15. Freud’s daily schedule in Vienna was almost obsessive
Freud maintained a daily schedule in Vienna which was unvarying when he was in the city. He rose at 7 AM, breakfasted, and his beard was trimmed by a barber. During workdays, he saw patients from 8 AM until noon. After lunch, frequently with those of his family who were in residence, he walked about the Vienna streets, often using the time to visit his tobacconist and replenish his stock of cigars, the purchases of which were recorded in his diary. Returning to his office in the early afternoon, he saw patients, consulted with other practitioners, and worked on his research. Dinner was at 7 PM, after which he amused himself with cards, or walked to a local café for yet another cigar or the evening paper.
Freud usually returned to his home around 9, retiring to his study to write, correct papers, or read the papers sent to him by colleagues for his consideration. He usually continued with this work until the wee hours, retiring for sleep around 2 AM. He preferred to spend his evenings in such pursuits because he had unfettered access to his cigars throughout. His first cigar of the day was lighted upon rising in the morning, and he did not retire for sleep until he had completely smoked his last.