The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-11-19

Comparatively few persons are willing
to confess to belief In the science of hyp-
notism or. rather, in hypnotism as a cure
Tor mental. moral or physical Ills: .prob-
ably few even privately accept in full the
claims OF its advocates and operators
Yet there is reason to think that many
people have a deep interest in the myster-
ious power and are curious as TO its pos
sible manifestations. Such persons will
find much TO attract and surprise them in
the volume ny DR.. John Duncan Quacken-
hos. entitled 'Hypnotism in. Mental and
Moral Culture" Some chapters Of this
book have already been given TO the pub
lie, through the medium OF Harper's Maya
zine. and have aroused considerable atten-
ton. Here much more ground is covered.
The author, who carries the scientific and
professional rank belonging TO member
o. the New York Academy OF Sciences,
the New York Academy OF Medicine, the
American Association for the Advance
ment or Science, etc, proceeds on the as
sumption That hypnotism is a scientific
TACT, and its phenomena natural develop
ments OF n mental condition that may
easily be produced. He writes only OF
his own experiences. as a practitioner in
the held. and confines himself to the
o. hypnotism in the treatment of moral
obliquity. and i'm the development and ex-
altation OF mind power. He defines hyp-
nosis, or hypnotic sleep. as a mind con-
dition. in which the mental action and
the will-power o. a sensitive subject are
under the control of an operator who has
induced the state. ut is characterized by
snsensibiiity TO extraneous sounds or
retinal images. and TO ordinary Impressions
of sense organs; but by quickened percep-
ton of sensations and thought-forms that
are pictured by the hypnotist." There is
no mystery about the procedures. he says:
mo supernatural gift is implied: no the
DRY of magnetic influence" He de-
scribes the process of hypnOtization and
the subsequent course OF action I'm simple
terms. A large part of the volume is de-
voted to setting forth the use of the SCH
ence applied to the reform of criminals.
the cure of bad habits. drinking. morphine
using, moral imbecilty, decisions, melan-
cholia. etc, and in the training and deve-
opment CT erratic, backward and unman-
ageable children. Illustrations are given
of the working OF the suggestive power in
each instance. Two or three chapters
treat OF auto-suggestion. Or. Qudckenbos
believes that the intelligent individual may
be greatly aided by auto-suggestion. or, As
he puts IL, the suggestion by his own OBJ
jective mind to his subjective mind
Throughout the reader is impressed by the
authors sincerity and his BELIEF IN the
soundness OF his own theories. While all
may not accept without reserve his views
concerning the influence of hypnotism as
be narrowly prejudiccd person who will
reject entirely the possibilities he sets
forth. Most readers will. perhaps, be dis
posed 10 draw the line at the use of sug-
gestion. as an inspiration TO writers. ar
fists and actors. To suggest TO hypno-
tized subject that he will no longer drink
whisky, or steal, or lie, is one thing; 10
make a literary or artistic genius even OF
one aspiring TO success in such lines is
/ another and quite different affair. To ac-
complish the latter 1t would seem TO be
necessary for the operator TO have within
himself the ability 10 be an author or ala
artist. Else how he impart the IN
spiration? Either this, subjects seeking
development of their faculties have such
powers latent and only needing stimula-
ton to blossom forth With due respect
To DIR. Quackenbos and his opinions. the
Journals reviewer declines TO believe that
he can by hypnotism or suggestion make
an acceptable or successful story-writcr
or artist or actor out of any young man
or woman, however intelligent or ambi-
tious, who may happen along. The book.
nevertheless. is one worth reading by those
who like to keep themselves in touch with
| the intellectual Developments of the day.
| Published by Harper & Brothers.