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.
October 15, 1895
IX., Berggasse 19
Dearest Wilhelm,
Crazy, isn't it, my correspondence! For two weeks I was in the throes of writing fever, believed that I had found the secret, now I know that I still haven't, and have again dropped the whole business. Nevertheless, all sorts of things became clear or at least sorted themselves out. I have not lost heart. Have I revealed the great clinical secret to you, either orally or in writing?
Hysteria is the consequence of a presexual sexual shock.
Obsessional neurosis is the consequence of a presexual sexual pleasure, which is later transformed into [self-] reproach. “Presexual” means actually before puberty, before the release of sexual substances; the relevant events become effective only as memories.
Most cordially,
Your
[no signature]
Felt rather bad.