Jan Wier, devils, witches and magic

of the original works cited are made in each case. The selected pieces are connected by Professor Altschule's useful commentaries. Unfortunately his general knowledge of the earlier historical periods is defective, and, throughout, the background to medical events is mostly lacking. No attempt is made to identify or comment on the authors selected, and citation of secondary sources is virtually absent. The index, so vital in a work of this sort, is completely inadequate, and the price of the book is high. As a reference work to the history of psychiatric disorders this book will be useful, but those referring to it should be aware of its shortcomings.