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This paper is an attempt to apply Bolk's retardation theory concerning the physical development of the human body (5), (6), (7), (8) to the psychoanalytic concepts of the structure, development and function of the human mind. In addition, I am presenting some of my own thoughts regarding a counteracting acceleration factor.
In 1926, Bolk read a paper before a meeting of the Anatomical Society in Freiburg, Das Problem der Menschwerdung (The Problem of Human Development) (7), which described a new principle of evolution for the origin of mankind.2 Referring to man's development, Bolk divides physical characteristics into two groups: (1) primary characteristics which are responsible for the origin of the human form, and (2) consecutive characteristics, 3 meaning changes of adjustment to the primary characteristics. The most pronounced of these is the adjustment to the erect posture of human beings. Bolk (5) insists that the body did not erect itself primarily. He claims that first the form became more human and that this was consequently followed by the upright posture.
In reviewing some of the adult structures of man, we find that many primary characteristics resemble the early structure of anthropoid