The Pioche weekly record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1877-1900, 1891-05-07
HYPN0TIsM.
A Study in the Mysterious and
Bewiidering Art.
An Interesting Description OF the Cell
That. Closes In by Seven Degrees on
Its victim-HOw Mind-Reading
Is Accomplished.

formed mind concerning hypnotism is
the exaggerated conditions which are
reported. propose to give my descrip-
ton, writes Arthur Howton in New
York World, which will unburden this
so-called weird art of many misrepre-
sensations. Unjust say, however, that
it more than fulfills the claims OF its
opponents in that it is useful and ex-
tremely powerful adjunct in minor
surgical operations, on account OF the
ease with which local or general
anesthesia may be produced, not to
mention its value as sedative and
nerve recuperator; also it is fair to say
that mind-reading done by hypnotic
subjects is sometimes almost mex
plicable. It is this last fact which
keeps the old magnetism" alive. Ac-
cording to the best authorities there are
seven stages of hypnotis with well
marked characteristics.
The first stage of hypnotis is the leger
sommeil, or light sleep of DR.. Liebault'
In this stage the subject is in an or
binary doze, produced by a gentle,
monotonous movement of the hands in
the form of passes, fixing the patients
eyes steadily upon some bright small
object, thus producing slight cerebral
exhaustion. There is no special peculi-
arity about this stage except that the
subject is more susceptible to sugges-
ton, but the least noise or bursque
movement will restore his equanimity;
the subject in this condition has not lost
consciousness
The second stage or sommeil profound,
is also named by DIR. Liebault, OF Nan
CIV, and the special characteristics are
that the subject is in deep sleep, but
retains consciousness of what is going
on around him. He is in state of very
much increased susceptibility to sugges-
tion-so much SO, in fact, that If told
that he can not open his eyes he can
not do So His general condition is one
of natural sleep except that in ordinary
sleep the patient hears nothing, and
sound will awake him, whereas in this
sleep the patient if spoken to will an
swer. and even loud noises will not
startle him. This stage is induced by
continuation of the method given for
the first stage.
The third stage, of somnambulism
IL the first in which the subject COM
;letely loses control of his actions.
In this condition he hears and sees
no one except the operator, unless
lc is placed in harmony with him.
There is also in this condition a certain
association of ideas, in that the SOM
uambulist if set to washing his hands
.gill not continue the operation forever,
but will, after reasonable time, ask
for towel. This condition is lost in
deeper stages. In this condition there
b a alsn.deep insensibility to pain, and
the pupils of the eyes are contracted;
l,ut the greatest popularity of this stage
lies in the hyperesthetic powers in
,!nccd in some subjects. 1t is to this
peculiarly that we owe the wonders OF
mind reading, us in this condition q
good subjects senses are SO infinitely
nharpencd that they can catch a clew
Given by an operator which would fai
TO reach the sharpest unhypnotized per
son in the world.
The fourth stage is catalepsy. This
is the first stage which is absolutely
pathological, and is not, as in the form
or stages, merely psychical effects. Ii
this stage the subjects muscles art
all In fiaccid or wax-like condition
and II the subjects limbs arr
placed in position, no matter how
awkward or uncomfortable it ma,
be. he will retain it, while hi
breathing and pulse will remain NOR
regular than any one in normal con
lition could possibly attempt to simu
late. This has been proven by thu
photographic charts OF Tamburin'
and Seppili. In this stage the ocula
and patellar reflex is almost entirel,
deficient.
The fifth stage is lethargy. This is
stage which is dangerous for any on
not fully competent and with long eS
perience to NEEDLE with, on account O
the acute tetanus which always accom-
panies it. The general idea is espresso
by the German investigators that thes
effects are produced by suggestion an
imitation. This is erroneous, however
as has been demonstrated by tn
clinique of Prof. Charcot la Sal
petriere. Paris. The special symptom
are first, an entirely relaxed conditio
of the muscles. SO that if the subject
raised up and let fall he will drop in
heap, and without the least ability I
better his position. Secondly, there
neuro-muscular hyperexcitabilit
which manifests itself upon the lea.
stimulation. For instance, if the ma
setter or muscle Of the jaw is touched
win contract as from tetanic spasm.
The danger lies in the liability (
these tetantic contractions spreadin
and involving some vital organ, or eve
reaching the heart. 1t is beyond a
power OF man to simulate these SYM
toms. Thirdly, association of ideas
entirely absent, and the brain is fun
tionally inactive.
The sixth stage, or complete contra
ture, is never induced except for scie
tifc investigation or for extreme surg
cal operations. All the muscles exec
those concerned in the circulation al
respiration are rigidly contracted. A
refiexes and mental phenomena are a
sent, and long continuance in this co
dition, sometimes called deep franc
may canse the subject to pass quiet
into
The seventh stage. or death.