Life — April 23, 1908 — page 3: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

who might be entitled “the all-around philosopher and catch-as-catch-can_prag- matist,” has been indorsing another book. This is usually a reprehensible practice indulged in by great men in moments of weakness. We happen to know something, however, about the book which Professor James commends, having an acquaintance of years’ standing with the author of it; and we believe in this instance Professor James rendered a distinct service when he put the stamp of his authoritative approval upon the book in question. ‘‘A Mind That Found Itself,” by Clifford Whittingham Beers (Longmans), is the autobiography of a man who, losing his mind, again found it in spite of the unscientific and, at times, cruel treatment he received while an inmate of sundry private and public hospitals for the insane. This fact alone would entitle him to a permanent job in any collection of freaks if it had not re- cently happened that freaks had been barred out of all circuses. There was nothing for Mr. Beers to do, therefore, but write a book. In his work the author shows conclusively that, as a result of crude methods of treatment and inadequate equipment (sometimes the mental equip: ment of those in authority), certain so called violent wards in our hospitals for the insane are little better than hell-holes. Such wards are, in fact, the “rotten apples” which give the institutions in question an appearance of rottenness throughout; but Mr. Beers makes it plain that the “good wards” in asylums are, indeed, very good; in fact, er than the public knows. “A Mind That Found Itself” reads like a combination of George Ade’s “Fables” and Dante’s “Inferno,” with the balance in favor of the “Inferno.” It is in reality, however, a great tragedy with a happy ending. It concludes with a feasible remedy for existing shortcomings and abuses. This “remedy,” outlined in the book, will be applied under the aus- pices of a “National Committee for Mental Hygiene,” which will soon be brought to a working perfection. Mr. Beers has already secured the support of a number of eminent men. THE DUKE OF THE ABRUZZI Then up spake the Duke ofthe Abratch The Machine The splendid performance of the Studebaker in public contests as well as in the hands of enthusiastic owners is so well known as to require no argument from us. a The Vehicle While it is imperative that an auto- mobile be mechanically satisfactory k it is equally important that as a conveyance for pas | 9 it be comfortable. Studebaker horse vehicles have for many years been noted for their ea this experience has enabled us to build qutomobiles that make engers y-riding qualities and riding a real pleasure. Viewed from every standpoint the Studebaker is a high-grade car 5. STUDEBAKER AUTOMOBILE COMPANY Main Factory, South Bend, Ind. General Office, Cleveland, O. BRANCHES: NEW YORK CITY—studedaker Bros, Co, of New York, Broadway and 43 : iE ». Northwest BOSTON, MASS.—Studedaker Bros, Co, of New York, DALLAS, TEN.—studebaker Bros, Mfg. Co.y 417-319 treet DENVER, COLO.—statebaker ros, Mfg. Co., 1711 Tremont street. + MO —Studebaker Bros, Mfg Co.,13th ry Streets. The MOST TALKED OF FIRM In London. AFTERNOON FROCKS ] ” Choice nese. .. | | D aro S Flowers REGENT and Srerer | Rare Plants outne and Exclusive | forall TAILOR-MADE SUITS Occasions | RECEPTION AND City and EVENING GOWNS Forty-fourth St. and MILLINERY, ETC. . Madison Ave Landscape Specialite: TRAVELING COATS Gardening | 114 West 72d St. N. Y. comicbooks.com