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In the first chapter an attempt was made to draw out the pre-psycho-analytic Bion by the use of the first two sections of ‘Experiences in Groups’, the clinical work for which probably extended from 1942 through 1950. Some evaluation of the special equipment he brought into the field of psycho-analysis was attempted, bearing on his character, his modes of thought, the background of his special humour, his philosophy of science, his use of language and his basic differentiation between individual and group mentality.
In the present chapter we are concerned to examine Bion's transition into the field of psycho-analysis, which occurred through his association with John Rickman and his training analysis with Melanie Klein. The review of his work on groups in the light of the work of Freud and Melanie Klein should show us something of the impact of psycho-analytical experience and thought on his previous ideas and attitudes. His first clinical paper in analysis, ‘The Imaginary Twin’ might be expected to show him working in the consulting room so that we can compare the man in these two therapeutic settings, group and individual. It is perhaps worthwhile to remember the historical setting of his work. For instance, Melanie Klein's great paper on projective identification and splitting processes (‘Notes on Some Schizoid Mechanisms’) had appeared in 1946 while the 1950s were characterized by the opening up of the phenomenon of the counter-transference for clinical use by such figures as Winnicott, Paula Heimann, Money-Kyrle. The severe disputes in the British Society over issues of theory and technique raised by Mrs Klein's work had settled down to a ‘gentlemen's agreement’ which held the society together and created a fairly electric atmosphere for research and discussion. Bion became Director of the Clinic a few years after qualification and stirred great interest by his papers on psychosis.
The first problem vis à vis the psycho-analytical community raised by his work with