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18 April 1910
28M
[Alphonse Maeder to Freud]
Dear Professor,
Allow me to tell a little about Herr v. T. He is settling in quickly, despite all statements to the contrary. He is expected to recover physically, demonstrates an enthusiasm for physical activity which easily becomes excessive; one must almost restrain him from physical activity. He works in the garden, goes to the gym, goes for walks, goes through a lot of hydrotherapeutic procedures, craves for Sanatogen1 … One of his fears that has become stereotypical is that of ‘getting fat’, (clearly psychically motivated) he resists every attempt at substantial nourishment - made necessary by his activity, he has lost about 9 kg since his last stay here by the way. It would be very effective suggestively if you were to happen to express a view on it. The following point is not yet cleared up: In the beginning he resisted the psychrophore2 treatment and we were quite unable to influence him in the matter. Then an earlier occurrence of balanitis3 came into consideration. Now he was inclined to give his consent. I should appreciate it, respected professor, if you would express your opinion on this. Do you consider it suggestively effective for him; is not the local treatment possibly a new stimulus etc? A word on a postcard will suffice.
The days in Nuremberg4 have left a deep and strong impression on me; it is to be hoped that such stimulation will be renewed not too seldom. Last autumn I attended the International Congress of Psychology in Geneva,5 but came home as empty as I had gone. The situation is comparable with the relationship of romanticism and classicism in French literature (XIX), life and the set phrase.
I remain, yours respectfully,
A. Maeder.
Dear Professor,6
It is also important that you give the patient some hint about the duration of the treatment. He insists you spoke of only 3-4 weeks. After the experiences last time we must be prepared! I do find an inner improvement in Herr v. T. since last time.