It is recognized that the emotions are accompanied by physical changes, changes which are specific for each emotional state.  The physical changes which normally are associated with fear differ from those of joy or anger.  This has been appreciated for a long time but recent researches have recalled other reactions to us.  Reactions in the internal glands which further knowledge will probably prove to be of great importance, in fact to form an integral part of the sum of activities, connect with mental processes.  The secretions of the glands exert an influence on the sensibility and reaction of the organs connected with psychic phenomena and their functions themselves are affected by reactions occurring in the nervous system.  Revival of a memory may thus affect the functions of these glands, and the changes produced in them may react on the sensibility and reactivity of the nervous mechanisms.  If this be so, it will be evident that the organism works as a whole, that a disturbance of one organ may interfere with the function of another and that in the repetition of all these influences we may find an explanation of the chronicity of many of these illnesses.  A study of the activities and interactivities of all the organs of the body is therefore essential and must be made before we shall understand the biological significance of mental illness.

FOOTNOTES: 

[Footnote 13:  See Appendix III, p. 200.]

ADDRESS BY DR. PIERRE JANET

The Chairman:  Our country may be hesitating a little—­I hope it will not be for long—­in joining a league of nations to prevent war, but there can be no doubt of our immediate readiness to co-operate internationally to prevent and reduce disease.  Our distinguished guest from gallant France, Dr. Pierre Janet, professor in the College of France, evidently feels confident of our sympathy and willingness to collaborate in this latter respect, for he has ventured across the ocean, with Madame Janet, in response to our urgent invitation.  His introduction to an audience of American psychiatrists would be quite out of place.  His fame as a pathological psychologist has circled the world.  In the science of medicine he is a modern Titan.  For to-day’s address he has chosen as a subject, “THE RELATION OF THE NEUROSES TO THE PSYCHOSES.”

DR. JANET

Mr. President, my dear colleagues, ladies, and gentlemen:  The Americans and the French have met on the battle-fields and they have faced together the same sufferings for the defense of their common ideal of civilization and liberty; it is right that they should meet likewise where Science stands up for the protection of health and human reason, and that they should celebrate together the Festivals of Peace.  The President and the organizers of this Congress have greatly honored me in asking me to represent France at the celebration of the centenary of the Bloomingdale Hospital; but above all they have procured me a great pleasure in offering me the opportunity of coming again to this beautiful land, of meeting once more friends who had welcomed us kindly in former days; our old friends of past happy days who have become still dearer to us since they have been tried during the bad days.