137 



of thoughts; because it may furnish him material, data, plots, lie may 

 even seek to briny about this condition, or what is commonly called "in- 

 spiration." In this connection 1 might mention one case which may sbed 

 some light. A middle-aged literary woman had been complaining of dis- 

 turbed heart action, marked especially by arrytbmia. In order to correct 

 the difficulty, her physician prescribed digitalis in larger doses than is 

 usual. In a short time her mind became very active, with sleeplessness at 

 night and with a great rush of thoughts. She then came to me and I 

 promptly had her discontinue the digitalis, when the mental excitement 

 subsided. The supposed heart disturbance itself was treated by methods 

 other than drug treatment. 



To what extent high blood pressure is a factor in thought stimulation 

 in normal individuals I am unable to say. To study that will require 

 "material." If, as earlier stated, the physician wants to study those in 

 health he must go to them, and seek out those whom he thinks suitable 

 for his work. Moreover, a physician never has that complete control over 

 his "material" as the biologist. He can take up or leave off work at any 

 moment ; the physician must get the consent of his patients. Even the 

 hospital physician has a great advantage in this respect. 



It would seem a natural and simple inference that the increased cir- 

 culation in the brain stimulates the cells, and thereby stimulates thought — 

 and then at once the question arises, What brings on increased blood 

 pressure? 



Borderland Cases. Just where the normal shades off into the ab- 

 normal or where "perfect health" changes into "ill health" is often diffi- 

 cult to determine. There is no norm, there are no standards ; what agrees 

 with one may disagree with another. I will mention a few more factors 

 winch in some individuals play a role in thought stimulation. 



Music. The mind or imagination of some people is strongly excited 

 by music. When one critically studies cases he may be able to make dis- 

 tinctions between the influence of grand opera and rag time music, and 

 whether the music is heard indoor or out of doors, as on a street corner 

 or in a park. 



Theater. Attending a play may bring on a lively "play of the im- 

 agination." 



Church. A merchant once told me that lie did his best business 

 thinking or planning while apparently listening to a long sermon. And I 



