1. Captopril was shown to be as effective as hydrochlorothiazide in lowering the blood pressure in patients with moderately severe essential hypertension. 2. With the combination of captopril and hydrochlorothiazide satisfactory control of blood pressure was maintained over 8 months. 3. Inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme by captopril in man was associated with falls in plasma angiotensin II and urinary aldosterone and rises in angiotensin I and plasma renin. 4. No change in venous concentrations of bradykinin could be demonstrated during therapy. 5. Captopril attenuated the hyperaldosteronism and hypokalaemia associated with diuretic therapy.