St. Landry democrat., 1880-07-03
A CASE OF IMAGINATION.

1t is well-established fact that the
mind has direct and important action
upon the body, and to a much greater
extent than persons in general suppose.
During the prevalence of an epidemic,
for instance, such as the cholera, thou
sands become afflicted through their
own fancy, who would otherwise es-
cape the fell destroyer. We remember,
when this scourge was last upon us. of
hearing several individuals spoken of as
likely to perish with the disease, for
the simple reason that they were con-
stantly in dread and fear of it; and we
noted the fact that these same persons
rarely lived out the season; while, on
the other hand, those who seemed to
care little about it, and in some cases
scofed at and deGed it, were seldom
touched by the invisible foe
No one can tell what the mind is, or
how it acts upon the body; but we have
constant evidence of its presence and
power through one of its attributes, the
will; and we are sometimes astonished
at its increased force, when stimulated
by passion or fear.
In a conversation with distinguish
ed physician of our acquaintance upon
this subject, he related case of the
striking effect of imagination, or mind,
upon body, which came under his own
observation while a student at hos
pital. A lecture by one of the faculty
touching upon imagination and its
strange effects, became subject of
discussion in his class; and the ques-
ton shortly arose, whether it was not
rather the body that affected the mind
than the mind the body.
Il contend,'' said one, "that the
body first becomes affected by some
morbid influence, and the mind of
course takes its tone therefrom.'
s. maintain said another. that
the mind may be first affected, and so
impair the body. as in cases of mental
excitement, such as grief, joy, fear,
horror, shame, chagrin and disappoint-
ment.''
The students took sides on the ques-
ton and the matter was ably argued
pro and con, each party about equally
maintaining its assumed position. In
all questions of nature permitting a
strong argument on either side, it is
fair to presume that both parties have
truth for foundation, and neither has
the whole truth; and SO it was in this
case--the fact being that the mind does
affect the body, and the body the mind.
But something more than argument
was wanted in this case; medical stu
dents like to try experiments, and wit
ness practical demonstrations; and it
was finally agreed that a perfectly
healthy subject should be selected and
put under the effects of imagination. A
young, robust, rosy-cheeked farmer,
who occasionally came into the town to
dispose of his fruit, and who had found
some of his best customers among the
students, was finally fixed upon as an
individual in every way satisfactory for
the trial. The plan was for some of
the students, at different times and in
different places, without any appear
anee of collision, to be struck with
his altered looks-to perceive some
secret malady beginning to affect him
and finally. to predict his death at a
given time. With this understanding
they went deliberately to work the next
time he appeared among them. Some
three or four of them sauntered out to
his cart, from which he was selling APP
pies; and each. as he came up, took a
long and unusual stare at him, as if
suddenly discovering something very
peculiar; and then all seemed to con-
suit together in a very serious manner,
occasionally glancing at him with looks
of pity verging on alarm.
How are you to-day, Mr.. Bassettp'
at length inquired one of the party, in
a grave, quiet tone, with look of com
miseration; while the others crowded
up, stared hard in his face, and seemed
anxious for his answer.
I'm right well, I thank your re-
piled Bassett, with pleasant smile;