The NATO-Advanced Research Workshop "Esterases, Lipases and Phospholipases: From Structure to Clinical Significance" was held at the University of Bordeaux II, France from 22nd- 24th September 1993 under the Directorship of Professor Michel Clerc of the University of Bordeaux II. The meeting was organised by Hugues Chap (INSERM U 326, Toulouse, France), Georges Ferard (University of Strasbourg, France), Wolfgang Junge (University of Kiel, Germany) and Michael Mackness (University of Manchester, UK). In recent years it has become increasingly apparent that hydrolytic enzymes of the esterase, lipase and phospholipase type play central roles in the pathophysiology of many human diseases. The purpose of this NATO-ARW was to bring together experts (both clinical and scientific) in all three interrelated fields to review the current basic and clinical position and discuss future developments particularly with respect to future research aimed at determining the basic biochemical lesion involving hydrolytic enzymes involved in human disease and the use of these enzymes in diagnosis. As well as formal lectures from established researchers, the meeting also involved a number of lively round-table discussions on future developments and presentations from younger research workers, all of which are recorded in this Proceedings and which contribute to the success of the meeting.