Pa translate sa wikang tagalog ---- Rizal's background in psychology Rizal was introduced to the field of psychology when he was studying for his bachillerato or high school diploma at the Ateneo de Manila in the 1870s. The subject, however, was taught only as a part of philosophy. Later, as a freshman medical student at the Universidad de Santo Tomas and, later, at the Universidad Central de Madrid, he learned more about ailments that affect the mind. Even then, however, psychology/psychiat ry was not offered as a distinct branch of medicine, but it was incorporated into medical books. Therefore, concepts relevant to insanity -- its causes, effects, and recommended therapy -- were studied and discussed. Rizal's medical training also exposed him to the European understanding of mental illness and its cure. His travels in France and Germany gave him the opportunity to observe new trends in the treatment of the disease. In addition, he must have read books on human behavior by two noted 19th century French doctors, Jean-Marie Charcot (1825-1893) and Joseph Breuer (1842-1925). Charcot, a psychiatrist, was a recognized authority on mental disorders while Breuer was an advocate of the practice of mesmerism in the treatment of mental illness. Sigmund Freud's (1856-1939) association with the two doctors helped him develop his now famous psychoanalytic theories and treatment. All told, Rizal's academic background, personal experiences and exposure to various social milieus gave him first-hand knowledge of the probable causes and effects of human behavior. Moreover, he was a keen observer of people and their idiosyncrasies, a gift palpable in his works.

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