ABSTRACT
The formulation is the end-product of a transformation; all transformations are associated with a particular vertex. The psycho-analyst is faced at an early date in his own development and at an early stage in the development of psycho-analysis itself with problems that arise because no vertex at present recognized is adequate. It is as absurd to criticize a piece of psycho-analytic work on the ground that it is 'not scientific' as it is to criticize it because it is 'not religious' or 'not artistic'. It has been said in criticism of psycho-analysis that it cannot be regarded as a science because it cannot be mathematized. The group needs to preserve its coherence and identity; efforts to do so are manifested in conventions, laws, culture, and language. The 'exceptional individual' may be variously described as a genius, a messiah, a mystic, and his following may be large or small.
