controlling Term and Preterm Labour". Leading scientists from Europe and North America were assembled to consider the fundamental systems which regulate the uterus and cervix during pregnancy. The topics in the sym­ posium ranged from key cellular events governing uterine contractility and cervical dilatation during labour to clinical advances and applica­ tions. This book contains the proceedings of the workshop. We were pleased to have been part of the workshop and to have been responsible for its organization.