The mind / by James Mark Baldwin.

  • James Mark Baldwin
Date:
[between 1898 and 1918?]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The mind / by James Mark Baldwin. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    field of vision when the eyes are shut, due to the distended blood vessels of the cornea and lids, to changes in the external illumination, to the presence of dust particles of different configura¬ tion, etc. The other senses also undoubtedly contribute to the texture of our dreams by equally subconscious suggestions. There is no doubt, further, that our waking life is constantly influenced by such trivial stimulations. I have tested in detail, for example, the con ditions of the rise of so-called “ internal tunes ’ —we speak of “ tunes in our head ” or “ in our ears ”—and find certain suggestive influences which in most cases cause these tunes to rise and take their course. Often, when a tune springs up “in my head,” the same tune has been lately sung or whistled in my hearing, though quite un¬ noticed at the time. Often the tunes are those heard in church the previous day or earlier. Such a tune I am entirely unable to recall volun¬ tarily ; yet when it comes into the mind’s ear, so to speak, I readily recognise it as belonging to an earlier day’s experience. Other cases show various accidental suggestions, such as the tune Mozart suggested by the composer’s name, the tune Gentle Annie suggested by the name Annie, etc. In all these cases it is only after the tune has taken possession of consciousness and after much seeking that the suggesting influence is discovered. Closer analysis reveals certain additional facts: The “ time ” of such internal tunes is usually die- tated by some rhythmical subconscious occur¬ rence. kfter hearty meals it is always the time