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Miller collates material from biographical, experimental, clinical, and theoretical writings relevant to sensory deprivation, and re-examines the concept of ego autonomy in connection with this phenomenon. He finds that maintenance of ego autonomy is associated with ego activity and regression in the service of the ego, whereas impairment of ego autonomy is associated with ego passivity and regression proper. Certain disparities among previous formulations are discussed. For instance, Rapaport has suggested that ego autonomy from the id varies reciprocally with autonomy from the environment, and he conceived of sensory deprivation as maximizing 'ego autonomy' from the environment, whereas Gill and Brenman regard these two aspects of ego autonomy as varying symmetrically. Miller cites various reasons for preferring the formulation of Gill and Brenman, and even questions the desirability of conceptualizing these two 'ego autonomies' as separate functions. He proposes a new definition of ego autonomy, emphasizing the capacity for self-government and bringing it into relationship with both the demanding and the nondemanding aspects of id and environment. This more complete definition seems to offer greater clarity and consistency.