How Long Does a Dream Last?

Evening Star, Issue 7798, 20 December 1888, Page 3

How Long Does a Dream Last?

This interesting question, I observe, has recently beon discussed in Germany, amorg others by Dr P. Scholz, who has given some striking examples from his own experience and observation. Dr Scholz tells the following story : —" After excessive bodily fatigue and a day of mental strain, of a not disagreeable kind, I betook myself to bed after I had wound up my watch and placed it on the night table. Then I lay down beside a burning lamp. Soon I found myself on the high sea on board a well-known ship. I was again young, and stood on the look-out. I heard the roar of the water, and golden clouds floated round me. How long 1 so stood I did not know, but it seemed a very long time. Then the scene changed. I was in the country, and my long dead parenli came to greet me; they took me to church, where the loud organ sounded. I was delighted, but at the same time wondered to see my wife and children there. The priest mounted the pulpit and preached, but I could not understand what he said for the sound of the organ, which continued to play. I took my son by the hand, and with him ascended the church tower; but again the scene was changed. Instead of being near my son I stood near an early known but long dead officer—l ought to explr'i that I was an army surgeon during 1" i manoeuvres. I was wondering why 1 ; >e major should look so young, when quite close in my ears an unexpected cannon sounded. Terrified, I was hurrying olf, when I wcke up and noticed that the supposed cannon shot had its cause in the opening of the bedroom door through someone entering. It was as if I had lived through an eternity in my dream; but when I looked at my watch I saw that since I had fallen asleep not more than one minute had elapsed—a much shorter time than it takes to relate the occurrence." It is not possible, however, to givo a definite answer to the question.