- Email: [email protected]
NEW PREPARATIONS.
1221
NOTES, COMMENTS, AND ABSTRACTS INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHOANALYSIS. ADDRESSING the Medical Society of Individual psychology in London on Nov. 19th, Dr. Erwin Wexburg, of Vienna, said that individual psychology is based on one principle or "final tendency " -namely, the purposive unity of man’s personality. In psycho-analysis on the other hand, though a great deal is said concerning final methods of interpretation, the theory as a whole is causal. Individual agreesthatcausality operates, but it psychologythat this perception does not help towards out points the understanding of a man’s personality. For this purpose the person must beregarded as a whole,as e unity a purposive y built up on childish patterns. he does not agree with Psycho-analysis, this point of view. It acknowledges that childhood patterns are maintained throughout a whole life, but it explains this by an energetic simile : if libido is checked it will flow back to childhood indulgences. But this theory clears up nothing but itself. The energetic calculation is right, but psychical energy, the libido, is only a working hypothesis, a natural power like electricity or warmth, it is not a fact. But a real fact, the subject, is missing here as it is in the whole of psycho-analytical theory. This is a mistake. A psycho-analyst cannot even make a purchase or call upon a friend without acknowledging what he is denying in theory, that there is a centre of personal life, whose purposes are to be understood by motives, and not to be explained by energetic calculations. The same profound difference between theory and practice is to be found in psycho-analytical therapy. After daily interviews for years suppressed tendencies are brought to light, and are then mastered by the ego, the representative of reality. But who does this ? Does the libido regulate itself ? This must be so if the work is done by the ego instincts, since psycho-analysts maintain that the ego instincts are nothing but a certain form of libido. To the individual psychologists, however, the ego is the central personality, responsible for itself, and for its r6le in social life. The neurotic differs from the healthy man in that, unknown to himself, he seeks for ends not adapted to reality. By treatment he gains insight into where he was wrong, and so is enabled to change his method of life. This is what psycho-analysis calls sublimation and transference of libido on to legitimate objects. Dr. Wexburg pointed out that Freud’s original method of psychical research is fully adapted to the idea of finalism, which is the basis of individual psychological theory and practice. The individual psychologist considers that tendencies which betray themselves by dreams of neurotic symptoms are characteristic of the subject’s style of life, of his "personal purposive pattern." For the psychoanalyst they are strivings of his sexual desires. Again, he said, the subject is missing.
continued,
new to the reviewer, to readers, prevents the reproduction of any excerpts, but the little volume is an obvious contradiction to a popular estimate of the Scottish character, in that some of the best jokes emanate from northern universities. Many of these anecdotes will probably be new in larger circles than those where they are perennially popular.
selected for quotation, though
might
not be
so
NEW PREPARATIONS.
NOVUTOX.—This preparation, a new local aneesthetic, is described by the manufacturers (The Pharmaceutical Corporation, Ltd., 39, Aldersgatestreet, E.C.) as self-sterilising and possessing a powerful chemo-therapeutical action upon wounds. is The chemical para - amino composition and hydrochloride benzoyldiethylaminoethanol adrenalin in Ringer’s solution with an addition of quinotoxins in proportion of 1 : 80,000 and 0’to
0’2 per cent. benzoic acid. The solution is isotonic. The bacteriological results furnished to the manufacturers by their experts point to a highly valuable quality in the preparation. Novutox is supplied in ampoules and in 2 oz. bottles, in each case the percentage strength of the solution being indicated on the receptacles, and a statement of the manufacturers as to the advantages claimed is also enclosed. These may be summarised as follows. In addition to the self-sterilising property already mentioned, the anaesthetic is described as prompt, deep, and lasting, there is an absence of distressing systemic effects, the toxicity is low, and the healing process rapid. In support of these claims the Pharmaceutical Corporation, Ltd., has forwarded to us a large number of signed statements from responsible persons, including a well-known professor of surgery written from the hospital where his Chair is located ; the author of a scientific manual of bacteriology, who writes from the hospital where his tests were made ; and many members of the medical staffs of general and special hospitals, especially dental practitioners. The evidence which has thus been brought to our attention is particularly strong, so that we feel safe in commending the trial of Novutox to our readers. At the same time we may remind Pharmaceutical Corporation, Ltd., of the valuable support to their contentions that would be obtained by a verdict from the Therapeutic Trials Committee of the Medical Research Council, a body which is prepared to consider applications by commercial firms for the examination of new products. These have to be submitted, with the available experimental evidence of their value, when appropriate clinical trials can be arranged in suitable cases. The same firm send us a bactericidal sterilising fluid termed AsAPA to be used for surgical instruments, injection syringes, and dental instruments. They supply here also signed evidence that the preparation does not rust, stain, or corrode instruments, nor impair cutting edges. The fluid which is employed undiluted is supplied in approximately one quart bottles on " THAT REMINDS ME OF A STORY. " which full directions for use are affixed. These A LITTLE book entitled " Jokes : Seen and Unseen,"1 directions contain the important caution that in order forms reminiscences, through the compiler’s lifetime, to eliminate every risk to the patient it is absolutely of stories which have appeared to him worth bringing essential to remove every trace of Asapa from syringes together in a convenient form. Though the author after they have been sterilised. This can be done by disclaims intention to classify them, they are divided rinsing with Ringer’s or physiological saline solution. into stories relating to principals and other high The warning is also given that no Asapa must come dignitaries ; to professors and lecturers, to students, into contact with the local anaesthetic. and to characteristics or episodes related to various THE CÆSAREAN OPERATION. university circles that have gone the round in their A centres. of stories are PAPER on Csesarean Section, its History and While some the particular certain to be familiar to many readers, there are others Present Status, was read by Dr. A. H. Davidson, which will probably be new, The risk that any story president-elect of the Dublin University Biological 1 Jokes: Seen and Unseen. By David Fraser-Harris, B.Sc. Association, at the annual opening meeting of the Tracing its history from early times, he Lond., M.D. Glasg., D.Sc. Birm., sometime Professor of Physio- Society. out that it was attended by a very large logy, Dalhousie University. Paisley : Alexander Gardner, Ltd. pointed 1931. Pp. 126. 2s. mortality during the eighteenth and nineteenth -
NOTES, COMMENTS, AND ABSTRACTS INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHOANALYSIS. ADDRESSING the Medical Society of Individual psychology in London on Nov. 19th, Dr. Erwin Wexburg, of Vienna, said that individual psychology is based on one principle or "final tendency " -namely, the purposive unity of man’s personality. In psycho-analysis on the other hand, though a great deal is said concerning final methods of interpretation, the theory as a whole is causal. Individual agreesthatcausality operates, but it psychologythat this perception does not help towards out points the understanding of a man’s personality. For this purpose the person must beregarded as a whole,as e unity a purposive y built up on childish patterns. he does not agree with Psycho-analysis, this point of view. It acknowledges that childhood patterns are maintained throughout a whole life, but it explains this by an energetic simile : if libido is checked it will flow back to childhood indulgences. But this theory clears up nothing but itself. The energetic calculation is right, but psychical energy, the libido, is only a working hypothesis, a natural power like electricity or warmth, it is not a fact. But a real fact, the subject, is missing here as it is in the whole of psycho-analytical theory. This is a mistake. A psycho-analyst cannot even make a purchase or call upon a friend without acknowledging what he is denying in theory, that there is a centre of personal life, whose purposes are to be understood by motives, and not to be explained by energetic calculations. The same profound difference between theory and practice is to be found in psycho-analytical therapy. After daily interviews for years suppressed tendencies are brought to light, and are then mastered by the ego, the representative of reality. But who does this ? Does the libido regulate itself ? This must be so if the work is done by the ego instincts, since psycho-analysts maintain that the ego instincts are nothing but a certain form of libido. To the individual psychologists, however, the ego is the central personality, responsible for itself, and for its r6le in social life. The neurotic differs from the healthy man in that, unknown to himself, he seeks for ends not adapted to reality. By treatment he gains insight into where he was wrong, and so is enabled to change his method of life. This is what psycho-analysis calls sublimation and transference of libido on to legitimate objects. Dr. Wexburg pointed out that Freud’s original method of psychical research is fully adapted to the idea of finalism, which is the basis of individual psychological theory and practice. The individual psychologist considers that tendencies which betray themselves by dreams of neurotic symptoms are characteristic of the subject’s style of life, of his "personal purposive pattern." For the psychoanalyst they are strivings of his sexual desires. Again, he said, the subject is missing.
continued,
new to the reviewer, to readers, prevents the reproduction of any excerpts, but the little volume is an obvious contradiction to a popular estimate of the Scottish character, in that some of the best jokes emanate from northern universities. Many of these anecdotes will probably be new in larger circles than those where they are perennially popular.
selected for quotation, though
might
not be
so
NEW PREPARATIONS.
NOVUTOX.—This preparation, a new local aneesthetic, is described by the manufacturers (The Pharmaceutical Corporation, Ltd., 39, Aldersgatestreet, E.C.) as self-sterilising and possessing a powerful chemo-therapeutical action upon wounds. is The chemical para - amino composition and hydrochloride benzoyldiethylaminoethanol adrenalin in Ringer’s solution with an addition of quinotoxins in proportion of 1 : 80,000 and 0’to
0’2 per cent. benzoic acid. The solution is isotonic. The bacteriological results furnished to the manufacturers by their experts point to a highly valuable quality in the preparation. Novutox is supplied in ampoules and in 2 oz. bottles, in each case the percentage strength of the solution being indicated on the receptacles, and a statement of the manufacturers as to the advantages claimed is also enclosed. These may be summarised as follows. In addition to the self-sterilising property already mentioned, the anaesthetic is described as prompt, deep, and lasting, there is an absence of distressing systemic effects, the toxicity is low, and the healing process rapid. In support of these claims the Pharmaceutical Corporation, Ltd., has forwarded to us a large number of signed statements from responsible persons, including a well-known professor of surgery written from the hospital where his Chair is located ; the author of a scientific manual of bacteriology, who writes from the hospital where his tests were made ; and many members of the medical staffs of general and special hospitals, especially dental practitioners. The evidence which has thus been brought to our attention is particularly strong, so that we feel safe in commending the trial of Novutox to our readers. At the same time we may remind Pharmaceutical Corporation, Ltd., of the valuable support to their contentions that would be obtained by a verdict from the Therapeutic Trials Committee of the Medical Research Council, a body which is prepared to consider applications by commercial firms for the examination of new products. These have to be submitted, with the available experimental evidence of their value, when appropriate clinical trials can be arranged in suitable cases. The same firm send us a bactericidal sterilising fluid termed AsAPA to be used for surgical instruments, injection syringes, and dental instruments. They supply here also signed evidence that the preparation does not rust, stain, or corrode instruments, nor impair cutting edges. The fluid which is employed undiluted is supplied in approximately one quart bottles on " THAT REMINDS ME OF A STORY. " which full directions for use are affixed. These A LITTLE book entitled " Jokes : Seen and Unseen,"1 directions contain the important caution that in order forms reminiscences, through the compiler’s lifetime, to eliminate every risk to the patient it is absolutely of stories which have appeared to him worth bringing essential to remove every trace of Asapa from syringes together in a convenient form. Though the author after they have been sterilised. This can be done by disclaims intention to classify them, they are divided rinsing with Ringer’s or physiological saline solution. into stories relating to principals and other high The warning is also given that no Asapa must come dignitaries ; to professors and lecturers, to students, into contact with the local anaesthetic. and to characteristics or episodes related to various THE CÆSAREAN OPERATION. university circles that have gone the round in their A centres. of stories are PAPER on Csesarean Section, its History and While some the particular certain to be familiar to many readers, there are others Present Status, was read by Dr. A. H. Davidson, which will probably be new, The risk that any story president-elect of the Dublin University Biological 1 Jokes: Seen and Unseen. By David Fraser-Harris, B.Sc. Association, at the annual opening meeting of the Tracing its history from early times, he Lond., M.D. Glasg., D.Sc. Birm., sometime Professor of Physio- Society. out that it was attended by a very large logy, Dalhousie University. Paisley : Alexander Gardner, Ltd. pointed 1931. Pp. 126. 2s. mortality during the eighteenth and nineteenth -