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discussed above ina section of the chapter on Exercise, The. stuient is
referred to’ this discussion for details of anatomy and physiology of this
system.. A consideration of play involves problems related to the devel-
opment , thc integration, and the conditioning of the nervous system which
have a connection with our concepts of "mind." Breause this is so, this
part of the discussion will. involve considcrations of the relationships
of play to mental health and mental hygiene.

Be FORMS OF MIND

Stages in the evolution of "mind" may be indicated by certain terms used
in our text (and other writings) as they relate to types of behaviar at
cértain stages ‘of development in the individual or in his tissue cells.
‘These terms are:

il. "Tropic mind" -~- mind of cells (germ cells, etcs)
2, "Reflex ind" -- mind of embryo (Storey)

3. “Unconscious or subconscious mind" -- inherited mental experiences
(nerve patterns, etc.), perhaps early mental stimuli not gaining
conscious expression.

4. Adult, or Conscious “Mind: While the conscious mind beins to be
evident in. cariy stages of infancy and childhood, its adult form is
reached in later adolescence, or early maturity. It is a product of
the grajual development of psychic traits resulting from stimuli
brought into the nervous: system from .the environment (or from other
organs of the body) and from the responses made to these stimuli.

It is now believed that play. is exceedingly important not only in the
development of. "mind" but as a factor in the hygiene of the mind (or
mental hygiene). .,There are aspects of this problem which are of
vital importance: @eg., relation to the social organization of the
play life of ‘children and adults, and in relation to certain abnormal
or pathological conditions which may arise.

C,. PLAY AND THE MIND

1. <A most effective means of bringing proper stimuli to the nervous sys-
tem is through normal, ‘vigorous play in childhood and youth. The play
life of a young person (child) is filled with:

a. Discoveries of pleasing and displeasing sensations and all sorts
of motor and emotional responses. These have a profound influ-
ence upon the development and the quality of mind. Through a nor-
mal play life the. young person rehearses activities which are race
old and which train for participation in adult activities both
physical and mental. |

be. The principal play instincts have to do with? Curiosity; creation;
nurture; rhythm; hunting; fighting; team play; sex. The vlay
instincts are the primitive forms of instincts and interests of
grown up life and tend to prepare for adult life. Through play
the child rehearses racial activities and racial development.