Page:The International Journal of Psycho-Analysis III 1922 1.djvu/82

 74 BOOK REVIEWS

priority in point of time for the ideas expressed must certainly go to Ernest Jones whose paper was read before the Royal Society of Medicine, April 9, 1918. Abraham's and Ferenczi's papers were read before the Fifth International Psycho-Analytical Congress, September, 191 8, and Freud's Introduction appeared in the Spring, igiQ.

The majority of the readers of this book and especially those con- cerned with the treatment of the war neuroses tt'ill be disappointed in the little that is said or suggested as regards treatment of these con- ditions, for except in Simmel's paper very little information is given on this part of the subject. English readers particularly will feel this lack, as the successfiil treatment of the 'neurasthenic' pensioner is still a very serious problem confronting the medical profession. Jones states that he has made an intensive study of some half-dozen cases of war neurosis, but unfortunately does not tell us what was the therapeutic result. Abraham makes a few tentative remarks on the therapy of these neuroses, while Ferenczi does not specifically mention it. However, it must be admitted that sufficient time had not elapsed when these articles were written to form an opinion as to the value of this or that method of treatment. It is hoped that later these writers will again express their views and experience with especial reference to the treatment of the war neuroses.

Freud's introduction to this book contains nothing like the force and clearness usually portrayed in his writings. Perhaps this indefiniteness is due to his not having had an Qpportunity ol closely investigating these cases, for we know that Freud is the last person to express a definite opinion without full investigation. And this fact seems to be borne out by his statement, '. . . most of the neurotic diseases which had been brought about by the war disappeared on the cessation of war conditions ', Freud is undoubtedly here speaking of Austria and Germany, and this is apparently to be taken in general as a true state of affairs as far as these countries are concerned, and would therefore account for the lack of material for further investigation. However, this does not apply to England, as we unfortunately know too well.

There is another remark of Freud's that will be criticised. He states on page 3 that war neuroses could not occur in professional soldiers and mercenaries. This is certainly not in accordance with our experience, and I should be very surprised if it were applicable to Austria and Germany. I am doubtful if Freud really means it as he has stated. I am rather inclined to think that the paragraph to which it belongs has been loosely written, for it conveys the idea that Freud considers the war neuroses are to be explained by the conflict between the old ego of peace time and the new war-ego of the soldier. Now this explanation is only correct in part and his above quoted statement is invalidated by his later remarks.

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