Breuer mentions to Nietzsche that he will give him the pseudonym Eckhart Müller while at Lauzon. Nietzsche is in high spirits as the chapter begins, and he jokes good naturedly with Breuer for the first time. This is a new side of Nietzsche that Breuer has not seen yet. Breuer uses his clout at Lauzon to ensure that Nietzsche has a good room with a desk and a light. Nietzsche begins to feel fatigued, and Breuer provides him with medicine for sleep and for his headaches. Nietzsche is addicted to the hydro-chlorate, and Breuer realizes that the withdrawal from it would be terrible for Nietzsche in his current condition, so he prescribes it.

After leaving the clinic, Breuer meets with his friend Freud. They discuss the recent developments and events involving Nietzsche. Breuer alludes to Nietzsche’s crying out for help and admits that perhaps Freud has a point about the existence of a subconscious. Breuer and Freud then discuss possible strategies for treating Nietzsche for despair while giving him the impression that he is the one treating Breuer. When Freud asks Breuer how he will manage to act like he has despair, Breuer stuns the young doctor by telling him it won’t be an act, that he indeed suffers from despair, which tends to center on his anxiety toward aging and death.