The Secrets of Specialists/Chapter 29

The medical profession of this country have never seemed to study the phenomena of suggestive therapeuties as our medical brothers across the water have. Although it is a subject that interests the statesman, the scientist, the professional man and the layman alike, it is discussed by a few only, and is marveled at by the many.

Showmen and charlatans have endeavored to hold the world at bay regarding its secrets by teaching the people that they were in possession of a gifted mystic power.

While the phenomena of hypnotism are beyond the scope of this book, I feel that I would be neglecting a very important subject if I did not divert it of the supernatural and explain how it is done.

If there is any class of people who should acquire a knowledge of hypnotism, it is the medical profession, for in their hands, it will find its greatest field of usefulness as a healing agent and sociological factor.

In the following pages I will endeavor to give, in brief, the history of hypnotism; the different methods of producing the hypnotic state; hypnotism as a curative agent, etc. This may seem very simple to you. It is simple and by following the instructions and with a little practice, you can produce all the different phenomena of hypnotism, as well as other operators. Every physician should at least be familiar with the subject, if he does not practice it.

It is almost impossible to realize what an important part hypnotism has played in the political and religious histories of the world. It has made prophets and seers of old, witches and ​wizards at the beginning of the last century, and all kinds and conditions of religious fanatics of our present day. The laying on of hands, the absent treatment and other methods used by the modern divine healers (?) were practiced by the Egyptians before the year 1552 B. C. It is also known that Francis I. of France, and other French kings up to Charles X., practiced the art of healing by the imposition of hands. Another system was presented at the end of the middle ages, which developed out of the doctrine of the influence the moon and stars had upon men, which is well known to be practiced by astrologers at the present day.

In the beginning of the eighteenth century, we find Santanelli in Italy, recognizing the great influence of imagination and advancing the theory that every thing material possesses a radiating atmosphere which operates magnetically. Although the foundation of "animal magnetism was thus laid, universal attention was first drawn to it by Mesmer (from whom the name mesmerism developed), a Viennese doctor (1734–1815). Mesmer used animal magnetism in the treatment of diseases. He cured, at first, by contact, but believed later that different objects of wood, glass, iron, etc., were capable of receiving the magnetism, consequently he made use of them as a means of conveying his magnetism.

Mesmer made many disciples. His pupils and successors were generally called Mesmerists and the doctrine of animal magnetism was also called mesmerism, vital magnetism, biomagnetism. These practices flourished and gained a strong foothold all through Europe.

Mesmerism was introduced in Manchester, England, in 1841, when Dr. Braid, of that city, became interested in the subject and showed with much method that the phenomena were of a subjective nature. By carefully fixing the eyes upon a given object it induced a condition of sleep which he called "hypnotism," which was the origin of that term.

A few years late, Dr. Braid came to America and introduced hypnotism in New Orleans, which was its chief center for many years.

​In the year 1878 Dr. Charcot, of Paris, France, began his public classes, in which he directed attention to the physical states of hystero-epileptics during hypnosis. Later hypnotism was introduced by Prof. Bernheim, in the second Medical College of France, at Nancy. This created a contest between the school of Charcot and that of Nancy, which is not yet entirely settled. The latter, however, has gained ground more and more.

At the present time hypnotism has gained its entrance into the lecture rooms of several universities and medical colleges,

both in Europe and America: therefore it must be mentioned that animal magnetism, out of which hypnotism has developed, has retained many adherents in the scientific world and today, we can recognize three great schools with many points of transition: First, the school of Charcot; second, the school of Nancy, and third, the school of Mesmerists.

There are several ways of producing the hypnotic condition, but for convenience, I will divide them into only three ​ways: First, the mesmeric method, which is the system used at most public exhibitions, and I believe the easiest way to induce hypnosis; second, the so-called mental method, and third, the fascination method. It is these methods, used either singly or combined, that Charcot, Bernheim, Feré, Braid, Regnard, Preyer, Dumont and all others used.

Hypnotists of international reputation are using the mesmeric method. I consider this method the easiest and most practical way of producing hypnosis. The first thing to accomplish, is the concentration of thought in the subject. Require him to sit down; give him a coin or some other article, tell him to look steadfastly at it and not take his eye from it, and think of nothing else except the article you hand him. By watching the subject carefully, you can tell whether or not his mind is upon the object. If you think his mind is not wandering, approach him and suggest that his eyelids are growing heavy, that it is impossible for him to keep his eyes open. Have him close his eyes and make passes from the head to the knees (the mesmeric passes). Now suggest that his eyelids have grown together, and it is impossible for him to open his eyes. Have him try hard (he will try, but in vain). Place his hands upon his knees and tell him that he cannot remove them. He will try, fail to do so. Keep up the passes and suggest that he is now going to sleep, sound asleep; that his mind is a blank; he can no longer think of anything, but will remain sound asleep until you tell him to wake up. If your subject is susceptible to the hypnotic influence, he will sit before you in a complete state of hypnosis, and ready for any suggestions you may offer. You may tell him he is a horse, broom or thrashing machine, and he will believe it and act his part well. In order that I may give you a clearer idea of the phenomena of this mystic power, I will tell you my first experience as a hypnotist. I was attending a medical convention in Cincinnati, and some of the physicians, with whom I was stopping, requested me to join them in a theatre party, to attend a performance given by a lady hypnotist. I consented to do so, and watched her perform very attentively. She used the same ​method as described above. On arriving at our hotel, after the performance, we entered into a discussion regarding hypnotism and I stated that I believed that if that lady could produce the hypnotic condition, I could, for 1 could see nothing supernatural about her, and 1 really had more confidence in my own ability than in hers. This self-confidence and positiveness, I afterwards learned, is one of the chief requisites for a successful hypnotist. To be brief, the physicians present volunteered to supply me with the subjects if I would hypnotize them. This was agreed to and they presented me with three persons, two ladies and a young man. I seated them and handed each a coin, requesting them to concentrate their thoughts on that one thing and to think of nothing else. They took the matter seriously and followed my instructions. Presently, I approached one of the ladies and told her that her eyes were getting tired and advised her to close them. I then commenced to make passes from her head to her knees. I suggested that her eyelids had grown fast and she could not open them. I told her to try hard, and she did, but in vain. She was perfectly conscious, but could not get her eyes open. I then assured her that she had grown fast to the chair and could not get up. She tried, but failed. I then told her that I was going to give her a magnetic treatment, and make a few passes over her body and she would go fast asleep. I commenced to make the passes and at the same time to suggest "You are going to sleep now, fast asleep," etc., and in a few moments she sat before me in as complete a state of hypnosis as one would wish for. You may imagine my surprise. To tell the truth, I was somewhat confused, for I had never studied hypnotism, and did not know the first principle of it; in fact, I did not know whether or not I could awaken her, but I slapped my hands loudly in front of her face, and said "Wide awake," and she immediately opened her eyes and smiled, which was, I assure you, a great relief to me.

I next tried the young man. I could place him in a condition in which he could not open his eyes, but could go no farther.

​The other young lady I could do nothing with.

I cite this experience to show you how simple the subject is, and when you make your first efforts in that line, you will, no doubt, be as much surprised at your sucesss as I was. I had never read an article on the subject, and knew very little about it, except what I had seen the lady do that evening.

The mental method of inducing hypnosis is the method used at the school of Nancy, and is frequently referred to as the Nancy method. This is the most popeular method in use throughout Europe. By its use the subject is thrown into a hypnotic state by arousing in his mind the image of sleep. This is more easily practiced on subjects who have previously been hypnotized. The following is the exact method proposed by Dr. Bernheim, and used at the college in Nancy, France: The person is advised to be seated and close his eyes. Then tell him: "You must try and go to sleep" "think of nothing, but that you are to go to sleep." Leave him in this condition for a few seconds and then continue: "You are commencing to feel tired and sleepy all over your body;" "your arms and legs feel heavy" "a feeling of drowsiness is now taking possession of your body;" "your head feels dull;" "your thoughts grow more confused;" "you can no longer resist, you are now sound asleep; "You cannot open your eyes;" "your mind is a blank," etc. These mental suggestions are often all that is required to produce a complete state of hypnosis, and it is a very convenient way with some subjects. You can now ask him if he is asleep, and he will answer, "Yes." Ask him if he hears the band playing; he will say, "Yes." Tell him to open his eyes, and he will see a beautiful white horse. Place a chair in front of him for a horse. Tell him to get on the horse and take a ride. He will straddle the chair and attempt to ride. You can ask him what he sees while riding through this beautiful forest and he will describe very accurately some scene he has viewed in his life. You now have completely robbed the subject of his will by simply suggesting sleep. He is en rapport with you and you only.

The fascination method is induced by looking the subject ​straight in the eye. After you have done this for some time, take him by the arm and draw him away with you. Still keep your eyes fixed upon each other; then raise your arm and he will do the same; in fact, you can have him imitate any movement or position that you make as long as you keep your eyes fixed upon his, but as soon as you cease to look at him, the charm is broken. This method is demonstrated in lower animals. We have often seen snakes and cats charm birds. For all practical purposes it is used less than the other methods.

When you are attempting to hypnotize a subject, you must insist that the place shall be kept quiet; disturbing noises of all kinds have a tendency to distract the attention and interfere with the mental condition required to induce the hypnotic-state. Have those who are present assume rathe & serious mood and avoid all actions, either by word or gesture that will give any evidence of mistrust. Gain the confidence of those upon whom you operate. Endeavor to have perfect harmony in your presence. This, together with soft, sweet music and quietness, will assist you in establishing the results you desire from your efforts.

There are as many ways of awakening a subject from the hypnotic state as there are of putting him into it. Crying out "Wide awake," or "All right," "Open your eyes," and slapping your hands loudly, or snapping your fingers in front of the subject's face is generally all that is required. They will also awaken if left alone, but this will take some time if they are in a deep state of hypnosis. If passes have been made downward, reverse them. You will never have any trouble in bringing your subject out of the hypnotic state.

In the foregoing paragraphs you were told how to induce the hypnotic state, and now we wish to know how its influence can be used as a curative agent, but before discussing its various applications, we wish to call your attention to the importance of the way in which you make suggestions.

A hypnotist must always be positive and firm, yet kind and gentle. Your subject must feel that you understand your business, and that you are master of the situation. You should make your suggestions in as concise and impressive a manner as possible. For instance, do not say, "Try to open your eyes; they are closed fast and it is impossible for you to open them," but say, "Your eyes are closed fast, you cannot open them, try hard."

The first suggestion you give is the first to be received by the subject, that is, in the first sentence, you told him to open his eyes, which he might do before you finish the balance of your suggestion. In the latter sentence you told him that his eyes were closed. This he receives and his efforts to open his eyes will fail.

There are a great many ways in which hypnotism can be applied to good advantage. It can produce either local or complete anæsthesia. Under its influence, Jules Cloquet removed a breast, and Dr. Loysel amputated a leg painlessly in the year 1845. Its influence is also used at the present time by hundreds of physicians in America and Europe for the treatment of certain diseases and in minor surgery. Teeth have been extracted, small tumors removed, the pain of neuralgia relieved, and it is applied to good advantage in various diseased conditions, which I will illustrate in the following cases:

Case 1—Mr. H., aged 23, applied to me to have an upper molar tooth extracted, and requested me to hypnotize him for the operation, as he was prejudiced against the use of local anesthetics. I directed him to be seated: I had hypnotized him before and it was very easy to place him in a state ​of hypnosis, which I did. I told him, "I wish to extract a tooth for you which will be done without pain. You must open your mouth wide," which he did without any hesitation. I then added, "Your mouth is now wide open, and it will be impossible for you to close it." I took this precaution to prevent his closing his jaws upon my fingers or the instruments. I now placed my thumb and finger on each side of the tooth and made heavy pressure, and said, "This tooth is perfectly dead now. The nerve has been killed and there will be no pain." I now loosened the gums from the alveolar process and removed the tooth. The patient still sat in the chair with his mouth open and face motionless. I now told him, "The tooth is out, close your mouth and spit out the blood." He did as I suggested, after which I slapped my hands in front of his face and added, "All right, wake up." He opened his eyes and said, "Did you get it, doctor?" He seemed surprised to find his mouth full of blood.

This is the usual method of producing all forms of local anæsthesia through hypnotism. If I were to remove a small tumor, I would carry out nearly the same method of suggestion, and stroke the part to be removed before operating upon it, and never forget to suggest that it will be done without pain.

I do not wish to associate hypnotism with Christian Science, but their modern operations are very much alike at times. Their principal therapeutic agent is suggestion, which will be illustrated in the following case:

In the early days of my medical career, I was treating a patient who had a fever. Her temperature was 10412. She was delirious and I had much difficulty in getting her to sleep. Various remedies were used, but with little effect. I invited an older brother practitioner to visit the case with me. On entering the room, we found that she had had a very little sleep in the last twenty-four hours. and was very ​nervous. The doctor was a kindly magnetic old soul, and after discussing the case briefly, he sat down beside the patient and gently stroked her forehead, and said, "I guess you can go to sleep now. Try hard. Think you are going to sleep and you will sleep." He continued stroking her head for a few minutes and she fell into a beautiful sleep, which lasted four and one-half hours, and awakened feeling much refreshed.

This patient was not hypnotized, but she took the suggestion favorably. This demonstrates what simple suggestion will often do as a restorative agent if properly applied.

It is by this simple method of suggestive therapeutics that the modern Christian scientists, faith cures, and divine healers, have claimed to achieve their great success, and, although its field of usefulness is limited, it is worthy of consideration in many cases, and can often be applied in the general practice of medicine. It might be well for me to add, however, that if I had told the good old doctor he was practicing hypnotism or Christian science in that case, he would have ecased to be my friend, for he was very skeptical on such subjects.

The following case is reported by Dr. Bernheim, and will illustrate the way hypnotism is applied at the school of Nancy, and the power it has over muscular rheumatism. The doctor says: "A child was brought to me with a pain like muscular rheumatism in the right arm, which dated back four or five days. The arm was painful to pressure; the child could not lift it to its head. I said to him, 'Shut your eyes and go to sleep.' I held his eyelids closed and went on talking to him, 'You are asleep and you will keep on sleeping until I awaken you. You are sleeping very well, as if you were in bed. You are perfectly well and comfortable. Your arms and legs and whole body are asleep, and you cannot move.' I took my fingers off his eyelids and they remained closed. I put his arms up and they remained Then touching the painful arm, I said: 'The pain has gone away; you will have no more pain; it will not come ​back any more.' In order to increase the force of suggestion by embodying it, so to speak, in a material sensation, I suggested a feeling of warmth. The heat took the place of the pain. I said to the child, 'You feel that your arm is warm: the warmth increases and you have no pain.' I awakened the child in a few minutes; he remembered nothing. The sleep had been profound. The pain had almost completely disappeared. The child lifted the arm easily to his head. I saw the father the day following, and he told me that the pain had disappeared completely, and that there was no return of it."

The above case is interesting, for it illustrates the way in which painful disorders of every description will often yield like magic to the influence of hypnotism. Tooth-ache, neuralgia, dysmenorrhœa, headache and other affections of a nervous origin, may often be cured by placing the patient in a hypnotic state and stroking the parts, and suggesting that the pain has left, never to return. There are thousands of victims of the alcohol and drug habits that have been cured by hypnotism, while the great Charcot and his followers have used it with wonderful success in all diseases of the mind and the nervous system.

In conclusion, I will say that wherever hypnotism can be applied, it has a large field of usefulness. It is simple in practice and deep in theory. As yet no entirely satisfactory explanation has been made why this phenomena exists, but we know that it does exist, beyond a doubt, and today hypnotism holds a respected place in the scientific world. But its nature, like the nature of most other mental phenomena, is not understood, and to the medical practitioner who is wedded to drugs, a statement of the result obtained from the hypnotic influences may seem like the miracles of some ancient Oriental work.

I do not wish it understood as my belief that hypnotism will ever be the universal curative agent, the panacea for all ills, or that it will ever supplant the use of cocaine, chloroform, ether or gas as an anesthetic for surgical purposes. ​My experience with hypnotism has been very limited, but I must confess that it has been rather satisfactory.

It is practical when it can be used, but on the other hand, it is impractical when we stop to consider that only about one in three can be hypnotized, and a smaller percentage cured by its use. I really believe that hypnotism has a bright future, and if this chapter has succeeded in merely throwing a small ray of light upon the subject and robbing it of its mysteries, I will feel that I have not wasted my efforts.