Echoes of the Month

A joint Board of Research for mental disease was recently formed in connection with the city and the University of Birmingham. The chairman is Sir Gilbert Barling, Bart. (Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham), and the hon. director, Sir Frederick W. Mott. The co-operation of mental hospital authorities in the Midlands is sought, and a circular has been issued explaining the scheme. Therein it is Pointed out that the Board has been formed for the purpose of promoting research into mental disease, with the objects of assisting prevention, and encouraging the more effective curative treatment, of such disease. At present the Board consists of an equal number of representatives of the Birmingham University and the City Asylums Committee, but the co-operation of governing bodies of mental institutions outside the City will be welcomed. Certain funds are being provided for the inauguration of the work, and temporary laboratory accommodation has been arranged in connection with one of the city mental hospitals at Hollymoor, near Birmingham. It is understood, however, that as soon as Possible the Birmingham University will offer the necessary laboratory accommodation, so that the work may be in direct association with the general pathological work of the University.