The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-03-11
WAS NOT A SPELL
G. w. C. Jones and Two Ply
Sicians Examine Billy Mack
TO TEST HIS INSANITY
Patient Yields to Hypnotic In
fuences After Hard Work.

Billy Mack, who is in jail awaiting
transfer 10 the state insane asylum, and
whose peculiar mental condition has ere
a-ed widespread interest in both scientific
and medical circles and among his friends
was yesterday put under the influence OF
hvpnotisrn in an earnest endeavor 10 dag
nose his case properly and arrive at a
mode Of treatment. Mack was also puJ
INFO q restfuI but brief mesmeric sleep
which is said to be impossible IN an IN
sane man. The experiment yesterday was
made by Judge G.. w. {. Jones, VINO mas
successfully practiced the science OF hyp-
DotLsm and mesmerism and is well inform
Cd in the practical uses Of the science.
The hypnotic treatment given Billy Mack
Yesterday was by permission ana IN the
presence Of DR.. Jordan, county physician
who has known Mack for almost life
time and has become greatly interested II
his case. not only from q professional
standpoint. but from personal stand
point as we'll
Al the special request Of a reporter for
the Eagle Mr.. Jones visited Mack in the
iail- There were present DR.. Jordan Dr..
Parr, Mrs. Simons, two other ladies' ana
the reporter. The patient was brought
into the Office OF the jail and seated IN a
low rocking chair. He was looking some
what better than on the day he was tried
for insanity, but was very indignant be
cause he was compelled TO remain in jail.
DR.. Jordan engaged him in conversation
for few moments, and then Mr.. Jones
talked with him, finally telling him 10 look
him square in the eye.
mo. I won't What are you trying 10
do with me?" said Mack, evidently sur
missing the intentions Of Mr.. Jones, as
though he had been hypnotized before.
BY kind suggestions of the physicians
and MIR. Jones, Mack agreed 10 let the
operator take hold Of his hands, but he
would not look him in the eye. He was
sitting by the east window. and nothing
seemed TO attract his gaze from the out
side world and the trees along the street,
so intense was the longing for free air
again. Mr.. Jones questioned him about
his delusion, and he related the same
facts that he told the jury the day he was
found insane, and declared that the Hom-
en- seemed TO have a hold of his mind, and
he could not get It back. II either want TO
10 be relieved or killed, and 1 don't care
which" he said.
The physician and Mr.. Jones told him
frankly that they were there 10 try 10
help him. and that hypnotism might fur
nish him relief from the influence Of the
women who had persistently followed him
and controlled him. Mack reluctantly con-
scented to the test, and gave Mr.. Jones
his hands
Now, Mack, you must take a gentle
sleep. Sleep viii refresh you and make
you feel better. When you are once well
you can get out Of here. Now sleep.
Sleep. Sleep
Slowly his eyelids dropped and Billy
Macks troubles We're gone. The light
from the window shone on face that had
been pale and distorted with nervous i'll
ness, but which was now relaxed and free
from the careWorn expression of a few
moments before. He was in a peaceful
sleep. For the time being he had forgot
ten the women of his delusion anu for that
short time his mind was free.
When Mack awoke he walked about the
room in strained nervous excitement and
declared that they were trying to make
4 laughing stock Of him. He had been al
hypnotic exhibitions, where subjects had
been forced 10 perform all kinds Of tricks.
When he sat down again Mr.. Jones
walked over to him and again engaged
him in conversation. Mack said he would
like to be relieved. and Mr.. Jones told
him he would have 10 hypnotic him and
treat him regularly by that method. Then
he began on Mack in earnest. He gave HE
right arm a SvengaH pass over Mack
forehead and said:
Now, Mack, I am going 10 close your
eyes so tight that you cannot open them
Go to sleep and sleep soundly."
The patient was rather hard to get IN
der the influence. and Mr.. Jones worked
until the perspiration dripped from his
face before he was able 10 put the sub
ject under Finally he got Mack's eye,
and with one stroke he had him in a com
plete hypnotic state.
Now I dare you to open your eyes
You can't do it until tell you. Hold on
minute-not yet Now and with the
snap of his fingers Mack was brought
out of the spell as bright as a dollar.
Il am going to hypnotic you every day,
Mack. promptly at half past one. and YOU
Will let me. too. I believe 1 can cure YOU
and bring you out Of the delusion about
those women"
Mack was silent. He was glum and i'll
tempered. because he was not pleased with
the surroundings. lie wanted ont of Jail
When those present arose and were ready
70 90, Mack went over by the window and
sat down. looking calmly out in the street
When told 10 arise and so 10 his cell. he
would not move. Then Mr.. Jones com
manded him 10 return to his cell and h.
arose quickly and walked through the bis
iron doorway, heaping curses on himself
and the woman Of MS fancy. saying he
WISHED the whole town would cave Il
and bury lis all
The visit Of the physicians and NJ
Jones was entirely satisfactory on the Iins
for which IT was intended. Il was merely
for me purpose Of testing AIack's mind q.
20 is susceptibility n hypnotic influence