[Aspects of the application of models in pharmaceutical research (author's transl)]

Starting from historical examples of the application of models in scientific research, the author treats the present significance of this working method in pharmacy. A short description of various types of models and of the definition of the term "model" is followed by an outline of the major aspects to be considered in using models. The different steps of model elaboration, the requirements to be considered with model elaboration as well as questions concerning the analogy, main properties, goals and limitations of models, and the validity of the results obtained are briefly dealt with and illustrated by examples.