It is possible that heirs or the estate of the authors of individual portions of the work, such as illustrations, assert
copyrights
over these portions.
Weininger - 1946 - Mind and Death of a Genius
The mind and death of a genius, by David Abrahamsen .
.
.
Abrahamsen, David, 1903-
New York, Columbia University Press, 1946.
http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857
Public Domain, Google-digitized
http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
This work is in the Public Domain, meaning that it is not subject to copyright. Users are free to copy, use, and redistribute the work in part or in whole. It is possible that heirs or the estate of the authors of individual portions of the work, such as illustrations, assert copyrights over these portions. Depending on the nature of subsequent use that is made, additional rights may need to be obtained independently of anything we can address. The digital images and OCR of this work were produced by Google, Inc. (indicated by a watermark on each page in the PageTurner). Google requests that the images and OCR not be re-hosted, redistributed or used commercially.
The images are provided for educational, scholarly, non-commercial purposes.
? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? The Mind and Death of a genius
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? OTTO WEININGER
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? Hie Mind and Death
of a genius
y
by DAVID ABRAHAMSEN, m. d.
1*
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
19 4 6
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PRESS, NEW YORK
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? By the Same Author
CRIME AND THE HUMAN MIND
MEN, MIND, AND POWER
Copyr1ght, 1946, Columb1a Un1vers1ty Press
London: Geoffrey cumberlege, Oxford Un1vers1ty Press
Manufactured in the United States of America
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 33 602419
0
-a
f
7
To NOLAN D. C. LEWIS,
Psychiatrist and Friend
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? Preface
Ihis book is an interpretation of the mind and death of
Otto Weininger. To make such an interpretation of per-
sonality, I naturally had recourse to the tools of psychology
and psychoanalytic psychiatry, analyzed carefully his volumin-
ous work, Sex and Character, and sought out sources of infor-
mation about him. Since the greater part of Weininger's life
was veiled in darkness, it was necessary for me to get in touch
with his family, his friends, and his contemporaries who had
firsthand knowledge. I also was obliged to search through
Weininger's own works, his correspondence, and the literature
concerning him. A number of letters and postcards pertaining
to his life are here made public for the first time.
This work was undertaken some ten years ago in Norway and
was continued by studies in Copenhagen and in the British
Museum in London. About two years after the start I began to
integrate the material, and some two years thereafter the book
was nearing the stage of completion.
Then came the German invasion. I joined the Norwegian
Army, but the manuscript was left behind in Oslo. After a few
months of fighting, I succeeded in escaping from Norway,
carrying part of the manuscript with me until I finally landed
in this country of freedom.
However, an important part of the manuscript had to be left
with my wife. Several months passed before she and our two
daughters managed to get out of Norway and finally, via
Russia and Japan, arrived in Chicago. In 1941 we were rejoined,
as were the two parts of the manuscript after having circum-
navigated the globe.
Since that time new data has been collected, more research
and deeper studies have been conducted which have brought
about extensive revisions of the manuscript.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? Preface
I wish to express my gratitude to those who have assisted me
in my work: to Mrs. Rosa Boschan Weininger of Budapest,
for the invaluable information she has given about her brother
and for permission to use the material not previously published;
to the late Sigmund Freud, for his invaluable assistance; to
Wilhelm Treichlinger, of Vienna, who helped to trace the
many sources; to Emil Lucka; to Hans Ewald, of Vienna; Greg-
ory Zilboorg, of New York; Karl A. Mcnninger, of the Men-
ninger Clinic, Topeka, Kansas; and Paul Federn, of New York.
John Hambro of Oslo was helpful in some of the previous
translation, as was Commissioner of Police, Kristian Welhaven,
Oslo, Norway, in acquiring information and material.
Finally, I thank my wife for her always invaluable and
stimulating support.
DAVID ABRAHAMSEN
Columbia University
May 2, 1946
>
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? Contents
INTRODUCTION
SHADOWS OF THE PAST
. TOWARDS THE FUTURE
THE CITY BY THE RIVER
. STUDENT AND GENIUS
THE EMPTY SCENE
. THE EDGE OF FEAR
' SEX AND CHARACTER
'7. CROSSING THE BORDER
f. GENIUS AND INSANITY
ABBREVIATIONS
BIBLIOGRAPHIC NOTE
APPENDIX
INDEX
3
6
M
26
38
59
76
104
196
197
201
217
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? I
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? Illustrations
OTTO WEININGER
LEOPOLD WEININGER
ADELHEID WEININGER
Frontispiece
opposite 6
opposite 18
FACSIMILE OF THE POEM "SCHAUDER"
IN WEININGER'S HANDWRITING 23
LETTER WRITTEN BY FREUD,
MARCH 14, 1938 41
FACSIMILE OF LAST PAGE OF "VERDAMNIS,"
SHOWING WEININGER'S SIGNATURE 67
OTTO WEININGER IN THE SPRING
OF 1903 opposite 162
LETTER WRITTEN BY FREUD,
JUNE 11, 1939
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle.
It is possible that heirs or the estate of the authors of individual portions of the work, such as illustrations, assert copyrights over these portions. Depending on the nature of subsequent use that is made, additional rights may need to be obtained independently of anything we can address. The digital images and OCR of this work were produced by Google, Inc. (indicated by a watermark on each page in the PageTurner). Google requests that the images and OCR not be re-hosted, redistributed or used commercially.
The images are provided for educational, scholarly, non-commercial purposes.
? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? The Mind and Death of a genius
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? OTTO WEININGER
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? Hie Mind and Death
of a genius
y
by DAVID ABRAHAMSEN, m. d.
1*
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
19 4 6
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PRESS, NEW YORK
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? By the Same Author
CRIME AND THE HUMAN MIND
MEN, MIND, AND POWER
Copyr1ght, 1946, Columb1a Un1vers1ty Press
London: Geoffrey cumberlege, Oxford Un1vers1ty Press
Manufactured in the United States of America
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 33 602419
0
-a
f
7
To NOLAN D. C. LEWIS,
Psychiatrist and Friend
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? Preface
Ihis book is an interpretation of the mind and death of
Otto Weininger. To make such an interpretation of per-
sonality, I naturally had recourse to the tools of psychology
and psychoanalytic psychiatry, analyzed carefully his volumin-
ous work, Sex and Character, and sought out sources of infor-
mation about him. Since the greater part of Weininger's life
was veiled in darkness, it was necessary for me to get in touch
with his family, his friends, and his contemporaries who had
firsthand knowledge. I also was obliged to search through
Weininger's own works, his correspondence, and the literature
concerning him. A number of letters and postcards pertaining
to his life are here made public for the first time.
This work was undertaken some ten years ago in Norway and
was continued by studies in Copenhagen and in the British
Museum in London. About two years after the start I began to
integrate the material, and some two years thereafter the book
was nearing the stage of completion.
Then came the German invasion. I joined the Norwegian
Army, but the manuscript was left behind in Oslo. After a few
months of fighting, I succeeded in escaping from Norway,
carrying part of the manuscript with me until I finally landed
in this country of freedom.
However, an important part of the manuscript had to be left
with my wife. Several months passed before she and our two
daughters managed to get out of Norway and finally, via
Russia and Japan, arrived in Chicago. In 1941 we were rejoined,
as were the two parts of the manuscript after having circum-
navigated the globe.
Since that time new data has been collected, more research
and deeper studies have been conducted which have brought
about extensive revisions of the manuscript.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? Preface
I wish to express my gratitude to those who have assisted me
in my work: to Mrs. Rosa Boschan Weininger of Budapest,
for the invaluable information she has given about her brother
and for permission to use the material not previously published;
to the late Sigmund Freud, for his invaluable assistance; to
Wilhelm Treichlinger, of Vienna, who helped to trace the
many sources; to Emil Lucka; to Hans Ewald, of Vienna; Greg-
ory Zilboorg, of New York; Karl A. Mcnninger, of the Men-
ninger Clinic, Topeka, Kansas; and Paul Federn, of New York.
John Hambro of Oslo was helpful in some of the previous
translation, as was Commissioner of Police, Kristian Welhaven,
Oslo, Norway, in acquiring information and material.
Finally, I thank my wife for her always invaluable and
stimulating support.
DAVID ABRAHAMSEN
Columbia University
May 2, 1946
>
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? Contents
INTRODUCTION
SHADOWS OF THE PAST
. TOWARDS THE FUTURE
THE CITY BY THE RIVER
. STUDENT AND GENIUS
THE EMPTY SCENE
. THE EDGE OF FEAR
' SEX AND CHARACTER
'7. CROSSING THE BORDER
f. GENIUS AND INSANITY
ABBREVIATIONS
BIBLIOGRAPHIC NOTE
APPENDIX
INDEX
3
6
M
26
38
59
76
104
196
197
201
217
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? I
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? Illustrations
OTTO WEININGER
LEOPOLD WEININGER
ADELHEID WEININGER
Frontispiece
opposite 6
opposite 18
FACSIMILE OF THE POEM "SCHAUDER"
IN WEININGER'S HANDWRITING 23
LETTER WRITTEN BY FREUD,
MARCH 14, 1938 41
FACSIMILE OF LAST PAGE OF "VERDAMNIS,"
SHOWING WEININGER'S SIGNATURE 67
OTTO WEININGER IN THE SPRING
OF 1903 opposite 162
LETTER WRITTEN BY FREUD,
JUNE 11, 1939
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? I
i
I
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
?
Abrahamsen, David, 1903-
New York, Columbia University Press, 1946.
http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857
Public Domain, Google-digitized
http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
This work is in the Public Domain, meaning that it is not subject to copyright. Users are free to copy, use, and redistribute the work in part or in whole. It is possible that heirs or the estate of the authors of individual portions of the work, such as illustrations, assert copyrights over these portions. Depending on the nature of subsequent use that is made, additional rights may need to be obtained independently of anything we can address. The digital images and OCR of this work were produced by Google, Inc. (indicated by a watermark on each page in the PageTurner). Google requests that the images and OCR not be re-hosted, redistributed or used commercially.
The images are provided for educational, scholarly, non-commercial purposes.
? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? The Mind and Death of a genius
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? OTTO WEININGER
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? Hie Mind and Death
of a genius
y
by DAVID ABRAHAMSEN, m. d.
1*
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
19 4 6
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PRESS, NEW YORK
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? By the Same Author
CRIME AND THE HUMAN MIND
MEN, MIND, AND POWER
Copyr1ght, 1946, Columb1a Un1vers1ty Press
London: Geoffrey cumberlege, Oxford Un1vers1ty Press
Manufactured in the United States of America
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 33 602419
0
-a
f
7
To NOLAN D. C. LEWIS,
Psychiatrist and Friend
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? ? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? Preface
Ihis book is an interpretation of the mind and death of
Otto Weininger. To make such an interpretation of per-
sonality, I naturally had recourse to the tools of psychology
and psychoanalytic psychiatry, analyzed carefully his volumin-
ous work, Sex and Character, and sought out sources of infor-
mation about him. Since the greater part of Weininger's life
was veiled in darkness, it was necessary for me to get in touch
with his family, his friends, and his contemporaries who had
firsthand knowledge. I also was obliged to search through
Weininger's own works, his correspondence, and the literature
concerning him. A number of letters and postcards pertaining
to his life are here made public for the first time.
This work was undertaken some ten years ago in Norway and
was continued by studies in Copenhagen and in the British
Museum in London. About two years after the start I began to
integrate the material, and some two years thereafter the book
was nearing the stage of completion.
Then came the German invasion. I joined the Norwegian
Army, but the manuscript was left behind in Oslo. After a few
months of fighting, I succeeded in escaping from Norway,
carrying part of the manuscript with me until I finally landed
in this country of freedom.
However, an important part of the manuscript had to be left
with my wife. Several months passed before she and our two
daughters managed to get out of Norway and finally, via
Russia and Japan, arrived in Chicago. In 1941 we were rejoined,
as were the two parts of the manuscript after having circum-
navigated the globe.
Since that time new data has been collected, more research
and deeper studies have been conducted which have brought
about extensive revisions of the manuscript.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? Preface
I wish to express my gratitude to those who have assisted me
in my work: to Mrs. Rosa Boschan Weininger of Budapest,
for the invaluable information she has given about her brother
and for permission to use the material not previously published;
to the late Sigmund Freud, for his invaluable assistance; to
Wilhelm Treichlinger, of Vienna, who helped to trace the
many sources; to Emil Lucka; to Hans Ewald, of Vienna; Greg-
ory Zilboorg, of New York; Karl A. Mcnninger, of the Men-
ninger Clinic, Topeka, Kansas; and Paul Federn, of New York.
John Hambro of Oslo was helpful in some of the previous
translation, as was Commissioner of Police, Kristian Welhaven,
Oslo, Norway, in acquiring information and material.
Finally, I thank my wife for her always invaluable and
stimulating support.
DAVID ABRAHAMSEN
Columbia University
May 2, 1946
>
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? Contents
INTRODUCTION
SHADOWS OF THE PAST
. TOWARDS THE FUTURE
THE CITY BY THE RIVER
. STUDENT AND GENIUS
THE EMPTY SCENE
. THE EDGE OF FEAR
' SEX AND CHARACTER
'7. CROSSING THE BORDER
f. GENIUS AND INSANITY
ABBREVIATIONS
BIBLIOGRAPHIC NOTE
APPENDIX
INDEX
3
6
M
26
38
59
76
104
196
197
201
217
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? I
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-08-19 08:37 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/wu. 89038364857 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? Illustrations
OTTO WEININGER
LEOPOLD WEININGER
ADELHEID WEININGER
Frontispiece
opposite 6
opposite 18
FACSIMILE OF THE POEM "SCHAUDER"
IN WEININGER'S HANDWRITING 23
LETTER WRITTEN BY FREUD,
MARCH 14, 1938 41
FACSIMILE OF LAST PAGE OF "VERDAMNIS,"
SHOWING WEININGER'S SIGNATURE 67
OTTO WEININGER IN THE SPRING
OF 1903 opposite 162
LETTER WRITTEN BY FREUD,
JUNE 11, 1939
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? The Mind and Death of a genius
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? OTTO WEININGER
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? Hie Mind and Death
of a genius
y
by DAVID ABRAHAMSEN, m. d.
1*
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
19 4 6
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PRESS, NEW YORK
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? By the Same Author
CRIME AND THE HUMAN MIND
MEN, MIND, AND POWER
Copyr1ght, 1946, Columb1a Un1vers1ty Press
London: Geoffrey cumberlege, Oxford Un1vers1ty Press
Manufactured in the United States of America
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? 33 602419
0
-a
f
7
To NOLAN D. C. LEWIS,
Psychiatrist and Friend
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? Preface
Ihis book is an interpretation of the mind and death of
Otto Weininger. To make such an interpretation of per-
sonality, I naturally had recourse to the tools of psychology
and psychoanalytic psychiatry, analyzed carefully his volumin-
ous work, Sex and Character, and sought out sources of infor-
mation about him. Since the greater part of Weininger's life
was veiled in darkness, it was necessary for me to get in touch
with his family, his friends, and his contemporaries who had
firsthand knowledge. I also was obliged to search through
Weininger's own works, his correspondence, and the literature
concerning him. A number of letters and postcards pertaining
to his life are here made public for the first time.
This work was undertaken some ten years ago in Norway and
was continued by studies in Copenhagen and in the British
Museum in London. About two years after the start I began to
integrate the material, and some two years thereafter the book
was nearing the stage of completion.
Then came the German invasion. I joined the Norwegian
Army, but the manuscript was left behind in Oslo. After a few
months of fighting, I succeeded in escaping from Norway,
carrying part of the manuscript with me until I finally landed
in this country of freedom.
However, an important part of the manuscript had to be left
with my wife. Several months passed before she and our two
daughters managed to get out of Norway and finally, via
Russia and Japan, arrived in Chicago. In 1941 we were rejoined,
as were the two parts of the manuscript after having circum-
navigated the globe.
Since that time new data has been collected, more research
and deeper studies have been conducted which have brought
about extensive revisions of the manuscript.
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? Preface
I wish to express my gratitude to those who have assisted me
in my work: to Mrs. Rosa Boschan Weininger of Budapest,
for the invaluable information she has given about her brother
and for permission to use the material not previously published;
to the late Sigmund Freud, for his invaluable assistance; to
Wilhelm Treichlinger, of Vienna, who helped to trace the
many sources; to Emil Lucka; to Hans Ewald, of Vienna; Greg-
ory Zilboorg, of New York; Karl A. Mcnninger, of the Men-
ninger Clinic, Topeka, Kansas; and Paul Federn, of New York.
John Hambro of Oslo was helpful in some of the previous
translation, as was Commissioner of Police, Kristian Welhaven,
Oslo, Norway, in acquiring information and material.
Finally, I thank my wife for her always invaluable and
stimulating support.
DAVID ABRAHAMSEN
Columbia University
May 2, 1946
>
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? Contents
INTRODUCTION
SHADOWS OF THE PAST
. TOWARDS THE FUTURE
THE CITY BY THE RIVER
. STUDENT AND GENIUS
THE EMPTY SCENE
. THE EDGE OF FEAR
' SEX AND CHARACTER
'7. CROSSING THE BORDER
f. GENIUS AND INSANITY
ABBREVIATIONS
BIBLIOGRAPHIC NOTE
APPENDIX
INDEX
3
6
M
26
38
59
76
104
196
197
201
217
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? I
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? Illustrations
OTTO WEININGER
LEOPOLD WEININGER
ADELHEID WEININGER
Frontispiece
opposite 6
opposite 18
FACSIMILE OF THE POEM "SCHAUDER"
IN WEININGER'S HANDWRITING 23
LETTER WRITTEN BY FREUD,
MARCH 14, 1938 41
FACSIMILE OF LAST PAGE OF "VERDAMNIS,"
SHOWING WEININGER'S SIGNATURE 67
OTTO WEININGER IN THE SPRING
OF 1903 opposite 162
LETTER WRITTEN BY FREUD,
JUNE 11, 1939
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? I
i
I
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?
