39 
exists merely a comparative degree of difference. The fluctuations 
in the attention have taught that weak sensations lie at times above 
and at times below the threshold of consciousness. One can volun- 
tarily raise the degree of consciousness by removing the inhibitory 
influences. Differences in degree also exist between the conscious 
psychical complexes. If we have our attention concentrated upon a 
definite word, while we read, then we see this word distinetly, 
while we hardly observe the other letters. 
Similarly we may assume that differences in degree also exist 
between subconscious psychical complexes. Some impressions still 
lie immediately below the threshold of consciousness, while others 
have sunk deep into subconsciousness. As the principle differences 
between conscious and subconscious psychical complexes are slight 
we may assume that the same rules may be applied to them. The 
inhibitory effects which have been determined for sensations and 
acts of volition will then be applicable to the subconscious afferent 
and efferent impulses. 
From experience we know that cough and sneeze reflexes are 
greatly under influence of consciousness. 
In case of a severe cold coughing and sneezing are usually imme- 
diately arrested when the mind is preoccupied during a lecture. 
It is remarkable that one coughs and sneezes much less in states 
of diffuse consciousness as during sleep. In the former case the 
threshold of the afferent stimulus is raised by the competition of 
other synchronous complexes of consciousness, in the latter by 
division of the psychical energy amongst numerous ideas. 
Similarly the annoying secretion of mucus caused by a catarrh 
of the nose, in which the afferent stimulus remains altogether sub- 
conscious disappears or is appreciably lessened during intense pre- 
occupation, and during diminution of consciousness. 
A newly born child makes sucking movements as soon as the 
lips, or the soft palate are touched. This reflex afterwards disappears 
altogether, when the tongue and lips are used for other purposes. 
The sucking reflex has however not disappeared, but is merely 
inhibited, for under circumstances under which the inhibition of the 
voluntary movements disappears, asin an advanced state of Dementia 
Senilis or Dementia Paralytica the sucking reflex reappears. 
The palm reflex of small children which is elicited, when the 
palm of the hand is touched, disappears at a higher age, when 
voluntary movements are more and more developed. This palm 
reflex reappears, when the inhibitory action of these voluntary 
movements is diminished, as, for instance, in the case of the greatly 
