The surgical operation devised by Wilhelm Fliess, known as nasal reflex neurosis, aimed to alleviate neurological and psychological symptoms by altering the connection between the nose and the genitals. Practising in Berlin as an otolaryngologist, he maintained a career defined by his pursuit of pseudoscientific frameworks that diverged significantly from established medical practices of the late nineteenth century.
Medical Theories and Clinical Practice
Born in 1858 in Choszczno, Fliess studied at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. He gained attention for his 1892 publication, Neue Beitrage und Therapie der nasalen Reflexneurose, which detailed his theory regarding the nasal-genital connection. This practice involved invasive surgical procedures on the nasal mucosa, an approach that eventually attracted intense scrutiny. His subsequent development of vital periodicity postulated that human life followed fixed cycles of 23 and 28 days. These concepts, now categorized as biorhythms, are widely regarded by modern scientists as lacking predictive power and scientific validity.
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Fliess met Sigmund Freud in Vienna in 1887, following a suggestion by Josef Breuer. Their association spanned seventeen years, during which they exchanged extensive correspondence and engaged in theoretical work, including a project for a scientific psychology. Freud relied on Fliess for nasal surgeries intended to treat neuroses. However, the partnership collapsed in 1904. Fliess accused Freud of disclosing confidential details regarding his theory of bisexuality to Otto Weininger, who subsequently included those concepts in his own book, Sex and Character.
The Case of Emma Eckstein
The danger inherent in Fliess's surgical techniques became evident during his treatment of Emma Eckstein. Referred by Freud for the removal of a turbinate bone to manage premenstrual depression, Eckstein suffered severe hemorrhaging and infection. A subsequent consultation with another surgeon revealed that Fliess had left surgical gauze inside her nasal cavity. The procedure resulted in permanent facial disfigurement for the patient. Despite this outcome, Eckstein maintained a professional relationship with Freud and later became a psychoanalyst herself.
Death and Historical Assessment
Fliess died in 1928 in Berlin and was interred at the Dahlem Cemetery. His correspondence with Freud, which the latter ordered to be destroyed, survived only through the intervention of Marie Bonaparte. Biographical analyses have since characterized the relationship as an intense, irrational connection that influenced the early history of psychoanalysis. His legacy is often framed by the critical rejection of his pseudoscientific theories by the medical community, with modern assessments focusing on his role in the development of Freud's early work.
Fast facts
- Born: 1858, Choszczno
- Died: 1928, Berlin
- Education: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
- Buried: Dahlem Cemetery
- Occupation: Physician and surgeon
- Field of work: Psychoanalysis
- Nationality: German
Questions readers ask
What was the nasal reflex neurosis theory?
It was a theory proposing a direct connection between the nose and the genitals that caused various psychological and neurological symptoms.
Why did Fliess and Freud stop working together?
Their friendship ended in 1904 when Fliess believed Freud shared his unpublished theories on human bisexuality with Otto Weininger.
Achievements
- Fields: psychoanalysis
