Problem Families in Bristol. By R. C. Wofinden, M.D., D.P.H. The Eugenics Society and Cassell & Company, Ltd., 1950. Pp. 60. Price 2s. 6d.

M.D., D.P.H. The Eugenics Society and Cassell & Co., Ltd. 2s. 6d. This extremely modest pamphlet contains more facts and stimulating suggestions than many portentous volumes, and is to be very heartily recommended. The project was undertaken at the request of the Eugenics Society, to study methods of research into problem families and in so doing has provided a useful survey of the position in Bristol. The degree of association of these with housing conditions, size of family, child neglect, illegitimacy, delinquency and physical ill health of the mother, is noted. A significant finding is that the intelligence of over 60 per cent, of fathers and over 75 per cent, of mothers appeared to be subnormal?and the picture of squalor, apathy and unadaptibility in the families emphasizes this fact. Recommendations are made for a single responsible authority but for a wide committee representative of various interests to be set up?for opportunities of convalescence for mothers, and for rehabilitation centres and home advisers, the training at the former to be supplemented by the latter. The only criticism is that there is perhaps too little awareness of the skilled psychiatric advice which will be needed by both these. This pilot survey now deserves to be followed by