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If the psycho-analytic investigations have somewhat besmirched, as it is contended, the average civilized human being it will hardly be held to righteousness for having, on the other hand, somewhat whitened the character of many an average criminal. The discovery that crimes may be the masquerades of phantasies, unfulfilled desires, offences not always subject to the criminal code, is a contribution to criminology which might have found a more extended reference in Part. II of this book. The portraits on pp. 479 and 484 and occasional hints in the text itself shew that the author of the section is acquainted with the standpoint of psycho-analysis.
The question of punishment and penal reform is of less interest to the psychologist who, furnishing the data for a better understanding of the criminal's motives, leaves his treatment to society.
To those interested in the motives of crime the special value of this work is in the evidence furnished by two hundred and ninety ex-prisoners, including a number of persons committed for criminal offences. This evidence which the psychologist will of course submit to the critical tests of any witnesses, be it the Home Secretary, the Chairman of the Prison Commission or other official, gives some material bearing upon the effects of prison life upon the mind. It is claimed, for instance, that 'those who struggle most to maintain a vigorous mental life are frequently those who in the end suffer from nervous breakdown'. Masturbation is said to be common but no valid evidence is brought forward to support the author's view (p. 587) that this increases the mental and moral deterioration 'which has already set in'. It is rather to be hoped than to be expected that the newest prison reformer will refrain from depriving the prisoner through some further punishment of perhaps the one solace left to him.
As might be anticipated, the editors have not done their work with complete scientific detachment; the sentimentality can be, however,