CHAPTER I

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MIND AND BODY

Or

Mental States and Physical Conditions

by

WILLIAM WALKER ATKINSON

L. N. Fowler & Company

7, Imperial Arcade, Ludgate Circus

London, E. C., England

1910

The Progress Company

Chicago, Ill.

Copyright, 1910

By

The Progress Company

P. F. Pettibone & Co.

Printers and Bindors

Chicago

CONTENTS

Foreword 9

I. The Subconscious Mind 15

II. The Sympathetic System 29

III. The Cell-Minds 39

IV. The Mental Basis of Cure 58

V. The History of Psycho-Therapy 84

VI. Faith Cures 115

VII. The Power of the Imagination 135

VIII. Belief and Suggestion 155

IX. Psycho-Therapeutic Methods 173

X. The Reaction of the Physical 196

FOREWORD

Mind and Body--Mental States and Physical Conditions! To the mind

of those who have contented themselves with merely the superficial

aspects of things, these two things--mind and body; and mental states

and physical conditions--seem to be as far apart as the two poles; seem

to be opposites and contradictories impossible of reconciliation.

But to those who have penetrated beneath the surface of things,

these two apparent opposites are seen to be so closely related and

inter-related--so blended and mingled together in manifestation--that it

is practically impossible to scientifically determine where the one

leaves off and the other begins. And so constant and close is their

mutual action and reaction, that it often becomes impossible to state

positively _which_ is the cause and which the effect.

In the first place, Science now informs us that in all living

substance, from cell to mammoth, there is and must be Mind. There

can be no Life without Mind. Mind, indeed, is held to be the very

"livingness" of Life--the greater the degree of manifestation of Mind,

the higher the degree of Life. Moreover, the New Psychology informs

us that upon the activities of the Subconscious Mind depend all the

processes of physical life--that the Subconscious Mind is the essence

of what was formerly called the Vital Force--and is embodied in every

cell, cell-group or organ of the body. And, that this Subconscious Mind

is amenable to suggestion, good and evil, from the conscious mind of

its owner, as well as from outside. When the subject of the influence

of Mental States upon Physical Conditions is studied, one sees that

the Physical Condition is merely the reflection of the Mental State,

and the problem seems to be solved, the mystery of Health and Disease

solved. But in this, as in everything else, there is seen to be an

opposing phase--the other side of the shield. Let us look at the other

side of the question:

Just as we find that wherever there is living substance there is Mind,

so do we find that we are unable to intelligently consider Mind unless

as _embodied_ in living substance. The idea of Mind, independent of

its substantial embodiment, becomes a mere abstraction impossible

of mental imaging--something like color independent of the colored

substance, or light without the illuminated substance. And just as we

find that Mental States influence Physical Conditions, so do we find

that Physical Conditions influence Mental States. And, so the problem

of Life, Health and Disease once more loses its simplicity, and the

mystery again deepens. The deeper we dig into the subject, the more do

we become impressed with the idea of the universal principle of Action

and Reaction so apparent in all phenomena. The Mind acts upon the Body;

the Body reacts upon the Mind; cause and effect become confused; the

reasoning becomes circular--like a ring it has no beginning, no end; its

beginning may be any place we may prefer, its ending likewise.

The only reconciliation is to be found in the fundamental working

hypothesis which holds that both Mind and Body--both Mental States and

Physical Conditions--are _the two aspects of something greater than

either--the opposing poles of the same Reality_. The radical Materialist

asserts that the Body is the only reality, and that Mind is merely

its "by-product." The Mentalist asserts that the Mind is the only

reality, and that the Body is merely its grosser form of manifestation.

The unprejudiced philosopher is apt to stand aside and say: "You are

both right, yet both wrong--each is stating the truth, but only the

half-truth." With the working hypothesis that Mind and Body are but

varying aspects of the Truth--that Mind is the inner essence of the

Body, and Body the outward manifestation of the Mind--we find ourselves

on safe ground.

We mention this fundamental principle here, for in the body of this

book we shall not invade the province of metaphysics or philosophy,

but shall hold ourselves firmly to our own field, that of psychology.

Of course, the very nature of the subject renders it necessary that

we consider the influence of psychology upon physiology, but we have

remembered that this book belongs to the general subject of the New

Psychology, and we have accordingly emphasized the psychological side

of the subject. But the same material could have been used by a writer

upon physiology, by changing the emphasis from the psychological phase

to the physiological.

We have written this book to reach not only those who refuse to

see the wonderful influence of the Mental States over the Physical

Conditions, but also for our "metaphysical" friends who have become

so enamored with the power of the Mind that they practically ignore

the existence of the Body, indeed, in some cases, actually denying the

existence of the latter. We believe that there is a sane middle-ground

in "metaphysical healing," as there is in the material treatment

of disease. In this case, not only does Truth lie between the two

extremes, but it is composed of the blending and assimilation of the

two opposing ideas and theories. But, even if the reader does not fully

agree with us in our general theories and conclusions, he will find

within the covers of this book a mass of _facts_ which he may use in

building up a new theory of his own. And, after all, what are theories

but the threads upon which are strung the beads of _facts_--if our

string does not meet with your approval, break it and string the beads

of fact upon a thread of your own. Theories come, and theories go--but

_facts_ remain.

CHAPTER I

THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND

In order to understand the nature of the influence of the mind upon

the body--the effect of mental states upon physical functions--we must

know something of that wonderful field of mental activity which in the

New Psychology is known as "The Subconscious Mind," and which by some

writers has been styled the "Subjective Mind;" the "Involuntary Mind;"

the "Subliminal Mind;" the "Unconscious Mind," etc., the difference in

names arising because of the comparative newness of the investigation

and classification.

Among the various functions of the Subconscious Mind, one of the

most important is that of the charge and control of the involuntary

activities and functions of the human body through the agency of the

sympathetic nervous system, the cells, and cell-groups. As all students

of physiology know, the greater part of the activities of the body

are involuntary--that is, are independent (or partly so) of the control

of the conscious will. As Dr. Schofield says: "The unconscious mind,

in addition to the three qualities which it shares in common with the

conscious--_viz._, will, intellect and emotion--has undoubtedly another

very important one--nutrition, or the general maintenance of the body."

And as Hudson states: "The subjective mind has absolute control of the

functions, conditions and sensations of the body." Notwithstanding the

dispute which is still raging concerning _what_ the Subconscious mind

_is_, the authorities all agree upon the fact that, whatever else it

may be, it may be considered as that phase, aspect, part, or field

of the mind which has charge and control of the greater part of the

physical functioning of the body.

Von Hartmann says: "The explanation that unconscious psychical activity

itself appropriately forms and maintains the body has not only nothing

to be said against it, but has all possible analogies from the most

different departments of physical and animal life in its favor,

and appears to be as scientifically certain as is possible in the

inferences from effect to cause." Maudsley says: "The connection of

mind and body is such that a given state of mind tends to echo itself

at once in the body." Carpenter says: "If a psychosis or mental

state is produced by a neurosis or material nerve state, as pain by

a prick, so also is a neurosis produced by a psychosis. That mental

antecedents call forth physical consequents is just as certain as that

physical antecedents call forth mental consequents." Tuke says: "Mind,

through sensory, motor, vaso-motor and trophic nerves, causes changes

in sensation, muscular contraction, nutrition and secretion.... If

the brain is an outgrowth from a body corpuscle and is in immediate

relation with the structures and tissues that preceded it, then, though

these continue to have their own action, the brain must be expected

to act upon the muscular tissue, the organic functions and upon the

nervous system itself."

Von Hartmann also says: "In willing any conscious act, the unconscious

will is evoked to institute means to bring about the effect. Thus,

if I will a stronger salivary secretion, the conscious willing of

this effect excites the unconscious will to institute the necessary

means. Mothers are said to be able to provide through the will a more

copious secretion, if the sight of the child arouses in them the will

to suckle. There are people who perspire voluntarily. I now possess the

power of instantaneously reducing the severest hiccoughs to silence

by my own will, while it was formerly a source of great inconvenience

to me.... An irritation to cough, which has no mechanical cause, may

be permanently suppressed by the will. I believe we might possess a

far greater voluntary power over our bodily functions if we were only

accustomed from childhood to institute experiments and to practice

ourselves therein.... We have arrived at the conclusion that every

action of the mind on the body, without exception, is only possible

by means of an unconscious will; that such an unconscious will can be

called forth partly by means of a conscious will, partly also through

the conscious idea of the effect, without conscions will, and even in

opposition to the conscious will."

Henry Wood says of the Subconscious Mind: "It acts automatically

upon the physical organism. It cognizes external facts, conditions,

limitations, and even contagions, quite independent of its active

counterpart. One may, therefore, 'take' a disease and be unaware of

any exposure. The subconsciousness has been unwittingly trained to

fear, and accept it; and it is this quality, rather than the mere inert

matter of the body, that succumbs. Matter is never the actor, but is

always acted upon. This silent, mental partner, in operation, seems

to be a living, thinking personality, conducting affairs on its own

account. It is a compound of almost unimaginable variety, including

wisdom and foolishness, logic and nonsense, and yet having a working

unitary economy. It is a hidden force to be dealt with and educated,

for it is often found insubordinate and unruly. It refuses co-operation

with its lesser but more active and wiser counterpart. It is very

'set' in its views, and only changes its qualities and opinions by

slow degrees. But, like a pair of horses, not until these two mental

factors can be trained together can there be harmony and efficiency."

In order to understand the important part played in the physical

economy by the Subconscious Mind, it is only necessary to understand

the various processes of the human system which are out of the ordinary

field of the voluntary or conscious mind. We then realize that the

entire process of nutrition, including digestion, assimilation, etc.,

the processes of elimination, the processes of circulation, the

processes of growth, in fact the entire processes manifested in the

work of the cells, cell-groups, ganglia, physical organs, etc., are

in charge of and controlled by the Subconscious Mind. Our food is

digested and transformed into the nourishing substances of the blood;

then carried through the arteries to all parts of the body, where it is

absorbed by the cells and used to replace the worn-out material, the

latter then being carried back through the veins to the lungs where the

waste matter is burned up, and the balance again sent on its journey

through the arteries re-charged with the life-giving oxygen. All of

these processes, and many others of almost equal importance, are out

of the field of the conscious or voluntary mind, and are governed by

the Subconscious Mind. As we shall see when we consider the Sympathetic

Nervous System, the greater part of the body is dominated by the

Subconscious Mind, and that the welfare of the major physical functions

depends entirely, or almost so, upon this great area or field of the

mind.

The best authorities now generally agree that there is no part of

the body which may be considered as devoid of mind. The Subconscious

Mind is not confined to the brain, or even the greater plexuses of

the nervous system, but extends to all parts of the body, to every

nerve, muscle, and even to every cell and cell-group of the body.

The functions and processes of the body are no longer considered as

purely mechanical, or chemical, but are now seen to be the result of

mental action of some kind or degree. Therefore, in considering the

Subconscious Mind, one must not think of it as resident in the brain

alone, but rather as being _distributed over the entire physical

body_. There is mind in every cell, every organ, every muscle, every

nerve--in every part of the body.

The importance of the above statements regarding the power and

importance of the Subconscious Mind may be realized when one remembers

the dictum of the New Psychology, to wit: _The Subconscious Mind is

amenable to Suggestion_. When it is realized that this great controller

of the physical organism is so constituted that it accepts as truth

the suggestions from the conscious mind of its owner, as well as

those emanating from the conscious minds of other people, it may be

understood why Faith, Belief, and Expectant Attention manifest such

marked effects upon the physical body and the general health, for

good or for evil, as indicated in the preceding chapters. All of the

many instances and examples recited in the preceding chapters may be

understood when it is realized that the Subconscious Mind, which is in

control of the physical functions and vital processes, will accept the

suggestions from the conscious mind of its owner, and also suggestions

from outside which the conscious mind of its owner allows to pass down

to it. If, as Henry Wood has said in the paragraph previously quoted,

it "acts automatically upon the physical organism," and "seems to be a

living, thinking personality, conducting affairs on its own account,"

and at the same time, _accepts and 'takes on' suggested conditions_,

it may be readily understood how the wonderful and almost incredible

statements of the authorities mentioned in the preceding chapters have

had real and substantial basis in truth.

This understanding of the part played by the Subjective Mind in

controlling and affecting physical conditions and activities, together

with its suggestible qualities and nature, gives us a key to the

whole question of the "Why?" of Mental Healing. Suggestion is the

connecting link between Mind and Body, and an understanding of its

laws and principles enables one to see the moving cause of the strange

phenomena of the Faith Cures, under whatever name they may pass, and

under whatever guise they may present themselves. "Suggestion" is the

explanation offered by the New Psychology for the almost miraculous

phenomena which other schools seek to explain upon some hypothesis

based either upon religious beliefs, or upon some metaphysical or

philosophical doctrine. The New Psychology holds that it is not

necessary to go outside of the realms of psychology and physiology in

studying Mental Healing or Psycho-Therapy; and that the theories of

the semi-religious and metaphysical cults are merely strange guises or

masks which serve to conceal the real operative principle of cure.

The following quotation from Dr. Schofield will serve to call the

attention to the important part played by the Subconscious Mind in

the physical activities, a fact which is not generally recognized:

"It has often been a mystery how the body thrives so well with so

little oversight or care on the part of its owner. No machine could

be constructed, nor could any combination of solids or liquids in

organic compounds, regulate, control, counteract, help, hinder or

arrange for the continual succession of differing events, foods,

surroundings and conditions which are constantly affecting the body.

And yet, in the midst of this ever-changing and varying succession of

influences, the body holds on its course of growth, health, nutrition

and self-maintenance with the most marvelous constancy. We perceive, of

course, clearly, that the best of qualities--regulation, control, etc.,

etc.--are all mental qualities, and at the same time we are equally

clear that by no self-examination can we say we consciously exercise

any of these mental powers over the organic processes of our bodies.

One would think, then, that the conclusion is sufficiently simple and

obvious--that they must be used unconsciously; in other words, it is,

and can be nothing else than _unconscious mental powers_ that control,

guide and govern the functions and organs of the body.

"Our ordinary text-books on physiology give but little idea of what I

may call the intelligence that presides over the various systems of the

body, showing itself in the bones, as we have seen, in distributing

the available but insufficient amount of lime salts in disease; not

equally, but for the protection of the most vital parts, leaving

those of lesser value disproportionally deficient. In the muscular

system nearly all contractions are involuntary. Even in the voluntary

(so-called) muscles, the most we can do is to will results. We do

not will the contractions that carry out these results. Muscles,

striped and unstriped, are ceaselessly acting without the slightest

consciousness in maintaining the balance of the body, the expression

of the face, the general attributes corresponding to mental states,

the carrying on of digestion and other processes with a purposiveness,

and adaptation of means to new ends and new conditions, ceaselessly

arising, that are beyond all material mechanism. Consider, for

instance, the marvelous increase of smooth muscle in the uterus at

term, and also its no less marvelous subsequent involution; observe,

too, the compensating muscular increase of a damaged heart until the

balance is restored and the necessity for it ceases, as does growth at

a fixed period; consider in detail the repair of a broken bone. These

actions are not mere properties of matter; they demand, and are the

result of, a controlling mind.

"The circulation does not go round as most text-books would lead us

to believe, as the result merely of the action of a system of elastic

tubes, connected with a self-acting force-pump. It is such views as

these that degrade physiology and obscure the marvels of the body.

The circulation never flows for two minutes in the same manner. In an

instant, miles of capillaries are closed or opened up, according to

the ever-varying body needs, of which, consciously, we are entirely

unaware. The blood supply of each organ is not mechanical, but is

carefully regulated from minute to minute in health, exactly according

to its needs and activities, and when this ever fails, we at once

recognize it as disease, and call it congestion and so forth. The

very heart-beat itself is never constant, but varies _pro rata_ with

the amount of exercise, activity of vital functions, of conditions

of temperature, etc., and even of emotions and other direct mental

feelings. The whole reproductive system is obviously under the sway and

guidance of more than blind material forces. In short, when thoroughly

analyzed, the action and regulation of no system of the body can be

satisfactorily explained, without postulating an unconscious mental

element, which _does_, if allowed, satisfactorily explain all the

phenomena."