In this article, ‘mind science’ refers to any knowledge derived from the study of behaviour, in which I include self-reports of mental states. ‘Brain science’ refers to anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. Psychiatrists have contact with both types of science, especially in helping to construct therapies. Some choose help more from the one or the other, but even those who make use of both rarely see any connection between the two sciences. There are also difficulties over what is truly scientific in the ‘mind science’ sector. This article looks at these two problems.

The community approaches which can be used in psychiatric practice are not so often in evidence in academic departments of psychiatry. One of us (BJM), on commencing as a Clinical Research Fellow within the Department of Psychiatry, St George's Hospital Medical School, was keen to spend his clinical time (set aside for training purposes) in a community-orientated way.

Teaching by television is a powerful method. Drug companies know this and have always been aware of the effect and importance of slick audio-visual presentation, yet it is still little used in medical education. In any discussion about video it is necessary to recognize this ambivalence and resistance to new technology. For the teacher, I think that this may stem from fear of the unknown, appearing incompetent, or worse, redundant.

To those who have bought shares in British Telecom, and for those who have not, this report may offer evidence to help them rationalize their judgement about the wisdom of their action.