The paper reviews briefly & comments on selected events in the history of lithium treatment. The events include Cade’s discovery of lithium’s antimanic action, the discovery & establishment of its prophylactic action, the ensuing debate, amelioration & prevention of side effects & risks, use during pregnancy, non-compliance, selection of patients, information & instruction, the question whether new & better prophylactic agents are about to oust lithium, the use of combination treatment, the effect of lithium on suicidal behaviour, the benefits of prophylactic lithium treatment, & the design of future comparative trials. (75 refs)