How to mesmerise : a manual of instruction in the history, mysteries, modes of procedure, and arts of mesmerism, or, animal magnetism, hypnotism, clairvoyance, thought reading, and mesmeric entertainments / by James Coates.

  • Coates, James, 1843-1933.
Date:
[between 1890 and 1899?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: How to mesmerise : a manual of instruction in the history, mysteries, modes of procedure, and arts of mesmerism, or, animal magnetism, hypnotism, clairvoyance, thought reading, and mesmeric entertainments / by James Coates. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    only a short time, were observed in Somnambulism. They were always preceded by a physical change, resembling an attack, and they were apparently induced by any mental suggestion which accidentally recalled the previous existence of V.”—[The italics are mine ] The whole of these experiments are for the purpose of supporting “The Theory of Suggestion—or Hypnotism,”” as opposed to the Theory of Mesmerism or Animal Mag- netism. In the following pages the difference between Animal Magnetism and Hypnotism, may be traced throughout every chapter. Belonging to the old school of Mesmerists, I have a weakness for Animal Magnetism as the primary operating agent in all mesmeric pheno- mena. At the same time, I have always known and recognised the in^uence of other agents or secondary causes, such as weariness of flesh and spirit, suggestion and imagination, made so much of now-a-days by hypnotists. These powers then, which medical men and others are beginning to realise can be exercised effectively, and with good and evil results, should as far as possible be kept out of the hands of inexperienced novices and unscrupulous operators. Whether this can be done, legally or otherwise, it is difficult to say. The best course for all who read this book, is to be careful “How to mesmerise,” and by whom they are mesmerised This brochure is now left to tell its own tale, and, with all its faults, it may repay careful perusal. JAMES COATES. Greta Ba^^k, Crosshill, Glasgow, H.B.