Now that our Association, by a gracious act of our Sovereign, has been granted a Royal Charter—a signal recognition of its achievements and of the humane principles and aspirations of which it is an expression; a change, too, which is emblematic of the growth of its activities and influence—it is not inappropriate that I should address you on some aspects of the practice of psychiatry, especially in regard to possibilities and lines of progress in the future, and as to how the Association might better assist their materialization. The aspect I wish particularly to dwell upon is that which is the title of my address.