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i Besides these subjective conditions there are sonic objective ones. Thus,
for example, disturbing noises at the first experiment have power to prevent
hypnosis: they draw off the attention, and thus interfere with the mental state
necessary for hypnosis. When once hypnosis has been induced, noises are less
disturbing in subsequent experiments. Further, the environment of the subject
must be considered. Any sign of mistrust on the part of lookers-on may easily
spoil the experiment; and it is well that the subject should live, as it were,
in an atmosphere of suggestion. It is well known that many persons can be speedily
hypnotized when the above conditions are fulfilled, and that, as a rule, such
precautions enhance the possibility of hypnotizing new subjects. Again, the
susceptibility of a whole town or populace may be influenced to a remarkable
degree by the manner in which the hypnotizer presents himself to the general
public. This, in itself, accounts for the great variations in susceptibility
to hypnosis which have shown themselves at different times and places. It is,
conse-
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. 53
quently, not surprising that on one occasion ten persons, one after the other,
are hypnotized, while on another occasion ten other persons all prove refractory.
Experience and a knowledge of the mental conditions of mankind are indispensable
for the hypnotizer, for he has to gauge each individual subject and work upon
his susceptibilities. In this respect practice naturally plays an important
part. Practice and a gift for observation enable the right stress to be laid
at the right moment either on fixed attention or on the closing of the eyes.
The experienced experimenter knows how to judge whether it is best in any particular
case to attain his aim by speaking, or whether, as sometimes happens, speech
would be a hindrance, and the chief stress would be best laid on mesmeric passes,
etc. A person who is easily hypnotized can be hypnotized by any one, but one
who is hypnotized with difficulty can only be thrown into hypnosis by a good
experimenter. The factors which play a part in inducing the hypnosis cannot
always be recognized at once. It sometimes happens that a person A. can be hypnotized
by B., while he remains refractory to the efforts of C. On the other hand, it
may happen that D. can be influenced by C., but not by B. This shows that the
influence of one person over another depends on the individuality of both. We
find the same in life, in the relation of teacher to pupil, and of pupil to
teacher, in the reciprocal relations of friends, or lovers.
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