168 A. T, SCHOFIELD, ESQ., M.D., ETC., ON 



Hterarj productions. Reflex actions, and reflective actions are 

 accomplished under different conditions. This contrast is essential 

 to discussion of " what is known of the ' mind's ' relations to the 

 body." 



Holding to this contrast, attention may be concentrated on sub- 

 conscious exercise of mind. The facts illustrating- such action are 

 many, and are admirably presented by the author. " Ease and 

 perfection in any pursuit entirely depend upon the degree in which 

 it ceases to be connected with consciousness and is carried on sub- 

 consciously " (p. 154). For illustration, the author refers to 

 " Playing the piano, skating, bicycling, skilled trades." The 

 illustrations ai'e ample. All are physical aptitudes, depending 

 on mind. The contrast between mind and body being admitted, 

 the author with full warrant maintains that " the svib-conscious 

 mind is on a lower plane, and runs largely in grooves of habit, 

 and follows closely change of association and sensation." All 

 this seems assured. As long as we concentrate on human 

 activity, the facts are easily classified. When it is said that " the 

 unconscious powers of life can make eggs and feathers out of 

 Indian corn ; and milk and beef out of grass," we pass over to a 

 distinct order of facts, belonging to organic life — and not con- 

 nected with, or dependent on, conscious exercise, such as may 

 descend to the lower .plane of sub-conscious activity. The 

 difference between these two groups must guide us in our 

 inference as to the " sub-conscious." Conscious exercise is the 

 jDrimary and leading phase o£ mental activity. 



When considering the relations of body and mind, we need to 

 ■distinguish between ascending and descending activity. The sub- 

 <^'onscious is on a " lower plane " than reflective exercise ; on a 

 higher plane than production of "eggs and feathers." Production 

 of eggs and feathei's does not ascend from organic activity to the 

 " sub-conscious" ; but exercise of the eyes, arms, and feet in cycling, 

 voluntary at first, descend to the sub-conscious. Mental activities 

 and physical ai'e here blending ; but the possibility of the sub-con- 

 scious in human life depends on the higher conscious effort, as a 

 necessary preliminary. Every cyclist illustrates this fixed relation. 

 The slow delibei^ate effort belongs to consciousness ; the easy and 

 exact movement belongs to the unconscious aptitude. Uncon- 

 sciously, " we may read, hear, see, indeed do almost anything 

 involving the highest centres of the cortex " (p. 157). But there is 



