[Relationships between basic sciences and medicine revisited].

1. The role of basic research in medical institutions and in particular in Medical Schools is discussed. 2. Clinical practice is characterized, in its technical aspects, as a branch of biological technology. 3. It is suggested that the main functions of basic research practiced in medical institutions is to promote the interaction between physicians and scientists in other fields and to train physicians in the practices of other scientists. 4. It is suggested that the introduction of basic research in medical institutions implies: the recruitment of scientists from non-medical disciplines; a policy of funding that does not favour exclusively the clinical sector; the setting up of a regular graduate program, based on the scientifically active groups and adequately regulated.