Measurement of Emotion

Two of the most characteristic features of modem psychology are (i) the special attention given to the facts of emotional consciousness, and (2) the persistent endeavour to obtain a quantitative statement of results. The present work by Mr Whately Smith well illustrates these two features. In it the biological significance of emotion and of affective tone is emphasized, and by means of special methods of experimentation quantitative results are obtained which illuminate the subject in a remarkable way… introducing great improvements in the technique, he has elaborated an experimental method of investigating emotion and affective tone which is highly original and of very great value. His investigation of the relative values of the various ‘complex-indicators’ is most important.

Mr Whately Smith has shown much ingenuity in the quantitative manipulation of his results. This is likely to prove of considerable value in the investigation of multiple personality and mediumistic phenomena.

The book represents pioneer work in a branch of psychology that has only recently proved amenable to reliable experimental and quantitative treatment. It will be helpful to the psychopathologist as well as to the psychologist.

EXCERPTS FROM THE FOREWORD
By WILLIAM BROWN, M.D., D.Sc.
Wilde Reader in Mental Philosophy in the University of Oxford