Shaffer, G. Wilson, & Lazarus, Richard S.: Fundamental Concepts in Clinical Psychology. [New York:  McGraw-Hill Book Co., 1952. Pp.  xi + 540. $6.00.]

This is a textbook for beginning students. It surveys the problems with which the clinical

psychologist has to deal in the course of his professional duties. Many results obtained with personality and intelligence tests are reproduced in some detail. The style is informal and at times even chatty. The authors' attitude is eclectic and occasionally they argue both sides of an issue, leaving it to the reader to weigh the arguments. The text introduces the student into the fundamental concepts and procedures of clinical psychology with ease. The text is lucid and elementary. At times the reasoning is not rigorous. The authors say, e.g., that no Rorschach component has any permanent meaning. They do not seem to realize that if this were really so, no Rorschach interpretations would be possible. The book begins with a brief historical survey of attitudes toward mental disorders and of the early theories of mental abnormalities. It has separate chapters on psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. It ends with several case summaries which include the interpretation of test results. All in all this is a valuable introduction to clinical psychology for the beginning student.