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Burghölzli-Zürich, 21 February 1909
Dear Professor Freud,
Your offprint1 arrived today and I read it at once with avidity. I too have my misgivings about the arc de cercle.2 I am fond of telling my students about an arc de cercle group of hysterical symptoms. They
include, in an ascending series: pain at the back of the head, in the nape of the neck, in the back (“spinal irritation”), pseudomeningitis hysterica, stiffness of throat and back, clonic spasms of arms and legs, and finally the genuine arc de cercle. The spastic component goes with the display of libidinal excitement; the pain component pertains more to the pregnancy complex. Both components are combined in the sticking out of the belly. I think arc de cercle is direct provocation with infantile defence—you can observe it in dancing and other erotic situations. Arc de cercle can just as well be a bending back of the upper part of the body in disgust or a sticking out of the genitalia for sexual display. Probably both. Concerning epileptic convulsions I'd like to remind you of my modest hypothesis about primitive sucking convulsions (-orgasms).
Alas, once again it can't be done: I cannot see how we, that is my wife and I, can come to Vienna for Easter.3 That's just when I want to betake myself to northern Italy for a fortnight to get a bit of rest. We can't go earlier because of the weather, nor later because of the beginning of term and the house moving.4 Of course you must not neglect your practice in any way on my account. I should like, as last time, to enjoy your company in the evening and make the best of a Sunday with you. For the present, would the middle or end5 of March suit you better?
My wife and I were very pleased to hear that your daughter will visit us (t.s.)6 with her husband on their honeymoon. They must come by all means. We are trying to arrange our trip to Vienna so as to welcome our guests in Zürich either before or afterwards.
Your judgment on Morton Prince is right. No firm founda