because, with further confirmation, it will throw a characteristic light on inner processes which are actually present but which remain unconscious. It will also reveal the relative independence of these processes from conscious accompaniments, as I have shown above (§ 24).
The derivation of the transformed series in the case of the last mentioned investigations was accomplished, as has been stated, in the following way. Out of two 16-syllable series selected by chance, first all the odd-numbered syllables were combined to form a new series and then all the even-numbered to form a second series which followed in immediate succession. In the case of a group consisting of six series of this sort, therefore, the derived series II contained nothing but syllables which in the first process of memorising had followed immediately upon the corresponding members of series I. The derived series IV bore a similar relation to series III, and series VI to series V. The following phenomenon appeared, which is the peculiar relation to which I wish to call attention. Less time was required for learning by heart series II, IV, VI on the average than for series I, III, V, although in all the other groups of series, whether original or derived, the converse was the case.
I adduce some numerical data in evidence of this relation.
From all the experiments with six series of 16 syllables which were learned to the point of the first recital, ten immediately successive experiments are chosen by chance for two different time-periods. The times for committing to memory series I, III, V are combined in calculation, as are also those for series II, IV, VI.
