ONE of the few objective arguments brought against the method of treatment of the psycho-neuroses inaugurated by Freud is the criticism that it effects only a symptomatic cure. It is said to cause the pathological manifestations of hysteria to disappear, but not the hysterical disposition itself. In regard to this Freud quite rightly directs our attention to the fact that the same critics shew much more indulgence towards other anti-hysterical procedures, which cannot even effect a final cure of one symptom. We may also bring forward against the argument just mentioned the fact that the analysis, penetrating into the depths of mental life (a process which Freud tellingly compares with the excavating work of the archaeologist), not only effects