Sometime ago I wrote about Rebbe Rashab's visit to Freud. Now in response to an unfortunate controversy, previousely unpublished letters have been released. They indicate that Rashab visited Freud as a neurologist, not a psychoanalyst. Neurology was Feud's original profession and he prescribed electric stimulation of Rashab's paralyzed hand (not the same as elecroschock therapy which was not yet invented), which cured him. Freud’s treatment of the Rashab’s hand was purely physical. Though they did discuss topics of mutual interest and Freud did advise methods of alleviating the Rashab’s depression, there was no extended psychoanalytical process, and no referral to a junior colleague.
The junior colleague, Steckel, whose case reports are now being adduced as proof, was an unstable individual who broke with Freud and ultimately committed suicide. He was suspected of making up his cases. Here is a quote from his biography"(p. 142, hat tip to a commenter on a CircusTent post): :
“At one session my honor was personally attacked by Victor Tausk. He insinuated that my cases were invented. (If I had invented my cases I should undoubtedly be a greater poet than Shakespeare.) During this speech by Tausk, I wrote to Freud on a scrap of paper, “If you will not rebuke these personal attacks, this is the last time that I shall have been a member of this circle.” In a mild manner Freud asked Tausk to avoid personal remarks.
I don't have to point out that Steckel's cases are unrealistic. No contemporary therapist would give credence to the approaches and lightning fast cures claimed therein.
For me the clincher is Rashab's writings. Anyone who studies his work, especially the famous Hemshech Reish Samech Vov, encounters a giant of sensitivity, psychological insight, a towering intellect and an understanding heart. This perception is incompatible with what was claimed by Steckel, if it is in fact about him.
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