In this review, the progress in the chemistry of Mannich bases in the years 1960-1970 is reported in depth. The first part of the review deals with the synthesis of the bases and discusses separately the types of substrates undergoing the reaction. The second part contains a discussion of Mannich base reactions. whereby these bases are regarded as easily accessible intermediates for the synthesis of various products. 1. Synthesis of Mannich Bases 1.1. Structure 1.2. Reactants and Reaction Conditions 1.3. Mechanism, Orientation, and By-products 1.4. C-Aminomethylation Reactions 1.5. N-, S-, Se-, and P-Aminomethylation Reactions 1.6. Optically Active Mannich Bases 2. Reactions of Mannich Bases 2.1. Deaminomethylation 2.2. Deamination 2.3. Substitution of the Amino Group (X-Alkylation) 2.4. Reduction 2.5. Reaction with Organometallic Compounds 2.6. Cyclization 2.7. Miscellaneous Reactions