1 882.] Hypnotism in Animals. 725 



A condition of anaesthesia in man may also be produced by an 

 almost opposite state of affairs. It is known to physicians that 

 rapid forcible inspiration of air will induce anaesthesia, and slight 

 surgical operations have been thus painlessly performed. 

 1 We have referred now to the influence of fear, dissembling, 

 curiosity and training. These have their influence over both 

 man and the lower animals alike. But there are still other con- 

 ditions and qualities of the mind which exert their influence over 

 man alone — such as the power of the imagination, the disposition 

 of imitation, and the influence of the will of the operator. 



In regard to the imagination I think it is unnecessary to do 

 more than refer to it. Its power is proverbial, and is especially 

 realized by physicians both in the manner it impresses disease 

 and treatment. We see continually diseases which are produced 

 by imagination and which are as well cured through the same 



Witness many miraculous cures. In the case of Mrs. Jennie 

 Smith, R. R. evangelist; she was sixteen years in bed paralyzed, 

 but cured in one night by power of prayer. In hysterical paraly- 

 ses there is added a suspension of -will power. If this can be 

 restored, cure is assured. The cure may be sudden, the result of 

 a powerful impression made upon the dormant faculties, or of an 

 intense appeal to the imagination. In this case it is considered 

 by the laity as miraculous. Or the cure may be gradual, under 

 the persevering effort of a good physician. In this latter case 

 no superhuman agency is supposed to have been evoked. This 

 may appear foreign to our subject, but is really germane, as illus- 

 trating an important element in hypnotism. 



Imitation. — The power of imitation is as well known as that of 

 imagination. Who has not been present in church when, during 

 the stillness of an impressive sermon, some one begins a hacking, 

 irritative cough. Soon it is taken up by one after another, until 

 several will be coughing at once, while many others will, with 

 difficulty repress the desire. So with gaping or yawning. 



So als, 



3, undoubtedly, the professi 



onal mesmerist; owes much oi 



his suco 



^ss in public exhibitions t 



the same influence. The 



force of 1 



example impels many perse 



>ns, almost against their will, 



