Dr. Jacobssohn describes the analysis of two boys aged 7 and 9 respectively, with inhibitions in learning. She shows their sadistic conceptions of school, teacher and work, and emphasises the strong libidinization of anxiety and punishment mechanisms. In one case she regards the masochistic gratification derived from the inhibition in learning as the main factor in its aetiology. 'The fact that this child's inhibition in work could not be completely removed was due, not to its being rooted in punishment mechanisms, but to its offering him enormous libidinal gratification. Heinz clung obstinately to this as to a perversion.'