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This volume combines the three lectures delivered by Dr. Rees at the New York Academy of Medicine in November, 1944, in commemoration of Dr. Thomas William Salmon, under the title of “The Salmon Memorial Lectures,” which are delivered annually.
A considerable advance in psychiatric orientation toward the neuroses was made after World War I. Recognition of the neuroses led to better knowledge and a changed psychiatric attitude toward the neurotic. In World War II, this problem of the neuroses is intensified from a different viewpoint. There is no longer a question of recognizing the disorder. The emphasis is, first, upon eliminating the emotionally immature and unstable at the Induction Centers, then upon utilizing every facility possible to prevent the outbreak of severe neurotic disturbance in men in the armed forces, and finally, if neurosis does occur, upon psychiatric treatment as early as possible.
Dr. Rees constantly emphasizes that whatever new experience we have derived from psychiatric at war can be “utilized and developed for the good of the community in peace.” He shows how the exigencies of war and the need for better screening methods led to improvements in aptitude and intelligence tests, in a finer selection of officer candidates and a more careful study of the elements of personality, character, leadership and stability. As a result of special opportunities to psychiatrists in the war, a greater emphasis has been placed on improvement in training methods, morale and discipline, and the rehabilitation of the sick, wounded and returning prisoners of war. These problems, Dr. Rees applies to civilian life as well, since he encompasses the broad vista of the social aspects of psychiatry.
The book is well written, warm and human with an eclectic approach, giving credit to various schools of thought in psychiatry. Dr. Rees has broad vision and deep understanding of the problems of human nature. His most valuable contribution lies in linking the knowledge obtai