Search

The article focuses on neurologist Michael Kremer who was one of the pioneers in neurology and an influential figure after the Second World War. Topics mentioned include the work as lieutenant colonel at the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) in Great Britain, the research work with physiologist Samson Wright and neurologist Ludwig Guttmann, and the discovery on prostigmine intrathecal injections for paralysed patients.

This article assesses the contributions of Wilfred Bion and John Rickman to military psychiatry in World War II in the light of their lives and careers before the war. While Bion entered World War II with a distinguished record as a tank commander in World War I and an analysis with Rickman that was incomplete, the Quaker and ex-conscientious objector Rickman was surprised to find himself made a Major in the British Army. The creative partnership which Bion's letters to Rickman document, and which resulted in substantial developments in the understanding of groups, stemmed in part from the ways in which each was able to draw on their earlier experiences and reputations, one as a founding figure in the British psychoanalytic community, the other as a decorated veteran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a collection of 29 letters, 27 from Wilfred Bion to John Rickman, one addressed to Mrs Rickman and one from Rickman to Bion. These letters have been fully transcribed, annotated and published for the first time and offer a rare glimpse into the blossoming relationship between the two men and the gradual emergence of Bion's intellect through his work in War Office Selection Boards (WOSBs), the Northfield Military hospital and the exploratory groups at the Tavistock Clinic.Through this material it becomes evident that Bion's fascination with the work undertaken at WOSBs had more to do with the social ramifications of the principles and ideology applied there rather than with particular techniques per se, such as 'leaderless groups'. Furthermore, the reader becomes witness to Rickman's profound influence on Bion's analytic work and in cultivating his interest in therapeutic institutions, ultimately leading to their groundbreaking work at Northfield Military hospital. While Bion's descriptions of his post-war group work at the Tavistock Clinic offer the first signs of his unique theory and technique on the exploration of group dynamics. The continuation of their correspondence until Rickman's untimely death is a testament to their strong collegial and personal relationship which transcended analytical work and other professional engagements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the life and works of physician William Henry Battle who practiced in England 100 years ago. He served as major and later lieutenant colonel with the Great Britain Royal Army Medical Corps. Battle investigated head injury specifically, cranial nerve injury, associated optic neuritis, and associated cutaneous stigmata.

The article profiles ophthalmologist Norman McAlister Gregg. After qualifying for medicine, he joined the British Expeditionary Force in France as a captain in the Royal Army Medical Corps. He became senior ophthalmic surgeon in both Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children. Gregg published his paper on the effects of rubella on the developing fetus in early pregnancy. Furthermore, he was awarded the Australian Shorney Prize for ophthalmology.

Presents the author's reflections on the role of medical workers in cases of prisoner abuse. Details of the author's work as a physician with the British Royal Army Medical Corps in Cyprus in 1958; Details of an incident involving suspected prisoner abuse by Cyprus police; Views on the potential for medical personnel to intervene in cases of prisoner abuse.

Reprints an excerpt from the 'British Medical Journal' from 1902. Announcement that there are thirty commissions in the British Royal Army Medical Corps offered for competition to men possessing the necessary qualifications; Unpopularity of the service among the rising generation of the medical professions; Alienation of the medical profession from the War Office.