Polkinhorn traces the evolution of Freud's study of hysteria, both technically and conceptually. He also makes observations on Freud's modes of expression ("his reliance upon figures of speech and qualifiers") and on his wish to find meaning in everything, even the "unthinkable." Freud's addressing his audience as "gentlemen" is noted, although Freud's searching for the presence of Lou Andreas-Salomé in meetings is well known. Hysteria is viewed as a "period disease of reminiscences," a concept which departs from nineteenth century philosophy and "hard sciences" to another plane of discourse.