The author presents evidence that the convulsive process involves a recapitulation of old behavior patterns and modes of thought. In the somatic field the series of starts resemble the Moro reflex of infancy; the tonic and clonic spasms resemble the movements in the developing foetus and the decerebrate rigidity resembles a similar state in premature infants. In the post-convulsive state, sucking movements and babyish crying have been noted. Repetition and perseveration are almost invariable features of this state and of infantile behavior. It appears that the psychic and somatic past strives to repeat itself and succeeds in doing so when the higher cerebral functions are blocked. In a sense, the regressive behavior and thought processes are an attempt to cope with the convulsion in terms of past experiences.