"This book traces the development of psychology from its origins as a branch of philosophy to the present day, when it is a discipline in its own right, closely allied with neurology and physiology. Taking in aspects of religious thought and belief, philosophy, anthropology, medical science, psychology, and psychotherapy, the book takes as its subject matter the understanding of the mind. Topics include the study of the soul, how the mind was perceived in the ancient world, and altered consciousness." -- Publisher.

Introduction: the study of mankind -- The ghost in the machine: what and where is the mind? -- A body of evidence: measuring the mind? -- Mind and method: how and why do we think? -- How do we know: is knowledge innate or acquired? -- Making the mind: the building blocks of the psyche -- What makes you 'you'?: defining the self -- What makes you one of us?: the self and society -- Out of the ordinary: approaches to abnormal psychology -- Conclusion: mind's end.