Yrjö Kulovesi—1887–1943

Yrjö Kulovesi, the only Finnish member of the Swedish-Finnish Psychoanalytic Society died on September 3, 1943, of arteriosclerosis exacerbated by the rigors of military service in two wars. Born in 1887 he obtained his medical degree in 1917, a fact noteworthy in itself, as Finland grants this degree only after an exceptionally thorough course of study and work which covers many years. He engaged in private practice, then entered the field of general hygiene in which he made important contributions to the health problems of factory and school. Following an early interest in psychology and psychiatry, he studied psychoanalysis in Vienna in 1921, 1925 and 1926, and began psychoanalytic practice in Tammerfors. As a pioneer he encountered antagonism and even ridicule; however, he trained several young Finnish analysts and in the end his competence, as well as his character and literary efforts, led to success and recognition. He published numerous articles contributing to the psychology of dreams and neuroses in the Finnish scientific journal, Duodecim, and in the psychoanalytic periodicals. In 1933 he brought forth the first Finnish textbook of psychoanalysis. Rich in ideas and enthusiasm, Kulovesi left his mark on all the fields of his endeavor. Though profound he was neither dogmatic nor pedantic and he was incorruptibly steadfast in opposing the opportunism of popular fashion. He was in every sese a true disciple of Freud.