Research source

CHAPTER IX Hypnotism in medicine—Anesthesia—Restoring the use of muscles—Hallucination—Bad habits

Date of account: Published 1903
Source: Complete Hypnotism, Mesmerism, Mind-Reading and Spiritualism How to Hypnotize: Being an Exhaustive and Practical System of Method, Application, and Use
Reference: Complete Hypnotism, Mesmerism, Mind-Reading and Spiritualism How to Hypnotize: Being an Exhaustive and Practical System of Method, Application, and Use · selected passage 18
Rights: public_domain
Language: English
Record updated: 2026-08-24

Record summary

This theory is based on the power of mind over the body as we observe it in everyday life

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Suggestion. This theory is based on the power of mind over the body as we observe it in everyday life. Again let me quote from Dr. Cooke. “If we can direct the subject’s whole attention to the belief that such an effect as before mentioned—that his arm will be paralyzed, for instance—will take place, that effect will gradually occur. Such a result having been once produced, the subject’s will-power and power of resistance are considerably weakened, because he is much more inclined than at first to believe the hypnotizer’s assertion. This is generally the first step in the process of hypnosis. The method pursued at the school of Nancy is to convince the subject that his eyes are closing by directing his attention to that effect as strongly as possible. However, it is not necessary that we begin with the eyes. According to M. Dessoir, any member of the body will answer as well.” The theory of Suggestion is maintained by the medical school attached to the hospital at Nancy. The theory of Neurosis was originally put forth as the result of experiments by Dr.

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