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Abstract. In 1883-1884, Sigmund Freud was a young neurologist in search for a brilliant medical discovery to launch his scientific career. After studying some American papers on the subject, but also the results Dr. Theodor Aschenbrandt had obtained on German ground, Freud has become interested in cocaine. A less familiar drug at the time (in comparison with the opiates), cocaine would prove impressive effects - during experiments - on fatigue, pain and many other medical problems. Freud was both interested in the substance as a cure for different diseases and as an intellectual stimulant (as he could notice trying the drug himself). As Freud becomes involved at various levels (at scientific, clinical, personal level and so on), the study analysis the stages of his interest in cocaine, also the part he has played in the scientific research regarding cocaine and last but not least, his relation with the 'decadent' world around the year 1900.
Key words: cocaine, Sigmund Freud, 19th century, panacea, opium, medicine, hallucinogens
In 1883, Dr. Theodor Aschenbrandt obtained a dose of pure cocaine from the Merck Company of pharmaceutics and gave it, with positive results (subsequently published) to the Bavarian soldiers during the fall manoeuvres.2 Freud was at the time3 a young neurologist, confronted himself with neurotic symptoms due to exhaustion/chronic fatigue and financial problems. Cocaine seemed to be a solution to all his problems, providing him with the energy and high spirits for his intellectual work, but also promising to be an extremely important discovery in his research career: "If it goes well [Freud had already tried cocaine himself and also prescribed it to two patients] I will write an essay on it and I expect it will win its place in therapeutics by the side of morphium and superior to it. I have other hopes and intentions regarding it. I take very small doses of it regularly against depression and against indigestion, and with the most brilliant success.... In short it is only now that I feel I am a doctor, since I have helped one patient and hope to help more. If things go on in this way we need have no concern about being able to come together and to stay in Vienna."
His enthusiasm and also...