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This paper, the 1952 Presidential Address to the American Psychoanalytic Association, opens with an interesting and informative account of the Association from its foundation in 1911 to the present time. In 1952 the Association had fourteen approved affiliate societies, a membership of 485 and 900 candidates in training. Of the 485, three-quarters have become members since 1938, one-third since 1948. Psychoanalytic practice and training is conducted in 19 states, though concentrated in 9–10 states. In 21 states there was no practising analyst in 1952. In 1925 American members represented only 16 per cent. of the membership of the International Psycho-Analytical Association; in 1952 they represented 64 per cent.
The controversies which have arisen over professional standards and training are reviewed. The attitude of the American Association to lay analysis is re-affirmed. In 1952 there were only seven lay analysts amongst the membership of the American Psychoanalytic Association. The close relationship existing between psychiatry and psychoanalysis in the United States is emphasized; 73 per cent of members of the Association are members of the American Psychiatric Association.
Several problems affecting psycho-analytic practice and training are discussed, in particular the