[REIL, Johann Christian].

Rhapsodieen über die Anwendung der psychischen Curmethode auf Geisteszerrüttungen.

500 pp. 8vo, attractive modern paste-paper boards (title rather foxed, some foxing throughout), uncut, red morocco lettering piece on spine. Halle: Curt, 1818. Second edition (1st ed.: 1803). In Germany, perhaps the most conspicuous early work in linking physiology with psychiatry is associated with the name of Reil (1759-1813), whose anatomical studies of the brain are remembered eponymously in the "island of Reil." With the present book, one of the most famous texts in the history of the treatment of mental diseases, Reil radically reformed psychiatry. The methods he advocated (psychotherapy, psychodrama, occupational therapy, shock treatment) were only taken up again in our own time. He effected improvements in the appalling conditions prevailing in the lunatic asylums and insisted upon the elevation of psychiatry to the position of an independent branch of study at the universities. Garrison-Morton calls Reil "the founder of modern psychiatry," and in the words of Zilboorg and Henry "there is no doubt that we should consider Reil as one of the founders of psychiatry as a specialty." Both editions of the Rhapsodieen are extremely rare books and this is a very good copy of the work. D.S.B., XI, pp. 363-65. Garrison-Morton 4923­(1st ed. of 1803). Zilboorg & Henry, A History of Medical Psychology, pp. 287-89.

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• ordernr.: HillBibl-472

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