The articles published in the South African Medical Journal between 1927 and 1975 were examined for the presence of psychological and psychiatric themes. Two hundred and seventy-seven articles and editorials were identified and analysed. The relative space allocated to issues psychological remained quite stable at low levels in the period under investigation. The following themes are discussed: psychopathology and treatment, psychoneuroses, psychology and physical disease, psychological testing, and psychology as an auxiliary to the medical profession.