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In this volume Dr. Kurt Goldstein has made available some of the invaluable experience gained through an unusual opportunity to observe and treat a large number of brain injuries in the first World War. He is excellently qualified and very ably presents the fruits of his experiences. In the war of 1914 to 1918 he examined about two thousand patients with skull and brain injuries caused by gunshot wounds. His experience in the study and treatment of a large percentage of these and most particularly of the ninety to one hundred cases which he had under continuous observation for approximately ten years is of the greatest importance. His source of information for this book includes detailed records of these patients, some of whom were observed for a few days and others for a few weeks following the injuries. The author has written many articles on the subject but this volume is based upon his entire studies of the past twenty years. It is fitting to note that his methods have stood the test of time and, with little adaptation, have been found the most successful approach to the problem.
In the two hundred and forty-four pages of the volume Dr. Goldstein has condensed a great amount of easily assimilated material. He has divided it into two parts, the first dealing with symptomatology and the second with treatment. Beginning with a brief statistical quotation of the lethal effects of penetrating wounds in the first World War, at which time ninety to ninety-six percent of men so injured died, he reminds us that the injuries then were mainly from gunshot and shrapnel, with wounds from bombing a rarity. He proceeds with a brief and concise review of general symptoms with generalizations on their evaluation with regard to severity, prognosis and the indications for therapy. He again emphasizes the necessity for coöperation between