ON COCAINE

Παρουσίαση

When coca leaves were imported to Europe from South America in the nineteenth century, cocaine's medical potential divided the scientific world, before its use rapidly expanded out into literary and social circles. Finding cocaine to be an analgesic and a cure for depression, Freud hailed it as a miracle drug, stressing in particular its apparent lack of side effects. Marvelling, for example, at its ability to 'cure' addictions to morphine, Freud was enthusiastic in recommending to all his acquaintances. This unique selection combines letters, papers and dream analysis, bringing together the contentious thoughts of one of the twentieth century's most brilliant minds. Freud's theories on cocaine were a liminal stage in his probing of the subconscious, and remain of cultural pertinence. (From the publisher)