MESMERISM. The name of the process by which, toward the end of the eighteenth century. Mesmer, primulgator of the doctrine of 'animal magnetism,' induced the so-ealted mesmeric trance or sleep. Since Mesmer's day the subject, has been transferred from the domain of charlatanism to that of scientific research. The mesmeric trance is identical with the condi tion known to-day as 'induced soinnambulkm.' or 'Hypnotism,' or the 'hypnotic site it has sented to the observer many highly interesting phenomena. In persons who are favorably dis posed for passing into the hypnotic state, the condition is easily induced by weak, long-con tinued, and uniform stimulation of the nerves either of sight, of touch, or of bearing. This state is, on the contrary, almost always easily capable of being terminated by some strong or suddenly varying stimulation of the same nerves.
The scientific study of the phenomena presented by hypnotized persons is of great interest and importance; but it is very doubtful indeed if the systematic induction of such a state can ever be used as a legitimate or potent means for curing disease, or even for the alleviation of certain distressing symptoms. The investigations that have been made of recent years are far from being decisive in favor of the method as a remedial agent, especially when taken in conjunc tion with the actual harm which may result from its induction in some nervous and impressionable persons. Now and then a minor operation may
be done under the influence of hypnotism, or by its aid a fixed idea may he removed and a delu sion dispelled. ordinary circumstances, however, the number of those susceptible to its influence is so small that its general use is im possible. In hysteria, as elsewhere, it is most decidedly a two-edged weapon, and the patient may emerge from hypnosis instituted for a minor difficulty and go into severe hysterical convul sions. One delusion may be removed, but another and a more serious one may be implanted in its stead. For obvious reasons, women should never be hypnotized without reliable witnesses, and the public use of hypnotism can only appeal to the morbid. Hypnotism tends to destroy self-reli ance and to make patients imaginative, weak minded, and neurasthenic. Suggestion (q.v.) is a mighty aid to the physician, and without produc ing hypnosis, positive and intelligent assertion can accomplish all that is likely to he done by hyp notism short of the somnambulistic stage. A fair realization of the part suggestion plays in therapeutics is one of the recent achievements of the most progressive medical minds. See IlYPNOTISM ; SPIRITUALISM; SOMNAMBULISM; SUGGESTION.