Doctors and medical students experience a training directed primarily towards clinical practice. Yet, increasing numbers of the more successful additionally devote time to advancing knowledge, often while working for a research or intercalated Honours degree. Similarly, science students are selected for postgraduate work mainly through university degree results. However, little is said about the qualities one requires for successfully completing a research programme, and the extent to which these differ from what makes a successful doctor or undergraduate student. No doubt one requires originality, creativity or fl air, but to attempt to defi ne or expand upon these would be beyond the direct scope of this short book. Additionally, modern medicine encompasses an enormous breadth of subjects, and research is among the most individual of endeavours.