THE RETROSPECT OF THE YEAR. 167 



of the fine collections made by Mr. Sears at the Peabody 

 Academy of Science. 



Monday, April 11, 1892. Dr. Philip C. Knapp of Bos- 

 ton, lectured on "Hypnotism." The speaker after stating 

 that hypnotism was by no means a new discovery, pro- 

 ceeded to give some historical account of it from the time 

 it was first heard of in the sixteenth century down to the 

 present time. He then gave a detailed statement of what 

 hypnotism is ; an induced artificial sleep, with an increase 

 of reflex excitability and of suggestibility. It has nothing 

 to do with magnetism or personal influences. Any one 

 can hypnotize, but only a limited number can be hypno- 

 tized. A prominent characteristic of people in this state 

 is that they respond to every idea suggested to them. If 

 told that they are paralyzed or drunk, they act in ac- 

 cordance with the idea suggested. Instances were given 

 of very curious results of suggestions. It is not however 

 due entirely to suggestions, for animals can be hypnotized. 

 It is closely allied to hysteria and is regarded as an acute 

 mental disease. Its use might lead to insanity. Persons 

 under its influence might be led to do improper acts, sign 

 papers, impart information, or commit crimes. 



Monday, April 25, 1892. Hon. Alden P. White read 

 in the lecture course, in a most interesting manner, selec- 

 tions from the poet Tennyson, which best illustrated the 

 story of "The Passing of King Arthur" as told in the old 

 legends of the Round Table. A short informal talk on 

 the subject preceded the reading. 



Monday, May 2, 1892. Ezra D. Hines , Esq., of Dan- 

 vers lectured, his subject being "A Day at Lexington." In 

 a most entertaining manner, he gave a full account of a 

 visit of the Danvers Historical Society to Lexington in 



