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The first impression one gains in reading Professor Book's contribution is that he has here presented in logical order a tremendous mass of digested psychological and physiological research which lends itself to practical use in a variety of ways. The arrangement of the various subjects with their subheadings is particularly favorable to the use of the book as a text in special courses in personal efficiency. Moreover, most of the chapters contain detailed experiments, exercises and questions on the subject matter to be carried out by the student.
The text is presented in five parts. Part I outlines the necessity for greater efficiency in study and work, emphasizing the various ways in which human energy is wasted and conserved, and pointing out methods of scientific analysis of some of the tasks that constantly confront the student. Part II deals with the physiological and psychological basis for efficiency in study and work. Here considerable attention is given to the sources and measurement of energy utilizable by the human machine and to the methods of restoring the energy which has been spent in mental and motor activity. Several chapters are concerned with the development of ideals, of the ability to concentrate and of the various aspects of the “will.”
Part III is concerned with giving specific suggestions and directions how to study in the most effective manner; taking up in detail the rǒle of habit, the significance of successfully planning one's duties, the methods of standardizing tasks, the making of work and study schedules, the formulation of principles regarding the general scope of ones personal work and the development of interest in personal success and advancement. General mental attitudes are discussed in a helpful way.
Part IV describes the application of the principles of efficiency to the performance of specific tasks. Here suggestions are made to aid in making investigations or critical analyses of special subjects, in preparing assignments in t