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[Budapest,] Thursday, March 9, 1916
Dear Professor,
One can't demand and expect any objectivity, at most, honesty, from a patient. For that reason I know at the outset that you don't take everything that I write about myself at face value. Nevertheless, I will continue my reports.
As I see things now, my physical suffering—the disturbed nasal breathing, which has lasted for many years with alternating intensity—stands in the center as the nucleus of my ailments; the psychic symptoms are, I believe, secondary. I always knew that the greatest significance is ascribed to oxygen in the pleasure-unpleasure workings of the psyche; a serious disturbance in breathing can have libidinal disturbances as a consequence, especially during the act of coitus itself, which creates an increased need for air in respiration. That seems to have been the beginning of my turning away from Frau G. I misunderstood the tiredness and feelings of unpleasure after sexual intercourse with her and believed that I am tired of her. Recently my shortness of breath has increased significantly; I was only occupied with my dear ego (Dr. Zwillinger ascertained that the operation on my nasal septum was not successful, and a membrane is obstructing the nasal passages).
In this state, which I again misunderstood, I sent Frau G. away from me. When she came again on Sunday, and I artificially provided for free breathing, I was to her as in the best of times. I think our letters will cross; but it was incumbent upon me to tell you this soon. This state of affairs has pleasantly surprised me and freed me of great concerns.
But the other concern is still there. On Zwillinger's advice I should go to Berlin to Killian,1 the best nose specialist in Germany. If I travel by way of Vienna, I will visit you before this excursion.
For no. 2, I still want to write a few little things before my departure, among them the interesting case of a man who, in childhood (three years old), was really castrated (circumcised).2 A count