Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis

As President of the Association, I have had the opportunity of writing two consecutive annual reports. This has offered an excellent opportunity for observing and evaluating changes and contracts.

In retrospect, I now see that last year's report recorded the end of an era in the history of the Association. An era usually implies a period of long duration, but it also suggests a segment of time with special characteristics.

The first three years of the life of the Association represented a period of rapid changes and clarification. The change was from a group, loosely held together, to a cohesive, unified organization with real leadership. The clarification was in the definition of the goals toward which we are working and in the methods and spirit in which these objectives are to be attained.

In the past year the spirit of the Association has been one of increasing stability and consolidation. We now feel that we are operating on a solid foundation. The results we have so far achieved prove both our capacity for work and our ability to use our time effectively. This assurance augurs well for our future.

This year has begun an era of slow expansion on a firm and substantial basis. In contrast to the first three years, which was a period into which so much was crammed, this coming era may last 25 years or more to fulfill the promise of the plans and goals we already have in mind.

—Harold Kelman

Scientific Meetings

As an integral part of its educational program, the Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis presents each year two series of scientific meetings. One series—held at the New York Academy of Medicine—is open to the public. The second series—held at the American Institute for Psychoanalysis—is offered to members and candidates in training.

At the public meetings held during 1944-1945, these topics were presented:

The Meaning of Sadistic Trends………………………Karen Horney, M.D.

Psychopathic Behavior Disorders in Children…………………………