f
December 2: "Dr. Luys then showed us how a similar artificial state of
suffering could be created without suggestion--in fact, by the mere
proximity of certain substances. A pinch of coal dust, for example,
corked and sealed in a small phial and placed by the side of the neck of
a hypnotized person, produces symptoms of suffocation by smoke; a tube
of distilled water, similarly placed, provokes signs of incipient
hydrophobia; while another very simple concoction put in contact with
the flesh brings on symptoms of suffocation by drowning."

Signs of drunkenness were said to be caused by a small corked bottle of
brandy, and the nature of a cat by a corked bottle of valerian. Patients
also saw beautiful blue flames about the north pole of a magnet and
distasteful red flames about the south pole; while by means of a magnet
it was said that the symptoms of illness of a sick patient might be
transferred to a well person also in the hypnotic state, but of course
on awaking the well person at once threw off sickness that had been
transferred, but the sick person was permanently relieved. These
experiments are cited in some recent books on hypnotism, apparently with
faith. The following counter experiments will therefore be read with
interest.

Dr. Hart gives a full account of his investigations in the Nineteenth
Century. Dr. Luys gave Dr. Hart some demonstrations, which the latter
describes as follows: "A tube containing ten drachms of cognac were
placed at a certain point on the subject's neck, which Dr. Luys said was
the seat of the great nerve plexuses. The effect on Marguerite was very
rapid and marked; she began to move her lips and to swallow; the
expression of her face changed, and she asked, 'What have you been
giving me to drink? I am quite giddy.' At first she had a stupid and
troubled look; then she began to get gay. 'I am ashamed of myself,' she
said; 'I feel quite tipsy,' and after passing through some of the phases
of lively inebriety she began to fall from the chair, and was with
difficulty prevented from sprawling on the floor. She was uncomfortable,
and seemed on the point of vomiting, but this was stopped, and she was
calmed."

Another patient gave all the signs of imagining himself transformed into
a cat when a small corked bottle of valerian was placed on his neck.

In the presence of a number of distinguished doctors in Paris, Dr. Hart
tried a series of experiments in which by his conversation he gave