Anxiety Related to the "Discovery" of the Penis—An Observation

With an Introduction by ANNA FREUD, LL.D. (London)

Analysts who have followed the publications in our psychoanalytic journals from their beginnings may remember a column in the original German issue which was reserved for observations made on children. The communications selected for it were written by parents or teachers who had undergone analysis themselves and, thereby, had their eyes opened for signs of happenings in the child's mind which escaped the notice of unanalyzed observers. Sayings, and forms of behavior were recorded which showed the child under the impact of his sexual strivings. These descriptions ceased to be published later on when the existence of infantile sexuality had been established beyond doubt, and no further evidence from direct observation seemed necessary to validate the analytic findings in this particular respect.

After reading Dr. Casuso's description of certain events in the life of his infant son, which follows here, readers may feel that the publication of communications of this kind should be begun again in our days and that the observing and recording activity of analytic parents might help toward filling an important gap in our analytic knowledge. Although in recent years the interest of many analysts and child analysts has concentrated on the first year of the child's life, there is much uncertainty still concerning the ways and means which should be employed to unearth suitable material. Reconstruction