ABSTRACT
The theory that schizophrenia, manic-depression, psychosis and melancholia are diseases with physical basis is still held by some; but the alternative theory that these mental diseases are disorders of emotional development has not been disproved. In many respects the medical student is out to learn, postponing till after qualification the attitude of inquiry which belongs to maturity and health. Reports on the psychology of patients before and after leucotomy and given in good faith by neurosurgeons are apt to look naïve in the extreme to the psycho-analyst. The psycho-analyst is perforce used to the extreme complexity of human material, and who is more aware than most people of the areas of ignorance in the understanding of persons. Leucotomy alters the seat of the self, puts a premium on relief of suffering and creates teams of skilled neurosurgeons who constitute a type of vested interest, which can affect scientific evaluation.
