ibility, and in some cases persons
frequently hypnotized are thrown into the hypnotic state by very slight
physical agencies, such as looking at a bright doorknob. Furthermore, we
know that the hypnotic patient is in a very sensitive condition, easily
impressed. Moreover, it is well known that exertions required of
hypnotic subjects are nervously very exhausting, so much so that
headache frequently follows.

From these facts any reasonable person may make a few clear deductions.
First, repeated strain of excitement in hypnotic seances will wear out
the constitution just as certainly as repeated strain of excitement in
social life, or the like, which, as we know, frequently produces nervous
exhaustion. Second, it is always dangerous to submit oneself to the
influence of an inferior or untrustworthy person. This is just as true
in hypnotism as it is in the moral realm. Bad companions corrupt. And
since the hypnotic subject is in a condition especially susceptible, a
little association of this kind, a little submission to the inferior or
immoral, will produce correspondingly more detrimental consequences.
Third, since hypnotism is an abnormal condition, just as drunkenness is,
one should not allow a public hypnotizer to experiment upon one and make
one do ridiculous things merely for amusement, any more than one would
allow a really insane person to be exhibited for money; or than one
would allow himself to be made drunk, merely that by his absurd antics
he might amuse somebody. It takes little reflection to convince any one
that hypnotism for amusement, either on the public stage or in the home,
is highly obnoxious, even if it is not highly dangerous. If the
hypnotizer is an honest man, and a man of character, little injury may
follow. But we can never know that, and the risk of getting into bad
hands should prevent every one from submitting to influence at all. The
fact is, however, that we should strongly doubt the good character of
any one who hypnotizes for amusement, regarding him in the same light as
we would one who intoxicated people on the stage for amusement, or gave
them chloroform, or went about with a troup of insane people that he
might exhibit their idiosyncrasies. Honest, right-minded people do not
do those things.

At the same time, there is nothing wiser that a man can do than to
submit himself fully to a stronger and wiser nature than his own. A
physician in whom you have confidence may do a thousand t