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Psychoanalysis in its various ramifications has created a large literature, some of it propaganda, some of it highly technical, and a not inconsiderable amount directly antagonistic. One therefore scans quite carefully a new book to see to which class it belongs and what purpose it will serve. The present book occupies rather a unique place in the literature of the subject. In the first place it is written by a man of large experience, a man who thinks for himself, and who is a clear and convincing writer. In the second place, the book is addressed apparently not to the general public, but to beginners in psychoanalysis,—physicians who desire to acquaint themselves with the technique in order that they may use it, and finally its reading is so straightforward and simple in style that despite the fact that the author presupposes a certain amount of acquaintance with the subject beforehand, it would almost seem that that was unnecessary.
The book devotes a chapter to the analyst himself, a chapter to the prerequisites of the treatment, a chapter to the analysis proper, and three chapters to the transference, the resistance, and the termination of the analysis, respectively. The reviewer can recommend this little book to beginners most heartily. It is full of wise precepts and warnings, which, if they are heeded will keep him from many embarrassing difficulties and at the same time will assist him materially in helping his patients. The chapter on the transference is particularly good because