Ajuriaguerra, Julian De (1962) Monoamines et Système Nerveux Central: Symposium Bel-Air, Genève, Septembre 1961
Rating: ♥♥♥♥ (Fine)
Fine book, hard cover. Shelf worn but has all pages and leaves present, no tears in paper or spine. Exlib.
Julian de Ajuriaguerra was one of the most influential figures in 20th‑century child psychiatry and neuropsychology. His Manuel de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant (1962) became a foundational reference work in the French‑speaking world, shaping clinical practice and academic teaching for decades. The manual reflects Ajuriaguerra’s interdisciplinary approach, combining psychiatry, neurology, psychology, and developmental science at a time when child mental health was rapidly evolving as a distinct field.
The book provides a comprehensive overview of childhood psychiatric disorders, including early descriptions of developmental delays, language disorders, behavioral disturbances, psychoses, and emotional disorders. Ajuriaguerra’s work is notable for its emphasis on careful clinical observation, detailed developmental histories, and the integration of neurological findings into psychiatric assessment.
A central theme in the manual is the relationship between brain development and psychological functioning. Ajuriaguerra explores how neurological maturation, motor development, and cognitive processes interact with emotional and social factors. This holistic perspective was innovative for its time and helped establish the foundations of modern child neuropsychiatry.
The manual also discusses therapeutic approaches, including psychotherapy, educational interventions, family involvement, and early rehabilitation strategies. Ajuriaguerra’s emphasis on individualized care and interdisciplinary collaboration influenced generations of clinicians and researchers.
Today, Manuel de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant remains an important historical document in the development of child psychiatry. It offers valuable insight into mid‑20th‑century clinical thinking and the early integration of neurology and psychiatry in the study of childhood disorders.
Collector’s Note
A significant mid‑century work by one of the key architects of modern child psychiatry. Ajuriaguerra’s publications are increasingly sought after by collectors of psychiatric history, neuropsychology, and developmental medicine. This 1962 edition is an excellent addition to any collection focusing on the evolution of child mental health.
Keywords
- Julian de Ajuriaguerra
- child psychiatry textbook
- history of child psychiatry
- French psychiatric literature
- developmental disorders
- neuropsychiatry history
- mid‑20th‑century psychiatry
