ABSTRACT
Psychoanalysis—in so far as we can still use the singular form of the word, given the contemporary "Babelization" of both theory and practice—is made up of at least three fields; even though these are related to one another, it would be helpful to draw a clear distinction between them. Psychoanalysis is not an "exact technique" in the way that we speak of "exact science"; it is not everywhere identical, but varies from one country to another, from one analyst to another, from one countertransference to another. These studies "of" psychoanalysis may involve certain "social" aspects of psychoanalysis, its "image" with respect to public opinion, its effect as measured against a certain conception of psychological disorders and mental illnesses. Any reflection on clinical research in psychoanalysis requires the invention of procedures specifically designed for psychoanalysis, procedures that enable the actual practice of psychoanalysts to be apprehended over and beyond group ideologies.
