For research purposes

Très intéressant mais pour pour quelqu'un qui n'est pas français un peu difficile à lire

An interesting read from a historical standpoint. The bulk of the case studies are written in typical Freudian fashion (lots of curiously personal comments and almost comically timed self-reflection). Breuer has only one case study in this text (Anna O.) which certainly stands out compared to Freud's. Section III, however, is entirely dominated by Breuer in a much more technical approach to the theoretical underpinnings of the case studies. Much of the writing shows a clear symmetry to the types of diagnostic criteria that would develop in the DSM-I and II. Hysteria takes a unique place in this writing (aside from a few remarks by Breuer there is little Charcot to be found here). While still overtly linked to the female body (and ultimately the female mind) Breuer - not Freud - briefly muses that male versions of hysteria present their own set of problems. Toward the end of the text some time is spent considering the methodology of the two analysts in their respective practice of psychotherapy. Freud has some curious remarks on hypnosis and his struggles with it as a therapeutic modality.
Ultimately the strength of the book is to be found in the historical interpretations and developments of hysteria and its structural blossoming into psychiatric classifications like conversion disorder, histrionic personality disorder, etc. There is likely nothing interesting here for the clinician - Freud is dangerous at best, and Breuer is a bit too mechanical in his approach to warrant emulation. Those studying the history of hysteria or the psychoanalytic approach to the abstract female will likely find a wellspring of information here. Past that it's just a fun read.

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Freud and Breuer have this remarkable talent of commenting on their patents conditions and behaviour much like a dramatic short story. Whilst reading, it's sometimes hard to remember that this was real and not pure fiction.