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This small book of about 150 pages is a revealing sign of the times in that on the one hand the author faces certain fundamental sexual problems with much frankness and objectivity, and on the other, that there exists a public, as the publishers courageously recognize, anxious to be enlightened on such problems. As the title shews, Dr. Hutton has set herself to deal with the facts of female celibate life, taking for her main sections first a general survey, 'The Single Woman To-day', next 'Emotional Friendships and Psychological Problems Involved' (Chap. II), thirdly, 'Sexual Problems' (one of which is Sexual Inversion) (Chap. III) and ending with a discussion of 'Adjustments' (Chap. V).
Whether one has full agreement with the author's point of view or not (from the psycho-analytical angle there will certainly be disagreements), her honest and sincere attempt to see the problems involved without shirking the difficulties, must be appreciated by every reader. Dr. Hutton herself says in the Preface (p. vii): 'Nothing profound is attempted, but my aim has been to give clues to the psychological factors which may be playing a part in these troubles, and to indicate constructive ways of dealing with them'. Also in his 'Foreword', Dr. David Forsyth writes: 'At the least, this book will help in establishing a platform where all aspects of human nature can be openly discussed, free from the interference of prejudice of whatever kind' (p. x).
Perhaps too ambitious a claim, for it is hard to visualize an era in which man will have achieved freedom from prejudice, 'of whatever kind', but it is a step in progress if we can even begin to approach some of the profounder human problems with a lessening of fear and hostility. Nevertheless, if we are aiming at free discussion of 'all aspects of human nature', as Dr. Forsyth desires, it is of the first importance that such discussion shall be based upon the most proved knowledge we can obtain, based upon the widest survey of exis