1. The occurrence of multiple centres of ossification in the epiphyses of the long bones of the hand and foot is shown to be frequent, and in the first metatarsal and first proximal phalanx of both hand and foot in both sexes the normal pattern of epiphysial ossification must be regarded as taking place in this way.

2. Multiple centres of ossification are shown to occur simultaneously in several epiphyses of the same hand or foot.

3. There seems to be a relationship between the shape of an epiphysial area and the pattern of ossification occurring within it.

4. Care should be taken to avoid confusing these normal patterns of ossification with radiological appearances caused by pathological changes.