Dream Life in a Case of Pyromania

In a previous communication1 I reported a case of pyromania. Because of limitations of space it was not possible to record the man's dream life, which is an inseparable part of his life experience. The discussion of the dreams is therefore presented herewith.

The patient has recorded a total of 189 dreams. Among these are a number of remembered past dreams which we shall consider before taking up those which he had while hospitalized. These past dreams are of a rather different character from the later hospital dreams.

Dream No. 178 is a recurring dream. He says that he has had it “dozens of times” and that it varies but little:

“I am on a beautiful boat. There is nothing on it that is not pure white…. I walk along and come to some rooms and entering one I find a woman that I have known for some time, and it seems that I have been there with her for a number of years. She greets me, and I sit down on a sofa with her and hold her in my arms, and we talk about the things that have happened to the two of us. She seems to be the same even to looks as she was the day I left her some 14 years ago. From all indications we are married and are on our honeymoon. During our conversation she tells me that she has just been listening to the radio and that there are some people that are looking for us and have sent out another boat to find us. I am unable to find out what they want with me. I try to find out from this woman, but she tells me that she does not care so why should I worry over it. I let it pass and we begin to walk along the deck of the ship when all of a sudden the sky seems to have changed to a very beautiful golden color, and everywhere I look I can see the same sights. From these clouds I seem to be able to see floating objects that resemble angels. As I call this to the woman there by my side, and as she was looking up, holding to my hand, I awoke. No issue. After I awoke (very seldom ever changing), I have often wished that it would have kept on instead of me awa