MAURY ON SLEEP AND DREAMS. 371 



state required for the rest and repair of functions, both 

 bodily and mental, which are incapable of being repaired 

 in any other way. The same cannot be said of dreams. 

 They depend on functions of the brain, which, though 

 unchecked by the senses and the will, and distorted in 

 their mode of action, are yet identical in kind with 

 those which are exercised in evolving the thoughts and 

 emotions of the waking state. The notion of repair 

 arid restoration can hardly therefore be associated with 

 the act of dreaming. Frequent experience, moreover, 

 teaches us that what we call ' unrefreshing nights ' are 

 attended by troublous dreams ; and, though this may 

 often admit of other explanation, yet is the fact signifi- 

 cant as regards the distinction just drawn. The repose 

 and restoration obtained from sleep would seem to be 

 in an inverse ratio to the intensity of the dreams at- 

 tending it. 



Is there then any condition or moment of sleep 

 absolutely devoid of dreaming ? a state in which all 

 thoughts and emotions, whether connected or vaguely 

 incongruous, are annulled, and our mental or conscious 

 existence lost in the simple physical condition of sleep? 

 The import of this question will readily be understood. 

 The answer might seem easy, but is far from being so. 

 Positive proof is wholly wanting, and the only evi- 

 dence attainable is that derived from the memory of 

 the dreamer, or the observations of those who watch 

 him during those hours of which he has no remem- 

 brance. It is certain from such observation, and in- 

 deed from common experience, that dreams are of 

 very frequent occurrence, of which all instant memory 



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