The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1891-07-24
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AN EXPERIMENT IN HYPNOrIsM.
Canon Cruthall had always been a scep-
tic on the subject Of mesmerism; and
when new development of that science,
under the name of hypnOtism, came un-
, der public notice, he regarded 1t with
equal incredulity. The fact was that the
canon was an exceptionally strong-mind-
ed, matter-of-fact person, over whom no
mesmeTist had ever been able to exercise
the smallest influence. And he was led
by this circumstance to jump at the un-
reasonable conclusion that an effect
which could not be worked upon himself
could moi, by fair means, be worked upon
other people either. OF course, he adj
mitted that there were certain weak
minded beings, out of whose imbecllity
the so-called mesmerists manage to make
good capital. But he did not believe
| that any man of average intelligence and
determination could be induced so much
as to lift his little finger merely because
some one else willed that he should.
The canon did not keep those opinions
to himself, or even confine them to pri-
vate conversation. On the contrary, he
attacked hypnotism vigorously in the
columns of leading monthly magazine,
and entered into spirited controversy
in tho Times with an eminent professor
of the science. This brought his name
before the public and won him consider
able notability. Indeed, Have you read
Canon Cruthalrs letters on hypnotismY"
became quite stock conversational
opening at dinner parties and dances.
But il was not for the purpose of get
ting himself talked about that the worthy
divine had entered the lists against the
promoters of the fashionable science.
He acted purely from conscientious mo-
tives. For believing. as he did. that
there was some trickery or collusion at
the bottom of all successful hypnotic eX-
periments, he thought it his duty to pub
licly denounce the imposture. And he
registered vow that, should fortune
ever give him the opportunity of expos
ing any of these hypnotic humbugs, he
would eagerly embrace it. While this
determination was still strong upon him,
he went down into the country on n visit
to his friend Lady Joyce, who had got
together large number of people at her
house in Clayshire. Among them, as
luck would have it, was young barris-
ter, Jack Perkins-an ardent advocate OF
hypnotism, and himself hypnotist of
no slight capacity. His name, indeed,
was not yet known to the general public,
but in private circles he had acquired a
great reputation by his successful expert
ments.
The first night, at dinner, after the
ladies had withdrawn, one of the gentle
men started the subject of hypnOtism,
and Jack PERKINS took the opportunity
of relating some wonderful experiences
in that line. Most of his hearers ex-
pressed considerable interest in his tales,
but the canon sat silent, with an incred-
ulous smile upon his face. This Perkins
observed, and turning to him said:
"You seem sceptical on the subject,
Canon Cruthall. At least, | know you
arc, for l have read your letters iu the
TimeS.h
81 certainly am" answered the canon.
"But tell me, now, why do you not be-
lieve in it?n questioned Perkins.
because" replied the canon, THAT
mysterious influence of mind over mind
which the sciencc-so called-presup-
poses has yet 10 be satisfactorily estab-
iished. / know that all the mesmorists
and hypnotists who have tried their
hands upon me have failed utterly. And
|, therefore, believe rs myself have ex-
perienced.
Perkins halI-closcd his eyes, and re-
garded him steadily for some seconds.
Then he said:
81 can see you would be difficult sub
ject. But look here, if some one-my-
self, for instance-were to hypnotize you
into doing something against your will,
would you believe in the science thenP'
"Of course, should" was the reply.
''But the condition is never likely to be
fulfilled. Come, challenge you to try
your most potent spells upon me!'
Perkins stroked his chin and looked
reflective.
"You must give me time to think it
over" he answered. "And | promise
that in the course of day or two, l will
try an experiment upon you"
livery WE'LL" rejoined tho canon,
"When you're ready, am"
"You must let us all witness the ex-
pertinent, Perkins, struck in the host.
''By all MEANS" answered Perkins.
"And am prepared to stake my reputa-
ton as hypnotist on the result OF It,"
Don't be rash," observed the canon,
with a confident smile. ''For l assure
you you are very unlikely to succeed;
ave shall see," returned Perkins
quietly.
Soon afterward the gentleman joined
the ladies, and nothing further was said
upon the subject that night.
Next morning, as the canon was out
by himself in the garden-he was an
early riser, and always took stroll be-
fore breal1iast-he met man, looking
like a servant, who touched his hat re-
spectfully, and stopped, as if wishing to
accost him.
"Well, my man, what is it?" inquired
the canon, with benign condescension.
II beg pardon, sir, began the man, in
an apologize tone, ''but l Thought I'd
just take the liberty of speaking to you.
Do you know who l am, sir?'
Cant say that l do" replied the
canon, ''unless you are one OF the foot
men,"
"Pm Mr.. Perkins's valet, sir, was the
answer. "But l came into the dining