Antonino Imbasciati argues that the reason Freud`s theory has persisted in our culture is that Freud offers not only a fascinating description but also an explanation of what happens in the human mind.

Drawing on Freud`s theory and recent developments in cognitive science, The Protomental System presents a new and original explanatory theory of the beginnings and development of the human mind, with particular reference to foetal and neonatal psychic development, commencing with an examination of the foetal psyche. The book compares and integrates the contributions of psychoanalysis with those of experimental psychology and the neurosciences, especially through infant research and observation, foetal echography and recent discoveries in the cognitive sciences.

This book will be of interest to all psychoanalysts, especially those with an interest in neuropsychology and neonatal development.