The tendency of unprejudiced science in our day is to show the unsatisfactory character of the terms ‘matter’ and ‘spirit.’ For the exaltation of what we term ‘matter’ tends constantly to lose itself in what we call ‘spirit.’ Reality always transcends sense. As the vibrations of ether are only known as light and colour, and the vibrations of the atmosphere are translated into sound, so in the careful observation of our own mental states, in the experiences of dream-land, in the study of clairvoyants and somnambulists and the revelations of hypnotism, we gain an insight into states of consciousness independent of the senses--states where the old distinctions between matter and spirit seem to become quite inapplicable. One third of human life is spent in sleep, a condition of which at present we know little, except that it entirely changes the life of conscious sense, and that it possesses a mysterious restorative power of the most precious significance to us as physicians. A study of all these mysterious conditions of human life itself, many of which, although occurring abnormally, have been presented again and again through all the ages, is surely the most important of all subjects for scientific medical investigation. Let us always bear in mind, as has been well said, ‘the fact of illusion is not an illusory fact.’ As an exception to a rule is the most suggestive fact for the investigator to grapple with, so those exceptional facts of human nature, which are nevertheless occurring in every age and in every nation, are the facts of all others the most worthy of investigation by the scientific medical intellect. This new realm of research, when legitimately pursued, promises results of the very highest importance. I must not now dwell longer on this new and valuable department of medical investigation--psycho-physiology. But it is an inspiring thought that true science supports the noblest intuitions of humanity, and its tendency is to furnish proof suited to our age of these intuitions. I have specially dwelt on this subject now, because the discouragement which results from the false reasoning of materialism, injuring hope, aspiration, and our sense of justice, is especially antagonistic to women, whose distinctive work is joyful creation. In practical medicine the loss is immense when recognition of the higher facts of consciousness is obscured, and the physician is unable to perceive life more real than the narrow limits of sensation. The physician is called to stand by the death-bed of the most carefully-tended patient. At that solemn moment the clear glance that sees beyond the boundary of sense, the reverential hand-clasp which conveys hope to the mourner, is the seal of his noble art of healing and the profoundest consolation he can offer to the bereaved. May the time come when every physician can convey this highest gift of healing with his ministrations!