Hepatology : Springer : 9783540768388 : 3540768386 : 03 Sep 2008 : N. Katz (Institute of Biochemistry, Univ. of Giessen). an astounding body of theoretical and practical ? Receiving such varied and kind assistance and ad- knowledge. Many of these empirical findingswere vice has filled me with gratitude and encouragement subsequently confirmed some (still) remain ?- during the years spent compiling this book. pirical?, without, however, having been disproved. ?Empiricism, Intuition and Logic? (R. Gross, Co- In preparing the book my thoughts and my loving logne, 1988) will always be the leitmotif of the ph- gratitude have constantly been with my son, Ha- ician! ? The considerable and fascinating develop- Dieter r, whose death was so sudden and incompreh- ments in hepatology,especially those of the last ten sible to us all. I have tried to represent his inspi- years, remain a central theme. ? The current stageof tions and detailed ideas as well as incorporating his th this development may