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In this extensive and detailed history of the theoretical development and treatments of the schizophrenias, Escamilla has added significantly to a picture of the evolution of the disease process, and to an understanding of the professional pioneers and their differing perspectives involved in this. Being both a Jungian analyst and a psychiatrist, Escamilla has presented extensive reviews of the various contributors' early understandings of schizophrenia, their interpersonal relationships, and particularly the contributions of Jung, and those with whom he worked. While the earliest understandings focused on the psychodynamic aspects of the illness, the author points out Jung's theory of there being a biological aspect to the disease, quoting Jung where he writes:
However we interpret the peculiar behaviour of the schizophrenic complex, its difference from that of the neurotic or normal complex is plain…. I have come to the conclusion that there might be a toxic cause traceable to an organic and local disintegration, a physiological alteration due to the pressure of emotion exceeding the capacity of the brain-cells.
The author also goes on to note Jung's position to ‘advocate a balanced approach for the psychiatric field as it progresses’, warning his audience to avoid swinging too much to one side or the other (between the biological and psychological understanding of schizophrenia) (p. 209). Obviously there was at that time no way of proving this perspective. Later neuroscience and study has been able to find considerable support and evidence for this recognition.
Escamilla goes into detailed history of the development of Bleuler and Jung's ideas on psychosis and schizophrenia as well as their work together during the early years of Jung's professional development. He makes the points not only of their agreements but disagreements, and the early insights of Jung during that work that could be found throughout his later thinking. He also notes the man