"I suppose the equivalent would be to cut off a person's hands because he was violent" (Dr Peter Breggin)

Ever since surgery on the brain was first used to relieve psychological disorders it has aroused the strongest of feelings. Even today, when the modern leucotomy destroys much less of the brain and many doctors argue that it is precise and beneficial particularly as a last resort operation, the criticisms still continue.

It's claimed that it can never be accurate, that it blunts the emotions and that, in addition, disturbing facts have come to light about how this kind of surgery is actually being used. Doctors in America have developed it to control violent behaviour and in Californian prisons at least three of these operations have been performed on violent convicts. More are planned.

A furious controversy started after a prison psychiatrist resigned from the project. Will the operation be used as a threat, not only to criminals but to political militants? Has 'Clockwork Orange' finally arrived?

('End psychosurgery now': page 3)