The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1905-01-26
GALVANI==A HYPNOTIC STORY

- EVERAL years ago, throughout
number of states, appeared
I faring posters announcing the
coming of one, "Galvani the
Hypnotic Marvel" whose fame and
exploits travelled far in his advance.
His occult manifestations were as
founding and many were of the belief
that he possessed supernatural powers.
In consequence many reports were
circulated concerning him ana his
mysterious art. Some persons were in
a state of excitement bordering on
frenzy. Not only was the public at
large impressed, but the medical pro-
fession as we'll; for what the latter
once scoffed at as physical impossible
ities," W ere demonstrated by him to be
genuine realities. Among them such
as the double-pulse in which, by i'm
peding the action of the heart, the
pulse beats were thrown out of har-
mony with each other, varying at
times from ten to fifteen beats per
minute; the causing of hemorrhages of
the lungs and nose by will power alone;
appearance of blisters on the flesh by
concentration; hallucinatiOns and
illusions were induced at will; blood
less surgery, suspension of all but vital
functions, and many other phenome-
ma which space will not permit me to
mention. These phenomena were not
only produced in certain persons, but
in anyone proving susceptible to
hypnotic influence and willing to
undergo the experiment. That his en-
tertainments were merftorious was
proven by the inadequacy of theaters
TO accommodate his large audiences.
In many places standing room only
signs were conspicuous, even before the
first overture.
Galvani's appearance was in keeping
with his profession. Tall and COM
manding in stature; dark and clear-cut
features suggesting strong electrical
temperament; massive forehead de-
noting immense will power, and a pair
of eyes which beggar description, black
as night and flashing like two brilliants,
horribly fascinating in their gaze and
beneath whose depths seemed to smol-
der pent-up passion. To use the ex-
preston of one of his admirers, "they
looked like two burnt holes in a
blanket" He claimed the distinction
OF Yoghi, and on the stage always
wore the HindoO robe and turban, the
latter more for effect and to heighte1
suggestion than anything else. Strange
as some of the following incidents may
seem theylare, nevertheless, not without
their truth, with the exception OF
names and places which the writer
has changed for various personal rea
sons. Of late years the phenomens
illicited in certain degrees of hypno
tism have become common, and tn,
reader has doubtlessly witnessed man,
of them. The following experienc,
was related by one of the subjects O.
Galvani's company: eyes," he wa
saying, "it is true that I have just beel
discharged from the hospital, but tha
does not account for my appearance
l was physical wreck before 1 wen
in and it was all caused by hypnotism
To be hypnotic horse'-term apple,
to subjects-is to lead dogs life, bu
there is something so fascinating abou
it that once you try it, you can't sta
away. 1t acts on the nerves like dope
at least that has been my experience
1 have been with Galvani two seasons
have been kicked and cuffed around b
him like dog, and like dog I cam
back for more. 1t was beyond m
power to take the defensive. At time
it seemed that I actually loved hin
but l have learned later that l wa
under post-hypnotic suggestion an
he was compelling me to stay with th
company. He is certainly a huma
devil if ever there was one. When
first joined him l had been tendere
the usual comp which we give a
local subjects to come up on the stag
on opening nights.
swell, when went up that night
had no intention of being hypnotic,
Not for moment would I let hil
make fool of me. That was my ide
just imagine my surprise to suddenl