In 1969 scientists came together for the first time to discuss problems of instability of continuous systems on a IUTAM - Symposium. Since then twelve years of a fast and interesting development in the field of stability have passed. Therefore it was necessary to arrange a meeting for scientists again in order to exchange experiences and opinions about this topic. In 1978 the Bureau of IUTAM asked me to become chairman of the scientific committee of the Second IUTAM Symposium on Stability in the Mechanics of Continua and to organize this meeting. The following scientists have been appointed...