Urte Laukaityte at Aeon Magazine:
In Vienna, in late February 1895, a 30-year-old woman, Emma Eckstein, is about to undergo an operation. She has recently complained of a few health problems – mostly stomach pain and discomfort, some sadness, especially around her period. Luckily, a young Berlin doctor by the name of Wilhelm Fliess is there to help. He comes highly recommended by a long-time trusted family friend, himself a reputable physician, Sigmund Freud. They agree that Eckstein’s menstrual stomach issues can be addressed through a simple surgery on an altogether different body part – Fliess removes a bit of bone from inside her nose.
The late 19th century saw a flowering of interest in the nasogenital reflex – the idea that there is a strong physiological link between the nose and the genitals. The nasogenital concept could allegedly explain all manner of trouble, not just in the reproductive system but across the board. The nose provided a clinical shortcut of sorts, a kind of map of the body. For mild illness, treatment could involve stimulating the problem areas of the nasal mucosa with cocaine.
more here.
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