Self-consistent field method in various approximations: 'forgotten ideas'

A number of ideas and methods for theoretical studies of the structure and spectra of many-electron systems are considered. The main emphasis is on the self-consistent field method in various approximations: single-and multi-configuration approaches, analytical and numerical radial wavefunctions, and general methods of calculation of spin-angular parts of various matrix elements. The importance is stressed of the use of the second quantization and quasispin technique in coupled tensorial form.