Chapter 20. Elements of Psycho-Analysis

Before I summarize the main themes of this book I must make it clear that the Grid, though genetically related to a number of analytic theories, differs from the object which the term ‘theory’ is usually taken to represent. Its nature is better indicated by describing it as a convention for construing psychoanalytic phenomena.1 But if an analyst uses this convention he entertains a pre-conception of which the Grid, as printed or written, is a representation. Thus the analyst's state of mind, which is approximating to the representation, the Grid as printed or written, can be classified under one of the Grid categories according to the use to which it is being put and the position it occupies in the genetic development of the analyst's scientific equipment. Since the Grid and the associated theories may be used for whatever motives the analyst chooses it can be used to keep knowledge at bay (column 2) as well as to further it (cols. 1, 3, 4, 5, etc.). Equally, since use of the Grid means that the analyst entertains a preconception, it is possible that his use of it can be categorized more precisely if we employ the vertical axis for this purpose and see the appropriate Grid category in row D. If, therefore, the reader does not wish his state of mind to be disturbed he will either not use the Grid or employ it as a means of expressing feelings and thoughts that can be represented by D2. If on the contrary he is disposed to employ the Grid for further investigation he will be employing it as a means of expressing feelings and thoughts that can be represented by D (or, according to the degree of sophistication he brings to bear, F (or G)4.

I am aware that the Grid not only can be, but requires to be improved. I have felt that col. 2 might be replaced by a negative sense

to the horizontal axis. It is plausible and would conform to a pleasing similarity with the system of Cartesian co-ordinates as used in the developmen