It is a pleasure to contribute the foreword to Introduction to Cell and Tissue Culture: The­ ory and Techniques by Mather and Roberts. Despite the occasional appearance of thought­ ful works devoted to elementary or advanced cell culture methodology, a place remains for a comprehensive and definitive volume that can be used to advantage by both the novice and the expert in the field. In this book, Mather and Roberts present the relevant method­ ology within a conceptual framework of cell biology, genetics, nutrition, endocrinology, and physiology that renders technical cell culture information in a comprehensive, logical for­ mat. This allows topics to be presented with an emphasis on troubleshooting problems from a basis of understanding the underlying theory. The material is presented in a way that is adaptable to student use in formal courses; it also should be functional when used on a daily basis by professional cell culturists in a- demia and industry. The volume includes references to relevant Internet sites and other use­ ful sources of information. In addition to the fundamentals, attention is also given to modern applications and approaches to cell culture derivation, medium formulation, culture scale-up, and biotechnology, presented by scientists who are pioneers in these areas. With this volume, it should be possible to establish and maintain a cell culture laboratory devot­ ed to any of the many disciplines to which cell culture methodology is applicable.