The Psychical Society Puts Hypnotism to the Test.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 387, 24 July 1889, Page 4

The Psychical Society Puts Hypnotism to the Test.

The Psychical Society, which since the death of JMr Edmund Gurney has been passing through somewhat oi a tiansition, held a meeting a night or two ago, writes a London correspondent, at the Westminster Town Hall of more than usual interest. Its object was to put to practical test the theories of hypnotism which had been discussed at considerable length at previous meetings. A well-known German scientist offered to conduct a series of experiments upon any persons who desired to come forward, and this invitation was promptly accepted by rnoro than a score of the audience. Of these, after a preliminary trial, the professor sent away about halt-a-dozen, as not being possible or favourable subjects ; but among those who remained were several ladies and gentlemen well known in various circles. Some of the most interesting experiments of suspended consciousness, substituted will, and immediate and deferred hallucination were obtained through the medium of the son and daughter of one of the most distinguished leaders of the Chancery Bar and well-known in the House of Commons. In these cases the struggles between the professor's and the patient's will were clearly shown in the attempt of the latter to an&vver questions such as the capital of France, the product of three times three, and the like. It was, however, on some boys taken at hazard from the Westminster Board school that the most amuping results were obtained, there being obvious reasons why members of the Society and adults should not be asked to exhibit themselves in public. In one experiment of deferred hallucination, the professor told the patient who was momentarily in a cataleptic state that he would wake up in a minute, and that five minutes later (the professor) and the chairman would be invisible to the boy. Another lad was told simultaneously that he would wake up in two minutes, and that five minutes later he would be unable to see the candlestick and water-bottle on the table. Everything happened as foreshadowed, one boy walking up against and round and round the professor, but unable to see him, and the other searching for the candle which was just before his eyes. Many of the other experiments were those known to electro-biologists, which the members of the Psychical Society are anxious to extend to the furthest limits of scientific research.