National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-03-21
ABOUT PSYCHOLOGY.
WHAT PROFESSOR CARPENTER SAYS.
How He Came To Be q Nesmerist-Isteresting tx
perinents Before the New York Academy
Of Science - Surgical Operations
Performed Without Pain.

The interest everywhere apparent IN
this city relative 10 the psychological manifesto
tions of Professor Carpenter caused representa-
tive of THE REPUBLICAN to seek out the great mes
merist for the purpose of obtaining some facts for
public information.
The Professor greeted his visitor in kindly
manner, at the same time producing a couple OF
fragrant Hayanas, suggesting that smoke would
probably brighten up his ideas, and in few
minutes the twain were deeply immersed in the
subject of mesmerism.
How long have you been engaged in this fusl-
ness, Professor" was the first interrogatory.
Upward of twenty years. had read every
book attainable on the subject of psychology, ana
when thought had mastered it concluded 10
try some experiments. The first person that ever
controlled was a young friend in Boston, ana Wnen
l produced the semblance of sleep must confess
was alarmed for fear of the consequences
For what reason?'
THAT is hard question 10 answer, but pre-
sumo ii was q feeling that might produce mental
effects which would do him an injury. This power
in the hands of ignorant persons is a dangerous
one as was fully instructed by Professor Brown,
under whom l studied. When l felt my friend
falling in death-like stupor over on my arm l
quickly brought him to by swapping my fingers,
and as he responded promptly TO my efforts TO
break his slumber felt fear for any further re-
suits, and have not to this day.
al suppose you have produced a great many
wonderful scenes in the practice Of your proies-
sion?"
lone Of the most remarkable occurred several
years ago. Ihad left my wife in Boston and was
several hundred miles away, when received a
letter stating that she very sick. had to give
q performance in the evening, and after had put
good subject under control, conceived the idea
of trying caryoyant test to find out how my wife
was. The subject was an utter stranger to me, but
requested her to help me find my wife and aseer-
tain her condition. To my surprise, she described
the situation of my house and the rooms in it, and
informed me that my wife was not at home. She
continued her search, and soon said she was visit
ing friend and was just in the act of taking her
leave. She even described how my wife was
dressed, and what articles she had in her hand.
Within q week returned home, and, upon ques-
tioning my wife as TO her condition and where
abouts at a certain hour and day. had the story Of
my subject confirmed in every particular l have
frequently tried this experiment since and have
been uniformly successful"
alt is stated that is possible for subjects to sub
NIT to surgical operations while under the 1nfiu-
ence of the operator What do you know OF thisT''
"Imade some experiments before the New York
Academy of Science this winter, which were wit
messed by four hundred physicians. and were very
satisfactory. DIS. Hammond and Beard conducted
the experiments after l had Influenced the sub
jects, one Of whom had three teeth extracted and
the other his left hand burned with hot irons. In
neither case was there any manifestation Of physf-
cal suffering The experiments gave such salts
faction that class formed at once for instruc-
ton, and fifteen medical men began to study in
order to use the influence in the treatment of ner
Yous diseases"
"The treatment of subjects is not dangerous,
then?'
ION the contrary, in nervous diseases 1t is highly
beneficial. The impressions are no more harmful
than those of pleasant dreams, and when persons
of a nervous temperament are treated, the sleep
possesses all the qualities of q nerve tonic"
What class of people make the best subjects?'
As rule, light-complexioned people make the
best as they generally possess sensitive tempera-
ments. There are exceptions however, for some
of the best subjects have ever controlled were
very dark. Spaniards invariably make good sub
jects. In emotional scenes colored people are
easily Influenced, with very gratifying results,
and like to test them for this reason"
at is frequently urged that only persons of
weak minds can be controlled. How is it?'
That is all bosh. have experimental on
some Of the brightest people in the country, and
when they became Influenced made the most sat-
isfactory subjects 1 don't think any one will
question Charley Nye's intellect. In all my eX-
perience do not think have found brighter or
more intelligent man."
This brings up another question. Which are
the most easily Influenced, women or menu"
"Oh, women, undoubtedly. They are more SEN
sitive than the other sex, and when impressed are
the best subjects possible. Still they cannot be
compelled to go through the performances that
man could, as it would be distssteful to the audi
ence. Right here want to say that an erroneous
idea prevails that operator could take improper
liberties with woman subject if he was disposed
to do go. With good woman this would be i'm
possible, as fixed impression cannot be controlled.
If person goes upon the stage with an idea that
certain thing shall not be done, for instance the
removal of a coat or dress. all the powers of the
operator brought to bear would be of no avail. 1
alluded to this matter merely to Offset the SANDER
Gus imputations of evil disposed minds.
do the subjects retain any knowledge Of their
actions while in the magnetic state?'
"Only when l tell them they will remember
them. Otherwise they are similar to dreams My
desire is to make all the impressions of pleasant
nature, and never resort to any harsh or i'm
proper treatment"