SOME RECENT DEVELOPMENTS PERTAINING TO PANCREATITIS *

SINCE the second century of the Christian era, when the pancreas was apparently considered by Galen to be a mechanical cushion for the stomach,1 knowledge regarding the structure and functions of this organ in both health and disease has advanced considerably. This knowledge has been derived from experimental as well as clinical and pathologic observations, and, although significant gaps remain, it is encouraging that new developments continue. It is intended to review here some of the recent developments pertaining to pancreatitis, first mentioning some observations regarding the natural history of the disease and then considering several interesting, if poorly understood, biochemical abnormalities sometimes associated with pancrea-titis, study of which may point the way eventually to a better understanding of the disease. PANCREATITIS AT THE MAYO CLINIC IN 1956 It may be of general interest to note first some observations pertainin