3. Italian Retrospect

Extract

The chief feature in the psychological literature of Italy since my last report has been the multiplication of periodicals devoted to it. Thus we have received copies of the following new journals:—“The Annali di Freniatria,” of Turin; “Il Manicomio,” of Nocera Inferiore; “Il Pisani,” of Palermo; and “L'Anomalo,” a “Gazzettino,” published at Naples. On the other hand, I regret to say that no copies have been sent since 1888 of Lombroso's always interesting, if sometimes paradoxical, “Archivio di Psichiatria ed Antropologia Criminale.”To some extent these periodicals may be considered as equivalent to our Asylum Reports; and they doubtless show the great activity and zeal with which our specialty is studied in Italy. But from another point of view they seem to me no unmixed advantage. Each periodical is starved by the scattering of so much ability, which was formerly concentrated in fewer journals; and the space left vacant has been, to a great extent; occupied by matters of local, temporary, or secondary interest. When allowance is made for this, Italian psychological literature will be found quite equal to the high level it has attained in former years.