ABSTRACT
The craving for intellectual challenges is a characteristic of mankind, one which distinguishes us from other primates. It has enables us to progress from hunting and gathering to exploring in outer space within a relatively short period of time. Primary health-care workers may be more at home with plaster of Paris, bandages and a scalpel than with a pen, but this should not deter them from attempting research and recording their findings in writing. Identifying and measuring patterns of morbidity within the community can help all the professionals involved—the family doctor, his colleagues and those responsible for organizing health-care services—plan for better services for the sick. Some family doctors have a special interest in the action of the medicinal substances that are used in practice. They may want to record and examine any adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and to co-operate with pharmaceutical manufacturers in undertaking 'field trials' of their new products.
