Ordinary day-dreams do not, as a rule, have a pronounced influence on the health of the average person.

Should chronic discontent with one's state result from them naturally they may have the same detrimental effect as continued worry, for discontent is a form of worry. In some persons, however, day-dreams are the bases for various nervous ills. The manner in which day-dreams act in these cases is rather complicated, so we will not discuss the question here. We know by experience, however, that blindness, of a hysterical nature, paralysis, deafness, aphonia and other ills have resulted from reveries; for example, one man who wished not to see his wife any longer had his wish gratified by becoming blind; in this way his wish came true. Of course, such effects are not real; that is, they are not accompanied by any organic changes, and are as a general thing removable.

In certain persons, reveries obtain so much of a hold that they control the individual, rendering his state an unhappy one. Dr. Brill, in his Psychonalysis, mentions the case of an intelligent young woman who, from time to time, lived through a particular fancy. "She imagined herself married to a tall, handsome and very wealthy man. She had three children, the like of whom did not exist. She lived on a beautiful yacht and entertained only such people as she and her husband really liked. This state of blissful happiness existed for a few days during which she was happy and contented. Then the whole structure was crumbled. The husband and children died and she was left alone in terrible depression lasting for days. She assured me that her reactions were very vivid and real, being mindful, however, that it was only a fancy."

Such an effect from reveries is exceptional, thought it is a possibility always for those who are of a very emotional temperament, and particularly females. Consequently, discretion should prompt these persons to employ realistic thinking more, and autistic thinking less.

From what has been written it is hoped that the reader will not assume that an attempt is being made to discourage day-dreaming entirely. One who made an effort to do this would labour in vain and unnecessarily. Without his day-dreams man's lot would be practically unbearable, and, as George Harvey remarks, if they are taken out of life what is left but husks. But, like all things, day-dreams can be used wisely or harmfully. If they are moderate, if reasonable, if they help the achievement of something possible, if not antagonistic to one's better self, if they inspire hope, if accompanied by actual work, their effects are apt to be favourable. If, on the other hand, they render us malcontents, disturb our health, our happiness, our integrity, they are certainly our enemies.

If we have day-dreams, then let us occasionally pause to consider how much time we devote to them, their nature, their object, their effect on our disposition, character, ability, and many other things that they may influence favourably or unfavourably. Day-dreams are far from being fancies which, like smoke, can be blown away, and, once out of mind, can be considered as existing no more. Nothing dies, not even thoughts. Therefore, if we wish to be adults mentally, to go forward, reveries will always be under our control; we will be their masters, not their docile subjects.