2i6 Journal of Comparative Neurology. 



in her condition, nor to anyone else, but as often as I could, 

 and for as long a time as convenient, I sat down and took 

 her hand and held it as in the morning, talking quietly, or sit- 

 ting silent as seemed best. My whole will however was in the 

 action, and I used all the methods of increasing my flow of 

 vital force that I had any knowledge of, The difference in her 

 breathing was the most remarkable thing, it grew so much 

 easier and deeper; then she dozed a great deal after the business 

 was concluded, and slept easily. Her hands became moist dur- 

 ing the afternoon, and she appeared to be in a gentle per- 

 spiration. 



So n ew and strange was this experience, that when I de- 

 parted at supper time, although there was every evidence of a 

 marked improvement in breathing, color, consciousnesss and 

 general vitality, yet I had no confidence that I would see her 

 alive in the morning. 



After the evening service I sought the doctor and asked 

 him if he thought the change was due to my power over her. 

 ' ' She certainly changed very markedly after your visit this 

 morning," he said, "and the improvement has continued all the 

 afternoon, but you cannot hope to save her, and in my opinion, 

 it would do no good for you to go and sit up with her all night, 

 for I do not look on this improvement as permanent. I think 

 she will sink away suddenly again." Neither of us knew why 

 the change had taken place, nor had we any understanding of 

 the working of the mysterious force which had checked the 

 disease and given new lease of life, but said that I had probably 

 given her of my own vitality and when that was exhausted she 

 would drop away at once. 



About nine o'clock next morning I once more entered the 

 house, and found the patient decidedly improved, the doctor 

 had been so much impressed by the recovery as to say to those 

 in charge " If she can improve at this rate for 48 hours she will 

 be out of danger, for one lung seems all clear and the other no 

 worse than the best one was yesterday morning." 



I said nothing of my agency during the day but kept my 

 place at her side as much as possible, holding the right hand 

 simply as on the previous day. The doctor had ascribed the 

 change to my presence and magnetism, so that the reason of 

 my attitude was understood by those in charge. I did not rub, 

 nor make passes, nor attempt anything of a sensational nature, 

 simply sat there holding the hand, and talking, or singing, or 

 thinking'. 



