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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAHFourteen years ago interest was aroused in a single kindred show ing hereditary nerve deafness. Studies to try and establish the mode of inheritance, and the anatomic location of the lesions have been attempted during this period. It was hoped that this information might give a clue to the physiologic pathology of hereditary nerve disease, and perhaps yield an approach to its treatment. The Mormon community presents a unique opportunity for the study of hereditary disease. Since it is an agrarian population, which does not move from its farms, its members can be relatively easily located. Because of this, a gene may be followed from a single polygamous male through generations of a rapidly expanding population.Key members of the family were located and interested in the disease. They aroused family interest until members would congre gate in selected homes, where histories were taken and physical exam inations were performed. 1 These key members would often keep after unwilling members of the family until they would also co-operate in the study. The records of the Genealogical Offices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints often helped to locate members of the family whenever difficulties were encountered. A complete his tory was obtained from each individual of that kindred, who could be contacted. If the individual was not living, or not easily available, the questions were asked of close members of his family. These his tories were rechecked by the cross-questioning of other family memFrom the

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