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Now that this book exists, it should become a 'must' for all psycho-analysts to read, in order to enjoy the process of their own further enlightenment. The subtitle explains its wide terms of reference, without being able to do justice either to the span of information provided, or to the level of excellence of presentation by its sixteen contributors. Of these, the Editor is one, and his late mother, who was among the most admired and intrepid of doctors in this country, is another. The book could also be entitled 'The contributions of Medicine to contemporary civilization and vice versa'. No professional day in an analyst's life can go by without reference to some of the information or informed opinions brought together in this symposium. If, then, he acquires the knowledge, properly defined as vital, which this book so well provides, it will increase his sophistication, in the best sense of the word. One looks forward to changing editions, each one of which will provide a dated 'documentary' of social medicine, for those historians who will seek to record the civilizing trends and aims of the past. Among such aims must be included the spirit and intention which created this book.