Nerve Diseases Undefinable Human Ailments, Says Doctor

"There are no such definite things as nervous breakdowns," explained Dr. Vernon P. Williams '24, formerly of the Hygiene Department, in a public lecture yesterday afternoon at the Medical School.

"Most nervous diseases are explainable only by symptoms and reactions, as compared to physical diseases, for which actual parts of the body can be diagnosed," Williams said Continuing, he mentioned rationalization, the pretending that things are as people want them rather than as they really are, as the origin of many nervous diseases.

In outlining the caused of the functional disturbances of breakdowns, Williams summarized them as heredity, individual constitution, and environmental constitutions. "Nervous disorders," he said, "are best served by a discussion with a proper doctor."