Psychology

Abstract

MENTAL defect or, more technically, oligophrenia, is such a serious problem that no apology need be made for stressing the extreme importance of educating public opinion. So much inaccurate and prejudiced opinion finds its way into print, particularly in the more sensational daily Press, that an effort should be made to combat it. Dr. Penrose's book is meant for medical or educated lay readers and is therefore not suitable for “the man in the street”. He gives an interesting and accurate account of the physical conditions met with in defectives of all classes, and discusses the psychological examination, the taking of family and personal histories, and the classification. In discussing mongolism, the writer expresses the opinion that Crookshank's view that the condition is a regression to earlier ancestral types cannot be upheld. He does not express an opinion on Clark's view that the condition represents a condition of foetal hyperthyroidism.

Mental Defect.

By Dr. Lionel S. Penrose. (Text-Books of Social Biology.) Pp. xi + 183 + 4 plates. (London: Sidgwick and Jackson, Ltd., 1933.) 8s. 6d. net.