re are several methods of inducing hypnosis, one of which
is to give particular direction to the subject's imagination by
concentrating the attention upon an arbitrary point, or by raising an
image of the hypnotic state in the patient's mind. The latter is most
readily induced by speech. Faria formerly strained the attention of the
subject as much as possible, and suddenly called out, "Sleep!" This
method has been used by others. Physical methods consist of certain
stimuli of sight, hearing, and touch. Taste and smell have generally
given negative results. Fixation of the gaze has been the most
successful, but the ticking of a watch has been used. According to
Moll, among uncivilized races particular instruments are used to
produce similar states, for example, the magic drum's sound among the
Lapps, or among other races the monotony of rhythm in song, etc.
Instead of these continuous, monotonous, weak stimulations of the
senses, we find also that sudden and violent ones are made use of--for
example in the Salpetriere, the field of Charcot's work, the loud noise
of a gong, or a sudden ray of light; however, it is more than doubtful
whether these sudden, strong, physical stimuli, without any mental
stimuli, can induce hypnosis. Perhaps we have to do here with states
not far removed from paralysis from fright. The sense of touch is also
brought into play in hypnosis; Richet set great value on the so-called
mesmeric strokes or passes. It is often stated that touches on the
forehead induce a sleepy state in many persons. Hypnotism is practiced
by stimulation of the muscular sense, such as cradle-rocking, used to
send little children to sleep. Similar states are said to be produced
among uncivilized people by violent whirling or dancing movements; the
movements are, however, accompanied by music and other mental
excitations.

Hypnosis is spoken of by Huc and Hellwald of the Buddhist convents in
Thibet; and Sperling, who has had a particularly wide experience in the
field of hypnotism, and whose opinion is of particular value, says that
he has seen dervishes in Constantinople who, from the expression of
their eyes and their whole appearance, as well as from peculiar
postures they maintain for a long time, impressed him as being in a
hypnotic state. The state may have been induced by singing and uniform
whirling motions. Hildebrandt, Jacolliot, Fischer, Hellwald, and other
trustworthy witnesses and authors tell us strange thing