A useful compendium of modern views on the question of the relation of myth to folk-tale and on the problems of diffusion. In discussing the Gorgon the author observes that 'Gorgon was originally the name applied to a prophylactic mask of hideous ferocity'. 'The psychological basis of these practices rests upon two complementary ideas'. 'Secondly, the idea which inspires a number of evil eye amulets that something hideous or obscene will ward off the influence of evil spiritual powers' (p. 138). In this case, clinical material recently obtained in connection with this myth clearly indicates that the petrifying 'obscene' sight in question is the primal scene.