718 Hypnotism in Animals. [September, 



Braid rejected the animal magnetism theory, and referred the 

 phenomena to psychical influences {neurypnology). 



The latest attempt at a theory is that of Heidenhain, just pro- 

 mulgated : " Hypnotism is due to inhibition of the cortical cells 

 of the cerebrum, caused by gentle, prolonged stimulus of the 

 nerves of the face, eyes or ears." 



This definition of Heidenhain's is, to my mind, but little more 

 satisfactory than any preceding one. It merely attempts to de- 

 scribe by an hypothesis a physical effect, leaving out of sight 

 the ultimate cause. I have given more time than I had intended 

 to the general subject of hypnotism, and have perhaps only 

 stated facts known already to the members of this society. I 

 have done so, however, in explanation of my reason for bringing 

 before your notice the subject of hypnotism in animals. 



1. The general subject is one of more than passing interest to 



2. It is one the true inwardness of which is but little under- 

 stood, and which presents a field for further investigation. 



3. The study of the phenomena presented by experiments 

 upon animals, and of observations on their habits, offers a promise 

 of more definite results than can be obtained from observations 

 upon man alone. 



It is necessary to state that I have no pet theory of my own to 

 propound or uphold, but it is my hope in reviewing and briefly 

 analyzing the history of hypnotism in the lower animals, to de- 

 velop facts known to naturalists that may have an important bear- 

 ing upon the subject. The practice of magic on the lower ani- 

 mals has a somewhat parallel history in ancient nations to that 

 already referred to in connection with man. All nations and 

 tribes have their conjurors, more or less expert. Probably the 

 most expert are the " serpent charmers " of India and Egypt. 

 Of these mention is made in the most ancient writings as well as 

 in modern books of travel. The serpent is the favorite animal 

 on which to exhibit the influence of these charms— for what 

 reason may possibly be explained by modern herpetologists. In 

 Dr. Spry's '« Modern India," published in 1837, is a description 

 of the method of operating of one of these Indian magicians. He 

 says: "An eminent physician, skeptical on this point (serpents 

 and birds being drawn and held as by a charm), in company with 

 other English gentlemen thus tested the fact. Taking a serpent 



