Conference papers and discussions presented in this volume reflect recent research results that suggest the human infant is not a tabula rasa but an organism endowed at birth with an array of capabilities. Contents focus on several issues, including the possibility that infants have a rich affective life from their earliest days and that even normal infants vary widely in their sensitivities, response capabilities, motor behaviors, and other characteristics. It is suggested that an evolutionary perspective may be useful in exploring the newborn infant's biological preparation for effective interaction with the environment. Specifically, the volume includes sections devoted to three topic areas. Section I includes summaries of papers related to the infant's rhythms and responses as preparation for partnership. Articles summarized in section II describe developing designs for viewing the infant as a social being. Material in section III consists of briefs of papers focusing on the ontogeny of the mother/infant relationship. Summaries of discussants' comments and critiques are provided. (RH)