In which we learn what "nerves" are not and get a hint of what they are. THE DRAMA OF NERVES 10 PART II: "HOW THE WHEELS GO ROUND" CHAPTER III In which we find a goodly inheritance. THE STORY OF THE INSTINCTS 33 CHAPTER IV In which we learn more about ourselves. THE STORY OF THE INSTINCTS (Continued) 51 CHAPTER V In which we look below the surface and discover a veritable wonderland. THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND 77 CHAPTER VI In which we learn why it pays to be cheerful. BODY AND MIND 118 CHAPTER VII In which we go to the root of the matter. THE REAL TROUBLE 141 PART III: THE MASTERY OF "NERVES" CHAPTER VIII In which we pick up the clue. THE WAY OUT 183 CHAPTER IX In which we discover new stores of energy and relearn the truth about fatigue. THAT TIRED FEELING 219 CHAPTER X In which the ban is lifted. DIETARY TABOOS 250 CHAPTER XI In which we learn an old trick. THE BUGABOO OF CONSTIPATION 278 CHAPTER XII In which handicaps are dropped. A WOMAN'S ILLS 300 CHAPTER XIII In which we lose our dread of night. THAT INTERESTING INSOMNIA 322 CHAPTER XIV In which we raise our thresholds. FEELING OUR FEELINGS 333 CHAPTER XV In which we learn discrimination. CHOOSING OUR EMOTIONS 359 CHAPTER XVI In which we find new use for our steam. FINDING VENT IN SUBLIMATION 379 GLOSSARY 386 BIBLIOGRAPHY 390 INDEX 393 OUTWITTING OUR NERVES CHAPTER I _In Which Most of Us Plead Guilty to the Charge of "Nerves."_ NERVOUS FOLK WHO'S WHO Whenever the subject of "nerves" is mentioned most people begin trying to prove an alibi. The man who is nervous and knows that he is nervous, realizes that he needs help, but the man who has as yet felt no lack of stability in himself is quite likely to be impatient with that whole class of people who are liable to nervous breakdown. It is therefore well to remind ourselves at once that the line between the so-called "normal" and the nervous is an exceedingly fine one. "Nervous invalids and well people are indistinguishable both in theory and in practice,"[1] and "after all we are most of us more or less neurasthenic."[2] The fact is that everybody is a possible neurotic. [Footnote 1: Putnam: _Human Motives_, p. 117.] [Footnote 2: DuBois: _Physic Treatment of Nervous Disorders_, p. 172.] So, as we think about nervous folk and begin to recognize our friends and relatives in this class, it may be that some of us will unexpectedly find ourselves looking in the mirror. Some of our lifelong habits may turn out to be nervous tricks. At any rate, it behooves us to be careful about throwing stones, for most of us live in houses that are at least part glass. THE EARMARKS