The handbook on lithiasis edited by Kurt Boshamer and originally brought out in 1961 was for more than two decades the standard work in this field for researchers and clinicians alike. However, our knowl edge of urolithiasis has been increased so enormously - by worldwide interdisciplinary research into the genesis of urinary calculi, by the new treatment possibilities opened up principally by advances in tech nology, and by the success achieved in prevention of recurrence - that it is almost impossible to take in all the relevant journal articles, books chapters, monographs, and proceedings....