The Point Pleasant register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, W. Va.) 1909-1939, 1909-11-17
GREESONE Scene
WHEN HYPNOTIsT FAILED m TEST.

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interesting legal question as a sequel
today of the autopsy performed last
night of the body of Robert Simpson,
the hypnotic subject, whom Arthur
Everton, hypnotist failed to restore
after placing him in a trance.
The autopsy disclosed that Simp-
sons death was due to rupture of
the aorta. To just what measure of
responsibility, if any, Everton will
finally be held by the law is a ques-
ton which is puzzling the legal ex-
perts. The prosecutor ofthis district
is credited with the intention ofhold-
ing Eyerton on technical charge of
manslaughter until his case can be
passed upon by the grand jury next
month
The autopsy last night was DELAYED
until professional hypnotist had
had an opportunity to make one last
effort to restore animation in Simp-
sons body. There was not the slight
est response, and the examinationf fol-
lowing indicated to the physicians
that death had resulted Immediately
after the collapse of the subject from
the rigid state inwhich the hypnotist
had placed him.
Arthur EvertOn, the hvpnotist, it
was said by the authorities here to-
day, would be held to await the ac-
ton of the December grand jury and
in the meantime would be admitted to
bail.
1t was said, however, that this pro-
cedure was incumbent upon the au-
thorities in case of any death, and it
was not likely that any responsibility
for Simpsons death would fall upon
the hypnotist in view of the result
of the autopsy last night. The cor
oner will not hold an inquest in the
case.
Simpsons body, covered with a
black cloth, lay in the mOrgue at the
hospital when Davenport arrived. He
came in silently and in the presence
of DR.. W. H. ong, county physician:
DR.. Charles H. Halstead and Dr..
Francis McConaugh, Immediately be-
gan his attempt to revive the unfor-
tpnate man. First he felt of the
body to detect any possible heart
beat; failing in this, he placed his
ear on thevictim's chest. Then, in
voking the power of suggestion, he
spoke in the dead mans ear.
Bob he said, bob, your heart
action-your heart action-your
heart action is beginning. 1t is be-
ginning"
Slowly and dramatically Davenport
repeated this in the ear, then chang
ing his tone of voice to an imperious
command, he cried sharply:
bob! Bob! Can't you hear mes
Your heart is beginning to beat.
Your heart is beginning to beat.
Again and again he repeated this
assurance to the inanimate form,
while the medical men looked grimly
on. Not muscle ofthe body stirred
and there was absolutely no sign of
animation
Again Davenport changed his
methods. Leaning over Simpsons
right ear, he spoke con6dentially:
"oh, l say, BOb,'' he said in a
quiet conversational tone; ''lOok,
your heart is beginning to beat
He repeated this soothingly time
after time, but without effect. Simp-
son apparently was as dead as the
proverbial door nail.
While this was going on brilliant
incandescent lamp she'd its binding
glow in the dead mans face, but the
eyelids did not autter, and, as the
physicians contended, he was beyond
aid. Disheartened, Davenport turned
to go, but DR.. Long called him back.
What is your opiniOns'' heasked.
GGT ia - - a.