Letter from Freud to Fliess, March 28, 1895

Vienna, March 28, 1895

Dearest Wilhelm,

I know what you want to hear first: she is tolerably well; complete subsidence, no fever, no hemorrhage. The packing that was inserted six days ago is still in; we hope to be safe from new surprises. Of course, she is beginning with the new production of hysterias from this past period, which are then dissolved by me.

I also must accept that you are not yet feeling well; I hope this will not be for long. I think you will soon have worked your way out of it and then tackle the labor pains first. By chance, I recently had a conversation with Chrobak about them. My impression was unfavorable. I would like to see you dispense with all his cases, which, moreover, you do not need. The public will misunderstand [your article on] “labor pains” as “painless birth,” which would be claiming too much. These should have been distinguished, and so forth. Make sure that you get well, publish forty cases, and make him a present of his four. I do not know whether I should infect you: I am so very annoyed.

My own condition is not especially bad, but keeps me out of sorts. A pulse so irregular does seem to preclude well-being; the motoric insufficiency has again been intolerable for several days. I should like to accept your proposal, but the present time is obviously not favorable for it. Besides, my practice too is especially poor and then I am, as far as my mood is concerned, mostly useless.

April 2. These past few days I have really felt outrageously indifferent. Writing has been difficult for me — times in which I am not bearable, the most minute intimations of fluctuating mood changes. Now I am my old self again, also vigorous of heart, but wild and yearning to enjoy some of the spring. — Perhaps it is not so important at all how I was and how I am. Otherwise I have little that is serious to report to you. Next time I shall send you a package from