ABSTRACT
One of the commonest fears is of water. Some genetic psychologists have attributed this to phylogeny, believing that for their conservation it was necessary for our remote ancestors instinctively to fear the water. The prohibition is evaded by the adventurous lad who persists surreptitiously in frequenting the “swimming hole” ; while the child who is credulous towards his elders continues to fear the water. Sometimes, however, the fear of water is due to the infant’s terror at the loud spluttering as the water runs into the bath being prepared for him; or when he is immersed by an unthinking attendant who fails to note his apprehension. The importance of educating the mind against the influence of all superstitious sources of terror. Cross-examination showed that in the case of her fear of a burglar, the fear was rather of the unknown than of anything specific.
