This is an interesting work, having as a nucleus several papers written by this author during the last few years. The general theme is that of the normal instability of the nervous system in early life due to the immaturity of nerve cells, especially of the inhibitory centers, plus the effect of various pathologic conditions on these unstable cells. As a result of this combination, immature nerve cells and a varied pathologic state, we see nervous disturbances more easily precipitated in the child than in the more self-controlled adult.
The book is divided into two sections, part I taking up general principles, part II dealing with the application of these general principles to specific neuroses. There is first described the normal function of nerve cells: the generation, discharge and control of energy. A discussion of the heat-generating apparatus next follows, the sudden accumulation and equally sudden dissipation of heat being