REVIEWS 355 



be taken as definitely settling the question at issue — namely whether tuberculin 

 is curative or not — since it is possible that if the treatment were continued for a 

 much longer time a greater immunisation might be obtained. It is claimed, 

 however, that if tuberculin were as beneficial as some would have us believe, its 

 good effects should at any rate be apparent within a few weeks, and this is not 

 found to be the case. 



The experience of the authorities at Midhurst appears to be distinctly un- 

 favourable to the method of treatment. Tuberculin can in no sense of the word 

 be regarded as a remedial agent. Its most obvious effect is that the patient may 

 acquire a tolerance to considerable doses, but it is uncertain whether the tolerance 

 is in any way beneficial. There is a warning note that tuberculin is not only inert 

 in a proportion of cases, but may even be harmful. For this reason its indis- 

 criminate use should be avoided. 



The cases are arranged in groups for easy reference according to the Turban- 

 Gerhardt system of classification. Details of the history of some fifty individual 

 cases are given, and the volume contains twenty-two typical temperature charts. 



A consideration of the value of tuberculin from a statistical review of the cases 

 treated forms the subject of an interesting preface by Prof. Pearson, the con- 

 clusion being that tuberculin treatment is still in an experimental stage. In other 

 words, statistics do not show that the use of tuberculin is any asset to routine 

 sanatorium treatment. 



The Report is a plain statement of observed facts derived from a large experi- 

 ence, and as such is presented to the unbiassed reader, who may form his own 



conclusions. 



J. W. Cropper. 



Towards Racial Health : A Handbook for Parents, Teachers, and Social 

 Workers on the Training of Boys and Girls. By NORAH H. March, 

 B.Sc, M.R.San. I., with a Foreword by J. Arthur Thomson, M.A., 

 LL.D. [Pp. viii + 326. With illustrations.] (London : Routledge & Sons. 

 Price 3s. bd. net.) 



In endeavouring to write a book, which would be of practical value to parents 

 and teachers, on the very complex problem of the mental, moral, and physical 

 training of children, the author has undertaken a task of great difficulty. 

 However excellent the information and advice may be, the question as to 

 whether these will be utilised properly depends on the competency of the reader. 

 The writer recognises this, and suggests that organised meetings of parents 

 for instruction on sex education of the child would be useful. Miss March 

 rightly points out how important the well-being of the child is for the future 

 welfare of the State. For this reason alone, any additional means to improve 

 the training of children are welcome, and it is to be hoped that this volume will 

 fulfil the good purpose for which it is intended. 



One of the objects of the book is to guide parents and teachers as to the best 

 way of giving information to the young on matters relating to the approach of 

 puberty. It is also shown how to combat the inquisitiveness of youth, and how 

 to guard against the wrecking of life which is brought about by exposure to evil 

 surroundings and companionship. 



The early chapters deal with the physical and mental development of the child. 

 These are followed by suggestions on the care and supervision of children, an 

 interesting illustrated chapter on Nature Study in the service of sex instruction, 

 chapters on the Biology of Sex, Ethical Training, and Social Safeguarding. 



