Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1882-04-08
A CASE OF INA GINATION.

1t is we'll established fac that the
mind has direct and important action
upon the body, and to much greater ex-
tent than persons in general suppose.
During the prevalence of an epidemic,
for instance, such as the cholera, thOus-
ands become afflicted through their own
fancy who would otherwise escape the
fell destroyer. We remember when this
scOurge was last upon us, of hearing sew
eral individuals spoken of as likely to
perish with the disease for the simple
reason that they were constantly 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 scOffed at and defed
it, were seldom touched by the invisible
foe.
No one can tell how the mind is, or
how it acts upon the body; but we have
constant evidence of its presence and
power, through one of its tributaries,
the will; and we are sometimes aston
ished at its increased force, when stimu-
lated by passion or fear.
In conversation with distinguish
ed physician of our acquaintance upon
this subject he related case Of the
upon the body, which came under his
own observation while a student at a
hospital. A lecture by one of the facul-
ty. touching upon imagination and it's
strange effects, became subject OF dis
cnssi0n in his class; and the question
shortly arose whether il 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
it's tone therefrOm.
I" maintain" said another, that the
mind may be first affected and so impair
the body, as in cases of mental excite
ment, such as grief, Joy, fear, horror,
shame, chagrin and disappointment"
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 1t 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 perfectly healthy
subject should be selected and put under
the effects of imagination. A young,
robust. rosy.cheeked farmer, who occa
siOnally came into the town to dispose
: of his fruit, and had found some of his
hest 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 at differant places
without any appearance of collision, to
be struck with his altered lOOks-tO per-
ceive some secret malady affecting him
and finally TO predict his death at
given time. With this understanding
they went deliberately to work the next
time they met him. Some three or four
of them sauntered out to his cart from
which he was selling apples, and each
as he came up took long and unusual
stare at him, as if suddenly discovering
something very peculiar; and then all
seemed to consult together in very
serious manner, occasionally at him
with looks of pity verging on alarm.
'HOw are you to-day, MIR. Bassettp" at
length inquired one of the party, in a
grave, quiet tone, with look of com
niiseration; while the others crowded up,
stared hard in his face, and seemed anx-
iOus for his answer.
"T'm right well, thank you," replied
Bassett, with a pleasant smile; show do
you find yourself? I've got some good
eating apples here, gentlemen the
4 same Kind as You liked so well before
How old are you, my friend?" pur-
sued the one who had kirst addressed
him, still looking him steadily and seri-
Ously in the eye.