This paper explains basic ideas of Gonzalo Herranz on research ethics, in general and on human beings, obtained from the study of the fragmentary material that has been preserved (drafts and class outlines). Among other ideas, I present his thoughts on the ethical foundations of the researcher's actions: the target of the researcher, the active and passive duty to investigate, the freedom of research and the peculiarities of the relationship between the researcher and the subject of research/patient.

Informed consent at research is part of the doctor-patient relationship, which has undergone, and continues to undergo, important changes: from the classical approach, as a relationship of friendship, to the contemporary approach, as a relationship between strangers (potential enemies, following thesis enlightened about society), which is regulated by ethical and legal rules. The main goal of the latter is to ensure, by means of formal requirements , that such a relationship does not harm the patient. In this light, we examine and compare informed consent in the main international regulations and in Spanish law. In particular, we focus on the patient information sheet, comprehension, voluntariness, certification and speech of the results of the research. We conclude with the observation of the serious intrinsic limitation of these regulations, which impede, rather than favour, an adequate attention for the patient.