Simple method of producing dreamlike visual images in the waking state; a preliminary report.

J T R E U D POINTED OUT that the production of a manifest dream from a latent dream thought involves essentially the regressive transformation of the latent dream thought, as expressed in words, into perceptual forms, most commonly into visual images. These are then subjected to symbolic representation, condensation, substitution of a part for a whole, hints and allusions, and displacement of accent. The technic of dream interpretation is therefore to discover the latent verbal thoughts behind the (usually disguised) visual imagery of the manifest dream by means of free association. That this is at times difficult hardly need be stated. Many attempts have been made to solve the dilemma of dream interpretation. For example, the sleeper can be experimentally stimulated, as by having the limbs placed in various positions, being subjected to noise, cold, etc. In addition, the symbolism of dreams has been studied by suggesting ideas to be dreamed to subjects under hypnosis.--' 5 However, as Freud so well pointed out, "We can often influence what man shall dream about, but never what he will dream; for the mechanism of the dream work and the unconscious dream wish are inaccessible to external influence of any sort."