The Subconscious Mind — Elwood Worcester, Samuel McComb & Isador H. Coriat
1920 Edition | Emmanuel Movement | Early History of Alcoholism Treatment
Offered here is a 1920 edition of The Subconscious Mind by Elwood Worcester, Samuel McComb, and Isador H. Coriat, three influential figures associated with the Emmanuel Movement, an early twentieth-century effort to combine religion, psychology, and medicine in the treatment of alcoholism and other conditions.
Published decades before the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous, this work provides historical insight into the developing understanding of the subconscious mind, the relationship between spiritual and psychological healing, and the treatment methods that preceded modern approaches to addiction recovery.
The Emmanuel Movement and Early Alcoholism Treatment
The Emmanuel Movement began in 1906 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Boston under the leadership of Rev. Elwood Worcester and Rev. Samuel McComb, working in cooperation with medical professionals.
At a time when alcoholism was frequently regarded primarily as a moral failing, the movement sought to address the psychological, physical, and spiritual dimensions of human suffering.
Its approach incorporated religious counseling, psychological suggestion, and medical supervision, reflecting an emerging interest in the relationship between the mind and physical health.
The movement became an important chapter in the history of alcoholism treatment and contributed to the broader development of spiritually influenced recovery approaches in the decades preceding Alcoholics Anonymous.
About the Book
The Subconscious Mind explores the influence of subconscious processes on human behavior, emotional difficulties, habits, and personal transformation.
The authors examine contemporary psychological theories alongside religious and therapeutic approaches, reflecting the developing understanding of the mind during the early twentieth century.
Their work offers a fascinating perspective on how physicians, psychologists, and religious leaders were attempting to understand and address problems that would later become central to addiction treatment and recovery.
For researchers of Alcoholics Anonymous history, the Emmanuel Movement provides valuable context for understanding the earlier movements and treatment philosophies that helped shape the recovery landscape before 1935.
Book Details
Title: The Subconscious Mind
Authors: Elwood Worcester, Samuel McComb & Isador H. Coriat
Publication Year: 1920
Binding: Hardcover
Subject: Emmanuel Movement, Psychology, Spiritual Healing, Early Alcoholism Treatment
Condition
Good overall condition.
The original hardcover binding exhibits age-related wear, including rubbing and wear to the covers and spine.
There is handwriting on the first page, along with pencil markings on several interior pages.
The book remains an appealing historical reference copy despite these signs of previous ownership and use.
Please review the accompanying photographs for additional details regarding condition.
Historical & Collector Significance
Publications associated with the Emmanuel Movement are particularly interesting to collectors and researchers studying the history of alcoholism treatment and the spiritual influences that preceded Alcoholics Anonymous.
The Subconscious Mind documents an important period when religious leaders and medical professionals were exploring new approaches to psychological and behavioral problems.
While not an Alcoholics Anonymous publication, the book provides valuable historical context for understanding the development of recovery thought in the early twentieth century.
An interesting addition to a collection focused on the Emmanuel Movement, early addiction treatment, religious psychology, or the historical foundations of modern recovery.
