We describe the practices and staff of a random sample of 158 doctors. There has been a significant increase in ancillary staff since the Doctors' Charter of 1966. The study showed that there was no economy in staff as the number of doctors in a practice increased. In the selection of receptionists, doctors preferred married women over 35 with children, and were in favour of good personal qualities rather than good academic attainments. However, a high standard of work is important as well as a good understanding of human behaviour.