120 REPORT — 1855. 



blood from the prepared food ; and Cthly, the production of morbid growths from 

 an exuded blood-plasma. All of which, with many others that might have been 

 brought forwaid, point out that from organic molecules, nuclei and cells are pro- 

 duced, and that these break down once again to form molecules. From this second 

 mass of molecules other cells are formed, which again break down to form a third 

 mass of molecules, and so on ; and by this law of molecular elaboration the various 

 textures are ultimately produced. 



Lastly, he endeavoured to illustrate how these formations and breakings down, 

 and a knowledge of this law must constitute the only real scientific basis for the 

 arts of horticulture, agriculture, and medicine ; moreover, that in the chain of living 

 processes each step is dependent on the one that precedes it ; and that, inasmuch as 

 regards form, we cannot go further back than the molecular element, so a knowledge 

 of it must be the first step to a correct theory of organization. 



The Physiology of Fascination. 

 By James Braid, L.R.C.S. Edin., M.W.S. ^c, Manchester. 



The power possessed by serpents to fascinate birds has always been a source of 

 interest and admiration to the curious. That a crawling reptile, such as a serpent, 

 doomed to move pronely on the earth, should possess the craft and power, by the 

 mere fixed gaze of its glaring eyes, irresistibly to draw down from their proud aerial 

 perch the very fowls of heaven, seems to proclaim this as one of the most remark- 

 able of nature's laws, which has ordained that extremes should meet. The question 

 therefore arises, by what means is this remarkable result effected ? Is there any 

 magnetic attraction in the eye of the serpent by which the bird is drawn ? or is it 

 the result of any poisonous emanation projected by the serpent ? Is it a voluntary 

 or an involuntary process, by which the creature approaches and falls an easy prey to 

 its fell destroyer r 



I shall at once proceed to state what appears to me to be the true explanation of 

 the phsenomenon — one which is quite in accordance with nature's laws, and which, 

 moreover, explains, on scientific principles, some remarkable phenomena observed 

 even in man. 



From various observations which I have read and heard on the subject, I feel 

 satisfied that the creatures fascinated do not voluntarily surrender themselves to their 

 fate ; and this I consider is proved by the agitation and alarm which many of them 

 display when advancing to meet their fate, viz. their plaintive cries, and the agita- 

 tion of their bodies, and the instant escape which they make when any circumstance 

 has occurred to avert from their sight the glaring eyes of the serpent. Their ability 

 to escape so speedily, moreover, under such circumstances, proves that the charm 

 had not been the result of any magnetic attraction, or poisonous emanation pro- 

 ceeding from, or projected by, the serpent. After due consideration, I feel satisfied 

 that the approach and surrender of itself by the bird, or other animal, is just 

 another example of the wono-ideo- dynamic, or unconscious muscular action from a 

 dominant idea possessing the mind, which is also the true cause of " table-turning." 



The lav*' upon which these phenomena are to be explained has long been familiar 

 tome, from observations made during my investigation of hypnotic and mesmeric 

 phsenonicna, and it is simply this — that when the attention of man or animal is 

 deeply engrossed or absorbed by a given idea associated v.ith movement, a current 

 of nervous force is sent into the muscles which produces a corresponding motion, 

 not only icithout any conscious effort of volition, but even in opposition to volition, 

 in many instances ; and hence they seem to be irresistibly drawn, or spell-bound, 

 according to the purport of the dominant idea or impression in the mind of each at 

 the time. The volition is prostrate ; the individual is so completely moiio-ideised, or 

 under the influence of the dominant idea, as to be incapable of exerting an efficient 

 restraining or opposing power to the dominant idea; and in the case of the bird 

 and serpent, it is first wonder which arrests the creature's attention, and then fear 

 causes that mono-ideo-dynamic action of the muscles which involuntarily issues in the 

 advance and capture of the unhappy bird. This is the principle, moreover, which 

 accoun's for such accidents as are frequently witnessed in the streets of every 



