The Case For Action, by limes II. Pearse and G.
Scott • Williamson (Faber and Faber, 5s.), eulogistically prefaced
by Lord Moynihan and the Master of Balliol, tells of a socio- medical experiment; the purpose of which was to test the possibility of conducting a health-developing campaign without charity, State control or State subsidy. The scheme took the form of a sort of medical club or settlement, - tO which working-class families were invited to subscribe a weekly membership fee. In return, the members were assured of scientific instruction in healthy linig; and -received at inter- vals thorough clinical examinations in order that the very beginnings or threatenings of disease might be discovered before much harm was done. Actual treatment was not provided, but advice was given as to the sort of treatment necessary and as to 'the steps to be taken to-obtain it. • The main part of the book, however, is occupied with an exposition of aims, and a defence of the attitude taken up. One would have preferred more•details of the actual results obtained. As it is, the reader is left wondering whether any great advantage can be claimed for such voluntary and necessarily sporadic enterprises as that here described, over a well-organized nat- ional scheme of local health-centres with provision for periodic health inspection.
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