One of the joys of editing the journal is the surprise that comes from offerings by authors which resonate with your own preoccupations and obsessions. In this issue, there seem to be many of these surprises and delights. Controversy surrounding the “precautionary principle” shows no sign of letting up, Tukker suggests a possible way forward to reconcile different world views of risk assessment and a commitment to ecology. This is timely and important and needs to be taken up. See page 883

In recent years, the concepts of impairment, disability, and handicap have become increasingly blurred to the detriment of public health. R B Jones, in this editorial, passionately makes the case for clarity of language and concepts; and in an omnibus set …