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Progress in the biological sciences in relation to dermatology
Book
231
Reviews
Thoroughly carried out and cautiously assessed, the study is clarified by many tables and case histories which will enable the individual researcher to utilize the material for his own purposes. Although there are certain short-comings inevitable in a study which is largely retrospective, e.g. lack of continuous observation, reliances on the patient’s anamnesis and on records which were collected without uniformity and not for research purposes, yet the study stands as a very valuable addition to the literature. “If castration is to have any effect it must be proved that the person has sexual As to conclusions, urges, either strong or weak, but at least with an urge for sexual relief. It seems to be irrelevant what direction or manifestation the sexual urge has. ” The best results were obtained with habitual sexual deviants and with sexually disturbed oligophrenics. No general pacifying or sedative No ‘resocialiring’ effect occurs effects were noted in the psychoses, psychopathies or neuroses. outside the purely sexual sphere, and castration has no therapeutic effect on constitutional, epileptic or schizophrenic psychoses. The varying effects of castration on potency, libido and upon mental and physical states, will have particular interest for readers of this journal. The last part of the book describes a similar study upon 28 legally castrated women. The results of castration were so uncertain and poor that the author doubts whether it has any justification. P. D. SCOTT
Behaviour Therapy and the Neuroses. p. XI - 479, 63s.
Edited
by J. H.
EYSENCK. Pergamon
Press, Oxford.
1960.
READERS of this Journal are alreadyfamiliar with what is, to many, a new incursion into the treatment of the neuroses and psychosomatic illnesses, for some of the earlier work has already been published in this Journal. Now Professor EYSENCK has gathered together and reprinted in one volume many of the previous reports, whilst members of his department have written some original sections, dealing for instance, with the treatment of writer’s cramp, of tics, and nocturnal enuresis. Although Professor EYSENCK, by his blunt, unequivocal and often somewhat aggresive turns of phrase arouses strong feelings in his psychiatrist colleagues, he is never dull, and in fact is a continual source of intellectual enjoyment, and stimulus. Much as some may disagree with the fundamental premises of behaviour therapy, there is no denying that here is a contribution from the psychologists that some of us have long awaited. Contact with these brilliant, clear minded young men, always ready to question, and to put to the test of experiment, is a privilege those of us working at the Maudsley Hospital greatly enjoy and benefit from. Viewed in the fierce light of clinical practice and experience, the application of Behaviour theory to treatment is far from convincing; nonetheless psychiatric treatment must always be subject to ruthless examination and criticism, and this is what Professor EYSENCK and his colleagues are doing. However controversial their work, none of us can afford to dismiss it, and this book will be eagerly read and pondered on by all readers of this Journal.
DENIS LEIGH
Progress in the Biological Sciences in Relation to Dermatology. Edited M.R.C.P. pp. xv T 480. Cambridge University Press, 1960, 84s. THE lectures
by ARTHUR ROOK, M.D.,
and abridged versions of the discussions following them printed in this volume were given in the Post-Graduate Medical School of the University of Cambridge in the last week of September 1958. In a brief foreword Professor J. S. MITCHELL stressed that ‘the integration of medical science with clinical practice’ has been since the days of Harvey ‘one of the characteristic features of British medicine’ and that the need today more than ever was to ‘utilize to the full, the advances in the
232
Book
scientific
basis of medicine’
The programme chemical
covered
Investigation
“Pharmacology,”
which it was the aim of this course of lectures to furnish a wide variety
of the Skin,”
but of greatest
of subjects such as “Cutaneous
“Immunology,”
to *‘the stereotyping
autonomic
the reaction
vary,”
nervous system are learned
crucial issue facing contemporary since “If
how do reactions
and raised the question
mechanisms
that “Any
dermatologist
attempt
is unlikely
and cutaneous
to succeed.
from emotionally
disturbed
ences of psychosomatic that he divided
patients
investigation
perhaps
and comparative
concepts,
psychology,
the subject, which no doubt man or
dermatology
inherent
J. H.
of “The
applied
relationship
of E.E.G.
control
stressed the
CULLED
because of
in the term “psychosomatic.”
concept
and so, I believe. are
between
anxiety,
curtail
of behaviourism
by physicians
about
their cxperi-
A History
of cxprr\sions terminology,
semantic
the lack of
of Psychiatry,
the blame c>f
of philobophical of clinical obser-
otherwise,
psychiatric gets
confided resist cut-c”
is it possible to throw
and Freudian
the confusion,
the wide application
alerting, recordings
Rt!sst*Li “as a simple dermatologist”
as in no other specialty
illustrates
or the
subjects.
BRIAN
not only
con-
to Dermatology” of the psychiatrist
and plethysmographic
free speaking
psyche as his own
may
JEROME M. SctiI\t.cx:
questions:
into “those who wish to get well and those who (unconsciously)
faiths and neurophysiological
trying
in psychosomatic
and its environment”
therapeutic failure so squarely on the patient. Although there is nothing very new in these pages their mixture vation
or whether
the further
The callses of these illnesses arc manifold
in “lunatics.”
one that in psychiatry
the
served by the
This he saw a$ the
concerned
the exclusive domain
by some refreshing
disorders
mechanisms
to go on to answer
“the psychosomatic
and normal
was enlivened
reactions
of reinforcement,
skin atrections”
dichotomy”
by a combination
activity”
“whether
between the organism
to make a given dermatosis
vasomotor
The discussion
reminding
critically
with special
how can they be extinguished”‘?
in the psychosomatic
BRIAN ACKNER described
the cures.” taken
And
of a body-mind
F. A. WHITLOCK reviewed cluding
Histo-
the same although
by the law of association.”
it will be possible
7
disorders”
remains
with the principle
is governed
concept of disease as a maladaptation implications
in psychosomatic
research into psychological
persist and recur.
the “unfortunate
“The
and the Skin.”
will be the four lectures and dis-
so that “the pattern
in accordance
it can be answered,
In “Psychological “general
mechanisms
of the reaction”
it is necessary to suppose that their learning reactions
“Radiation
Mechanisms.”
D. RUSSELL DAVIS spoke on “Psychological stressors which evoke
in dermatology.
Innervation,”
“Inflammation.”
interest to readers of this Journal
cussion on “Psychophysiological reference
Reviews
theory
impression
besets but also
that advances
in
of
Charles
C. Thornay.
Springfield,
Ill. 1960. pp. i.x
196,
44s. Ttik history of psychiatry sources,
has been comparatively
and the pre-occupation
with the horrors
of lunacy h:t\r
into the mainstream Ackerknrcht’s
all contributed
of mcdicinr.
and thcrc
as an Introduction
to the subject.
essays.
Now
Dr. Srt{sbcti
outline
of the subject.
graphy
ii; both selccti\je
Altschule’s
h,l> given
and legal aspects of psychiatry,
to thi\ neglect. is a resurgence
recent small and very comprcsscd
The scarcity ofortginal
neglected until recent years.
with the administratikc
NOW psychiatry of Interest
in the origins
book ~as LOO telegraphic
book was more
us ;I b~wk N hich hems
It will be useful for both mc~ical
in the nature
of our
to be completely
seriks ot
a\ a general.
and p,ychiatri\t
alike.
idea\.
satisfvlng
of a ttscinating
~\holly admirnbtc
~tudcnl
a\ \~eIl as
I< (loMing once more
HI\
compact hiblio-
and comprehcnsivc. and hi\ approach refreshingly free from any particular bookbias, The book is beautifully produced. and although the price may be high for European buvers, no c!oubt it is reasonable for the -American market. It can be ~~holcheartcdly recommcndcd. Dl-\is
I.~.l<,iI
231
Reviews
Thoroughly carried out and cautiously assessed, the study is clarified by many tables and case histories which will enable the individual researcher to utilize the material for his own purposes. Although there are certain short-comings inevitable in a study which is largely retrospective, e.g. lack of continuous observation, reliances on the patient’s anamnesis and on records which were collected without uniformity and not for research purposes, yet the study stands as a very valuable addition to the literature. “If castration is to have any effect it must be proved that the person has sexual As to conclusions, urges, either strong or weak, but at least with an urge for sexual relief. It seems to be irrelevant what direction or manifestation the sexual urge has. ” The best results were obtained with habitual sexual deviants and with sexually disturbed oligophrenics. No general pacifying or sedative No ‘resocialiring’ effect occurs effects were noted in the psychoses, psychopathies or neuroses. outside the purely sexual sphere, and castration has no therapeutic effect on constitutional, epileptic or schizophrenic psychoses. The varying effects of castration on potency, libido and upon mental and physical states, will have particular interest for readers of this journal. The last part of the book describes a similar study upon 28 legally castrated women. The results of castration were so uncertain and poor that the author doubts whether it has any justification. P. D. SCOTT
Behaviour Therapy and the Neuroses. p. XI - 479, 63s.
Edited
by J. H.
EYSENCK. Pergamon
Press, Oxford.
1960.
READERS of this Journal are alreadyfamiliar with what is, to many, a new incursion into the treatment of the neuroses and psychosomatic illnesses, for some of the earlier work has already been published in this Journal. Now Professor EYSENCK has gathered together and reprinted in one volume many of the previous reports, whilst members of his department have written some original sections, dealing for instance, with the treatment of writer’s cramp, of tics, and nocturnal enuresis. Although Professor EYSENCK, by his blunt, unequivocal and often somewhat aggresive turns of phrase arouses strong feelings in his psychiatrist colleagues, he is never dull, and in fact is a continual source of intellectual enjoyment, and stimulus. Much as some may disagree with the fundamental premises of behaviour therapy, there is no denying that here is a contribution from the psychologists that some of us have long awaited. Contact with these brilliant, clear minded young men, always ready to question, and to put to the test of experiment, is a privilege those of us working at the Maudsley Hospital greatly enjoy and benefit from. Viewed in the fierce light of clinical practice and experience, the application of Behaviour theory to treatment is far from convincing; nonetheless psychiatric treatment must always be subject to ruthless examination and criticism, and this is what Professor EYSENCK and his colleagues are doing. However controversial their work, none of us can afford to dismiss it, and this book will be eagerly read and pondered on by all readers of this Journal.
DENIS LEIGH
Progress in the Biological Sciences in Relation to Dermatology. Edited M.R.C.P. pp. xv T 480. Cambridge University Press, 1960, 84s. THE lectures
by ARTHUR ROOK, M.D.,
and abridged versions of the discussions following them printed in this volume were given in the Post-Graduate Medical School of the University of Cambridge in the last week of September 1958. In a brief foreword Professor J. S. MITCHELL stressed that ‘the integration of medical science with clinical practice’ has been since the days of Harvey ‘one of the characteristic features of British medicine’ and that the need today more than ever was to ‘utilize to the full, the advances in the
232
Book
scientific
basis of medicine’
The programme chemical
covered
Investigation
“Pharmacology,”
which it was the aim of this course of lectures to furnish a wide variety
of the Skin,”
but of greatest
of subjects such as “Cutaneous
“Immunology,”
to *‘the stereotyping
autonomic
the reaction
vary,”
nervous system are learned
crucial issue facing contemporary since “If
how do reactions
and raised the question
mechanisms
that “Any
dermatologist
attempt
is unlikely
and cutaneous
to succeed.
from emotionally
disturbed
ences of psychosomatic that he divided
patients
investigation
perhaps
and comparative
concepts,
psychology,
the subject, which no doubt man or
dermatology
inherent
J. H.
of “The
applied
relationship
of E.E.G.
control
stressed the
CULLED
because of
in the term “psychosomatic.”
concept
and so, I believe. are
between
anxiety,
curtail
of behaviourism
by physicians
about
their cxperi-
A History
of cxprr\sions terminology,
semantic
the lack of
of Psychiatry,
the blame c>f
of philobophical of clinical obser-
otherwise,
psychiatric gets
confided resist cut-c”
is it possible to throw
and Freudian
the confusion,
the wide application
alerting, recordings
Rt!sst*Li “as a simple dermatologist”
as in no other specialty
illustrates
or the
subjects.
BRIAN
not only
con-
to Dermatology” of the psychiatrist
and plethysmographic
free speaking
psyche as his own
may
JEROME M. SctiI\t.cx:
questions:
into “those who wish to get well and those who (unconsciously)
faiths and neurophysiological
trying
in psychosomatic
and its environment”
therapeutic failure so squarely on the patient. Although there is nothing very new in these pages their mixture vation
or whether
the further
The callses of these illnesses arc manifold
in “lunatics.”
one that in psychiatry
the
served by the
This he saw a$ the
concerned
the exclusive domain
by some refreshing
disorders
mechanisms
to go on to answer
“the psychosomatic
and normal
was enlivened
reactions
of reinforcement,
skin atrections”
dichotomy”
by a combination
activity”
“whether
between the organism
to make a given dermatosis
vasomotor
The discussion
reminding
critically
with special
how can they be extinguished”‘?
in the psychosomatic
BRIAN ACKNER described
the cures.” taken
And
of a body-mind
F. A. WHITLOCK reviewed cluding
Histo-
the same although
by the law of association.”
it will be possible
7
disorders”
remains
with the principle
is governed
concept of disease as a maladaptation implications
in psychosomatic
research into psychological
persist and recur.
the “unfortunate
“The
and the Skin.”
will be the four lectures and dis-
so that “the pattern
in accordance
it can be answered,
In “Psychological “general
mechanisms
of the reaction”
it is necessary to suppose that their learning reactions
“Radiation
Mechanisms.”
D. RUSSELL DAVIS spoke on “Psychological stressors which evoke
in dermatology.
Innervation,”
“Inflammation.”
interest to readers of this Journal
cussion on “Psychophysiological reference
Reviews
theory
impression
besets but also
that advances
in
of
Charles
C. Thornay.
Springfield,
Ill. 1960. pp. i.x
196,
44s. Ttik history of psychiatry sources,
has been comparatively
and the pre-occupation
with the horrors
of lunacy h:t\r
into the mainstream Ackerknrcht’s
all contributed
of mcdicinr.
and thcrc
as an Introduction
to the subject.
essays.
Now
Dr. Srt{sbcti
outline
of the subject.
graphy
ii; both selccti\je
Altschule’s
h,l> given
and legal aspects of psychiatry,
to thi\ neglect. is a resurgence
recent small and very comprcsscd
The scarcity ofortginal
neglected until recent years.
with the administratikc
NOW psychiatry of Interest
in the origins
book ~as LOO telegraphic
book was more
us ;I b~wk N hich hems
It will be useful for both mc~ical
in the nature
of our
to be completely
seriks ot
a\ a general.
and p,ychiatri\t
alike.
idea\.
satisfvlng
of a ttscinating
~\holly admirnbtc
~tudcnl
a\ \~eIl as
I< (loMing once more
HI\
compact hiblio-
and comprehcnsivc. and hi\ approach refreshingly free from any particular bookbias, The book is beautifully produced. and although the price may be high for European buvers, no c!oubt it is reasonable for the -American market. It can be ~~holcheartcdly recommcndcd. Dl-\is
I.~.l<,iI