Brain Control: A Critical Examination of Brain Stimulation and Psychosurgery By Elliot S. Valenstein (review)

noist, Livingstone, Roberts, and Spuhler are notable exceptions. However, the total of the areas of human genetic interest blanketed provides a useful survey of recent and current research activities in human genetics and displays many of the weaknesses and strengths of existing knowledge. The volume includes papers on gene-frequency differences in human populations ; the use of the omnipresent blood gene markers; studies on isolate and hybrid populations and inbreeding; and demographic methods. The measurement of population distances and computer simulations are discussed in a number of papers. A number of geographic populations are assayed and compared , and the studies on population structures in Micronesia by Morton and his colleagues are models of excellence that budding anthropologists in this field may attempt to emulate. In general, this compendium is a useful source book for graduate students embarking on genetic research in physical anthropology. It is not as comprehensive and encompassing as The Genetics ofHuman Populations by Cavalli-Sforza and Bodmer, and it overlaps considerably with both The Assessment of Population Affinities in Man edited by Weiner and Huizinga and TL· Structure of Human Populations edited by Harrison and Boyce. In the latter two volumes, papers similar to a few in the book under review appear, written by the same authors. Ronald Singer University of Chicago Brain Control: A Critical Examination of Brain Stimulation and Psychosurgery. By Elliot S. Valenstein. New York: Wiley-Interscience, 1973. Pp. 407. $10.95. There is a great deal of antagonism to science and scientists in our society based on unintelligibility. Science is indeed complicated, and intelligibility is a problem even for scientists working within one particular field. But laymen and scientists working in other fields all too often hear from the "bad" scientists, those trying to get publicity among laymen because they failed among their own colleagues. This book convincingly reveals Valenstein as one of the "good" scientists. It is not only an admirable primer for neurologists, neurosurgeons, physiologists, psychologists, and interested laymen, but for anyone who reads, because we have all been brainwashed by grossly inaccurate information. Thus, the stage hypnotist merely cons his subjects into a pseudo performance that appears as hypnotism—to get laughs and entertain his audience. More seriously, psychosurgery has given rise to preposterous allegations with all the popular appeal of crime and science fiction. This book beautifully shows that—apart from clinical anesthesia—consciousness cannot be controlled; it can only control itself. Jacobus W. Mostert, M.D. University of Chicago Perspectives in Biology and Medicine · Autumn 1974 | 145 THE NEED TO COMMUNICATE Communication That's our station And please be clear Stating what we want to hear. Communicate That's our fate. I and thou Will work somehow. This verbal art of mine Serves as a glimmering paradigm. Why is the burden to communicate Placed upon those who innovate? Draft a white paper And feel much safer One sided, but you see, Perhaps you must communicate with me. In the end We should amend. Our reluctance to innovate Parallels our willingness to communicate. The administrator's ploy To make an alloy Of reason Is always in season. There's comfort in our differences That we conjure up by inferences. So you pause and let us ruminate And devise our plan to castigate. On the vine you'll wither While we talk about the weather. But if you too hesitate Yours shall be the similar fate. So this admonition may I share To assure you that I do care, For your own welfare 'Tis essential that you beware of the need to communicate. R. Hullinger 146 I Verse ...