Page:The International Journal of Psycho-Analysis III 1922 1.djvu/77

Rh great importance in the history of Psycho-Analysis in English-speaking countries, and there can be no doubt that with his death in 1918 the movement lost a loyal friend, a staunch supporter and an investigator distinguished by unusual breadth of view, openness of mind, courage and ability. His writings on Psycho-Analysis were, however, scattered through a considerable number of European and American periodicals, some being written in English, others in German, so that the present volume will be of great service to the English-speaking student at the same time as it provides a welcome memorial to a remarkable and noble personality.

The book consists of twenty-two essays: some of these are chiefly devoted to the exposition of psycho-analytical doctrine; others present original clinical material; while still others suggest certain extensions of the generally accepted psycho-analytical point of view. On all subjects Professor Putnam writes with a charm and lucidity that is too often lacking in psycho-analytical literature, and even in matters in which the reader may be inclined to disagree with the author there is much to be gained from a close study of his views, which are always tolerant, broad-minded and suggestive, and which are put forward in a manner that gives evidence of a most unusual combination of intense earnestness and engaging modesty.

As regards the expository writings, nothing need be said except that they are excellent throughout and are of such a kind as to remove from the doctrines of Psycho-Analysis that appearance of absurdity, 'far-fetchedness', or repulsiveness, which less skilful presentations are so apt to convey to the student who is approaching the subject for the first time. In this respect they are nowhere equalled or excelled, except perhaps in a very few of the didactic writings of Professor Freud himself.

The clinical articles present some useful material, though the analyses, as communicated, are sometimes rather tantalizingly incomplete. It is interesting to note that, while laying full weight upon the psycho-pathological factors productive of neurosis, Professor Putnam also lays stress upon the desirability of so modifying the social environment as to impose somewhat less strain upon those individuals who are unable to live up to the very high standard of inhibition and sublimation that is so frequently demanded; as when he says (p. 111): 'we talk of independence, but, in fact, the community is almost frantic in its demands for conformity. The key to the solution of these difficulties must be sought, not primarily in the education of the younger generation, but in that of the older. It is with the lack of knowledge on the part of the parents and the disregard by physicians of the need of acquiring and imparting adequate information on these subjects that the reform must deal. There can be no doubt but that our social and ethical