Scientific suggestion, the secret of successs; hypnotism, its uses and abuses

Introduction

LISTEN! This is a living age of mar velous invention — the crystalization of thought hourly grows finer and finer. The human mind spans the earth and heavens like a band of lightning. It stays at nothing — knows no height, no breadth, no depth, no bounds. The geologist unravels the secrets of the earth; the astronomer pierces the mysteries of the heavens, unrolling, like a scroll, the infinite paintings and delicate touches of the Great Artist, the awful grandeur and sublimity of immutable worlds — the incomprehensible power of God; the physician's all-searching vision penetrates every cell, artery, tissue and fibre of the human body in a vain and fruitless attempt to discover new inventions and remedial agents to alleviate the terrible suffering of poor diseased humanity; the scientific magnetic physician experiments — and lo ! he almost evolves the elixir of life, of which man may drink and live forever !

Listen again!

Thoughts aee Living Things ! They soar into unknown realms and evolve the wonders that startle the world. Thoughts have form, life and being. In man behold the thought of God— his highest evolved thought. Man thinks and his thought evolves form, for see the intricate mechanical inventions of the country standing out as monuments of his creative genius.

Reader, thank God and science that you are living in this age. But pause! Look back for a single moment on the dim vista of time and see a surging battle — superstition and ignorance against science. On the noble brow of Galileo shines the light of infinite worlds ; Newton soars like an eagle high into the realms of philosophical light and evolves a law old as God but new as earth; Franklin stretches forth his hand and clutches the forked lightning in a deathless grasp ; Morse, in the dusty silence of an old loft, deemed insane and ostracized by his own brother and friends, evolves from his immortal brain the magical machine whose tiny click startled the world like the thunders from Mt. Sinai ; Harvey peers into the invisible veins of the human body, throbbing with life, and establishes circulation; and these men and their co-workers fought a vast multitude of disbelievers who hurled at them anathemas of ignorance and sarcasm, but through all, over all, the light of their souls streamed outward and onward to illuminate the world, and they came off the field, like Wellington and Grant, conquerors.

But mark ye !

The spirit of persecution is not yet dead. Like an evil ghost its gaunt ghost stalks abroad hideous as a many-deviled nightmare, but more alive than the deadly cobra. Its foul presence pollutes the progressive atmosphere like the nauseating stench of carrion, and through men — civilized (?) men — is such deadly persecution breathed.

We may question why?

Ask the pestilence why it robs the fair young girl of life; ask the burning sun why the drought saps the life-springs of earth ; ask the fragrant hly resting peacefully upon the dreamy bosom of the lake why hurling winds toss her graceful form ; ask the tender rose why bristling thorns thrust their barbs into the quivering air by her side ; ask the mild zephyrs why cyclones hurl awful destruction o'er the earth — and receive your answer. They reply that the whole universe is alive with combating elements, each apparently warring with each, but made and operated by an all-wise power as it seemeth best; and we learn immortal truths thereby, until with Longfellow we can say:

"Nothing useless is or low;

Each thing in its place is best, And what seems but idle show,

Strengthens and supports the rest."

This present age is one of rapid and marvelous progress, but there yet remains a class of men who should have been born in the antediluvian era, for the few ideas which happen to inhabit the large vacuum in their benighted intellect, are fossilized with the moss of ages. It is doubtful if they ever conceived an original thought in their lives. These are the thorns in life — the pricks against which thinking men have to kick; and the old saying, "It is hard to kick against the pricks" is literally true, but thanks to the sunlight of science and the broadened views of man, these fossilized ideas are being relegated back to the musty archives of dead ages whence they came.

To particularize the many intellectual giants of the past up to the present age is without the pale of this little work — the giants at whom was pointed the finger of scorn, when, through their brain, evolved some reformation, or startling invention or truth. When the thought of the incarnate persecution of these men rush over us, all the hot blood of our forefathers courses like moulten fire through every vein, and then calm, cool reason comes to the front and wisely bids the tumult still, and in that state of mind do we gaze upon the present age and feel deep pity for those whose minds are so shallow, whose hearts are so callous that they can see no good in human progression, no light in science, no relief and benefit in human inventions save that which emanates from themselves.

Dear reader, you have been gazing through a kaleidoscope and caught a glimpse of the reflecting lights and shadows, and now the moment has come when you must focalize your thought upon a certain point, because you must clearly see, as noon-day light, what lies in these pages before you. This may be an unusual preface. Perhaps so, as we have dealt with the unusual all our life. We have had the battle of life to fight 'mid contending forces and bitter persecution, but we are happy to add that the per cent, is small, comparatively speaking. A few antiquated, fossilized mossbacks, who hide under the all-protecting title of "regular," bombard our position with a fusillade of small shot that rattle on the fort parapet like peas in a bladder. Their aim is plain; they wish to exterminate us because they are fearful we shall exterminate their very lucrative practice. In order to protect themselves they cry "humbug," "fraud," and "quack." We cannot say, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do," because they do know what they do and go about it coolly and systematically; but we will ask the Father to forgive them just the same, for it is a sweet peace to feel that we bear no illwill toward our enemies. Other men have had these persecutions fall upon their devoted heads, as we have slightly shown, and in the end they conquered — and thus have we conquered, and glorious has been the victory !

Thanking the public for the kind appreciation with which our efforts have been received in years gone by, and asking a good word for us to poor suffering humanity whenever an opportunity offers, we are The public's obedient servants,

TABLE OP CONTENTS.

Chapter I. Personal Magnetism

What it is and what it does — Noted Illustrations — Its Value to the Poor and Unsuccessful — You have Wealth in Tour Own Personality, a Power in Possibility far Exceeding that of Money — The Man and the Woman Possessing a Charming Personality are Wanted Everywhere — A Salesman that Opens

Hearts and Purses — Every Living Person has his or « '

her own Peculiar Magnetism — The Magic Spell Exerted by Noted Actors and Actresses — It Thrills in-- the Hearty Grasp of the Hand — How a Dog Traces his Master — The True Philosophy of Nature and of Mind — The Gracious Influence of Attractive, Winsome Women and Great Hearted Men in the Social Circle — The Brilliant Glance of the Eye — You have this Power Already; it is a Sacred Gift Entrusted ' to your keep and should be Nurtured and Devel- m»i ■ oped — It is Difficult to Refuse Magnetic People : Anything They Ask — Everybody Wants to Help Them — The Inspirers — The Greatest Thing in Life — The Hidden Beauties in Our Nature — Charm of Manner — How to Become Popular — The Art of Pleasing — The Secret of Being "Naturally Mag- «.. netic" — It is possible for You to be Welcomed Everywhere Without an Introduction — True Riches has Nothing to do with Money — The Personality that Wins and Holds Hearts — Gifts from the Hand are Silver and Gold, but the Heart Gives that which Neither Silver nor Gold can Buy — Be a Law Unto Yourself, a Guiding Star to Others — The Power of Fascination in Man and the Lower Animals Illustrated — Man Can Fascinate Man — Man . Can Fascinate the Lower Animals — The Lower Animals Can Fascinate One Another — The Lower Animals Can Fascinate Man — The Rites and Gestures of Savage Magicians.

Chapter II. The Ruling Forces Are Invisible

The Magi or Wise Men of India — The Priests of Egypt — The Nervous Fluid — Different Degrees of the Influence — The Simple Produces the Marvelous — Fascination was Universally Known and Practiced by the Priests of the Temples — The Modern Priests of Nature — Modernized Natural Healing — Endorsed by many Distinguished Scientists — The Mighty Governing Forces that Rule the Universe.

Chapter III. Suggestion

Suggestion la the Power Employed by all Magnetic, Divine, and Psychic Healers — Good Suggestions Result in Good Only — Evil Suggestions Degrade and Drag Down — Suggestion Can Destroy as Well as Build Up — Rightly Used it Will Attract, Uplift and Heal — This Mighty Power, the Natural Possession of Every Human Being — The Earth a Magnet to which we can Adjust our Bodies — Diseases heretofore Considered Incurable, Instantly Relieved — Psychic Magnetism an Invisible Aura — Human Vampires — A Mother's Magnetic Influence — Suggestive Treatments by the Fascinating Method — How to Remove the Influence — Dangers to be Avoided — Concentrate the Will — Avoid Impertinent Curiosity — Nature has Endowed You with Reason — Use It — The Grandness of Nature — Man is Intellectually a Progressive Being — His Mind is Capable of a Ceaseless Development of its Powers.

Chapter IV. Electrical Psychology

***«• Electricity the Connecting Link Between Mind and Matter — Wonderful and Startling Experiments Made Upon Persons when Fully Awake — One of the Greatest Blessings ever Vouchsafed to the Human Race — Founded in Immutable Truth — It Alleviates Pain and Cures Disease — Wonderful and Startling Phenomena Hover Around It — One Can Influence Another to Any Extent While He is in a

~— Perfectly Wakeful State — Electrical Psychology not Mesmerism — The Difference Clearly Explained — Many Naturally in the Electro-Psychological State — Skeptics are Enemies of Science — The Chariot of Science — A Secret Rapture of Thrilling Delight — Truths from the Empire of Nature — Nature a Wonder-Worker — No Man of Genius has ever Op-

■ posed Electrical Psychology — Harvey Opposed — Galileo Derided — Newton Mocked — Fulton Scorned — The Universe Swarms with Nature's Truths — Electricity All Powerful — The Chemical Man an Epitome of the Universe — Man Subject to the same Grand Electrical Laws that Pervade the Universe — All the Powers of Nature are Lodged in the Unseen — Murder and Suicide Committed under Strange Hallucinations — Some Visible and Tangible Experiments of Startling Interest.

Chapter V. How To Obtain Control Of Others

Directions for Securing Electric and Psychologic Control of Others — To Control is to Cure — How to Establish Communication — The Doctrine of Impressions — The Supreme Method — The Electrical State Defined — Astonishing Impressions and Results — Endless, Interesting Experiments — How to Make Mental Impressions — The Psychological Condition Made Plain — An Inestimable Blessing.

Chapter VI. Hypnotism And Its Use

The Gift of Healing — Magnetic Treatments — Nervous Vital Force — Nature's Great Laboratory — Learned Physicians Distrust Their Remedies — Their Only Virtue Due to Faith — Medical Knowledge Broadening Out Into More Rational Channels — Confidence of Great Importance — A Simple Cure for the Tobacco Habit — The True Philosophy of the Power of the Human Will — Man's Will a Powerful Force — Importance of Self-Control.

Chapter VII. Man A Magnet, Thoughts Are Things

Doubts are Perplexing — Peosonal Magnetism a Phase of Hypnotism — Man a Magnet — The Brain the Chief Magnet — A Profligate Love of Gold — Force an Attractive Agency — Abhorence for Certain Individuals — The Interesting Stranger — A New Era in Science — Can You Imagine a Pursuit More Captivating ? — Hypnotism and the Insane — Suggestion Acts Like Magic — Effects of the Moon — Insanity Like a Dream — Hypnotism in Surgery — Laws of the Nervous System — Effects of Chloroform — Cancer Cured by Hypnotism — Of Paramount Importance to the Human Race.

Chapter VIII. Berheim's Method Of Hypnotizing

How to Bring About Sleep — Torpor can be Induced in Anyone — Not Accompanied with any Unusual Sensation — Some Close Their Eyes and are Asleep Immediately — Sleep, However, is not Essential — Sleep by Suggestion.

Chapter IX. Hypnotism— Its Abuse

Dangers to be Avoided — Embarrassing Difficulties — Carelessness and Prejudice Cause Trouble — Only Danger Lies in Ignorance — Public Exhibitions Usually an Abuse of this Power — Nothing Objectionable About Hypnotism When Used by One Whose Principles and Morals are Good — One Should Adopt Certain Precautions and Regulations — There is an Attraction Toward the Hypnotist that Often Amounts to Affection or Even Love — The Science Should be Diligently and Carefully Studied — Experience has Sufficiently Tested its Usefulness — The Blessings Possible from a Proper Use of this Power Cannot be Estimated — Some of the Phenomena are so Extraordinary in their Nature, that to Believe, They Must be Seen — The Different Senses to be Appealed To — Wonderful Phenomena of Hallucinations which the Science of the Present Day has not Been Able to Explain.

Chapter X. Hypnotism

A "Wonderful Discovery — The Crowning Triumph of Intellectual Achievements — A New Era in the History of Science — The Greatest Sceptic Easily Convinced — Hypnotism the Keynote to Life's Problems Insuring Real Happiness — New Light on the Possibilities of Life — Disease Yields to This Master Science — The True Philosophy of Success — Every Faculty Developed to the Highest Possibility — Greatest Miracle Worker in the Entire Realm of Nature — The Hypnotist All-Powerful — The Mind a Blank to All that has Transpired — All Sorts of Illusions and Hallucinations Easily Created — Post-Hypnotic Suggestion — Most Mysterious and Wonderful Phases of Hypnotism — A Force that Moulds the Minds of Men — Bad Habits Easily Overcome — Hypnotism and Transformation are Twin Brothers Bringing Happiness into every Home — Used as a Means of Amusement — Anyone Can Become a Royal Entertainer.

Chapter XI. The Power Of The Human Mind

Hypnotism in Healing, Politics and Religion — Dr. Cooke says he has Hypnotized 1,350 People — The Human Mind, a Boundless Study — The Subject Fascinating and Alluring — Harm Can Result from its Misuse — The Crafty Rascal and his Winning Smile — The Mysterious Power which Many Exert Over the Opposite Sex — Crime is Essentially a Disease — Latent Impulses Often Easily Awakened.

Preface

Man, besides mind and matter, possesses an intermediate principle distinct from and between both, called the life power; or in the words of Bonard, "he is an intelligence served by organs" — these organs being the servants of life power, by which it operates upon the material world, and is in turn operated upon by it. A proper knowledge of the life power is a key to explain all the phenomena of fascination; and this it is the object of the present work to communicate. A very concise but perfectly clear idea of physiology is given, and on this the foundation is laid.

The phenomena presented, though new and startling, is in strict accordance with the laws of life. In explaining the views advanced, everything has been written for the people, entirely dispensing with tech* nical terms except in one or two instances, in the hope that their perusal may clear up in the minds of all many obscure and mysterious points and thus subserve the interests of truth.

As investigations have been continued upon the great subject of Psychology, together with its cognate and still higher themes, embraced under the general head of the Scientific Evolution and Development of the Self, it has, of course, greatly expanded; until, in the aspect which the question finally assumed, it was perceived to be impossible to give any adequate exposition of the great realm of being within man, without the aid of some more enlarged, systematic, and interior exposition than any which was yet generally extant, of the great realm of being without which serves to the former as a natural counterpart and exponent.

In speaking briefly of the further objects and general plan of the present work, it may be said that the whole realm of created being, natural and psychological (at least in the general sense), is one perfectly united System, consistent and harmonious in all its parts and interactivities. To this proposition the reason and intuition of every well-constituted human mind responds an instant assent.

By harmonizing and unitizing all natural series and degrees of creation, clearly illustrates the fact that all truths are involved in, and evolved from, one grand central Truth; that they are, indeed, but parts and degrees of that one fundamental truth, which are ultimated in the various forms of embodiment which compose the sum total of created existence. By pursuing the method of reasoning which this idea unfolds, we make one portion of the system of Nature expose the secrets of another, and cause visible facts and invisible principles to mutually cast their light upon each other.

But there is a class of sceptics, who have witnessed experiments which they cannot explain and still cry, "humbug and collu-; sion!" Of these, there are two kinds. First, those who never investigate anything for i themselves, and who do not know the defi- \ nitions of the words, "humbug and collusion;" but who, nevertheless, use them very Vreely, because they have heard their minister, their doctor, or, perchance, their schoolmaster, use them. They do it by imitation, on the same principle that the parrot imitates the sound of the human voice, and they do it just about as understandingly. Second, those who are talented, and desire to keep on the wings of the popular breeze, and catch the breath of fame. These may be known by the ridicule, wit, and sarcasm they employ, through the press and otherwise. But, "humbug and; collusion" have become stereotyped' words, and their use costs but little labor; and they answer most admirably to supply the place of sound argument and common sense in the most of minds. If you please turn your attention to all the talented writers, who have, in various ages, vehemently opposed those now well-established sciences which, in their infancy, appeared incredible, and who assailed them with the bitterest invective and sarcasm, you will learn that they were men who were always studying what was popular, and who had a large share of selfesteem, and of the love of approbation. This test will hold good from the opposers of the earth's revolution on its axis, discovered by Galileo 1 ; from the scoffers at the science of the circulation of the human blood, disoovered by Harvey, step by step, down to the scoffers at Fulton's application of steampower, — yesi, even down to the opposers of, and scoffers at, the brilliant science of Phrenology, which is now spreading with a power that can never be successfully resisted, a zeal that cannot be quenched, and a living energy that can never die. True, a candid man, as well as any other, may doubt a new science; yet, however strange or incomprehensible it may appear, he will not denounce till he has given the subject a candid investigation. This refers to those only who denounce without investigation, and who can assign no other reason for so doing, but their own willing ignorance, or because the popular voice is against it.

The sciences herein treated are embraced by men of the first talents and science in both continents, and whose names will live in the republic of letters, and shine with lustre long after those of fawning sycophants shall have been lost in unremembered nothingness. It is embraced by men who have forgotten more than those who cry "humbug and collusion" ever knew.

That there are mysteries in this science all will readily admit; but that there are probably no more than in any other science. We may, for instance, tell the chemical properties of earth, water, and air, and the degree of warmth necessary to produce vegetation, But still no one can solve the mystery how an acorn becomes an oak, or a seed becomes a plant. There is no science in the universe, but what has some incomprehensibilities resting upon its face; but this circumstance is considered no objection to the truth of any science. Hence there is no reason why this one should be rejected on this ground. Yet thousands do reject it, because they contend that it is incomprehensibly strange! They know nothing but what is strange, and yet what is new and strange they cannot believe! All the operations of Nature going on around us are strange, and the only reason we have ceased to wonder is, because they are common. All such objections are therefore futile.

Having made these introductory remarks, let us proceed more directly to the consideration of the subject. In presenting before you "the why and tne wherefore" of these interesting phenomena, and, in order to make them plain to the humblest capacity, it will be necessary to associate the subject with other principles in philosophy which are well understood by all, and thus rise from the consideration) of the more gross and dense particles of matter, step by step, up to those which are the most rarified and subtil of which we can form any conception. In doing this it is not necessary to take into consideration every possible' grade or species of matter, but those substances only which belong to the great classifications of Nature's empire, and which are the most obvious to every observer.

In the first place, then, there is but one common law pervading the whole universe of Nature which is the law of equilibrium. In perfect accordance with this law there is kept up a constant action and reaction throughout every department of Nature. On this principle the earth is certainly not eternal, for were it so, the hills and mountains would long ago have been washed to a level by the storms of heaven.

Having begun at the grossest particles of matter, let us now rise gradually in our contemplations, step by step, up to those that are the most rarified and subtil of which we can form any conception. Water is a body lighter than earth. Let a canal be dug and a strong lock constructed across its center, and one-half filled with water. Let the gate be hoisted, and the water in the one division will fall, and in the other rise, until an equilibrium of height is attained. Nature, having gained her end, is then at rest. And the action of this element will be great in proportion as it was thrown out of balance. The same is true in relation to our atmosphere, a substance lighter than water.

The same is true in relation to electricity, a substance more rarified and light than air. If two clouds are equally charged with this subtil fluid, they may pass and repass each other, or mingle into one, yet not a flash of lightning will be seen. But if they are unequally charged, or what is called in electrical science, "positively and negatively charged," then the heavens will stream with forked lightning, till both clouds are equally chargedl

If we pass on from inert matter to animated nature, we shall find that the same law there also holds its empire. If, for instance, a healthy child, three or four years of age, be permitted to sleep every night for a year or two between two* very old, decrepit grandparents!, it will pine away, and if not removed, perchance it may die. The nervo-vital fluid passes from this child to the two aged persons in conjunction. The child loses, and they continue to revive and as this little one can never bring those infirm persons up to an equilibrium with itself, so it must go down to them. Nature will have her equilibrium, if she has it in death.

Once more: there is in the nervous system no blood. The blood belongs exclusively to the circulating system, which embraces the veins and arteries. The blood-vessels pass round the convolutions of the brain, but in the nerve itself there is no blood, and the whole mass of brain is but a congeries of nerves. These are charged with a nervo-vital fluid which is manufactured from electricity. Hence, the circulating system containing the blood, and the nervous system containing the magnetic fluid, are not to be blended, but distinctly considered. Now, as a human being may lack the proper quantity of blood in his circulating system, so he may lack the proper quantum of the nervo-vital fluid in his nervous system. This is magnetism; and it is in perfect accordance with all the principles of philosophy in the known realms of Nature.

The argument offered stands nailed with immutable truth; and hence, on this subject, is invulnerable to every attack. Truth, is immutable, cannot bend to circumstances', and must stand independent of the belief or unbelief of men. It must soar on towering wing far above the reach of scorn, and sooner or later triumph over all opposition.

Many works have been heretofore published on the subject of Suggestion, Hypno- Magnetism, Mesmerism, and other mysterious powers. The public mind has been awakened to the fact that these powers do exist, and as we advance with time, as those who read and think over what they read, the believers in the existence of these powers are growing steadily in numbers, and were those who have been convinced, many of them against a strong prejudice, of the power of the mysterious, they would number a vast army, and among its ranks would be found many of the foremost thinkers of the day.

In the preparation of this work the author has spent many months in the researches of Scientific and Historical records, and has endeavored to present the records thus obtained in a concisely published form, and he thereby is enabled to furnish it at a price within the reach of all and at the same time supply the very cream oif the best and most reliable literature upon the subjects treated. Among the well known authors, from which the greatest portion of this work is indebted may be mentioned Professor Anderson, Professor Bernheim, J. R. Cooke, M.D., Dr. Dods, Marden and J. B. Newman, M.D.

Those who purchase this volume may rest assured that they will have in their hands information of greater value than can be purchased elsewhere for so little money.

No such interest has been manifested in the art of curing disease without material remedies as is shown at the present time. People are tired of prolonged, tedious medieating without receiving any benefit, and it is the disappointments which, they have experienced that cause them to turn to a science which not only promises but guarantees a cure. Chief among the new principles of treatment, and also one of comfort to the patient, is that of Modernized Natural Healing which in addition to the employment of all the well known Hygienic measures also includes Suggestive Therapeutics and Magnetism. The latter is only a reviving of an ancient method which in past ages was called "Laying on of hands." It is sometimes regarded as a mysterious gift conferred upon an elect few. But it is of the attainable sciences and can be acquired by anyone who desires to be taught its principles!. True, some magnetic healers possess more magnetic force than' others, and of course exert more influence in giving treatments but yet it is a principle of healing which is vested with a plain, broad intelligence that appeals to the patient's mind, and also to the understanding of the student.

History informs us that the principles of Sympathetic or Animal Magnetism were known to the Ancients, but their practices were enshrouded in mystery.

The Egyptian Priests used this knowledge in the performance of the holy rites of their office, and candidates for holy orders were initiated in its mysteries. It was also made use of by these holy men for the cure of disease, and that celebrated Savant, Gregory, Bishop of Tours, used this power of Sympathetic Fascination when he declared to those who undertook the pilgrimage to the tombs: "Behold I say unto you, any person, whomsoever he may be, coming to these holy sepulchers, who shall come in faith and prayer, shall be speedily cured of whatsoever illness he shall be possessed."

Let us but stop and consider the proof of the existence of Suggestion as shown in the every day walk of life. Let one of a numerous company give way to laughter, or, if you please, yawning, is it not contagious? Does it not affect others in a more or less degree? Then, again, is it not daily demonstrated how easily one may overcome the anger of another by observing a calm self-possession.

This book aims to touch on all the important questions in life. If it has failed to reach your particular case you are at liberty to write for further information, and whatever you wish to know will be explained.

All letters and questions will be answered. When writing describe plainly and to the point and in as few words as you can to be definite.