Mackechnie. — A Mi/slcrioiiH TJicrapcutic Agent. 123- 



led Newton to a very clear perception of the laws of gravita- 

 tion ; and the enlarged field of observation in natural history 

 enabled Wallace and Darwin to arrive at the theory of natural 

 selection and the doctrine of evolution. The same holds good 

 in all other departments of science, especially that relating ta 

 mental action and the subtle relations existing between mind 

 and matter. Now, the study of mind-phenomena may be 

 approached from either the psychological (sometimes called 

 the metaphysical) or the physiological side, according to the 

 bent or constitution of the inquiring mind. My own psycho- 

 logical studies have not been sufficiently deep or extensive to 

 enable me on that side even to hazard an exj^lanation of the 

 difficulties presented by hypnotism, though many persons, I 

 must tell you, maintain that the cause of the phenomena is 

 essentially psychic. I am thus driven by the limits of my 

 information to adopt the statements of physiologists, and offer 

 for your acceptance a solution of the problem from their point 

 of view. But before doing so I think it well to mention the 

 extent of my own actual experience, that you may not be 

 misled, or induced to give me more credit than I can justly 

 claim. Many years ago I had an opportunity of ascending a 

 platform, in the presence of a large and highly respectal)le 

 audience, and submitting myself to the power or will of the 

 operator, who practised what he called " electro-biology." I 

 did so W'ith some fifteen others. Having seated us in a long 

 roMT fronting the audience, he placed a metal disc in the hand 

 of each, telling us at the same time to look steadily at it and 

 keep our minds as unoccupied and free from thought as pos- 

 sible. To the best of my ability I carried out his instructions, 

 staring in a vacant manner at the disc for about ten minutes. 

 I was not in any way affected, though I am bound to say 

 three or four of our number were so within even a less period. 

 Those affected apparently believed everything suggested tO' 

 them. They were made to play the most ridiculous antics,, 

 and to perform many extraordinary feats. But, as you have 

 all probably seen persons under this singular influence, I need 

 not further describe what was done. My knowledge is ob- 

 tained from reading, therefore, and not from direct contact 

 with facts. So much that is personal to myself I have con- 

 sidered it necessary to state, that I may not be misunderstood, 

 or seem to claim greater originality than I am entitled to. 

 Mine is the more humble office of examining the statements- 

 of others, and endeavouring, out of much conflicting testimony,, 

 to arrive at some conclusion, however imperfect or unsatisfac- 

 tory it may prove to myself or others. I need only add that 

 I sliall endeavour to convey to you my meaning with as 

 little aid from technical expressions and scientific terms as 

 possible. 



