Abstract

The History of Medical Social Work - E. Moberly Bell's Contribution L.O'BRIENI AS the author of the standard life of Octavia operating both from outside and inside the Hill, E. Moberly Bell has already made a hospitals: the social philosophy and community substantial contribution to the history of social planning of the e.O.S., the Poor Law and its work. Her account of pioneering women doctors disintegration in the early twentieth century with the National Insurance and Local Gov­ in Storming the Citadel showed the nature of her interest in the medical profession. On these ernment Acts of 191 I and 1928 and all that they entailed for the 'sick poor', the impact of two foundations she has now constructed The Story World Wars, the depression of the thirties, new of Hospital Almoners-The Birth of a Profes­ sion. theories of human behaviour (psychological and The book is a welcome addition to the psychiatric), the financial trials of the voluntary the attitudes of honorary medical thinly-recorded history of British professional hospitals, social work-LF. Beck's The Almoner with its staff and hospital governing boards, and the 20 pages of historical background; Jean Snel­ ideas and achievements of the almoners them­ selves, both