1. History -- 2. The atmosphere -- 3. Geography and the human response to altitude -- 4. Altitude acclimatization and deterioration -- 5. Ventilatory response to hypoxia and carbon dioxide -- 6. Pulmonary gas exchange -- 7. Cardiovascular system -- 8. Hematology -- 9. Blood-gas transport and acid-base balance -- 10. Peripheral tissues -- 11. Exercise -- 12. Limiting factors at extreme altitude -- 13. Sleep -- 14. Nutrition, metabolism and intestinal function -- 15. Endocrine and renal systems at altitude -- 16. Central nervous system -- 17. High altitude populations -- 18. Acute mountain sickness -- 19. High altitude cerebral edema -- 20. High altitude pulmonary edema -- 21. Chronic mountain sickness and high altitude pulmonary hypertension -- 22. Other altitude-related conditions : neurovascular disorders, eye conditions, altitude cough, anesthesia at altitude -- 23. The physiology and pathology of heat and cold -- 24. Pre-existing medical conditions at altitude -- 25. Women at altitude -- 26. Extremes of age at altitude : children and the elderly -- 27. Commuting to high altitude for commercial and other activities -- 28. Athletes and altitude -- 29. Clinical lessons from high altitude -- 30. Practicalities of field studies.