The author raises questions with respect to the challenge of the "original object." These include: "What holds the object in place? What determines its erotic and historical valences? What are the structures through which it simultaneously sustains a relation to its own predecessors and spawns its own descendants?" The questions lead to tracing the object, as it is first lost and then rediscovered, in the work of Freud and Lacan. In Freud's view, hysterics try to preserve early objects, and successful treatment enables them to reconstruct objects in accordance with their current reality. An example is given of the effects of a severe challenge to the substance of a belief, when this is based upon available perceptions. The perception, construction, and reconstruction of objects discovered, and rediscovered, is the central issue.