Nothing about this book tells the unsuspecting purchaser that it is no new edition, but merely a reprint of the second (1929) edition of Cannon's famous work. Nonetheless, it is welcome, for it has been hard to obtain.

The first chapters review the evidence from experiments of Cannon and others that pain and emotion bring about changes in the organism similar to those obtained by splanchnic stimulation and its consequent release of adrenalin. Dr. Cannon next discusses the relationship of these observations to behavior in emotional stress; there follows a consideration of theories and mechanisms of emotion. Two additional chapters consider the physiological basis of hunger and thirst.

One may hear it said that had it not been for the work of Cannon, psychiatrists would still not be allowed on the medical wards. Exaggerated as this statement is, it points up the great historical interest which this book holds for psychiatry. Its importance lies in the fact that it gave the first generally convincing