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The author calls his book a small treatise on medical psychology. Based almost entirely on psychoanalytic psychology, it tells us nothing new and, indeed, according to the preface, it does not purport to do so.
The first part is devoted to a survey of our physiological knowledge about the central nervous system, and gives valuable hints concerning the soul-body problem. Part 2—Psychopathology—and Part 3—Clinical Aspects—are illustrated by a number of well selected case histories.
We should be grateful for the fact that the book has nothing to do with classifications and omits the usual amount of terminology. The psychoses are mentioned infrequently and then only casually.
I think that in the chapter about the psychology of anxiety the author has oversimplified the problems. Only the traumatic situations and experiences of childhood are discussed while the instinctual impact is left out. This is a gap which we regret.
Every medical psychology based on the fertile grounds of psychoanalysis is welcome. This book will be useful for students who want and need clear, brief information about the topic.