Table of contents (TOC) practices of some 120 primary journals were analyzed. The journals were randomly selected. The method of randomization is described. The samples were selected from a university library with a holding of approximately 12,000 titles published worldwide. A questionnaire was designed. Purpose was to find uniformity and diversities in practices. Features investigated were the presence and location of TOC, reference to location of TOC if not on cover page, author's name and identification practices, title listing and pagination system, different methods of sequencing of the three major elements (author, title, pagination), leaders between pagination and other elements; the different practices of multilingual and multi-alphabetical TOC's. The information retrieved from the questionnaires was tabulated. The sample indicated the variations which exist in TOC practices. Recommendations are made for TOC practices and reference some recommendations of the recently revised ANSI Z39.1 1967 (1972 draft standard). Sample rationalized TOC was devised. (Author)