Hypnotism: Its History, Practice and Theory

 

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GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. 41

loud noise of a gong or a sudden ray of the Drummond light. However, it is more than doubtful whether these sudden strong physical stimuli, without any mental effort, can induce true hypnosis. Perhaps we have here to do with states in which paralysis from fright is intermixed with hypnosis; at least, subjects thus hypnotized often wear an expression of fear (Richer). The effect can also be produced through the sense of touch, even by a gentle stroking of the skin, or by pressure upon it. We know that Celsus was acquainted with this latter fact. Some have also sought to induce hypnosis by the stimulus of heat— e.g., warm plates of metal (Berger).

I here mention in particular the so-called mesmeric, mesmerizing, or magnetic passes, upon which Richet sets great value. I have already shown and described above, in the second experiment, how they are made. It is not certain whether the stimulation of temperature, as Heidenhain and Berger suppose, or the slight motion of the air, or the mental influence, is the efficient agent in this case. I myself consider it most likely that the various agencies combine, but that the mental factor is the most important. It is not necessary to assume the existence of any peculiar force, such as the magnetic fluid of the mesmerist.

I may here mention that the method of so-called "mesmeric passes" was not used by Mesmer; it is true that he endeavoured to influence by touch, but these peculiar, monotonous, long-continued passes which I have described above were unknown to him.

Pitres maintains that certain portions of the body are particularly sensitive to stimulation of the skin. The zones hypnoglnes described by him sometimes exist only on one side of the body, sometimes on both. Stimuli applied to them are said to produce hypnosis in certain persons, as is indeed maintained of other parts. Among these parts of the body the crown of the head, the root of the nose, the elbows and the thumbs are mentioned. Crocq, of Brussels, is in agreement with Pitres as to the "zones"; but he says he has found other spots which vary with the individual. Crocq thinks that this enables him to eliminate "suggestion."

According to Chambord and Iaborde a gentle scratching of the skin of the neck induces hypnosis. I myself have seen many persons who maintained that they became

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