Nervous ills, their cause and cure

by Boris Sidis

"Nervous Ills, Their Cause and Cure" by Boris Sidis is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the realm of psychopathology, examining the intricate relationship between fear and various nervous disorders. Sidis aims to demystify the subject, arguing against the then-popular psychoanalytic theories and emphasizing the significance of self-preservation mechanisms in understanding human psychology. The opening of the book introduces Sidis's perspective on the foundational impulse of self-preservation that governs all life, including human behavior. He posits that fear is a vital instinct, intimately connected to the drive for survival. This introductory section sets the stage for his analysis of how fear can manifest in both healthy and pathological forms, impacting individuals' lives significantly. He critiques the reduction of psychological principles to mere sexual theories, which he believes distracts from a more comprehensive understanding of human mental processes. Through a series of case studies, Sidis intends to illuminate the mechanisms of nervous illnesses, focusing on how fear can lead to a wide range of psychosomatic conditions.