These fragments cover the period from the beginning of the Christian era until the sixth century. Some of Freud's most important findings with regard to dreams are foreshadowed in them, notably dreams as the fulfilment of wishes and the use of play on words and symbolism in dreams. Besides this, we find Oedipal impulses mentioned as the frequent though hidden subject of dreams, and a rudimentary form of free association used for their interpretation.

Various examples are given. Thus 'R. Simon ben Gamliel used to say "Men are shewn nothing in their dreams but the wishes of their hearts."' Again, the dream 'I pour olive oil over an olive tree' is interpreted to mean intercourse with the mother.

The only fundamental mistake made is the over-valuation of the influence of interpretation on the future.