Generalized density matrix revisited

The review is given of the method of the generalized density matrix (GDM) in the microscopic theory of nuclear structure. It gives a framework capable to incorporate various aspects of interplay of single-particle, collective and chaotic dynamics rather than a specific model. The method is exemplified with the description of a rotational band without external cranking. Then the general operator formulation is explained and the advantages and open problems of the GDM method are discussed. The concluding chapter contains the summary of applications