The paper starts with reflections on the rôle of biometry in clinical research. Factors which might influence the efficacy of biostatistical consulting of clinicians are dealt with. Primarily, advantages and disadvantages of various behavioral patterns between the medical investigator and the biometrician are discussed. The recruitment and training of new biometricians, organizational structures and material foundations of clinical biometry are regarded as further factors influencing a constructive working practice. The paper ends with considerations on the future of the discipline.