So far as. can be ascertained, no detailed reports have previously been made of ulcerative colitis developing inan

African in tropical Africa. Four cases are recorded in whom the history and investigations were typical of this disorder. Three patients showed some of the personality traits said to be typical, and in one the onset of the disorder was related to psychological stress. Relevant psycho-social data are mentioned and the aetiology is discussed. Causes are suggested for the present apparent rarity of the disease in Africans in tropical Africa, where, however, it conforms to the world pattern of being relatively uncommon in less sophisticated communities. It is postulated that with increasing sophistication the disease may be seen more frequently in the future in tropical Africa.