[Review of the book Ventilation in Relation to Mental Work

Abstract

Reviews the book, Ventilation in Relation to Mental Work by E. L. Thorndike, W. A. McCall, and J. C. Chapman (1916). This monograph contains a brief "Introduction" by Thorndike, an experiment by Chapman on the effects of the conditions of the air on mental work, the conditions being changed daily, and several experimental studies by Thorndike and McCall on the effect of certain conditions of the air upon (1) the rate of improvement of mental functions, (2) the accuracy of judgment, and (3) the choice of alternatives to mental work. Only the psychological results are presented; "the chief aims were to measure the effect of heat and expired air upon the quantity and quality of the mental products produced per unit of time, and upon the readiness of individuals to work. Certain statements made by them as to their felt fitness for work and general well-being" are also included. The reviewer states that the results are best stated in Thorndike's words, taken from his final section, "Summary and Interpretation." Overall, it is noted that this text is by far the most important and valuable contribution to "bionomic" psychology that has appeared in recent times, and it is hoped that its author may find further means to extend it so as to investigate conditions for longer periods of work and to analyze in greater detail the mental states of the subject's comfort or discomfort, for in this point seems to lie the great psychological significance of work under unfavorable conditions of the air. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)