Abstract
The author reviews the major changes and advances which have taken place in psychiatry over the last fifty years, particularly the impact of these on and upon his own professional thinking. He points out the neglect of genetic studies but is encouraged by the greater accent upon biological sciences in psychiatric research.
A note of warning is issued that short term inpatient treatment and outpatient care may permit persons to be in society who would be better protected for their own sake and that of others if they remained in the hospital.
The essential medical nature of psychiatric practice and the need for thorough basic training of the psychiatrist in internal medicine and neurology and a comprehensive experience in a mental hospital is stressed.