PREFACE

THE aim in writing this volume was to supply a needed source to which the layman, the social worker, the general practitioner, and others could refer when considering matters pertaining to the treatment of the insane. Many books have been written on various phases of the problem, but, no one of these books answers the purpose in mind. When the writer first became interested in mental hygiene activities, he sought in vain for any one volume or even for several which would give him a comprehensive understanding of the questions involved in caring for and treating the insane. The facts and their interpretations, as presented in the following pages, are the result of several years of active and intensive work and study of matters relating to the insane. The reason so much emphasis has been placed upon insanity among the Jews is that the material available to the writer dealt largely with this group.

In making a study of this kind, the cooperation of many persons is necessary. The thanks of the writer are extended to Dr. M. B. Heyman, Supt. of Manhattan State Hospital, and to Dr. G. A. Smith, Supt. of Central Islip State Hospital, for permission to consult records in their files; and to Dr. M. S. Gregory, Director Psychopathic Service, Bellevue Hospital, for similar cooperation. For many valuable suggestions I am indebted, among others, to Drs. J. Smith and M. M. Sherman, psychiatrists of the Free Synagogue Mental Hygiene Clinics; to Dr. A. A. Brill, Dr. Bernard Glueck, Dr. H. M. Pollock, Mr. G. H. Hastings,

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and particularly to Profs. Franklin H. Giddings and Henry R. Seager.

I am above all indebted to Prof. Samuel McCune Lindsay, who has been my guide and friend during the years I have studied at Columbia University, and to Dr. Sidney E. Goldstein, teacher and friend for many years.

JACOB A. GOLDBERG

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, Jan. 21, 1921.