'Ten years that changed the face of mental illness', by Jean Thuillier. Pp xiv + 219. Price £24.95. London: Martin Dunitz Publishers, 1999. ISBN 1 85317 886 1.
This is a fascinating book. It was first written by Professor Jean Thullier in 1981 and now appears in a new, English translation. The main topic is the discovery in the early 1950s of the neuroleptic chlorpromazine, and its profound effect on the treatment of mental illness. However, the reader is almost halfway through the book before chlorpromazine is mentioned.
Much is autobiographical, the author recounting his early memories and feelings of inadequacy when only crude shock therapies were available for the treatment of psychoses. The text is enlivened by the description of many of the author's personal experiences and individual clinical cases.
In his career, Professor Thuillier moved from clinical work in the Sainte-Anne mental hospital in Paris so as to develop his interests in pharmacology. He was personally involved in the development of the first neuroleptics, antidepressants and tranquillisers, all of which he describes.
This book will be of particular interest to all who are involved in the treatment of mental illness and to those who are interested in the history of pharmacology and the development of new medicines. It is a well translated and very readable book, and it will be enjoyed by anyone who is involved in pharmacy or medicine.
Reviewer - John Hunt is a retired industrial pharmacist and past president of the British Society for the History of Pharmacy