To trace the evolution of psychiatric thought, both in the past and in statu nascendi, is especially difficult because there are so many indirect extraneous influences from allied sciences. Without a knowledge of such sources the development of psychopathologic ideas and methods cannot be fully understood. In recent years the psychology of Ludwig Klages has exerted an apparent increasing influence on German psychiatry. The appearance of the first English translation of his main work, "The Science of Character,"1 furnishes the occasion for a review of the significance of his system in present day psychopathology.
"The Science of Character" is based on lectures which were delivered between 1905 and 1907. It appeared first in book form in 1910.2 The fourth edition3 was considerably enlarged and changed, although the main foundations of the whole system remained the same. Klages' psychologic studies originated in the analysis of handwriting. From the