The Pregnant Diabetic and Her Newborn. Problems and Management

It would be natural to attempt to trace a continuity of thought and development in several areas which historians often suggest. However, it is discontinuity which is more strik¬ ing. The writers seem often to be en¬ gaged in some local struggle for acceptance and recognition. Rather than blending, they are differentiated and seek differentiation from their surroundings. They seem to seek support from more distant audiences; perhaps only history will bear them out. Differentiation and discontinuity rather than integration and con¬ tinuity seem to mark innovative steps. The ball is thrown great dis¬ tances where others take on the play. Sometimes it seems as if in ap¬ proaching more recent times too little of the past is included and significant movements are omitted. However, it can be appreciated that the growth of society, professional groups, and the literature has made adequate coverage and selection dif¬ ficult. In common with other historical efforts, the story of psychiatry is traced through developments in hyp¬ notism, and the more recent past is reached. The compilation ends with the beginning of psychoanalysis. Perhaps too little attention is given this critical step. Yet it is reasonably well documented and sufficiently contemporary that it represents but a small obstacle to those interested.