Localized in vivo proton NMR spectra of volume elements of minimal size (13 x 13 x 13 mm3) were obtained in human brain with a whole-body imager working at 1.5-T field strength. By use of an optimized version of the 90 degrees-180 degrees-180 degrees volume selection method, well-resolved proton spectra were acquired within 9 min and a comparison of spectra with different echo times (135 and 270 ms) was possible within 20 min.