BOOKS OF THE DAY

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 223, 8 June 1918, Page 11

BOOKS OF THE DAY

"The' Mastery of Nervousness."

In "The Mastery of. Nervousness, based iijiou tlio lie-education of tho Self" (New York, (lie Macmillan Co.; per Angus nnd Robertson; Sydney), Dr. Itobert S. Carroll, M.D., Medical Director, nighland Hospital, Ashville, North Caroline, deals with_ tho prevention and euro of that essentially modern malady popularly known as "nerves." Dr. Carroll is ail American nerve spccinlist of somo considerable reputation. Ho evidently is no pre,-it boliover in tho use of drugs of any kind in connection with nervous iomplaints, preferring that tho sufferor should, as far as possible, be himself tho agent of his own cure. His work deals most exhaustively with nervousness, its basic causes, and how thoso causes aro lessened or aggravated in the individual. Tho complexity of latter-day civilised life, the constant strain on tho mind necessitated by tho rivalries of business, by political and other ambitions, and oilier factors in tho over-working of tho nervous system are dealt with in great detail. Dr. Carroll is all in favour of a mental bracing up process being inaugurated early in life. The human will is being slackened, he contends, by too much coddling, ntental as well as physical. He is severe upon what ho calls "tho tabby cat" life, and enlarges upon the evil effects of tho "toxins" of inactivity, self-indulgence, and mental and moral flabbiness. Ho has much—and much that is practical and sensible—to say about diet. Ho would have us "eat for efficiency." In tho chapters entitled "Clear Thinking," "Emotional Tyranny," and "Moulding tho Emotions," bo proves himself a keen psychologist. His book provides no short cut to (ho curing of nervous maladies. It is a plea a simpler, more wholesomo life, a life of greater patience with tlio inevitable ills of existence, and greater contentment with lifo's honest, quiet delights. Develop tho "victorious self," nrgues tho author, and we may laugh at "nerves." for tho simple reason that we shall bo nerve strong. It is the object of the book to show how this "victorious self" can be developed, and although much that Dr. Carroll says may appear at first sight to bo but the repetition of longaccepted truths, ho marshals and arranges his counsels in so novel and attractive a way that his new gospel, in reality tho old, old gospel of a simple, wholesome life, may bo productive of excellent result. (New Zealand price. 105.) The Psychology of Marriage. "The Psychology of Marriage," by Walter M. Gallichan (T. Werner Laurio) is a well-planned and carefully-written treatiso on one of the most important of human questions. Practically all scientific authority is now agreed as to the need for competent study of tho psychological problems of matrimony and for instruction in tho hygiene of wedlock and tho ethics of sex. The author has, in previous works from, his pen, "Tho Great Unmarried" and "Women Under Polygamy," proved himself an earnest and industrious student of tho subject in which he has specialised, In his prcfaco, Mr. Gallichan declares that ''the way of 6afety, sanity, and wellbeing is in a knowledge of the order of Nature. Efforts of complete suppression of the life force and reckless gratification of desires are both opposed to tho natural schemo and a sane social morality." The direction and proper use of the erotic craving is, he asserts, "one of the duties and disciplines of life. Sex is a potentiality that cannot ho -underrated. . . . Whether wo realise it or not, and even, though we may resent it, the vital urge, as expressed in tho pairing instinct, is always more or less active within us." In successive chapters the author deals most exhaustively with tho marriage question, attacking "bargain" or loveless marriages as a widespread and distinct injury both to individuals and to society at large. Ho also discusses tho sexual relations of marriage, the problems of parentage, and the relation of tho marriage 6tate to the general social system. lie writes with considerable frankness, and tho work is necessarily, as its sub-titlo states, "A. Book for Men and Wofhen." Thero is, however, no trace of pruriency in its chapters* and although certain of tho author's theories and conclusions would be challenged by many men, and even more women, Mr. Gallichan is to be given full credit for tho fearlessness with which he sets forth his ideas and for tho clarity alike of his thought and style. The book is essentially one which should provoke and stimulate useful thought and discussion -upon a question of the highest moment to society. Miscellaneous. I'rom M&ssrs. Angus and liohertsnn, Sydney, conies a new edition of Mr. C. J. Dennis-'s popular poem, "Doreen,'' which was published last'yeav as a supplement to the same author's highly sue. cessful book, "Tho Sentimental Bloke," and which was tbc-n reviewed at length in these columns. In this ne.w and daintily produced edition "Doreen" should mako a new army cf admirers. Beekeepers, whether professional or amateur, should be able to gain many vseful bints in apiculture from Mr. W. S. Morloy's "Beokeeping for Profit" (Caseell nnd Co., jier Whitcoir.bc and Tombs). The information given is couched in liio simplest possible language, and numerous illustrations and diagrams enhance the interest end value of the text. (N.Z. price, ?s. Cd.)