ABSTRACT
The name primary process is, historically, very much linked to the concept of so-called high mobility of cathexes and that of secondary processes to that of so-called bound cathexes. The role of the primary process perhaps appeared more important. The fundamental characteristic of the primary process is the tendency for instinctual cathexes to press for full and rapid discharge. The fundamental characteristic of secondary process is stability of cathexes. When mental manifestations begin to make their appearance in the infant, so-called primary and secondary process appear together. There seems to be some justification for thinking that the primary-process mode of being is more primitive than that of the secondary-process mode of being. But as one would have to distinguish between various meanings of the word primary, it is preferable to drop it altogether. Perhaps when the approach in terms of energy progresses beyond its present impasse, the expressions 'the primary and secondary process' may become useful again.
