This paper traces the growth of the concept of a mathematics laboratory and reviews recent research and developments in this field. The first section quotes several interpretations of the term and discusses some of the activities advocated by its proponents. The second section quotes extensively from E. H. Moore (1902) and McLennan and Dewey (1895) to show that the idea is older than the present influence of Piaget, Bruner, Gattegno, etc. A section of quotations from more recent advocates of mathematics laboratories is followed by a review of research on the use of manipulative materials, desk-calculators, and science-linked courses: the correlation of motivation with achievement; and the practical difficulties of implementing a laboratory approach in a school. The final sections discuss laboratory materials and the use of laboratory methods in teacher training. (MM)