Joseph Breuer was an Austrian physician and a key figure in the development of psychoanalysis. Born in 1842, he is best known for his work with patients suffering from hysteria and for his collaboration with Sigmund Freud. Breuer's innovative techniques included the use of hypnosis and the "talking cure," which laid the groundwork for later therapeutic practices. Breuer's most notable case was that of Anna O., a patient whose treatment inspired Freud's theories on the unconscious mind. His contributions to psychology and medicine have had a lasting impact, influencing both clinical practices and the understanding of mental health disorders.