The magnitude of the problem of congenital malformations.

A number of controversies and unsolved problems listed in Table I have been discussed. We hope that we will have time at this conference to discuss the many factors which could contribute to the prevention of congenital malformations and mental retardation. If a consensus can be reached on some of the important issues, we may even gain enough momentum to implement some of the suggestions made by the participants of this conference. It is interesting that the development of new knowledge, new etiologies, and new therapies has solved some problems, but has created new difficulties and the need for new solutions. Attending this conference are experts in experimental teratology, clinical teratology, epidemiology, child development, and genetics. A common trait of scientists is to aggrandize the merits of their own field and minimize the importance of their competitors. In reality, all of these fields have made major contributions to our understanding and preventing of congenital malformations. The scientist who is willing to utilize the expertise of many fields can frequently develop new concepts. During this week we all will have the opportunity to broaden our areas of expertise, learn from each other, and possibly synthesize some new concepts or implement some constructive recommendations.