The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1903-04-05

Special to The Globe.
PARIS, April At is with some de-
gree of satisfaction that the members
of the Societe dHypnotisme perceive
the attention being given in England
to the prostitution of hypnotism by
charlatans.
For years we here have been calling
attention to the fact that the use of
this useful agent in suggestive Their
apeutics might be easily perverted
with the most vicious results.
At last the medical authorities in
Great Britain are awakening to real
iZation of the dangers lurking in the
misapplication of this power.
Two eminent London authorities
have this to say on the matter in one of
leading reviews.
Speaking of the menace to health
and morals which may eVentuate from
the misuse of hypnotism, the writer's
say: When subject is in hyp-
motto sleep suggestions may be given
that at any time in the future he will
perform some given action; the actual
time and date may be suggested, or
he may be told to perform the action
when a certain forSeen combination OF
circumstances occur. Now, in proper
hands, post-hypnotic suggestion is of
benefit to mankind; as, for instance,
for curing deleteriOuS habits. But If
DtIellCtdl SuSStSllOHS lJlciy NC IIlcloNs
so also may detrimental and immoral
suggestions, and examples are not
wanting in the annals of hypnOtiSm
where such suggestions have undOubt-
eddy been made.
For the past year or two the Eng
lish newspapers have had their col
umns filed with the advertisements
of hypnotic takers. The courses pub
liShed by these alleged professors Of
hypnOtism to induce persons to place
themselves in their hands under the
pretenSe that hypnotic influence is
harmless and beneficial to health are
Specious enough to put any on their
guard but the most unwary.
The matter is to be taken up by
parliament, l hear, and an attempt will
be made to restrict the use of hypno-
tism to those who will not voluntary
misuse it.
The first step proposed is to attempt
to prevent the acceptance of the ad
Vertisements of these people by the
publishers of the newspaper in order
to prevent the increase of unscru-
pulouS operators.
These advertisements are subtly
Worded and calculated to make a con-
tiding public believe that nothing but
good can come from following the al
Turing inducements therein set forth
and that the professors of the heralded
treatment are actuated by no love or
filthy lucre, but are impelled solely by
their overpowering love of mankind.
A large number of people, avid of
something new and willing to be de-
ceived, eagerly swallow the bait, fire.
Quently with disastrous consequences.
If publishers, both of journals and of
magazines, would exercise a wide dis
elimination, and refuse to insert ad-
Vertisements of this nature, it would
in the long run, be for the good of all.
[ am aware that the use of hypnotism
by medical men is in it's infancy and that
The profession has. through its extreme
orthodoxy, failed to grasp one of the
most efficient forces of nature ready to
its hand. but that offers no excuse for
allowing it to fall into the hands of char
latanS and incompetent persons who by
means of it may work irreparable Ill
to mankind. -,
On this account 1 believe We shall see
the governments of all enlightened coun-
tries soon taking a hand to prevent the
misuse of it as they do today the misuse
OF. poisons, which in criminal or ineompe-
tent hand are dangerous, whilst in those
of such as are skilled in their use they
are beneficial agents.
HypnOtiSm is full Of utility In a broad
field of functional disorders of mind and
body. including habits, weakness and 9th
er earthly impediments, whilst it also has