129 



References to childhood are here omitted ; my work concerns adults 

 only. But we need only think of nightmare 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. 



Deeams. 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. 



Food 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 from personal experience whether alcohol 

 excites or depresses the mind ; certainl3 r all have noticed the effects in 

 others, how some individuals become greatly excited, with an active flow 

 of words. 



Tobacco 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, or Grief, etc., may act as powerful 

 stimuli. 



Fright and Danger 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 avoid noticing it, especially in those delirious 

 on account of fever. 



[9—230031 



