In conclusion I should like to say that in America and Britain psychiatrists are striving towards the same goal, for we are trying to give the best possible psychiatric treatment to the greatest number of citizens who require it. In Britain however it was decided after the war to conduct the struggle against mental illness at the National level. I have therefore attempted to give you some account of how far our efforts have succeeded and of how far in doing so , we have preserved our ancient tradition of professional freedom.Abstract Teaser