The following paper, originally published in German in 1933, is of significance historically as well as contemporaneously because of: (1) its crucial recognition of the role of temperamental differences in early development, and its presentation of how the variations in the inner flow of amount and intensity of stimulation (stemming from such temperamental differences) may expose the infant to the experience of tremendous threat; (2) the delineation of the complex interdevelopment of activity and autonomy; (3) the stress on time as an important vector in the phenomenology of experience, especially as it relates to the schizoid condition; and (4) the richness of its clinical observations and integration. Because of this, and with Dr. Bychowski's kind permission, the translator herewith brings this work to the attention of the contemporary audience.

Arno Gruen