William Herman, M.D—1891-1935

The Boston Psychoanalytic Society has suffered an irreparable loss through the death of Dr. Herman. He entered the psychoanalytic field after thorough training in neurology and psychiatry and a wide experience in general psychotherapy, which was his major interest from the beginning. All those who came in contact with him were impressed by his grasp of human problems. To these he brought the intuition of the artist, supplemented by the best scientific training. With this background for his specialized work in psychoanalysis his career, had he been spared, was destined to be increasingly important.

He was one of the organizers of the Boston Society and early gave invaluable service by his part in arranging for a permanent educational program. In addition, through his position as a leader of thought among a wide circle of medical associates and through his influence on groups of medical students, he had contributed more than any one else in this community to bring psychoanalysis into favorable relationship with general medicine.

Dr. Herman was uncompromising in his standards for psychoanalysis, but he belonged among those creative and independent thinkers who in relation to an established discipline have much to contribute as well as to receive. In routine organization work he always remained the individualist, holding strong opinions which he did not hesitate to advance and uphold without regard to conformity. However, he had that type of strength which on occasion permitted him to change his mind or to admit a hasty judgment. Those who worked with him took satisfaction and comfort in the knowledge that his final position on any matter would be objectively determined to an unusual degree and would be maintained without pettiness or rancor.

Speaking for the members of this Society, I pay tribute to the memory of Dr. Herman with the hope that through his influence and example other men of his own stamp will enter and thereby enrich the ranks of psychoanalysis in B