Letter from Freud to Lou Andreas-Salomé, November 4, 1912

4.xi.12
Vienna IX, Berggasse 19

Dear Frau Andreas

Your interest in our psycho-analysis was most welcome to us, and now the subtle understanding which you reveal in your observations is a definite source of satisfaction to our circle. I think it is best for me to warn you now that the editors of Imago4 intend to ask you for a contribution for their journal, perhaps one dealing with the relation of psycho-analysis to the problems of the female psyche, which are of special interest to you.

Since you have informed me of your intention to attend Adler's Discussion Evenings,5 I shall take the liberty of saying a few words to you unasked, so that you may be enlightened as to this disagreeable state of affairs. The relationship between the two groups is not such as ought to result from analogous, even if divergent, endeavours. They frequently carry on something else besides psycho-analysis. We found ourselves obliged to break off all contact between Adler's splinter group and our own, and even our medical guests are asked to choose between one or the other. That is not pleasant, but the personal behaviour of those who have left our ranks left us no choice.

I would never dream, dear lady, of imposing such a restriction on you. Bearing this situation in mind I would only ask you—as though you were in a state of artificial split personality—that you make no reference to your contact with us when with them, and vice versa. I am really sorry that I am not better able to disguise from you what has gone on behind the scenes in our movement.

Hoping that one day I shall have the opportunity of having a private conversation with you,

Sincerely yours,
Freud