Mental Hygiene in the Community by Clara BassettReview by: R.R.M.Canadian Public Health Journal, Vol. 25, No. 12 (December, 1934), p. 605Published by: Canadian Public Health AssociationStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/41977006 .

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BOOKS AND REPORTS

The Physiological Effects of Radi- ant Energy. By Henry Laurens . Published by the Chemical Cata - logue Company , Inc., 330 West 42 nd Street , New York, 1933. 603 pages . Price , $6.00. This volume is an American Chemi-

cal Society Monograph, one of a series which contains a number of valuable reviews, and which serves the purpose of making reviews readily available, thus lightening the stupendous task of keeping up with the literature. The author is Professor of Physiology in Tulane University and is well known for his research contributions.

After a brief introduction, eighty pages are devoted to the physics of radiant energy. This chapter sum- marizes methods for measuring radi- ant energy and results which have been obtained, particularly for sunshine in various localities. Then follow four- teen chapters dealing with physiologi- cal effects attributed to radiant energy, with a final chapter on the mechanism underlying these effects.

In a book of this type it is perhaps inevitable that errors should creep in and a number could be listed. Two are selected, which to the writer em- phasize the advisability of critical editing. "Ultra violet energy in sun- shine activates the vitamin D in the skin" (page 285). "Centanni (1930) discovered that pregnancy is extreme- ly susceptible to the action of ergos- terol, which may constitute a grave insult ... if the dose be excessive, and if the mother survive, the insult is expressed in one of two ways : con- ception is inhibited or the foetus dies" (page 473).

Naturally a major portion of the book is devoted to rickets. An em- phasized opinion is best illustrated by a quotation : "The action of a foodstuff artificially rendered antirachitic by ir- radiation is identical with the action of a naturally occurring foodstuff con- taining the antirachitic factor." Ac- cumulating evidence indicates that this

is unlikely and that several distinct antirachitic factors exist, which do not give equivalent responses in various species. This has been clearly demon- strated, for example, in chickens and in humans.

One should not recommend this book to those readers who are unac- quainted with the subject and who desire an easily read and brief review. To workers in this field, however, the volume should prove to be a most use- ful reference. One cannot leave the book without being convinced that Professor Laurens has accomplished a most arduous task in summarizing a very extensive literature.

E. W. McH.

Mental Hygiene in the Community. By Clara B asseti, Consultant in Psychiatric Social Work, Division on Community Clinics, National Committee for Mental Hygiene, Inc. Published by the Macmillans in Canada, St. Martin's House, 70 Bond Street, Toronto, 1934. 394 pages . Price , $4.20. This book is very comprehensive

and complete; in a sane and well- balanced manner it points out the relation of mental hygiene to various community problems. The thirteen chapters show how important a knowledge of mental hygiene may be in producing a healthier and happier community spirit.

The author knows her subject well and very convincingly shows the importance of mental hygiene to the physician, the lawyer, the nurse, the teacher, the social worker, and the clergyman. Its importance in in- dustry and recreation is also dis- cussed. The list of suggestions at the end of each chapter is of great practical value.

All who are interested in the im- provement of the physical and mental health of their communities will find the book most helpful and instructive.

R.R.M. 605

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