Described are basic laboratory methods for diagnosing and investigating diseases of importance to developing countries. Intended primarily for the training of technicians who will work in peripheral laboratories, the manual is designed so that student laboratory assistants can be taught to use it with minimal supervision from a teacher. The publication is organized into three main parts: (1) general laboratory procedures; (2) techniques in parasitology, bacteriology, serology, and mycology; and (3) techniques in haematology, blood chemistry, blood transfusion, and the examination of urine and cerebrospinal fluid. Numerous illustrations accompany the stepwise descriptions of procedures. At the end of the volume is a description of the composition, preparation, and storage requirements for all reagents needed. (Author/WB)