They come and go, without the drowsy observer's participation, but are essentially different from dream pictures for he is still master of his senses. They are often grotesque. I am pestered by roguish profiles, by some coarse-featured and florid dwarf with a swelling nostril or ear. At times, however, my photisms take on a rather soothing flou quality, and then I see-projected, as it were, upon the inside of the eyelid-gray figures walking between beehives, or small black parrots gradually vanishing among mountain snows, or a mauve remoteness melting beyond moving masts.
The author describes a unique visual experience distinct from dreams, where images appear without the observer's active participation. Despite the lack of control, these visual manifestations can be bizarre and even unsettling, featuring odd characters or distorted figures. The observer remains aware and in command of their senses, which sets these visions apart from the passive nature of dreams.
At times, these experiences can shift to a more peaceful and gentle quality, presenting softer images such as figures meandering among beehives or colorful birds fading against snow-capped mountains. This contrast illustrates the varied nature of the observer's perceptions, highlighting their complexity and the interplay between unsettling and serene visuals in their mind's eye.