In this article the work of Russian psychoanalyst Sabina Spielrein (1885–1942) is reviewed. Spielrein played a special and intriguing role in the development of psychoanal tic thinking at the beginning of the century. After having been intimately involved with Jung both personally and through work, later on in her life she adhered more to the Freudian psychoanalytic approach. She corresponded with both men for many years.

Her own articles, 32 in number, have received little attention so far, except for 'Destruction as a cause of coming into being' in which she anticipated the 'death drive' concept. The themes of love, destruction and creativity are woven into her work and life. The diversity of partners she chose to work with—Jung, Freud and also Piaget—and her linguistic and neurophysiological interest show her to be a versatile