.action and appreciably lower the temperature, and?most wonderful of all ?a few cases are recorded when a blister has been brought about by means of suggestion alone. Those interested in the subject, I would refer to Hack Tuke's book "on the influence of the mind 011 the body." fVImt then are the therapeutic uses of hypnotic suggestion.? The conclusion generally formed on a priori grouuds that it is in nervous disorders alone that it can be of avail is not borne In fact, while disclaiming out by experience. for hypnotism the character of a universal panacea, it has been found to be applicable in almost any disease, if not as a curative agent, then as a palliative or controller of symptoms. It finds, doubtless, its widest application in the various neurotic disorders, but it is by 110 means limited to them. The following are some of the diseases in which hypnotism has been proved by experience to be of use. 1.? The various nervous disorders or neuroses. ?Neuralgias of all kinds, neurasthenia, palpitation, insomnia, asthma, writer's cramp, nervous aphonia, enuresis, hystero-epilepsy and hysteria. In some of the cases, the result is simply marvellous; in others, especially among the hysterical patients, the treatment is unsatisfactory. This fact about the hysterical cases must be borne in mind, for it is often thought that they afford the most promising subjects. In both acute and chronic asthma I have had cases that were benefited in a remarkable mauner, not only the paroxysms being relieved, but the general health greatly improved. In some of the cases of neuralgia, tic, lumbago, sciatica, a complete cure is effected in one seance, and while there is only a very slight degree of hypnosis present. For instance, a case of mine of severe and persistent neuralgia after herpes in a man of 50 was cured at once, though he was so slightly influenced that he could open his eyes. There are some remarkable cases chronicled iu which acute and chronic ovarian pain has been removed. In some of these cases, oophorectomy had been recommended beforehand. I had a patient?a girl of 20?who had suffered from pain over the left ovarian region for more than a year. She was much emaciated, and was in a highly hysterical and nervous state. In a fortnight the pain had nearly disappeared and she was a different person; taking her food well, sleeping at night and going out regularly for exercise. Suggestions to do all these things had been given daily. There are some cases too 011 record when the neuralgia, which is sometimes so troublesome after ovariotomy, has been relieved. It is useful in all functional palpitation, but, I have even been able to control the disturbed action of the heart which accompanies exophthalmic goitre. In incontinence of urine both in children and adults,it is sometimes very successful, especially iu cases where other rerne?
HYPNOTISM AND SUGGESTION. By R, ARTHUR, M.A., m.d., Edin. (Concluded from
p.
42.)
The action of hypnotic suggestion in the cure In a word, it is in virtue of the of disease. power which the mind through its organ the brain has over the various functions and processes of the body. During hypnosis this power is concentrated in a way impossible in the ordi?
nary
state.
suggestion
the bowels
For example, it is
to excite
possible by
the action of in some cases, to affect the heart's
vomiting,
or
TT
March
ARTHUR ON HYPNOTISM AND SUGGESTION.
1892.]
dies have failed.
One case of mine after utter inability during three years to retain her water more than a few minutes at a time was able after the first seance to control the bladder for three hours, and this continued till she ceased visiting me and took to drunken habits again. Perhaps in no affection is hypnotism more indicated than in insomnia. Here in many cases, not only can sleep be procured by suggestion but the duration of it may be fixed. I believe it is the treatment par excellence in this disorder as it is not open to the serious objections which can be urged against opium, chloral and other
hypnotics. 2. Organic Nervous Diseases.?However
imit may seem, there are many instances to prove that cases of organic nerve disease have been greatly benefited if not cured by hypnotic suggestion. Bernheim gives 10 cases and Van Renterghem 29 in which there was cure or decided improvement in 7 and 14, respectively. Bernheim's cases include several of hemiplegia, one of traumatic epilepsy, one of subacute diffuse myelitis, and others of undoubted organic origin. Van Renterghem reports success in cases of hemiplegia, poliomyelitis anterior, and in one of amaurosis due to atrophy of the optic Both at Amsterdam and at the clinique nerve. of Dr. Berillon at Paris I was shown cases of locomotor ataxy which had been greatly beneOne case under the fited by the treatment. care of Dr. Van Eeden had resumed walking after inability to do so for more than a year. Dr. Lloyd Tuckey records three cases in which he had good results. In my own practice I have treated two cases. In one of them, the disease had lasted for twelve years. The chief symptom was agonising pain in the stomach and feet. This was remarkably relieved by suggestion and the patient's health and spirits improved. The constipation was also relieved. The other case though only treated for a week was slightly benefited. I have also treated four cases of hemiplegia, all of them of long standing. In one case there was notable improvement, the patient regaining the power of walking which she had lost for three years. In the other three there was only very slight change for the better. Tuckey and others have had good results in in-
probable
fantile paralysis. There are also
a
number of
nervous
com-
plaints which have been successfully treated by suggestions. Such are stammering, spasmodic coughing, sneezing and hiccough, nervous Switchings, also vomiting from various causes
Liebault records a case where he obtained marked improvement. I have seen several cases where stammering has been decidedly benefited after several seances and should recommend a trial in all cases of this kind. I also cured a case of spontaneous somnambulism. In constipation
including of
pregnancy.
deaf-mutisin
69
.and diarrhoea suggestion is most efficacious. In fact, whatever be the disorder that is being treated, it is well to enquire as to the state of the bowels and how the patient sleeps, and if necessary try to.regulate both functions. It is safe to say that constipation can almost always be cured. Some cases of the opposite condition?diarrhoea, which are quite unamenable to I ordinary treatment yield to suggestion. cured a boy of 18 of a nervous diarrhoea in which the bowels moved immediately after food' This had resisted treatment for four was taken. years, Tuckey reports an even more striking case of an officer who had had dysentery since the Crimean War and who was cured in a few Cases seances though only slightly influenced. of local sweating have also been relieved. Hypnotism has also been used successfully in impotence. In epilepsy its effects are disputed. Some have obtained good results while others In think the bromide treatment preferable. some cases where suggestion has been used the disease has been controlled by much smaller doses of the bromides than had been before It might be tried in cases when necessary. other treatment has failed. Rheumatic and Gontij affections.?There are other disorders which can be treated with much success. Many of the pains of chronic rheuBernmatism can be relieved in one stance. heim chronicles 18 cases, of which 17 were benefited or cured. They include one of gonorrheal origin. I have had about 20 cases in nearly all of whom there was marked improvement. One was that of a woman who had been compelled to go on crutches for several years on She had been account of a painful knee joint. treated without avail in several of the London hospitals. She was cured in three seances and remained well for eight months, till a wetting brought back her old trouble. I have also had two well-marked cases of gout in one of which the attack seemed to be quite aborted, and in the other there was considerable relief. Other Disorders.?I have used hypnotism with success in relieving the pain of malignant disease. In some cases, it is more efficacious and the effect lasts longer than that obtained by morphia. It has been tried also in various acute diseases to allay restlessness and procure sleep. I greatly relieved a woman suffering from asthenic bronchitis to whom I was afraid to give opium. Her cough had kept her awake till she was utterly exhausted. Hypnotic suggestion procured her sleep for four hours on several occasions and improved her general condition. Several cases of phthisis are recorded (one by Liebault and one by Surgeon-Major Nelson of Montreal) in which the appetite and general strength improved, the sweats ceased, the cough was relieved and weight gained. It is recommended to relieve pain in pleurisy. In 10
70
INDIAN MEDICAL GAZETTE.
and in dyspepsia both when nervous and due to other causes good results may be expected. Some writers claim success in chlorosis, and in Dr, Kingsbury's book there is a most remarkable case recorded in which decided improvement occurred in a diabetic patient, strength being regained, thirst abating, and the urine decreasing to half the quantity. Dr. De Jong of the Hague chronicles a case of luemophilia, in which the hemorrhages that came on severely once or twice a month ceased almost entirely after the firpt seance. Disorders of Menstruation. Some most remarkable cases of this class have been recorded, it is possible in some cases of amenorrhcea to fix beforehand the date of the appearance of the menses, and also their duration. This would seem incredible were it not attested to by men like Forel, Bernheim, Voisin and Tnckey, who It is in have had such cases in their practice. is treatment the that dysmenorrhcea, however, most successful. In Labour there are now a number of cases on record in which parturition has been accomwithout the plished subject feeling any pain, though she has carried out suggestions to bear down, refrain from crying, etc. Dr. Draper, of Huddersfield, told me he had had 18 such cases, Dr. Felkin six, Dr. Kingsbury records one in his book. Liebault and "Wagner relate several, and O Moll gives a list of eight medical men who have used it. If it is to be employed for this purpose, it is generally necessary to hypnotise the patient This is several times before the labour sets in. in order that hypnosis may be easily induced, as it may be impossible to influence the subject when labour has begun on account of the great
gastralgia
?
#
pam. In as the thesia
is not of much useof cases where perfect anescan be obtained is small. But even the major operations have been performed with the patient under its influence. It is useful sometimes in the smaller operations such as opening an abscess or tooth-pulling. I have had several cases when teeth were extracted almost painlessly. It might be tried when the ordinary anajsthetics are counter-indicated. The next group of cases is what are usually called moral perversions, though some of them are really physical diseases. It includes inebriety, morphinomania, the tobacco, chloral and cocaine habits, masturbation, and other sexual vices and various bad habits in children and adults. Such cases, as a rule, are quite outside the reach of ordinary medicine. Dr. Norman Kerr, the leading authority on inebriety, can only give 19 per cent of successful cases in male patients and 10 percent in female. Other practitioners are even Jess happy. Some declare that no female patient Hie cases treated is ever cured.
Surgery hypnotism proportion
are too
few
as
yet
to
by suggestion
[March
1892.
to be drawn ; but they promise, however, results far transcending those by any other Dr. Tuckey has had seven means of treatment. or eight cases with about 60 per cent of successes. Dr. Kingsbury records three successful cases in his book. VanEeden three cured and one greatly improved out of five. Forel,Fontan, Voisin, Wetterstrand and others relate cures both of alcoholism and of the morphia habit. This use of hypnotism should merit special attention from medical men. Alcoholism is an evil so widespread in its sphere, so disastrous in its results, and in most cases so utterly unamenable to treatment, whether moral or physical, that anything which claims to be able to enter the lists against it should receive unbiassed and careful examination. One case of the cure of inebriety may be given, and it is remarkable, chiefly because the victim of the habit had no desire to break it off, and was cured " malgre lui.!> The subject was a patient of Surgeon-Major Neilson's. This man had been an incorrigible drunkard for more than twenty years. Latterly his conduct had been such that his wife and childreu had been forced to leave He was in hospital with an attack of him. gonorrhajl rheumatism, and Dr. Neilson was treating him by hypnotism for this. Having ascertained that he was a drunkard, and knowing that he would never consent to be treated for this habit, Dr. Neilson gave him, without his knowledge, suggestions against alcohol. They took effect immediately. In a few weeks lie left the hospital cured both of his rheumatism He began at once to and his crave for drink. induced his wife to return save and money ; try to him, and 18 months later was getting on very His general health had much improved. well. He was exceedingly grateful to Dr. Neilson. Such a case as this is very exceptional. As a rule, there must be a decided wish on the part of the subject to be cured, and a willingness to submit to restrain, to make hypnotic suggestion A few cases are chronicled in of any avail. which a cure was effected in one seance, but no stress could be laid on this, as seances daily for The weeks or months are generally necessary. more broken down the will power of the individual is the longer will it take to be repaired, so
weight
to
to
give
speak. Masturbation,
both in children and adults, has been very successfully dealt with, especially by Berillon of Paris. This disgusting practice, which is more common than is generally thought, is, when become a confirmed habit, pernicious alike morally and physically. Many cases of complete cure are recorded. Cases also of cure of that strange phenomenon, sexual inversion, are related by Krafft-Ebing, Schrenck-Notzing and Ladame of Geneva. Vicious habits in children such as bursts of passion, stealing, playiug the truant, inveterate laziness, and filthy
enable deductions of much habits have been
successfully combated.
Well
March
1892.]
FEVER ON THE CHAM AN EXTENSION RAILWAY.
authenticated cases are giveu both by English aud Continental observers where the whole moral nature of
a child seems to have been changed by hypnotism. Lastly, there are some cases of insanity in which good results are reported. Voisin at the Salpetriere has been able to hypnotise about 10 percent of his subjects, and lias had fair success. Van
Renterghem relates 36 cases treated in which much benefit was obtained in 20. It is in melancholia and mania that the treatment is of most avail. De Jong says it is especially successful in elementary melancholia in which there are not the complications of false ideas or hallucinations. Some cases of so-called syphilophobia have been cured. From this list of diseases aud disorders many of which are very intractable or unamenable to ordinary treatment, it will be seen how wide the scope of hypnotic suggestion is. And the results quoted, which are certainly not overstated, are, 1 think, sufficient to induce many medical men to give a fair trial to this new and interesting branch of the healing art. In conclusion, I would say that it is very necessary that something should be done to restrict the practice of hypnotism to competent and trustworthy hands. In some of the Continental countries this has already been done, only medical men being allowed to use it, and it is to be hoped that the English Government will soon see its way to follow this example.
71
HYPNOTISM AND SUGGESTION. By R, ARTHUR, M.A., m.d., Edin. (Concluded from
p.
42.)
The action of hypnotic suggestion in the cure In a word, it is in virtue of the of disease. power which the mind through its organ the brain has over the various functions and processes of the body. During hypnosis this power is concentrated in a way impossible in the ordi?
nary
state.
suggestion
the bowels
For example, it is
to excite
possible by
the action of in some cases, to affect the heart's
vomiting,
or
TT
March
ARTHUR ON HYPNOTISM AND SUGGESTION.
1892.]
dies have failed.
One case of mine after utter inability during three years to retain her water more than a few minutes at a time was able after the first seance to control the bladder for three hours, and this continued till she ceased visiting me and took to drunken habits again. Perhaps in no affection is hypnotism more indicated than in insomnia. Here in many cases, not only can sleep be procured by suggestion but the duration of it may be fixed. I believe it is the treatment par excellence in this disorder as it is not open to the serious objections which can be urged against opium, chloral and other
hypnotics. 2. Organic Nervous Diseases.?However
imit may seem, there are many instances to prove that cases of organic nerve disease have been greatly benefited if not cured by hypnotic suggestion. Bernheim gives 10 cases and Van Renterghem 29 in which there was cure or decided improvement in 7 and 14, respectively. Bernheim's cases include several of hemiplegia, one of traumatic epilepsy, one of subacute diffuse myelitis, and others of undoubted organic origin. Van Renterghem reports success in cases of hemiplegia, poliomyelitis anterior, and in one of amaurosis due to atrophy of the optic Both at Amsterdam and at the clinique nerve. of Dr. Berillon at Paris I was shown cases of locomotor ataxy which had been greatly beneOne case under the fited by the treatment. care of Dr. Van Eeden had resumed walking after inability to do so for more than a year. Dr. Lloyd Tuckey records three cases in which he had good results. In my own practice I have treated two cases. In one of them, the disease had lasted for twelve years. The chief symptom was agonising pain in the stomach and feet. This was remarkably relieved by suggestion and the patient's health and spirits improved. The constipation was also relieved. The other case though only treated for a week was slightly benefited. I have also treated four cases of hemiplegia, all of them of long standing. In one case there was notable improvement, the patient regaining the power of walking which she had lost for three years. In the other three there was only very slight change for the better. Tuckey and others have had good results in in-
probable
fantile paralysis. There are also
a
number of
nervous
com-
plaints which have been successfully treated by suggestions. Such are stammering, spasmodic coughing, sneezing and hiccough, nervous Switchings, also vomiting from various causes
Liebault records a case where he obtained marked improvement. I have seen several cases where stammering has been decidedly benefited after several seances and should recommend a trial in all cases of this kind. I also cured a case of spontaneous somnambulism. In constipation
including of
pregnancy.
deaf-mutisin
69
.and diarrhoea suggestion is most efficacious. In fact, whatever be the disorder that is being treated, it is well to enquire as to the state of the bowels and how the patient sleeps, and if necessary try to.regulate both functions. It is safe to say that constipation can almost always be cured. Some cases of the opposite condition?diarrhoea, which are quite unamenable to I ordinary treatment yield to suggestion. cured a boy of 18 of a nervous diarrhoea in which the bowels moved immediately after food' This had resisted treatment for four was taken. years, Tuckey reports an even more striking case of an officer who had had dysentery since the Crimean War and who was cured in a few Cases seances though only slightly influenced. of local sweating have also been relieved. Hypnotism has also been used successfully in impotence. In epilepsy its effects are disputed. Some have obtained good results while others In think the bromide treatment preferable. some cases where suggestion has been used the disease has been controlled by much smaller doses of the bromides than had been before It might be tried in cases when necessary. other treatment has failed. Rheumatic and Gontij affections.?There are other disorders which can be treated with much success. Many of the pains of chronic rheuBernmatism can be relieved in one stance. heim chronicles 18 cases, of which 17 were benefited or cured. They include one of gonorrheal origin. I have had about 20 cases in nearly all of whom there was marked improvement. One was that of a woman who had been compelled to go on crutches for several years on She had been account of a painful knee joint. treated without avail in several of the London hospitals. She was cured in three seances and remained well for eight months, till a wetting brought back her old trouble. I have also had two well-marked cases of gout in one of which the attack seemed to be quite aborted, and in the other there was considerable relief. Other Disorders.?I have used hypnotism with success in relieving the pain of malignant disease. In some cases, it is more efficacious and the effect lasts longer than that obtained by morphia. It has been tried also in various acute diseases to allay restlessness and procure sleep. I greatly relieved a woman suffering from asthenic bronchitis to whom I was afraid to give opium. Her cough had kept her awake till she was utterly exhausted. Hypnotic suggestion procured her sleep for four hours on several occasions and improved her general condition. Several cases of phthisis are recorded (one by Liebault and one by Surgeon-Major Nelson of Montreal) in which the appetite and general strength improved, the sweats ceased, the cough was relieved and weight gained. It is recommended to relieve pain in pleurisy. In 10
70
INDIAN MEDICAL GAZETTE.
and in dyspepsia both when nervous and due to other causes good results may be expected. Some writers claim success in chlorosis, and in Dr, Kingsbury's book there is a most remarkable case recorded in which decided improvement occurred in a diabetic patient, strength being regained, thirst abating, and the urine decreasing to half the quantity. Dr. De Jong of the Hague chronicles a case of luemophilia, in which the hemorrhages that came on severely once or twice a month ceased almost entirely after the firpt seance. Disorders of Menstruation. Some most remarkable cases of this class have been recorded, it is possible in some cases of amenorrhcea to fix beforehand the date of the appearance of the menses, and also their duration. This would seem incredible were it not attested to by men like Forel, Bernheim, Voisin and Tnckey, who It is in have had such cases in their practice. is treatment the that dysmenorrhcea, however, most successful. In Labour there are now a number of cases on record in which parturition has been accomwithout the plished subject feeling any pain, though she has carried out suggestions to bear down, refrain from crying, etc. Dr. Draper, of Huddersfield, told me he had had 18 such cases, Dr. Felkin six, Dr. Kingsbury records one in his book. Liebault and "Wagner relate several, and O Moll gives a list of eight medical men who have used it. If it is to be employed for this purpose, it is generally necessary to hypnotise the patient This is several times before the labour sets in. in order that hypnosis may be easily induced, as it may be impossible to influence the subject when labour has begun on account of the great
gastralgia
?
#
pam. In as the thesia
is not of much useof cases where perfect anescan be obtained is small. But even the major operations have been performed with the patient under its influence. It is useful sometimes in the smaller operations such as opening an abscess or tooth-pulling. I have had several cases when teeth were extracted almost painlessly. It might be tried when the ordinary anajsthetics are counter-indicated. The next group of cases is what are usually called moral perversions, though some of them are really physical diseases. It includes inebriety, morphinomania, the tobacco, chloral and cocaine habits, masturbation, and other sexual vices and various bad habits in children and adults. Such cases, as a rule, are quite outside the reach of ordinary medicine. Dr. Norman Kerr, the leading authority on inebriety, can only give 19 per cent of successful cases in male patients and 10 percent in female. Other practitioners are even Jess happy. Some declare that no female patient Hie cases treated is ever cured.
Surgery hypnotism proportion
are too
few
as
yet
to
by suggestion
[March
1892.
to be drawn ; but they promise, however, results far transcending those by any other Dr. Tuckey has had seven means of treatment. or eight cases with about 60 per cent of successes. Dr. Kingsbury records three successful cases in his book. VanEeden three cured and one greatly improved out of five. Forel,Fontan, Voisin, Wetterstrand and others relate cures both of alcoholism and of the morphia habit. This use of hypnotism should merit special attention from medical men. Alcoholism is an evil so widespread in its sphere, so disastrous in its results, and in most cases so utterly unamenable to treatment, whether moral or physical, that anything which claims to be able to enter the lists against it should receive unbiassed and careful examination. One case of the cure of inebriety may be given, and it is remarkable, chiefly because the victim of the habit had no desire to break it off, and was cured " malgre lui.!> The subject was a patient of Surgeon-Major Neilson's. This man had been an incorrigible drunkard for more than twenty years. Latterly his conduct had been such that his wife and childreu had been forced to leave He was in hospital with an attack of him. gonorrhajl rheumatism, and Dr. Neilson was treating him by hypnotism for this. Having ascertained that he was a drunkard, and knowing that he would never consent to be treated for this habit, Dr. Neilson gave him, without his knowledge, suggestions against alcohol. They took effect immediately. In a few weeks lie left the hospital cured both of his rheumatism He began at once to and his crave for drink. induced his wife to return save and money ; try to him, and 18 months later was getting on very His general health had much improved. well. He was exceedingly grateful to Dr. Neilson. Such a case as this is very exceptional. As a rule, there must be a decided wish on the part of the subject to be cured, and a willingness to submit to restrain, to make hypnotic suggestion A few cases are chronicled in of any avail. which a cure was effected in one seance, but no stress could be laid on this, as seances daily for The weeks or months are generally necessary. more broken down the will power of the individual is the longer will it take to be repaired, so
weight
to
to
give
speak. Masturbation,
both in children and adults, has been very successfully dealt with, especially by Berillon of Paris. This disgusting practice, which is more common than is generally thought, is, when become a confirmed habit, pernicious alike morally and physically. Many cases of complete cure are recorded. Cases also of cure of that strange phenomenon, sexual inversion, are related by Krafft-Ebing, Schrenck-Notzing and Ladame of Geneva. Vicious habits in children such as bursts of passion, stealing, playiug the truant, inveterate laziness, and filthy
enable deductions of much habits have been
successfully combated.
Well
March
1892.]
FEVER ON THE CHAM AN EXTENSION RAILWAY.
authenticated cases are giveu both by English aud Continental observers where the whole moral nature of
a child seems to have been changed by hypnotism. Lastly, there are some cases of insanity in which good results are reported. Voisin at the Salpetriere has been able to hypnotise about 10 percent of his subjects, and lias had fair success. Van
Renterghem relates 36 cases treated in which much benefit was obtained in 20. It is in melancholia and mania that the treatment is of most avail. De Jong says it is especially successful in elementary melancholia in which there are not the complications of false ideas or hallucinations. Some cases of so-called syphilophobia have been cured. From this list of diseases aud disorders many of which are very intractable or unamenable to ordinary treatment, it will be seen how wide the scope of hypnotic suggestion is. And the results quoted, which are certainly not overstated, are, 1 think, sufficient to induce many medical men to give a fair trial to this new and interesting branch of the healing art. In conclusion, I would say that it is very necessary that something should be done to restrict the practice of hypnotism to competent and trustworthy hands. In some of the Continental countries this has already been done, only medical men being allowed to use it, and it is to be hoped that the English Government will soon see its way to follow this example.
71
