Monocytic leukemia is an entity that has engendered a variety of divergent clinical and histologic opinions. A case is presented in which prolonged and intensive clinical and laboratory observations demonstrate the erratic course of this disease and illustrate the erroneous conclusions that may be derived from inconstant, momentary observations of this dynamic process. Study of the "natural history" of monocytic leukemia yields observations which tend to reconcile many of the hitherto conflicting opinions regarding this disease. The origin and characteristics of the monocytic cell are discussed, and its probable derivation from mesenchyma is emphasized.

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The third documented case of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the urachus in the English literature is reported. The interesting coincidental occurrence of the dermoid cyst of the right ovary and a complete longitudinal septum of the vagina and uterine cervix is described.

Many machine-readable identification systems (MRIS) that can automatically identify patients and their laboratory specimens are described in this paper. It is recommended that greater use be made of bar-code, optical character, or magnetic ink label printers and readers, to permit MRIS of X-ray films, EKGs, EEGs, and other tracings, drugs, and blood-products, as well as for requisitions, forms, charges, reports, and medical records. This technology will contribute greatly to eliminate a major source of error in health care, as well as accelerate the performance of many procedures, control cost by reducing personnel levels, and improve medical care substantially.