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Although this subject is beginning to have some of the elements of an exact science, so that traits of human personalities can be plotted on graphs and coefficients determined, many intangible elements remain. It is these elements which allow so called common-sense theories to dominate the subject and create disorganization in its treatment. Credit must be given the authors for the excellent organization they have given this material.
The book is divided into two parts: The Nature and Development of Personality and Personality Study in Theory and Practice. In the first part, the background for the study is set by a brief but adequate discussion of heredity and environment. The physiological aspect is introduced by a discussion of prenatal life and development. This affords proper emphasis to the role of maturation in personality development. The factors which influence traits and the order in which they occur are presented in chapters which represent stages in life from childhood to middle age. Within these stages problems, motives, abilities, individual differences are discussed and evaluated. The complex of forces of physiology, heredity, society, the home are weighed carefully so that they appear in proper perspective to their effect on the whole of the person.
The second part gives an almost historical treatment to the theories concerning personality study.
The serious student may obtain an excellent background from this book. [M. C. A. L.]