Contents


Collection Summary

Biographical Note

Scope and Content Note

Arrangement of the Papers

Selected Search Terms

Container List

Correspondence, 1908-1924, undated

International Psycho-Analytical Association, circular letters, 1924-1925

Statements on psychoanalytic training, undated

Additions

Karl Abraham Papers

A Finding Aid to the Papers in the Sigmund Freud Collection in the Library of Congress

Prepared by Allan TeichroewRevised and expanded by Margaret McAleer

2010

Collection Summary

Creator Abraham, Karl, 1877-1925
Title Karl Abraham Papers
Span Dates 1908-1925
Abstract: Psychoanalyst. Correspondence, circular letters, drafts of statements, a book inscription, and a program documenting Abraham’s role in the founding of psychoanalysis, particularly in his native Germany.
Extent: 50 items1 container.2 linear feet
Language: Collection material in German and English
Identification: MSS49015

Biographical Note

Date Event
1877, May 3 Born, Bremen, Germany
1901 M.D., University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
1901-1904 Assistant, Berlin Municipal Asylum, Berlin, Germany
1904-1907 Assistant to Eugen Bleuler, Burghölzli Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
1907
1909 Published Traum und Mythus, eine Studie zur Völkerpsychologie. Leipzig: F. Deuticke
1910
1912 Founding member of the “Committee,” a group composed of Freud’s closest associates who consulted regularly on issues relating to Freud and the psychoanalytic movement
1914-1918 Wartime military service as a surgeon in Berlin, Germany, and later as chief physician of a hospital psychiatric unit in Allenstein, Germany
1924
1925, Dec. 25 Died, Berlin, Germany

Return to the Table of Contents

Scope and Content Note

The papers of Karl Abraham (1877-1925) span the years 1908-1925 and document Abraham’s role in the founding of psychoanalysis, particularly in his native Germany. The papers consist largely of letters from psychoanalysts and others associated with the movement, including Lou Andreas-Salomé, Eugen Bleuler, Franz Deuticke, Wilhelm Fliess, G. Stanley Hall, Ernest Jones, C. G. Jung, Otto Rank, and Theodor Reik. Two letters from Abraham to Max Eitingon written in 1908 are included as well. Also featured in the collection are circular letters from the International Psycho-Analytical Association during Abraham’s presidency from 1924 to 1925 and statements concerning psychoanalytic training drafted during the 1920s. An addition to the papers in 2001 consists of two letters written by Abraham, a letter from Hanns Sachs to Abraham, and a letter from Nelly Wolffheim to Abraham’s widow, Hedwig Abraham. Miscellaneous items include a photocopy of a book inscription by Sigmund Freud and a photocopy of a program from the opening of Abraham’s psychoanalytic outpatient clinic in Berlin in 1920.

Return to the Table of Contents

Selected Search Terms

People

  • Abraham, Karl, 1877-1925.
  • Andreas-Salomé, Lou, 1861-1937--Correspondence.
  • Bleuler, Eugen, 1857-1939--Correspondence.
  • Deuticke, Franz--Correspondence.
  • Fliess, Wilhelm, 1858-1928--Correspondence.
  • Hall, G. Stanley (Granville Stanley), 1844-1924--Correspondence.
  • Jones, Ernest, 1879-1958--Correspondence.
  • Jung, C. G. (Carl Gustav), 1875-1961--Correspondence.
  • Rank, Otto, 1884-1939--Correspondence.
  • Reik, Theodor, 1888-1969--Correspondence.

Organizations

  • International Psycho-Analytical Association.

Subjects

  • Psychoanalysis--Germany.
  • Psychoanalysis.

Occupations

  • Psychoanalysts.

Return to the Table of Contents

Arrangement of the Papers

This collection is arranged alphabetically by type of material.

Return to the Table of Contents

Container List

Correspondence, 1908-1924, undated (2 folders)

International Psycho-Analytical Association, circular letters, 1924-1925

Statements on psychoanalytic training, undated

Additions

2001 addition

Correspondence, 1912, 1923-1924, undated

Miscellany, 1920, undated

2010 addition

Correspondence, 1918

Return to the Table of Contents