G. S. Vinaj - La Psiche Nell' Isterismo e nella Neurastenia Osservazioni cliniche - 1893

An historical work of Italian psychiatry from the late nineteenth century: "The Psyche in Hysteria and Neurasthenia: Clinical Observations", written by Dr. G. S. Vinaj (Gerolamo Secondo Vinaj, physician director of the hydrotherapy establishments in Andorno).

The volume is part of the Small Contemporary Medical Library series and was published in Milan by the publishing house Dottor Francesco Vallardi.

The text sits in the midst of the scientific and positivist debate of the second half of the nineteenth century, a period when hysteria and neurasthenia (the latter originally theorized by George Miller Beard in 1869) were considered among the most widespread nervous and "psychic" disorders, also linked to the rhythms and stress of the dawning modern life.

The author, Dr. Vinaj, was a figure of the highest rank in hydrotherapy and spa treatments in Italy. The text collects his clinical observations, analyzing the interaction between the mind ("the psyche") and somatoform disorders or of the nervous system. In treating these pathologies, Vinaj promoted an integrated therapeutic approach based on dietary regimens, hydrotherapy, rest and controlled physical stimulations (physiotherapy of the era).