C^- 



Biolo^v in Hnman Affairs. Edited 1)v Edward 

 M. East.'xi + 399 pp. " $3.50. 1931. \\hittlesey 

 House. 



Twelve able contributors have written this hook 

 under the editorship of I'rofessor lulward M. 

 East of Harvard L'niversity. The echtor is to he 

 especially commended for having;- molded the 

 twelve chapters into la continuously readable book. 

 This is hardly to l)e said of most of the receiit 

 cooperative books. 



The hrst chapter on "Biology and Human 

 Problems" is written by the editor himself. This 

 chapter presents in a clear iand forceful style 

 and with telling- examples the possible effects of 

 modern Ijiological science upon the remodeling of 

 man's intellectual conceptions. Modern inven- 

 tions and comforts have recast man's ways of 



living almost completely. But science has not yet 

 recast his methods of thinking to anything like 

 the same degree. 



It is pointed out that the average mind is still 

 fettered to myths conceived in distant eras of un- 

 reason, and actually scientists themselves are 

 sometimes influenced by such myths. As East 

 points out, it is a mistake to assume that when 

 certain eminent physicists, for example, issue 

 preachments in terms of theology and meta- 

 physics they are speaking as scientists. They are 

 merely demonstrating how difficult it is to divest 

 one's mind completely of the whams and whim- 

 seys learned in early childhood. A strong case 

 for the advantages of simple scientific truth is 

 built up in a most interesting fashion. 



Eash chapter of this book is well worth read- 

 ing, but certain chapters are particularly well pre- 

 sented. Dr. L. M. Terman's chapter on "Educa- 

 tional Psychology" presents this subject in a 

 simple and fascinatingly clear way. Professor H. 

 M. Parshley discusses "Zoology and Human Wel- 

 fare" in a clearly analytical and instructive style. 

 The last chapter on '"Diet and Nutrition," by 

 Professor McCoUum, forms valuable reading for 

 all persons. The other chapters are all very well 

 done, though space does not permit a particular 

 reference to them. 



The only shortcoming which one might feel 

 after reading this very satisfying l)Ook is that 

 some form of summary or concluding statement 

 might have been good to round off the various 

 subjects for the general reader. Professor East 

 is to be congratulated on the success of his under- 

 taking^. — C. R. Stockard. 



