With stupendous effort the author has made from the original documents a complete collection of all the evidence available on the subject of royal healing, i.e. touching for the 'King's Evil' (scrofula) and other conditions. The book is a mine of information on the subject, and indispensable for anyone working at it in the future. The author comes to the conclusion that very little effect was brought about by the touching, even through suggestion; as to the belief in its efficacy he has very little to say beyond some vague remarks about credulity, prestige, and so forth. Naturally there is no hint about the unconscious meaning of the 'king' idea, or of the source of royal influence and prestige, though in his dedication he expresses his devoted piety to his father.