129 
References to childhood are here omitted; my work concerns adults 
only. But we need only think of nightmure to realize how profoundly 
the mind of the child is influenced at times. I shall go over these sub- 
heads ery briefly, following the above classification. 
PEOPLE. Some people. or minds, with whom we come in contact stim- 
ulate us, just as there are those who depress us and many who do not 
affect us at all. 
Books. These may also be classified according as they do or do not 
set us to thinking; some books act as decided mental stimuli. 
DREAMS. Dreams may be a source of mental stimulation to the in- 
tellectual, who may get some new ideas and utilize them. The ignorant 
dwell chiefly on the significance of dreams as good or bad omens. One 
can hardly realize what an important factor dreams are in the life of 
some people. This topic will be considered a little more fully later on. 
Foop AND DRINK. These have more or less influence on our well 
being and our thinking. One need only think of what often occurs after 
eating a late lobster salad or a welsh rarebit, when the thoughts are 
usually anything but agreeable. There is an old saying, “Who drinks beer, 
thinks beer’; and another, “One is what one eats.” 
ALCOHOL. Some know frem personal experience whether alcohol 
excites or depresses the mind; certainly all have noticed the effects in 
others, how some individuals become greatly excited, with an active flow 
of words. 
Topacco should also be mentioned. Just how much truth there is in 
the claim of some men that they can think best while smoking or chew- 
ing is a question. 
ANGER, JEALOUSY. RESENTMENT, OV GRIEF, etc... May act as powerfu! 
stimuli. 
FRIGHT and Dancer should also be mentioned; there may be a great 
rush of thoughts at what seems to be a critical moment. 
Fever Fantasy. Those subject to colds and feverish conditions may 
have noticed in themselves the abnormal stimulation of thought at such 
times. The physician cannot avaid noticing it, especially in those delirious 
on account of fever. 
[9—23003 ] 
