Pedder reviews various problems in relation to psychoanalytic theories of aggression. He first considers why the concept of aggression as a major drive was a relative late-comer in psychoanalysis. He then reviews the concept of a “death instinct”. Pedder suggests that theories of aggression can be called primary or secondary in two different senses. Lastly, the link between suicide & murder is examined, & the turning of aggression against the self in depression & self-destructive acts. (31 refs)