A Textbook of Medical Practice

THIS short soft-backed book is written by a general practitioner who is an experienced hypnotist and a member of the British Society of Mental and Dental Hypnosis and of the International Society of Hypnosis. It is a clearly written account of the techniques required for induction of hypnosis, the clinical properties of the hypnotic state and the indications for hypnosis in dentistry, general practice, obstetrics and hospital practice. There is an interesting section on the factors which influence susceptibility to hypnosis and an account of tests of hypnotic susceptibility. Like all short textbooks, the style is dogmatic, with consequent inaccuracies in fact, especially in the section on the use of hypnosis in neurotic conditions, where in addition a number of references are very dated. Nevertheless this little book can be recommended as an introduction to the theory and practice of hypnosis for medical students and family doctors. G.W.F.