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44
H YPNO TISM.
nervous system that peculiar state which I call Hyfnotism
or Nervous Sleef. The most striking proofs that it is
different from common sleep are the extraordinary effects
produced by it. In deep abstraction of mind it is well
known the individual becomes unconscious of surrounding
objects, and in some cases of severe bodily inflictions.
During Hypnotism or Nervous Sleep, the functions in
action seem to be so intensely active as must in a great
measure rob the others of that degree of nervous energy
necessary for exciting their sensibility. This alone may
account for much of the dullness of common feeling during
the abnormal quickness and extended range of action of
certain other functions.
"I shall now point out the symptoms of danger, with the
mode of arousing patients, and thus preventing mischief
which might ensue for want of due caution in the operator.
Whenever I observe breathing very much oppressed, the
face greatly flushed, the rigidity excessive, or the action
of the heart very quick and tumultuous, I instantly arouse
the patient, which I have always readily and "speedily
succeeded in doing by a clap of the hands, an abrupt shock
on the arm or leg, by striking them sharply with the flat
hand, pressure and friction over the eyelids, and by a
current of air wafted against the face. I have never failed
by these means to restore my patients very speedily.
"I feel convinced that Hypnotism is not only a valuable
but also a perfectly safe remedy for many complaints, if
judiciously used. Still it ought not to be trifled with by
ignorant persons for the mere sake of gratifying idle
curiosity. In all cases of apoplectic tendency, or where
there is aneurism or serious organic disease of the heart, it
ought not to be resorted to, excepting with the precaution