BOOK CORNER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 118, 21 May 1932, Page 2 (Supplement)

BOOK CORNER

REVIEWS ;; “BODY. MIND AND SPIRIT,” by : i Elwood Worcester and Samuel Ale- •' • ’omb (Hodder and Stoughton), p.p. j 367. Second Notice. These two writers have the courage s of their convictions. This is seen on c the first page, where Dr. Worcester t tells us that he retains the word “sub- I conscious” which was used iu their 1 previous work, “Religion and Medi- t cine,” after deliberation, although l fully aware of the error of applying re- c lations of space to the mind, which, so r far as we know, is not extended. The v chapter under this heading should c prove a valuable introduction for those t who seek to find their way ainid the a multiplicity of directions issuing forth £ from the various schools of psychologi- I cal research. We are shown that all t the rationalistic psychologists have a contributed to our know-ledge of the t soul is a clasification of its resources and an inventory of its interests. The c great service of Freud is noted in his n conception of the soul as a real and v living being and that he has been able * to fortify this conception by innumer- i able exact observations, after the man & ner of Darwin. But the narrowness of iFreud’s vision is evidenced by the lick 1 of any disposition to extend his views L and findings in the field of abnormal, or, as Lotze called it, medical psycho!- c ogy into a system of normal psycho! 1 ogy, or to expand them into a general I philosophy of life. Again, Freul is not I honoured because of any mystical c qualities he has formed in the ancon- I scious mind, but “because he proved a its existence.” The “Censor,” which t Christians call conscience, is iiscussod 1 in relation to the ethical intent re- [ vealed chiefly in dreams. Moan’on is r made of hypochondria, the peculiarity ' of the vital organs in their insensib’l- c ity to fatigue, the extraordinary qual- I ity of the subconscious mind in the < tenacity of its memories, its valuable I prerogative in its power to inhibit pain, and of perfecting thoughts or 1 physical aptitudes outside of conscious- 1 ness which have been brought to a 2 certain degree of perfection or imper- c fection and then forgotten or aban- ‘ doned. The subconscious mind may be 1 our worst, enemy or our best friend, f The chapter closes with a discussion ou 1 psychic research and the subconscious. “Should any professional psycholo 1 gist do me the honour of glancing at these pages, I can imagine the con- 1 tempt and horror with which tie will s skim through this discussion of the subconscious. Yet, in this chapter, I have £ plainly set down more true evidence ’ for the views I have advanced than < Freud has advanced for his conception 1 of the subconscious as a mere residue i of rejected thoughts, or for his long in- i sistence that all dreams are wish- t dreams.” f The second chapter deals with “The 1 Psycho-N uroses” and another follows t on “Typical Cases.” It is quite im- 2 possible to discuss these adequately in 1 a review, for to summarise would be i to mutilate. One very interesting < point, however, is the reference to ob- t session or possession. Kant and Wil- i liam James are pertinently quoted and i the author’s work in conjunction with Drs. Hyslop and Titus Bell outlined. “I have treated ten patients who had

b-' n n diagnosed by competent alienists , as suffering from what is vaguely designated, paranoia. These cases were ( not taken at random. In each of them we had at the outset evidence which pointed toward the probability of spirit ’ possession.” There is a further discussion of the subject in the chapter on “The Healing Deeds of Jesus.” The technique of the treatment employed 1 by Dr. Hyslop is so different from the 1 ordinary methods of alienists that Dr. ' Worcester is wise in describing it at length. Another helpful section deals ( with the preparing of patients for s operation, wherein there is no hesita- ( tion in saying that this service can best be performed by a religious man 5 and by a clergyman. Dr. Worcester • describes his simple technique and the 1 present writer can confirm his methods ' from a use of the same. There are 1 three cardinal principles, viz., induce 1 relaxation, employ helpful suggestion, ' strengthen, the will to live. Again, I most ministers have shared the experi- ! ence of the authors in the power of < prayer to give a patient quietness a..d confidence and to induce peaceful sleep ' both before and after operation. In ' this and many other regards there is a ' wide scope for helpful co-operation on the part of the medical profession, nurses and the Christian ministry. The mystery of sleep and the prob-

lems of insomnia constitute the topics ■ for a most illuminating discussion on phenomena that interest us all. The best definition of sleep in the author’s [ view is given by Professor AfcDougall, while it is unobjectionable, it is not very revealing—“a condition of rest in which impressions on the sense organs are no longer interrupted in normal fashion.” Probably all will agree that, except within wide limits, none can say how many hours another ought to sleep. Afost of us find that the necessary allowance varies iu the different stages of life. “In sleep, not disturbed by the frettings of con- ! sciousness, we touch a source of re--1 ncwal and refreshment we can find nowhere else. In sleep the healing power of Nature works most freely and most effectively. In sleep all healing, all the beneficent crises of disease take place. ‘Lord, if he sleep he shall do well.’ ” Aids to sleep are given. Again it is stressed that no infallible rules can be laid down. Yet “if person:; who habitually find it difficult to go to sleep promptly would regard this j as an art to be learned and practised, 1 they would soon acquire it. Like every j art, it has a little technique of its own which is worth learning of our sleep is I a matter of importance to us. As in * every other art, confidence is the foundation stone.” Of course, the chief i essential is complete relaxation, of • mind and body. Practically all people suffering from insomnia fail to realise to what extent mind and body maintain the tenseness and rigidity of the day’s activity and strain. They have lost the rhythm of sleeping and waking. “Insomnia is an almost constant concomitant of every psychic and neurotic disturbance ... As the other manifestations of nervous illness and weakness are prepared in advance by the mind, so is insomia. It corresponds in every respect with the restlessness, the subjective pains, the flight from reality, et cetera, which we encounter invariably in psycho-neuroses. It is one of many devices secretly prepared by the mind to escape responsibility and action when wo are oppressed by circumstances, when our ambition is thwarted and we are overcome by a sense of inferiority. Deeply ias its victims suffer from ‘ the

somnia, like other psychic symptoms, lias an interest in its ov\ ii existence and resists efforts made to terminate it. It would almost 1 cm as if its subjects felt its importance to them as part of a defence mechanism set up hy the mind to guard them from hard reality.” If. instead of making elab orate precautions in preparations for sleep, victims of insomnia would earn out the practical advice given in this chapter and in other sections of the book, they should bo greatly helped Emphasis is wisely laid on tbe fa.'t that in all these conditions the cure must come from within, just as every one must teach himself to swim. To resort to drugs is dangerous. “It would hardly be too much to say that every hour of drugged sleep these substances (morphine aud its derivatives and whisky or other distilled alcohol) give us must be atoned for sooner or later by two hours of insomnia, ami their doses must be regularly increased, according to Fcchnor’s law of stimulation. ” The chapters on ‘Dreams,’-' “Psychoses of Alood” and “Suggestion” are both stimulating and provocative, while that on “The Four Curses of Mankind,” tuberculosis, cancer, syphilis and alcoholism, has a distinctively social aspect and appeal. One of the most helpful and inspiring chapters m : the book is based on a magazine article by Professor William James, entitled, “The Eenergies of Men.” Dr. Worcester admired, the article so milch that he sought and received permission to publish it in a series of tracts distributed by Emmanuel Church. Nothing could be more opportune than the realisation of the professor’s famous aphorism that “most of us do not live within sight of our limitations.” The leading thought of the essay is that we possess “deeper strata” of power, resourcefulness, and endurance, of which we are not ordinarily aware, but on which we can freely draw iu the great emergencies of life. Dr. Worcester believes that the secret of fud Living is to be found in mastering the art of relaxation and living on a low tension. He believes that if he had not learned this lesson twenty years ago, he would not be alive now. He concludes with the declaration: “Every art, whether sculpture, painting, singing, instrumental playing, performing a surgical operation, casting a fly. or driving an automobile or a golf ball, requires relaxation and is harmed by unnecessary tension.” 'The final chapters, dealing with the healing deeds of Jesus, prayer and spiritual healing, were referred to last week. They have appealed with greater force on a second reading. Naturally one docs not endorse all t e contentions of the authors, they would never expect that, but reading with an inquiring mind one gains a wider and richer knowledge on matters vital to the whole life of a man. Space forbids the citing of graphic instances m suppur of the claims set forth and illus trative of the methods employed, ft is a timely, courageous work. Onebe glad to see it in the hands ot evt y medical practitioner leader of the church and those who have to do wit the physical, mental and «P irit^ al T fare of men, women or child u . “Bodv. Mind and many of , Spirit” might well prove epoclia . ‘■THE MYSTERY OE THE MONKEYGLAND COCKTAIL,” by Roger East. the thriller is to so retail the events that, right up to the show down, any character in the b. might be the culprit. Roger East conforms to this technique but does it well. He does no overdo the situations, he does not overdraw the characters. From the outset, when Mr. Hicjiard Hastings, an analytical chemist, telephones to Dr. Cole, ami says, “This is Hastings. For God’s sake, doctor, can you come at once—l—-wo we’ve been poisoned. think it s strychnine, ’ ’ the mystery starts. T n s suspicion, the reader's suspicion, that is. might even attach to the doctor s wife, then to the housekeeper of Hastings. Then to Hastings himself, then to Madeline Tilyard, the lady in the case who dies from the poisoning. Suspicion even shifts to Miss Molly Haybord, who was Hastings’ fiancee; it even attaches to that young lady’s aunt. But in the end the major surprise rings down the curtain. The paths of investigation are directed by two men De-tective-Inspector Bucknail, of Scotland Yard, and Superintendent Simmonds. The former proceeds that it is desirable to construct a hypothesis, and then but build up the facts to sen whether they

harmonise with the theory. This met hud leads to possible (dues and produces results. The inspector’s intuition is a good instrument.. which he uses. 'Old Simmonds, sound but. slow,’’ was the Chief Constable’s judgment of the -tout Superintendent of Police, Mental effort was obnoxious to him. He did not construct theories —he searched for facts; having got certain facts they led him to look for more. Some facts he was cautious enough to keep to him self. Bucknall was a “promotion man, i. class not tu lie trusted.’’ The development of the case, therefore, resolves itself into a competition between these two men pursuing opposite methods. Which method is the better you will never know until you reach the last chapter. It will, however, spoil the thrills to turn to the last chapter to sec ‘‘how it ends.’ 1 Thrills and intriguement are what the reader seeks in such tales as these. Herein they are provided, by events that arc so probable that their parallel could be found in the Police Court news. For rccrational-reading this is a good easy tale. “FOLLOW THE GLEAM.” by Joseph Hocking. (Hodder and Stoughton;, p.p. 365. This tale of the time of Oliver Cromwell. from the prolific pen of Joseph Hocking, first appeared some years ago and materially helped to enhance an already wide popularity. To read it again was like renewing one’s youth. Ohl followers of Joseph Hocking will welcome 'its re-appearance in a new coat, and the newer generation should hail its revival also. The talc is of a young man who set off to serve the King. His father made it terribly explicit that in the event of the young man turning against the king there would bo an immediate and irrevocable disowning. His mother gave him gentle counsel, a ‘ Bible, and the charge “to follow the gleam” wherever it might lead him, giving the assurance that, whatever the consequence, she would always love and treasure him as her son. He follows the gleam. The book records his adventures by the way. bis service for the King, his meeting with Oliver Cromwell, his refusal to obey a behest of the King and the dire consequences. Of course, there is a romance running through the whole story; in fact there are two maids in the running. There is a delightful happy-ever-after ending. “FLYNN OF THE INLAND,” by lon L. Idriess. (Angus and Robertson), p.p. 306. “He wa*s thinking of that blue-eyed youngster suddenly taken ill, with the nearest doctor two hundred miles away. Of the fearful drive through day and night; the change of horses at the station, then day and night again; the overturning of the buggy down the black ravine, the cry of the mother as she groped for the child. When the horses dropped the parents walked. Lt was terrible crossing the “Twenty Mile” patch of rock and sand with the smell of dead animals down in the water hole At sunrly: they saw the glint of roofs away down there in the liny outback hamlet. Only one more hour to go —but the child was dying in the mother’s arms.” Such are the tragedies which have been enacted time and time again in the brief history of Australia. Hardy settlers working outback for a living, happy and contented as the day was long —if they did not fall ill. Such was the sword of Damocles hanging over their heads and none could say when or where it would fall. Perhaps it might never fall, but “if.” “If the wife gets sick. If . . . That ‘if’ of the inland spoilt the security, the strength and the happiness of inland life. No man in all Australia knew more of that ‘if’ than the camel-man.” Who was the camel-man? He was a padre in the service of the Australian Inland Alission, who, with his team of camels, plodded on week after week, bringing news of the civilised world to the out-back squartter and his family doctoring their ailments and telling them of the great Alate. These men had parishes far larger than Germany, Italy and France combined But there were times when accidents and illness occurred when the camel man was not there, when the nearest help was hundreds of miles away, and when weeks of travel ended in the death of the sufferer before his arrival at the hospital. Distances—distances —distances. How could those distances be eliminated; quick communication, quick travel be introduced? That was the camel man’s query and his dream. John Flynn’s ambition. „

“Scattered over two million square miles, he visioned the tiny hamlets, tie stations, the mining fields, the little camps where the camel teams bring food only once in six months, perhaps once in twelve; the camps where even a mailman is unknown, where another white face might not be seen in twelve months or more. He knew people who had never seen the sea. nor a town. Ho know children reaching manhood to whom the outside world was but a name. He pondered over those lonelv mothers bringing Hod’s greatest gill into the. world far from another wo men’s help, and said aloud. ‘Give every woman and child a fair chance.’ ’ Operation by Wire. Twenty years ago there appeared to be no remedy. Illness or accident meant that long lonely ride to help. And when that long ride was completed, what then.' A doctor probably miles away. Here is one of the eases: “Mr. Tuckett was home when at last, the buggy drove up. He examined Darcy gravely, recognising with a sinking heart that, here was a ease beyond his skill. The nearest doctor was two hundred miles away; impossible to get the patient there in time even if he could stand the drive. Hut there was a wire at Hall’s Creek connecting the tiny settlement with Perth. Tackett injected morphine and then called across the wire to Dir. Holland. The line was “cleared’’ and they talked anxiously in slow dots and dashes. These men were 1100 miles apart as the crow flies, 1700 by man’s quickest route. 2283 by wireless. “At last the doctor decided. “ ‘Operate.’ " ‘What?’ * • ‘ How can 1 ’ “ ‘You must.’ “ ‘ I. ’vc no instruments.* “ ’You have penknife ami razor.’ “ ‘l’ve no drugs.’ “ ‘You have permanganate of pot- “ ‘Oh, but I can I do it?’ “ ‘You can try.’ “ ‘Heaven! I might kill the man!’ “ ‘Well, if you don’t the man will die first.’’ “Simple preparations were made. Darcy clenched his teeth, for there was no anaesthetic . . . the amateur surgeon worked steadily making no slip, the only sound the 'tick-tack ticktack’ of the telegraph instrument sending progress of the operation and receiving instructionls from the doctor. The operation proved successful.” Dreams Fulfilled. The years passed slowly. The padre dreamed and worked on. Now there arc nursing homes scattered over the broad expanse of the inland. There are wireless sets—baby transmitting sets which call up the mother station and tell of the ailments of the settlor. A flying doctor roars out in his aeroplane on his errand, covering the distance in two hours where formerly a day was required. It sounds like a dream. It is a dream—come true. But like most dreams it was not accomplished by sitting down and waiting. Hard work was called for, disappointments had to be met, failure followed achievement, but ultimately success had followed failure. Such is the romance of the inland of Australia. Where once the camel’s feet drums a lonely way the flying doctor roars overhead, wireless waves quiver over space and A.1..M nursing homes care for the sick. Aeroplanes, wireless and hospitals. That was the answer to the camel-man’s query. John Flynn’s ambition come true. Everyone should read “Flynn of the Inland.’’ Not only does it, record ’ a history of the Australian Inland .Mission, but it gives in vivid, simple language a description of the pioneer’s life in a manner which has rarely been attempted before. Flecks of humour intersperse the sterner side of life. A glimpse of Australia’s vast hinterland is described by a man with an intimate knowledge of his subject, and the reader reaches the last page somewhat awed, but feeling that he has been well entertained. What is more, he has received an instruction which is not to be found written in such a. pleasant style in many other books. True the story may have its literary faults, and there may be repetition and a sudden switching from one side of a vast continent to the other. Hut that is hardly noticed. It is a splendid book to read and to possess.