ABSTRACT
In 1957, Segal wrote her seminal article, “Notes on symbol formation”. In that paper she wrote for the first time about the “symbolic equation”, a primitive form of symbolism that is typical of the schizophrenic’s concrete thinking; she distinguishes it from true symbolism, i.e. symbolic representation. The originality of this paper comes not only from the innovative quality of the concept itself but also from the fact that in making the distinction between symbolic equation and symbolic representation, Segal links the transition between the two to the development of object relations and of the transference. It was Melanie Klein who first opened up that possibility when, early in her work, she linked the development of the ego to the capacity to form symbols.
