(1) Mind and the Nation: A Précis of Applied Psychology (2) The Third and Fourth Generation: An Introduction to Heredity

Abstract

(1) WITH special reference to present and imminent problems, Mr. J. Herbert Parsons makes a plea for the more strenuous and widespread study of psychology—“the Cinderella of, the Sciences”—as a basis for clear thinking and progressive action. He sketches the evolution of behaviour, the ascent of man, the development of the individual mind, the growth of social consciousness, and the general trend of human history. With this impressionist survey as a background, he proceeds to show how the results of analytical and genetic psychology may be utilised towards an increasing understanding and an improved organisation of education, industry, and politics. To control effectively we must first of all understand the facts of the case, and we are handicapping our understanding by paying too little heed to psychology. Between biology on one hand and sociology on the other, psychology has a rôle of essential importance. Mr. Parsons states his case temperately and clearly, and we heartily recommend his timely volume to all interested in reconstruction and reorganisation. It is not for learned just persons, who need no repentance, but it will be useful to humbler people who wish to face the facts. It would be valuable to biologists of the materialistic school, who think that the psychological aspect is an efflorescence that does not count, and also to politicians who, while recognising that ideas have hands and feet, do not think a resolute study of social psychology necessary.

(1) Mind and the Nation: A Précis of Applied Psychology.

By J. H. Parsons. Pp. 154. (London: J. Bale, Sons, and Danielsson, Ltd., 1918.) Price 7s. 6d. net.

(2) The Third and Fourth Generation: An Introduction to Heredity.

By E. R. Downing. Pp. xi + 164. (Chic, I11., Univ. of Chicago Press; London: Camb. Univ. Press, 1918.) Price 1 dollar net.