ABSTRACT
The classification, the author has suggested for analytic interpretations can be applied to all statements whether made by patient or analyst. But the author wishes to introduce another mode of classification for the same material and for this the author proposes to draw on experience with patients suffering from disturbances of thought. Dream thoughts depend on the prior existence of ß and α-elements: otherwise they require no elaboration beyond that which they have received in classical psycho-analytical theory. They are communicated by the manifest content of the dream but remain latent unless the manifest content is translated into more sophisticated terms. β-elements represent the earliest matrix from which thoughts can be supposed to arise. It partakes of the quality of inanimate object and psychic object without any form of distinction between the two. Thoughts are things, things are thoughts; and they have personality.
