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Oberndorf proposed the theme of the Boston Round Table in 1948 which is reproduced in this paper. In his part he stresses: 1, the medical duty to cure; 2, diagnostic categorization; 3, scientific honesty toward results. He finds that results are in great part dependent upon the personality of the therapist. 'One wonders', he says, 'whether it is the personality and manner of application rather than the theory per se'. One cannot help but fear that such an argument might lead to psychoanalytic nihilism.
Greenacre earnestly underlines the need for clinical and statistical evaluation of the results of psychoanalytic therapy. Referring to a similar admonition by Freud, she warns that too narrow an approach to the screening of results might introduce a bias which would distort the truth.
Kubie enumerates factors which must be considered for a correct statistical evaluation. He mentions a dismaying number of them but with characteristic optimism believes the task can be done if given sufficient financial and mechanical help.
A considerable contribution is made by the discussants of these three papers. In particular the very fruitful idea is offered that the clinical conference presents the best opportunity for such research. This symposium, by proposing methods and clarifying principles, has opened the way for the actual evaluation of results.