[Review of the book Mental defect

Abstract

Reviews the book, Mental defect by Lionel S. Penrose (1934). Dr. Penrose says that his book "is intended for the use of medical or lay persons who desire to obtain information on some of the scientific problems associated with the study of mental deficiency." He frankly admits that he has treated at greatest length those aspects of the subject in which he is personally most interested. Within such limits he has done a creditable job. As his interests are largely medical we find this approach to the problem discussed most completely. Six chapters are devoted to methods of study, and two chapters devoted to treatment. A general characterization of the work would note that the medical and biological aspects are well, if briefly, treated, but that the psychological and social problems are all but neglected entirely. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)