ELEMENTARY HYPNOTISM
THE MYSTERIES AND MARVELS OF “UNDER-SLEEP”
THE term “Hypnotism” is defined in Nuttall as “an artificially induced
state of sleep,” and is of Greek origin, the prefix “hypo” signifying
“under” or “beneath,” and the Greek root “hypnos,” sleep.
Hypnotic, or “under-sleep” conditions, may be induced in several ways,
and are not limited to the best-known method, that of absorbing the
attention of the subject by means of an object; for oblivion may be
caused quite as successfully by means of the sense of touch as in gentle
continuous stroking, pressure of the skin, by the motion of the hands
over the body without touch, or by soothing words, which, accompanied by
the penetrating magnetism of the eye, convey hints or suggestions to the
intelligence.
Methods of hypnotism may be divided into two classes:--
1. _The Mental Method_--which directs the subject’s imagination and
senses to co-operation, creates an image in his mind, thrusts the
dormant brain into a totally different environment from that to which it
is accustomed, renders it extraordinarily hypersensitive to suggestion,
and unfolds experiences probably hitherto unique, at the will of the
exponent.
2. _The Physiological Method_--that steeps the faculties in oblivion as
completely as when chloroform is administered.
This latter form is often used as a therapeutic means of securing rest
and relief from pain. It has been proved that individual character takes
a far greater part in the mental method than the physiological.
When an object is used to induce hypnosis, it is held at a distance of
about eight inches from the eyes, and removed gradually to a foot above
the forehead (Fig. 1).
During this process the gaze should follow the slowly moving object
until the lids are strained to their widest extent (Fig. 1_a_). This
position naturally fatigues the eyeballs and causes the lids to close
swiftly.
[Illustration: FIG. 1.--Range of object to induce hypnotic sleep.]
[Illustration: FIG. 1_a_.--Gazing with eyelids open to widest extent.]
It is not essential that a glittering object be used. It has been found
that the finger of the operator, moved gradually, is as successful a
means as any object. Should the hypnotizer desire to enforce slumber, he
may accompany his action with suggestions that the subject is extremely
tired and longing for sleep.
“You are worn-out. Your head is heavy. Your limbs are fatigued. You need
rest. Sleep is essential. You are gradually falling asleep.”
Before hypnotism can take place, the patient makes his mind a perfect
blank, and concentrates his whole being and vision on the button, coin,
glass, or crystal held before him. It will now be seen that his eyes
begin to water, the pupils undergoing a series of changes, contracting,
dilating, and recontracting, as if he were succumbing to natural
slumber. His sight becomes gradually insensible to the light, and in a
few moments he is unconscious.
The state of hypnotism begins with the second narrowing of the pupil,
and is accompanied by a quickening or retarding of the pulse, rigidity
of body and heaviness of brain, which becomes chaotic and wildly
confused before the final stage is reached. The will is entirely
surrendered to the hypnotizer, and the subject is powerless to move,
speak, or feel, except at his suggestion.
A sure test that the individual experimented upon is really oblivious to
everything about him is shown when the operator gently moves his arms
from his side in a horizontal position and lifts his eyelid. When the
arms remain rigidly outstretched and the eyeball is fixed and glassy,
the exponent is assured that his subject is completely at his mercy
(Fig. 2).
In order to bring about this condition successfully, the hypnotizer must
possess no small amount of cultured will-power and concentration. His
mind must be absorbed in the experiment as wholly as the subject’s
faculties are concentrated upon him. He is now forcing his brain to act
at his dictation, not only upon his own movements, but upon those of the
individual chained to him by his exertion of hypnotic influence. One
mind operates them both, and, during his subject’s trance, he has as
complete a sway over his nervous system as if he possessed two bodies
and a double supply of arms and legs.
[Illustration: FIG. 2.--The subject, when hypnosis is complete.]
The eyes, whether closed or widely open, are focused on his brain,
insensate of everything beyond the compelling force creating his
thoughts. He can hear sounds, smell, taste, see, talk, or remain
silent--only in obedience to that petrifying will.
Of every movement of our bodies, the brain is supreme operator. The code
of suggestion is flashed through telegraph wires composed of nerves and
muscles. No turn of the head, twitch of the finger, beat of the heart,
can take place without the coalition of those wonderful brain-cells.
When an individual is stricken with paralysis, and has lost all power
over his limbs, it is not because his bodily organs are injured.
Impotence is caused by the fact that his brain has lost its ability to
exert its power over his organs.
The wheels of a brain, however carefully oiled and cleaned, remain
motionless unless the engine fires are lit; and, in hypnotism,
helplessness is not brought about by the mastery of the exponent over
every separate joint and muscle (for it would be absolutely useless,
even were it possible, for him to concentrate his attention on every
minute movement of the body), but simply because he is robbing the brain
of its individual control, and is exerting his own will to dominate the
purpose and identity of his subject as relentlessly as the magnet
dominates the needle.
WEAK-WILLED SUBJECTS NOT ESSENTIAL
Some subjects are less amenable to hypnotic influence than others. The
belief that those of weak will are the easiest prey is a fallacy.
The real reason lies in the fact that the individual is incapable of
concentrating his will in obedience to the dominating mind. This is
generally the case with persons inclined to hysteria or of neurotic
temperament, and for such, a revolving glass is the best object to be
gazed upon, as it wearies the eye and induces slumber without the need
of concentration or surrender of will.
There are others who cannot easily be hypnotized because they
determinedly set themselves to oppose the purpose of the operator to
such an extent that his brain becomes exhausted in the process and loses
its potency. In such cases the best plan is for the hypnotizer to
inspire faith by means of experiments performed over other individuals
in the presence of the resisting or cynical, until the incredulous are
convinced that the hypnotic influence is not induced by trickery or
confederacy. The influence of imitation is an important factor in
hypnotism, and faith once founded does a great deal to overcome defiant
wills.
It has been found that some of the best results have been those when the
subject is taken completely by surprise.
The _motion of the hands_ often brings about unconsciousness as swiftly
as when an object is used. The hypnotizer should stand a few paces from
the subject, gaze into his eyes, and with hands raised sweep them gently
in continual passes over the body, reaching from above the head to below
the hips. This action should be continued without a pause for some
minutes, the hands sweeping across the face, as near as possible without
touching it (Fig. 3). The motion may also be performed at the back of
the subject (Fig. 3_a_).
[Illustration: FIG. 3.--Motion of hands “before” subject.]
[Illustration: FIG. 3_a_.--Motion of hands “behind” subject.]
The body will gradually sway backwards or forwards, the gaze become
fixed and lifeless until the subject’s will is surrendered, when, by
withdrawing a few paces and raising a finger, the exponent will be able
to draw him in any direction he wishes.
The power of hand motion has been explained as due to stimulation over
those zones of the body most susceptible to hypnotic influence, or the
slight motion of the air, or mental influence. It is probable that all
these influences combine, the most important being the mental influence.
The idea that the hypnotizer possesses some magnetic fluid which passes
from him to the subject in the process of hypnotism has been proved to
be without any foundation, and is merely a foolish superstition. There
is nothing mysterious or supernatural in the influence of this power. It
is due entirely to the exertion of mental force and the involuntary
co-operation of the individual hypnotized.
Performance of hypnotism in a drawing-room is not difficult, although,
like everything else, it needs practice and perseverance before it can
be successfully accomplished; and, unless the mind of the hypnotizer is
disciplined to determination and control, it naturally fails to act upon
other minds.
Now, provided that the student has some knowledge of the subject, and
has trained himself to keep his attention fixed, to the exclusion of
everything else, upon the matter in hand, a few experiments may be
undertaken. Elementary ones should be essayed at first.
Fix upon an individual among your onlookers. Ask him to withdraw for a
moment or two, while you and your friends decide what he shall
accomplish. However simple the action, every mind must be concentrated
upon it, and there must be no laughing or talking.
If you know something of the character and temperament of the subject
chosen, this will aid you considerably. He should have faith in your
power, and willingly surrender his will to your control. As an aid to
concentration, request him to close his eyes; or, better still,
blindfold them. Next turn him round several times, taking care not to
induce giddiness. Your only reason for doing this is to shut out all
objects that may draw his thoughts from your purpose.
Place the tips of your fingers lightly on his shoulders, but do not push
him forward (Fig. 4). He must move only when he feels the impulse of
your will impelling him with sufficient force to render resistance
difficult or impossible. He will probably stand motionless for a few
moments, and this is when spectators are inclined to giggle a little,
just as when, for no particular reason, one’s risibilities are stirred
while being posed before a camera.
If, however, the slightest sound intrudes upon the silence, the growing
spell will be broken, for it at once disturbs the train of thought
surrounding the subject, and draws his attention from your will. Silence
is absolutely essential, for it has almost as powerful an influence as
the strongest will.
This gained, you will feel your subject sway a little under your fingers
before he goes slowly and unhesitatingly forward, feeling his way with
outstretched hands, and walking with the peculiar tread of a
somnambulist, until he unerringly picks up the photograph, takes a pin
from the curtain, removes a flower from a vase and places it in his
button-hole, or any other trivial act you have fixed upon. Then he will
pause, as if in relief that the deed is accomplished.
[Illustration: FIG. 4.--Inducing hypnotic sleep.]
Only one action should be decided upon at a time--the simpler the better
to begin with.
As you excel in this form of hypnotism, you may try more complicated
experiments, but not until you have overcome the rudimentary
difficulties and have developed your powers to such an extent that you
have absolute faith in your ability, for self-reliance and
self-confidence are the corner-stones of hypnotism.
AUTO-SUGGESTION OR SELF-HYPNOSIS
In order to cultivate these, experiment upon yourself by the means of
auto-suggestion or self-hypnosis, which is a splendid means of training
those faculties necessary to the mastery of other minds.
Change your state by means of words which imply a condition either
mental or physical not personally experienced by you, and believe
implicitly in your own ideas. Treat yourself exactly as if you were
experimenting on another individual, surrendering your subjective and
objective mind wholly to absorb the idea conveyed, and gradually its
meaning will influence and take possession of your brain to the
exclusion of everything else.
The change suggested should be exactly opposite to your natural
state--for instance, if you are warm, tell yourself determinedly that
you are cold until you credit the fact, when your body, which blindly
follows mind and will, experiences the sensation of cold.
If you have a headache, suggest that the pain has gone, &c.
Auto-suggestion may be perfected to such an extent, that, under its
hypnotic trance, a needle may be plunged into the skin without the
action’s causing the slightest degree of pain.
In suggestion, it is always the subjective mind that is swayed by
hypnotic influence. This is always keenly alive, and it is through its
medium that the subject is induced to an extraordinary power of
imagining and experiencing the processes suggested by the hypnotizer.
Elementary exhibitions are very entertaining, and are quite sufficient
to illustrate the motive power which achieves your purpose. Some
individuals are better hypnotists than others, because they have a
natural supply of animal magnetism at their disposal, but it is
extraordinary what results can be brought about by study and patience,
so that students less gifted need not despair of success.
For the sake of those who have succeeded in such simple experiments as
the foregoing, the following may be undertaken. In these, intuition,
sympathy, and imagination play almost as important a part as thoughtful
concentration, which is ever the most powerful possession in the outfit
of the hypnotizer.
Here, one word as to the difference between the terms _hypnotist_ and
_hypnotizer_. The former is a scientist, who employs his art solely for
therapeutic or medicinal purposes. The latter is the entertainer, and
care should be taken to distinguish between the two words.
_Experiment._--Place the subject in a chair, with palms on knees. Pass
your hands over him for a space of several minutes, the while his eyes
are fastened on your own. Watch his expression carefully. It undergoes
several changes, the individual character dominating (Fig. 5), gradually
disappears, and finally gives place to vacancy (Fig. 5_a_). The firm
lines of the mouth fade, and the lips become slightly parted. The face
grows blank and purposeless, the eyes staring and void.
You have some plan in your mind which you are straining to impress on
his brain. Supposing it is that he shall not remove his hands from his
knees. Say to him, in a low soothing voice, which penetrates his hearing
perfectly (to shout, breaks the spell in a moment), “Your hands are
stuck to your knees; you cannot remove them. They’re glued; they’re
tight fast. Do what you will, you can’t lift them. Now try----”
[Illustration: FIG. 5.--Face showing character before hypnotic sleep.]
[Illustration: FIG. 5_a_.--Face showing vacancy under hypnotic sleep.]
At your dictation he endeavors to do so. He lifts his knees. He ducks
his head, trying to push his hands away by means of his chin, but every
effort is futile until you say, “You can now remove your hands. See, it
is quite easy, they are free!” At once he lifts them easily.
Now ask him his name. He tells you in a dazed, obedient voice that it is
“John Jones.” You determine he shall forget his name. You say to him
again and again, “You have forgotten your name. You cannot tell me what
it is. You don’t know your own name; you can’t remember.”
The subject’s face at once indicates that he is absolutely nonplused. He
struggles to remember, but in vain. Should you suggest that his name is
Mary Smith, he will believe you implicitly, and, with a relieved
expression, declare this name to be his own.
Bid him open his mouth as wide as he can. Then say to him, “You can’t
shut your mouth. It is fixed, rigid. Try to shut it.” He vainly
endeavors to do so. He places one hand on his head, the other on his
lower jaw, and tries to force his lips together, but he is powerless so
long as your will opposes him. When you command him to shut his mouth,
he does so without effort.
A subject should not be kept longer than a few moments in this
subservience to your will. He can be released by a snap of your fingers
at his ears or before his eyes. Address him softly by his name, and he
will return to consciousness in an instant. When he looks dazedly round,
reassure him, kindly, that he is quite well, and will suffer no harmful
results from your experiments.
[Illustration: FIG. 6.--Awakening the subject.]
The hypnotizer should never abuse his power over an individual. He must
possess sufficient humanity to prevent him from keeping his subject too
long under control.
When he finds a subject who answers readily and quickly to the hypnotic
influence, he may be tempted to continue an exhibition of his powers in
order not to lose time on less amenable individuals, but he should
determinedly resist this temptation.
A valuable aid for him will be to time his experiments by a watch,
limiting each individual’s trance to a space of, at most, four minutes’
duration.
The hypnotizer must be in perfect health, for, unless his body, nerves,
and mind are in proper condition, the supply of animal magnetism fails.
He must study hygiene, take sufficient exercise, and be most particular
to keep his body, linen, hair, and finger-nails scrupulously clean.
A dirty finger, held up before a subject undergoing the hypnotic trance,
inspires the latter with a revolting sense of disgust, and clouds the
vision conjured by the brain.
The hypnotic entertainer should abstain from any indulgences, and eat
only plain, wholesome food. During the process of hypnotism, the
exponent should never lose his head or self-reliance. Any dread
experienced by him is at once conveyed to the subject. Should the latter
be unable to awake from the trance at command, the operator must wave
his handkerchief before his eyes. If these are closed and refuse to
open, he must at once rub the eyebrows with the tips of his fingers,
beginning at the root of the nose, and ending at the temples,
terminating this action by gentle fanning or blowing until such efforts
meet with success (Fig. 6).
It should always be remembered by the student that the power of
hypnotism--like fire--is a good servant, but a bad, tyrannical, and
lawless master, unless properly controlled.