Gentlemen,—I welcome you to this the first meeting of the first new Section of the Royal Society of Medicine. I have consented to give an inaugural address, somewhat against my feelings, for I believe that as this Section is one starting with the full intention of work for the advance of medical science, time might have been better occupied in learning definite results of original work than in hearing generalities. I have to admit that I have had very long and perhaps exceptional opportunities of observing mental disorders, and it may be of service to record some of my impressions and hopes. I will shortly outline the past, survey the present, and prospect the future.