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This book consists of twelve lectures given to nurses during the winter and spring of 1924–25. They consist of a simple and clear exposition of the fundamental principles of psycho-analysis, their aim being to explain
to nurses their own unconscious motives as well as those of their patients and of other members of the staff with whom they have to work.
The book contains intrinsic evidence that Miss Chadwick has herself had experience of nursing and she introduces her readers (nurses) to many psychological types in order to show how friction or sympathy may occur between them and otherwise to illustrate the subject-matter. The last chapter consists of the history of the development of psycho-analysis. It is a pity that Miss Chadwick did not get this section read by some one more conversant with the subject, for she has been led into committing some rather serious inaccuracies. Her account of the beginning of psychoanalysis is that Freud, after studying in Paris and being stimulated by Charcot to interest in medical psychology, returned to Vienna 'about 1880–82' (which seems a long time for the journey) and thereupon commenced work with Breuer. The facts, on the contrary, are that Breuer's analysis of Frau Anna O. was conducted between 1880 and 1882, was communicated to Freud about 1884, and that he vainly tried to interest Charcot in the matter when he studied under him in 1885.
It is not an easy matter to expound psycho-analytical principles to a lay audience without arousing opposition or even giving offence, but in our opinion Miss Chadwick has approached more closely to that ideal than any of her predecessors. The book is very readable and will be helpful, not only to nurses, but to a very large number of other people who wish for an introductory knowledge about unconscious processes. We cordially congratulate Miss Chadwick and wish her book the success it deserves.