You do not currently have permission to view the full text for this document. Please sign in to an account with an active subscription or contact support.
Burghölzli-Zürich, 4 June 1907
Dear Professor Freud,
The remark in your last letter that we can “enjoy our riches” is admirable. I rejoice every day in your riches and live from the crumbs that fall from the rich man's table.
Here is another pretty case of depression in Dem. praec.:
9th year: Patient sees traces of her mother's period; sexual excitement and masturbation.
12th year: Onset of periods. Studies instructive sex books. Has fantasies about genitalia of siblings, especially older brother's. Is admonished by them to be more reserved with her brother as she is a big girl now.
16th year: Symptoms of strong emotivity. Wept all day when fiancé of an older girlfriend was in danger in the Alps. Brother a great Alpinist.
18th year: Violent excitement all day and nervousness during sister's wedding. Heightened sexual urges and accompanying masturbation. Growing feelings of guilt.
20th year: Older brother gets engaged; thunderstruck. Continually compares herself with the bride, who has all the graces, while the patient comes off badly.