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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44029 ***
+
+Note: Images of the original pages are available through
+      Internet Archive. See
+      https://archive.org/details/mindbodyormental00atki
+
+
+
+
+
+MIND AND BODY
+
+Or
+
+Mental States and Physical Conditions
+
+by
+
+WILLIAM WALKER ATKINSON
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+L. N. Fowler & Company
+7, Imperial Arcade, Ludgate Circus
+London, E. C., England
+
+1910
+The Progress Company
+Chicago, Ill.
+
+Copyright, 1910
+By
+The Progress Company
+
+P. F. Pettibone & Co.
+Printers and Bindors
+Chicago
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+        Foreword                                9
+
+     I. The Subconscious Mind                  15
+
+    II. The Sympathetic System                 29
+
+   III. The Cell-Minds                         39
+
+    IV. The Mental Basis of Cure               58
+
+     V. The History of Psycho-Therapy          84
+
+    VI. Faith Cures                           115
+
+   VII. The Power of the Imagination          135
+
+  VIII. Belief and Suggestion                 155
+
+    IX. Psycho-Therapeutic Methods            173
+
+     X. The Reaction of the Physical          196
+
+
+
+
+FOREWORD
+
+
+Mind and Body--Mental States and Physical Conditions! To the mind
+of those who have contented themselves with merely the superficial
+aspects of things, these two things--mind and body; and mental states
+and physical conditions--seem to be as far apart as the two poles; seem
+to be opposites and contradictories impossible of reconciliation.
+But to those who have penetrated beneath the surface of things,
+these two apparent opposites are seen to be so closely related and
+inter-related--so blended and mingled together in manifestation--that it
+is practically impossible to scientifically determine where the one
+leaves off and the other begins. And so constant and close is their
+mutual action and reaction, that it often becomes impossible to state
+positively _which_ is the cause and which the effect.
+
+In the first place, Science now informs us that in all living
+substance, from cell to mammoth, there is and must be Mind. There
+can be no Life without Mind. Mind, indeed, is held to be the very
+"livingness" of Life--the greater the degree of manifestation of Mind,
+the higher the degree of Life. Moreover, the New Psychology informs
+us that upon the activities of the Subconscious Mind depend all the
+processes of physical life--that the Subconscious Mind is the essence
+of what was formerly called the Vital Force--and is embodied in every
+cell, cell-group or organ of the body. And, that this Subconscious Mind
+is amenable to suggestion, good and evil, from the conscious mind of
+its owner, as well as from outside. When the subject of the influence
+of Mental States upon Physical Conditions is studied, one sees that
+the Physical Condition is merely the reflection of the Mental State,
+and the problem seems to be solved, the mystery of Health and Disease
+solved. But in this, as in everything else, there is seen to be an
+opposing phase--the other side of the shield. Let us look at the other
+side of the question:
+
+Just as we find that wherever there is living substance there is Mind,
+so do we find that we are unable to intelligently consider Mind unless
+as _embodied_ in living substance. The idea of Mind, independent of
+its substantial embodiment, becomes a mere abstraction impossible
+of mental imaging--something like color independent of the colored
+substance, or light without the illuminated substance. And just as we
+find that Mental States influence Physical Conditions, so do we find
+that Physical Conditions influence Mental States. And, so the problem
+of Life, Health and Disease once more loses its simplicity, and the
+mystery again deepens. The deeper we dig into the subject, the more do
+we become impressed with the idea of the universal principle of Action
+and Reaction so apparent in all phenomena. The Mind acts upon the Body;
+the Body reacts upon the Mind; cause and effect become confused; the
+reasoning becomes circular--like a ring it has no beginning, no end; its
+beginning may be any place we may prefer, its ending likewise.
+
+The only reconciliation is to be found in the fundamental working
+hypothesis which holds that both Mind and Body--both Mental States and
+Physical Conditions--are _the two aspects of something greater than
+either--the opposing poles of the same Reality_. The radical Materialist
+asserts that the Body is the only reality, and that Mind is merely
+its "by-product." The Mentalist asserts that the Mind is the only
+reality, and that the Body is merely its grosser form of manifestation.
+The unprejudiced philosopher is apt to stand aside and say: "You are
+both right, yet both wrong--each is stating the truth, but only the
+half-truth." With the working hypothesis that Mind and Body are but
+varying aspects of the Truth--that Mind is the inner essence of the
+Body, and Body the outward manifestation of the Mind--we find ourselves
+on safe ground.
+
+We mention this fundamental principle here, for in the body of this
+book we shall not invade the province of metaphysics or philosophy,
+but shall hold ourselves firmly to our own field, that of psychology.
+Of course, the very nature of the subject renders it necessary that
+we consider the influence of psychology upon physiology, but we have
+remembered that this book belongs to the general subject of the New
+Psychology, and we have accordingly emphasized the psychological side
+of the subject. But the same material could have been used by a writer
+upon physiology, by changing the emphasis from the psychological phase
+to the physiological.
+
+We have written this book to reach not only those who refuse to
+see the wonderful influence of the Mental States over the Physical
+Conditions, but also for our "metaphysical" friends who have become
+so enamored with the power of the Mind that they practically ignore
+the existence of the Body, indeed, in some cases, actually denying the
+existence of the latter. We believe that there is a sane middle-ground
+in "metaphysical healing," as there is in the material treatment
+of disease. In this case, not only does Truth lie between the two
+extremes, but it is composed of the blending and assimilation of the
+two opposing ideas and theories. But, even if the reader does not fully
+agree with us in our general theories and conclusions, he will find
+within the covers of this book a mass of _facts_ which he may use in
+building up a new theory of his own. And, after all, what are theories
+but the threads upon which are strung the beads of _facts_--if our
+string does not meet with your approval, break it and string the beads
+of fact upon a thread of your own. Theories come, and theories go--but
+_facts_ remain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND
+
+
+In order to understand the nature of the influence of the mind upon
+the body--the effect of mental states upon physical functions--we must
+know something of that wonderful field of mental activity which in the
+New Psychology is known as "The Subconscious Mind," and which by some
+writers has been styled the "Subjective Mind;" the "Involuntary Mind;"
+the "Subliminal Mind;" the "Unconscious Mind," etc., the difference in
+names arising because of the comparative newness of the investigation
+and classification.
+
+Among the various functions of the Subconscious Mind, one of the
+most important is that of the charge and control of the involuntary
+activities and functions of the human body through the agency of the
+sympathetic nervous system, the cells, and cell-groups. As all students
+of physiology know, the greater part of the activities of the body
+are involuntary--that is, are independent (or partly so) of the control
+of the conscious will. As Dr. Schofield says: "The unconscious mind,
+in addition to the three qualities which it shares in common with the
+conscious--_viz._, will, intellect and emotion--has undoubtedly another
+very important one--nutrition, or the general maintenance of the body."
+And as Hudson states: "The subjective mind has absolute control of the
+functions, conditions and sensations of the body." Notwithstanding the
+dispute which is still raging concerning _what_ the Subconscious mind
+_is_, the authorities all agree upon the fact that, whatever else it
+may be, it may be considered as that phase, aspect, part, or field
+of the mind which has charge and control of the greater part of the
+physical functioning of the body.
+
+Von Hartmann says: "The explanation that unconscious psychical activity
+itself appropriately forms and maintains the body has not only nothing
+to be said against it, but has all possible analogies from the most
+different departments of physical and animal life in its favor,
+and appears to be as scientifically certain as is possible in the
+inferences from effect to cause." Maudsley says: "The connection of
+mind and body is such that a given state of mind tends to echo itself
+at once in the body." Carpenter says: "If a psychosis or mental
+state is produced by a neurosis or material nerve state, as pain by
+a prick, so also is a neurosis produced by a psychosis. That mental
+antecedents call forth physical consequents is just as certain as that
+physical antecedents call forth mental consequents." Tuke says: "Mind,
+through sensory, motor, vaso-motor and trophic nerves, causes changes
+in sensation, muscular contraction, nutrition and secretion.... If
+the brain is an outgrowth from a body corpuscle and is in immediate
+relation with the structures and tissues that preceded it, then, though
+these continue to have their own action, the brain must be expected
+to act upon the muscular tissue, the organic functions and upon the
+nervous system itself."
+
+Von Hartmann also says: "In willing any conscious act, the unconscious
+will is evoked to institute means to bring about the effect. Thus,
+if I will a stronger salivary secretion, the conscious willing of
+this effect excites the unconscious will to institute the necessary
+means. Mothers are said to be able to provide through the will a more
+copious secretion, if the sight of the child arouses in them the will
+to suckle. There are people who perspire voluntarily. I now possess the
+power of instantaneously reducing the severest hiccoughs to silence
+by my own will, while it was formerly a source of great inconvenience
+to me.... An irritation to cough, which has no mechanical cause, may
+be permanently suppressed by the will. I believe we might possess a
+far greater voluntary power over our bodily functions if we were only
+accustomed from childhood to institute experiments and to practice
+ourselves therein.... We have arrived at the conclusion that every
+action of the mind on the body, without exception, is only possible
+by means of an unconscious will; that such an unconscious will can be
+called forth partly by means of a conscious will, partly also through
+the conscious idea of the effect, without conscions will, and even in
+opposition to the conscious will."
+
+Henry Wood says of the Subconscious Mind: "It acts automatically
+upon the physical organism. It cognizes external facts, conditions,
+limitations, and even contagions, quite independent of its active
+counterpart. One may, therefore, 'take' a disease and be unaware of
+any exposure. The subconsciousness has been unwittingly trained to
+fear, and accept it; and it is this quality, rather than the mere inert
+matter of the body, that succumbs. Matter is never the actor, but is
+always acted upon. This silent, mental partner, in operation, seems
+to be a living, thinking personality, conducting affairs on its own
+account. It is a compound of almost unimaginable variety, including
+wisdom and foolishness, logic and nonsense, and yet having a working
+unitary economy. It is a hidden force to be dealt with and educated,
+for it is often found insubordinate and unruly. It refuses co-operation
+with its lesser but more active and wiser counterpart. It is very
+'set' in its views, and only changes its qualities and opinions by
+slow degrees. But, like a pair of horses, not until these two mental
+factors can be trained together can there be harmony and efficiency."
+
+In order to understand the important part played in the physical
+economy by the Subconscious Mind, it is only necessary to understand
+the various processes of the human system which are out of the ordinary
+field of the voluntary or conscious mind. We then realize that the
+entire process of nutrition, including digestion, assimilation, etc.,
+the processes of elimination, the processes of circulation, the
+processes of growth, in fact the entire processes manifested in the
+work of the cells, cell-groups, ganglia, physical organs, etc., are
+in charge of and controlled by the Subconscious Mind. Our food is
+digested and transformed into the nourishing substances of the blood;
+then carried through the arteries to all parts of the body, where it is
+absorbed by the cells and used to replace the worn-out material, the
+latter then being carried back through the veins to the lungs where the
+waste matter is burned up, and the balance again sent on its journey
+through the arteries re-charged with the life-giving oxygen. All of
+these processes, and many others of almost equal importance, are out
+of the field of the conscious or voluntary mind, and are governed by
+the Subconscious Mind. As we shall see when we consider the Sympathetic
+Nervous System, the greater part of the body is dominated by the
+Subconscious Mind, and that the welfare of the major physical functions
+depends entirely, or almost so, upon this great area or field of the
+mind.
+
+The best authorities now generally agree that there is no part of
+the body which may be considered as devoid of mind. The Subconscious
+Mind is not confined to the brain, or even the greater plexuses of
+the nervous system, but extends to all parts of the body, to every
+nerve, muscle, and even to every cell and cell-group of the body.
+The functions and processes of the body are no longer considered as
+purely mechanical, or chemical, but are now seen to be the result of
+mental action of some kind or degree. Therefore, in considering the
+Subconscious Mind, one must not think of it as resident in the brain
+alone, but rather as being _distributed over the entire physical
+body_. There is mind in every cell, every organ, every muscle, every
+nerve--in every part of the body.
+
+The importance of the above statements regarding the power and
+importance of the Subconscious Mind may be realized when one remembers
+the dictum of the New Psychology, to wit: _The Subconscious Mind is
+amenable to Suggestion_. When it is realized that this great controller
+of the physical organism is so constituted that it accepts as truth
+the suggestions from the conscious mind of its owner, as well as
+those emanating from the conscious minds of other people, it may be
+understood why Faith, Belief, and Expectant Attention manifest such
+marked effects upon the physical body and the general health, for
+good or for evil, as indicated in the preceding chapters. All of the
+many instances and examples recited in the preceding chapters may be
+understood when it is realized that the Subconscious Mind, which is in
+control of the physical functions and vital processes, will accept the
+suggestions from the conscious mind of its owner, and also suggestions
+from outside which the conscious mind of its owner allows to pass down
+to it. If, as Henry Wood has said in the paragraph previously quoted,
+it "acts automatically upon the physical organism," and "seems to be a
+living, thinking personality, conducting affairs on its own account,"
+and at the same time, _accepts and 'takes on' suggested conditions_,
+it may be readily understood how the wonderful and almost incredible
+statements of the authorities mentioned in the preceding chapters have
+had real and substantial basis in truth.
+
+This understanding of the part played by the Subjective Mind in
+controlling and affecting physical conditions and activities, together
+with its suggestible qualities and nature, gives us a key to the
+whole question of the "Why?" of Mental Healing. Suggestion is the
+connecting link between Mind and Body, and an understanding of its
+laws and principles enables one to see the moving cause of the strange
+phenomena of the Faith Cures, under whatever name they may pass, and
+under whatever guise they may present themselves. "Suggestion" is the
+explanation offered by the New Psychology for the almost miraculous
+phenomena which other schools seek to explain upon some hypothesis
+based either upon religious beliefs, or upon some metaphysical or
+philosophical doctrine. The New Psychology holds that it is not
+necessary to go outside of the realms of psychology and physiology in
+studying Mental Healing or Psycho-Therapy; and that the theories of
+the semi-religious and metaphysical cults are merely strange guises or
+masks which serve to conceal the real operative principle of cure.
+
+The following quotation from Dr. Schofield will serve to call the
+attention to the important part played by the Subconscious Mind in
+the physical activities, a fact which is not generally recognized:
+"It has often been a mystery how the body thrives so well with so
+little oversight or care on the part of its owner. No machine could
+be constructed, nor could any combination of solids or liquids in
+organic compounds, regulate, control, counteract, help, hinder or
+arrange for the continual succession of differing events, foods,
+surroundings and conditions which are constantly affecting the body.
+And yet, in the midst of this ever-changing and varying succession of
+influences, the body holds on its course of growth, health, nutrition
+and self-maintenance with the most marvelous constancy. We perceive, of
+course, clearly, that the best of qualities--regulation, control, etc.,
+etc.--are all mental qualities, and at the same time we are equally
+clear that by no self-examination can we say we consciously exercise
+any of these mental powers over the organic processes of our bodies.
+One would think, then, that the conclusion is sufficiently simple and
+obvious--that they must be used unconsciously; in other words, it is,
+and can be nothing else than _unconscious mental powers_ that control,
+guide and govern the functions and organs of the body.
+
+"Our ordinary text-books on physiology give but little idea of what I
+may call the intelligence that presides over the various systems of the
+body, showing itself in the bones, as we have seen, in distributing
+the available but insufficient amount of lime salts in disease; not
+equally, but for the protection of the most vital parts, leaving
+those of lesser value disproportionally deficient. In the muscular
+system nearly all contractions are involuntary. Even in the voluntary
+(so-called) muscles, the most we can do is to will results. We do
+not will the contractions that carry out these results. Muscles,
+striped and unstriped, are ceaselessly acting without the slightest
+consciousness in maintaining the balance of the body, the expression
+of the face, the general attributes corresponding to mental states,
+the carrying on of digestion and other processes with a purposiveness,
+and adaptation of means to new ends and new conditions, ceaselessly
+arising, that are beyond all material mechanism. Consider, for
+instance, the marvelous increase of smooth muscle in the uterus at
+term, and also its no less marvelous subsequent involution; observe,
+too, the compensating muscular increase of a damaged heart until the
+balance is restored and the necessity for it ceases, as does growth at
+a fixed period; consider in detail the repair of a broken bone. These
+actions are not mere properties of matter; they demand, and are the
+result of, a controlling mind.
+
+"The circulation does not go round as most text-books would lead us
+to believe, as the result merely of the action of a system of elastic
+tubes, connected with a self-acting force-pump. It is such views as
+these that degrade physiology and obscure the marvels of the body.
+The circulation never flows for two minutes in the same manner. In an
+instant, miles of capillaries are closed or opened up, according to
+the ever-varying body needs, of which, consciously, we are entirely
+unaware. The blood supply of each organ is not mechanical, but is
+carefully regulated from minute to minute in health, exactly according
+to its needs and activities, and when this ever fails, we at once
+recognize it as disease, and call it congestion and so forth. The
+very heart-beat itself is never constant, but varies _pro rata_ with
+the amount of exercise, activity of vital functions, of conditions
+of temperature, etc., and even of emotions and other direct mental
+feelings. The whole reproductive system is obviously under the sway and
+guidance of more than blind material forces. In short, when thoroughly
+analyzed, the action and regulation of no system of the body can be
+satisfactorily explained, without postulating an unconscious mental
+element, which _does_, if allowed, satisfactorily explain all the
+phenomena."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE SYMPATHETIC SYSTEM
+
+
+The average person has a general understanding of what is meant by
+"the nervous system," but inquiry will show that by this term he
+usually includes only that part of the nervous system which is known
+as the "cerebro-spinal system," or the system of nerves consisting
+of the brain and spinal cord, and the nerves extending therefrom
+throughout the body, the offices of which are to control the voluntary
+movements of the body. The average person is almost entirely ignorant
+of the existence of the Great Sympathetic System which controls
+the involuntary movements and processes, such as the processes and
+functions of nutrition, secretion, reproduction, excretion, the
+vaso-motor action, etc. In physiology, the term "sympathetic" is used
+in the sense of: "Reciprocal action of the different parts of the body
+on each other; an affection of one part of the body in consequence of
+something taking place in another. Thus when there is a local injury,
+the whole frame after a time suffers with it. A wound anywhere will
+tend to create feverishness everywhere; derangement of the stomach
+will tend to produce headache, liver complaint to produce pain in the
+shoulder, etc."
+
+An old authority thus describes the Sympathetic Nerves: "A system of
+nerves, running from the base of the skull to the coccyx, along both
+sides of the body, and consisting of a series of ganglia along the
+spinal column by the side of the vertebræ. With this trunk of the
+sympathetic there are communicating branches which connect the ganglia,
+or the intermediate cord, with all the spinal and several of the
+cranial nerves proceeding to primary branches on the neighboring organs
+or other ganglia, and finally numerous flexures of nerves running to
+the viscera. Various fibers from the sympathetic communicate with
+those of the cerebro-spinal system. The term 'sympathetic' has been
+applied on the supposition that it is the agent in producing sympathy
+between different parts of the body. It more certainly affects the
+secretions." In the New Psychology the Sympathetic Nervous System is
+recognized as that directly under the control of the Subconscious Mind.
+
+The Cerebro-Spinal Nervous System is concerned with the activities
+arising from the conscious activities of the mind, including those
+of the five senses. It controls the muscles by which we speak, walk,
+move our limbs, and pursue the ordinary activities of outer life. But,
+while these are very important to the individual, there is another
+set of activities--inner activities--which are none the less important.
+The Sympathetic System controls the involuntary muscles by means of
+which the heart throbs, the arteries pulsate, the air is conveyed to
+the lungs, the blood moves to and from the heart, the various glands
+and tubes of the body operate, and the entire work of nutrition,
+repair, and body-building is performed. While the Cerebro-Spinal
+System, and the Conscious Mind are able to rest a considerable portion
+of the twenty-four hours of the day, the Sympathetic System and the
+Subconscious Mind must needs work every minute of the twenty-four
+hours, without rest or vacation, during the life of their owner.
+
+Dr. E. H. Pratt, in his valuable "Series of Impersonations" published
+in the medical magazines several years ago, and since reproduced in
+book form, makes "The Sympathetic Man" speak as follows: "The entire
+body can do nothing without me; and my occupation of supplying the
+inspiration for our entire family is so constant and engaging that I
+am compelled to attend strictly to business night and day from one
+end of life to the other, and have no time whatever for observation,
+education, or amusement outside of my daily tasks. As a rule, I perform
+my work so noiselessly that the rest of the family are scarcely
+conscious of my existence, for when I am well everything works all
+right, each organ plays its part as usual, and the entire machinery
+of life is operated noiselessly and without friction. When I am not
+well, however, and am not quite equal to the demands made upon me, I
+have two ways of making it known to the family. One is by appealing
+to self-consciousness through the assistance of my cerebro-spinal
+brother, with whom I am closely associated, thereby causing some
+disturbance of sensation or locomotion (the most frequent disturbance
+in this direction being the instituting of some form of pain); or I
+sometimes take it into my head to say nothing to my cerebro-spinal
+brother about my affairs, but simply shirk my duties, and my
+inefficiency becomes manifest only when some one or all of the organs
+suffer from some function poorly performed."
+
+The nerve-centres of the Cerebro-Spinal System are grouped closely
+together, while those of the Sympathetic System are scattered about
+the body, each organ having its appropriate centre or tiny-brain. The
+heart, the liver, the kidneys, the spleen, the brain, the intestinal
+tract, the bladder, the generative organs, have each its own particular
+nerve-centre of the Sympathetic System--each its tiny-brain--each,
+however, connected with all the others. And more than this--in addition
+to the tiny-brains in each of the important vital organs, there are
+found scattered through the trunk a number of _ganglia_, or knots of
+gray nervous matter, arranged longitudinally in two lines extending
+from just in front of the spinal column from the base of the skull to
+the end of the spinal column, each vertebra having its appropriate
+ganglia. In some cases several of these ganglia are grouped together,
+the number ranging from two to three. Each ganglion is a distinct
+centre giving off branches in four directions.
+
+There is also one place in which are grouped together several very
+large ganglia, forming what is known as the Solar Plexus, or Abdominal
+Brain, which is situated at the upper part of the abdomen, behind the
+stomach and in front of the aorta and the pillars of the diaphragm,
+and from which issue nerves extending in all directions. By some
+authorities the Solar Plexus is regarded as the great centre of the
+Sympathetic System, and the main seat of the Subconscious Mind. Dr.
+Byron Robinson bestowed upon this centre the name "The Abdominal
+Brain," saying of the use of the term: "I mean to convey the idea that
+it is endowed with the high powers and phenomena of a great nervous
+centre; that it can organize, multiply, and diminish forces."
+
+One of the most interesting and significant features of the ganglia is
+that of their connection with the nerve centres of the Cerebro-Spinal
+System, indicating the reciprocal action existing between the two
+great nervous systems. From each one of the ganglia in the two great
+lines forming the system, issues a tiny filament which connects with
+the spinal cord; and at the same time it receives from the spinal
+cord a tiny filament in return, thus establishing a double line of
+communication. It is held by some authorities that one of these
+filaments acts as a sending wire, and the other as a receiving wire
+between the two systems. Be this as it may, the inter-communication
+between the two systems is clearly indicated.
+
+It must be remembered that the involuntary muscles which move the
+heart, as well as the tiny muscles which form the middle-coat of the
+arteries and the veins, are controlled by the Sympathetic System,
+and thus the important work of the circulation, which goes on day
+and night, year in and year out, during life, is directly under the
+charge of the Sympathetic System and the Subconscious Mind. Also, the
+involuntary muscles which are concerned with the activities of the
+liver, the kidneys and the spleen, are under the same direct control.
+
+Dr. E. H. Pratt, in the "Series of Impersonations" above referred to,
+makes the "Subconscious Man" tell the following wonderful truth, which
+we suggest each reader read carefully and fix in his mind: "My brother
+the Sympathetic Man has told you that I am the animating spirit of his
+construction; and as he is the great body builder, having furnished
+the emotions under which our entire family has been put into form, you
+can understand by what right I pose before you as the human form of
+forms. All the rest of the family are because I am. Even my Conscious
+brother, who claims superiority to his fellow-shapes because he bosses
+them around a little and makes use of them, is a subject of my own
+creation.... I am the life of the Sympathetic Man, whose existence as
+a human shape has already sufficiently been well established, and as
+there is no part of him which is not alive, the conclusion is very
+evident that his shape and mine are identical. _There is no part of
+the sympathetic system which is not animated by my own principle of
+vitality._ Indeed, he is but a cup of life, though I can assure you
+that his cup is full, and he would not be good for much if it was not.
+So, if you are able to conceive the shape of the Sympathetic Man, you
+can regard this form as identical with my own. This is really a very
+modest claim on my part, and does not quite do justice to myself, for
+in reality the Sympathetic Man does not contain all there is of me by
+any means, for I am not only in him, but all around him, and he is not
+by any means capable of containing my full self."
+
+When it is seen that the vital activities of the physical body are
+ruled, governed and controlled by the Sympathetic System, animated by
+the Subconscious Mind, and that the latter is amenable to Suggestion
+from the Conscious Mind and from outside, we may begin to get a glimmer
+of the great light which illuminates the principle of Mental Healing.
+If the Subconscious Mind, _the builder_, is influenced by Suggestion
+to neglect his work, or to build wrongly, it is likewise possible for
+him to heed proper Suggestion and to repair his mistakes and to rebuild
+properly. This principle being grasped, the rest will seem to be merely
+an understanding of the best methods of reaching the Subconscious
+Mind by Suggestion or Auto-Suggestion. We may now begin to understand
+the truth of the old axiom: "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is
+he"--physically. And as Thought is based largely upon Belief, can we not
+see the dynamic force of Faith? Is there not a real psychological basis
+for so-called "miracles?" Is not the wonder-working of the cults now
+understandable?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE CELL-MINDS
+
+
+Modern science has demonstrated that the human body is composed of a
+multitude of microscopic cells, that is, that the muscles, nerves,
+tissues, blood, bones, hair and nails are made up of minute cells, and
+groups of cells. Virchow says: "It is of the cells that the tissues
+are built up and the nerves formed. There is no part of the human body
+in which the cell is not seen. All these cells are neuclated--have in
+them a central life-spot like the yolk of an egg. Each cell is born,
+reproduces itself, dies and is absorbed. The maintenance of life and
+health depends upon the constant regeneration of the cells. When man
+can control the life and death of the cell he becomes the creator."
+Medical science now practically asserts that disease of the body is
+really disease of the cells of which the body is composed, and that all
+healing of the body must consist of the healing of the cells--that is,
+of restoring the cells to normal activity and functioning.
+
+The following quotation from Hudson, following Stephens, is
+interesting: "An aggregation of cells became a confederation, with its
+differentiation of cell functions and still further division of labor.
+As a result of a long process of such differentiation, the organisms
+of the larger animals and of man came to be composed, as we find
+them, of thirty or more different species of cells. For example, we
+have the muscle cells, whose vital energies are devoted to the office
+of contraction, or vigorous shortening of length; connective-tissue
+cells, whose office is mainly to produce and conserve a tough fibre
+for binding together and covering in the organism; bone cells, whose
+life work is to select and collocate salts of lime for the organic
+framework, levers and joints; hair, nail, horn and feather cells,
+which work in silicates for the protection, defense, and ornamentation
+of the organism; gland cells, whose _motif_ in living has come to be
+the abstraction from the blood of substances which are recombined
+to produce juices needed to aid the various processes or steps of
+digestion; blood cells, which have assumed the laborious function of
+general carriers, scavengers, and repairers of the organism; eye, ear,
+nasal and palate cells, which have become the special artificers of
+complicated apparatus for transmitting light, sound, odors, and flavors
+to the highly sentient brain cells; pulmonary cells, which elaborate
+a tissue for the introduction of oxygen and the elimination of carbon
+dioxide and other waste products; hepatic (liver) cells, which have, in
+response to the needs of the organism, descended to the menial office
+of living on the waste products and converting them into chemical
+reagents to facilitate digestion--these and numerous other species of
+cells; and lastly, most important and of greatest interest, brain and
+nerve cells."
+
+The various cells of the body are constantly busy, each performing
+its particular task, either singly or in connection with other cells
+in the cell-group. Like a great arm, the cells are divided into
+classes, some being engaged in the active daily work, while others are
+held back on the reserve line. Some are engaged in building up the
+tissues, muscles and bones, while others are busy manufacturing the
+juices, secretions, fluids and chemical compounds required in the great
+laboratory of the body. Some remain at their posts, stationary during
+their entire life, while others remain stationary only until the call
+comes for their services, while a third class are in constant motion
+from place to place either following regular routes or else travelling
+under a roving commission. Some of the moving cells act as carriers of
+material--the hod-carriers of the body, while others move about doing
+special repair work such as the healing of wounds, etc., while others
+still are the scavengers and street cleaners of system, and others form
+the cell army and cell police force. The body has been compared to a
+vast communistic or socialistic colony, each member of which cheerfully
+devotes his life-work, and often his life itself, to the common good.
+The brain cells are of course the most highly organized, and the most
+highly differentiated of the cells. The nerve cells constitute a living
+telegraph system over which is carried the messages from the several
+parts of the body, each cell being in close contact with its neighbor
+on each side--the nerve cells practically clasp hands and form a living
+chain of communication.
+
+The blood cells are important members of the cell-community, and are
+exceedingly numerous, there being over 75,000,000,000 of the red-blood
+cells alone. These red-blood cells move in the blood currents,
+carrying through the arteries each its little load of oxygen which it
+transports to the distant tissues that they may be invigorated and
+vitalized anew; and, returning, carrying through the veins the debris
+and waste products of the system to the great crematory of the lungs
+where the waste is burnt and thrown off from the body. Like the ships
+that sail the sea, each cell carries its outgoing cargo, and returns
+with another one. Some of these cells perform the office of special
+repairers, forcing their way through the walls of the blood-vessels and
+penetrating the tissues in order to perform their special tasks. There
+are several other kinds of cells in the blood besides the carriers
+just mentioned. There are the wonderful soldier and police cells which
+maintain order and fight battles when necessary. The police cells
+are on the constant lookout for germs, bacteria and other microscopic
+disturbers of the peace of the body. When these tiny policemen discover
+vagrant germs, or criminal bacteria, they rush upon the intruder and
+tying him up in a mesh, proceed to devour him. If the intruder be too
+large or vigorous, a call for assistance is sent out, and the reserve
+police rush to the assistance of their brothers and overpower the
+disturber of the peace. Sometimes when the vagrants are too numerous,
+the policemen throw them out from the body, by means of pimples, boils
+and similar eruptions. In case of infectious diseases, an army corps
+is ordered out in full strength and a royal fight is waged between the
+invading army and the defenders of home and country.
+
+Some of the blood cells take a part in the process of extracting from
+the food its nourishing particles, and then carrying the same through
+the blood-channels to all parts of the body, where it is used to feed
+and nourish the stationary cells there located. These cells manufacture
+the chemical juices of the body, such as bile, gastric juice,
+pancreatic juices, milk, etc., in short the entire physical process is
+carried on by these indefatigable tiny cells. The body of each of us is
+simply a great community of cells of various kinds. The cells are born
+by the form of reproduction common to all cells, that of sub-division.
+Each cell grows until a certain size is reached, when it assumes a
+"dumb-bell" shape, with a tiny waist line, which waist is afterward
+dissolved and the two cells move away from each other. In this way,
+and this way alone, does the body grow, the material required for the
+enlargement of the cell being supplied from the food and nourishment
+partaken by the individual. Cells die after having performed their
+life-work, and their corpses are carried through the veins by the
+carrier cells, and cast into the crematory of the lungs where they are
+consumed.
+
+The body is constantly undergoing a process of change and regeneration.
+Old cells are being cast off every second, and new cells are taking
+their places. Our muscles, tissues, hair, nails, nerves, brain
+substance, and even our bones are constantly being made over and
+rebuilt. Our bodies to-day do not contain a single particle of the
+material which composed them a few years back. A few weeks suffices to
+replace our entire skin, and a few months to replace other parts of
+the body. If a sufficiently large microscope could be placed over our
+bodies, we would see each part of it as active as a hive of bees, each
+cell being in action and motion, and the entire domestic work of the
+human hive being performed according to law and order. Verily, "we are
+fearfully and wonderfully made."
+
+A number of the best authorities have used the illustration of the
+process of the cells in healing an ordinary wound, in order to show the
+activity and "mind" of the tiny cells. We have become so accustomed to
+the natural healing of a wound, scratch or broken skin, that we have
+grown to regard it as an almost mechanical process. But, science shows
+us that there is manifested in the healing process a marvellous degree
+of life and mind in the cells. Let us consider the process of healing
+an ordinary wound, that we may see the cells at work. Let us imagine
+that we are gazing at the wounded part through a marvellously strong
+microscope which enables us to see every cell at work. If such a glass
+were provided we should witness a scene similar to that now to be
+described.
+
+In the first place, through our glass, we should see the gaping wound
+enlarged to gigantic proportions. We should see the torn skin, tissues,
+lymphatic and blood vessels, glands, muscles and nerves. We would see
+the blood pouring forth washing away the dirt and foreign substances
+that have entered the wound. We would then see the messages calling
+for help flashing over the living telegraph wires of the nerves, each
+nerve-cell rapidly passing the word to its neighbor until the great
+sympathetic centres received the call and sounded the alarm and sent
+out a "hurry up" call to the cells needed for the repair work. In the
+meantime the cells of the blood, coming in contact with the outside
+air have begun to coagulate into a sticky substance, which is the
+beginning of the scab, the purpose being to close the wound and to
+hold the severed parts together. The repair cells having now arrived
+at the scene of the accident begin to mend the break. The tissue,
+nerve, and muscle cells, on each side of the wound begin to multiply
+rapidly, receiving their nourishment from the blood cells, and quickly
+a cell bridge is built up until the two severed edges of the wound
+are reunited. This bridging is no haphazard process, for the presence
+of directing law and order is apparent. The newly-born cells of the
+blood-vessels unite with their brothers on the other side, evenly and
+in an orderly manner, new tubular channels being formed skillfully. The
+cells of the connective tissues likewise grow toward each other, and
+unite in the same orderly manner. The nerve-cells repair their broken
+lines, just as do a gang of linemen repair the interrupted telegraph
+system. The muscles are united in the same way. But mark you this,
+there is no mistake in this connecting process--muscle does not connect
+with nerve, nor blood-vessel with connective tissue. Finally, the inner
+repairs and connections having been completed, the scab disappears and
+the cells of the outer skin rebuild the outer covering, and the wound
+is healed. This process may occupy a few hours, or many days, depending
+upon the character of the wound, but the process is the same in all
+cases. The surgeon merely disinfects and cleans the wound, and placing
+the parts together allows the cells to perform their healing work, for
+no other power can perform the task. The knitting together of a broken
+bone proceeds along the same lines--the surgeon places the parts in
+juxtaposition, binds the limb together to prevent slipping, and the
+cells do the rest.
+
+When the body is well nourished, the general system well toned up,
+and the mind cheerful and active, the repair work proceeds rapidly.
+But when the physical system is run down, the body poorly nourished,
+and the mind depressed and full of fear, the work is retarded and
+interfered with. It is this healing power inherent in the cells that
+physicians speak of as the _vis vita_ or _vis medicatrix naturae_,
+or "the healing power of nature." Of it Dr. Patton says: "By the
+term 'efforts of nature' we mean a certain curative or restorative
+principle, or _vis vita_, implanted in every living or organized body,
+constantly operative for its repair, preservation and health. This
+instinctive endeavor to repair the human organism is signally shown in
+the event of a severed or lost part, as a finger, for instance; for
+nature unaided will repair and fashion a stump equal to one from the
+hands of an eminent surgeon.... Nature, unaided, may be equally potent
+in ordinary illness. Many individuals, even when severely ill, either
+from motives of economy, prejudice, or skepticism, remain at rest in
+bed, under favorable hygiene, regimen, etc., and speedily get well
+without a physician or medicine."
+
+Dr. Schofield says: "The _vis medicatrix naturae_ is a very potent
+factor in the amelioration of disease, if it only be allowed fair play.
+An exercise of faith, as a rule, suspends the operation of adverse
+influences, and appeals strongly through the consciousness, to the
+inner and underlying faculty of vital force (_i. e._, unconscious
+mind)." Dr. Bruce says: "We are compelled to acknowledge a power of
+natural recovery inherent in the body--a similar statement has been
+made by writers on the principle of medicine in all ages.... The
+body does possess a means and mechanism for modifying or neutralizing
+influences which it cannot directly overcome." Oliver Wendell Holmes
+says: "Whatever other theories we hold we must recognize the '_vis
+medicatrix naturae_' in some shape or other." Bruce says: "A natural
+power of the prevention and repair of disorders and disease has as real
+and as active an existence within us, as have the ordinary functions
+of the organs themselves." Hippocrates said: "Nature is the physician
+of diseases." And Ambrose Pare wrote on the walls of the great medical
+school, the Ecole de Medicine of Paris, these words: "_Je le ponsez et
+Dieu le guarit_," which translated is: "I dressed the wound, and God
+healed it."
+
+It is of course true that the life and mind in the cells is derived
+from the Subconscious Mind, in fact the cells themselves may be said
+to _embody_ the Subconscious Mind, just as the cells of the brain
+_embody_ the Conscious Mind. In every cell there is to be found
+intelligence in a degree required for the successful performance of the
+particular task of that cell. Hudson says: "All organic tissue is made
+up of microscopic cells, each one of which _is a living, intelligent
+entity_." And, again, "The subordinate intelligences are the cells of
+which the whole body is composed, _each of which is an intelligent
+entity, endowed with powers commensurate with its functions_." In
+short, _the cells of the body are living organs for the expression and
+manifestation of the Subconscious Mind_. There is not a single cell,
+group, or part of the party which is devoid of mind. Mind is imminent
+in the entire body, and in its every part, down to the smallest cell.
+
+The following quotation from Dr. Thomson J. Hudson's "Mental Medicine"
+clearly expresses a truth conceded by modern science. Dr. Hudson says:
+
+"It follows _a priori_, that every cell in the body is endowed with
+intelligence; and this is precisely what all biological science tells
+us is true. Beginning with the lowest form of animal life, the humblest
+cytode, every living cell is endowed with a wonderful intelligence.
+There is, in fact, no line to be drawn between life and mind; that
+is to say, every living organism is a mind organism, from the monera,
+crawling upon the bed of the ocean, to the most highly differentiated
+cell in the cerebral cortex of man. Volumes have been written to
+demonstrate that 'psychological phenomena begin among the very lowest
+class of beings; they are met with in every form of life, from the
+simplest cellule to the most complicated organism. It is they that
+are the essential phenomena of life, inherent in all protoplasm.'
+(Binet.) It is, in fact, an axiom of science that the lowest
+unicellular organism is endowed with the potentialities of manhood.
+I have remarked that each living cell is endowed with a wonderful
+intelligence. This is emphatically true, whether it is a unicellular
+organism or a constituent element of a multicellular organism. Its
+wonderful character consists not so much in the amount of intelligence
+possessed by each individual cell, as it does in the quality of that
+intelligence. That is to say, each cell is endowed with an instinctive,
+or intuitive, knowledge of all that is essential to the preservation of
+its own life, the conservation of its energies, and the perpetuation
+of its species. In other words, it is endowed with an intuitive
+knowledge of the laws of its own being, which knowledge is proportioned
+to its stage of development and adapted to its environment."
+
+The cell has the intelligence sufficient to enable it to seek
+nourishment, and to move from one place to another in search for
+food or for other purposes. It holds to its food when secured, and
+envelops it until it is absorbed and digested. It exercises the power
+of choice, accepting and selecting one portion of food in preference
+to another. It has the power of discriminating between nourishing food
+and the reverse. The authorities show that it has a rudimentary memory,
+and avoids the repetition of an unpleasant or painful experience,
+and also returns to the locality in which it has previously secured
+food. Biological experiments have shown that the cells are capable of
+experiencing surprise, pleasure and fear, and that they experience
+different degrees of feeling, and react accordingly in response to
+stimuli. Verworn, a biologist, even goes so far as to assert that they
+habitually adapt means to ends, near and remote. In his remarkable
+work on cell-life, "The Psychic Life of Micro-organisms," Binet says:
+"We shall not regard it as strange, perhaps, to find so complete a
+psychology in the history of the lower organisms, when we call to
+mind that, agreeably to the ideas of evolution now accepted, a higher
+animal is nothing more than a colony of protozoans. Every one of the
+cells composing such an animal has retained its primitive properties,
+giving them a higher degree of perfection by division of labor and
+by selection. The epithelial cells that secrete the nails and hair
+are organisms perfected with reference to the secretion of protective
+parts. Similarly, the cells of the brain are organisms that have been
+perfected with reference to psychical attributes."
+
+Dr. Schofield says: "That life involves mind has, of course, like
+all else, been vigorously disputed and equally vigorously affirmed.
+'Life,' says Prof. Bascom, 'is not force; it is combining power. _It is
+the product and presence of mind._' ... The extent to which the word
+mind may be employed as the inherent cause of purposive movements in
+organisms is a very difficult question to solve. There can be no doubt
+that the actual agents in such movements are the natural forces, but
+behind these the directing and starting power seems to be psychic....
+There being an indwelling power, not only for purposive action in each
+cell, but for endless combinations of cell activities for common ends
+not at all connected with the mere nutrition of the single cell, but
+for the good of the completed organism." Dr. R. Dunn says: "From the
+first movement when the primordial cell-germ of a human organism comes
+into being, the entire individual is present, fitted for human destiny.
+From the same moment, matter, life and mind are never for an instant
+separated, their union constituting the essential work of our present
+existence." Carpenter says: "The convertibility of physical forces and
+correlation of these with the vital and the intricacy of that nexus
+between mental and bodily activity which cannot be analyzed, all lead
+upwards towards one and the same conclusion--_the source of all power is
+mind_. And that physical conclusion is the apex of the pyramid which
+has its foundation in the primitive instincts of humanity."
+
+Having seen the evidences of life and mind in the single cell, let us
+now proceed to a consideration of the intelligence or mind inherent
+and manifest in the groups of cells, large and small, including the
+largest groups which compose the several organs of the body. This
+line of investigation will lead us to a fuller understanding of the
+influence of the mental states upon the health or disease of the organs
+and parts. It will be seen that Mental Healing has a sound biological
+as well as a psychological basis of truth, and that it is not necessary
+to invade the fields of metaphysics or theology in order to find an
+explanation of the effect of mind over body.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE MENTAL BASIS OF CURE
+
+
+We have seen that in each cell in the human body is embodied a part of
+the Subconscious Mind, sufficient in quantity and quality to enable the
+cell to perform its particular work in the physical community of cells.
+In the same manner each group of cells, large or small, is possessed of
+the quantity and quality of mind adapted to the successful performance
+of its particular function. And, rising in the scale, we find that
+each of the physical organs is possessed of a "composite cell-soul" or
+"organ-mind." As Hudson says: "Each organ of the body is composed of a
+group of cells which are differentiated with special reference to the
+functions to be performed by that organ. In other words, every function
+of life is performed by groups of co-operative cells, so that the body
+as a whole is simply a confederation of the various groups."
+
+For instance, as Haeckel says: "This 'tissue soul' is the higher
+psychological function which gives physiological individuality to
+the compound multicellular organism as a true 'cell commonwealth.'
+It controls all the separate 'cell souls' of the social cells--the
+mutually dependent 'citizens' which constitute the community.... The
+human egg-cell, as soon as it is fertilized, multiplies by division and
+forms a community, or colony of many social cells. These differentiate
+themselves, and by their specialization, by various modifications of
+these cells, the various tissues which compose the various organs are
+developed. The developed many-celled organisms of man and of all higher
+animals resemble, therefore, a social civil community, the numerous
+single individuals of which are, indeed, developed in various ways, but
+which were originally only simple cells of one common structure."
+
+Biology shows us that there are unquestionably methods of communication
+between cell and cell, although it has not as yet been definitely
+determined just how this communication is effected. In the
+cell-communities of the micro-organisms there is undoubtedly present
+the power to communicate on the part of the several cells composing
+the community, and the pain or discomfort of one part is evidently
+felt by the whole community. Just as an army, or a congregation, has
+a mind common to the whole, in addition to the individual minds of
+its units, so has every organ of the body an "organ mind" in addition
+to the individual cell minds of its unit cells. The fact of the
+existence of "group-mind," or "collective-mind" is recognized by the
+best authorities in modern psychology, and the study of its principles
+throws light on some hitherto perplexing phenomena.
+
+Prof. Le Bon, in his work "The Crowd," says of the "collective mind" of
+men: "The sentiments and ideas of all the persons in the gathering take
+one and the same direction, and their conscious personality vanishes.
+A collective mind is formed, doubtless transitory, but presenting
+very clearly marked characteristics. The gathering has become what,
+in the absence of a better expression, I will call an organized
+crowd, or, if the term be considered preferable, a psychological
+crowd. _It forms a single being_, and is subjected to the law of the
+mental unity of crowds.... The most striking peculiarity presented by
+a psychological crowd is the following: Whoever be the individuals
+that compose it, however like or unlike be their mode of life, their
+occupation, their character, or their intelligence, the fact that they
+have been transformed into a crowd puts them in possession of _a sort
+of collective mind_, which makes them feel, think, and act in a manner
+quite different from that in which each individual of them would feel,
+think and act, were he in a state of isolation. There are certain
+ideas and feelings which do not come into being, or do not transform
+themselves into acts, except in the case of the individuals forming
+a crowd.... In the collective mind the intellectual aptitudes of the
+individuals, and in consequence their individuality, is weakened....
+The most careful observations seem to prove that an individual immerged
+for some length of time in a crowd in action soon finds itself in a
+special state, which most resembles the state of fascination in which
+the hypnotized individual finds himself.... The conscious personality
+has entirely vanished, will and discernment are lost. All feelings and
+thoughts are bent in the direction determined by the hypnotizer.... An
+individual in a crowd is a grain of sand amid other grains of sand,
+which the wind stirs up at will."
+
+In short, psychology recognizes a _mental fusion_ between the
+individual minds of units composing a community of cells, insects,
+higher animals and even men. The "spirit of the hive" noted by
+all students of bee-life, and the community spirit in an ant-hill
+are instances serving to illustrate the general principle of "the
+collective mind." As we have seen in the preceding chapter, the entire
+human body is a vast community of cells, each unit in the community
+having relations with every other unit, and all having sprung from
+the same original egg-cell. This great community, or _nation_ of
+cells is divided into many smaller communities, chief among which are
+the principal organs of the body, as the stomach, the intestines,
+the liver, the kidneys, the spleen, the heart, etc. And, following
+the general rule, each of these organ-communities possesses its own
+"collective mind," subordinate, of course, to the great community mind
+known as the Subconscious Mind. Ordinarily these communities live in
+peace and harmony, and in obedience to the national government. But
+occasionally rebellions and revolutions are started, which cause much
+inharmony, pain and disease. Sometimes these rebellions arise from
+abuse of the particular organ by its owner, or from sympathy with
+another abused organ, or from general abuse of the system. But, at
+other times, there seems to be an active discontent springing up in an
+organ, to the quelling of which the entire Subconscious Mind bends its
+energy and forces. Very often these rebellions are started by adverse
+auto-suggestions or fearthoughts emanating from the conscious mind
+of the individual, which act according to the law of suggestion and
+practically _hypnotize_ the mind of the organ in question.
+
+This idea of each organ having a mind of its own--being practically an
+entity, in fact--may be somewhat startling to those who have never had
+the matter presented to them, but the statement is backed up by the
+best scientific authorities who, however, do not usually state it in
+so plain terms, or popular form. It is likely that the science of the
+future will make some great discoveries regarding this matter of the
+"collective mind" of the organs, and that the schools of medicine will
+adapt the new knowledge to the treatment of disease. In the meantime,
+the practitioners of Mental Healing are availing themselves of this
+principle, often without realizing the principle itself.
+
+The writer has been interested in this subject of the "organ mind" for
+a number of years, and has conducted a number of experiments along this
+line, the result being that he feels more firmly convinced each year of
+the truth of the theory or idea. He has found that mental treatments
+based on this theory have been very successful, much more so in fact
+than those conducted in pursuance to other theories. It seems that
+by applying the suggestive treatment direct to the affected organ a
+quicker response is had. The writer is indebted to Dr. Paul Edwards,
+a well known mental healer, who several years ago advanced the idea
+that the mind or "intelligence" in the several organs differed greatly
+in temperament and quality. He informed us that he had proven to his
+own satisfaction that the heart is "_very_ intelligent," and quite
+amenable to mild, gentle, coaxing suggestions, advice or orders; while,
+on the other hand, the liver is a most mulish, stubborn, obstinate
+organ-mind, which requires one to drive it in a sharp positive manner.
+Investigation along these lines suggested by Dr. Edwards has convinced
+the writer that the theory is warranted by the facts. Experiments have
+shown that the heart organ-mind is gentle, mild, and easily influenced
+by kindly suggestion, advice and requests, and that it needs but a word
+directed to it to attract its attention. Likewise, the liver has been
+found to be brutish, stubborn and obstinate, needing the most vigorous
+suggestions--in short the liver-mind is a donkey and must be so treated.
+The liver-mind is sluggish, torpid and sleepy, and needs much prodding
+before it will "sit up and take notice." The stomach has been found
+to be quite intelligent, especially when it has not been brutalized
+by "stuffing." It will readily respond to suggestive treatment of all
+kinds, it being noticed that it may be easily flattered or "jollied"
+into good behavior, just as may certain children. The nervous system
+has a mind of its own, and will accept suggestions, although it is
+usually difficult to attract its attention, owing to its habit of
+concentration upon its regular work. The bowel-mind will respond
+to firm, kind treatment, as will also the uterus-mind and the mind
+controlling the other organs peculiar to women.
+
+In another work, the writer has said regarding this form of treatment
+of the organs through their organ-minds: "Remember, always, that you
+are mind talking to mind, not to dead matter. There is mind in every
+cell, nerve, organ and part of the body, and in the body as a whole,
+and this mind will listen to your central mind and obey it, because
+your central mind is positive to it--the organ is negative to _you_.
+Carry this idea with you in giving these treatments, and endeavor
+to visualize the mind in the organs, as clearly as may be, for by
+so doing you get them in better _rapport_ with you, and can handle
+them to better advantage. And always remember that the virtue lies
+not in the mere sound of the words that happen to reach the organ or
+cells--they do not understand words as words, but they do understand the
+meaning behind the words. But without words it is very hard for you
+to think, or clearly express the feeling--and so, by all means use the
+words just as if the organ-mind understood the actual meaning thereof,
+for by so doing you can drive in the meaning of the word--and induce the
+mental state and conditions necessary to work the cure.
+
+Dr. S. F. Meacham, in a magazine article published several years ago,
+said: "Let me once more call your attention to that one great principle
+of disease and cure. It is the only medical creed I hold to-day and
+will bear repeating, lest we neglect it. _Disease is a failure of the
+cells to make good their waste, or to do their full duty._ This may
+be an individual matter with the cell, or may result from imperfect
+co-operation; there may be a mutiny in the co-operative commonwealth
+constituting the body. Apart from all mutual help, or co-operation of
+cells, each individual cell must either do its full duty, or suffer,
+and perchance die, as the result. Remember that each individual cell
+lives, and has an office that no other cell can fill to save it. If the
+other cell does the work, it will live, but the failing cell will not
+profit thereby. By co-operating they may lighten each other's labors,
+but _no cell is or can be exempt from doing its part_. Any failure of
+this kind is disease either local or general, according to the degree
+and nature of the failure, or according to the importance of the
+mutinous or weakened cell. A cure results when the cells again do their
+work. Or, if a certain number die, a cure is established when other
+cells learn to do that particular work, which is sometimes the case. A
+remedy is any substance, or force, or procedure that will stimulate,
+or help, or remove obstacles that prevent these cells from doing their
+work. _Keep in mind, that the life process acting through or in the
+cell does the work either aided, or alone._ The lesson then is that
+all these methods do good, and that owing to the view point, mental
+status, or expectancy of the individual, now one and now another method
+will appeal to him and be accepted. No matter what we do, we aid, we
+assist only--we do not cure.... _The process going on in each cell is an
+intelligent one_, and all extrinsic methods are really but suggestions
+offered to the cell, the real worker; and the fact is that any one of
+these helps may be chosen, and all may be rejected...."
+
+"The repair of a cell is as equally as intellectual a process as any
+other can be. If, for instance, blind force can repair one cell, it
+can many; if it can build one, it can all, and mind and intellect are
+then without causal efficacy, without spontaneity, and blind force,
+fatality and purposeless action reign supreme.... According to this
+theory the building and repairing of cells would not be intellectual,
+as there would be no working plan or purpose. I am aware that a purely
+extrinsic study of the cells and of the body will force this conclusion
+upon any candid, unprejudiced mind; but _a study from the inside_
+is a different matter. A cell, looked at from without, moves only
+when stimulated; but is this really true? The body is but a compound
+of cells when viewed from the outside; then if one cell moves when
+stimulated, why not twenty, a hundred, a thousand, a billion, the
+entire body? But is it true of the body? You come to me and propose
+some scheme, or act, which I carry out. Now is your proposition the
+real cause of my act, or only a condition? Do I not choose, and either
+do the thing or not, as determined from within? If this is true of
+the body, why not of the cell? May not the stimulation we see be a
+condition only, and the real cause of the act be within the cell
+itself?... The cell is not a mere machine, _but a living entity_, doing
+everything that the body does. It eats, drinks, moves, reproduces its
+kind, selects its food, repairs its waste, etc. These are intellectual
+processes, but may not be conscious....
+
+"The cure consists in the repairing of the wasted tissue, and in the
+cells restoring and repairing themselves into a definite pattern,
+necessary to mutual work, so that the commonwealth may prosper. Air,
+water, sunshine, food, etc., are necessary to the performance of
+this work of repair. When these are furnished, even under the best
+conditions possible, the cells must use them to build up the waste,
+and this they do by their internal forces. But this process is what is
+called repair on the one hand, and cure on the other. External means
+may be essential, but that will not make them really curative.... It
+is well, also, to keep in mind that external in the true sense of the
+term as we are using it here. _Any force outside of the diseased cell
+is an external force to that cell even if it be thought-force._ Disease
+is always treated by external force, external as defined above, and
+all disease is just as surely cured by internal force--viz.: _force
+resident in the cell itself_. Here we all stand around the suffering
+cell, one with drug-power in his hand, another with electricity, or
+water, or heat, or directed attention--thought-force or more nourishment
+which necessitates a better circulation to that area, or some other of
+the thousand therapeutic measures, and we are close enough together
+at last to see that we are simply using different stimuli to try to
+aid the real worker within the cell to do his work by furnishing, not
+only material that is necessary, but force as well, that out of the
+abundance his work may be easy and rapid."
+
+The reader who will consider the numerous instances of cure by
+Suggestion or Faith-Cure, as noted in the following chapters, will
+be better able to understand the principle underlying these cures if
+he will realize the fact brought out so forcibly by Dr. Meacham, as
+above quoted. The attention of the patient being directed to the organ
+affected, in connection with the stimulating and vitalizing effect
+of Faith and Belief, starts into renewed activity the cell-mind of
+the organ in question, and arouses its reparative and recuperative
+energies. Each organ, and its component cells and cell-groups, is of
+course under the control of the Subconscious Mind, and forms a part
+of the material embodiment thereof. The Subconscious Mind, being
+stimulated by the Suggestion and Faith, and having its Expectant
+Attention aroused, concentrates its energies upon the reparative and
+recuperative processes in the organ, and the work of cure proceeds.
+The cure, in every case, is simply either repair work, or else the
+restoration of normal functioning--in either case the cells themselves
+doing the work.
+
+In the consideration of the reasons underlying the cure of disease
+by Psycho-Therapeutics, we must first consider the question of
+what disease really is. And in this phase of the consideration, it
+will be well for us to first dispel the erroneous ideas concerning
+disease which we have been entertaining. Perhaps the following
+striking statement from Sidney Murphy, M. D., printed in the magazine
+"Suggestion" several years ago, may help you to form a correct idea
+of the nature of disease, or rather a correct idea of what disease
+_is not_. Dr. Murphy says, in the said article, among other things:
+"Prof. S. D. Gross, formerly of the New York University Medical School,
+says: 'Of the essence of disease very little is known--indeed nothing
+at all.' Nevertheless it is evident that medical men have an idea on
+the subject. The theory generally held, I believe, is that disease
+is destructive action; but just what this means, whether destructive
+action on the part of vitality itself, or by something acting upon
+the vitality, is not so clear; but we are enabled to gain some light
+by reference to the expression used in medical books concerning it.
+Thus we find that disease 'attacks us,' that it 'seats itself in an
+organ,' that 'it works through us, runs its course,' etc. It is also
+said to be 'very malignant,' or 'quite mild,' 'persistently resisting
+all treatment,' or 'yielding readily' to it. In fact, it is considered
+an entity, possessing character and disposition and general vital
+qualities--a something which domiciles itself in the vital domain,
+and exercises its forces to the destruction of the vital powers. It
+is indeed spoken of as one would speak of a rat in his granary, or a
+mouse in his cupboard, and efforts are made to dislodge it, or kill
+it, as one would dislodge or kill any other living thing. This theory
+of disease is beginning to be looked upon even by the medical world
+as untenable. Living things are always possessed of organizations
+having form or shape; and hence if disease were such, its form would
+be discerned and described; a thing which never has been done. Disease
+by our ancestors was considered a subtile and mysterious thing which
+pounced down upon us, and runs its course without any reference to
+causes; and language being formed to convey this idea, it has been
+transmitted almost unchanged from generation to generation down to
+the present time. And the medical profession of to-day is simply an
+embodiment of that idea. It is probable that the term 'destructive
+action' is generally held to mean destructive action on the part of the
+vitality itself.... Life in organic form is developed according to law.
+Slowly rising into power, organization at length reaches its zenith,
+and then goes down the gentle declivity, until the soul steps off into
+the great beyond, without pain or struggle, provided always that the
+conditions of life are natural and therefore favorable; but if these
+be unfavorable, unfavorable results must of course follow; vitality,
+nevertheless, doing the best it can under the circumstances to
+preserve the normal state of the body. Disease, we propose to show, is
+not antagonistic to vital action, but the opposite, a remedial effort,
+_or vital action on the defensive_. It is not a downward tendency, nor
+the result of a downward tendency on the part of a living organism,
+but is itself an upward or self-preservative tendency, the result of
+disobedience to natural laws. _It is simply abnormal action, because of
+abnormal conditions._"
+
+In considering the above revolutionary statement of Dr. Murphy, we
+must remember that "vitality" or "vital force" is simply the action
+of the Subconscious Mind operating through the sympathetic system,
+the organ-minds, and the cell-minds. _All vital energy, at the last
+is mental energy._ And, we must also remember that the "abnormal
+conditions" which Dr. Murphy speaks of as being the cause of
+"abnormal action" or disease, are not confined alone to physical or
+material conditions, but also to abnormal mental conditions, such as
+fear-thought, adverse suggestions, improper use of the imagination,
+etc. As we have seen in the preceding chapters, the causes of disease
+may be mental as well as material or physical.
+
+The Subconscious Mind in its vital activities is constantly at work
+building up, repairing, growing, nourishing, supporting and regulating
+the body, doing its best to throw off abnormal conditions, and seeking
+to do the best it can when these conditions cannot be removed. With its
+source pure and unpolluted the stream of vitality flows on unhindered,
+but when the poison of fear-thought, adverse suggestion and false
+belief is poured into the source or spring from which the stream rises,
+it follows that the waters of life will no longer be pure and clear.
+Let us notice the general direction of the vital activities of the
+Subconscious Mind.
+
+In the first place we find that the vital activities are primarily
+concerned with _self-preservation_, that is with the preservation of
+the individual and the race. One has but to notice the ever-present
+manifestation of the "race instinct" which draws the males and females
+of the several species together, that they may mate and bring forth
+the young needed to keep alive the species. The parental devotions,
+with its many sacrifices of personal pleasure for the young, are
+instances ever before us. And no less striking is the companion
+activities which make for the preservation of the individual. The
+instinctive tendency toward self-preservation is so strong that it
+overpowers the reason in the majority of cases. Men may decry the
+value of life, but let their life be threatened and the instinctive
+protective feeling causes them to fight for life against all odds.
+"All that a man hath will he give for his life." And this instinctive
+activity is manifest not only in the individual as a whole, but in
+every cell of his body. Every cell is striving hard for the welfare of
+the community of which it forms a part. Even in disease it strives to
+throw off the abnormal conditions which afflict the body, and failing
+to do so it hobbles along doing the best it can under the circumstances.
+
+The tiny seed sprouting in the ground, and lifting weights a thousand
+times that of itself, shows the self-preservative energies and
+activities of the mind principle within it. The healing work of
+the cells in the case of a wound, or of a broken bone, as described
+elsewhere in this book, gives us another example. The healing efforts
+of the organism striving to throw off the morbid substances within the
+body, purging them away in a flux, or burning them up with a fever,
+show the operations of the same principle. This, we have seen, is
+called the _vis medicatrix naturae_, or "healing power of nature,"
+which operates in man as well as in the case of the lower animals--but
+it is really but the operations of the great Subconscious Mind of the
+individual. As Dr. Murphy, previously quoted, says: "Certainly all
+experience declares and all physicians will admit that where vital
+power is abundant in a man he will get well from almost any injuries
+short of complete destruction of vital organs; but where vitality is
+low, recovery is much more difficult, if not impossible, which can only
+be explained on the principle that vitality always works upward toward
+life and health to the extent of its ability under the circumstances,
+because, if it worked downward, the less vitality, the more surely and
+speedily would death result."
+
+Following the law of self-preservation, we find that of _accommodation_
+manifesting itself in the vital activities of the Subconscious Mind.
+This principle or law works in the direction of _adjusting the organism
+to conditions which it cannot remedy_. Thus a sapling bent out of
+shape, will bend its branches upward until once more they will reach
+toward the sky notwithstanding the deformed trunk. Seed sprouting from
+a narrow crevice in a rock, and unable to split the rock, will assume a
+deformed shape but will hold tenaciously to life, and will thrive under
+these abnormal conditions. This principle of accommodation acts upon
+the idea of "life at any price," and of "making the best of things."
+Man and the lower animals accommodate themselves to their environment,
+when they are unable to overcome the unsatisfactory conditions of the
+latter. The study of anthropology, natural history, and botany will
+convince anyone that the principle of accommodation is everywhere
+present in connection with that of self-preservation. And the diseased
+conditions, and abnormal functioning, which we find in cases of
+chronic diseases is simply the principle of accommodation in the vital
+activities of the Subconscious Mind, but which it is "trying to make
+the best of it," and holding on to "life at any price."
+
+Dr. Murphy, previously quoted, says: "Disease, in its essential nature,
+has a deeper significance than simply abnormal manifestations. It is
+really a remedial effort, not necessarily successful, but an attempt
+to change, or have changed existing conditions. And for this reason
+any improper relation of the living organism to external agents
+necessarily results in an injury to that organism, which by virtue of
+its being self-preservative, immediately sets up defensive action, and
+begins as soon as possible to repair the damages that have accrued.
+This defensive or reparative action, of course, corresponds to the
+conditions to be corrected, and hence is abnormal and diseased; and its
+severity and persistence will depend upon the damages to be repaired,
+and the intensity and persistence of the causes that produced it.
+Serious injury present or impending will demand serious vital action;
+desperate conditions, desperate action. But in all cases the action
+is vital, an attempt at restoration, and the energy displayed will
+exactly correspond to the interests involved and the vitality that is
+available."
+
+From the above, and from what has been shown in previous chapters,
+it will be seen that just as is health the result of the normal
+functioning of the Subconscious Mind, so is disease the result of its
+abnormal functioning. And it may also be seen that the true healing
+power must come alone from and through the Subconscious Mind itself,
+although the same may be aroused, awakened and directed by various
+outside agencies. As Dr. Thomson J. Hudson says: "Granted that there
+is an intelligence that controls the functions of the body in health,
+it follows that it is the same power or energy that fails in case
+of disease. Failing, it requires assistance; and that is what all
+therapeutic agencies aim to accomplish. No intelligent physician of
+any school claims to be able to do more than to 'assist nature' to
+restore normal conditions of the body. That it is a mental energy
+that thus requires assistance, no one denies; for science teaches
+us that the whole body is made up of a confederation of intelligent
+entities, each of which performs its functions with an intelligence
+exactly adapted to the performance of its special duties as a member
+of the confederacy. There is, indeed, no life without mind, from the
+lowest unicellular organism up to man. _It is therefore a mental
+energy that actuates every fiber of the body under all its conditions.
+That there is a central intelligence that controls each of these mind
+organisms, is self-evident...._ It is sufficient for us to know that
+such an intelligence exists, and that, for the time being, it is the
+controlling energy that normally regulates the action of the myriad
+cells of which the body is composed. _It is, then, a mental organism
+that all therapeutic agencies are designed to energize, when, for any
+cause, it fails to perform its functions with reference to any part of
+the physical structure._"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+THE HISTORY OF PSYCHO-THERAPY
+
+
+One of the most remarkable achievements of the New Psychology is that
+of gathering up the scattered instances of the effect of the power of
+the mind over the body, under the various masks and guises worn during
+the ages, and uniting them in one broad and general synthesis in which
+is to be seen the one fundamental principle of Mental Healing operating
+under a thousand names, forms and theories, in every race, nation and
+clime in all ages past and present. The New Psychology is the great
+reconciler of the various theories, dogmas and speculations concerned
+with the subject of the strange cures effected by the mind, as well as
+with the equally strange adverse effect upon the physical organism of
+negative thoughts.
+
+From the earliest days of history we find records of strange and
+marvelous cures effected by non-material agents. In some cases the
+effect is attributed to magical power, while in others, and the
+majority of cases, the cure is attributed to some particular religious
+belief, creed or ceremony. Not only in the folk-lore of the several
+races, and in their general traditions, but also in the written and
+graven record do we find traces of the universality of the principle of
+mental therapeutics.
+
+H. Addington Bruce says: "Psychotherapy might well be cited in support
+of the old adage that there is nothing new but what has been forgotten.
+Traces of it are to be found almost as far back as authentic history
+extends, and even allusion to methods which bear a strong resemblance
+to those of modern times. The literature and monumental remains
+of ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, Persia, India and China reveal a
+widespread knowledge of hypnotism and its therapeutic value. There
+is in the British Museum a bas-relief from Thebes which has been
+interpreted as representing a physician hypnotizing a patient by
+making 'passes' over him. According to the Ebers papyrus, the 'laying
+on of hands' formed a prominent feature of Egyptian medical practice
+as early as 1552 B. C., or nearly thirty-five hundred years ago; and
+it is known that a similar mode of treatment was employed by priests
+of Chaldea in ministering to the sick. So, also, the priests of the
+famous Temples of Health are credited with having worked numerous
+cures by the mere touch of the hands. In connection with these same
+Temples of Health were sleeping chambers, repose in which was supposed
+to be exceptionally beneficial. Asclepiades of Bithynia, who won
+considerable fame at Rome as a physician, systematically made use of
+the 'induced trance' in the treatment of certain diseases. Plautus,
+Martial, and Seneca refer in their writings to some mysterious process
+of manipulation which had the same effect--that is, of putting persons
+into an artificial sleep. And Solon sang, apparently, of some form of
+mesmeric cure:
+
+  "'The smallest hurts sometimes increase and rage
+    More than all art of physic can assuage;
+    Sometimes the fury of the worst disease
+    The hand by gentle stroking, will appease.'
+
+"Many other instances might be mentioned testifying to the remarkable
+extent to which psycho-therapy, in one form or another, was utilized
+in the countries of the ancient world. This, of course, does not
+necessarily imply that the ancients had any real understanding of the
+psychological and physiological principles governing its operation.
+On the contrary, there is every reason to believe that they used it
+much as do too many of the mental healers of to-day--on the basis of
+'faith cure' pure and simple, with no attempt at diagnosis, and in a
+hit-or-miss fashion. It was not until the very end of the Middle Ages,
+so far as history informs us, that anything even remotely resembling a
+scientific inquiry into its nature and possibilities was undertaken,
+and then only in a faint, vague, indefinite way, by men who were
+metaphysicians and mystics rather than scientists. The first of these,
+Petrys Pomponatius, a sixteenth-century philosopher, sought to prove
+that disease was curable without drugs, by means of the 'magnetism'
+existing in certain specially gifted individuals. 'When those who are
+endowed with this faculty,' he affirmed, 'operate by employing the
+force of the imagination and the will, this force affects their blood
+and their spirits, which produce the intended effects by means of an
+evaporation thrown outwards.' Following Pomponatius, John Baptist von
+Helmont, to whom medical science owes a great deal, also proclaimed
+the curative virtue of magnetism, which he described as an invisible
+fluid called forth and directed by the influence of the human will.
+Other writers, notably Sir Kenelm Digby, laid stress on the power
+of the imagination as an agent in the cause as well as the cure of
+disease, compiling in a curious little treatise published in 1658, as
+interesting a collection of illustrative cases as is contained in the
+literature of modern psycho-therapy."
+
+In the Middle Ages, we read that there were many instances of
+miraculous cures effected at the various shrines of the saints, and in
+the churches in which were exhibited the bones and other relics of the
+holy people of church history. As Dr. George R. Patton says: "A word
+scrawled upon parchment, for instance, would cure fevers; an hexameter
+from the Iliad of Homer cured gout, while rheumatism succumbed to a
+verse from Lamentations. These could be multiplied, and undoubtedly all
+were equally potent of cure in like manner.... At one time holy wells
+were to be found in almost every parish of Ireland, to which wearisome
+journeys were made for the miraculous powers of cure. It was the custom
+of the cured to hang upon the bushes contiguous to the springs small
+fragments of their clothing, or a cane, or a crutch as a memento of
+cure, so that from afar the springs could be easily located by the many
+colored fragments of clothing, rags, canes and crutches swayed upon the
+branches by the wind. Inasmuch as the bushes for many rods around were
+thus adorned, the cures must have been far from few."
+
+In the Middle Ages it was the custom of persons afflicted with scrofula
+and kindred disorders to come before the king upon certain days to
+receive the "Royal Touch," or laying-on-of-hands which was held to be
+an infallible specific for the disease. The custom was instituted by
+Edward the Confessor, and continued until the accession to power of the
+house of Brunswick. It is a matter of history that many persons were
+cured by the touch of the king's hands. Wiseman, a celebrated surgeon
+and physician of old London testifies as follows: "I myself have been
+an eye-witness of many thousands of cures performed by his majesty's
+touch alone, without any assistance of medicine or surgery, and those,
+many of them, such as had tired out the endeavors of able surgeons
+before they came hither.... I must needs profess that what I write
+will little more than show the weakness of our ability when compared
+with his majesty's, who cureth more in one year than all the surgeons
+of London have done in an age." The virtue of the "King's Touch" was
+finally brought in doubt by the wonderful successes of a man by the
+name of Valentine Greatrakes, who in the Seventeenth Century began
+"laying on hands" and made even more wonderful cures than those of the
+king. So marked was his success that the government had difficulty
+in suppressing the growing conviction among the common people that
+Greatrakes must be of royal blood, and the rightful heir to the throne,
+because of the great healing virtues of his hands, which, they argued,
+could be possessed only by those having royal blood in their veins.
+The Chirurgical Society of London investigated Greatrakes' cures,
+and rendered an opinion that he healed by virtue of "some mysterious
+sanative contagion in his body."
+
+But perhaps the most notable figure in the European history of Mental
+Healing was Franz Anton Mesmer, a native of Switzerland, who was born
+in 1734, and who later in the century created the greatest excitement
+in several European countries by his strange theories and miraculous
+claims. Frank Podmore in a recent work says of Mesmer: "He had no
+pretensions to be a thinker; he stole his philosophy ready-made from a
+few belated alchemists; and his entire system of healing was based on
+a delusion. His extraordinary success was due to the lucky accident of
+the times. Mesmer's first claim to our remembrance lies in this--that
+he wrested the privilege of healing from the churches and gave it to
+mankind as a universal possession."
+
+Mesmer held that there was in Nature a universal magnetic force which
+had a powerful therapeutic effect when properly applied. He cured many
+people by touching them with an iron rod, through which he claimed the
+universal magnetism flowed from his body to that of the patient. He
+called this magnetic fluid "animal magnetism." Later on he devised his
+celebrated "magnetic tub" or _baquet_, by means of which he was able to
+treat his patients _en masse_. Podmore gives the following interesting
+account of scenes surrounding his treatments:
+
+"The baquet was a large oaken tub, four or five feet in diameter and
+a foot or more in depth, closed by a wooden cover. Inside the tub
+were placed bottles full of water disposed in rows radiating from the
+center, the necks in some of the rows pointing towards the center, in
+others away from it. All these bottles had been previously 'magnetized'
+by Mesmer. Sometimes there were several rows of bottles, one above the
+other; the machine was then said to be at high pressure. The bottles
+rested on layers of powdered glass and iron filings. The tub itself
+was filled with water. The whole machine, it will be seen, was a kind
+of travesty of the galvanic cell. To carry out the resemblance, the
+cover of the tub was pierced with holes, through which passed slender
+iron rods of varying lengths, which were jointed and movable, so that
+they could be readily applied to any part of the patient's body. Round
+this battery the patients were seated in a circle, each with his iron
+rod. Further, a cord, attached at one end to the tub, was passed round
+the body of each of the sitters, so as to bind them all into a chain.
+Outside the first a second circle would frequently be formed, who would
+connect themselves together by holding hands. Mesmer, in a lilac robe,
+and his assistant operators--vigorous and handsome young men selected
+for the purpose--walked about the room, pointing their fingers or an
+iron rod held in their hands at the diseased parts."
+
+Mesmer made many wonderful cures, and attracted wide attention. In
+1781 the king of France offered him a pension of thirty thousand
+livres if he would make public his secret. The offer was refused, but
+he gave private instruction and opened a school. He had many pupils
+and followers, prominent among whom was the Marquis de Puysegur, who
+made discoveries resulting in the identification of Mesmerism with
+the "trance condition" now commonly associated with the term, whereas
+originally Mesmerism included simply the healing process. Mesmer's
+methods continued popular for many years after his death, until Braid's
+work resulted in the founding of the modern school of Hypnotism, and
+Mesmerism died out.
+
+The Abbe Faria, about 1815, after investigating Mesmerism and
+attracting much attention, discarded the "fluidic" theory of Mesmer,
+and held, instead, that in order to induce the mesmeric state and
+to produce the phenomena thereof, it was necessary merely to create
+a mental state of "expectant attention" on the part of the patient.
+The cause of the state and the phenomena, he held, was not in the
+operator but in the mind of the patient--purely subjective, in fact.
+Alexander Bertrand, a Frenchman, published a work about this time,
+holding theories similar to those of Faria. In 1841 James Braid, an
+English physician, becoming interested in Mesmerism, discovered that
+the mesmeric state might be artificially induced by staring at bright
+objects until the eyes became fatigued, etc., and, later, that any
+method whereby concentration and "expectant attention" might be induced
+would produce the phenomenon. He duplicated all the feats of the
+mesmerists, including the healing of diseases. He called his new system
+"Hypnotism" to distinguish it from Mesmerism, and under its new name it
+gained favor among the medical fraternity. Moreover, in connection with
+his predecessors, Faria and Bertrand, he laid the basis for the modern
+theories of Suggestive Therapeutics.
+
+Shortly after Braid's death, in 1860, Dr. A. A. Liebault, a French
+physician, established his since famous School of Nancy, in which
+during the after years the later wonderful discoveries in Suggestive
+Therapeutics were made. He used the methods of hypnotism, but
+Suggestion was ever the operative principle recognized and applied.
+Liebault said: "It is all a matter of Suggestion. My patients are
+_suggested_ to sleep, and their ills are _suggested_ out of them.
+It is very simple, once you understand the laws of Suggestion." Dr.
+Charcot, in his celebrated clinic in the Salpetriere, in Paris, did
+great work along the same general lines, although proceeding under
+somewhat different theories. Following the example of these and other
+eminent authorities, the medical fraternity has gradually adopted many
+of the ideas of Suggestive Therapeutics, and to-day many of the best
+medical schools throughout this country and Europe give instruction in
+this branch of healing. Many books have been written on the subject by
+eminent medical authorities, and the indications are that during the
+present century Suggestive Therapeutics, in its various forms, will
+come even more prominently into popular favor, and that it will be
+developed far beyond its present limits. Experimental work along these
+lines is now being conducted in many psychological laboratories in our
+great universities.
+
+At the same time, as we shall now see, Mental Healing has been
+attracting much attention along other lines, outside of the medical
+profession, and often allied with religious and metaphysical movements.
+To understand the subject, we must study it in all of its phases.
+
+In the early part of the nineteenth century Elijah Perkins, an ignorant
+blacksmith living in Connecticut conceived a queer idea of curing
+disease by means of a peculiar pair of tongs manufactured by himself,
+one prong being of brass and the other of steel. These tongs were
+called "tractors," and were applied to the body of the patient in
+the region affected by disease, the body being stroked in a downward
+direction for a period of about ten minutes. The tractors were used
+to treat all manner of complaints, ailments and diseases, internal
+and external, with a wonderful degree of success. Almost miraculous
+cures of all manner of complaints were reported, and people flocked
+to Perkins from far and near in order to receive the benefit of his
+wonderful treatments.
+
+Soon this system of healing came to be called "Perkinsism," as a
+tribute to the inventor. The popularity of the system spread rapidly
+in the United States, particularly in New England, every city and
+many towns patronizing Perkins' practitioners and healers. From this
+country the craze spread to Great Britain, and even to the Continent.
+Centers of treatment, and even hospitals, were established by the
+"Perkinsites," and the fame of the tractors increased daily in ever
+widening circles. In Europe alone it is reported that over 1,500,000
+cures were performed, and the medical fraternity were at their wit's
+ends to explain the phenomenon. Finally, Dr. Haygarth, of London,
+conceived the idea that the real virtue of the cures was vested in
+the minds, belief and imagination of the patients rather than in
+the tractors, and that the cures were the result of the induced
+mental states of the patients instead of by the metallic qualities
+of the apparatus. He determined to investigate the matter under this
+hypothesis, and accordingly constructed a pair of tractors of wood,
+painted to resemble the genuine ones. The following account by Bostock
+describes the result: "He accordingly formed pieces of wood into the
+shape of tractors and with much assumed pomp and ceremony applied them
+to a number of sick persons who had been previously prepared to expect
+something extraordinary. The effects were found to be astonishing.
+Obstinate pains in the limbs were suddenly cured; joints that had
+long been immovable were restored to motion, and, in short, except
+the renewal of lost parts or the change in mechanical structure,
+nothing seemed beyond their power to accomplish." The exposure of
+this experiment, and the general acceptance of the explanation of the
+phenomena, caused "Perkinsism" to die out rapidly, and at the present
+time it is heard of only in connection with the history of medicine and
+in the pages of works devoted to the subject of the effect of the mind
+over the body.
+
+The success of "Perkinsism" is but a typical instance which is
+duplicated every twenty years or so by the rapid rise, spread and
+then rapid decline of some new "craze" in healing, all of which, when
+investigated are seen to be but new examples of the power of the
+mental states of faith and imagination upon the physical organism. The
+well-known "blue glass" craze of about thirty-five years ago gives
+us another interesting example. General Pleasanton, a well-known and
+prominent citizen of Philadelphia, announced his discovery that the
+rays of the sun passing through the medium of blue glass possessed a
+wonderful therapeutic value. The idea fired the public imagination
+at once, and the General's book met with a large sale. Everyone,
+seemingly, began to experiment with the blue glass rays. Windows
+were fitted with blue glass panes, and the patients sat so that the
+sun's rays might fall upon them after passing through the blue panes.
+Wonderful cures were reported from all directions, the results of
+"Perkinsism" being duplicated in almost every detail. Even cripples
+reported cures, and many chronic and "incurable" cases were healed
+almost instantaneously. Bedridden people threw aside their blankets
+and walked again, after a brief treatment. The interest developed into
+a veritable "craze," and the glass factories were operated overtime
+in order to meet the overwhelming demand for blue glass, the price of
+which rapidly advanced to fifty cents and even a dollar for a small
+pane, because of the scarcity. It was freely predicted that the days of
+physicians were over, and that the blue glass was the long-sought-for
+panacea for all human ills. Suddenly, however, and from no apparent
+cause, the interest in the matter dropped, and now all that is left of
+the blue glass craze is the occasional sight of an old blue pane in
+some window, the owner of which evidently felt disinclined to pay the
+price of replacing it with a clear pane. Only a few days ago, in an
+old-fashioned quarter of a large city, the writer saw several panes of
+the old blue glass in the frame of the window of an old house which had
+seen better days but which was now used as a cheap tenement house.
+
+The history of medicine is filled with records of similar "crazes"
+following the announcement of some new method of "cure." The striking
+peculiarity of these cures is that they all occur during the height of
+the excitement and notoriety of the early days of the announcement,
+while _they decline in proportion to the decline in public faith and
+interest_, the explanation being that in every instance the cure is
+effected by the action of the mental states of expectancy, faith, and
+the imagination of the patient, irrespective of any virtue in the
+method or system itself. In short, _all these cures belong to the
+category of faith-cures_--they are merely duplicates of the world-old
+cures resulting from faith in sacred relics, shrines, bones of holy
+people, sacred places, etc., of which nearly every religion has given
+us many examples. The history of medicine gives us many instances of
+the efficacy of the therapeutic power of Faith.
+
+Sir Humphrey Davy relates a case in which a man seriously ill
+manifested immediate improvement after the placing of a clinical
+thermometer in his mouth, he supposing that it was some new and
+powerful healing instrument. The grotesque remedies of the ancient
+physicians, and the _bizarre_ decoctions of the quacks of the present,
+all work cures. The "bread-pills" and other placebos of the "regulars"
+have cured many a case when other remedies have failed.
+
+It is related that several hundred years ago, a young English
+law-student while on a lark with several of his boon companions found
+themselves in a rural inn, without money with which to pay their
+reckoning. Finally, after much thought, the young man called the
+inn-keeper and told him that he, the student, was a great physician,
+and that he would prepare for him a magic amulet which would cure all
+diseases, in return for the receipted account of himself and friends.
+The landlord gladly consented, and the young man wrote some gibberish
+on a bit of parchment, which together with sundry articles of rubbish
+he inserted in a silk cover. With a wise and dignified air he then
+departed. Many years rolled by, and the young man rose to the position
+of a High Justice of the realm. One day before him was brought a woman
+accused of magic and witchcraft. The evidence showed that she had
+cured many people by applying to their bodies a little magic amulet,
+which the church authorities considered to be the work of the devil.
+The woman, on the stand, admitted the use of the amulet and the many
+cures resulting therefrom, but defended herself by saying that the
+instrument of cure had been given to her father, now deceased, many
+years ago, by a great physician who had stopped at her father's inn.
+She held that the cures were genuine medical cures resulting from
+the medicinal virtues of the amulet, and not the result of magic or
+witchcraft. The Justice asked to be handed the wonderful amulet.
+Ripping it open with his pen-knife, he found enclosed the identical
+scrawl inserted by himself many years before. He announced the
+circumstances from the bench, and discharged the woman--but the healing
+virtues of the amulet had disappeared, never to return. The cures were
+the result of the faith and imagination of the patients.
+
+The modern instances of the several great "Divine Healers," such as
+John Alexander Dowie of Chicago, and Francis Schlatter of Denver,
+give us additional evidence of the efficacy of Faith as a therapeutic
+agent. John Alexander Dowie, a Scotch preacher, came to America some
+twenty years ago, and instituted a new religion in which healing was
+an important feature. He claimed that all disease was the result of
+the devil, and that belief in God and the prayers of Dowie and his
+assistants would work the cure of the devil's evil operations. Great
+numbers flocked to Dowie's standard, and thousands of wonderful cures
+were reported. His "Tabernacle" was filled with testimonials and
+trophies from cured people. Back of Dowie's pulpit were displayed many
+crutches, plaster-casts, braces, and other spoils wrested from the
+devil by Dowie and his aids. His experience meetings were thronged
+with persons willing and anxious to testify that whereas they had been
+afflicted they were now whole again. Dowie succeeded in building up a
+great following all over the world, and had he not overreached himself
+and allowed his colossal vanity to overshadow his original ideas, the
+probability is that he would have founded a church which would have
+endured for centuries. As it is, he was discredited and disowned by his
+followers, and his church is now but little more than a memory.
+
+Francis Schlatter, the German shoemaker of Denver, with his Divine
+Healing, was a well known figure in the west several years ago. He was
+undoubtedly a half-insane fanatic, believing himself inspired by God to
+heal the nations. Persons flocked to him from afar, and he is reported
+to have healed thousands, many of whom were suffering from serious
+ailments. He afterward disappeared, and is believed to have died in
+the desert of the far west. Students of Mental Suggestion and Psychic
+Therapeutics find in the instances of Dowie and Schlatter merely the
+same underlying principle of Mental Healing resulting from faith, which
+is operative in all of the other cases mentioned. The theology, creed,
+theories of methods have but little to do with the cures, so long as
+the proper degree of faith is induced in the mind of the patient. Faith
+in _anything_ will work cures, providing it is sufficiently intense and
+active.
+
+Another branch of Mental Healing is seen in the modern schools of the
+"New Thought," "Mental Science," "Christian Science," and the "Emmanuel
+Movement." The authorities generally agree upon tracing the rise of
+these several schools to the general interest in the subject manifested
+in the United States and Great Britain about the middle of the last
+century. Some of the authorities believe that this general interest was
+induced largely by the teachings of Charles Poyen, a Frenchman who came
+from France to New England about 1835, bringing with him the French
+teachings and theories regarding mesmerism and the phenomena allied
+thereto. Poyen's teachings attracted marked interest and attention, and
+he soon had a host of followers, students and imitators. Teachers of
+the "new science" sprang up on all sides. Many theories were evolved
+and actively supported by the adherents of the several prominent
+teachers. The rise of interest in phrenology and the dawning interest
+in spiritualism aided the spread of the new teachings regarding
+mesmerism, clairvoyance, psychic healing, etc., and the pages of many
+magazines and books published about that time show that a public taste
+had been created for the strange and mysterious.
+
+Dr. J. S. Grimes, a physician interested in phrenology, taught that
+the phenomena were due to the action of a strange atmospheric force
+which he called "etherium." Rev. J. Bovee Dods evolved a theory based
+upon the supposed existence of an electrical principle, and called his
+system "Electro-Biology," by means of which he attracted to himself
+a large following. Dods wrote several large books on the subject,
+and traveled on lecture tours in this country and Great Britain,
+arousing great enthusiasm and making many cures. Rev. Leroy Sunderland
+expounded the doctrine of "patheism," in which he combined a strange
+mixture of mysticism and what has since been called "suggestion," to
+which he afterward added the current teachings of spiritualism after
+his conversion to that philosophy. It would seem that credit should
+be given Sunderland for his early announcement of the principle of
+suggestion, for he said: "When a relation is once established between
+an operator and his patient, corresponding changes may be induced in
+the nervous system of the latter by mere volition, and _by suggestions
+addressed to either of the external senses_." The decade, 1840-1850
+witnessed a remarkable interest in psychic phenomena of all kinds, and
+during that time there was undoubtedly laid the foundations upon which
+the later structures have since been erected. Any one reading the short
+stories of Poe, and other writers of that period, may readily see the
+state of public interest in these subjects at that time.
+
+The authorities generally agree that in Phineas Parkhurst Quimby we
+have the direct connecting link between the period just mentioned and
+the present. Quimby played quite an important role in the evolution
+of the modern conceptions of mental healing, or psycho-therapy as it
+is now called. He was a poor clockmaker, of quite limited means, of
+good character and a strong personality. His education is said to
+have been limited, but he made up for his lack in this respect by
+his naturally keen and inquiring mind. In 1838 one of the teachers
+of mesmerism visited his home in Belfast, Maine, and Quimby attended
+the seance. He became intensely interested in what he saw, and in the
+theories propounded, and began to experiment on the people in his town,
+the result being that he soon acquired a reputation as a powerful
+mesmerist and a good healer. He followed along the general lines of the
+"Electro-Biology" theory for a time, and then evolved theories of his
+own. He cured himself and many others by manual treatment, and was soon
+kept quite busy in his healing work.
+
+Quimby, thinking deeply regarding the cures he was making, soon came
+to the conclusion that while his _cures_ were genuine, his _theories_
+were wrong. He gradually evolved the idea that diseases are caused
+by erroneous thinking, and that his cures resulted from changing
+these wrong mental states for those based upon true conceptions. He
+held that all that is required to effect a cure is to bring about "a
+change of thought." Following upon this new conception, he ceased
+mesmerizing his patients, and began to treat them by simply sitting
+by the side of the afflicted person, picturing him as well and whole,
+and impressing upon the patient's mind that he is well and whole, _in
+Truth_. From this fundamental idea he gradually evolved a philosophy
+which has strongly influenced that of later schools. Quimby talked much
+regarding his great "discovery," as he called it, and built great hopes
+upon establishing "the science of health and happiness." He began to
+speak of the "Truth" in his "science," which he held to be identical
+with that taught by Christ, and by means of which Jesus performed his
+miraculous cures. Before he had firmly established his "science,"
+however, he died, leaving his work to be carried on by others, notably
+by Dr. Warren F. Evans, and Julius A. Dresser, to whom should be
+given the credit for launching what is now known as "the New Thought
+Movement."
+
+Mrs. Mary Baker G. Eddy, who afterward established "Christian Science"
+was one of Quimby's patients and students, and Dresser and others have
+positively stated and claimed that from him she received her ideas of
+the philosophy which she afterward developed into the great "Christian
+Science" movement. Mrs. Eddy, and her adherents, as positively deny to
+Quimby any credit for having inspired Mrs. Eddy's work. We merely state
+the opposing sides of the controversy here, taking no sides in the
+matter, the discussion not concerning us in the present consideration.
+
+The success of Evans and Dresser, and of Mrs. Eddy, in their respective
+schools and organizations, have caused many other teachers to come to
+the front, until at the present time there are many schools, cults
+and organizations basing their cures upon the broad principles of
+Mental Healing. Mrs. Eddy, and her followers, deny having anything in
+common with the other schools, however, holding that the latter are
+concerned with "mortal mind" while "Christian Science" alone is based
+upon Divine Mind, or Truth. In spite of the conflicting claims and
+theories, the fact remains that thousands of persons have been healed
+of various diseases by the various schools, cults, and teachings. To
+the authorities who stand outside of and apart from these opposing
+organizations, it seems that all the cures are based upon the same
+general principle, _i. e._, that of the influence of mental states
+over physical conditions, and that religious theories or metaphysical
+philosophies have nothing whatever to do with the production of the
+cures, except in the direction of giving a strong suggestion to those
+accepting them. The fact that _all_ the schools make cures, in about
+the same proportion, and of the same general classes of complaints,
+would seem to show that the theories and dogmas have nothing to do
+with the process of cure--and that the healing is done _in spite of the
+theories_, rather than because of them.
+
+The much advertised "Emmanuel Movement" now so popular in the orthodox
+churches throughout the country, is recognized by all the authorities
+as being nothing more than suggestion applied in connection with the
+religious and theological principles of the churches in question,
+and, in truth, as applying methods more in favor by the old school of
+mesmerists than by the later "New Thought" practitioners, or by the
+"Christian Science" healers. From this movement, however, there will
+probably evolve a more scientific system, manifesting none of the
+crudities which so disfigure its present stage, at least in the hands
+of some of its practitioners.
+
+In the following chapter we may see that the same element of Faith,
+Belief and Expectancy is manifested in all the various forms of Mental
+Healing, by whatever name, or under whatever theory, the method is
+applied. In short, that the cures are purely _psychological_, rather
+than metaphysical or religious, in their nature.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+FAITH CURES
+
+
+Following the scientific study of the phenomena of cures of physical
+illness by means of the power of mental states, and the recognition of
+the fact that there is a common principle operative under the various
+guises and forms, there sprang into scientific usage the term "Faith
+Cures" which was used to designate all instances and forms of cures
+coming under the general classification of mental healing. Prof.
+Goddard defines the term as follows: "A term applied to the practice
+of curing disease by an appeal to the hope, belief, or expectation of
+the patient, and without the use of drugs or other material means.
+Formerly it was confined to methods requiring the exercise of religious
+faith, such as the 'prayer cure' and 'divine healing,' but has now come
+to be used in the broader sense, and includes the cures of 'Mental
+Science,' and hypnotism; also a large part of the cures effected by
+patent medicines and nostrums, as well as many folk-practices and home
+remedies. By some it is used to include also Christian Science, but the
+believers in the latter regard it as entirely distinct."
+
+The term "Suggestion," used in the same sense as "Faith Cure" in
+relation to the healing of disease, has also come into popular usage,
+but inasmuch as Suggestion has a much larger meaning outside of its
+therapeutic phases, it may be said the best authorities to-day use the
+term "Faith Cure" as representing simply one phase of Suggestion.
+
+Prof. Goddard, in his article on "Faith Cure," in the _New
+International Encyclopaedia_ (Dodd, Mead & Co., New York), says:
+"Besides these recognized forms (divine healing, mental science, etc.),
+faith cure is an important element in cures wrought by patent medicines
+and nostrums, home remedies and folk practices. The advertisement,
+testimonial of friend, or family tradition arouses the faith of the
+sick man, and he comes to believe that he needs only to follow
+directions to be fully cured. The actual value of faith cure as a
+therapeutic method has been the subject of much discussion. It can
+no longer be denied that it has value. From divine healing to patent
+medicine and Father Kneipp's water cure, all cure disease. Each appeals
+to a particular type of mind, but _the results are practically the
+same in all--same diseases cured, same successes, same failures_. Many
+faith-curists claim that all diseases in all persons can be cured by
+their method; others hold that the principle is of limited application.
+Of them all, the hypnotists are the only ones who do not make sweeping
+claims."
+
+After stating "the tendency to exaggeration and the infrequency of
+impartial judgment" in connection with many instances of claimed cures,
+the above mentioned authority proceeds as follows: "The actual cures,
+however, are sufficiently numerous and sufficiently striking to need
+an explanation. These different forms agree in only one point--viz.,
+_the mental state of the patient is one of hope and expectation_. Can
+states of mind cause or cure disease? Some familiar occurrences seem
+to justify an affirmative answer. It is well known that certain glands
+and secretions are markedly affected by emotions. Fright causes the
+saliva to cease to flow and the perspiration to start. Sorrow causes
+the lachrymal glands to secrete tears. Happiness favors digestion,
+unhappiness retards it. Mosso has demonstrated that the bladder is
+especially sensitive to emotional states. In general, the pleasant
+emotions produce an opposite physical effect from the unpleasant ones.
+There are many glands within the body whose action under emotion
+we cannot observe; but we may reasonably assume that they also are
+affected by emotional states. Hence, if unpleasant emotions so act upon
+the glands as to derange the system and cause disease, the pleasant
+emotions may reasonably be assumed to tend to restore the normal
+functions. The various forms of faith cure tend strongly to put the
+patient in a happy frame of mind--a condition favorable to health.
+However, there are all degrees of faith and wide differences in the way
+the system responds to the emotional state. One person is slightly
+affected by a strong emotion; another is strongly affected by a weak
+emotion. Hence, there must always be a wide difference in the results
+of faith-cure methods. The diseases most amenable to faith cure are
+nervous--including many not recognized as nervous, but having a neural
+condition as their basis--and functional derangements. Organic diseases
+are not usually cured, though the symptoms are frequently ameliorated.
+Chronic diseases due to neuro-muscular habit often yield to hypnotic
+treatment."
+
+Prof. R. P. Halleck says: "Were it not for this power of the
+imagination, the majority of quack nostrums would disappear. In most
+cases bread pills, properly labeled, with positive assurances of
+certain cures accompanying them, would answer the purpose far better
+than these nostrums, or even much better than a great deal of the
+medicine administered by regular physicians. Warts have been charmed
+away by medicines which could have had only a mental effect. Dr. Tuke
+gives many cases of patients cured of rheumatism by rubbing them with
+a certain substance declared to possess magic power. The material in
+some cases was metal; in others wood; in still others, wax. He also
+recites the case of a very intelligent officer who had vainly taken
+powerful remedies to cure cramp in the stomach. Then 'he was told
+that on the next attack he would be put under a medicine which was
+generally believed to be most effective, but which was rarely used.'
+When the cramps came on again, 'a powder containing four grains of
+ground biscuit was administered every seven minutes, while the greatest
+anxiety was expressed (within the hearing of the party) lest too much
+be given. Half-drachm doses of bismuth had never procured the same
+relief in less than three hours. For four successive times did the same
+kind of attack recur, and four times was it met by the same remedy, and
+with like success.' A house surgeon in a French hospital experimented
+with one hundred patients, giving them sugared water. Then, with
+a great show of fear, he pretended that he had made a mistake and
+given them an emetic instead of the proper medicine. Dr. Tuke says:
+'The result may easily be anticipated by those who can estimate the
+influence of the imagination. No fewer than eighty--four-fifths--were
+unmistakably sick.'
+
+"We have a well authenticated case of a butcher, who, while trying to
+hang up a heavy piece of meat, slipped and was himself caught by the
+arm upon the hook. When he was taken to a surgeon, the butcher said he
+was suffering so much that he could not endure the removal of his coat;
+the sleeve must be cut off. When this was done, it was found that the
+hook had passed through his clothing close to the skin, but had not
+even scratched it. A man sentenced to be bled to death was blindfolded.
+A harmless incision was then made in his arm and tepid water fixed so
+as to run down it and drop with considerable noise into a basin. The
+attendants frequently commented on the flow of blood and the weakening
+pulse. The criminal's false idea of what was taking place was as
+powerful in its effects as the reality, and he soon died.... There is
+perhaps not a person living who would not at times be benefited by a
+bread pill, administered by some one in whom great confidence was
+reposed."
+
+The same authority also says: "It has been known for a long time
+that if the attention is directed toward any bodily organ, abnormal
+sensations may be caused in it, and disease may be developed. The
+renowned Dr. John Hunter said: 'I am confident that I can fix my
+attention to any part, until I have a sensation in that part.'" Dr.
+Tuke says that these "are words which ought to be inscribed in letters
+of gold over the entrance of a hospital for the Cure of Disease by
+Psychopathy." Hunter's confident assertion is the more interesting
+because, drawn from his own experience, it shows that the principle
+is not confined in its operation to the susceptible and nervous, but
+operates even on men of the highest mental endowment. We have examples
+from the literature of the seventeenth century, showing how the
+expectation of a complaint will produce it. In 1607 an ignorant English
+physician told a clergyman's wife that she had sciatica, although
+there was, in reality, nothing the matter with her sciatic nerve. Her
+attention was thereby directed to it and a severe attack of sciatica
+was the result. When a person inexperienced in medicine reads carefully
+the symptoms of some disease, he is apt to begin an attentive search
+for those symptoms and to end by fancying he has them. Seasick persons
+have been relieved of their nausea by being made to bail a leaking
+boat from the fear that it would sink. All their attention was thereby
+diverted from themselves. Many can recall how children, and grown
+persons, too, have forgotten all about their alleged intense thirst,
+as soon as their attention was diverted. Some persons, after eating
+something which they fancy is a trifle indigestible, center their
+attention upon the stomach, expecting symptoms of indigestion, and are
+often not disappointed. A man who had good reason to fear hydrophobia,
+determined that he would not have it. The pain in the bitten arm became
+intense, and he saw that he must have something to divert his attention
+from the wound and his danger. He therefore went hunting, but found no
+game. To make amends, he summoned a more inflexible will and exerted
+at every step 'a strong mental effort against the disease.' He kept on
+hunting until he felt better, and he mastered himself so perfectly that
+he probably thereby warded off an attack of hydrophobia. Accordingly
+as we center our attention upon one thing or another, we largely
+determine our mental happiness and hence our bodily health. One person,
+in walking through a noble forest, may search only for spiders, and
+venomous creatures, while another confines his attention to the singing
+birds in the branches above. One reason why travel is such a cure for
+diseases of body and mind is because so many new things thereby come
+in to claim the attention and divert it from its former objects. The
+following expression from Dr. Tuke should be remembered: '_Thought
+strongly directed to any part tends to increase its vascularity, and
+consequently its sensibility_.'"
+
+Dr. C. F. Winbigler says: "The practitioner secures the same effects
+from a placebo or powdered pop-corn as from some drugs by using
+suggestion with the former. Every successful physician has used this
+method at one time or another, and sometimes when he was utterly
+puzzled as to what he should prescribe, he thus secured a marvellous
+result, and a cure of the patient was effected.... Every believer
+in Psycho-therapeutics knows that there is a psychical as well as a
+physical effect from the use of drugs. The psychical value is based
+on the expectation of their special action, and that which is in the
+physician's mind may be subtly and powerfully carried over into the
+patient's mind. The physician's personality, attitude and interest in
+the patient accomplishes vastly more than the drugs he prescribes or
+administers. If he is cheerful and hopeful, he gives potency to their
+action; if he is gloomy, pessimistic and hopeless, he nullifies their
+effects. The cure of the patient is effected through the subconscious
+mind, and the attitude and bearings of the physician, attendants, the
+surroundings and the medicines employed, become powerful suggestions."
+
+Prof. Elmer Gates says: "The system makes an effort to eliminate
+the metabolic products of tissue-waste, and it is therefore not
+surprising that during acute grief tears are copiously excreted; that
+during sudden fear the bowels and the kidneys are caused to act, that
+during prolonged fear, the body is covered with a cold perspiration;
+and, that during anger, the mouth tastes bitter, due largely to the
+increased elimination of sulpho-cyanates. The perspiration during fear
+is chemically different, and even smells different from that which
+exudes during a happy mood.... Now if it can be shown in many ways
+that the elimination of waste products is retarded by sad and painful
+emotions; nay, worse than that, these depressing emotions directly
+augment the amount of these poisons. Conversely, the pleasurable and
+happy emotions, during the time they are active, inhibit the poisonous
+effects of the depressing moods, and cause the bodily cells to create
+and store up vital energy and nutritive tissue products."
+
+In an issue of "_The American Practitioner and News_," is reported a
+discussion before the Lexington (Ky.) Medical and Surgical Society, in
+which a member, Dr. Guest, related the following experience: "I have
+a brother-in-law who suffers every summer with hay-fever. He has a
+relative who believes in Christian Science. She told him that she felt
+positive that she could direct him to a woman, a Christian Scientist,
+who would cure him. He at first objected, because he hated to go to a
+woman physician. He arranged, however, to communicate with her daily by
+letter. When his hay-fever broke out he suffered with it all that day
+and night, and the next morning wrote her a note telling her to put him
+on treatment immediately. When he returned that night he was improved
+and slept better. He wrote a second note the next morning and was much
+encouraged. The third day he repeated his letter writing and stated
+that the symptoms had almost ceased. And he was guying me about being
+cured by Christian Science when regular physicians could do nothing for
+him. The night of the third day, when he came home to supper, he found
+a note from the Christian Scientist, stating that _she has been in the
+country and would put him under treatment the next day_. Realizing
+that all his treatment had been only in his imagination, the symptoms
+reappeared with the same intensity as before."
+
+Dr. A. J. Parks of New York, says: "The absolute and complete control
+that the sympathetic nervous system exercises over the physical
+organization is so perfectly clear and well-known to every observer
+that the recital of the phenomena in the vast and countless series
+of manifestations is unnecessary. We are all aware of the fact that
+digestion is promptly arrested upon the receipt of bad news. The
+appetite at once disappears. It ceases, and the whole system feels the
+effect of the depressing impulse--the mental and spiritual wave which
+lowers the vital thermometer. Fear not only suspends the digestive
+function but arrests the formation of the secretions upon which
+digestion depends. A sudden fright frequently paralyzes the heart
+beyond recovery, whereas a pleasant and pleasing message soothes and
+gently excites the whole granular system, increases the secretions,
+aids digestion and sends a thrill of joy to the sensorium, which
+diffuses the glad tidings to every nerve fibril in the complex
+organization."
+
+Dr. T. A. Borton, in an address before the Indiana State Medical
+Society, said: "The subject which I desire to present to you to-day
+has to do with the influence of the mind over the functions of the
+body. Its silent, unobserved force results in producing pathological
+conditions, and those, by reflex action, excite morbid sensibilities
+of the mind and thus derange the nerve centres, resulting in a
+changed condition or over-excitability of the nerve energies, which
+becomes a secondary diseased condition in the form of different types
+of neurasthenia. I have been interested in this subject for many
+years, and in my practice have had extended opportunities for making
+observations as to the potency of the mental and suggestive pathology
+bearing on this subject. I would especially refer to the healing of the
+body through these mental forces, changing healthy, normal conditions
+into unhealthy or diseased conditions and _vice versa_. These changes
+are not miraculous, but proceed from natural causes in the operation
+of the mind, as a therapeutic agency, operating through the functions
+of the body, sometimes as a tonic or stimulant, warding off diseases
+under the most exposed conditions, defending and holding the system in
+a state of health, while those void of these mental assurances become
+victims to the ravages of disease through contagion or infection. This
+protective mental force of the mind has been demonstrated many times in
+hospitals and other places where contagious diseases were prevailing.
+The mental force possesses a protective power when rightly exercised
+beyond what is usually conceded, not only in the way of defense; but
+also in correcting disease when in existence. I believe these to be
+much greater than has been generally admitted or understood.... We all
+know how difficult it is to get good results from medication in which
+our patients have no confidence, and it is an established fact that
+we get better results from drugs which are given with the patient's
+knowledge of their intended effect. _I have often produced desired
+results from means entirely inert, stating the desired and expected
+effect of its administration. I have frequently quieted the severest
+pain by injecting pure water into the arm of the patient._"
+
+Dr. G. R. Patton, in an address before the Wabasha County (Minn.)
+Medical Society, said: "As Bacon said, 'Faith, confidence, belief
+and hope are the working forces that make the cure--that work the
+miracle.' The mind as a dynamic force exerted over the functions of
+the body has been, doubtless, operatively manifest from the cradle of
+our existence. By the phrase, 'the mind as a dynamic force,' I refer
+to the various forms of suggestion as well as to various affective
+faculties of the mind, or those states caused by the sympathetic
+action of the brain, such as faith, confidence, belief, imagination,
+emotions, hope and the like. Any or all of them may become active over
+the bodily functions.... As instance of the mental impression acting
+upon observable functions revealed through the capillary circulation
+as revealed to the sight, I will mention blushing or pallor of the
+face, depending upon the theme presented to the thought; the mouth
+watering on the sight or thought of tempting food; the flow of tears
+from words or thoughts that excite grief; nausea or vomiting from
+a sickening spectacle; sexual excitement from obscene thought or
+lascivious sights. Instances might be multiplied. And is it not a fair
+inference, indeed, that through the vasomoter nerves, the internal
+viscera may be subject to like effects through mental impressions, and
+that thus acute as well as chronic congestive ailments thereof may be
+favorably influenced or even cured thereby?... It is my conviction that
+recognition of the power and usefulness of mental dynamics, including
+all forms of suggestion over physiological and pathological processes
+in combating diseases, is unquestionably the most impressive advance in
+modern medicine. Mental influence alone may diminish or increase the
+activities of the physiological processes to the extent of removing the
+pathological effects of disease.... A celebrated medical teacher, after
+an exhaustive dissertation over a case was leaving the bedside without
+prescribing any treatment when the house physician asked what should be
+given the patient. 'Oh,' said the professor, 'a hopeful prognosis and
+anything else you please.' To this he added, 'the doleful doctor will
+be a failure, while the hopeful one will prove a winner from start to
+finish.' It is reasonably assured that ultimately the physician will
+become not so much the man behind the pill as the judicious advisor,
+the wise counsellor, gently leading the sick 'into green pastures,
+beside still waters,' through paths that lead onward to recovery,
+assisting nature at times, if needs be, with a big bread pill."
+
+Dr. Herbert A. Parkyn, the well-known authority on suggestive
+therapeutics, says: "Certain results will follow certain thoughts,
+and in every instance that it is possible to get the patient to think
+the thoughts we desire, we secure the results we desire. It is the
+work of the suggestionist to place these thoughts in the mind of the
+patient so that he is bound to think them, and this can be done to some
+degree, if not perfectly, in every case. It is well to have faith, but
+faith is not absolutely necessary at the outset. It is time enough for
+the patient to have faith in the treatment when he can perceive the
+benefit he is receiving. Understanding the mental and physical changes
+which follow a certain thought, the suggestionist is able to bring
+about those mental or physical changes, by using direct suggestion in
+such a way that his patient is bound to think the thoughts which will
+produce the results. A man may not have faith in the statement that
+the thought of lemon juice will stimulate the flow of saliva, but if
+he will imagine for a moment that he is squeezing the juice of a lemon
+into his mouth the saliva will immediately flow more freely than usual,
+regardless of his faith. Similarly, many, if not all of the organs
+of the body, can be affected by impulses following certain lines of
+thought, and these impulses will follow the thought and stimulate the
+organs regardless of faith. It is simply necessary to get a patient to
+think the proper thoughts, and it is in the thought directing that the
+work of the suggestionist lies."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE POWER OF THE IMAGINATION
+
+
+Dr. F. W. Southworth says: "Fear is itself a contagious disease and is
+sometimes reflected from one mind to another with great rapidity. It
+passes from one to another, from the healthy to the ill, from doctor or
+nurse to patient, from mother to child, and so on. The greatest fears
+we can usually get away from, but it is the little fears and anxieties,
+constant apprehension, fears of imagined evils of all sorts which
+prey upon our vitality and lessen our powers, thus rendering us more
+susceptible to disease. To avert disease, then, we must eradicate fear;
+but how shall we accomplish it? Through wise education--educating the
+people to a higher standard of living; by teaching a sounder hygiene;
+a wiser philosophy and a more cheerful theology. By erasing a thousand
+errors and superstitions from fearful minds and pointing them to the
+light, beauty and loveliness of the truth. This mental and moral
+sanitation is still ahead of us, but it is more valuable and desirable
+than all quarantines, inventions, experiments, and microscopical
+researches after physical or material causes."
+
+Sir George Paget, M. D., says: "In many cases I have seen reasons for
+believing that cancer has had its origin in prolonged anxiety." Dr.
+Murchison says: "I have been surprised to find how often patients with
+primary cancer of the liver have traced the cause of this illness to
+protracted grief and anxiety. These cases have been far too numerous to
+be accounted for as merely coincidents." Sir B. W. Richardson, M. D.,
+says: "Eruptions of the skin frequently follow excessive mental strain.
+In all these, as well as in cancer, epilepsy and mania, the cause is
+frequently partly or wholly mental. It is remarkable how little the
+question of the origin of physical disease from mental influences
+has been studied." Prof. Elmer Gates says: "My experiments show that
+irascible, malevolent and depressing emotions generate in the system
+injurious compounds, some of which are extremely poisonous. Also that
+agreeable, happy emotions generate chemical compounds of nutritious
+value which stimulate the cells to manufacture energy."
+
+Dr. Patton, in the address before the Wabasha County Medical Society,
+above mentioned, gives the following interesting case of the effect
+of faith and expectant attention, or Suggestion: He said: "While
+surgeon of a Cincinnati hospital one of the messenger boys was often
+disobedient of orders. The sister superior once asked me how to
+punish him. I suggested putting him to bed and making him sick with
+medicine. My advice was acted upon with alacrity. A tea-spoonful of
+_colored water_ was given him every fifteen minutes. With assumed
+gravity, I ordered the nurse, in the boy's presence, to keep giving the
+medicine until he became sick and vomited. Within an hour he vomited
+profusely.... A funny incident illustrative of the faith and confidence
+sometimes reposed in the medical man and his power in curing disease,
+happened in my first year of practice. An Irish laborer, much given to
+profanity, came to my office, with a cold on his chest. I prescribed
+a soothing mixture and a liniment of camphor, ammonia and soap. A few
+days later, meeting him on the street, I asked him if the medicine
+had cured him all right. He replied with enthusiasm, 'Oh! yes, yes,
+it acted most beautifully and cured me pretty d---- d quick, but it was
+awful hot stuff, for it burned in my throat like hell-fire itself.' I
+knew at once, but did not tell him, that he had been swallowing the
+liniment of camphor, hartshorn and soap, and rubbing the cough mixture
+on the outside. His faith was even stronger than the liniment, and
+cured him in spite of the blunder.
+
+"Perhaps the most wonderful confirmation came under my observation
+while wintering in San Antonio, Texas, in 1880. Some nostrum fakirs
+with a retinue of fourteen musicians and comedians came to this city
+in an immense chariot, drawn by eight gaily caparisoned horses. Every
+evening they came upon the military plaza to sell their panacea. I
+went over one evening out of curiosity, being attracted by the songs
+and music. The head fakir was shouting to an immense crowd about
+the virtues of his specific. He claimed that it contained thirteen
+ingredients, gathered at a great expense from all quarters of the
+globe, and would cure all the ills that flesh was heir to. Cures
+were warranted in every case, or the money refunded on the following
+evening. After this harangue, he said that the medicine was for sale at
+$1 per bottle, until 300 bottles had been sold, as it was an invariable
+rule to sell only that number on any one evening. Immediately a
+frenzied mob rushed pell-mell to the end of the chariot, each one
+holding aloft a silver dollar. He had previously announced that no
+change would be made, and that every one to get the medicine should
+have a dollar ready in his hand. In half an hour 300 bottles had been
+sold, the empty trunk closed with a bang, and the statement made that
+no more could be had until the following evening, although there was
+yet a great multitude clamoring for more. Curiosity again led me to the
+plaza the next evening, and I went early. The initial performance was a
+free tooth-pulling, to last thirty minutes. He said he was the kingpin
+of the tooth-pullers, and I believe he was. The rapidity of his work
+was a marvel. He snatched from various jaws about 250 teeth, including
+the good ones, within the limit, throwing them from his forceps right
+and left among his audience. Those operated upon were wrought to such
+a frenzy of excitement and wonder that each one, without an exception,
+declared that no pain whatever had been experienced. A call was then
+made for the 300 who had bought medicine on the previous evening to
+mount the chariot and tell what the medicine had done for them.
+
+"From every quarter men and women, both white and colored, pressed
+forward to give their experience. Their stories were grotesque and
+curious enough, but no matter what their ailments, cures had resulted
+in every case. At the end of half an hour, while the experience meeting
+was at its acme, the fakir abruptly closed it, saying, in a regretful
+voice, that the rest would have to wait until the next evening to tell
+of their cures, as he now wanted those to come forward who had not
+been cured by the medicine bought on the previous evening. He stood in
+silence with folded arms for three minutes. No one having come forward,
+the voice of this arrant charlatan rang out in stentorian tones, 'All,
+_all_ have been cured! We have cured _everyone_!' Then another 300
+bottles were sold in a jiffy, I myself being one of the fortunate
+purchasers. The chief of this outfit stopped in the hotel where I was.
+After dinner the next day, I made his acquaintance in the smoking room,
+saying I was a doctor, too; that I had attended two of his soirees,
+bought his medicine and was greatly interested in it. I surprised him
+by the statement that his medicine was made by M. & Co., wholesale
+druggists of Cincinnati, and that it was fluid extract of podophyllin.
+He stared for some moments, but made no reply. I continued, 'I know
+M.'s fluid extract, as his process of its manufacture is peculiar, and
+differs from other manufacturers in this, that he exhausts the root
+by percolation with alcohol, ether and glycerine, giving the product
+a sweetish taste and a slight ethereal odor.' The man asked if I was
+also a chemist. I replied, 'Yes, I once lectured in a medical college
+in Cincinnati on drugs and their uses, and I can readily tell fluid
+extracts by their taste, odor and physical characteristics.'
+
+"After some hesitation, he said, 'Yes, this is M.'s podophyllin _and
+nothing else_.' I inquired if he attributed all his success to the
+medicine. He answered, 'No, for once in Missouri the mandrake ran out
+before a new lot arrived. We found something like it in a drug store of
+the town, and the people got well just the same. _If the people believe
+you can cure them, and have faith in your medicine, they get well
+anyway, or they think they do, which is the same thing._' The fakirs
+remained one week, sold 2,100 bottles, and presumably cured 2,100
+people, as no one came forward to reclaim his dollar for the medicine,
+which was contained in a two-drachm vial of 120 drops. A dose was one
+drop after each meal in one spoonful of water.
+
+"When I was in California recently a friend mentioned that an
+intelligent relative of his was being treated by a celebrated Chinese
+doctor. The relative claimed that Chinese physicians were better than
+our own; that they had devoted 5,000 years to medicine and had thus
+become so learned and skillful that they could tell all diseases
+without asking a single question, simply by feeling the pulse. Out of
+curiosity I visited this physician, ostensibly as a patient. Without
+so declaring myself, he knew intuitively that I came to consult him.
+Without asking any questions he placed his finger upon my right wrist,
+communed with himself for a few moments, and then gravely informed
+me that I had _thirty-seven diseases_; some in the blood, some in
+the brain, some in the kidneys, some in the liver, and many others
+in the heart and lungs. He said it would take _sixteen different
+herbs_ to cure me. He volunteered the statement that he could detect
+6,000 diseases by the pulse alone, and that he used 400 herbs in the
+treatment of the various diseases. Upon his request, I examined his
+portfolio containing 350 testimonials of marvellous cures, wrought
+upon American residents of California during his seventeen years'
+practice on the coast. Many of them were from parties of intelligence
+and eminence, and were so extraordinary that nothing short of their
+being attested by numerous witnesses of unimpeachable veracity, could
+satisfy one of their truth. Now, permit me to say that I have no pulse
+in the right wrist, the pulse being congenitally absent; but through it
+he made the pretense of locating so many diseases. This doubtless is
+the form and character of medical practice in China among the native
+Chinamen, and probably has been for many centuries among a population
+of 400,000,000. Is not the logic from the above facts irresistible,
+that in China the native physician cannot tell one disease from
+another, and that all his work is simply nonsense and guess work?
+There can be no escape from this conclusion--it follows as lucidly as a
+demonstrated problem in Euclid--_that_ any benefit that may ever accrue
+from their treatment is wholly due to the dynamic force of the brain
+upon the functions of the body."
+
+The following, from a Philadelphia journal, gives a striking
+illustration of the fact that the imagination is a _real_ factor
+in many cases of physical ailment: "The fact that the throes of
+the imagination under great nervous excitement often produce a
+corresponding physical frenzy was illustrated recently in the case of
+a man who had gone to sleep with his artificial teeth in his mouth.
+Waking suddenly with a choking sensation, he found his teeth had
+disappeared. He looked in the glass of water where they were usually
+deposited, did not see them and realized they must be far down his
+throat. Choking and struggling, he hammered on the door of a friend
+sleeping in the house, who, seeing his critical condition, vainly
+tried to draw the teeth out of the sufferer's throat. He could feel
+the teeth, but had not the strength to extract them. He ran for a
+blacksmith who lived a few doors away, but the blacksmith's hand was
+too big to put into the man's mouth. A doctor had been sent for, but he
+was so long in coming that the victim of the accident seemed likely to
+die of suffocation before the physician arrived. A little girl of ten
+years was brought under the impression that her small hand might reach
+the obstacle and withdraw it, but she got frightened and began to cry.
+The sufferer became black in the face, his throat swelled out, and his
+friends expected every moment to be his last, when finally the doctor
+arrived. He heard the history of the case, saw that the teeth were not
+in the man's jaws nor in their nightly receptacle, felt the throat
+and cast his eyes seriously upon the floor. _There, on the floor,
+he saw the whole set of teeth._ He adjusted them to the jaws of the
+patient, told him to breathe freely, and every symptom of suffocation
+disappeared."
+
+The following from an Eastern journal illustrates another phase of
+the subject: "Saltpetriere, the hospital for nervous diseases, made
+famous by the investigations of Dr. Charcot, has an interesting case
+of religious mania. The patient, who is a woman of about forty years
+of age, entertains the belief that she is crucified, and this delusion
+has caused a contraction of the muscles of the feet of such a nature
+that she can walk only on tip-toe. The patient, moreover, is subject
+occasionally to the still more extraordinary manifestation--that of
+'stigmata.' Instances of 'stigmata' are tolerably frequent in the
+'Lives of the Saints' of alleged supernatural marks on the body
+in imitation of the wounds of Christ. These 'stigmata' have been
+observed beyond all question on the woman at the Saltpetriere. Their
+appearance on the body coincides with the return of the most solemn
+religious anniversaries. These 'stigmata' are so visible that it has
+been possible to photograph them. The doctors of the Saltpetriere in
+order to assure themselves that these manifestations were not the
+result of trickery, contrived a sort of shade having a glass front and
+metal sides, and capable of being hermetically attached to the body by
+means of India rubber fixings. These shades were placed in position
+a considerable time before the dates at which the stigmata are wont
+to appear. When they were affixed there were no marks whatever on the
+patient's body, but at the expected period the 'stigmata' were visible
+as usual through the glass."
+
+In a Southern journal there is reported an interesting case, in which
+a New Orleans physician tells the following story: "A nervous man
+recently called on me and asked, 'In what part of the abdomen are the
+premonitory pains of appendicitis felt?' On the _left_ side, exactly
+here,' I replied, indicating a spot a little above the point of the
+hip-bone. He went out, and next afternoon I was summoned in hot haste
+to the St. Charles hotel. I found the planter writhing on his bed,
+his forehead beaded with sweat, and his whole appearance indicating
+intense suffering. 'I have an attack of appendicitis,' he groaned, 'and
+I'm a dead man! I'll never survive an operation!' 'Where do you feel
+the pain?' I asked. 'Oh, right here,' he replied, putting his finger
+on the spot I had located at the office. 'I feel as if somebody had a
+knife in me turning it around.' 'Well, then, it isn't appendicitis,
+at any rate,' I said cheerfully, 'because _it is the wrong side_.'
+'The wrong side!' he exclaimed, glaring at me indignantly. 'Why, you
+told me yourself it was on the _left_ side!' 'Then I must have been
+abstracted,' I replied calmly; 'I should have said the _right_ side.'
+I prescribed something that wouldn't hurt him, and learned afterward
+that he ate his dinner in the dining-room the same evening. Oh! yes; he
+was no doubt in real pain when I called, _but you can make your finger
+ache merely by concentrating your attention on it for a few moments_."
+
+Frank F. Moore, in "A Journalist's Note Book" tells the following
+amusing and significant story of the influence of imagination upon
+health. "A young civil servant in India, feeling fagged from the
+excessive heat and from long hours of work consulted the best doctor
+within reach. The doctor looked him over, sounded his heart and lungs,
+and then said gravely: 'I will write you tomorrow.' The next day
+the young man received a letter telling him that his left lung was
+gone and his heart seriously affected, and advising him to lose no
+time in adjusting his business affairs. 'Of course, you may live for
+weeks,' the latter said, 'but you had best not leave important matters
+undecided.' Naturally the young official was dismayed by so dark a
+prognosis--nothing less than a death warrant. Within twenty-four hours
+he was having difficulty with his respiration, and was seized with an
+acute pain in the region of the heart. He took to his bed with the
+feeling that he should never rise from it. During the night he became
+so much worse that his servant sent for the doctor. 'What on earth
+have you been doing to yourself?' demanded the doctor. 'There were no
+indications of this sort when I saw you yesterday?' 'It is my heart,
+I suppose,' weakly answered the patient. 'Your heart!' repeated the
+doctor. 'Your heart was all right yesterday.' 'My lungs, then.' 'What
+is the matter with you, man? You don't seem to have been drinking?'
+'Your letter,' gasped the patient. 'You said I had only a few weeks to
+live.' 'Are you crazy?' said the doctor. 'I wrote you to take a few
+weeks vacation in the hills, and you would be all right.' For reply
+the patient drew the letter from under the bedclothes and gave it to
+the doctor. 'Heavens!' cried that gentleman as he glanced at it. 'This
+was meant for another man! My assistant has mixed up the letters.' The
+young man at once sat up in bed and made a rapid recovery. And what of
+the patient for whom the direful prognosis was intended? Delighted with
+the report that a sojourn in the hills would set him right, he started
+at once, and five years later was alive and in fair health."
+
+The following is clipped from a medical journal: "Some physician makes
+use of this suggestive phrase--'the dynamic power of an idea,' and, as
+an illustration of what is meant by this expression, the following
+incident is related. Not long ago a man in taking medicine was suddenly
+possessed by the notion that he had by mistake taken arsenic. His
+wife insisted to the contrary, but he proceeded to manifest all the
+peculiar symptoms of arsenical poisoning, and finally died. So certain
+was his wife that he had not taken arsenic that an autopsy was held,
+when not an atom of the poison could be found. Of what did this man
+die? Arsenic? No, of the dynamic power of an idea or arsenic. Happily
+for humanity this dynamic power of ideas works constructively no less
+certainly than it does destructively, and an idea of health fixed in
+the consciousness and persistently adhered to would tend to bring the
+best results. Over a hundred years ago, old John Hunter said, '_As the
+state of mind is capable of producing disease, another state of it may
+effect a cure_.'"
+
+Dr. William C. Prime relates the following case in his book "Among
+the Northern Hills." "The judge was summoned in a hurry to see an old
+lady who had managed her farm for forty years since her husband's
+death. She had two sons, and a stepson, John, who was not an admirable
+person. After a long drive on a stormy night the judge found the old
+lady apparently just alive, and was told by the doctor in attendance to
+hurry, as his patient was very weak. The judge brought paper and ink
+with him. He found a stand and a candle, placed them at the head of the
+bed, and after saying a few words to the woman, told her he was ready
+to prepare the will if she would go on and tell him what she wanted
+him to do. He wrote the introductory phrase rapidly, and leaning over
+toward her said, 'Now, go on, Mrs. Norton.'
+
+"Her voice was quite faint, and she seemed to speak with an effort.
+She said: 'First of all, I want to give the farm to my sons, Harry and
+James. Just put that down.' 'But,' said the judge, 'you can't do that,
+Mrs. Norton. The farm isn't yours to give away.' 'The farm isn't mine?'
+she said in a voice decidedly stronger than before. 'No, the farm isn't
+yours. You have only a life interest in it.' 'This farm that I've run
+for goin' on forty-three year next spring isn't mine to do with what I
+please with it? Why not, Judge I'd like to know what you mean!' 'Why,
+Mr. Norton, your husband, gave you a life estate in all his property,
+and on your death the farm goes to his son, John, and _your_ children
+get the village houses. I have explained that to you very often
+before.' 'And when I die, John Norton is to have this house and farm
+whether I will or not?' 'Just so. It will be his.' '_Then I ain't goin'
+to die!_' said the old woman, in a clear and decidedly ringing and
+healthy voice. And so saying, she threw her feet over the front of the
+bed, sat up, gathered a blanket and coverlet about her, straightened
+her gaunt form, walked across the room and sat down in a great chair
+before the fire.
+
+"The doctor and the judge went home. That was fifteen years ago. _The
+old lady is alive to-day._ And she accomplished her intent, She beat
+John after all. He died four years ago."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+BELIEF AND SUGGESTION
+
+
+The writer has been informed by a prominent physician of Chicago, that
+for many years he has been in the habit of administering hypodermic
+injections of distilled water, accompanying the same by the statement
+that he is injecting morphine. He states that in every case, he
+has succeeded in inducing a quiet, peaceful sleep, and a cessation
+of pain after the injection, which can be attributed only to the
+_belief_ of the patient. The same physician also relates the case of
+a woman who believed that she had taken strychnine by mistake. When
+the doctor was called he found the woman manifesting every symptom of
+strychnine poisoning, even down to the most minute details, and he
+is of the opinion that death would have ensued in a short time had
+he not proceeded to administer the regular antidotes and restorative
+treatment. After the woman was brought out of the condition, it was
+discovered that the supposed strychnine was nothing but a harmless
+powder. In relating the case, the physician always adds that the woman
+had witnessed the death struggles of a dog which had been poisoned by
+strychnine several months previous, which might have had some effect in
+enabling her to unconsciously counterfeit the symptoms.
+
+Dr. Max Eastman, in a recent magazine article says: "The mission
+of this paper is to offer guidance in a matter about which a great
+quantity of the general public is very much at sea. In this question
+of 'mind over matter,' the reformers have done their work. They have
+stirred things up. They have bestowed upon the world about a hundred
+and fifty little religions and a confused idea that there must be some
+truth in the matter somewhere. The ignorant have done their work. They
+have persecuted the believers, jeered at them, or damned them with
+a vacuous smile. The world will never lack ballast. It is only the
+scientists that have failed of their duty. They have stalked through a
+routine of elevated lectures, written a few incomprehensible books,
+and kept the science of psychology, so far as the hungry world goes,
+sealed up in their own proud bosoms. In all this uproar of faith-cures,
+and miracles, and shouting prophets, we have heard few illuminating
+words from the universities. The consequence is that we are without a
+helm, and the reform blows now one way and now another....
+
+"The law of suggestion, which is one of the great discoveries of modern
+science, was first formulated by Dr. Liebault at Paris, in a book
+published in 1866. Since his day the number of physicians who practice
+'suggestive therapeutics' has steadily increased, until to-day no
+thorough clinical hospital is without a professional suggestionist. The
+practice _does not involve any metaphysical theories_, the passage of
+any hidden force from one brain to another, any 'planes of existence,'
+or any religious upset, or any poetic physiology, or the swallowing of
+any occult doctrines whatever. It is one of the simplest and coolest of
+scientific theories. It is a question of the relation between the brain
+and the bodily organs. It seems never to have been clearly stated that
+healing disease by suggestion depends not in the least degree upon
+any theory of the relation of mind and matter.... The attempt to fix
+an idea in the mind without reason is suggestion. It is accomplished
+usually in medical practice by asking the patient to lie down and relax
+his body and his mind and then vigorously stating to him the desired
+idea. It may be accomplished in a number of ways. The patient may be
+told that the operator is a wizard and is about to transfer an idea
+from his own mind to that of the patient. If the patient believes him
+he will very likely accept the idea. It may be accomplished by gestures
+or incantations which the patient regards with superstitious awe,
+provided it is explained beforehand what these gestures are meant to
+produce. It may be accomplished by telling the patient he has no body,
+and sitting with him for awhile in spiritual silence, _provided he
+knows what to expect_.
+
+"All these methods, _if one believes in them_, are good, and they prove
+by their success the law of suggestion. But the method that is based
+on a sure truth is the method of the scientist. He reasons with his
+patient, he stirs in him what moral or religious enthusiasm he can,
+and to these means he adds tactfully the subtle suggestive powers of
+his own presence and eloquence. This force, together with the power
+which is revealed in a man of correcting his own mental habits, is
+the greatest practical discovery of modern psychology.... Suggestive
+therapeutics is the use of suggestion to fix in the mind ideas of
+healthy mental habits....
+
+"Our question is: can the physical conditions of the brain affect the
+physical condition of the stomach? We know that the brain-building
+condition which accompanies the idea of raising our hand can affect
+the condition of the muscles of our arm--and we call that a voluntary
+function. Now the question is whether the brain condition which
+accompanies the idea of enlivening our stomach can have an effect upon
+that involuntary function. Experiments with suggestion have proved that
+in some cases it can, if it continues long enough. Persons of a very
+suggestible nature, can, for instance, by concentrating their mind
+upon a certain part of the body, increase the flow of blood to that
+part, although the regulation of blood flow is supposed to be entirely
+involuntary. The action of the heart, also the movements of the
+digestive organs particularly, and of the organs of elimination, are
+almost directly affected in suggestible persons by that change in their
+brains which accompanies certain ideas.... Science has established
+then, that suggestion can effect to some extent, the so-called
+involuntary functions of the body; but the extent or limitation of
+these effects is by no means determined. It could not be determined
+scientifically without years of diligent experiment and tabulation.
+Any dogmatic statement upon one side or the other of that question, is
+therefore premature and against the spirit of science."
+
+Dr. Leith, in his Edinburgh lectures in 1896, said: "I am inclined
+to doubt whether the benefits of Nauheim (a treatment for the heart)
+is not after all to be explained largely, if not entirely, by the
+influence of the mental factor." Tuke says that: "John Hunter says he
+was subject to spasm of his 'vital parts' when anxious about an event;
+as, for instance, whether his bees would swarm or not, whether the
+large cat he was anxious to kill would get away before he could get the
+gun. After death it was found that he had some heart disease.... Lord
+Eglinton told John Hunter how, when two soldiers were condemned to be
+shot, it was arranged the one who threw the number with the dice should
+be reprieved; the one who proved successful generally fainted, while
+the one to be shot remained calm." Dr. Schofield says: "During the rush
+of Consumptives to Berlin for inoculation by Dr. Koch's tuberculin,
+a special set of symptoms were observed to follow the injection and
+were taken as being diagnostic of the existence of tuberculosis; among
+others, a rise of temperature after so many hours. These phenomena were
+eagerly looked for by the patients, and occurred accurately in several
+who were injected with pure water. The formation of blisters full of
+serum from the application of plain stamp and other paper to various
+parts of the bodies of patients in the hypnotic state, is well attested
+and undoubtedly true."
+
+Dr. Krafft-Ebing has produced a rise from 37 degrees centigrade to 38.5
+degrees centigrade in patients by fixing their minds by suggestion.
+In the same way Binet lowered the temperature 10 degrees centigrade.
+The latter authority says: "How can it be, when one merely says to
+the patient: 'Your hand will become cold,' and the vaso-motor system
+answers by constricting the artery? _C'est ce que depasse notre
+imagination._" Schofield commenting on the above, says: "Indeed there
+is no way of accounting for such a phenomena but by freely admitting
+the presence of unconscious psychic forces in the body, capable of so
+influencing the structures of the body as to produce physical changes."
+Tuke says: "A lady saw a child in immediate danger of having its ankle
+crushed by an iron gate. She was greatly agitated, but could not
+move, owing to intense pain coming on in her corresponding ankle. She
+walked home with difficulty, took off her stocking and found a circle
+around the ankle of a light red color, with a large red spot on the
+outer side. By the morning her whole foot was inflamed, and she had to
+remain in bed for some days. A young woman witnessing the lancing of an
+abscess in the axilla immediately felt pain in that region, followed
+by inflammation. Dr. Marmise of Bordeaux tells us of a lady's maid,
+who when the surgeon put his lancet into her mistress's arm to bleed
+her, felt the prick in her own arm, and shortly after there appeared a
+bruise at the spot."
+
+It is related that St. Francis d'Assisi dwelt so long in concentrated
+meditation upon the thought and picture of the Crucifixion that
+he suffered intense pain in his hands and feet, at the points
+corresponding to the place of the nails in the hands and feet of
+Christ, which was afterward followed by marked inflammation at those
+points, terminating in actual ulceration. The phenomena of the
+_stigmata_ in the cases of religious enthusiasts and fanatics has
+been mentioned elsewhere in this book. Prof. Barrett says of the
+phenomenon: "It is not so well known, but it is nevertheless the
+fact, that utterly startling physiological changes can be produced
+in a hypnotized subject merely by conscious or unconscious mental
+suggestion. Thus a red scar or a painful burn, or even a figure of a
+definite shape, such as a cross or an initial, can be caused to appear
+on the body of the entranced subject solely through suggesting the
+idea. By creating some local disturbance of the blood-vessel in the
+skin, the unconscious self has done what would be impossible for the
+conscious to perform. And so in the well-attested cases of _stigmata_,
+where a close resemblance to the wounds of the body of the crucified
+Saviour appears on the body of the ecstatic. This is a case of
+unconscious self-suggestion, arising from the intent and adoring gaze
+of the ecstatic upon the bleeding figure on the crucifix."
+
+Dr. Schofield says: "The breath is altered by the emotions. The short
+quiet breath of joy contrasts with the long sigh of relief after
+breathless suspense. Joy gives eupnoea or easy breathing, grief or
+rather fear tends to dyspnoea or difficult breathing. Sobbing goes with
+grief, laughter with joy, and one often merges into the other. Yawning
+is produced by pure idea or by seeing it, as well as by fatigue. Dr.
+Morton Prince says a lady he knew always had violent catarrh in the
+nose (hay fever) if a rose was in the room. He gave her an _artificial_
+one and the usual symptoms followed. How many cases of hay-fever have
+a somewhat similar origin in the unconscious mind?... The hair may
+be turned grey and white by emotion in a few hours or sooner. With
+regard to the stomach and digestion, apart from actual disease, we
+may notice one or two instances of unconscious mind action. A man who
+was very sea-sick lost a valuable set of artificial teeth overboard,
+and was instantly cured. If the thoughts are strongly directed to the
+intestinal canal, as by bread-pills, it will produce strong peristaltic
+action. Vomiting occurs from mental causes, apart from organic brain
+disease. Bad news will produce nausea; emotion also, or seeing
+another person vomit, or certain smells or ideas, or thoughts about a
+sea-voyage, etc., or the thought that an emetic has been taken.... The
+thought of an acid fruit will fill the mouth with water. A successful
+way of stopping discordant street music is to suck a lemon within a
+full view of a German band. Fear will so dry the throat that dry rice
+cannot be swallowed. This is a test in India for the detection of a
+murderer. The suspected man is brought forward and given a handful of
+dry rice to swallow. If he can do this he is innocent; if he cannot he
+is guilty, fear having dried up his mouth.... A young lady who could
+not be cured of vomiting was engaged to be married. On being told that
+the wedding day must be postponed till cured, the vomiting ceased.... A
+mother nursing her child always found the milk secreted when she heard
+the child crying for any length of time. Fear stops the secretion of
+milk, and worry will entirely change its character, so as to become
+absolutely injurious to the child."
+
+Maudsley says: "Perhaps we do not as physicians consider sufficiently
+the influence of mental states in the production of disease, their
+importance as symptoms; or realize all the advantages which we take
+of them in our efforts to cure disease. Quackery seems to have got
+hold of a truth which legitimate medicine fails to appreciate or use
+adequately." Dr. Buckley says: "A doctor was called to see a lady
+with severe rheumatism, and tried to extemporize a vapor bath in bed,
+with an old tin pipe and a tea-kettle; and only succeeded in scalding
+the patient with the boiling water proceeding from the overful kettle
+through the pipe. The patient screamed: 'Doctor, you have scalded
+me,' and leaped out of bed. But the rheumatism was cured, and did not
+return." Tuke relates an amusing instance of the effect of suggestion
+and faith upon warts. He had been considering the subject of the
+various "pow-wows" or "wart-cures" of the old women, and determined to
+try some experiments in order to see whether these cures were not due
+simply to mental influences and expectant attention. On an official
+tour he visited an asylum, where he was regarded as a great personage
+by reason of his office. He noticed that several of the inmates were
+afflicted with warts, and muttering a few words over the excresences,
+he told the owners that by such and such a day the warts would have
+completely disappeared. He forgot the circumstances, owing to the
+press of his official duties, and was agreeably surprised when, on his
+next round of visits, he was told that his patients had been cured
+at the time he had predicted. Nearly everyone has had some personal
+acquaintance with some of these "pow-wow" wart cures, in one form or
+another. Tying a knot in a piece of cord, then rubbing the wart with
+it, and burying the string, has cured thousands of cases of warts--the
+suggestion being the real cause behind the mask.
+
+Ferassi cured fifty cases of ague by a charm, which consisted merely of
+a piece of paper with the word "Febrifuge" written on it. The patient
+was directed to clip off one letter of the word each day until cured.
+Some patients recovered as soon as the first "F" was clipped from the
+paper. The writer hereof knows personally of a number of people having
+been cured of fever and ague by means of a written "charm" which an old
+man in Philadelphia sold them at a dollar a copy. The old man informed
+him that he, "and his father before him" had cured thousands of people
+in this way, making a comfortable living from the practice. Dr. Gerbe,
+of Paris, cured 401 out of 629 cases of toothache by masked suggestion
+administered in the form of causing the patients to crush a small
+insect between their fingers, after having strongly impressed upon them
+the fact that this was an infallible cure.
+
+Dr. Schofield reports the following interesting cases of cures by
+auto-suggestion and faith: "A surgeon took into a hospital ward some
+time ago, a little boy who had kept his bed for five years, having hurt
+his spine in a fall. He had been all the time totally paralyzed in the
+legs, and could not feel when they were touched or pinched; nor could
+he move them in the least degree. After careful examination, the doctor
+explained minutely to the boy the awful nature of the electric battery,
+and told him to prepare for its application the next day. At the same
+time he showed him a sixpence, and sympathizing with his state, told
+him that the sixpence should be his if, notwithstanding, he should have
+improved enough the next day to walk leaning on and pushing a chair,
+which would also save the need of the battery. In two weeks the boy was
+running races in the park, and his cure was reported in the '_Lancet_.'
+... A young lady who had taken ether three and a half years before, on
+the inhaler being held three inches away from the face, and retaining a
+faint odor of ether, went right off, and becoming unconscious without
+any ether being used or the inhaler touching her face. A woman was
+brought on a couch into a London hospital by two ladies, who said she
+had been suffering from incurable paralysis of the spine for two years,
+and having exhausted all their means in nursing her, they now sought to
+get her admitted, pending her removal to a home for incurables. In two
+hours I had cured her by agencies which owed all their virtue to their
+influence on the mind, and I walked with the woman half a mile up and
+down the waiting-room, and she then returned home in an omnibus, being
+completely cured. An amusing case is that of a paralyzed girl, who on
+learning that she had secured the affections of the curate, who used
+to visit her, got out of bed and walked--cured; and soon afterwards
+made an excellent pastor's wife. A remarkable instance of this sort of
+cure is that of a child afflicted with paralysis, who was brought up
+from the country to Paris to the Hotel Dieu. The child, who had heard
+a great deal of the wonderful metropolis, its magnificent hospitals,
+its omnipotent doctors, and their wonderful cures, was awe-struck, and
+so vividly impressed with the idea that such surroundings must have a
+curative influence, that the day after her arrival she sat up in bed
+much better. The good doctor just passed around, but had not time to
+treat her till the third day; by which time when he came round she was
+out of bed, walking about the room, quite restored by the glimpses she
+had got of his majestic presence."
+
+Having now shown by numerous disinterested authorities, the majority
+of whom belong to the medical profession, that the mental states of
+belief, faith and expectancy, and their negative aspects of fear,
+apprehension, and false-belief, may, and do, influence physical
+conditions, functioning and activities, irrespective of the particular
+theory, creed, or explanation accepted by the patient himself, or
+herself, we see the necessity of seeking for the common principle of
+cure manifesting in the various forms of phenomena. And before this
+common principle may be grasped, we must needs acquaint ourselves with
+the physical organism involved in the process of cure. Accordingly
+the several succeeding chapters will be devoted to that phase of the
+general subject.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+PSYCHO-THERAPEUTIC METHODS
+
+
+The reader will have seen from the preceding chapters that we have
+proceeded upon the theory that Suggestion is the universal operative
+principle manifesting in all forms of mental healing, under whatever
+guise the latter may be presented and by whatever method it may be
+applied. But it must be remembered that by "Suggestion" we do not mean
+the theories of any particular group of psycho-therapists, but rather
+the broad general principle indicated by that term which operates in
+the direction of influencing the Subconscious Mind and its activities.
+Let us consider the principle of Suggestion that we may understand what
+it is, and what it is not.
+
+The term "Suggestion" has as its root the Latin word _suggero_, which
+is translated as follows: _sug_ (or _sub_), "under;" and _gero_, "to
+carry;" that is, "to carry or place under." In its general usage it
+signifies "The introduction indirectly into the mind or thoughts; or
+that which is so introduced." Ordinarily a "suggestion" is an idea
+indirectly insinuated into the mind, and generally without the process
+of argument or reasoning. In the New Psychology, the term "suggestion"
+is used in the sense of an idea which is "carried under" the objective
+or conscious mind, and introduced to the subjective or Subconscious
+Mind. In Suggestive Therapeutics, a "suggestion" is an idea introduced
+into that part of the Subconscious Mind which governs and controls the
+physical functions and activities, and which is embodied in the cells
+and cell-groups of the body as we have stated in the preceding chapters.
+
+By many mental healers the term "Suggestion" is applied only to the
+particular method of applying Suggestion employed by physicians
+and others who practice under the general theories of Suggestive
+Therapeutics, and the first mentioned class deny that they use
+Suggestion because, as they say, they do not use the methods of the
+practitioners of Suggestive Therapeutics, and make their cures by
+"metaphysical" or "spiritual" means, or according to some creed or
+metaphysical theory which, accepted, works the cure. We think that
+the unprejudiced reader who has followed us this far will have seen
+that these metaphysical theories, creeds, and special dogmas are
+simply the outward mask of Suggestion. These healers simply supply a
+form of Suggestion which is acceptable to the patient because of his
+temperament, training, etc., and the healing process operates along the
+lines of the "faith cure."
+
+The fact that healers of entirely opposite theories and doctrines
+manage to make cures in about the same proportion and in about the same
+time, would seem to prove that the theories or dogmas have but little
+to do with the real work of healing. Whatever form of Suggestion is
+most acceptable to the patient, will best perform the healing work
+in that particular case. This will also serve to explain why some
+patients failing to obtain relief from one school of mental healing
+often are cured by healers of another school, and _vice versa_. Some
+need Suggestion couched in the mystical terms of some of the cults;
+others need it garbed in religious drapings, while others prefer some
+vague metaphysical theory which seems to explain the phenomena. Others
+still are repelled by any of the above forms, but respond readily to
+the Suggestion of a physician administering "straight" suggestive
+treatment, without any religious, metaphysical, or mystical disguise.
+In all of these cases the real healing work is done by the Subconscious
+Mind of the patient himself, the various forms of Suggestion serving
+merely to awaken and rouse into activity the latent forces of nature.
+
+We invite your consideration of the following forms of "treatment" for
+various disorders, as given by some of the "Divine Scientists" and
+other metaphysical and semi-religious organizations and cults. As you
+read them, try to discover the Suggestive germ so nicely surrounded
+by the sugar-coating--the Suggestive pill so cleverly concealed by the
+"metaphysical" raisin.
+
+From a journal published in Chicago several years ago, called
+"Universal Truth," the following "treatments" were clipped:
+
+A correspondent who asked for a "treatment" adapted to the cure of
+_nervousness_, is instructed to use the following formula, which must
+be "repeated over and over":
+
+"_I am warmed and fed and clothed and healed by Divine Love._"
+
+Another correspondent is given the following formula for the cure of
+sore feet, the affirmation to be made frequently:
+
+"_I so thoroughly understand the divine working of the Truth, and I so
+thoroughly realize the presence of the Father in me and about me that I
+am now conscious that omnipotent Love rules in every atom of my being,
+soul and body. My feet can never be weary nor sore. God created my feet
+perfect. I walk the pathway of life in perfect ease and comfort. All
+the obstacles in my path have vanished, and my feet are bathed in a
+sea of pure love. Through a knowledge and realization of the presence
+of Omnipotence, I praise and thank God for the perfect spirit of peace
+that now dwells within me._"
+
+The following additional "treatment" is suggested to this sufferer from
+_sore feet_:
+
+"_Mentally place yourself in an attitude to realize the power of the
+words you utter, for the fullness of peace and harmony in your feet
+comes with realization. The more frequently this spiritual medicine is
+used, the sooner comes manifestation of perfect health._"
+
+The same journal contained the following item:
+
+"The following invigorating affirmations are used at the Exodus Club,
+Chicago, Sunday mornings, the congregation repeating them after the
+leader: _'With reverent recognition of my birthright, I claim my
+sonship with the Almighty. I am free from disease and disorder. I am in
+harmony with my source. The Infinite Health is made manifest in me. The
+Infinite Substance is my constant supply. The Infinite Life fills and
+strengthens me. The Infinite Intelligence illumines and directs me. The
+Infinite Love surrounds and protects me. The Infinite Power upholds and
+supports me. I am out of bondage. I have the freedom of the sons of
+God. With all that is in me I rejoice and give thanks. God and man are
+the all in all, now and forever more._'"
+
+The same journal recommends the following affirmations for general
+health treatment:
+
+"Monday--_Perfect health is my external birthright_.
+
+"Tuesday--_I have health of intellect, therefore I have wise judgment
+and clear understanding_.
+
+"Wednesday--_I am morally healthful, therefore in all my dealings I love
+to realize that I am quickened by the spirit of integrity_.
+
+"Thursday--_Healthfulness of soul gives me a pure heart and
+righteousness of motive in everything I do_.
+
+"Friday--_Meditation upon the health of my real being outpictures in
+physical health and strength, in even temper, joyous spirits and in
+kind words_.
+
+"Saturday--_My health is inexhaustible, because I keep my eye steadily
+fixed upon its eternal Principle, and my mouth filled with words of its
+Omnipotence_.
+
+"Sunday--_The Father and I are one; one in purpose, alike in Substance,
+and one in manifestation_."
+
+In the same journal a correspondent gives the following treatment for
+_rupture_:
+
+"_You were conceived in Divine Love. You are the expression of that
+pure, perfect Love. Divine Love is a binding, cementing power. It is
+the power that holds all atoms in their places. Every atom of your body
+is drawn and held together in its place by this power. If any of them
+get separated as by rupture or any other appearance, they may be drawn
+together and cemented by the omnipotent power of Love; but the word
+must be spoken. Therefore use the following: 'The omnipotent spirit
+of Love in me heals this rupture and gives me peace.' Then, mentally
+realize the truth of your words, for the Spirit alone can heal._"
+
+The following treatment for _appendicitis_ is given in the same journal:
+
+"_The false theories of physicians and surgeons, and the general
+impressions regarding that error named Appendicitis are powerless to
+produce or perpetuate such manifestation. The great law of harmony
+reigns and only waits the universal acknowledgment of its supremacy to
+obliterate all such falsity, thereby obliterating the manifestation. We
+claim, therefore, freedom from such error for every soul. We make this
+claim in the name of Jesus Christ._"
+
+From the same source is taken this treatment for _periodical nausea in
+a child_:
+
+"_Dear child, every organ of your body is designed to represent the
+ideal and perfect organ in your real spiritual being; and every
+function of your body must respond to the word of truth which is now
+sent forth to establish harmony in your consciousness. The infinite
+Love that is omnipresent and all-powerful permeates and penetrates
+every organ and function of your body, and corrects every tendency to
+discord or disease. By that infinite Love you are now made free. You
+are fearless and free. You are joyous and free. You are free from the
+fear of others. You manifest health, strength and peace. Harmony reigns
+in mind and body. The word of truth has made you free._"
+
+Also the following treatment for _constipation_:
+
+"_I do realize that the power of divine Love so permeates every atom of
+my being that my bowels move freely and without effort. This inflowing
+of divine Love removes all obstructions and I am healed. I realize joy
+and eternal life so fully that the spirit of Peace is ever present with
+me. I acknowledge the fullness of joy, peace and power, and have come
+into a realization of my oneness with infinite Spirit; therefore I rest
+in thee, O my father._"
+
+Another journal of "Divine Science" gave the following "Health Thought"
+to be held during the month:
+
+"_All the natural channels of my body are open and free. The substance
+of my body is good._"
+
+Also the following treatment for _general health_:
+
+"_What is true of God is true of man. God is the One All, and is always
+in a state of wholeness. I, the man of God, am always whole, like unto
+the One All. No false belief environs or limits me. No shadow darkens
+my mental vision. My body is a heavenly body, and my eyes do behold the
+glory of God in all visible things. I am well, and provided for, thank
+God, and nothing can make me think otherwise._"
+
+While to the orthodox practitioner of medicine the above affirmation
+and "treatments" may seem to be nothing but a ridiculous conglomeration
+of mystical, religious and metaphysical terms, without sequence,
+logical relation, or common-sense, _it is true that statements and
+treatments similar to the above have successfully healed many cases of
+physical ailments_. There are thousands of people who will testify that
+they were healed in a similar manner, and the majority of them believed
+that there was some particular and peculiar virtue in the formula used,
+or in the theories and beliefs upon which the formula was based. But
+the unprejudiced student of Suggestion will readily see that the real
+healing force was with the mind and being of the patients themselves,
+and that the _faith, belief and expectant attention_ was aroused by the
+formula and the theories. The principle is that of all Faith Cures--the
+principle of Suggestion.
+
+Other schools of metaphysical or religious healers treat the patient
+by impressing upon his mind the fact that God being perfect, good
+and loving could not be guilty of creating evil, pain or disease,
+and that such things are non-existent in the "Divine Mind," and are
+merely illusion, errors, or false claims of the "mortal mind," or
+"carnal mind" of the patient; therefore, if the patient will deny their
+reality, and will admit as existent only such things as are held in
+the Divine Mind, _i. e._, the _good_ things, then the evil things,
+being merely illusions and untruths, must of necessity fade away and
+disappear and perfect health will result. Others treat their patients
+by impressing upon their minds the idea that sickness and disease is
+either the world or "the devil," or of the "principle of evil," the
+latter being described as "the negation of truth," and similar terms;
+and that therefore fixing the mind and faith upon the "principle of
+Good," or God, must result in driving away the evil conditions.
+Others hold that disembodied spirits are aiding in the cure. There are
+thousands of variations rung on the chimes of metaphysical or religious
+suggestions in the cults. _And they all make some cures_, remember--_in
+spite of their theories_ rather than because of them.
+
+The Mental Scientists come nearest to the ideas of the New Psychology,
+when they teach that "As a man thinketh, so is he," and that the
+mind of man creates physical conditions, good and evil, and that the
+constant holding of the ideal of perfect health and the assertion
+thereof, will restore normal healthy conditions to the person suffering
+from physical ailments. Mental Science is very near to being "straight
+suggestion" so far as the actual method of treatment is concerned,
+although it resembles some of the other cults when it begins to
+speculate or dogmatize regarding the nature of the universe, etc.
+
+Differing from these metaphysical, mystical, or religious schools of
+healing in theory, although employing the same principle, we find the
+school of Suggestive Therapeutics, proper, favored by many of the
+regular physicians and by a number of other healers who base their
+treatment upon the idea of "straight suggestion" coupled with hygienic
+truth and rational physiological facts. Perhaps a better idea of the
+theories and ideas of this school may be obtained by referring to the
+actual treatments given by some of their leading practitioners.
+
+Herbert A. Parkyn, M. D., an eminent practitioner of Suggestive
+Therapeutics, gives the following instruction to his pupils: "Students
+often ask for information as to what they should say to a patient when
+thorough relaxation is realized. As no two cases are exactly alike, it
+follows that the suggestions given must necessarily fit the case, and
+be given with a view to bring about the mental and physical condition
+desired. For instance, in treating a patient who is afflicted with
+insomnia, suggestions of sleep should be persistently given; and in
+cases of malnutrition suggestions of hunger should be made to stimulate
+the appetite for food. The operator should bear in mind that _the
+reiteration of the suggestion that will change the condition existing,
+to that desired, is always the right one_, and his own intelligence
+will be the best guarantee as to what the suggestion should be....
+Always arouse the expectant attention of a patient.... So logical a
+line of argument can be made that each patient will have a reason for
+expecting certain conditions to be brought about. _With the patient's
+attention on the desired results, they generally come to pass._ It is
+better not to give negative suggestions, such as, 'You will not, or
+cannot do this, that or the other thing,' etc. Pointing out what is not
+desirable does not suffice. In place of such suggestions, tell what you
+really wish your patients to do. For example, if a man should mount his
+bicycle incorrectly, he would profit nothing if we should merely tell
+him that the way he mounted was not the proper one. How much easier
+it would be for all concerned if the proper manner of mounting should
+be shown at once. Just so it is with therapeutic suggestions, _keep
+suggesting the conditions of mind or body you wish to bring about_."
+
+The following treatment given as an example by F. W. Southworth, M. D.,
+in his little book on "True Metaphysical Science, and its Practical
+Application through the Law of Suggestion," furnishes an excellent
+illustration of the form of suggestive treatment favored by this
+particular school. The patient is addressed as follows:
+
+"As thoughts are not only things, but forces and act upon our mental
+and physical life for good or ill, we must be careful to always keep
+ourselves in that condition of thought which builds up and strengthens,
+to constantly think thoughts of _health_, of _happiness_, of _good_,
+to be _cheerful_, hopeful, confident and fearless. (Repeat five or
+six times.) In order to sustain this condition of positive thinking
+it requires the development of the will power. The will is the motive
+power and the controlling force in all aspects of our life, but we
+develop it especially for the concentration and control of thought.
+This is the higher self--the infinite will. Exercise it with vigor and
+earnest persistency, and learn to _rely_ upon it. Assert its power as
+you assert the power of the muscles in exercise and it will manifest
+itself and the thought will be positive, the secretions of the body
+will be normal, and the circulation of the blood in the head will be
+kept at that proper equilibrium which insures the constant nutrition of
+the cells of the brain and their constant vigor and strength of control
+of all the organs and tissues of the body, and this vast and intricate
+machinery of the body will work harmoniously for the production of
+nutrition through elaboration of the food elements.
+
+"As our body is constantly changing and wasting, we must rebuild and
+restore it constantly, and we do so from the air we breathe, the water
+we drink, and the food we eat. The most important of these is the air
+you breathe, as it is not only a food in itself to the tissues, but
+it vitalizes the food you eat and the water you drink. Give it that
+quality of your thought and breathe it as you have been directed at
+least six times per day for a period of from five to ten minutes each
+time. Recognize it as both a food and an eliminator of poisons, as it
+is, and breathe, breathe, breathe, by Nature's method, and the lungs
+will distribute the oxygen to the blood, and the blood being the common
+carrier of the body will take it to all parts of the body and on its
+return will gather up all the waste and poisonous matters and will
+bring them to the lungs, where, meeting the fresh oxygen, they will be
+burned up and exhaled as carbonic acid gas, leaving the body pure and
+clean.
+
+"The water you drink, in the proportion of three and one-half pints
+each day, is necessary in all adult bodies to insure perfect secretion
+and excretion. As the result of this required liquid being provided
+in normal quantity, the secreting glands will manufacture the proper
+amount of juices needed in digestion, absorption and assimilation of
+your food, and the excreting glands, those which bring about excretion
+or the removal of waste matters from the body--the liver giving you the
+bile, which produces a daily movement of the bowels--the kidneys and
+bladder removing the chemical deposits which come about through the
+processes of digestion, and the skin excreting a large amount of waste
+matter from its twelve square feet of surface, which you remove with a
+towel each morning after moistening it with cold water. By following
+these laws of Nature you will have a good appetite and digestion, a
+daily movement of the bowels, refreshing sleep, and, as your nutrition
+is restored from day to day, a feeling of satisfaction and happiness
+will be the result. Be earnest and persistent and do everything
+cheerfully, with a firm determination of doing your part to restore
+nutrition.
+
+"When you breathe, give it the quality of your thought; it is for the
+purpose of getting food, life; feeding from the air and eliminating
+poisons from your body. (Repeat five and six times.) When you sip the
+water, think each time that it is to produce perfect secretion and
+excretion--to give you a good appetite, digestion, refreshing sleep and
+a free movement of the bowels each morning. (Repeat five or six times.)
+Each day look forward to the morrow for progress and advancement. Think
+health--talk it and nothing else. Do not talk with anyone about disease
+or allow any person to talk to you on such subjects. _Be cheerful_,
+_hopeful_, _confident_ and fearless always, and you will be happy and
+healthy. Eat, drink, breathe and be merry."
+
+It will be noticed that in the above described treatment, the
+suggestions are made along physiological and hygienic lines. That
+is, the suggestions indicate the physiological processes which are
+performed normally in the healthy person, the idea being to set up an
+ideal pattern for the Subconscious Mind to follow. In all scientific
+suggestive treatment the idea is always to paint a mental picture
+of the _desired conditions_ rather than to dwell upon the existing
+undesirable conditions. The _ideal_ is always held up to view, and the
+patient's mind is led to _realize_ the ideal--to make the ideal real--to
+manifest the thought in action--to materialize the mental picture.
+
+The general principles of Suggestive Therapeutics may be applied
+effectively by means of Auto-Suggestion. In fact, the "affirmations,"
+"statements" and "assertions" used by many of the New Thought schools
+are but forms of Auto-Suggestion. There is no essential difference
+between the Suggestion given by others, and the Auto-Suggestion given
+by one's self to one's self. The healing power is in the mind of the
+patient, and whether it is called forth by his own Auto-Suggestion
+or the Suggestion of a healer matters not. The Auto-Suggestion is
+merely a case of self-healing by Suggestion, and is administered upon
+the principle of "every man his own suggestionist"--"sez I to meself,
+sez I." Auto-Suggestions are usually given to one's self in the form
+of "affirmations," as, "I am improving; my stomach is doing its work
+well, digesting what is given it, and the nourishment is assimilated,
+etc." In other works by the writer hereof, the method of addressing
+one's self as one would another is recommended as particularly
+efficacious. That is to say, instead of saying, "_I_ am, etc.," in
+Auto-Suggestion, it is better to address one's self in the second
+person, as "_John Smith_ (naming yourself), _you_ are, etc." In short,
+the Auto-Suggestion seems to have additional force imparted to it by
+being directed as if it were being given to another person.
+
+The following thought of Dr. Schofield is worthy of careful
+consideration in connection with the methods of applying Suggestion.
+He says, referring to the treatment of hysterical disorders and
+ailments: "We must, however, remember one great point with regard to
+suggestion--that it is like nitrogen. Nitrogen is the essential element
+in all animal life; it forms four-fifths of the air we breathe, and
+yet, curious to say, we have no power to use it in a pure state. We
+can only take it unconsciously, when combined with other substances
+in the form of proteid food. It is the same with suggestions. Not one
+hysterical sufferer in a hundred can receive and profit by them in a
+raw state--that is, consciously; they must generally be presented, as
+we have said, indirectly to the subconscious mind by the treatment
+and environment of the patient. An electric shock often cures slight
+hysterical diseases instantaneously, acting, as it often does, on the
+unconscious mind through the conscious. No doubt it would be easier if
+we could say to these sufferers, 'The disease is caused by suggestions
+from ideal centers, and to cure it, all you have to do is to believe
+you are well.' Still, it would be as impossible for us to take our
+nitrogen pure from the air, the mind cannot as a rule be thus acted
+on directly when the brain is unhealthy. Suggestion must be wrapped
+in objective treatment, directed ostensibly and vigorously to the
+simulated disease."
+
+Not only is the above true regarding the treatment of hysterical
+disorders, but to _all_ disorders as well. The methods which will bring
+about the best results must be carefully modeled upon the patient's
+particular temperament, education, prejudices for and against, and
+general belief. The skilled suggestionist adapts his treatment and
+methods to each individual case coming to him for treatment. Whatever
+method will best arouse the patient's belief, faith and expectant
+attention is the best method for administering the suggestions. The
+successful suggestionist must be "all things to all men," never,
+however, losing sight of the fundamental principle of Suggestion--the
+arousing of faith, belief, and expectant attention.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE REACTION OF THE PHYSICAL
+
+
+As we have stated in our Foreword, there is a constant action and
+reaction between the Mental States and the Physical Conditions. In this
+book, from the nature of our subject, we have started with the phase
+of the Mental State and worked from that point to the consideration of
+the Physical Condition. In the same way, many physiologists start from
+the phase of the Physical Condition, and work up to the Mental State.
+But, starting from either phase, the candid investigator must admit
+that there is an endless chain of action and reaction between Mind and
+Body--between Body and Mind.
+
+This action and reaction works along the lines of building-up as
+well as tearing-down. For instance, if a person's Mental States are
+positive, optimistic, cheerful and uplifting, the body will respond and
+the Physical Conditions will improve. The Physical Conditions, thus
+improving, will react upon the Mental States giving them a clearness
+and strength greater than previously manifested. The improved Mental
+State again acts upon the Physical Conditions, improving the latter
+still further. And so on, an endless chain of cause and effect, each
+effect becoming a cause for a subsequent effect, and each cause arising
+from a preceding effect. Likewise, a depressed, harmful Mental State
+will act upon the Physical Conditions, which in turn will react upon
+the Mental States, and so on, in an endless chain of destructive
+cause and effect. It is a striking illustration of the old Biblical
+statement: "To him who hath shall be given; to him who hath not shall
+be taken away even that which he hath." In improving either the Mental
+State or the Physical Condition, one gives an uplift to the whole
+process of action and reaction; while, whatever adversely affects
+either Mental State or Physical Condition, starts into operation a
+depressing and destructive process of action and reaction. The ideal
+to be aimed at is, of course, "A healthy Mind in a healthy Body"--and
+the two are so closely related that what affects one, favorably or
+unfavorably, is sure to react upon the other.
+
+Just as the influence of the Mental States over the Physical Conditions
+has been shown to operate by means of the Sympathetic Nervous System
+(controlled of course by the Subconscious Mind), so the influence
+of Physical Conditions over Mental States may be explained in
+physiological terms. In order to understand the reaction of the Body
+upon the Mind, we have but to recall the fact that the Subconscious
+Mind is the builder and preserver of the very brain-cells which are
+used by the Conscious Mind in manifesting thought. And also, that the
+entire Nervous System, both Cerebro-Spinal as well as Sympathetic, is
+really under the control of the Subconscious Mind so far as growth
+and nourishment is concerned. The very brain and nerve-centers in and
+through which is manifested thought, feeling, emotion, and will, are
+nourished by the Sympathetic System, and are hurt by anything affecting
+the latter. The Sympathetic System joins all parts of the organism
+so closely together that trouble in one part is reflected in other
+parts. Just as depressing thoughts will cause the organs to function
+improperly, so will the improper functioning of an organ tend to
+produce depressing thoughts.
+
+Herbert A. Parkyn, M. D., well states the action and reaction of Mind
+and Body, as follows: "A tree is much like a human being. Give it
+plenty of fresh air, water and a rich soil, and it will flourish. In
+the same degree in which it is deprived of these does it wilt, and _the
+first part of the tree to wilt when the nutrition becomes imperfect
+is the top_. This is owing to the force of gravity; the blood of the
+tree, the sap, having to overcome this force of nature when nourishing
+the highest leaves. The blood of man is also affected by this same
+force, and the moment a man's circulation begins to run down, owing to
+stinted nutrition, we find that the first symptoms of trouble appear
+in the head.... The brain failing to receive its accustomed amount of
+blood, such troubles as impaired memory, inability to concentrate the
+attention, sleeplessness, nervousness, irritableness, the blues and
+slight headaches develop; and the impulses sent all over the body
+becoming feebler, the various organs do not perform their functions
+as satisfactorily as usual. The impulses to the stomach and bowels
+becoming weaker and weaker, dyspepsia, or constipation, or both, soon
+follow. As soon as these, the main organs of nutrition, are out of
+order, nutrition fails rapidly and more 'head symptoms' develop. Every
+impulse of the muscular system leaves the brain, and the strength
+of these impulses depends upon the nutrition to the brain centers
+controlling the various groups. As the nutrition to these centers
+declines, the whole muscular system, including the muscles of the
+bowels, becomes weaker and the patient complains that he exhausts
+easily. The impulses for elimination becoming weaker, waste products
+remain in the circulation, and any of the evils, which naturally follow
+this state of affairs, such as rheumatism, sick-headache, biliousness,
+etc., are likely to develop. The centers of the special senses feeling
+the lessening of the vital fluid, such troubles as impaired vision,
+impaired hearing, loss of appetite (sense of taste) and inability to
+detect odors quickly soon follow. The sense of touch becomes more
+acute, and it is for this reason that one in poor health becomes
+hypersensitive. Lowered circulation in the mucous membrane of the
+throat and nose is often the cause of nasal catarrh appearing on the
+scene as an early symptom."
+
+It will thus be seen that the Physical Conditions, perhaps originally
+caused by depressing Mental States, have brought about a state
+of affairs in which the brain is imperfectly nourished and which
+consequently cannot think properly. The liver being out of order, the
+spirits are depressed; the brain being imperfectly nourished, the
+attention and will are weakened, and the patient finds it hard to use
+his mind to influence his bodily conditions. The bowels not moving
+properly, the waste-products poison the circulation, and the brain is
+unable to think clearly. In fact, the whole physical system is often so
+disturbed that a condition known as "nervous prostration" sets in, in
+which it is practically impossible for the patient to hold the Mental
+States which will improve the Physical Conditions. In these cases
+outside help is generally necessary, unless in cases where a sudden
+shock, or an urgent necessity arouses the latent mental forces of the
+individual, and he asserts the power that is in him, and begins to
+reverse the chain of cause and effect and to start on the upward climb.
+
+The following additional quotation from Dr. Parkyn, gives us a vivid
+insight into the effect upon the Mental States of abnormal Physical
+Conditions: Dr. Parkyn says: "No organ of the body can perform
+its functions properly when the amount of blood supplied to it is
+insufficient, and we find, when the blood supply to the brain is not
+up to the normal standard, that brain functions are interfered with
+to a degree corresponding to the reduction in the circulation. Since
+the amount of blood normally supplied to the brain is lessened in
+nervous prostration, we find that the memory fails and the ability
+to concentrate the attention disappears. The reasoning power becomes
+weakened and the steadiest mind commences to vacillate. Fears and
+hallucinations of every description may fill the mind of a patient
+at this stage, and every impression he receives is likely to be
+greatly distorted or misconstrued. Melancholia with a constant fear of
+impending danger is often present. In fact, the brain seems to lose
+even the power to control its functions, and the mind becomes active
+day and night.... The reduction of the nutrition to the brain lessens
+the activity of all the cerebral centers also, and digestion becomes
+markedly impaired, thereby weakening the organ itself upon which the
+supply of vital force depends."
+
+The physiologist is able to furnish a great variety of illustrations
+of the effect of Physical Conditions over Mental States. He shows
+that many cases of mental trouble are due to eye-strain, and other
+muscular disturbances, and that serious mental complaints sometimes
+arise by reason of physical lesions. The very terms used to designate
+certain abnormal mental states show the relation, as for instance,
+_melancholia_ which is derived from the Greek words meaning "black
+bile"; and _hysteria_, which is derived from the Greek word meaning
+"the womb; or uterus." Every one knows the Mental States produced by
+a sluggish liver, or by dyspepsia, or from constipation. We all know
+the difference between our mental capacity for thinking when we are
+tired, as contrasted with that accompanying the refreshed physical
+condition. No man, whatever his philosophy, can truthfully claim to be
+able to maintain a placid, even disposition, and a perfectly controlled
+temper, when he is suffering from a boil on the back of his neck. And,
+all know that after indulging in the midnight "Welsh rarebit," one is
+apt to dream of his grandmother's ghost, or see dream elephants with
+wings. All know the delirium produced by overindulgence in liquor, and
+the hallucinations that accompany fever. The effect of drugs, tobacco,
+and alcohol upon the Mental States are well known. "Philip drunk" is
+a very different mentality from "Philip sober." The Mental States
+accompanying particular diseases are well known to physicians. One
+disease predisposes the sufferer to gloominess, while another will
+induce a state of feverish hilarity. Some leading authorities now hold
+that many cases of insanity are really due to abnormal conditions of
+the blood, rather than to any diseased condition of the brain.
+
+One of the most marked instances of the action and reaction of Mental
+States and Physical Conditions is met with in the activities of
+the sexual organism. Psychologists very properly hold that sexual
+excesses and abnormalities are largely due to improper thinking, that
+is, by allowing the attention and interest to dwell too strongly and
+continuously upon subjects connected with the activities of that part
+of the physical system. Mental treatment along the lines of Suggestive
+Therapeutics has resulted in curing many persons of troubles of this
+sort. But, note the correlated fact--excess and abnormalities of the
+kind mentioned, almost invariably react upon the mentality of the
+person indulging in them, and softening of the brain, paralysis, or
+imbecility have often arisen directly from these physical abuses. It
+will be seen that any sane treatment of these troubles must take into
+consideration both Body and Mind. In the same way it is a fact that
+just as certain Mental States, notably those of fear, worry, grief,
+jealousy, etc., will injuriously affect the organs of digestion and
+assimilation, so will imperfect functioning of these organs tend to
+produce depressing mental states similar to those just mentioned. Many
+instances of the strange correspondences are met with in the study of
+physiological-psychology, or psychological-physiology.
+
+In order to more fully appreciate the relation between the Body and the
+Mind, let us read the following lines from Prof. Halleck: "Marvelous
+as are the mind's achievements, we must note that it is as completely
+dependent upon the nervous system as is a plant upon sun, rain and
+air. Suppose a child of intelligent parents were ushered into the
+world without a nerve leading from his otherwise perfect brain to any
+portion of his body, with no optic nerve to transmit the glorious
+sensations from the eye, no auditory nerve to conduct the vibrations of
+the mother's voice, no tactile nerves to convey the touch of a hand,
+no olfactory nerve to rouse the brain with the delicate aroma from
+the orchards and the wild flowers in spring, no gustatory, thermal or
+muscular nerves. Could such a child live, as the years rolled on, the
+books of Shakespeare and of Milton would be opened in vain before the
+child's eyes. The wisest men might talk to him with utmost eloquence,
+all to no purpose. Nature could not whisper one of her inspiring truths
+into his deaf ear, could not light up that dark mind with a picture
+of the rainbow or of a human face. No matter how perfect might be the
+child's brain and his inherited capacity for mental activities, his
+faculties would remain for this life shrouded in Egyptian darkness.
+Perception could give memory nothing to retain, and thought could not
+weave her matchless fabrics without materials."
+
+The very feelings or emotions themselves are so closely related
+to the accompanying physical expressions, that it is difficult to
+distinguish between cause and effect, or indeed to state positively
+which really is the cause of the other. Prof. William James, in some
+of his works, strongly indicates this close relation, as for instance
+when he says: "The feeling, in the coarser emotions, result from the
+bodily expression.... My theory is that the bodily changes follow
+directly the perception of the exciting fact, and that our feeling
+of the same changes as they occur _is_ the emotion.... Particular
+perceptions certainly do produce widespread bodily effects by a
+sort of immediate physical influence, antecedent to the arousal of
+an emotion or emotional idea.... Every one of the bodily changes,
+whatsoever it may be, is _felt_, acutely or obscurely, the moment it
+occurs.... If we fancy some strong emotion, and then try to abstract
+from our consciousness of it all the feelings of its bodily symptoms,
+we have nothing left behind.... A disembodied human emotion is a sheer
+nonentity. I do not say that it is a contradiction in the nature
+of things, or that pure spirits are necessarily condemned to cold
+intellectual lives; but I say that for _us_ emotion disassociated from
+all bodily feelings is inconceivable. The more closely I scrutinize my
+states, the more persuaded I become that whatever 'coarse' affections
+and passions I have are in very truth constituted by, and made up of,
+those bodily changes which we ordinarily call their expression or
+consequence.... But our emotions must always be _inwardly_ what they
+are, whatever may be the physiological ground of their apparition.
+If they are deep, pure, worthy, spiritual facts on any conceivable
+theory of their physiological source, they remain no less deep, more
+spiritual, and worthy of regard on this present sensational theory."
+
+A deeper consideration of the relation between Mind and Body would
+necessitate our invading the field of metaphysical speculation, which
+we have expressed our intention to avoid doing. Enough for the purposes
+of our present consideration is: _the recognition that each individual
+is possessed of a mind and a material body; that these two phases or
+aspects of himself are closely related by an infinite variety of ties
+and filaments; that these two phases of his being act and react upon
+each other constantly and continuously; that in all considerations of
+the question of either mental or physical well-being, or both, that
+both of these phases of being must be considered; that any system of
+therapeutics which ignores either of these phases, is necessarily
+"one-sided" and incomplete; and that, while, for convenience and
+clearness of specialized thinking, we may consider the Mind and the
+Body as separate and independent of each other, yet, we must, in the
+end, recognize their interdependence, mutual relation, action and
+reaction._
+
+Thus, the New Psychology recognizes the importance of the Body, while
+the New Physiology recognizes the importance of the Mind. And, in the
+end, we feel that both physiology and psychology must be recognized as
+being but two different phases of one great science--the Science of Life.
+
+
+
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+There are two occurrences of an unmatched double quotation mark. It was
+unclear where the missing opening or closing quotation mark belonged,
+and no attempt was made to insert one.
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44029 ***
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+<body>
+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44029 ***</div>
+<h1 class="pg">The Project Gutenberg eBook, Mind and Body, by William Walker Atkinson</h1>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;margin: 0 auto;" cellpadding="10">
+  <tr>
+    <td valign="top">
+      Note:
+    </td>
+    <td>
+      Images of the original pages are available through
+      Internet Archive. See
+      <a href="https://archive.org/details/mindbodyormental00atki">
+      https://archive.org/details/mindbodyormental00atki</a>
+    </td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h1>MIND AND BODY</h1>
+
+<p class="center">OR</p>
+
+<p class="center f125">MENTAL STATES AND PHYSICAL<br />
+CONDITIONS</p>
+
+<p class="center f075">BY</p>
+
+<p class="center">WILLIAM WALKER ATKINSON<br /><br /></p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p class="center f075">L. N. FOWLER &amp; COMPANY<br />
+7, Imperial Arcade, Ludgate Circus<br />
+London, E. C., England</p>
+
+<p class="center"><small>1910</small><br />
+THE PROGRESS COMPANY<br />
+<small>CHICAGO, ILL.</small></p>
+<hr />
+<p class="center f075">
+<span class="smcap">Copyright, 1910<br />
+By</span><br />
+THE PROGRESS COMPANY<br /><br /></p>
+
+<p class="center f075"><span class="smcap">P. F. Pettibone &amp; Co.</span><br />
+Printers and Bindors<br />
+Chicago</p>
+<hr />
+
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+<table summary="CONTENTS"><tr>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td><td class="tdl">Foreword</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="tdr">I.</td><td class="tdl">The Subconscious Mind</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="tdr">II.</td><td class="tdl">The Sympathetic System</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_29">29</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="tdr">III.</td><td class="tdl">The Cell-Minds</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_39">39</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="tdr">IV.</td><td class="tdl">The Mental Basis of Cure</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_58">58</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="tdr">V.</td><td class="tdl">The History of Psycho-Therapy</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_84">84</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="tdr">VI.</td><td class="tdl">Faith Cures</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_115">115</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="tdr">VII.</td><td class="tdl">The Power of the Imagination</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_135">135</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="tdr">VIII.</td><td class="tdl">Belief and Suggestion</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_155">155</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="tdr">IX.</td><td class="tdl">Psycho-Therapeutic Methods</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_173">173</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="tdr">X.</td><td class="tdl">The Reaction of the Physical</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_196">196</a></td>
+</tr></table>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>FOREWORD</h2>
+
+<p>Mind and Body—Mental States and Physical
+Conditions! To the mind of those who
+have contented themselves with merely the
+superficial aspects of things, these two things—mind
+and body; and mental states and
+physical conditions—seem to be as far apart
+as the two poles; seem to be opposites and
+contradictories impossible of reconciliation.
+But to those who have penetrated beneath the
+surface of things, these two apparent opposites
+are seen to be so closely related and inter-related—so
+blended and mingled together
+in manifestation—that it is practically impossible
+to scientifically determine where the
+one leaves off and the other begins. And so
+constant and close is their mutual action and
+reaction, that it often becomes impossible to
+state positively <i>which</i> is the cause and which
+the effect.</p>
+
+<p>In the first place, Science now informs us
+that in all living substance, from cell to mam<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>moth,
+there is and must be Mind. There can
+be no Life without Mind. Mind, indeed, is
+held to be the very “livingness” of Life—the
+greater the degree of manifestation of
+Mind, the higher the degree of Life. Moreover,
+the New Psychology informs us that
+upon the activities of the Subconscious Mind
+depend all the processes of physical life—that
+the Subconscious Mind is the essence of
+what was formerly called the Vital Force—and
+is embodied in every cell, cell-group or
+organ of the body. And, that this Subconscious
+Mind is amenable to suggestion, good
+and evil, from the conscious mind of its
+owner, as well as from outside. When the
+subject of the influence of Mental States upon
+Physical Conditions is studied, one sees that
+the Physical Condition is merely the reflection
+of the Mental State, and the problem
+seems to be solved, the mystery of Health
+and Disease solved. But in this, as in everything
+else, there is seen to be an opposing
+phase—the other side of the shield. Let us
+look at the other side of the question:</p>
+
+<p>Just as we find that wherever there is living
+substance there is Mind, so do we find<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span>
+that we are unable to intelligently consider
+Mind unless as <i>embodied</i> in living substance.
+The idea of Mind, independent of its substantial
+embodiment, becomes a mere abstraction
+impossible of mental imaging—something
+like color independent of the colored
+substance, or light without the illuminated
+substance. And just as we find that
+Mental States influence Physical Conditions,
+so do we find that Physical Conditions influence
+Mental States. And, so the problem
+of Life, Health and Disease once more loses
+its simplicity, and the mystery again deepens.
+The deeper we dig into the subject, the
+more do we become impressed with the idea
+of the universal principle of Action and Reaction
+so apparent in all phenomena. The
+Mind acts upon the Body; the Body reacts
+upon the Mind; cause and effect become confused;
+the reasoning becomes circular—like
+a ring it has no beginning, no end; its beginning
+may be any place we may prefer, its
+ending likewise.</p>
+
+<p>The only reconciliation is to be found in
+the fundamental working hypothesis which
+holds that both Mind and Body—both Men<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>tal
+States and Physical Conditions—are <i>the
+two aspects of something greater than either—the
+opposing poles of the same Reality</i>.
+The radical Materialist asserts that the Body
+is the only reality, and that Mind is merely
+its “by-product.” The Mentalist asserts
+that the Mind is the only reality, and that
+the Body is merely its grosser form of manifestation.
+The unprejudiced philosopher is
+apt to stand aside and say: “You are both
+right, yet both wrong—each is stating the
+truth, but only the half-truth.” With the
+working hypothesis that Mind and Body are
+but varying aspects of the Truth—that Mind
+is the inner essence of the Body, and Body
+the outward manifestation of the Mind—we
+find ourselves on safe ground.</p>
+
+<p>We mention this fundamental principle
+here, for in the body of this book we shall
+not invade the province of metaphysics or
+philosophy, but shall hold ourselves firmly to
+our own field, that of psychology. Of course,
+the very nature of the subject renders it necessary
+that we consider the influence of psychology
+upon physiology, but we have remembered
+that this book belongs to the gen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>eral
+subject of the New Psychology, and we
+have accordingly emphasized the psychological
+side of the subject. But the same material
+could have been used by a writer upon
+physiology, by changing the emphasis from
+the psychological phase to the physiological.</p>
+
+<p>We have written this book to reach not
+only those who refuse to see the wonderful
+influence of the Mental States over the Physical
+Conditions, but also for our “metaphysical”
+friends who have become so enamored
+with the power of the Mind that they practically
+ignore the existence of the Body, indeed,
+in some cases, actually denying the existence
+of the latter. We believe that there
+is a sane middle-ground in “metaphysical
+healing,” as there is in the material treatment
+of disease. In this case, not only does
+Truth lie between the two extremes, but it is
+composed of the blending and assimilation of
+the two opposing ideas and theories. But,
+even if the reader does not fully agree with
+us in our general theories and conclusions, he
+will find within the covers of this book a
+mass of <i>facts</i> which he may use in building
+up a new theory of his own. And, after all,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>
+what are theories but the threads upon which
+are strung the beads of <i>facts</i>—if our string
+does not meet with your approval, break it
+and string the beads of fact upon a thread of
+your own. Theories come, and theories go—but
+<i>facts</i> remain.</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER I</h2>
+
+<p class="center">THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND</p>
+
+<p>In order to understand the nature of the
+influence of the mind upon the body—the
+effect of mental states upon physical functions—we
+must know something of that wonderful
+field of mental activity which in the
+New Psychology is known as “The Subconscious
+Mind,” and which by some writers
+has been styled the “Subjective Mind;” the
+“Involuntary Mind;” the “Subliminal
+Mind;” the “Unconscious Mind,” etc., the
+difference in names arising because of the
+comparative newness of the investigation
+and classification.</p>
+
+<p>Among the various functions of the Subconscious
+Mind, one of the most important is
+that of the charge and control of the involuntary
+activities and functions of the human
+body through the agency of the sympathetic
+nervous system, the cells, and cell-groups.
+As all students of physiology know, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>
+greater part of the activities of the body are
+involuntary—that is, are independent (or
+partly so) of the control of the conscious
+will. As Dr. Schofield says: “The unconscious
+mind, in addition to the three qualities
+which it shares in common with the conscious—<i>viz.</i>,
+will, intellect and emotion—has
+undoubtedly another very important one—nutrition,
+or the general maintenance of the
+body.” And as Hudson states: “The subjective
+mind has absolute control of the functions,
+conditions and sensations of the body.”
+Notwithstanding the dispute which is still
+raging concerning <i>what</i> the Subconscious
+mind <i>is</i>, the authorities all agree upon the
+fact that, whatever else it may be, it may be
+considered as that phase, aspect, part, or field
+of the mind which has charge and control of
+the greater part of the physical functioning
+of the body.</p>
+
+<p>Von Hartmann says: “The explanation
+that unconscious psychical activity itself appropriately
+forms and maintains the body
+has not only nothing to be said against it, but
+has all possible analogies from the most different
+departments of physical and animal<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>
+life in its favor, and appears to be as scientifically
+certain as is possible in the inferences
+from effect to cause.” Maudsley says:
+“The connection of mind and body is such
+that a given state of mind tends to echo itself
+at once in the body.” Carpenter says: “If
+a psychosis or mental state is produced by a
+neurosis or material nerve state, as pain by
+a prick, so also is a neurosis produced by a
+psychosis. That mental antecedents call
+forth physical consequents is just as certain
+as that physical antecedents call forth mental
+consequents.” Tuke says: “Mind,
+through sensory, motor, vaso-motor and
+trophic nerves, causes changes in sensation,
+muscular contraction, nutrition and secretion....
+If the brain is an outgrowth
+from a body corpuscle and is in immediate
+relation with the structures and tissues that
+preceded it, then, though these continue to
+have their own action, the brain must be expected
+to act upon the muscular tissue, the
+organic functions and upon the nervous system
+itself.”</p>
+
+<p>Von Hartmann also says: “In willing any
+conscious act, the unconscious will is evoked<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>
+to institute means to bring about the effect.
+Thus, if I will a stronger salivary secretion,
+the conscious willing of this effect excites the
+unconscious will to institute the necessary
+means. Mothers are said to be able to provide
+through the will a more copious secretion,
+if the sight of the child arouses in them
+the will to suckle. There are people who perspire
+voluntarily. I now possess the power
+of instantaneously reducing the severest hiccoughs
+to silence by my own will, while it
+was formerly a source of great inconvenience
+to me.... An irritation to cough, which
+has no mechanical cause, may be permanently
+suppressed by the will. I believe we might
+possess a far greater voluntary power over
+our bodily functions if we were only accustomed
+from childhood to institute experiments
+and to practice ourselves therein....
+We have arrived at the conclusion
+that every action of the mind on the body,
+without exception, is only possible by means
+of an unconscious will; that such an unconscious
+will can be called forth partly by
+means of a conscious will, partly also through
+the conscious idea of the effect, without con<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>scions
+will, and even in opposition to the
+conscious will.”</p>
+
+<p>Henry Wood says of the Subconscious
+Mind: “It acts automatically upon the physical
+organism. It cognizes external facts,
+conditions, limitations, and even contagions,
+quite independent of its active counterpart.
+One may, therefore, ‘take’ a disease and be
+unaware of any exposure. The subconsciousness
+has been unwittingly trained to fear,
+and accept it; and it is this quality, rather
+than the mere inert matter of the body, that
+succumbs. Matter is never the actor, but is
+always acted upon. This silent, mental partner,
+in operation, seems to be a living, thinking
+personality, conducting affairs on its
+own account. It is a compound of almost unimaginable
+variety, including wisdom and
+foolishness, logic and nonsense, and yet having
+a working unitary economy. It is a hidden
+force to be dealt with and educated, for
+it is often found insubordinate and unruly.
+It refuses co-operation with its lesser but
+more active and wiser counterpart. It is
+very ‘set’ in its views, and only changes its
+qualities and opinions by slow degrees. But,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>
+like a pair of horses, not until these two mental
+factors can be trained together can there
+be harmony and efficiency.”</p>
+
+<p>In order to understand the important part
+played in the physical economy by the Subconscious
+Mind, it is only necessary to understand
+the various processes of the human
+system which are out of the ordinary field
+of the voluntary or conscious mind. We then
+realize that the entire process of nutrition,
+including digestion, assimilation, etc., the
+processes of elimination, the processes of
+circulation, the processes of growth, in fact
+the entire processes manifested in the work
+of the cells, cell-groups, ganglia, physical organs,
+etc., are in charge of and controlled by
+the Subconscious Mind. Our food is digested
+and transformed into the nourishing substances
+of the blood; then carried through
+the arteries to all parts of the body, where
+it is absorbed by the cells and used to replace
+the worn-out material, the latter then being
+carried back through the veins to the lungs
+where the waste matter is burned up, and the
+balance again sent on its journey through the
+arteries re-charged with the life-giving oxy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>gen.
+All of these processes, and many others
+of almost equal importance, are out of the
+field of the conscious or voluntary mind, and
+are governed by the Subconscious Mind. As
+we shall see when we consider the Sympathetic
+Nervous System, the greater part of
+the body is dominated by the Subconscious
+Mind, and that the welfare of the major
+physical functions depends entirely, or almost
+so, upon this great area or field of the
+mind.</p>
+
+<p>The best authorities now generally agree
+that there is no part of the body which may
+be considered as devoid of mind. The Subconscious
+Mind is not confined to the brain,
+or even the greater plexuses of the nervous
+system, but extends to all parts of the body,
+to every nerve, muscle, and even to every
+cell and cell-group of the body. The functions
+and processes of the body are no longer
+considered as purely mechanical, or chemical,
+but are now seen to be the result of mental
+action of some kind or degree. Therefore,
+in considering the Subconscious Mind,
+one must not think of it as resident in the
+brain alone, but rather as being <i>distributed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>
+over the entire physical body</i>. There is
+mind in every cell, every organ, every muscle,
+every nerve—in every part of the body.</p>
+
+<p>The importance of the above statements
+regarding the power and importance of the
+Subconscious Mind may be realized when
+one remembers the dictum of the New Psychology,
+to wit: <i>The Subconscious Mind is
+amenable to Suggestion</i>. When it is realized
+that this great controller of the physical organism
+is so constituted that it accepts as
+truth the suggestions from the conscious
+mind of its owner, as well as those emanating
+from the conscious minds of other people, it
+may be understood why Faith, Belief, and
+Expectant Attention manifest such marked
+effects upon the physical body and the general
+health, for good or for evil, as indicated
+in the preceding chapters. All of the many
+instances and examples recited in the preceding
+chapters may be understood when it
+is realized that the Subconscious Mind, which
+is in control of the physical functions and
+vital processes, will accept the suggestions
+from the conscious mind of its owner, and
+also suggestions from outside which the con<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span>scious
+mind of its owner allows to pass down
+to it. If, as Henry Wood has said in the
+paragraph previously quoted, it “acts automatically
+upon the physical organism,” and
+“seems to be a living, thinking personality,
+conducting affairs on its own account,” and
+at the same time, <i>accepts and ‘takes on’ suggested
+conditions</i>, it may be readily understood
+how the wonderful and almost incredible
+statements of the authorities mentioned
+in the preceding chapters have had real and
+substantial basis in truth.</p>
+
+<p>This understanding of the part played by
+the Subjective Mind in controlling and affecting
+physical conditions and activities, together
+with its suggestible qualities and nature,
+gives us a key to the whole question of
+the “Why?” of Mental Healing. Suggestion
+is the connecting link between Mind and
+Body, and an understanding of its laws and
+principles enables one to see the moving
+cause of the strange phenomena of the Faith
+Cures, under whatever name they may pass,
+and under whatever guise they may present
+themselves. “Suggestion” is the explanation
+offered by the New Psychology for the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>
+almost miraculous phenomena which other
+schools seek to explain upon some hypothesis
+based either upon religious beliefs, or
+upon some metaphysical or philosophical doctrine.
+The New Psychology holds that it is
+not necessary to go outside of the realms of
+psychology and physiology in studying Mental
+Healing or Psycho-Therapy; and that the
+theories of the semi-religious and metaphysical
+cults are merely strange guises or masks
+which serve to conceal the real operative
+principle of cure.</p>
+
+<p>The following quotation from Dr. Schofield
+will serve to call the attention to the
+important part played by the Subconscious
+Mind in the physical activities, a fact which
+is not generally recognized: “It has often
+been a mystery how the body thrives so well
+with so little oversight or care on the part of
+its owner. No machine could be constructed,
+nor could any combination of solids or liquids
+in organic compounds, regulate, control,
+counteract, help, hinder or arrange for the
+continual succession of differing events,
+foods, surroundings and conditions which are
+constantly affecting the body. And yet, in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span>
+the midst of this ever-changing and varying
+succession of influences, the body holds on its
+course of growth, health, nutrition and self-maintenance
+with the most marvelous constancy.
+We perceive, of course, clearly, that
+the best of qualities—regulation, control,
+etc., etc.—are all mental qualities, and at the
+same time we are equally clear that by no
+self-examination can we say we consciously
+exercise any of these mental powers over the
+organic processes of our bodies. One would
+think, then, that the conclusion is sufficiently
+simple and obvious—that they must be used
+unconsciously; in other words, it is, and can
+be nothing else than <i>unconscious mental powers</i>
+that control, guide and govern the functions
+and organs of the body.</p>
+
+<p>“Our ordinary text-books on physiology
+give but little idea of what I may call the intelligence
+that presides over the various systems
+of the body, showing itself in the bones,
+as we have seen, in distributing the available
+but insufficient amount of lime salts in disease;
+not equally, but for the protection of
+the most vital parts, leaving those of lesser
+value disproportionally deficient. In the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>
+muscular system nearly all contractions are
+involuntary. Even in the voluntary (so-called)
+muscles, the most we can do is to will
+results. We do not will the contractions that
+carry out these results. Muscles, striped
+and unstriped, are ceaselessly acting without
+the slightest consciousness in maintaining
+the balance of the body, the expression
+of the face, the general attributes corresponding
+to mental states, the carrying on of digestion
+and other processes with a purposiveness,
+and adaptation of means to new
+ends and new conditions, ceaselessly arising,
+that are beyond all material mechanism.
+Consider, for instance, the marvelous increase
+of smooth muscle in the uterus at
+term, and also its no less marvelous subsequent
+involution; observe, too, the compensating
+muscular increase of a damaged heart
+until the balance is restored and the necessity
+for it ceases, as does growth at a fixed
+period; consider in detail the repair of a
+broken bone. These actions are not mere
+properties of matter; they demand, and are
+the result of, a controlling mind.</p>
+
+<p>“The circulation does not go round as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>
+most text-books would lead us to believe, as
+the result merely of the action of a system
+of elastic tubes, connected with a self-acting
+force-pump. It is such views as these that
+degrade physiology and obscure the marvels
+of the body. The circulation never flows for
+two minutes in the same manner. In an instant,
+miles of capillaries are closed or
+opened up, according to the ever-varying
+body needs, of which, consciously, we are entirely
+unaware. The blood supply of each
+organ is not mechanical, but is carefully
+regulated from minute to minute in health,
+exactly according to its needs and activities,
+and when this ever fails, we at once recognize
+it as disease, and call it congestion and
+so forth. The very heart-beat itself is never
+constant, but varies <i>pro rata</i> with the amount
+of exercise, activity of vital functions, of
+conditions of temperature, etc., and even of
+emotions and other direct mental feelings.
+The whole reproductive system is obviously
+under the sway and guidance of more than
+blind material forces. In short, when thoroughly
+analyzed, the action and regulation of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>
+no system of the body can be satisfactorily
+explained, without postulating an unconscious
+mental element, which <i>does</i>, if allowed,
+satisfactorily explain all the phenomena.”</p>
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER II</h2>
+
+<p class="center">THE SYMPATHETIC SYSTEM</p>
+
+<p>The average person has a general understanding
+of what is meant by “the nervous
+system,” but inquiry will show that by this
+term he usually includes only that part of
+the nervous system which is known as the
+“cerebro-spinal system,” or the system of
+nerves consisting of the brain and spinal
+cord, and the nerves extending therefrom
+throughout the body, the offices of which are
+to control the voluntary movements of the
+body. The average person is almost entirely
+ignorant of the existence of the Great Sympathetic
+System which controls the involuntary
+movements and processes, such as the
+processes and functions of nutrition, secretion,
+reproduction, excretion, the vaso-motor
+action, etc. In physiology, the term “sympathetic”
+is used in the sense of: “Reciprocal
+action of the different parts of the body
+on each other; an affection of one part of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>
+body in consequence of something taking
+place in another. Thus when there is a local
+injury, the whole frame after a time suffers
+with it. A wound anywhere will tend to
+create feverishness everywhere; derangement
+of the stomach will tend to produce
+headache, liver complaint to produce pain in
+the shoulder, etc.”</p>
+
+<p>An old authority thus describes the Sympathetic
+Nerves: “A system of nerves, running
+from the base of the skull to the coccyx,
+along both sides of the body, and consisting
+of a series of ganglia along the spinal column
+by the side of the vertebræ. With this
+trunk of the sympathetic there are communicating
+branches which connect the ganglia,
+or the intermediate cord, with all the spinal
+and several of the cranial nerves proceeding
+to primary branches on the neighboring organs
+or other ganglia, and finally numerous
+flexures of nerves running to the viscera.
+Various fibers from the sympathetic communicate
+with those of the cerebro-spinal system.
+The term ‘sympathetic’ has been applied
+on the supposition that it is the agent
+in producing sympathy between different<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>
+parts of the body. It more certainly affects
+the secretions.” In the New Psychology the
+Sympathetic Nervous System is recognized
+as that directly under the control of the Subconscious
+Mind.</p>
+
+<p>The Cerebro-Spinal Nervous System is
+concerned with the activities arising from the
+conscious activities of the mind, including
+those of the five senses. It controls the
+muscles by which we speak, walk, move our
+limbs, and pursue the ordinary activities of
+outer life. But, while these are very important
+to the individual, there is another set of
+activities—inner activities—which are none
+the less important. The Sympathetic System
+controls the involuntary muscles by
+means of which the heart throbs, the arteries
+pulsate, the air is conveyed to the lungs, the
+blood moves to and from the heart, the various
+glands and tubes of the body operate,
+and the entire work of nutrition, repair, and
+body-building is performed. While the Cerebro-Spinal
+System, and the Conscious Mind
+are able to rest a considerable portion of the
+twenty-four hours of the day, the Sympathetic
+System and the Subconscious Mind<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>
+must needs work every minute of the twenty-four
+hours, without rest or vacation, during
+the life of their owner.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. E. H. Pratt, in his valuable “Series of
+Impersonations” published in the medical
+magazines several years ago, and since reproduced
+in book form, makes “The Sympathetic
+Man” speak as follows: “The entire
+body can do nothing without me; and my occupation
+of supplying the inspiration for our
+entire family is so constant and engaging
+that I am compelled to attend strictly to
+business night and day from one end of life
+to the other, and have no time whatever for
+observation, education, or amusement outside
+of my daily tasks. As a rule, I perform my
+work so noiselessly that the rest of the family
+are scarcely conscious of my existence, for
+when I am well everything works all right,
+each organ plays its part as usual, and the
+entire machinery of life is operated noiselessly
+and without friction. When I am not
+well, however, and am not quite equal to the
+demands made upon me, I have two ways of
+making it known to the family. One is by
+appealing to self-consciousness through the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>
+assistance of my cerebro-spinal brother, with
+whom I am closely associated, thereby causing
+some disturbance of sensation or locomotion
+(the most frequent disturbance in this
+direction being the instituting of some form
+of pain); or I sometimes take it into my head
+to say nothing to my cerebro-spinal brother
+about my affairs, but simply shirk my duties,
+and my inefficiency becomes manifest only
+when some one or all of the organs suffer
+from some function poorly performed.”</p>
+
+<p>The nerve-centres of the Cerebro-Spinal
+System are grouped closely together, while
+those of the Sympathetic System are scattered
+about the body, each organ having its
+appropriate centre or tiny-brain. The
+heart, the liver, the kidneys, the spleen, the
+brain, the intestinal tract, the bladder, the
+generative organs, have each its own particular
+nerve-centre of the Sympathetic System—each
+its tiny-brain—each, however, connected
+with all the others. And more than
+this—in addition to the tiny-brains in each of
+the important vital organs, there are found
+scattered through the trunk a number of
+<i>ganglia</i>, or knots of gray nervous matter, ar<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>ranged
+longitudinally in two lines extending
+from just in front of the spinal column from
+the base of the skull to the end of the spinal
+column, each vertebra having its appropriate
+ganglia. In some cases several of these ganglia
+are grouped together, the number ranging
+from two to three. Each ganglion is a
+distinct centre giving off branches in four
+directions.</p>
+
+<p>There is also one place in which are
+grouped together several very large ganglia,
+forming what is known as the Solar Plexus,
+or Abdominal Brain, which is situated at the
+upper part of the abdomen, behind the stomach
+and in front of the aorta and the pillars
+of the diaphragm, and from which issue
+nerves extending in all directions. By some
+authorities the Solar Plexus is regarded as
+the great centre of the Sympathetic System,
+and the main seat of the Subconscious Mind.
+Dr. Byron Robinson bestowed upon this
+centre the name “The Abdominal Brain,”
+saying of the use of the term: “I mean to
+convey the idea that it is endowed with the
+high powers and phenomena of a great ner<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span>vous
+centre; that it can organize, multiply,
+and diminish forces.”</p>
+
+<p>One of the most interesting and significant
+features of the ganglia is that of their connection
+with the nerve centres of the Cerebro-Spinal
+System, indicating the reciprocal
+action existing between the two great nervous
+systems. From each one of the ganglia
+in the two great lines forming the system, issues
+a tiny filament which connects with the
+spinal cord; and at the same time it receives
+from the spinal cord a tiny filament in return,
+thus establishing a double line of communication.
+It is held by some authorities
+that one of these filaments acts as a sending
+wire, and the other as a receiving wire between
+the two systems. Be this as it may,
+the inter-communication between the two systems
+is clearly indicated.</p>
+
+<p>It must be remembered that the involuntary
+muscles which move the heart, as well
+as the tiny muscles which form the middle-coat
+of the arteries and the veins, are controlled
+by the Sympathetic System, and thus
+the important work of the circulation, which
+goes on day and night, year in and year out,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>
+during life, is directly under the charge of
+the Sympathetic System and the Subconscious
+Mind. Also, the involuntary muscles
+which are concerned with the activities of the
+liver, the kidneys and the spleen, are under
+the same direct control.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. E. H. Pratt, in the “Series of Impersonations”
+above referred to, makes the
+“Subconscious Man” tell the following wonderful
+truth, which we suggest each reader
+read carefully and fix in his mind: “My
+brother the Sympathetic Man has told you
+that I am the animating spirit of his construction;
+and as he is the great body builder,
+having furnished the emotions under which
+our entire family has been put into form,
+you can understand by what right I pose before
+you as the human form of forms. All
+the rest of the family are because I am.
+Even my Conscious brother, who claims superiority
+to his fellow-shapes because he
+bosses them around a little and makes use
+of them, is a subject of my own creation....
+I am the life of the Sympathetic
+Man, whose existence as a human shape has
+already sufficiently been well established, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>
+as there is no part of him which is not alive,
+the conclusion is very evident that his shape
+and mine are identical. <i>There is no part of
+the sympathetic system which is not animated
+by my own principle of vitality.</i> Indeed,
+he is but a cup of life, though I can
+assure you that his cup is full, and he would
+not be good for much if it was not. So, if
+you are able to conceive the shape of the
+Sympathetic Man, you can regard this form
+as identical with my own. This is really a
+very modest claim on my part, and does not
+quite do justice to myself, for in reality the
+Sympathetic Man does not contain all there
+is of me by any means, for I am not only in
+him, but all around him, and he is not by any
+means capable of containing my full self.”</p>
+
+<p>When it is seen that the vital activities of
+the physical body are ruled, governed and
+controlled by the Sympathetic System, animated
+by the Subconscious Mind, and that the
+latter is amenable to Suggestion from the
+Conscious Mind and from outside, we may
+begin to get a glimmer of the great light
+which illuminates the principle of Mental
+Healing. If the Subconscious Mind, <i>the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>
+builder</i>, is influenced by Suggestion to neglect
+his work, or to build wrongly, it is likewise
+possible for him to heed proper Suggestion
+and to repair his mistakes and to rebuild
+properly. This principle being grasped, the
+rest will seem to be merely an understanding
+of the best methods of reaching the Subconscious
+Mind by Suggestion or Auto-Suggestion.
+We may now begin to understand
+the truth of the old axiom: “As a man thinketh
+in his heart, so is he”—physically. And
+as Thought is based largely upon Belief, can
+we not see the dynamic force of Faith? Is
+there not a real psychological basis for so-called
+“miracles?” Is not the wonder-working
+of the cults now understandable?</p>
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER III</h2>
+
+<p class="center">THE CELL-MINDS</p>
+
+<p>Modern science has demonstrated that the
+human body is composed of a multitude of
+microscopic cells, that is, that the muscles,
+nerves, tissues, blood, bones, hair and nails
+are made up of minute cells, and groups of
+cells. Virchow says: “It is of the cells that
+the tissues are built up and the nerves
+formed. There is no part of the human
+body in which the cell is not seen. All these
+cells are neuclated—have in them a central
+life-spot like the yolk of an egg. Each cell
+is born, reproduces itself, dies and is absorbed.
+The maintenance of life and health
+depends upon the constant regeneration of
+the cells. When man can control the life and
+death of the cell he becomes the creator.”
+Medical science now practically asserts that
+disease of the body is really disease of the
+cells of which the body is composed, and that
+all healing of the body must consist of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>
+healing of the cells—that is, of restoring the
+cells to normal activity and functioning.</p>
+
+<p>The following quotation from Hudson, following
+Stephens, is interesting: “An aggregation
+of cells became a confederation, with
+its differentiation of cell functions and still
+further division of labor. As a result of a
+long process of such differentiation, the organisms
+of the larger animals and of man
+came to be composed, as we find them, of
+thirty or more different species of cells. For
+example, we have the muscle cells, whose vital
+energies are devoted to the office of contraction,
+or vigorous shortening of length; connective-tissue
+cells, whose office is mainly to
+produce and conserve a tough fibre for binding
+together and covering in the organism;
+bone cells, whose life work is to select and
+collocate salts of lime for the organic framework,
+levers and joints; hair, nail, horn and
+feather cells, which work in silicates for the
+protection, defense, and ornamentation of
+the organism; gland cells, whose <i>motif</i> in
+living has come to be the abstraction from
+the blood of substances which are recombined
+to produce juices needed to aid the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>
+various processes or steps of digestion;
+blood cells, which have assumed the laborious
+function of general carriers, scavengers,
+and repairers of the organism; eye, ear, nasal
+and palate cells, which have become the special
+artificers of complicated apparatus for
+transmitting light, sound, odors, and flavors
+to the highly sentient brain cells; pulmonary
+cells, which elaborate a tissue for the introduction
+of oxygen and the elimination of
+carbon dioxide and other waste products;
+hepatic (liver) cells, which have, in response
+to the needs of the organism, descended to
+the menial office of living on the waste products
+and converting them into chemical reagents
+to facilitate digestion—these and
+numerous other species of cells; and lastly,
+most important and of greatest interest,
+brain and nerve cells.”</p>
+
+<p>The various cells of the body are constantly
+busy, each performing its particular task,
+either singly or in connection with other cells
+in the cell-group. Like a great arm, the cells
+are divided into classes, some being engaged
+in the active daily work, while others are
+held back on the reserve line. Some are en<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span>gaged
+in building up the tissues, muscles and
+bones, while others are busy manufacturing
+the juices, secretions, fluids and chemical
+compounds required in the great laboratory
+of the body. Some remain at their posts,
+stationary during their entire life, while
+others remain stationary only until the call
+comes for their services, while a third class
+are in constant motion from place to place
+either following regular routes or else travelling
+under a roving commission. Some of
+the moving cells act as carriers of material—the
+hod-carriers of the body, while others
+move about doing special repair work such
+as the healing of wounds, etc., while others
+still are the scavengers and street cleaners of
+system, and others form the cell army and
+cell police force. The body has been compared
+to a vast communistic or socialistic
+colony, each member of which cheerfully devotes
+his life-work, and often his life itself,
+to the common good. The brain cells are of
+course the most highly organized, and the
+most highly differentiated of the cells. The
+nerve cells constitute a living telegraph system
+over which is carried the messages from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>
+the several parts of the body, each cell being
+in close contact with its neighbor on each
+side—the nerve cells practically clasp hands
+and form a living chain of communication.</p>
+
+<p>The blood cells are important members of
+the cell-community, and are exceedingly numerous,
+there being over 75,000,000,000 of the
+red-blood cells alone. These red-blood cells
+move in the blood currents, carrying through
+the arteries each its little load of oxygen
+which it transports to the distant tissues that
+they may be invigorated and vitalized anew;
+and, returning, carrying through the veins
+the debris and waste products of the system
+to the great crematory of the lungs where the
+waste is burnt and thrown off from the body.
+Like the ships that sail the sea, each cell
+carries its outgoing cargo, and returns with
+another one. Some of these cells perform
+the office of special repairers, forcing their
+way through the walls of the blood-vessels
+and penetrating the tissues in order to perform
+their special tasks. There are several
+other kinds of cells in the blood besides the
+carriers just mentioned. There are the wonderful
+soldier and police cells which main<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>tain
+order and fight battles when necessary.
+The police cells are on the constant lookout
+for germs, bacteria and other microscopic
+disturbers of the peace of the body. When
+these tiny policemen discover vagrant germs,
+or criminal bacteria, they rush upon the intruder
+and tying him up in a mesh, proceed
+to devour him. If the intruder be too large
+or vigorous, a call for assistance is sent out,
+and the reserve police rush to the assistance
+of their brothers and overpower the disturber
+of the peace. Sometimes when the
+vagrants are too numerous, the policemen
+throw them out from the body, by means of
+pimples, boils and similar eruptions. In case
+of infectious diseases, an army corps is ordered
+out in full strength and a royal fight is
+waged between the invading army and the
+defenders of home and country.</p>
+
+<p>Some of the blood cells take a part in the
+process of extracting from the food its nourishing
+particles, and then carrying the same
+through the blood-channels to all parts of the
+body, where it is used to feed and nourish the
+stationary cells there located. These cells
+manufacture the chemical juices of the body,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>
+such as bile, gastric juice, pancreatic juices,
+milk, etc., in short the entire physical process
+is carried on by these indefatigable tiny cells.
+The body of each of us is simply a great community
+of cells of various kinds. The cells
+are born by the form of reproduction common
+to all cells, that of sub-division. Each
+cell grows until a certain size is reached,
+when it assumes a “dumb-bell” shape, with
+a tiny waist line, which waist is afterward
+dissolved and the two cells move away from
+each other. In this way, and this way alone,
+does the body grow, the material required for
+the enlargement of the cell being supplied
+from the food and nourishment partaken by
+the individual. Cells die after having performed
+their life-work, and their corpses are
+carried through the veins by the carrier cells,
+and cast into the crematory of the lungs
+where they are consumed.</p>
+
+<p>The body is constantly undergoing a process
+of change and regeneration. Old cells
+are being cast off every second, and new cells
+are taking their places. Our muscles, tissues,
+hair, nails, nerves, brain substance, and
+even our bones are constantly being made<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>
+over and rebuilt. Our bodies to-day do not
+contain a single particle of the material
+which composed them a few years back. A
+few weeks suffices to replace our entire skin,
+and a few months to replace other parts of
+the body. If a sufficiently large microscope
+could be placed over our bodies, we would
+see each part of it as active as a hive of bees,
+each cell being in action and motion, and the
+entire domestic work of the human hive being
+performed according to law and order. Verily,
+“we are fearfully and wonderfully
+made.”</p>
+
+<p>A number of the best authorities have
+used the illustration of the process of the
+cells in healing an ordinary wound, in order
+to show the activity and “mind” of the tiny
+cells. We have become so accustomed to
+the natural healing of a wound, scratch or
+broken skin, that we have grown to regard
+it as an almost mechanical process. But,
+science shows us that there is manifested in
+the healing process a marvellous degree of
+life and mind in the cells. Let us consider
+the process of healing an ordinary wound,
+that we may see the cells at work. Let us<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>
+imagine that we are gazing at the wounded
+part through a marvellously strong microscope
+which enables us to see every cell at
+work. If such a glass were provided we
+should witness a scene similar to that now
+to be described.</p>
+
+<p>In the first place, through our glass, we
+should see the gaping wound enlarged to gigantic
+proportions. We should see the torn
+skin, tissues, lymphatic and blood vessels,
+glands, muscles and nerves. We would see
+the blood pouring forth washing away the
+dirt and foreign substances that have entered
+the wound. We would then see the messages
+calling for help flashing over the living telegraph
+wires of the nerves, each nerve-cell
+rapidly passing the word to its neighbor until
+the great sympathetic centres received the
+call and sounded the alarm and sent out a
+“hurry up” call to the cells needed for the
+repair work. In the meantime the cells of
+the blood, coming in contact with the outside
+air have begun to coagulate into a sticky
+substance, which is the beginning of the scab,
+the purpose being to close the wound and to
+hold the severed parts together. The repair<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span>
+cells having now arrived at the scene of the
+accident begin to mend the break. The tissue,
+nerve, and muscle cells, on each side of
+the wound begin to multiply rapidly, receiving
+their nourishment from the blood cells,
+and quickly a cell bridge is built up until the
+two severed edges of the wound are reunited.
+This bridging is no haphazard process, for
+the presence of directing law and order is
+apparent. The newly-born cells of the blood-vessels
+unite with their brothers on the other
+side, evenly and in an orderly manner, new
+tubular channels being formed skillfully.
+The cells of the connective tissues likewise
+grow toward each other, and unite in the
+same orderly manner. The nerve-cells repair
+their broken lines, just as do a gang of
+linemen repair the interrupted telegraph system.
+The muscles are united in the same
+way. But mark you this, there is no mistake
+in this connecting process—muscle does
+not connect with nerve, nor blood-vessel with
+connective tissue. Finally, the inner repairs
+and connections having been completed, the
+scab disappears and the cells of the outer
+skin rebuild the outer covering, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>
+wound is healed. This process may occupy
+a few hours, or many days, depending upon
+the character of the wound, but the process
+is the same in all cases. The surgeon merely
+disinfects and cleans the wound, and placing
+the parts together allows the cells to perform
+their healing work, for no other power
+can perform the task. The knitting together
+of a broken bone proceeds along the same
+lines—the surgeon places the parts in juxtaposition,
+binds the limb together to prevent
+slipping, and the cells do the rest.</p>
+
+<p>When the body is well nourished, the general
+system well toned up, and the mind
+cheerful and active, the repair work proceeds
+rapidly. But when the physical system is
+run down, the body poorly nourished, and the
+mind depressed and full of fear, the work is
+retarded and interfered with. It is this healing
+power inherent in the cells that physicians
+speak of as the <i>vis vita</i> or <i>vis medicatrix
+naturae</i>, or “the healing power of nature.”
+Of it Dr. Patton says: “By the
+term ‘efforts of nature’ we mean a certain
+curative or restorative principle, or <i>vis
+vita</i>, implanted in every living or organized<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>
+body, constantly operative for its repair,
+preservation and health. This instinctive endeavor
+to repair the human organism is signally
+shown in the event of a severed or lost
+part, as a finger, for instance; for nature unaided
+will repair and fashion a stump equal
+to one from the hands of an eminent surgeon....
+Nature, unaided, may be equally
+potent in ordinary illness. Many individuals,
+even when severely ill, either from motives
+of economy, prejudice, or skepticism,
+remain at rest in bed, under favorable hygiene,
+regimen, etc., and speedily get well
+without a physician or medicine.”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Schofield says: “The <i>vis medicatrix
+naturae</i> is a very potent factor in the amelioration
+of disease, if it only be allowed fair
+play. An exercise of faith, as a rule, suspends
+the operation of adverse influences,
+and appeals strongly through the consciousness,
+to the inner and underlying faculty of
+vital force (<i>i. e.</i>, unconscious mind).” Dr.
+Bruce says: “We are compelled to acknowledge
+a power of natural recovery inherent
+in the body—a similar statement has been
+made by writers on the principle of medicine<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>
+in all ages.... The body does possess
+a means and mechanism for modifying or
+neutralizing influences which it cannot directly
+overcome.” Oliver Wendell Holmes
+says: “Whatever other theories we hold
+we must recognize the ‘<i>vis medicatrix naturae</i>’
+in some shape or other.” Bruce says:
+“A natural power of the prevention and repair
+of disorders and disease has as real and
+as active an existence within us, as have the
+ordinary functions of the organs themselves.”
+Hippocrates said: “Nature is the physician
+of diseases.” And Ambrose Pare wrote on
+the walls of the great medical school, the
+Ecole de Medicine of Paris, these words: “<i>Je
+le ponsez et Dieu le guarit</i>,” which translated
+is: “I dressed the wound, and God
+healed it.”</p>
+
+<p>It is of course true that the life and mind
+in the cells is derived from the Subconscious
+Mind, in fact the cells themselves may be
+said to <i>embody</i> the Subconscious Mind, just
+as the cells of the brain <i>embody</i> the Conscious
+Mind. In every cell there is to be
+found intelligence in a degree required for
+the successful performance of the particular<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>
+task of that cell. Hudson says: “All organic
+tissue is made up of microscopic cells,
+each one of which <i>is a living, intelligent entity</i>.”
+And, again, “The subordinate intelligences
+are the cells of which the whole
+body is composed, <i>each of which is an intelligent
+entity, endowed with powers commensurate
+with its functions</i>.” In short, <i>the
+cells of the body are living organs for the
+expression and manifestation of the Subconscious
+Mind</i>. There is not a single cell,
+group, or part of the party which is devoid
+of mind. Mind is imminent in the entire
+body, and in its every part, down to the
+smallest cell.</p>
+
+<p>The following quotation from Dr. Thomson
+J. Hudson’s “Mental Medicine” clearly
+expresses a truth conceded by modern
+science. Dr. Hudson says:</p>
+
+<p>“It follows <i>a priori</i>, that every cell in the
+body is endowed with intelligence; and this
+is precisely what all biological science tells
+us is true. Beginning with the lowest form
+of animal life, the humblest cytode, every living
+cell is endowed with a wonderful intelligence.
+There is, in fact, no line to be drawn<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>
+between life and mind; that is to say, every
+living organism is a mind organism, from
+the monera, crawling upon the bed of the
+ocean, to the most highly differentiated cell
+in the cerebral cortex of man. Volumes
+have been written to demonstrate that ‘psychological
+phenomena begin among the very
+lowest class of beings; they are met with in
+every form of life, from the simplest cellule
+to the most complicated organism. It is they
+that are the essential phenomena of life, inherent
+in all protoplasm.’ (Binet.) It is,
+in fact, an axiom of science that the lowest
+unicellular organism is endowed with the potentialities
+of manhood. I have remarked
+that each living cell is endowed with a wonderful
+intelligence. This is emphatically
+true, whether it is a unicellular organism or
+a constituent element of a multicellular organism.
+Its wonderful character consists not
+so much in the amount of intelligence possessed
+by each individual cell, as it does in
+the quality of that intelligence. That is to
+say, each cell is endowed with an instinctive,
+or intuitive, knowledge of all that is essential
+to the preservation of its own life, the con<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>servation
+of its energies, and the perpetuation
+of its species. In other words, it is endowed
+with an intuitive knowledge of the
+laws of its own being, which knowledge is
+proportioned to its stage of development and
+adapted to its environment.”</p>
+
+<p>The cell has the intelligence sufficient to enable
+it to seek nourishment, and to move
+from one place to another in search for food
+or for other purposes. It holds to its food
+when secured, and envelops it until it is absorbed
+and digested. It exercises the power
+of choice, accepting and selecting one portion
+of food in preference to another. It
+has the power of discriminating between
+nourishing food and the reverse. The authorities
+show that it has a rudimentary
+memory, and avoids the repetition of an unpleasant
+or painful experience, and also
+returns to the locality in which it has previously
+secured food. Biological experiments
+have shown that the cells are capable of experiencing
+surprise, pleasure and fear, and
+that they experience different degrees of feeling,
+and react accordingly in response to
+stimuli. Verworn, a biologist, even goes so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>
+far as to assert that they habitually adapt
+means to ends, near and remote. In his remarkable
+work on cell-life, “The Psychic
+Life of Micro-organisms,” Binet says: “We
+shall not regard it as strange, perhaps, to
+find so complete a psychology in the history
+of the lower organisms, when we call to mind
+that, agreeably to the ideas of evolution now
+accepted, a higher animal is nothing more
+than a colony of protozoans. Every one of
+the cells composing such an animal has retained
+its primitive properties, giving them
+a higher degree of perfection by division of
+labor and by selection. The epithelial cells
+that secrete the nails and hair are organisms
+perfected with reference to the secretion of
+protective parts. Similarly, the cells of the
+brain are organisms that have been perfected
+with reference to psychical attributes.”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Schofield says: “That life involves
+mind has, of course, like all else, been vigorously
+disputed and equally vigorously affirmed.
+‘Life,’ says Prof. Bascom, ‘is not
+force; it is combining power. <i>It is the product
+and presence of mind.</i>’ ... The
+extent to which the word mind may be em<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span>ployed
+as the inherent cause of purposive
+movements in organisms is a very difficult
+question to solve. There can be no doubt that
+the actual agents in such movements are the
+natural forces, but behind these the directing
+and starting power seems to be psychic....
+There being an indwelling power,
+not only for purposive action in each cell,
+but for endless combinations of cell activities
+for common ends not at all connected
+with the mere nutrition of the single cell, but
+for the good of the completed organism.” Dr.
+R. Dunn says: “From the first movement
+when the primordial cell-germ of a human
+organism comes into being, the entire individual
+is present, fitted for human destiny.
+From the same moment, matter, life and
+mind are never for an instant separated,
+their union constituting the essential work
+of our present existence.” Carpenter says:
+“The convertibility of physical forces and
+correlation of these with the vital and the
+intricacy of that nexus between mental and
+bodily activity which cannot be analyzed, all
+lead upwards towards one and the same conclusion—<i>the
+source of all power is mind</i>.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>
+And that physical conclusion is the apex
+of the pyramid which has its foundation in
+the primitive instincts of humanity.”</p>
+
+<p>Having seen the evidences of life and mind
+in the single cell, let us now proceed to a
+consideration of the intelligence or mind inherent
+and manifest in the groups of cells,
+large and small, including the largest groups
+which compose the several organs of the
+body. This line of investigation will lead us
+to a fuller understanding of the influence of
+the mental states upon the health or disease
+of the organs and parts. It will be seen that
+Mental Healing has a sound biological as
+well as a psychological basis of truth, and
+that it is not necessary to invade the fields of
+metaphysics or theology in order to find an
+explanation of the effect of mind over body.</p>
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2>
+
+<p class="center">THE MENTAL BASIS OF CURE</p>
+
+<p>We have seen that in each cell in the human
+body is embodied a part of the Subconscious
+Mind, sufficient in quantity and
+quality to enable the cell to perform its particular
+work in the physical community of
+cells. In the same manner each group of
+cells, large or small, is possessed of the quantity
+and quality of mind adapted to the successful
+performance of its particular function.
+And, rising in the scale, we find that
+each of the physical organs is possessed of
+a “composite cell-soul” or “organ-mind.”
+As Hudson says: “Each organ of the body
+is composed of a group of cells which are
+differentiated with special reference to the
+functions to be performed by that organ. In
+other words, every function of life is performed
+by groups of co-operative cells, so
+that the body as a whole is simply a confederation
+of the various groups.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>For instance, as Haeckel says: “This ‘tissue
+soul’ is the higher psychological function
+which gives physiological individuality to the
+compound multicellular organism as a true
+‘cell commonwealth.’ It controls all the separate
+‘cell souls’ of the social cells—the mutually
+dependent ‘citizens’ which constitute
+the community.... The human egg-cell,
+as soon as it is fertilized, multiplies by
+division and forms a community, or colony
+of many social cells. These differentiate
+themselves, and by their specialization, by
+various modifications of these cells, the various
+tissues which compose the various organs
+are developed. The developed many-celled
+organisms of man and of all higher
+animals resemble, therefore, a social civil
+community, the numerous single individuals
+of which are, indeed, developed in various
+ways, but which were originally only simple
+cells of one common structure.”</p>
+
+<p>Biology shows us that there are unquestionably
+methods of communication between
+cell and cell, although it has not as yet been
+definitely determined just how this communication
+is effected. In the cell-communities<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>
+of the micro-organisms there is undoubtedly
+present the power to communicate on the
+part of the several cells composing the community,
+and the pain or discomfort of one
+part is evidently felt by the whole community.
+Just as an army, or a congregation, has a
+mind common to the whole, in addition to the
+individual minds of its units, so has every organ
+of the body an “organ mind” in addition
+to the individual cell minds of its unit cells.
+The fact of the existence of “group-mind,”
+or “collective-mind” is recognized by the
+best authorities in modern psychology, and
+the study of its principles throws light on
+some hitherto perplexing phenomena.</p>
+
+<p>Prof. Le Bon, in his work “The Crowd,”
+says of the “collective mind” of men: “The
+sentiments and ideas of all the persons in the
+gathering take one and the same direction,
+and their conscious personality vanishes. A
+collective mind is formed, doubtless transitory,
+but presenting very clearly marked
+characteristics. The gathering has become
+what, in the absence of a better expression,
+I will call an organized crowd, or, if the term
+be considered preferable, a psychological<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>
+crowd. <i>It forms a single being</i>, and is subjected
+to the law of the mental unity of
+crowds.... The most striking peculiarity
+presented by a psychological crowd
+is the following: Whoever be the individuals
+that compose it, however like or unlike be
+their mode of life, their occupation, their
+character, or their intelligence, the fact that
+they have been transformed into a crowd
+puts them in possession of <i>a sort of collective
+mind</i>, which makes them feel, think, and act
+in a manner quite different from that in
+which each individual of them would feel,
+think and act, were he in a state of isolation.
+There are certain ideas and feelings which
+do not come into being, or do not transform
+themselves into acts, except in the case of
+the individuals forming a crowd....
+In the collective mind the intellectual aptitudes
+of the individuals, and in consequence
+their individuality, is weakened....
+The most careful observations seem to prove
+that an individual immerged for some length
+of time in a crowd in action soon finds itself
+in a special state, which most resembles the
+state of fascination in which the hypnotized<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span>
+individual finds himself.... The conscious
+personality has entirely vanished, will
+and discernment are lost. All feelings and
+thoughts are bent in the direction determined
+by the hypnotizer.... An individual in
+a crowd is a grain of sand amid other grains
+of sand, which the wind stirs up at will.”</p>
+
+<p>In short, psychology recognizes a <i>mental
+fusion</i> between the individual minds of units
+composing a community of cells, insects,
+higher animals and even men. The “spirit
+of the hive” noted by all students of bee-life,
+and the community spirit in an ant-hill are
+instances serving to illustrate the general
+principle of “the collective mind.” As we
+have seen in the preceding chapter, the entire
+human body is a vast community of cells,
+each unit in the community having relations
+with every other unit, and all having sprung
+from the same original egg-cell. This great
+community, or <i>nation</i> of cells is divided into
+many smaller communities, chief among
+which are the principal organs of the body,
+as the stomach, the intestines, the liver, the
+kidneys, the spleen, the heart, etc. And, following
+the general rule, each of these organ-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>communities
+possesses its own “collective
+mind,” subordinate, of course, to the great
+community mind known as the Subconscious
+Mind. Ordinarily these communities live in
+peace and harmony, and in obedience to the
+national government. But occasionally rebellions
+and revolutions are started, which
+cause much inharmony, pain and disease.
+Sometimes these rebellions arise from abuse
+of the particular organ by its owner, or from
+sympathy with another abused organ, or
+from general abuse of the system. But, at
+other times, there seems to be an active discontent
+springing up in an organ, to the quelling
+of which the entire Subconscious Mind
+bends its energy and forces. Very often
+these rebellions are started by adverse auto-suggestions
+or fearthoughts emanating from
+the conscious mind of the individual, which
+act according to the law of suggestion and
+practically <i>hypnotize</i> the mind of the organ
+in question.</p>
+
+<p>This idea of each organ having a mind of
+its own—being practically an entity, in fact—may
+be somewhat startling to those who have
+never had the matter presented to them, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>
+the statement is backed up by the best scientific
+authorities who, however, do not usually
+state it in so plain terms, or popular form.
+It is likely that the science of the future will
+make some great discoveries regarding this
+matter of the “collective mind” of the organs,
+and that the schools of medicine will
+adapt the new knowledge to the treatment of
+disease. In the meantime, the practitioners
+of Mental Healing are availing themselves of
+this principle, often without realizing the
+principle itself.</p>
+
+<p>The writer has been interested in this subject
+of the “organ mind” for a number of
+years, and has conducted a number of experiments
+along this line, the result being that he
+feels more firmly convinced each year of the
+truth of the theory or idea. He has found
+that mental treatments based on this theory
+have been very successful, much more so in
+fact than those conducted in pursuance to
+other theories. It seems that by applying the
+suggestive treatment direct to the affected
+organ a quicker response is had. The writer
+is indebted to Dr. Paul Edwards, a well
+known mental healer, who several years ago<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>
+advanced the idea that the mind or “intelligence”
+in the several organs differed greatly
+in temperament and quality. He informed
+us that he had proven to his own satisfaction
+that the heart is “<i>very</i> intelligent,” and
+quite amenable to mild, gentle, coaxing suggestions,
+advice or orders; while, on the
+other hand, the liver is a most mulish, stubborn,
+obstinate organ-mind, which requires
+one to drive it in a sharp positive manner.
+Investigation along these lines suggested by
+Dr. Edwards has convinced the writer that
+the theory is warranted by the facts. Experiments
+have shown that the heart organ-mind
+is gentle, mild, and easily influenced by
+kindly suggestion, advice and requests, and
+that it needs but a word directed to it to attract
+its attention. Likewise, the liver has
+been found to be brutish, stubborn and obstinate,
+needing the most vigorous suggestions—in
+short the liver-mind is a donkey
+and must be so treated. The liver-mind is
+sluggish, torpid and sleepy, and needs much
+prodding before it will “sit up and take notice.”
+The stomach has been found to be
+quite intelligent, especially when it has not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>
+been brutalized by “stuffing.” It will readily
+respond to suggestive treatment of all kinds,
+it being noticed that it may be easily flattered
+or “jollied” into good behavior, just
+as may certain children. The nervous system
+has a mind of its own, and will accept
+suggestions, although it is usually difficult
+to attract its attention, owing to its habit of
+concentration upon its regular work. The
+bowel-mind will respond to firm, kind treatment,
+as will also the uterus-mind and the
+mind controlling the other organs peculiar
+to women.</p>
+
+<p>In another work, the writer has said regarding
+this form of treatment of the organs
+through their organ-minds: “Remember,
+always, that you are mind talking to mind,
+not to dead matter. There is mind in every
+cell, nerve, organ and part of the body, and
+in the body as a whole, and this mind will
+listen to your central mind and obey it, because
+your central mind is positive to it—the
+organ is negative to <i>you</i>. Carry this
+idea with you in giving these treatments, and
+endeavor to visualize the mind in the organs,
+as clearly as may be, for by so doing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>
+you get them in better <i>rapport</i> with you, and
+can handle them to better advantage. And
+always remember that the virtue lies not in
+the mere sound of the words that happen to
+reach the organ or cells—they do not understand
+words as words, but they do understand
+the meaning behind the words. But
+without words it is very hard for you to
+think, or clearly express the feeling—and
+so, by all means use the words just as if the
+organ-mind understood the actual meaning
+thereof, for by so doing you can drive in the
+meaning of the word—and induce the mental
+state and conditions necessary to work
+the cure.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. S. F. Meacham, in a magazine article
+published several years ago, said: “Let me
+once more call your attention to that one
+great principle of disease and cure. It is
+the only medical creed I hold to-day and will
+bear repeating, lest we neglect it. <i>Disease
+is a failure of the cells to make good their
+waste, or to do their full duty.</i> This may be
+an individual matter with the cell, or may
+result from imperfect co-operation; there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span>
+may be a mutiny in the co-operative commonwealth
+constituting the body. Apart
+from all mutual help, or co-operation of cells,
+each individual cell must either do its full
+duty, or suffer, and perchance die, as the
+result. Remember that each individual cell
+lives, and has an office that no other cell can
+fill to save it. If the other cell does the work,
+it will live, but the failing cell will not profit
+thereby. By co-operating they may lighten
+each other’s labors, but <i>no cell is or can be
+exempt from doing its part</i>. Any failure of
+this kind is disease either local or general,
+according to the degree and nature of the
+failure, or according to the importance of
+the mutinous or weakened cell. A cure results
+when the cells again do their work. Or,
+if a certain number die, a cure is established
+when other cells learn to do that particular
+work, which is sometimes the case. A remedy
+is any substance, or force, or procedure
+that will stimulate, or help, or remove obstacles
+that prevent these cells from doing their
+work. <i>Keep in mind, that the life process
+acting through or in the cell does the work
+either aided, or alone.</i> The lesson then is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>
+that all these methods do good, and that owing
+to the view point, mental status, or expectancy
+of the individual, now one and now
+another method will appeal to him and be
+accepted. No matter what we do, we aid,
+we assist only—we do not cure....
+<i>The process going on in each cell is an intelligent
+one</i>, and all extrinsic methods are
+really but suggestions offered to the cell,
+the real worker; and the fact is that any one
+of these helps may be chosen, and all may
+be rejected....”</p>
+
+<p>“The repair of a cell is as equally as intellectual
+a process as any other can be. If,
+for instance, blind force can repair one cell,
+it can many; if it can build one, it can all,
+and mind and intellect are then without
+causal efficacy, without spontaneity, and
+blind force, fatality and purposeless action
+reign supreme.... According to this
+theory the building and repairing of cells
+would not be intellectual, as there would be
+no working plan or purpose. I am aware
+that a purely extrinsic study of the cells
+and of the body will force this conclusion
+upon any candid, unprejudiced mind; but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>
+<i>a study from the inside</i> is a different matter.
+A cell, looked at from without, moves
+only when stimulated; but is this really true?
+The body is but a compound of cells when
+viewed from the outside; then if one cell
+moves when stimulated, why not twenty, a
+hundred, a thousand, a billion, the entire
+body? But is it true of the body? You
+come to me and propose some scheme, or act,
+which I carry out. Now is your proposition
+the real cause of my act, or only a condition?
+Do I not choose, and either do the thing or
+not, as determined from within? If this is
+true of the body, why not of the cell? May
+not the stimulation we see be a condition
+only, and the real cause of the act be within
+the cell itself?... The cell is not a
+mere machine, <i>but a living entity</i>, doing
+everything that the body does. It eats,
+drinks, moves, reproduces its kind, selects
+its food, repairs its waste, etc. These are
+intellectual processes, but may not be
+conscious....</p>
+
+<p>“The cure consists in the repairing of
+the wasted tissue, and in the cells restoring
+and repairing themselves into a definite pat<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>tern,
+necessary to mutual work, so that the
+commonwealth may prosper. Air, water, sunshine,
+food, etc., are necessary to the performance
+of this work of repair. When
+these are furnished, even under the best conditions
+possible, the cells must use them to
+build up the waste, and this they do by their
+internal forces. But this process is what is
+called repair on the one hand, and cure on
+the other. External means may be essential,
+but that will not make them really curative....
+It is well, also, to keep in mind that
+external in the true sense of the term as
+we are using it here. <i>Any force outside of
+the diseased cell is an external force to that
+cell even if it be thought-force.</i> Disease is
+always treated by external force, external as
+defined above, and all disease is just as
+surely cured by internal force—viz.: <i>force
+resident in the cell itself</i>. Here we all stand
+around the suffering cell, one with drug-power
+in his hand, another with electricity,
+or water, or heat, or directed attention—thought-force
+or more nourishment which
+necessitates a better circulation to that area,
+or some other of the thousand therapeutic<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span>
+measures, and we are close enough together
+at last to see that we are simply using different
+stimuli to try to aid the real worker
+within the cell to do his work by furnishing,
+not only material that is necessary, but force
+as well, that out of the abundance his work
+may be easy and rapid.”</p>
+
+<p>The reader who will consider the numerous
+instances of cure by Suggestion or
+Faith-Cure, as noted in the following chapters,
+will be better able to understand the
+principle underlying these cures if he will
+realize the fact brought out so forcibly by
+Dr. Meacham, as above quoted. The attention
+of the patient being directed to the organ
+affected, in connection with the stimulating
+and vitalizing effect of Faith and Belief,
+starts into renewed activity the cell-mind
+of the organ in question, and arouses
+its reparative and recuperative energies.
+Each organ, and its component cells and cell-groups,
+is of course under the control of the
+Subconscious Mind, and forms a part of the
+material embodiment thereof. The Subconscious
+Mind, being stimulated by the Suggestion
+and Faith, and having its Expectant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>
+Attention aroused, concentrates its energies
+upon the reparative and recuperative processes
+in the organ, and the work of cure proceeds.
+The cure, in every case, is simply
+either repair work, or else the restoration
+of normal functioning—in either case the
+cells themselves doing the work.</p>
+
+<p>In the consideration of the reasons underlying
+the cure of disease by Psycho-Therapeutics,
+we must first consider the question
+of what disease really is. And in this phase
+of the consideration, it will be well for us to
+first dispel the erroneous ideas concerning
+disease which we have been entertaining.
+Perhaps the following striking statement
+from Sidney Murphy, M. D., printed in the
+magazine “Suggestion” several years ago,
+may help you to form a correct idea of the
+nature of disease, or rather a correct idea
+of what disease <i>is not</i>. Dr. Murphy says, in
+the said article, among other things: “Prof.
+S. D. Gross, formerly of the New York University
+Medical School, says: ‘Of the essence
+of disease very little is known—indeed
+nothing at all.’ Nevertheless it is evident<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>
+that medical men have an idea on the subject.
+The theory generally held, I believe,
+is that disease is destructive action; but just
+what this means, whether destructive action
+on the part of vitality itself, or by something
+acting upon the vitality, is not so clear; but
+we are enabled to gain some light by reference
+to the expression used in medical books concerning
+it. Thus we find that disease ‘attacks
+us,’ that it ‘seats itself in an organ,’
+that ‘it works through us, runs its course,’
+etc. It is also said to be ‘very malignant,’
+or ‘quite mild,’ ‘persistently resisting all
+treatment,’ or ‘yielding readily’ to it. In
+fact, it is considered an entity, possessing
+character and disposition and general vital
+qualities—a something which domiciles itself
+in the vital domain, and exercises its
+forces to the destruction of the vital powers.
+It is indeed spoken of as one would speak of
+a rat in his granary, or a mouse in his cupboard,
+and efforts are made to dislodge it,
+or kill it, as one would dislodge or kill any
+other living thing. This theory of disease
+is beginning to be looked upon even by the
+medical world as untenable. Living things<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>
+are always possessed of organizations having
+form or shape; and hence if disease were
+such, its form would be discerned and described;
+a thing which never has been done.
+Disease by our ancestors was considered a
+subtile and mysterious thing which pounced
+down upon us, and runs its course without any
+reference to causes; and language being
+formed to convey this idea, it has been transmitted
+almost unchanged from generation
+to generation down to the present time. And
+the medical profession of to-day is simply
+an embodiment of that idea. It is probable
+that the term ‘destructive action’ is generally
+held to mean destructive action on the
+part of the vitality itself.... Life in
+organic form is developed according to law.
+Slowly rising into power, organization at
+length reaches its zenith, and then goes down
+the gentle declivity, until the soul steps off
+into the great beyond, without pain or struggle,
+provided always that the conditions of
+life are natural and therefore favorable; but
+if these be unfavorable, unfavorable results
+must of course follow; vitality, nevertheless,
+doing the best it can under the circum<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>stances
+to preserve the normal state of the
+body. Disease, we propose to show, is not
+antagonistic to vital action, but the opposite,
+a remedial effort, <i>or vital action on the
+defensive</i>. It is not a downward tendency,
+nor the result of a downward tendency on
+the part of a living organism, but is itself
+an upward or self-preservative tendency, the
+result of disobedience to natural laws. <i>It
+is simply abnormal action, because of abnormal
+conditions.</i>”</p>
+
+<p>In considering the above revolutionary
+statement of Dr. Murphy, we must remember
+that “vitality” or “vital force” is simply
+the action of the Subconscious Mind
+operating through the sympathetic system,
+the organ-minds, and the cell-minds. <i>All
+vital energy, at the last is mental energy.</i>
+And, we must also remember that the “abnormal
+conditions” which Dr. Murphy
+speaks of as being the cause of “abnormal
+action” or disease, are not confined alone to
+physical or material conditions, but also to
+abnormal mental conditions, such as fear-thought,
+adverse suggestions, improper use
+of the imagination, etc. As we have seen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>
+in the preceding chapters, the causes of disease
+may be mental as well as material or
+physical.</p>
+
+<p>The Subconscious Mind in its vital activities
+is constantly at work building up, repairing,
+growing, nourishing, supporting
+and regulating the body, doing its best to
+throw off abnormal conditions, and seeking
+to do the best it can when these conditions
+cannot be removed. With its source pure and
+unpolluted the stream of vitality flows on
+unhindered, but when the poison of fear-thought,
+adverse suggestion and false belief
+is poured into the source or spring from
+which the stream rises, it follows that the
+waters of life will no longer be pure and
+clear. Let us notice the general direction of
+the vital activities of the Subconscious Mind.</p>
+
+<p>In the first place we find that the vital activities
+are primarily concerned with <i>self-preservation</i>,
+that is with the preservation
+of the individual and the race. One has but
+to notice the ever-present manifestation of
+the “race instinct” which draws the males
+and females of the several species together,
+that they may mate and bring forth the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>
+young needed to keep alive the species. The
+parental devotions, with its many sacrifices
+of personal pleasure for the young, are instances
+ever before us. And no less striking
+is the companion activities which make
+for the preservation of the individual. The
+instinctive tendency toward self-preservation
+is so strong that it overpowers the reason
+in the majority of cases. Men may decry
+the value of life, but let their life be
+threatened and the instinctive protective
+feeling causes them to fight for life against
+all odds. “All that a man hath will he give
+for his life.” And this instinctive activity
+is manifest not only in the individual as a
+whole, but in every cell of his body. Every
+cell is striving hard for the welfare of the
+community of which it forms a part. Even
+in disease it strives to throw off the abnormal
+conditions which afflict the body, and
+failing to do so it hobbles along doing the
+best it can under the circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>The tiny seed sprouting in the ground,
+and lifting weights a thousand times that of
+itself, shows the self-preservative energies
+and activities of the mind principle within<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span>
+it. The healing work of the cells in the case
+of a wound, or of a broken bone, as described
+elsewhere in this book, gives us another example.
+The healing efforts of the organism
+striving to throw off the morbid substances
+within the body, purging them away in a
+flux, or burning them up with a fever, show
+the operations of the same principle. This,
+we have seen, is called the <i>vis medicatrix naturae</i>,
+or “healing power of nature,” which
+operates in man as well as in the case of the
+lower animals—but it is really but the operations
+of the great Subconscious Mind of the
+individual. As Dr. Murphy, previously
+quoted, says: “Certainly all experience declares
+and all physicians will admit that
+where vital power is abundant in a man he
+will get well from almost any injuries short
+of complete destruction of vital organs; but
+where vitality is low, recovery is much more
+difficult, if not impossible, which can only
+be explained on the principle that vitality
+always works upward toward life and health
+to the extent of its ability under the circumstances,
+because, if it worked downward, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>
+less vitality, the more surely and speedily
+would death result.”</p>
+
+<p>Following the law of self-preservation, we
+find that of <i>accommodation</i> manifesting itself
+in the vital activities of the Subconscious
+Mind. This principle or law works in the
+direction of <i>adjusting the organism to conditions
+which it cannot remedy</i>. Thus a sapling
+bent out of shape, will bend its branches
+upward until once more they will reach toward
+the sky notwithstanding the deformed
+trunk. Seed sprouting from a narrow crevice
+in a rock, and unable to split the rock,
+will assume a deformed shape but will hold
+tenaciously to life, and will thrive under
+these abnormal conditions. This principle
+of accommodation acts upon the idea of “life
+at any price,” and of “making the best of
+things.” Man and the lower animals accommodate
+themselves to their environment,
+when they are unable to overcome the unsatisfactory
+conditions of the latter. The
+study of anthropology, natural history, and
+botany will convince anyone that the principle
+of accommodation is everywhere present
+in connection with that of self-preserva<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>tion.
+And the diseased conditions, and
+abnormal functioning, which we find in cases
+of chronic diseases is simply the principle
+of accommodation in the vital activities of
+the Subconscious Mind, but which it is “trying
+to make the best of it,” and holding
+on to “life at any price.”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Murphy, previously quoted, says:
+“Disease, in its essential nature, has a
+deeper significance than simply abnormal
+manifestations. It is really a remedial effort,
+not necessarily successful, but an attempt
+to change, or have changed existing
+conditions. And for this reason any improper
+relation of the living organism to
+external agents necessarily results in an injury
+to that organism, which by virtue of its
+being self-preservative, immediately sets up
+defensive action, and begins as soon as possible
+to repair the damages that have accrued.
+This defensive or reparative action,
+of course, corresponds to the conditions to
+be corrected, and hence is abnormal and diseased;
+and its severity and persistence will
+depend upon the damages to be repaired,
+and the intensity and persistence of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>
+causes that produced it. Serious injury
+present or impending will demand serious
+vital action; desperate conditions, desperate
+action. But in all cases the action is
+vital, an attempt at restoration, and the energy
+displayed will exactly correspond to
+the interests involved and the vitality that
+is available.”</p>
+
+<p>From the above, and from what has been
+shown in previous chapters, it will be seen
+that just as is health the result of the normal
+functioning of the Subconscious Mind,
+so is disease the result of its abnormal
+functioning. And it may also be seen that
+the true healing power must come alone from
+and through the Subconscious Mind itself,
+although the same may be aroused, awakened
+and directed by various outside agencies.
+As Dr. Thomson J. Hudson says:
+“Granted that there is an intelligence that
+controls the functions of the body in health,
+it follows that it is the same power or energy
+that fails in case of disease. Failing,
+it requires assistance; and that is what all
+therapeutic agencies aim to accomplish. No
+intelligent physician of any school claims<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>
+to be able to do more than to ‘assist nature’
+to restore normal conditions of the body.
+That it is a mental energy that thus requires
+assistance, no one denies; for science teaches
+us that the whole body is made up of a confederation
+of intelligent entities, each of
+which performs its functions with an intelligence
+exactly adapted to the performance of
+its special duties as a member of the confederacy.
+There is, indeed, no life without
+mind, from the lowest unicellular organism
+up to man. <i>It is therefore a mental energy
+that actuates every fiber of the body under
+all its conditions. That there is a central intelligence
+that controls each of these mind
+organisms, is self-evident....</i> It is
+sufficient for us to know that such an intelligence
+exists, and that, for the time being,
+it is the controlling energy that normally
+regulates the action of the myriad cells of
+which the body is composed. <i>It is, then, a
+mental organism that all therapeutic
+agencies are designed to energize, when, for
+any cause, it fails to perform its functions
+with reference to any part of the physical
+structure.</i>”</p>
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER V</h2>
+
+<p class="center">THE HISTORY OF PSYCHO-THERAPY</p>
+
+<p>One of the most remarkable achievements
+of the New Psychology is that of gathering
+up the scattered instances of the effect of
+the power of the mind over the body, under
+the various masks and guises worn during
+the ages, and uniting them in one broad and
+general synthesis in which is to be seen the
+one fundamental principle of Mental Healing
+operating under a thousand names,
+forms and theories, in every race, nation
+and clime in all ages past and present. The
+New Psychology is the great reconciler of
+the various theories, dogmas and speculations
+concerned with the subject of the
+strange cures effected by the mind, as well as
+with the equally strange adverse effect upon
+the physical organism of negative thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>From the earliest days of history we find
+records of strange and marvelous cures effected
+by non-material agents. In some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>
+cases the effect is attributed to magical
+power, while in others, and the majority of
+cases, the cure is attributed to some particular
+religious belief, creed or ceremony. Not
+only in the folk-lore of the several races, and
+in their general traditions, but also in the
+written and graven record do we find traces
+of the universality of the principle of mental
+therapeutics.</p>
+
+<p>H. Addington Bruce says: “Psychotherapy
+might well be cited in support of
+the old adage that there is nothing new but
+what has been forgotten. Traces of it are to
+be found almost as far back as authentic history
+extends, and even allusion to methods
+which bear a strong resemblance to those of
+modern times. The literature and monumental
+remains of ancient Egypt, Greece,
+Rome, Persia, India and China reveal a
+widespread knowledge of hypnotism and its
+therapeutic value. There is in the British
+Museum a bas-relief from Thebes which has
+been interpreted as representing a physician
+hypnotizing a patient by making ‘passes’
+over him. According to the Ebers papyrus,
+the ‘laying on of hands’ formed a prominent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>
+feature of Egyptian medical practice as
+early as 1552 B. C., or nearly thirty-five hundred
+years ago; and it is known that a similar
+mode of treatment was employed by
+priests of Chaldea in ministering to the sick.
+So, also, the priests of the famous Temples
+of Health are credited with having worked
+numerous cures by the mere touch of the
+hands. In connection with these same
+Temples of Health were sleeping chambers,
+repose in which was supposed to be exceptionally
+beneficial. Asclepiades of Bithynia,
+who won considerable fame at Rome as a
+physician, systematically made use of the
+‘induced trance’ in the treatment of certain
+diseases. Plautus, Martial, and Seneca refer
+in their writings to some mysterious
+process of manipulation which had the same
+effect—that is, of putting persons into an artificial
+sleep. And Solon sang, apparently,
+of some form of mesmeric cure:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+<div class="stanza">
+<div class="line">“‘The smallest hurts sometimes increase and rage</div>
+<div class="line i1">More than all art of physic can assuage;</div>
+<div class="line i1">Sometimes the fury of the worst disease</div>
+<div class="line i1">The hand by gentle stroking, will appease.’</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>“Many other instances might be men<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>tioned
+testifying to the remarkable extent to
+which psycho-therapy, in one form or another,
+was utilized in the countries of the
+ancient world. This, of course, does not
+necessarily imply that the ancients had any
+real understanding of the psychological and
+physiological principles governing its operation.
+On the contrary, there is every reason
+to believe that they used it much as do
+too many of the mental healers of to-day—on
+the basis of ‘faith cure’ pure and simple,
+with no attempt at diagnosis, and in a hit-or-miss
+fashion. It was not until the very
+end of the Middle Ages, so far as history informs
+us, that anything even remotely resembling
+a scientific inquiry into its nature
+and possibilities was undertaken, and then
+only in a faint, vague, indefinite way, by
+men who were metaphysicians and mystics
+rather than scientists. The first of these,
+Petrys Pomponatius, a sixteenth-century
+philosopher, sought to prove that disease
+was curable without drugs, by means of the
+‘magnetism’ existing in certain specially
+gifted individuals. ‘When those who are endowed
+with this faculty,’ he affirmed, ‘oper<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>ate
+by employing the force of the imagination
+and the will, this force affects their
+blood and their spirits, which produce the
+intended effects by means of an evaporation
+thrown outwards.’ Following Pomponatius,
+John Baptist von Helmont, to whom medical
+science owes a great deal, also proclaimed
+the curative virtue of magnetism, which he
+described as an invisible fluid called forth
+and directed by the influence of the human
+will. Other writers, notably Sir Kenelm
+Digby, laid stress on the power of the imagination
+as an agent in the cause as well as
+the cure of disease, compiling in a curious
+little treatise published in 1658, as interesting
+a collection of illustrative cases as is
+contained in the literature of modern psycho-therapy.”</p>
+
+<p>In the Middle Ages, we read that there
+were many instances of miraculous cures effected
+at the various shrines of the saints,
+and in the churches in which were exhibited
+the bones and other relics of the holy people
+of church history. As Dr. George R.
+Patton says: “A word scrawled upon parchment,
+for instance, would cure fevers; an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>
+hexameter from the Iliad of Homer cured
+gout, while rheumatism succumbed to a verse
+from Lamentations. These could be multiplied,
+and undoubtedly all were equally potent
+of cure in like manner.... At one
+time holy wells were to be found in almost
+every parish of Ireland, to which wearisome
+journeys were made for the miraculous powers
+of cure. It was the custom of the cured
+to hang upon the bushes contiguous to the
+springs small fragments of their clothing, or
+a cane, or a crutch as a memento of cure, so
+that from afar the springs could be easily
+located by the many colored fragments of
+clothing, rags, canes and crutches swayed
+upon the branches by the wind. Inasmuch
+as the bushes for many rods around were
+thus adorned, the cures must have been far
+from few.”</p>
+
+<p>In the Middle Ages it was the custom of
+persons afflicted with scrofula and kindred
+disorders to come before the king upon certain
+days to receive the “Royal Touch,” or
+laying-on-of-hands which was held to be an
+infallible specific for the disease. The cus<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>tom
+was instituted by Edward the Confessor,
+and continued until the accession to
+power of the house of Brunswick. It is a
+matter of history that many persons were
+cured by the touch of the king’s hands.
+Wiseman, a celebrated surgeon and physician
+of old London testifies as follows: “I
+myself have been an eye-witness of many
+thousands of cures performed by his majesty’s
+touch alone, without any assistance of
+medicine or surgery, and those, many of
+them, such as had tired out the endeavors
+of able surgeons before they came hither....
+I must needs profess that what I
+write will little more than show the weakness
+of our ability when compared with his
+majesty’s, who cureth more in one year than
+all the surgeons of London have done in an
+age.” The virtue of the “King’s Touch”
+was finally brought in doubt by the wonderful
+successes of a man by the name of Valentine
+Greatrakes, who in the Seventeenth Century
+began “laying on hands” and made
+even more wonderful cures than those of the
+king. So marked was his success that the
+government had difficulty in suppressing the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>
+growing conviction among the common people
+that Greatrakes must be of royal blood,
+and the rightful heir to the throne, because
+of the great healing virtues of his hands,
+which, they argued, could be possessed only
+by those having royal blood in their veins.
+The Chirurgical Society of London investigated
+Greatrakes’ cures, and rendered an
+opinion that he healed by virtue of “some
+mysterious sanative contagion in his body.”</p>
+
+<p>But perhaps the most notable figure in the
+European history of Mental Healing was
+Franz Anton Mesmer, a native of Switzerland,
+who was born in 1734, and who later
+in the century created the greatest excitement
+in several European countries by his
+strange theories and miraculous claims.
+Frank Podmore in a recent work says of
+Mesmer: “He had no pretensions to be a
+thinker; he stole his philosophy ready-made
+from a few belated alchemists; and his entire
+system of healing was based on a delusion.
+His extraordinary success was due to
+the lucky accident of the times. Mesmer’s
+first claim to our remembrance lies in this—that
+he wrested the privilege of healing from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>
+the churches and gave it to mankind as a
+universal possession.”</p>
+
+<p>Mesmer held that there was in Nature a
+universal magnetic force which had a powerful
+therapeutic effect when properly applied.
+He cured many people by touching
+them with an iron rod, through which he
+claimed the universal magnetism flowed
+from his body to that of the patient. He
+called this magnetic fluid “animal magnetism.”
+Later on he devised his celebrated
+“magnetic tub” or <i>baquet</i>, by means of
+which he was able to treat his patients <i>en
+masse</i>. Podmore gives the following interesting
+account of scenes surrounding his
+treatments:</p>
+
+<p>“The baquet was a large oaken tub, four
+or five feet in diameter and a foot or more
+in depth, closed by a wooden cover. Inside
+the tub were placed bottles full of water disposed
+in rows radiating from the center, the
+necks in some of the rows pointing towards
+the center, in others away from it. All these
+bottles had been previously ‘magnetized’ by
+Mesmer. Sometimes there were several
+rows of bottles, one above the other; the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>
+machine was then said to be at high pressure.
+The bottles rested on layers of powdered
+glass and iron filings. The tub itself
+was filled with water. The whole machine,
+it will be seen, was a kind of travesty of the
+galvanic cell. To carry out the resemblance,
+the cover of the tub was pierced with holes,
+through which passed slender iron rods of
+varying lengths, which were jointed and
+movable, so that they could be readily applied
+to any part of the patient’s body.
+Round this battery the patients were seated
+in a circle, each with his iron rod. Further,
+a cord, attached at one end to the tub, was
+passed round the body of each of the sitters,
+so as to bind them all into a chain. Outside
+the first a second circle would frequently
+be formed, who would connect themselves
+together by holding hands. Mesmer,
+in a lilac robe, and his assistant operators—vigorous
+and handsome young men selected
+for the purpose—walked about the room,
+pointing their fingers or an iron rod held in
+their hands at the diseased parts.”</p>
+
+<p>Mesmer made many wonderful cures, and
+attracted wide attention. In 1781 the king<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>
+of France offered him a pension of thirty
+thousand livres if he would make public his
+secret. The offer was refused, but he gave
+private instruction and opened a school.
+He had many pupils and followers, prominent
+among whom was the Marquis de Puysegur,
+who made discoveries resulting in the
+identification of Mesmerism with the “trance
+condition” now commonly associated with
+the term, whereas originally Mesmerism included
+simply the healing process. Mesmer’s
+methods continued popular for many
+years after his death, until Braid’s work resulted
+in the founding of the modern school
+of Hypnotism, and Mesmerism died out.</p>
+
+<p>The Abbe Faria, about 1815, after investigating
+Mesmerism and attracting much attention,
+discarded the “fluidic” theory of
+Mesmer, and held, instead, that in order to
+induce the mesmeric state and to produce the
+phenomena thereof, it was necessary merely
+to create a mental state of “expectant attention”
+on the part of the patient. The
+cause of the state and the phenomena, he
+held, was not in the operator but in the
+mind of the patient—purely subjective, in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>
+fact. Alexander Bertrand, a Frenchman,
+published a work about this time, holding
+theories similar to those of Faria. In 1841
+James Braid, an English physician, becoming
+interested in Mesmerism, discovered that
+the mesmeric state might be artificially induced
+by staring at bright objects until the
+eyes became fatigued, etc., and, later, that
+any method whereby concentration and “expectant
+attention” might be induced would
+produce the phenomenon. He duplicated all
+the feats of the mesmerists, including the
+healing of diseases. He called his new system
+“Hypnotism” to distinguish it from
+Mesmerism, and under its new name it
+gained favor among the medical fraternity.
+Moreover, in connection with his predecessors,
+Faria and Bertrand, he laid the basis
+for the modern theories of Suggestive
+Therapeutics.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly after Braid’s death, in 1860, Dr.
+A. A. Liebault, a French physician, established
+his since famous School of Nancy, in
+which during the after years the later wonderful
+discoveries in Suggestive Therapeutics
+were made. He used the methods of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>
+hypnotism, but Suggestion was ever the operative
+principle recognized and applied.
+Liebault said: “It is all a matter of Suggestion.
+My patients are <i>suggested</i> to sleep,
+and their ills are <i>suggested</i> out of them. It
+is very simple, once you understand the laws
+of Suggestion.” Dr. Charcot, in his celebrated
+clinic in the Salpetriere, in Paris,
+did great work along the same general lines,
+although proceeding under somewhat different
+theories. Following the example of
+these and other eminent authorities, the
+medical fraternity has gradually adopted
+many of the ideas of Suggestive Therapeutics,
+and to-day many of the best medical
+schools throughout this country and
+Europe give instruction in this branch of
+healing. Many books have been written on
+the subject by eminent medical authorities,
+and the indications are that during the present
+century Suggestive Therapeutics, in its
+various forms, will come even more prominently
+into popular favor, and that it will
+be developed far beyond its present limits.
+Experimental work along these lines is now<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>
+being conducted in many psychological laboratories
+in our great universities.</p>
+
+<p>At the same time, as we shall now see,
+Mental Healing has been attracting much attention
+along other lines, outside of the
+medical profession, and often allied with religious
+and metaphysical movements. To
+understand the subject, we must study it in
+all of its phases.</p>
+
+<p>In the early part of the nineteenth century
+Elijah Perkins, an ignorant blacksmith living
+in Connecticut conceived a queer idea of
+curing disease by means of a peculiar pair
+of tongs manufactured by himself, one prong
+being of brass and the other of steel. These
+tongs were called “tractors,” and were applied
+to the body of the patient in the region
+affected by disease, the body being stroked
+in a downward direction for a period of
+about ten minutes. The tractors were used
+to treat all manner of complaints, ailments
+and diseases, internal and external, with a
+wonderful degree of success. Almost miraculous
+cures of all manner of complaints
+were reported, and people flocked to Per<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>kins
+from far and near in order to receive
+the benefit of his wonderful treatments.</p>
+
+<p>Soon this system of healing came to be
+called “Perkinsism,” as a tribute to the inventor.
+The popularity of the system spread
+rapidly in the United States, particularly in
+New England, every city and many towns
+patronizing Perkins’ practitioners and healers.
+From this country the craze spread to
+Great Britain, and even to the Continent.
+Centers of treatment, and even hospitals,
+were established by the “Perkinsites,” and
+the fame of the tractors increased daily in
+ever widening circles. In Europe alone it
+is reported that over 1,500,000 cures were
+performed, and the medical fraternity were
+at their wit’s ends to explain the phenomenon.
+Finally, Dr. Haygarth, of London,
+conceived the idea that the real virtue of
+the cures was vested in the minds, belief and
+imagination of the patients rather than in
+the tractors, and that the cures were the result
+of the induced mental states of the patients
+instead of by the metallic qualities of
+the apparatus. He determined to investigate
+the matter under this hypothesis, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>
+accordingly constructed a pair of tractors of
+wood, painted to resemble the genuine ones.
+The following account by Bostock describes
+the result: “He accordingly formed pieces
+of wood into the shape of tractors and with
+much assumed pomp and ceremony applied
+them to a number of sick persons who had
+been previously prepared to expect something
+extraordinary. The effects were found
+to be astonishing. Obstinate pains in the
+limbs were suddenly cured; joints that had
+long been immovable were restored to motion,
+and, in short, except the renewal of lost
+parts or the change in mechanical structure,
+nothing seemed beyond their power to accomplish.”
+The exposure of this experiment,
+and the general acceptance of the explanation
+of the phenomena, caused “Perkinsism”
+to die out rapidly, and at the present
+time it is heard of only in connection
+with the history of medicine and in the pages
+of works devoted to the subject of the effect
+of the mind over the body.</p>
+
+<p>The success of “Perkinsism” is but a
+typical instance which is duplicated every
+twenty years or so by the rapid rise, spread<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>
+and then rapid decline of some new “craze”
+in healing, all of which, when investigated
+are seen to be but new examples of the power
+of the mental states of faith and imagination
+upon the physical organism. The well-known
+“blue glass” craze of about thirty-five
+years ago gives us another interesting
+example. General Pleasanton, a well-known
+and prominent citizen of Philadelphia, announced
+his discovery that the rays of the
+sun passing through the medium of blue
+glass possessed a wonderful therapeutic
+value. The idea fired the public imagination
+at once, and the General’s book met with a
+large sale. Everyone, seemingly, began to
+experiment with the blue glass rays. Windows
+were fitted with blue glass panes, and
+the patients sat so that the sun’s rays might
+fall upon them after passing through the
+blue panes. Wonderful cures were reported
+from all directions, the results of “Perkinsism”
+being duplicated in almost every detail.
+Even cripples reported cures, and
+many chronic and “incurable” cases were
+healed almost instantaneously. Bedridden
+people threw aside their blankets and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>
+walked again, after a brief treatment. The
+interest developed into a veritable “craze,”
+and the glass factories were operated overtime
+in order to meet the overwhelming
+demand for blue glass, the price of which rapidly
+advanced to fifty cents and even a dollar
+for a small pane, because of the scarcity.
+It was freely predicted that the days of
+physicians were over, and that the blue glass
+was the long-sought-for panacea for all human
+ills. Suddenly, however, and from no
+apparent cause, the interest in the matter
+dropped, and now all that is left of the blue
+glass craze is the occasional sight of an old
+blue pane in some window, the owner of
+which evidently felt disinclined to pay the
+price of replacing it with a clear pane. Only
+a few days ago, in an old-fashioned quarter
+of a large city, the writer saw several panes
+of the old blue glass in the frame of the
+window of an old house which had seen better
+days but which was now used as a cheap
+tenement house.</p>
+
+<p>The history of medicine is filled with records
+of similar “crazes” following the announcement
+of some new method of “cure.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>”
+The striking peculiarity of these cures is
+that they all occur during the height of the
+excitement and notoriety of the early days
+of the announcement, while <i>they decline in
+proportion to the decline in public faith and
+interest</i>, the explanation being that in every
+instance the cure is effected by the action of
+the mental states of expectancy, faith, and
+the imagination of the patient, irrespective
+of any virtue in the method or system itself.
+In short, <i>all these cures belong to the category
+of faith-cures</i>—they are merely duplicates
+of the world-old cures resulting from
+faith in sacred relics, shrines, bones of holy
+people, sacred places, etc., of which nearly
+every religion has given us many examples.
+The history of medicine gives us many instances
+of the efficacy of the therapeutic
+power of Faith.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Humphrey Davy relates a case in
+which a man seriously ill manifested immediate
+improvement after the placing of a
+clinical thermometer in his mouth, he supposing
+that it was some new and powerful
+healing instrument. The grotesque remedies
+of the ancient physicians, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>
+<i>bizarre</i> decoctions of the quacks of the present,
+all work cures. The “bread-pills” and
+other placebos of the “regulars” have cured
+many a case when other remedies have
+failed.</p>
+
+<p>It is related that several hundred years
+ago, a young English law-student while on a
+lark with several of his boon companions
+found themselves in a rural inn, without
+money with which to pay their reckoning.
+Finally, after much thought, the young man
+called the inn-keeper and told him that he,
+the student, was a great physician, and that
+he would prepare for him a magic amulet
+which would cure all diseases, in return for
+the receipted account of himself and friends.
+The landlord gladly consented, and the
+young man wrote some gibberish on a bit of
+parchment, which together with sundry articles
+of rubbish he inserted in a silk cover.
+With a wise and dignified air he then departed.
+Many years rolled by, and the
+young man rose to the position of a High
+Justice of the realm. One day before him
+was brought a woman accused of magic and
+witchcraft. The evidence showed that she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>
+had cured many people by applying to their
+bodies a little magic amulet, which the
+church authorities considered to be the work
+of the devil. The woman, on the stand, admitted
+the use of the amulet and the many
+cures resulting therefrom, but defended herself
+by saying that the instrument of cure
+had been given to her father, now deceased,
+many years ago, by a great physician who
+had stopped at her father’s inn. She held
+that the cures were genuine medical cures
+resulting from the medicinal virtues of the
+amulet, and not the result of magic or witchcraft.
+The Justice asked to be handed the
+wonderful amulet. Ripping it open with his
+pen-knife, he found enclosed the identical
+scrawl inserted by himself many years before.
+He announced the circumstances from
+the bench, and discharged the woman—but
+the healing virtues of the amulet had disappeared,
+never to return. The cures were the
+result of the faith and imagination of the
+patients.</p>
+
+<p>The modern instances of the several great
+“Divine Healers,” such as John Alexander
+Dowie of Chicago, and Francis Schlatter of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>
+Denver, give us additional evidence of the
+efficacy of Faith as a therapeutic agent.
+John Alexander Dowie, a Scotch preacher,
+came to America some twenty years ago, and
+instituted a new religion in which healing
+was an important feature. He claimed that
+all disease was the result of the devil, and
+that belief in God and the prayers of Dowie
+and his assistants would work the cure of
+the devil’s evil operations. Great numbers
+flocked to Dowie’s standard, and thousands
+of wonderful cures were reported. His
+“Tabernacle” was filled with testimonials
+and trophies from cured people. Back of
+Dowie’s pulpit were displayed many
+crutches, plaster-casts, braces, and other
+spoils wrested from the devil by Dowie and
+his aids. His experience meetings were
+thronged with persons willing and anxious
+to testify that whereas they had been afflicted
+they were now whole again. Dowie succeeded
+in building up a great following all
+over the world, and had he not overreached
+himself and allowed his colossal vanity to
+overshadow his original ideas, the probability
+is that he would have founded a church<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>
+which would have endured for centuries. As
+it is, he was discredited and disowned by
+his followers, and his church is now but
+little more than a memory.</p>
+
+<p>Francis Schlatter, the German shoemaker
+of Denver, with his Divine Healing, was a
+well known figure in the west several years
+ago. He was undoubtedly a half-insane fanatic,
+believing himself inspired by God to
+heal the nations. Persons flocked to him
+from afar, and he is reported to have
+healed thousands, many of whom were suffering
+from serious ailments. He afterward
+disappeared, and is believed to have
+died in the desert of the far west. Students
+of Mental Suggestion and Psychic Therapeutics
+find in the instances of Dowie and
+Schlatter merely the same underlying principle
+of Mental Healing resulting from
+faith, which is operative in all of the other
+cases mentioned. The theology, creed, theories
+of methods have but little to do with
+the cures, so long as the proper degree of
+faith is induced in the mind of the patient.
+Faith in <i>anything</i> will work cures, providing
+it is sufficiently intense and active.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Another branch of Mental Healing is seen
+in the modern schools of the “New Thought,”
+“Mental Science,” “Christian Science,”
+and the “Emmanuel Movement.” The authorities
+generally agree upon tracing the
+rise of these several schools to the general
+interest in the subject manifested in the
+United States and Great Britain about the
+middle of the last century. Some of the authorities
+believe that this general interest
+was induced largely by the teachings of
+Charles Poyen, a Frenchman who came from
+France to New England about 1835, bringing
+with him the French teachings and theories
+regarding mesmerism and the phenomena
+allied thereto. Poyen’s teachings
+attracted marked interest and attention, and
+he soon had a host of followers, students and
+imitators. Teachers of the “new science”
+sprang up on all sides. Many theories were
+evolved and actively supported by the adherents
+of the several prominent teachers.
+The rise of interest in phrenology and the
+dawning interest in spiritualism aided the
+spread of the new teachings regarding mesmerism,
+clairvoyance, psychic healing, etc.,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>
+and the pages of many magazines and books
+published about that time show that a public
+taste had been created for the strange
+and mysterious.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. J. S. Grimes, a physician interested in
+phrenology, taught that the phenomena were
+due to the action of a strange atmospheric
+force which he called “etherium.” Rev. J.
+Bovee Dods evolved a theory based upon the
+supposed existence of an electrical principle,
+and called his system “Electro-Biology,” by
+means of which he attracted to himself a
+large following. Dods wrote several large
+books on the subject, and traveled on lecture
+tours in this country and Great Britain,
+arousing great enthusiasm and making
+many cures. Rev. Leroy Sunderland expounded
+the doctrine of “patheism,” in
+which he combined a strange mixture of
+mysticism and what has since been called
+“suggestion,” to which he afterward added
+the current teachings of spiritualism after
+his conversion to that philosophy. It would
+seem that credit should be given Sunderland
+for his early announcement of the principle
+of suggestion, for he said: “When a rela<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>tion
+is once established between an operator
+and his patient, corresponding changes
+may be induced in the nervous system of the
+latter by mere volition, and <i>by suggestions
+addressed to either of the external senses</i>.”
+The decade, 1840-1850 witnessed a remarkable
+interest in psychic phenomena of all
+kinds, and during that time there was undoubtedly
+laid the foundations upon which
+the later structures have since been erected.
+Any one reading the short stories of Poe,
+and other writers of that period, may readily
+see the state of public interest in these
+subjects at that time.</p>
+
+<p>The authorities generally agree that in
+Phineas Parkhurst Quimby we have the direct
+connecting link between the period just
+mentioned and the present. Quimby played
+quite an important role in the evolution of
+the modern conceptions of mental healing,
+or psycho-therapy as it is now called. He
+was a poor clockmaker, of quite limited
+means, of good character and a strong personality.
+His education is said to have been
+limited, but he made up for his lack in this
+respect by his naturally keen and inquiring<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>
+mind. In 1838 one of the teachers of mesmerism
+visited his home in Belfast, Maine,
+and Quimby attended the seance. He became
+intensely interested in what he saw,
+and in the theories propounded, and began
+to experiment on the people in his town, the
+result being that he soon acquired a reputation
+as a powerful mesmerist and a good
+healer. He followed along the general lines
+of the “Electro-Biology” theory for a time,
+and then evolved theories of his own. He
+cured himself and many others by manual
+treatment, and was soon kept quite busy in
+his healing work.</p>
+
+<p>Quimby, thinking deeply regarding the
+cures he was making, soon came to the conclusion
+that while his <i>cures</i> were genuine,
+his <i>theories</i> were wrong. He gradually
+evolved the idea that diseases are caused by
+erroneous thinking, and that his cures resulted
+from changing these wrong mental
+states for those based upon true conceptions.
+He held that all that is required to effect a
+cure is to bring about “a change of thought.”
+Following upon this new conception, he
+ceased mesmerizing his patients, and began<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span>
+to treat them by simply sitting by the side
+of the afflicted person, picturing him as well
+and whole, and impressing upon the patient’s
+mind that he is well and whole, <i>in Truth</i>.
+From this fundamental idea he gradually
+evolved a philosophy which has strongly influenced
+that of later schools. Quimby
+talked much regarding his great “discovery,”
+as he called it, and built great hopes
+upon establishing “the science of health and
+happiness.” He began to speak of the
+“Truth” in his “science,” which he held to
+be identical with that taught by Christ, and
+by means of which Jesus performed his miraculous
+cures. Before he had firmly established
+his “science,” however, he died, leaving
+his work to be carried on by others,
+notably by Dr. Warren F. Evans, and Julius
+A. Dresser, to whom should be given the
+credit for launching what is now known as
+“the New Thought Movement.”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Mary Baker G. Eddy, who afterward
+established “Christian Science” was one of
+Quimby’s patients and students, and Dresser
+and others have positively stated and
+claimed that from him she received her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>
+ideas of the philosophy which she afterward
+developed into the great “Christian Science”
+movement. Mrs. Eddy, and her adherents,
+as positively deny to Quimby any
+credit for having inspired Mrs. Eddy’s
+work. We merely state the opposing sides
+of the controversy here, taking no sides in
+the matter, the discussion not concerning us
+in the present consideration.</p>
+
+<p>The success of Evans and Dresser, and of
+Mrs. Eddy, in their respective schools and
+organizations, have caused many other
+teachers to come to the front, until at the
+present time there are many schools, cults
+and organizations basing their cures upon
+the broad principles of Mental Healing.
+Mrs. Eddy, and her followers, deny having
+anything in common with the other schools,
+however, holding that the latter are concerned
+with “mortal mind” while “Christian
+Science” alone is based upon Divine
+Mind, or Truth. In spite of the conflicting
+claims and theories, the fact remains that
+thousands of persons have been healed of
+various diseases by the various schools,
+cults, and teachings. To the authorities who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span>
+stand outside of and apart from these opposing
+organizations, it seems that all the
+cures are based upon the same general principle,
+<i>i. e.</i>, that of the influence of mental
+states over physical conditions, and that religious
+theories or metaphysical philosophies
+have nothing whatever to do with the production
+of the cures, except in the direction
+of giving a strong suggestion to those accepting
+them. The fact that <i>all</i> the schools
+make cures, in about the same proportion,
+and of the same general classes of complaints,
+would seem to show that the theories
+and dogmas have nothing to do with the
+process of cure—and that the healing is done
+<i>in spite of the theories</i>, rather than because
+of them.</p>
+
+<p>The much advertised “Emmanuel Movement”
+now so popular in the orthodox
+churches throughout the country, is recognized
+by all the authorities as being nothing
+more than suggestion applied in connection
+with the religious and theological
+principles of the churches in question, and, in
+truth, as applying methods more in favor by
+the old school of mesmerists than by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span>
+later “New Thought” practitioners, or by
+the “Christian Science” healers. From this
+movement, however, there will probably
+evolve a more scientific system, manifesting
+none of the crudities which so disfigure its
+present stage, at least in the hands of some
+of its practitioners.</p>
+
+<p>In the following chapter we may see that
+the same element of Faith, Belief and Expectancy
+is manifested in all the various
+forms of Mental Healing, by whatever name,
+or under whatever theory, the method is applied.
+In short, that the cures are purely
+<i>psychological</i>, rather than metaphysical or
+religious, in their nature.</p>
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2>
+
+<p class="center">FAITH CURES</p>
+
+<p>Following the scientific study of the phenomena
+of cures of physical illness by means
+of the power of mental states, and the recognition
+of the fact that there is a common
+principle operative under the various guises
+and forms, there sprang into scientific usage
+the term “Faith Cures” which was used to
+designate all instances and forms of cures
+coming under the general classification of
+mental healing. Prof. Goddard defines the
+term as follows: “A term applied to the
+practice of curing disease by an appeal to
+the hope, belief, or expectation of the patient,
+and without the use of drugs or other
+material means. Formerly it was confined
+to methods requiring the exercise of religious
+faith, such as the ‘prayer cure’ and ‘divine
+healing,’ but has now come to be used in the
+broader sense, and includes the cures of
+‘Mental Science,’ and hypnotism; also a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span>
+large part of the cures effected by patent
+medicines and nostrums, as well as many
+folk-practices and home remedies. By some
+it is used to include also Christian Science,
+but the believers in the latter regard it as
+entirely distinct.”</p>
+
+<p>The term “Suggestion,” used in the same
+sense as “Faith Cure” in relation to the
+healing of disease, has also come into popular
+usage, but inasmuch as Suggestion has a
+much larger meaning outside of its therapeutic
+phases, it may be said the best authorities
+to-day use the term “Faith Cure”
+as representing simply one phase of Suggestion.</p>
+
+<p>Prof. Goddard, in his article on “Faith
+Cure,” in the <i>New International Encyclopaedia</i>
+(Dodd, Mead &amp; Co., New York),
+says: “Besides these recognized forms (divine
+healing, mental science, etc.), faith cure
+is an important element in cures wrought by
+patent medicines and nostrums, home remedies
+and folk practices. The advertisement,
+testimonial of friend, or family tradition
+arouses the faith of the sick man, and he
+comes to believe that he needs only to fol<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>low
+directions to be fully cured. The actual
+value of faith cure as a therapeutic method
+has been the subject of much discussion. It
+can no longer be denied that it has value.
+From divine healing to patent medicine and
+Father Kneipp’s water cure, all cure disease.
+Each appeals to a particular type of
+mind, but <i>the results are practically the same
+in all—same diseases cured, same successes,
+same failures</i>. Many faith-curists claim that
+all diseases in all persons can be cured by
+their method; others hold that the principle
+is of limited application. Of them all, the
+hypnotists are the only ones who do not
+make sweeping claims.”</p>
+
+<p>After stating “the tendency to exaggeration
+and the infrequency of impartial judgment”
+in connection with many instances of
+claimed cures, the above mentioned authority
+proceeds as follows: “The actual cures,
+however, are sufficiently numerous and sufficiently
+striking to need an explanation.
+These different forms agree in only one
+point—viz., <i>the mental state of the patient
+is one of hope and expectation</i>. Can states
+of mind cause or cure disease? Some fa<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>miliar
+occurrences seem to justify an affirmative
+answer. It is well known that certain
+glands and secretions are markedly affected
+by emotions. Fright causes the saliva to
+cease to flow and the perspiration to start.
+Sorrow causes the lachrymal glands to secrete
+tears. Happiness favors digestion,
+unhappiness retards it. Mosso has demonstrated
+that the bladder is especially sensitive
+to emotional states. In general, the
+pleasant emotions produce an opposite physical
+effect from the unpleasant ones. There
+are many glands within the body whose action
+under emotion we cannot observe; but
+we may reasonably assume that they also
+are affected by emotional states. Hence, if
+unpleasant emotions so act upon the glands
+as to derange the system and cause disease,
+the pleasant emotions may reasonably be assumed
+to tend to restore the normal functions.
+The various forms of faith cure tend
+strongly to put the patient in a happy frame
+of mind—a condition favorable to health.
+However, there are all degrees of faith and
+wide differences in the way the system responds
+to the emotional state. One person<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span>
+is slightly affected by a strong emotion; another
+is strongly affected by a weak emotion.
+Hence, there must always be a wide
+difference in the results of faith-cure methods.
+The diseases most amenable to faith
+cure are nervous—including many not recognized
+as nervous, but having a neural
+condition as their basis—and functional derangements.
+Organic diseases are not usually
+cured, though the symptoms are frequently
+ameliorated. Chronic diseases due
+to neuro-muscular habit often yield to hypnotic
+treatment.”</p>
+
+<p>Prof. R. P. Halleck says: “Were it not
+for this power of the imagination, the majority
+of quack nostrums would disappear.
+In most cases bread pills, properly labeled,
+with positive assurances of certain cures accompanying
+them, would answer the purpose
+far better than these nostrums, or even much
+better than a great deal of the medicine administered
+by regular physicians. Warts
+have been charmed away by medicines which
+could have had only a mental effect. Dr.
+Tuke gives many cases of patients cured of
+rheumatism by rubbing them with a certain<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span>
+substance declared to possess magic power.
+The material in some cases was metal; in
+others wood; in still others, wax. He also
+recites the case of a very intelligent officer
+who had vainly taken powerful remedies to
+cure cramp in the stomach. Then ‘he was
+told that on the next attack he would be put
+under a medicine which was generally believed
+to be most effective, but which was
+rarely used.’ When the cramps came on
+again, ‘a powder containing four grains of
+ground biscuit was administered every seven
+minutes, while the greatest anxiety was expressed
+(within the hearing of the party)
+lest too much be given. Half-drachm doses
+of bismuth had never procured the same relief
+in less than three hours. For four successive
+times did the same kind of attack recur, and
+four times was it met by the same remedy,
+and with like success.’ A house surgeon in
+a French hospital experimented with one
+hundred patients, giving them sugared
+water. Then, with a great show of fear, he
+pretended that he had made a mistake and
+given them an emetic instead of the proper
+medicine. Dr. Tuke says: ‘The result may<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>
+easily be anticipated by those who can estimate
+the influence of the imagination. No
+fewer than eighty—four-fifths—were unmistakably
+sick.’</p>
+
+<p>“We have a well authenticated case of a
+butcher, who, while trying to hang up a
+heavy piece of meat, slipped and was himself
+caught by the arm upon the hook. When he
+was taken to a surgeon, the butcher said he
+was suffering so much that he could not endure
+the removal of his coat; the sleeve must
+be cut off. When this was done, it was
+found that the hook had passed through his
+clothing close to the skin, but had not even
+scratched it. A man sentenced to be bled
+to death was blindfolded. A harmless incision
+was then made in his arm and tepid
+water fixed so as to run down it and drop
+with considerable noise into a basin. The
+attendants frequently commented on the
+flow of blood and the weakening pulse. The
+criminal’s false idea of what was taking
+place was as powerful in its effects as the
+reality, and he soon died.... There is
+perhaps not a person living who would not
+at times be benefited by a bread pill, admin<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>istered
+by some one in whom great confidence
+was reposed.”</p>
+
+<p>The same authority also says: “It has been
+known for a long time that if the attention
+is directed toward any bodily organ, abnormal
+sensations may be caused in it, and disease
+may be developed. The renowned Dr.
+John Hunter said: ‘I am confident that I can
+fix my attention to any part, until I have
+a sensation in that part.’” Dr. Tuke says
+that these “are words which ought to be inscribed
+in letters of gold over the entrance
+of a hospital for the Cure of Disease by Psychopathy.”
+Hunter’s confident assertion is
+the more interesting because, drawn from
+his own experience, it shows that the principle
+is not confined in its operation to the
+susceptible and nervous, but operates even
+on men of the highest mental endowment.
+We have examples from the literature of the
+seventeenth century, showing how the expectation
+of a complaint will produce it. In
+1607 an ignorant English physician told a
+clergyman’s wife that she had sciatica, although
+there was, in reality, nothing the
+matter with her sciatic nerve. Her attention<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>
+was thereby directed to it and a severe attack
+of sciatica was the result. When a
+person inexperienced in medicine reads carefully
+the symptoms of some disease, he is
+apt to begin an attentive search for those
+symptoms and to end by fancying he has
+them. Seasick persons have been relieved of
+their nausea by being made to bail a leaking
+boat from the fear that it would sink.
+All their attention was thereby diverted
+from themselves. Many can recall how children,
+and grown persons, too, have forgotten
+all about their alleged intense thirst, as
+soon as their attention was diverted. Some
+persons, after eating something which they
+fancy is a trifle indigestible, center their attention
+upon the stomach, expecting symptoms
+of indigestion, and are often not disappointed.
+A man who had good reason to
+fear hydrophobia, determined that he would
+not have it. The pain in the bitten arm became
+intense, and he saw that he must have
+something to divert his attention from the
+wound and his danger. He therefore went
+hunting, but found no game. To make
+amends, he summoned a more inflexible will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span>
+and exerted at every step ‘a strong mental
+effort against the disease.’ He kept on
+hunting until he felt better, and he mastered
+himself so perfectly that he probably thereby
+warded off an attack of hydrophobia. Accordingly
+as we center our attention upon
+one thing or another, we largely determine
+our mental happiness and hence our bodily
+health. One person, in walking through a
+noble forest, may search only for spiders,
+and venomous creatures, while another confines
+his attention to the singing birds in the
+branches above. One reason why travel is
+such a cure for diseases of body and mind
+is because so many new things thereby come
+in to claim the attention and divert it from
+its former objects. The following expression
+from Dr. Tuke should be remembered:
+‘<i>Thought strongly directed to any part tends
+to increase its vascularity, and consequently
+its sensibility</i>.’”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. C. F. Winbigler says: “The practitioner
+secures the same effects from a placebo
+or powdered pop-corn as from some drugs
+by using suggestion with the former. Every
+successful physician has used this method<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span>
+at one time or another, and sometimes when
+he was utterly puzzled as to what he should
+prescribe, he thus secured a marvellous result,
+and a cure of the patient was effected....
+Every believer in Psycho-therapeutics
+knows that there is a psychical as well
+as a physical effect from the use of drugs.
+The psychical value is based on the expectation
+of their special action, and that which
+is in the physician’s mind may be subtly and
+powerfully carried over into the patient’s
+mind. The physician’s personality, attitude
+and interest in the patient accomplishes
+vastly more than the drugs he prescribes or
+administers. If he is cheerful and hopeful,
+he gives potency to their action; if he is
+gloomy, pessimistic and hopeless, he nullifies
+their effects. The cure of the patient is
+effected through the subconscious mind, and
+the attitude and bearings of the physician,
+attendants, the surroundings and the medicines
+employed, become powerful suggestions.”</p>
+
+<p>Prof. Elmer Gates says: “The system
+makes an effort to eliminate the metabolic
+products of tissue-waste, and it is therefore<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span>
+not surprising that during acute grief tears
+are copiously excreted; that during sudden
+fear the bowels and the kidneys are caused
+to act, that during prolonged fear, the body
+is covered with a cold perspiration; and, that
+during anger, the mouth tastes bitter, due
+largely to the increased elimination of sulpho-cyanates.
+The perspiration during fear
+is chemically different, and even smells different
+from that which exudes during a happy
+mood.... Now if it can be shown
+in many ways that the elimination of waste
+products is retarded by sad and painful emotions;
+nay, worse than that, these depressing
+emotions directly augment the amount of
+these poisons. Conversely, the pleasurable
+and happy emotions, during the time they
+are active, inhibit the poisonous effects of
+the depressing moods, and cause the bodily
+cells to create and store up vital energy and
+nutritive tissue products.”</p>
+
+<p>In an issue of “<i>The American Practitioner
+and News</i>,” is reported a discussion before
+the Lexington (Ky.) Medical and Surgical
+Society, in which a member, Dr. Guest, related
+the following experience: “I have a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>
+brother-in-law who suffers every summer
+with hay-fever. He has a relative who believes
+in Christian Science. She told him
+that she felt positive that she could direct
+him to a woman, a Christian Scientist, who
+would cure him. He at first objected, because
+he hated to go to a woman physician.
+He arranged, however, to communicate with
+her daily by letter. When his hay-fever
+broke out he suffered with it all that day
+and night, and the next morning wrote her
+a note telling her to put him on treatment
+immediately. When he returned that night
+he was improved and slept better. He wrote
+a second note the next morning and was
+much encouraged. The third day he repeated
+his letter writing and stated that the
+symptoms had almost ceased. And he was
+guying me about being cured by Christian
+Science when regular physicians could do
+nothing for him. The night of the third day,
+when he came home to supper, he found a
+note from the Christian Scientist, stating
+that <i>she has been in the country and would
+put him under treatment the next day</i>.
+Realizing that all his treatment had been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>
+only in his imagination, the symptoms reappeared
+with the same intensity as before.”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. A. J. Parks of New York, says: “The
+absolute and complete control that the sympathetic
+nervous system exercises over the
+physical organization is so perfectly clear
+and well-known to every observer that the
+recital of the phenomena in the vast and
+countless series of manifestations is unnecessary.
+We are all aware of the fact that
+digestion is promptly arrested upon the receipt
+of bad news. The appetite at once disappears.
+It ceases, and the whole system
+feels the effect of the depressing impulse—the
+mental and spiritual wave which lowers
+the vital thermometer. Fear not only suspends
+the digestive function but arrests the
+formation of the secretions upon which digestion
+depends. A sudden fright frequently
+paralyzes the heart beyond recovery,
+whereas a pleasant and pleasing message
+soothes and gently excites the whole granular
+system, increases the secretions, aids digestion
+and sends a thrill of joy to the
+sensorium, which diffuses the glad tidings<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>
+to every nerve fibril in the complex organization.”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. T. A. Borton, in an address before the
+Indiana State Medical Society, said: “The
+subject which I desire to present to you to-day
+has to do with the influence of the mind
+over the functions of the body. Its silent,
+unobserved force results in producing pathological
+conditions, and those, by reflex action,
+excite morbid sensibilities of the mind
+and thus derange the nerve centres, resulting
+in a changed condition or over-excitability
+of the nerve energies, which becomes a
+secondary diseased condition in the form of
+different types of neurasthenia. I have been
+interested in this subject for many years,
+and in my practice have had extended opportunities
+for making observations as to
+the potency of the mental and suggestive
+pathology bearing on this subject. I would
+especially refer to the healing of the body
+through these mental forces, changing
+healthy, normal conditions into unhealthy or
+diseased conditions and <i>vice versa</i>. These
+changes are not miraculous, but proceed
+from natural causes in the operation of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span>
+mind, as a therapeutic agency, operating
+through the functions of the body, sometimes
+as a tonic or stimulant, warding off diseases
+under the most exposed conditions, defending
+and holding the system in a state of
+health, while those void of these mental assurances
+become victims to the ravages of
+disease through contagion or infection. This
+protective mental force of the mind has been
+demonstrated many times in hospitals and
+other places where contagious diseases were
+prevailing. The mental force possesses a
+protective power when rightly exercised beyond
+what is usually conceded, not only in
+the way of defense; but also in correcting
+disease when in existence. I believe these
+to be much greater than has been generally
+admitted or understood.... We all
+know how difficult it is to get good results
+from medication in which our patients have
+no confidence, and it is an established fact
+that we get better results from drugs which
+are given with the patient’s knowledge of
+their intended effect. <i>I have often produced
+desired results from means entirely inert,
+stating the desired and expected effect of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>
+its administration. I have frequently quieted
+the severest pain by injecting pure water
+into the arm of the patient.</i>”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. G. R. Patton, in an address before the
+Wabasha County (Minn.) Medical Society,
+said: “As Bacon said, ‘Faith, confidence, belief
+and hope are the working forces that
+make the cure—that work the miracle.’ The
+mind as a dynamic force exerted over the
+functions of the body has been, doubtless,
+operatively manifest from the cradle of our
+existence. By the phrase, ‘the mind as a
+dynamic force,’ I refer to the various forms
+of suggestion as well as to various affective
+faculties of the mind, or those states caused
+by the sympathetic action of the brain, such
+as faith, confidence, belief, imagination, emotions,
+hope and the like. Any or all of them
+may become active over the bodily functions....
+As instance of the mental impression
+acting upon observable functions revealed
+through the capillary circulation as
+revealed to the sight, I will mention blushing
+or pallor of the face, depending upon the
+theme presented to the thought; the mouth
+watering on the sight or thought of tempt<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>ing
+food; the flow of tears from words or
+thoughts that excite grief; nausea or vomiting
+from a sickening spectacle; sexual excitement
+from obscene thought or lascivious
+sights. Instances might be multiplied. And
+is it not a fair inference, indeed, that through
+the vasomoter nerves, the internal viscera
+may be subject to like effects through mental
+impressions, and that thus acute as well
+as chronic congestive ailments thereof may
+be favorably influenced or even cured thereby?...
+It is my conviction that recognition
+of the power and usefulness of mental
+dynamics, including all forms of suggestion
+over physiological and pathological
+processes in combating diseases, is unquestionably
+the most impressive advance in
+modern medicine. Mental influence alone
+may diminish or increase the activities of
+the physiological processes to the extent of
+removing the pathological effects of disease....
+A celebrated medical teacher, after
+an exhaustive dissertation over a case was
+leaving the bedside without prescribing any
+treatment when the house physician asked
+what should be given the patient. ‘Oh,’ said<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>
+the professor, ‘a hopeful prognosis and
+anything else you please.’ To this he added,
+‘the doleful doctor will be a failure, while
+the hopeful one will prove a winner from
+start to finish.’ It is reasonably assured
+that ultimately the physician will become not
+so much the man behind the pill as the judicious
+advisor, the wise counsellor, gently leading
+the sick ‘into green pastures, beside still
+waters,’ through paths that lead onward to
+recovery, assisting nature at times, if needs
+be, with a big bread pill.”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Herbert A. Parkyn, the well-known authority
+on suggestive therapeutics, says:
+“Certain results will follow certain thoughts,
+and in every instance that it is possible to
+get the patient to think the thoughts we desire,
+we secure the results we desire. It is
+the work of the suggestionist to place these
+thoughts in the mind of the patient so that
+he is bound to think them, and this can be
+done to some degree, if not perfectly, in
+every case. It is well to have faith, but faith
+is not absolutely necessary at the outset. It
+is time enough for the patient to have faith
+in the treatment when he can perceive the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>
+benefit he is receiving. Understanding the
+mental and physical changes which follow a
+certain thought, the suggestionist is able to
+bring about those mental or physical changes,
+by using direct suggestion in such a way
+that his patient is bound to think the
+thoughts which will produce the results. A
+man may not have faith in the statement that
+the thought of lemon juice will stimulate the
+flow of saliva, but if he will imagine for a
+moment that he is squeezing the juice of a
+lemon into his mouth the saliva will immediately
+flow more freely than usual, regardless
+of his faith. Similarly, many, if not all
+of the organs of the body, can be affected by
+impulses following certain lines of thought,
+and these impulses will follow the thought
+and stimulate the organs regardless of faith.
+It is simply necessary to get a patient to
+think the proper thoughts, and it is in the
+thought directing that the work of the suggestionist
+lies.”</p>
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2>
+
+<p class="center">THE POWER OF THE IMAGINATION</p>
+
+<p>Dr. F. W. Southworth says: “Fear is itself
+a contagious disease and is sometimes
+reflected from one mind to another with great
+rapidity. It passes from one to another,
+from the healthy to the ill, from doctor or
+nurse to patient, from mother to child, and
+so on. The greatest fears we can usually
+get away from, but it is the little fears and
+anxieties, constant apprehension, fears of
+imagined evils of all sorts which prey upon
+our vitality and lessen our powers, thus rendering
+us more susceptible to disease. To
+avert disease, then, we must eradicate fear;
+but how shall we accomplish it? Through
+wise education—educating the people to a
+higher standard of living; by teaching a
+sounder hygiene; a wiser philosophy and a
+more cheerful theology. By erasing a thousand
+errors and superstitions from fearful
+minds and pointing them to the light,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>
+beauty and loveliness of the truth. This
+mental and moral sanitation is still ahead of
+us, but it is more valuable and desirable than
+all quarantines, inventions, experiments, and
+microscopical researches after physical or
+material causes.”</p>
+
+<p>Sir George Paget, M. D., says: “In many
+cases I have seen reasons for believing that
+cancer has had its origin in prolonged anxiety.”
+Dr. Murchison says: “I have been
+surprised to find how often patients with
+primary cancer of the liver have traced the
+cause of this illness to protracted grief and
+anxiety. These cases have been far too numerous
+to be accounted for as merely coincidents.”
+Sir B. W. Richardson, M. D., says:
+“Eruptions of the skin frequently follow excessive
+mental strain. In all these, as well
+as in cancer, epilepsy and mania, the cause
+is frequently partly or wholly mental. It is
+remarkable how little the question of the
+origin of physical disease from mental influences
+has been studied.” Prof. Elmer
+Gates says: “My experiments show that
+irascible, malevolent and depressing emotions
+generate in the system injurious com<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>pounds,
+some of which are extremely poisonous.
+Also that agreeable, happy emotions
+generate chemical compounds of nutritious
+value which stimulate the cells to manufacture
+energy.”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Patton, in the address before the Wabasha
+County Medical Society, above mentioned,
+gives the following interesting case
+of the effect of faith and expectant attention,
+or Suggestion: He said: “While surgeon
+of a Cincinnati hospital one of the messenger
+boys was often disobedient of orders.
+The sister superior once asked me how to
+punish him. I suggested putting him to bed
+and making him sick with medicine. My advice
+was acted upon with alacrity. A tea-spoonful
+of <i>colored water</i> was given him
+every fifteen minutes. With assumed gravity,
+I ordered the nurse, in the boy’s presence,
+to keep giving the medicine until he became
+sick and vomited. Within an hour he
+vomited profusely.... A funny incident
+illustrative of the faith and confidence
+sometimes reposed in the medical man and
+his power in curing disease, happened in
+my first year of practice. An Irish laborer,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span>
+much given to profanity, came to my office,
+with a cold on his chest. I prescribed a
+soothing mixture and a liniment of camphor,
+ammonia and soap. A few days later,
+meeting him on the street, I asked him if the
+medicine had cured him all right. He replied
+with enthusiasm, ‘Oh! yes, yes, it acted
+most beautifully and cured me pretty d—— d
+quick, but it was awful hot stuff, for it
+burned in my throat like hell-fire itself.’ I
+knew at once, but did not tell him, that he
+had been swallowing the liniment of camphor,
+hartshorn and soap, and rubbing the
+cough mixture on the outside. His faith was
+even stronger than the liniment, and cured
+him in spite of the blunder.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps the most wonderful confirmation
+came under my observation while wintering
+in San Antonio, Texas, in 1880. Some
+nostrum fakirs with a retinue of fourteen
+musicians and comedians came to this city
+in an immense chariot, drawn by eight gaily
+caparisoned horses. Every evening they
+came upon the military plaza to sell their
+panacea. I went over one evening out of
+curiosity, being attracted by the songs and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span>
+music. The head fakir was shouting to an
+immense crowd about the virtues of his specific.
+He claimed that it contained thirteen ingredients,
+gathered at a great expense from
+all quarters of the globe, and would cure all
+the ills that flesh was heir to. Cures were
+warranted in every case, or the money refunded
+on the following evening. After this
+harangue, he said that the medicine was for
+sale at $1 per bottle, until 300 bottles had
+been sold, as it was an invariable rule to sell
+only that number on any one evening. Immediately
+a frenzied mob rushed pell-mell
+to the end of the chariot, each one holding
+aloft a silver dollar. He had previously announced
+that no change would be made, and
+that every one to get the medicine should
+have a dollar ready in his hand. In half an
+hour 300 bottles had been sold, the empty
+trunk closed with a bang, and the statement
+made that no more could be had until the
+following evening, although there was yet a
+great multitude clamoring for more. Curiosity
+again led me to the plaza the next
+evening, and I went early. The initial performance
+was a free tooth-pulling, to last<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span>
+thirty minutes. He said he was the kingpin
+of the tooth-pullers, and I believe he
+was. The rapidity of his work was a marvel.
+He snatched from various jaws about 250
+teeth, including the good ones, within the
+limit, throwing them from his forceps right
+and left among his audience. Those operated
+upon were wrought to such a frenzy
+of excitement and wonder that each one,
+without an exception, declared that no pain
+whatever had been experienced. A call was
+then made for the 300 who had bought medicine
+on the previous evening to mount the
+chariot and tell what the medicine had done
+for them.</p>
+
+<p>“From every quarter men and women,
+both white and colored, pressed forward to
+give their experience. Their stories were
+grotesque and curious enough, but no matter
+what their ailments, cures had resulted in
+every case. At the end of half an hour,
+while the experience meeting was at its acme,
+the fakir abruptly closed it, saying, in a regretful
+voice, that the rest would have to
+wait until the next evening to tell of their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>
+cures, as he now wanted those to come forward
+who had not been cured by the medicine
+bought on the previous evening. He
+stood in silence with folded arms for three
+minutes. No one having come forward, the
+voice of this arrant charlatan rang out in
+stentorian tones, ‘All, <i>all</i> have been cured!
+We have cured <i>everyone</i>!’ Then another
+300 bottles were sold in a jiffy, I myself
+being one of the fortunate purchasers. The
+chief of this outfit stopped in the hotel where
+I was. After dinner the next day, I made
+his acquaintance in the smoking room, saying
+I was a doctor, too; that I had attended
+two of his soirees, bought his medicine and
+was greatly interested in it. I surprised him
+by the statement that his medicine was made
+by M. &amp; Co., wholesale druggists of Cincinnati,
+and that it was fluid extract of podophyllin.
+He stared for some moments, but
+made no reply. I continued, ‘I know M.’s
+fluid extract, as his process of its manufacture
+is peculiar, and differs from other manufacturers
+in this, that he exhausts the root
+by percolation with alcohol, ether and glycerine,
+giving the product a sweetish taste<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>
+and a slight ethereal odor.’ The man asked
+if I was also a chemist. I replied, ‘Yes, I
+once lectured in a medical college in Cincinnati
+on drugs and their uses, and I can
+readily tell fluid extracts by their taste, odor
+and physical characteristics.’</p>
+
+<p>“After some hesitation, he said, ‘Yes, this
+is M.’s podophyllin <i>and nothing else</i>.’ I inquired
+if he attributed all his success to the
+medicine. He answered, ‘No, for once in
+Missouri the mandrake ran out before a new
+lot arrived. We found something like it in a
+drug store of the town, and the people got
+well just the same. <i>If the people believe
+you can cure them, and have faith in your
+medicine, they get well anyway, or they
+think they do, which is the same thing.</i>’
+The fakirs remained one week, sold 2,100 bottles,
+and presumably cured 2,100 people, as
+no one came forward to reclaim his dollar
+for the medicine, which was contained in a
+two-drachm vial of 120 drops. A dose was
+one drop after each meal in one spoonful of
+water.</p>
+
+<p>“When I was in California recently a
+friend mentioned that an intelligent relative<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>
+of his was being treated by a celebrated
+Chinese doctor. The relative claimed that
+Chinese physicians were better than our
+own; that they had devoted 5,000 years to
+medicine and had thus become so learned and
+skillful that they could tell all diseases without
+asking a single question, simply by feeling
+the pulse. Out of curiosity I visited this
+physician, ostensibly as a patient. Without
+so declaring myself, he knew intuitively that
+I came to consult him. Without asking any
+questions he placed his finger upon my right
+wrist, communed with himself for a few
+moments, and then gravely informed me that
+I had <i>thirty-seven diseases</i>; some in the
+blood, some in the brain, some in the kidneys,
+some in the liver, and many others in the
+heart and lungs. He said it would take <i>sixteen
+different herbs</i> to cure me. He volunteered
+the statement that he could detect
+6,000 diseases by the pulse alone, and that
+he used 400 herbs in the treatment of the
+various diseases. Upon his request, I examined
+his portfolio containing 350 testimonials
+of marvellous cures, wrought upon
+American residents of California during his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>
+seventeen years’ practice on the coast. Many
+of them were from parties of intelligence
+and eminence, and were so extraordinary
+that nothing short of their being attested by
+numerous witnesses of unimpeachable veracity,
+could satisfy one of their truth. Now,
+permit me to say that I have no pulse in the
+right wrist, the pulse being congenitally absent;
+but through it he made the pretense of
+locating so many diseases. This doubtless is
+the form and character of medical practice
+in China among the native Chinamen, and
+probably has been for many centuries among
+a population of 400,000,000. Is not the logic
+from the above facts irresistible, that in
+China the native physician cannot tell one
+disease from another, and that all his work
+is simply nonsense and guess work? There
+can be no escape from this conclusion—it
+follows as lucidly as a demonstrated problem
+in Euclid—<i>that</i> any benefit that may
+ever accrue from their treatment is wholly
+due to the dynamic force of the brain upon
+the functions of the body.”</p>
+
+<p>The following, from a Philadelphia journal,
+gives a striking illustration of the fact<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span>
+that the imagination is a <i>real</i> factor in many
+cases of physical ailment: “The fact that
+the throes of the imagination under great
+nervous excitement often produce a corresponding
+physical frenzy was illustrated recently
+in the case of a man who had gone to
+sleep with his artificial teeth in his mouth.
+Waking suddenly with a choking sensation,
+he found his teeth had disappeared. He
+looked in the glass of water where they were
+usually deposited, did not see them and realized
+they must be far down his throat. Choking
+and struggling, he hammered on the door
+of a friend sleeping in the house, who, seeing
+his critical condition, vainly tried to
+draw the teeth out of the sufferer’s throat.
+He could feel the teeth, but had not the
+strength to extract them. He ran for a
+blacksmith who lived a few doors away, but
+the blacksmith’s hand was too big to put into
+the man’s mouth. A doctor had been sent
+for, but he was so long in coming that the
+victim of the accident seemed likely to die
+of suffocation before the physician arrived.
+A little girl of ten years was brought under
+the impression that her small hand might<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>
+reach the obstacle and withdraw it, but she
+got frightened and began to cry. The sufferer
+became black in the face, his throat
+swelled out, and his friends expected every
+moment to be his last, when finally the doctor
+arrived. He heard the history of the
+case, saw that the teeth were not in the man’s
+jaws nor in their nightly receptacle, felt the
+throat and cast his eyes seriously upon the
+floor. <i>There, on the floor, he saw the
+whole set of teeth.</i> He adjusted them to
+the jaws of the patient, told him to breathe
+freely, and every symptom of suffocation
+disappeared.”</p>
+
+<p>The following from an Eastern journal illustrates
+another phase of the subject: “Saltpetriere,
+the hospital for nervous diseases,
+made famous by the investigations of Dr.
+Charcot, has an interesting case of religious
+mania. The patient, who is a woman of
+about forty years of age, entertains the belief
+that she is crucified, and this delusion
+has caused a contraction of the muscles of
+the feet of such a nature that she can walk
+only on tip-toe. The patient, moreover, is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>
+subject occasionally to the still more extraordinary
+manifestation—that of ‘stigmata.’
+Instances of ‘stigmata’ are tolerably frequent
+in the ‘Lives of the Saints’ of alleged
+supernatural marks on the body in imitation
+of the wounds of Christ. These ‘stigmata’
+have been observed beyond all question on
+the woman at the Saltpetriere. Their appearance
+on the body coincides with the return
+of the most solemn religious anniversaries.
+These ‘stigmata’ are so visible that
+it has been possible to photograph them. The
+doctors of the Saltpetriere in order to assure
+themselves that these manifestations were
+not the result of trickery, contrived a sort
+of shade having a glass front and metal
+sides, and capable of being hermetically attached
+to the body by means of India rubber
+fixings. These shades were placed in
+position a considerable time before the dates
+at which the stigmata are wont to appear.
+When they were affixed there were no marks
+whatever on the patient’s body, but at the
+expected period the ‘stigmata’ were visible
+as usual through the glass.”</p>
+
+<p>In a Southern journal there is reported an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span>
+interesting case, in which a New Orleans
+physician tells the following story: “A nervous
+man recently called on me and asked,
+‘In what part of the abdomen are the premonitory
+pains of appendicitis felt?’ On
+the <i>left</i> side, exactly here,’ I replied, indicating
+a spot a little above the point of the
+hip-bone. He went out, and next afternoon
+I was summoned in hot haste to the St.
+Charles hotel. I found the planter writhing
+on his bed, his forehead beaded with sweat,
+and his whole appearance indicating intense
+suffering. ‘I have an attack of appendicitis,’
+he groaned, ‘and I’m a dead man! I’ll never
+survive an operation!’ ‘Where do you feel
+the pain?’ I asked. ‘Oh, right here,’ he replied,
+putting his finger on the spot I had
+located at the office. ‘I feel as if somebody
+had a knife in me turning it around.’ ‘Well,
+then, it isn’t appendicitis, at any rate,’ I
+said cheerfully, ‘because <i>it is the wrong side</i>.’
+‘The wrong side!’ he exclaimed, glaring at
+me indignantly. ‘Why, you told me yourself
+it was on the <i>left</i> side!’ ‘Then I must
+have been abstracted,’ I replied calmly; ‘I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>
+should have said the <i>right</i> side.’ I prescribed
+something that wouldn’t hurt him,
+and learned afterward that he ate his dinner
+in the dining-room the same evening. Oh!
+yes; he was no doubt in real pain when I
+called, <i>but you can make your finger ache
+merely by concentrating your attention on it
+for a few moments</i>.”</p>
+
+<p>Frank F. Moore, in “A Journalist’s Note
+Book” tells the following amusing and significant
+story of the influence of imagination
+upon health. “A young civil servant in India,
+feeling fagged from the excessive heat
+and from long hours of work consulted the
+best doctor within reach. The doctor looked
+him over, sounded his heart and lungs, and
+then said gravely: ‘I will write you tomorrow.’
+The next day the young man received a
+letter telling him that his left lung was gone
+and his heart seriously affected, and advising
+him to lose no time in adjusting his business
+affairs. ‘Of course, you may live for
+weeks,’ the latter said, ‘but you had best
+not leave important matters undecided.’
+Naturally the young official was dismayed
+by so dark a prognosis—nothing less than a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>
+death warrant. Within twenty-four hours
+he was having difficulty with his respiration,
+and was seized with an acute pain in the
+region of the heart. He took to his bed with
+the feeling that he should never rise from
+it. During the night he became so much
+worse that his servant sent for the doctor.
+‘What on earth have you been doing to yourself?’
+demanded the doctor. ‘There were no
+indications of this sort when I saw you yesterday?’
+‘It is my heart, I suppose,’ weakly
+answered the patient. ‘Your heart!’ repeated
+the doctor. ‘Your heart was all right
+yesterday.’ ‘My lungs, then.’ ‘What is the
+matter with you, man? You don’t seem to
+have been drinking?’ ‘Your letter,’ gasped
+the patient. ‘You said I had only a few
+weeks to live.’ ‘Are you crazy?’ said the
+doctor. ‘I wrote you to take a few weeks
+vacation in the hills, and you would be all
+right.’ For reply the patient drew the letter
+from under the bedclothes and gave it to
+the doctor. ‘Heavens!’ cried that gentleman
+as he glanced at it. ‘This was meant for another
+man! My assistant has mixed up the
+letters.’ The young man at once sat up in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>
+bed and made a rapid recovery. And what
+of the patient for whom the direful prognosis
+was intended? Delighted with the report
+that a sojourn in the hills would set
+him right, he started at once, and five years
+later was alive and in fair health.”</p>
+
+<p>The following is clipped from a medical
+journal: “Some physician makes use of this
+suggestive phrase—‘the dynamic power of an
+idea,’ and, as an illustration of what is meant
+by this expression, the following incident is
+related. Not long ago a man in taking medicine
+was suddenly possessed by the notion
+that he had by mistake taken arsenic. His
+wife insisted to the contrary, but he proceeded
+to manifest all the peculiar symptoms
+of arsenical poisoning, and finally died.
+So certain was his wife that he had not taken
+arsenic that an autopsy was held, when not
+an atom of the poison could be found. Of
+what did this man die? Arsenic? No, of
+the dynamic power of an idea or arsenic.
+Happily for humanity this dynamic power of
+ideas works constructively no less certainly
+than it does destructively, and an idea of
+health fixed in the consciousness and persis<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span>tently
+adhered to would tend to bring the
+best results. Over a hundred years ago, old
+John Hunter said, ‘<i>As the state of mind
+is capable of producing disease, another
+state of it may effect a cure</i>.’”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. William C. Prime relates the following
+case in his book “Among the Northern
+Hills.” “The judge was summoned in a
+hurry to see an old lady who had managed
+her farm for forty years since her husband’s
+death. She had two sons, and a stepson,
+John, who was not an admirable person.
+After a long drive on a stormy night the
+judge found the old lady apparently just
+alive, and was told by the doctor in attendance
+to hurry, as his patient was very weak.
+The judge brought paper and ink with him.
+He found a stand and a candle, placed them
+at the head of the bed, and after saying a
+few words to the woman, told her he was
+ready to prepare the will if she would go on
+and tell him what she wanted him to do. He
+wrote the introductory phrase rapidly, and
+leaning over toward her said, ‘Now, go on,
+Mrs. Norton.’</p>
+
+<p>“Her voice was quite faint, and she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span>
+seemed to speak with an effort. She said:
+‘First of all, I want to give the farm to my
+sons, Harry and James. Just put that
+down.’ ‘But,’ said the judge, ‘you can’t do
+that, Mrs. Norton. The farm isn’t yours to
+give away.’ ‘The farm isn’t mine?’ she said
+in a voice decidedly stronger than before.
+‘No, the farm isn’t yours. You have only a
+life interest in it.’ ‘This farm that I’ve
+run for goin’ on forty-three year next spring
+isn’t mine to do with what I please with it?
+Why not, Judge I’d like to know what you
+mean!’ ‘Why, Mr. Norton, your husband,
+gave you a life estate in all his
+property, and on your death the farm
+goes to his son, John, and <i>your</i> children
+get the village houses. I have explained
+that to you very often before.’ ‘And
+when I die, John Norton is to have this
+house and farm whether I will or not?’ ‘Just
+so. It will be his.’ ‘<i>Then I ain’t goin’ to
+die!</i>’ said the old woman, in a clear and decidedly
+ringing and healthy voice. And so
+saying, she threw her feet over the front of
+the bed, sat up, gathered a blanket and coverlet
+about her, straightened her gaunt form,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>
+walked across the room and sat down in a
+great chair before the fire.</p>
+
+<p>“The doctor and the judge went home.
+That was fifteen years ago. <i>The old lady is
+alive to-day.</i> And she accomplished her intent,
+She beat John after all. He died four
+years ago.”</p>
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2>
+
+<p class="center">BELIEF AND SUGGESTION</p>
+
+<p>The writer has been informed by a prominent
+physician of Chicago, that for many
+years he has been in the habit of administering
+hypodermic injections of distilled water,
+accompanying the same by the statement
+that he is injecting morphine. He states
+that in every case, he has succeeded in inducing
+a quiet, peaceful sleep, and a cessation
+of pain after the injection, which can
+be attributed only to the <i>belief</i> of the patient.
+The same physician also relates the case of
+a woman who believed that she had taken
+strychnine by mistake. When the doctor
+was called he found the woman manifesting
+every symptom of strychnine poisoning,
+even down to the most minute details, and
+he is of the opinion that death would have
+ensued in a short time had he not proceeded
+to administer the regular antidotes and restorative
+treatment. After the woman was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>
+brought out of the condition, it was discovered
+that the supposed strychnine was
+nothing but a harmless powder. In relating
+the case, the physician always adds that the
+woman had witnessed the death struggles of
+a dog which had been poisoned by strychnine
+several months previous, which might
+have had some effect in enabling her to unconsciously
+counterfeit the symptoms.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Max Eastman, in a recent magazine
+article says: “The mission of this paper is
+to offer guidance in a matter about which a
+great quantity of the general public is very
+much at sea. In this question of ‘mind over
+matter,’ the reformers have done their work.
+They have stirred things up. They have bestowed
+upon the world about a hundred and
+fifty little religions and a confused idea that
+there must be some truth in the matter somewhere.
+The ignorant have done their work.
+They have persecuted the believers, jeered at
+them, or damned them with a vacuous smile.
+The world will never lack ballast. It is only
+the scientists that have failed of their duty.
+They have stalked through a routine of elevated
+lectures, written a few incomprehen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>sible
+books, and kept the science of psychology,
+so far as the hungry world goes, sealed
+up in their own proud bosoms. In all this
+uproar of faith-cures, and miracles, and
+shouting prophets, we have heard few illuminating
+words from the universities.
+The consequence is that we are without a
+helm, and the reform blows now one way and
+now another....</p>
+
+<p>“The law of suggestion, which is one of
+the great discoveries of modern science, was
+first formulated by Dr. Liebault at Paris, in
+a book published in 1866. Since his day the
+number of physicians who practice ‘suggestive
+therapeutics’ has steadily increased,
+until to-day no thorough clinical hospital is
+without a professional suggestionist. The
+practice <i>does not involve any metaphysical
+theories</i>, the passage of any hidden force
+from one brain to another, any ‘planes of
+existence,’ or any religious upset, or any
+poetic physiology, or the swallowing of any
+occult doctrines whatever. It is one of the
+simplest and coolest of scientific theories.
+It is a question of the relation between the
+brain and the bodily organs. It seems never<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span>
+to have been clearly stated that healing disease
+by suggestion depends not in the least
+degree upon any theory of the relation of
+mind and matter.... The attempt to
+fix an idea in the mind without reason is suggestion.
+It is accomplished usually in medical
+practice by asking the patient to lie
+down and relax his body and his mind and
+then vigorously stating to him the desired
+idea. It may be accomplished in a number
+of ways. The patient may be told that the
+operator is a wizard and is about to transfer
+an idea from his own mind to that of the
+patient. If the patient believes him he will
+very likely accept the idea. It may be accomplished
+by gestures or incantations which
+the patient regards with superstitious awe,
+provided it is explained beforehand what
+these gestures are meant to produce. It may
+be accomplished by telling the patient he has
+no body, and sitting with him for awhile in
+spiritual silence, <i>provided he knows what
+to expect</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“All these methods, <i>if one believes in
+them</i>, are good, and they prove by their success
+the law of suggestion. But the method<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>
+that is based on a sure truth is the method
+of the scientist. He reasons with his patient,
+he stirs in him what moral or religious enthusiasm
+he can, and to these means he adds
+tactfully the subtle suggestive powers of his
+own presence and eloquence. This force, together
+with the power which is revealed in
+a man of correcting his own mental habits,
+is the greatest practical discovery of modern
+psychology.... Suggestive therapeutics
+is the use of suggestion to fix in the
+mind ideas of healthy mental habits....</p>
+
+<p>“Our question is: can the physical conditions
+of the brain affect the physical condition
+of the stomach? We know that the
+brain-building condition which accompanies
+the idea of raising our hand can affect the
+condition of the muscles of our arm—and we
+call that a voluntary function. Now the
+question is whether the brain condition which
+accompanies the idea of enlivening our
+stomach can have an effect upon that involuntary
+function. Experiments with suggestion
+have proved that in some cases it
+can, if it continues long enough. Persons of
+a very suggestible nature, can, for instance,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>
+by concentrating their mind upon a certain
+part of the body, increase the flow of blood
+to that part, although the regulation of blood
+flow is supposed to be entirely involuntary.
+The action of the heart, also the movements
+of the digestive organs particularly, and of
+the organs of elimination, are almost directly
+affected in suggestible persons by that
+change in their brains which accompanies
+certain ideas.... Science has established
+then, that suggestion can effect to some
+extent, the so-called involuntary functions of
+the body; but the extent or limitation of
+these effects is by no means determined. It
+could not be determined scientifically without
+years of diligent experiment and tabulation.
+Any dogmatic statement upon one
+side or the other of that question, is therefore
+premature and against the spirit of
+science.”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Leith, in his Edinburgh lectures in
+1896, said: “I am inclined to doubt whether
+the benefits of Nauheim (a treatment for the
+heart) is not after all to be explained largely,
+if not entirely, by the influence of the
+mental factor.” Tuke says that: “John<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>
+Hunter says he was subject to spasm of his
+‘vital parts’ when anxious about an event;
+as, for instance, whether his bees would
+swarm or not, whether the large cat he was
+anxious to kill would get away before he
+could get the gun. After death it was found
+that he had some heart disease....
+Lord Eglinton told John Hunter how, when
+two soldiers were condemned to be shot, it
+was arranged the one who threw the number
+with the dice should be reprieved; the one
+who proved successful generally fainted,
+while the one to be shot remained calm.”
+Dr. Schofield says: “During the rush of
+Consumptives to Berlin for inoculation by
+Dr. Koch’s tuberculin, a special set of symptoms
+were observed to follow the injection
+and were taken as being diagnostic of the
+existence of tuberculosis; among others, a
+rise of temperature after so many hours.
+These phenomena were eagerly looked for
+by the patients, and occurred accurately in
+several who were injected with pure water.
+The formation of blisters full of serum from
+the application of plain stamp and other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>
+paper to various parts of the bodies of patients
+in the hypnotic state, is well attested
+and undoubtedly true.”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Krafft-Ebing has produced a rise
+from 37 degrees centigrade to 38.5 degrees
+centigrade in patients by fixing their minds
+by suggestion. In the same way Binet lowered
+the temperature 10 degrees centigrade.
+The latter authority says: “How can it be,
+when one merely says to the patient: ‘Your
+hand will become cold,’ and the vaso-motor
+system answers by constricting the artery?
+<i>C’est ce que depasse notre imagination.</i>”
+Schofield commenting on the above, says:
+“Indeed there is no way of accounting for
+such a phenomena but by freely admitting
+the presence of unconscious psychic forces
+in the body, capable of so influencing the
+structures of the body as to produce physical
+changes.” Tuke says: “A lady saw a
+child in immediate danger of having its
+ankle crushed by an iron gate. She was
+greatly agitated, but could not move, owing
+to intense pain coming on in her corresponding
+ankle. She walked home with difficulty,
+took off her stocking and found a circle<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>
+around the ankle of a light red color, with a
+large red spot on the outer side. By the
+morning her whole foot was inflamed, and
+she had to remain in bed for some days.
+A young woman witnessing the lancing of
+an abscess in the axilla immediately felt pain
+in that region, followed by inflammation.
+Dr. Marmise of Bordeaux tells us of a lady’s
+maid, who when the surgeon put his lancet
+into her mistress’s arm to bleed her, felt the
+prick in her own arm, and shortly after
+there appeared a bruise at the spot.”</p>
+
+<p>It is related that St. Francis d’Assisi dwelt
+so long in concentrated meditation upon the
+thought and picture of the Crucifixion that
+he suffered intense pain in his hands and
+feet, at the points corresponding to the place
+of the nails in the hands and feet of Christ,
+which was afterward followed by marked inflammation
+at those points, terminating in
+actual ulceration. The phenomena of the
+<i>stigmata</i> in the cases of religious enthusiasts
+and fanatics has been mentioned elsewhere
+in this book. Prof. Barrett says of
+the phenomenon: “It is not so well known,
+but it is nevertheless the fact, that utterly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>
+startling physiological changes can be produced
+in a hypnotized subject merely by conscious
+or unconscious mental suggestion.
+Thus a red scar or a painful burn, or even a
+figure of a definite shape, such as a cross or
+an initial, can be caused to appear on the
+body of the entranced subject solely through
+suggesting the idea. By creating some local
+disturbance of the blood-vessel in the skin,
+the unconscious self has done what would be
+impossible for the conscious to perform.
+And so in the well-attested cases of <i>stigmata</i>,
+where a close resemblance to the
+wounds of the body of the crucified Saviour
+appears on the body of the ecstatic. This is
+a case of unconscious self-suggestion, arising
+from the intent and adoring gaze of the
+ecstatic upon the bleeding figure on the
+crucifix.”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Schofield says: “The breath is altered
+by the emotions. The short quiet breath of
+joy contrasts with the long sigh of relief
+after breathless suspense. Joy gives eupnœa
+or easy breathing, grief or rather fear
+tends to dyspnœa or difficult breathing.
+Sobbing goes with grief, laughter with joy,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span>
+and one often merges into the other. Yawning
+is produced by pure idea or by seeing it,
+as well as by fatigue. Dr. Morton Prince
+says a lady he knew always had violent catarrh
+in the nose (hay fever) if a rose was
+in the room. He gave her an <i>artificial</i> one and
+the usual symptoms followed. How many
+cases of hay-fever have a somewhat similar
+origin in the unconscious mind?...
+The hair may be turned grey and white by
+emotion in a few hours or sooner. With regard
+to the stomach and digestion, apart
+from actual disease, we may notice one or two
+instances of unconscious mind action. A
+man who was very sea-sick lost a valuable
+set of artificial teeth overboard, and was instantly
+cured. If the thoughts are strongly
+directed to the intestinal canal, as by bread-pills,
+it will produce strong peristaltic action.
+Vomiting occurs from mental causes, apart
+from organic brain disease. Bad news will
+produce nausea; emotion also, or seeing another
+person vomit, or certain smells or
+ideas, or thoughts about a sea-voyage, etc.,
+or the thought that an emetic has been taken....
+The thought of an acid fruit will fill<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>
+the mouth with water. A successful way of
+stopping discordant street music is to suck
+a lemon within a full view of a German band.
+Fear will so dry the throat that dry rice cannot
+be swallowed. This is a test in India
+for the detection of a murderer. The suspected
+man is brought forward and given a
+handful of dry rice to swallow. If he can do
+this he is innocent; if he cannot he is guilty,
+fear having dried up his mouth....
+A young lady who could not be cured of
+vomiting was engaged to be married. On
+being told that the wedding day must be
+postponed till cured, the vomiting ceased....
+A mother nursing her child always
+found the milk secreted when she heard the
+child crying for any length of time. Fear
+stops the secretion of milk, and worry will
+entirely change its character, so as to become
+absolutely injurious to the child.”</p>
+
+<p>Maudsley says: “Perhaps we do not as
+physicians consider sufficiently the influence
+of mental states in the production of disease,
+their importance as symptoms; or realize
+all the advantages which we take of them
+in our efforts to cure disease. Quackery<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>
+seems to have got hold of a truth which legitimate
+medicine fails to appreciate or use
+adequately.” Dr. Buckley says: “A doctor
+was called to see a lady with severe rheumatism,
+and tried to extemporize a vapor bath
+in bed, with an old tin pipe and a tea-kettle;
+and only succeeded in scalding the patient
+with the boiling water proceeding from
+the overful kettle through the pipe. The
+patient screamed: ‘Doctor, you have scalded
+me,’ and leaped out of bed. But the rheumatism
+was cured, and did not return.”
+Tuke relates an amusing instance of the
+effect of suggestion and faith upon warts.
+He had been considering the subject of the
+various “pow-wows” or “wart-cures” of the
+old women, and determined to try some experiments
+in order to see whether these
+cures were not due simply to mental influences
+and expectant attention. On an
+official tour he visited an asylum, where he
+was regarded as a great personage by reason
+of his office. He noticed that several of
+the inmates were afflicted with warts, and
+muttering a few words over the excresences,
+he told the owners that by such and such a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>
+day the warts would have completely disappeared.
+He forgot the circumstances, owing
+to the press of his official duties, and was
+agreeably surprised when, on his next round
+of visits, he was told that his patients had
+been cured at the time he had predicted.
+Nearly everyone has had some personal acquaintance
+with some of these “pow-wow”
+wart cures, in one form or another. Tying
+a knot in a piece of cord, then rubbing the
+wart with it, and burying the string, has
+cured thousands of cases of warts—the suggestion
+being the real cause behind the mask.</p>
+
+<p>Ferassi cured fifty cases of ague by a
+charm, which consisted merely of a piece of
+paper with the word “Febrifuge” written
+on it. The patient was directed to clip off
+one letter of the word each day until cured.
+Some patients recovered as soon as the first
+“F” was clipped from the paper. The
+writer hereof knows personally of a number
+of people having been cured of fever
+and ague by means of a written “charm”
+which an old man in Philadelphia sold them
+at a dollar a copy. The old man informed
+him that he, “and his father before him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>”
+had cured thousands of people in this way,
+making a comfortable living from the practice.
+Dr. Gerbe, of Paris, cured 401 out
+of 629 cases of toothache by masked suggestion
+administered in the form of causing the
+patients to crush a small insect between their
+fingers, after having strongly impressed
+upon them the fact that this was an infallible
+cure.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Schofield reports the following interesting
+cases of cures by auto-suggestion and
+faith: “A surgeon took into a hospital ward
+some time ago, a little boy who had kept his
+bed for five years, having hurt his spine in
+a fall. He had been all the time totally paralyzed
+in the legs, and could not feel when
+they were touched or pinched; nor could he
+move them in the least degree. After careful
+examination, the doctor explained minutely
+to the boy the awful nature of the electric
+battery, and told him to prepare for its
+application the next day. At the same time
+he showed him a sixpence, and sympathizing
+with his state, told him that the sixpence
+should be his if, notwithstanding, he should
+have improved enough the next day to walk<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>
+leaning on and pushing a chair, which would
+also save the need of the battery. In two
+weeks the boy was running races in the park,
+and his cure was reported in the ‘<i>Lancet</i>.’ ...
+A young lady who had taken ether
+three and a half years before, on the inhaler
+being held three inches away from the face,
+and retaining a faint odor of ether, went
+right off, and becoming unconscious without
+any ether being used or the inhaler touching
+her face. A woman was brought on a
+couch into a London hospital by two ladies,
+who said she had been suffering from incurable
+paralysis of the spine for two years,
+and having exhausted all their means in
+nursing her, they now sought to get her admitted,
+pending her removal to a home
+for incurables. In two hours I had cured
+her by agencies which owed all their virtue
+to their influence on the mind, and I walked
+with the woman half a mile up and down the
+waiting-room, and she then returned home
+in an omnibus, being completely cured. An
+amusing case is that of a paralyzed girl,
+who on learning that she had secured the affections
+of the curate, who used to visit her,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span>
+got out of bed and walked—cured; and soon
+afterwards made an excellent pastor’s wife.
+A remarkable instance of this sort of cure
+is that of a child afflicted with paralysis,
+who was brought up from the country to
+Paris to the Hotel Dieu. The child, who had
+heard a great deal of the wonderful metropolis,
+its magnificent hospitals, its omnipotent
+doctors, and their wonderful cures, was
+awe-struck, and so vividly impressed with
+the idea that such surroundings must have
+a curative influence, that the day after her
+arrival she sat up in bed much better. The
+good doctor just passed around, but had not
+time to treat her till the third day; by which
+time when he came round she was out of
+bed, walking about the room, quite restored
+by the glimpses she had got of his majestic
+presence.”</p>
+
+<p>Having now shown by numerous disinterested
+authorities, the majority of whom belong
+to the medical profession, that the mental
+states of belief, faith and expectancy,
+and their negative aspects of fear, apprehension,
+and false-belief, may, and do, influence
+physical conditions, functioning and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>
+activities, irrespective of the particular
+theory, creed, or explanation accepted by the
+patient himself, or herself, we see the necessity
+of seeking for the common principle of
+cure manifesting in the various forms of
+phenomena. And before this common principle
+may be grasped, we must needs acquaint
+ourselves with the physical organism involved
+in the process of cure. Accordingly
+the several succeeding chapters will be devoted
+to that phase of the general subject.</p>
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2>
+
+<p class="center">PSYCHO-THERAPEUTIC METHODS</p>
+
+<p>The reader will have seen from the preceding
+chapters that we have proceeded
+upon the theory that Suggestion is the universal
+operative principle manifesting in all
+forms of mental healing, under whatever
+guise the latter may be presented and by
+whatever method it may be applied. But
+it must be remembered that by “Suggestion”
+we do not mean the theories of any particular
+group of psycho-therapists, but rather
+the broad general principle indicated by that
+term which operates in the direction of influencing
+the Subconscious Mind and its activities.
+Let us consider the principle of
+Suggestion that we may understand what it
+is, and what it is not.</p>
+
+<p>The term “Suggestion” has as its root
+the Latin word <i>suggero</i>, which is translated
+as follows: <i>sug</i> (or <i>sub</i>), “under;” and
+<i>gero</i>, “to carry;” that is, “to carry or place<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>
+under.” In its general usage it signifies
+“The introduction indirectly into the mind
+or thoughts; or that which is so introduced.”
+Ordinarily a “suggestion” is an idea indirectly
+insinuated into the mind, and generally
+without the process of argument or
+reasoning. In the New Psychology, the term
+“suggestion” is used in the sense of an
+idea which is “carried under” the objective
+or conscious mind, and introduced to
+the subjective or Subconscious Mind. In
+Suggestive Therapeutics, a “suggestion” is
+an idea introduced into that part of the
+Subconscious Mind which governs and controls
+the physical functions and activities,
+and which is embodied in the cells and cell-groups
+of the body as we have stated in the
+preceding chapters.</p>
+
+<p>By many mental healers the term “Suggestion”
+is applied only to the particular
+method of applying Suggestion employed by
+physicians and others who practice under the
+general theories of Suggestive Therapeutics,
+and the first mentioned class deny that they
+use Suggestion because, as they say, they do
+not use the methods of the practitioners of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>
+Suggestive Therapeutics, and make their
+cures by “metaphysical” or “spiritual”
+means, or according to some creed or metaphysical
+theory which, accepted, works the
+cure. We think that the unprejudiced
+reader who has followed us this far will have
+seen that these metaphysical theories, creeds,
+and special dogmas are simply the outward
+mask of Suggestion. These healers simply
+supply a form of Suggestion which is acceptable
+to the patient because of his temperament,
+training, etc., and the healing process
+operates along the lines of the “faith cure.”</p>
+
+<p>The fact that healers of entirely opposite
+theories and doctrines manage to make cures
+in about the same proportion and in about
+the same time, would seem to prove that the
+theories or dogmas have but little to do with
+the real work of healing. Whatever form
+of Suggestion is most acceptable to the patient,
+will best perform the healing work in
+that particular case. This will also serve
+to explain why some patients failing to obtain
+relief from one school of mental healing
+often are cured by healers of another<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>
+school, and <i>vice versa</i>. Some need Suggestion
+couched in the mystical terms of some
+of the cults; others need it garbed in religious
+drapings, while others prefer some
+vague metaphysical theory which seems
+to explain the phenomena. Others still are
+repelled by any of the above forms, but respond
+readily to the Suggestion of a physician
+administering “straight” suggestive
+treatment, without any religious, metaphysical,
+or mystical disguise. In all of these
+cases the real healing work is done by the
+Subconscious Mind of the patient himself,
+the various forms of Suggestion serving merely
+to awaken and rouse into activity the latent
+forces of nature.</p>
+
+<p>We invite your consideration of the following
+forms of “treatment” for various
+disorders, as given by some of the “Divine
+Scientists” and other metaphysical and
+semi-religious organizations and cults. As
+you read them, try to discover the Suggestive
+germ so nicely surrounded by the sugar-coating—the
+Suggestive pill so cleverly concealed
+by the “metaphysical” raisin.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>From a journal published in Chicago several
+years ago, called “Universal Truth,”
+the following “treatments” were clipped:</p>
+
+<p>A correspondent who asked for a “treatment”
+adapted to the cure of <i>nervousness</i>,
+is instructed to use the following formula,
+which must be “repeated over and over”:</p>
+
+<p>“<i>I am warmed and fed and clothed and
+healed by Divine Love.</i>”</p>
+
+<p>Another correspondent is given the following
+formula for the cure of sore feet, the
+affirmation to be made frequently:</p>
+
+<p>“<i>I so thoroughly understand the divine
+working of the Truth, and I so thoroughly
+realize the presence of the Father in me and
+about me that I am now conscious that omnipotent
+Love rules in every atom of my being,
+soul and body. My feet can never be weary
+nor sore. God created my feet perfect. I
+walk the pathway of life in perfect ease and
+comfort. All the obstacles in my path have
+vanished, and my feet are bathed in a sea of
+pure love. Through a knowledge and realization
+of the presence of Omnipotence, I
+praise and thank God for the perfect spirit
+of peace that now dwells within me.</i>”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The following additional “treatment” is
+suggested to this sufferer from <i>sore feet</i>:</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Mentally place yourself in an attitude to
+realize the power of the words you utter, for
+the fullness of peace and harmony in your
+feet comes with realization. The more frequently
+this spiritual medicine is used,
+the sooner comes manifestation of perfect
+health.</i>”</p>
+
+<p>The same journal contained the following
+item:</p>
+
+<p>“The following invigorating affirmations
+are used at the Exodus Club, Chicago, Sunday
+mornings, the congregation repeating
+them after the leader: <i>‘With reverent recognition
+of my birthright, I claim my sonship
+with the Almighty. I am free from disease
+and disorder. I am in harmony with my
+source. The Infinite Health is made manifest
+in me. The Infinite Substance is my
+constant supply. The Infinite Life fills and
+strengthens me. The Infinite Intelligence illumines
+and directs me. The Infinite Love
+surrounds and protects me. The Infinite
+Power upholds and supports me. I am out
+of bondage. I have the freedom of the sons</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span>
+<i>of God. With all that is in me I rejoice and
+give thanks. God and man are the all in all,
+now and forever more.</i>’”</p>
+
+<p>The same journal recommends the following
+affirmations for general health treatment:</p>
+
+<p>“Monday—<i>Perfect health is my external
+birthright</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Tuesday—<i>I have health of intellect, therefore
+I have wise judgment and clear understanding</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Wednesday—<i>I am morally healthful, therefore
+in all my dealings I love to realize that
+I am quickened by the spirit of integrity</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Thursday—<i>Healthfulness of soul gives me
+a pure heart and righteousness of motive in
+everything I do</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Friday—<i>Meditation upon the health of my
+real being outpictures in physical health and
+strength, in even temper, joyous spirits and
+in kind words</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Saturday—<i>My health is inexhaustible, because
+I keep my eye steadily fixed upon its
+eternal Principle, and my mouth filled with
+words of its Omnipotence</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Sunday—<i>The Father and I are one; one</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span>
+<i>in purpose, alike in Substance, and one in
+manifestation</i>.”</p>
+
+<p>In the same journal a correspondent gives
+the following treatment for <i>rupture</i>:</p>
+
+<p>“<i>You were conceived in Divine Love. You
+are the expression of that pure, perfect Love.
+Divine Love is a binding, cementing power.
+It is the power that holds all atoms in their
+places. Every atom of your body is drawn
+and held together in its place by this power.
+If any of them get separated as by rupture
+or any other appearance, they may be drawn
+together and cemented by the omnipotent
+power of Love; but the word must be spoken.
+Therefore use the following: ‘The omnipotent
+spirit of Love in me heals this rupture
+and gives me peace.’ Then, mentally realize
+the truth of your words, for the Spirit
+alone can heal.</i>”</p>
+
+<p>The following treatment for <i>appendicitis</i>
+is given in the same journal:</p>
+
+<p>“<i>The false theories of physicians and surgeons,
+and the general impressions regarding
+that error named Appendicitis are powerless
+to produce or perpetuate such manifestation.
+The great law of harmony reigns</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span>
+<i>and only waits the universal acknowledgment
+of its supremacy to obliterate all such
+falsity, thereby obliterating the manifestation.
+We claim, therefore, freedom from
+such error for every soul. We make this
+claim in the name of Jesus Christ.</i>”</p>
+
+<p>From the same source is taken this treatment
+for <i>periodical nausea in a child</i>:</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Dear child, every organ of your body is
+designed to represent the ideal and perfect
+organ in your real spiritual being; and every
+function of your body must respond to the
+word of truth which is now sent forth to establish
+harmony in your consciousness. The
+infinite Love that is omnipresent and all-powerful
+permeates and penetrates every
+organ and function of your body, and corrects
+every tendency to discord or disease.
+By that infinite Love you are now made
+free. You are fearless and free. You are
+joyous and free. You are free from the fear
+of others. You manifest health, strength
+and peace. Harmony reigns in mind and
+body. The word of truth has made you
+free.</i>”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Also the following treatment for <i>constipation</i>:</p>
+
+<p>“<i>I do realize that the power of divine
+Love so permeates every atom of my being
+that my bowels move freely and without effort.
+This inflowing of divine Love removes
+all obstructions and I am healed. I realize
+joy and eternal life so fully that the spirit of
+Peace is ever present with me. I acknowledge
+the fullness of joy, peace and power,
+and have come into a realization of my oneness
+with infinite Spirit; therefore I rest in
+thee, O my father.</i>”</p>
+
+<p>Another journal of “Divine Science” gave
+the following “Health Thought” to be held
+during the month:</p>
+
+<p>“<i>All the natural channels of my body are
+open and free. The substance of my body is
+good.</i>”</p>
+
+<p>Also the following treatment for <i>general
+health</i>:</p>
+
+<p>“<i>What is true of God is true of man. God
+is the One All, and is always in a state of
+wholeness. I, the man of God, am always
+whole, like unto the One All. No false belief
+environs or limits me. No shadow darkens</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span>
+<i>my mental vision. My body is a heavenly
+body, and my eyes do behold the glory of
+God in all visible things. I am well, and provided
+for, thank God, and nothing can make
+me think otherwise.</i>”</p>
+
+<p>While to the orthodox practitioner of
+medicine the above affirmation and “treatments”
+may seem to be nothing but a ridiculous
+conglomeration of mystical, religious
+and metaphysical terms, without sequence,
+logical relation, or common-sense, <i>it is true
+that statements and treatments similar to
+the above have successfully healed many
+cases of physical ailments</i>. There are thousands
+of people who will testify that they
+were healed in a similar manner, and the
+majority of them believed that there was
+some particular and peculiar virtue in the
+formula used, or in the theories and beliefs
+upon which the formula was based. But the
+unprejudiced student of Suggestion will
+readily see that the real healing force was
+with the mind and being of the patients
+themselves, and that the <i>faith, belief and expectant
+attention</i> was aroused by the formula
+and the theories. The principle is that of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>
+all Faith Cures—the principle of Suggestion.</p>
+
+<p>Other schools of metaphysical or religious
+healers treat the patient by impressing upon
+his mind the fact that God being perfect,
+good and loving could not be guilty of creating
+evil, pain or disease, and that such
+things are non-existent in the “Divine
+Mind,” and are merely illusion, errors, or
+false claims of the “mortal mind,” or “carnal
+mind” of the patient; therefore, if the
+patient will deny their reality, and will admit
+as existent only such things as are held
+in the Divine Mind, <i>i. e.</i>, the <i>good</i> things,
+then the evil things, being merely illusions
+and untruths, must of necessity fade away
+and disappear and perfect health will result.
+Others treat their patients by impressing
+upon their minds the idea that sickness and
+disease is either the world or “the devil,”
+or of the “principle of evil,” the latter being
+described as “the negation of truth,”
+and similar terms; and that therefore fixing
+the mind and faith upon the “principle of
+Good,” or God, must result in driving away<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span>
+the evil conditions. Others hold that disembodied
+spirits are aiding in the cure. There
+are thousands of variations rung on the
+chimes of metaphysical or religious suggestions
+in the cults. <i>And they all make some
+cures</i>, remember—<i>in spite of their theories</i>
+rather than because of them.</p>
+
+<p>The Mental Scientists come nearest to the
+ideas of the New Psychology, when they
+teach that “As a man thinketh, so is he,”
+and that the mind of man creates physical
+conditions, good and evil, and that the constant
+holding of the ideal of perfect health
+and the assertion thereof, will restore normal
+healthy conditions to the person suffering
+from physical ailments. Mental Science
+is very near to being “straight suggestion”
+so far as the actual method of treatment is
+concerned, although it resembles some of the
+other cults when it begins to speculate or
+dogmatize regarding the nature of the universe,
+etc.</p>
+
+<p>Differing from these metaphysical, mystical,
+or religious schools of healing in theory,
+although employing the same principle, we
+find the school of Suggestive Therapeutics,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span>
+proper, favored by many of the regular
+physicians and by a number of other healers
+who base their treatment upon the idea of
+“straight suggestion” coupled with hygienic
+truth and rational physiological facts. Perhaps
+a better idea of the theories and ideas
+of this school may be obtained by referring
+to the actual treatments given by some of
+their leading practitioners.</p>
+
+<p>Herbert A. Parkyn, M. D., an eminent
+practitioner of Suggestive Therapeutics,
+gives the following instruction to his pupils:
+“Students often ask for information as to
+what they should say to a patient when
+thorough relaxation is realized. As no two
+cases are exactly alike, it follows that the
+suggestions given must necessarily fit the
+case, and be given with a view to bring
+about the mental and physical condition desired.
+For instance, in treating a patient
+who is afflicted with insomnia, suggestions
+of sleep should be persistently given; and
+in cases of malnutrition suggestions of hunger
+should be made to stimulate the appetite
+for food. The operator should bear in mind
+that <i>the reiteration of the suggestion that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span>
+will change the condition existing, to that
+desired, is always the right one</i>, and his own
+intelligence will be the best guarantee as to
+what the suggestion should be.... Always
+arouse the expectant attention of a patient....
+So logical a line of argument
+can be made that each patient will have a
+reason for expecting certain conditions to be
+brought about. <i>With the patient’s attention
+on the desired results, they generally
+come to pass.</i> It is better not to give negative
+suggestions, such as, ‘You will not, or
+cannot do this, that or the other thing,’ etc.
+Pointing out what is not desirable does not
+suffice. In place of such suggestions, tell
+what you really wish your patients to do.
+For example, if a man should mount his
+bicycle incorrectly, he would profit nothing
+if we should merely tell him that the way he
+mounted was not the proper one. How much
+easier it would be for all concerned if the
+proper manner of mounting should be shown
+at once. Just so it is with therapeutic suggestions,
+<i>keep suggesting the conditions of
+mind or body you wish to bring about</i>.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The following treatment given as an example
+by F. W. Southworth, M. D., in his
+little book on “True Metaphysical Science,
+and its Practical Application through the
+Law of Suggestion,” furnishes an excellent
+illustration of the form of suggestive treatment
+favored by this particular school. The
+patient is addressed as follows:</p>
+
+<p>“As thoughts are not only things, but
+forces and act upon our mental and physical
+life for good or ill, we must be careful to
+always keep ourselves in that condition of
+thought which builds up and strengthens, to
+constantly think thoughts of <i>health</i>, of <i>happiness</i>,
+of <i>good</i>, to be <i>cheerful</i>, hopeful, confident
+and fearless. (Repeat five or six
+times.) In order to sustain this condition
+of positive thinking it requires the development
+of the will power. The will is the
+motive power and the controlling force in all
+aspects of our life, but we develop it especially
+for the concentration and control of
+thought. This is the higher self—the infinite
+will. Exercise it with vigor and earnest
+persistency, and learn to <i>rely</i> upon it. Assert
+its power as you assert the power of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>
+muscles in exercise and it will manifest itself
+and the thought will be positive, the
+secretions of the body will be normal, and
+the circulation of the blood in the head will
+be kept at that proper equilibrium which insures
+the constant nutrition of the cells of
+the brain and their constant vigor and
+strength of control of all the organs and tissues
+of the body, and this vast and intricate
+machinery of the body will work harmoniously
+for the production of nutrition
+through elaboration of the food elements.</p>
+
+<p>“As our body is constantly changing and
+wasting, we must rebuild and restore it constantly,
+and we do so from the air we
+breathe, the water we drink, and the food
+we eat. The most important of these is the
+air you breathe, as it is not only a food in
+itself to the tissues, but it vitalizes the food
+you eat and the water you drink. Give it
+that quality of your thought and breathe it
+as you have been directed at least six times
+per day for a period of from five to ten minutes
+each time. Recognize it as both a food
+and an eliminator of poisons, as it is, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>
+breathe, breathe, breathe, by Nature’s method,
+and the lungs will distribute the oxygen
+to the blood, and the blood being
+the common carrier of the body will take
+it to all parts of the body and on its return
+will gather up all the waste and poisonous
+matters and will bring them to the lungs,
+where, meeting the fresh oxygen, they will
+be burned up and exhaled as carbonic acid
+gas, leaving the body pure and clean.</p>
+
+<p>“The water you drink, in the proportion
+of three and one-half pints each day, is
+necessary in all adult bodies to insure perfect
+secretion and excretion. As the result
+of this required liquid being provided in normal
+quantity, the secreting glands will
+manufacture the proper amount of juices
+needed in digestion, absorption and assimilation
+of your food, and the excreting glands,
+those which bring about excretion or the removal
+of waste matters from the body—the
+liver giving you the bile, which produces a
+daily movement of the bowels—the kidneys
+and bladder removing the chemical deposits
+which come about through the processes of
+digestion, and the skin excreting a large<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span>
+amount of waste matter from its twelve
+square feet of surface, which you remove
+with a towel each morning after moistening
+it with cold water. By following these laws
+of Nature you will have a good appetite and
+digestion, a daily movement of the bowels,
+refreshing sleep, and, as your nutrition is
+restored from day to day, a feeling of satisfaction
+and happiness will be the result. Be
+earnest and persistent and do everything
+cheerfully, with a firm determination of doing
+your part to restore nutrition.</p>
+
+<p>“When you breathe, give it the quality of
+your thought; it is for the purpose of getting
+food, life; feeding from the air and
+eliminating poisons from your body. (Repeat
+five and six times.) When you sip the
+water, think each time that it is to produce
+perfect secretion and excretion—to give you
+a good appetite, digestion, refreshing sleep
+and a free movement of the bowels each
+morning. (Repeat five or six times.) Each
+day look forward to the morrow for progress
+and advancement. Think health—talk
+it and nothing else. Do not talk with anyone
+about disease or allow any person to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span>
+talk to you on such subjects. <i>Be cheerful</i>,
+<i>hopeful</i>, <i>confident</i> and fearless always, and
+you will be happy and healthy. Eat, drink,
+breathe and be merry.”</p>
+
+<p>It will be noticed that in the above described
+treatment, the suggestions are made
+along physiological and hygienic lines. That
+is, the suggestions indicate the physiological
+processes which are performed normally in
+the healthy person, the idea being to set up
+an ideal pattern for the Subconscious Mind
+to follow. In all scientific suggestive treatment
+the idea is always to paint a mental
+picture of the <i>desired conditions</i> rather than
+to dwell upon the existing undesirable conditions.
+The <i>ideal</i> is always held up to view,
+and the patient’s mind is led to <i>realize</i> the
+ideal—to make the ideal real—to manifest
+the thought in action—to materialize the
+mental picture.</p>
+
+<p>The general principles of Suggestive
+Therapeutics may be applied effectively by
+means of Auto-Suggestion. In fact, the “affirmations,”
+“statements” and “assertions”
+used by many of the New Thought
+schools are but forms of Auto-Suggestion.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span>
+There is no essential difference between the
+Suggestion given by others, and the Auto-Suggestion
+given by one’s self to one’s self.
+The healing power is in the mind of the patient,
+and whether it is called forth by his
+own Auto-Suggestion or the Suggestion of a
+healer matters not. The Auto-Suggestion is
+merely a case of self-healing by Suggestion,
+and is administered upon the principle of
+“every man his own suggestionist”—“sez I
+to meself, sez I.” Auto-Suggestions are
+usually given to one’s self in the form of
+“affirmations,” as, “I am improving; my
+stomach is doing its work well, digesting
+what is given it, and the nourishment is assimilated,
+etc.” In other works by the
+writer hereof, the method of addressing
+one’s self as one would another is recommended
+as particularly efficacious. That is
+to say, instead of saying, “<i>I</i> am, etc.,” in
+Auto-Suggestion, it is better to address one’s
+self in the second person, as “<i>John Smith</i>
+(naming yourself), <i>you</i> are, etc.” In short,
+the Auto-Suggestion seems to have additional
+force imparted to it by being directed
+as if it were being given to another person.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The following thought of Dr. Schofield is
+worthy of careful consideration in connection
+with the methods of applying Suggestion.
+He says, referring to the treatment of
+hysterical disorders and ailments: “We
+must, however, remember one great point
+with regard to suggestion—that it is like
+nitrogen. Nitrogen is the essential element
+in all animal life; it forms four-fifths of the
+air we breathe, and yet, curious to say, we
+have no power to use it in a pure state. We
+can only take it unconsciously, when combined
+with other substances in the form of
+proteid food. It is the same with suggestions.
+Not one hysterical sufferer in a hundred
+can receive and profit by them in a raw
+state—that is, consciously; they must generally
+be presented, as we have said, indirectly
+to the subconscious mind by the treatment
+and environment of the patient. An electric
+shock often cures slight hysterical diseases
+instantaneously, acting, as it often
+does, on the unconscious mind through the
+conscious. No doubt it would be easier if we
+could say to these sufferers, ‘The disease is
+caused by suggestions from ideal centers,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span>
+and to cure it, all you have to do is to
+believe you are well.’ Still, it would be as
+impossible for us to take our nitrogen pure
+from the air, the mind cannot as a rule be
+thus acted on directly when the brain is unhealthy.
+Suggestion must be wrapped in objective
+treatment, directed ostensibly and
+vigorously to the simulated disease.”</p>
+
+<p>Not only is the above true regarding the
+treatment of hysterical disorders, but to <i>all</i>
+disorders as well. The methods which will
+bring about the best results must be carefully
+modeled upon the patient’s particular
+temperament, education, prejudices for and
+against, and general belief. The skilled suggestionist
+adapts his treatment and methods
+to each individual case coming to him for
+treatment. Whatever method will best
+arouse the patient’s belief, faith and expectant
+attention is the best method for administering
+the suggestions. The successful
+suggestionist must be “all things to all men,”
+never, however, losing sight of the fundamental
+principle of Suggestion—the arousing
+of faith, belief, and expectant attention.</p>
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER X</h2>
+
+<p class="center">THE REACTION OF THE PHYSICAL</p>
+
+<p>As we have stated in our Foreword, there
+is a constant action and reaction between the
+Mental States and the Physical Conditions.
+In this book, from the nature of our subject,
+we have started with the phase of the Mental
+State and worked from that point to the
+consideration of the Physical Condition. In
+the same way, many physiologists start from
+the phase of the Physical Condition, and
+work up to the Mental State. But, starting
+from either phase, the candid investigator
+must admit that there is an endless chain of
+action and reaction between Mind and Body—between
+Body and Mind.</p>
+
+<p>This action and reaction works along the
+lines of building-up as well as tearing-down.
+For instance, if a person’s Mental States are
+positive, optimistic, cheerful and uplifting,
+the body will respond and the Physical Conditions
+will improve. The Physical Condi<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>tions,
+thus improving, will react upon the
+Mental States giving them a clearness and
+strength greater than previously manifested.
+The improved Mental State again acts upon
+the Physical Conditions, improving the latter
+still further. And so on, an endless chain
+of cause and effect, each effect becoming a
+cause for a subsequent effect, and each cause
+arising from a preceding effect. Likewise, a
+depressed, harmful Mental State will act
+upon the Physical Conditions, which in turn
+will react upon the Mental States, and so on,
+in an endless chain of destructive cause and
+effect. It is a striking illustration of the old
+Biblical statement: “To him who hath shall
+be given; to him who hath not shall be taken
+away even that which he hath.” In improving
+either the Mental State or the Physical
+Condition, one gives an uplift to the whole
+process of action and reaction; while, whatever
+adversely affects either Mental State or
+Physical Condition, starts into operation a
+depressing and destructive process of action
+and reaction. The ideal to be aimed at is, of
+course, “A healthy Mind in a healthy Body”—and
+the two are so closely related that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>
+what affects one, favorably or unfavorably,
+is sure to react upon the other.</p>
+
+<p>Just as the influence of the Mental States
+over the Physical Conditions has been
+shown to operate by means of the Sympathetic
+Nervous System (controlled of course
+by the Subconscious Mind), so the influence
+of Physical Conditions over Mental States
+may be explained in physiological terms.
+In order to understand the reaction of the
+Body upon the Mind, we have but to recall
+the fact that the Subconscious Mind is the
+builder and preserver of the very brain-cells
+which are used by the Conscious Mind
+in manifesting thought. And also, that the
+entire Nervous System, both Cerebro-Spinal
+as well as Sympathetic, is really under the
+control of the Subconscious Mind so far as
+growth and nourishment is concerned. The
+very brain and nerve-centers in and through
+which is manifested thought, feeling, emotion,
+and will, are nourished by the Sympathetic
+System, and are hurt by anything affecting
+the latter. The Sympathetic System
+joins all parts of the organism so closely together
+that trouble in one part is reflected<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span>
+in other parts. Just as depressing thoughts
+will cause the organs to function improperly,
+so will the improper functioning of an organ
+tend to produce depressing thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>Herbert A. Parkyn, M. D., well states the
+action and reaction of Mind and Body, as
+follows: “A tree is much like a human being.
+Give it plenty of fresh air, water and
+a rich soil, and it will flourish. In the same
+degree in which it is deprived of these does
+it wilt, and <i>the first part of the tree to wilt
+when the nutrition becomes imperfect is the
+top</i>. This is owing to the force of gravity;
+the blood of the tree, the sap, having to
+overcome this force of nature when nourishing
+the highest leaves. The blood of man is
+also affected by this same force, and the
+moment a man’s circulation begins to run
+down, owing to stinted nutrition, we find
+that the first symptoms of trouble appear in
+the head.... The brain failing to receive
+its accustomed amount of blood, such
+troubles as impaired memory, inability to
+concentrate the attention, sleeplessness, nervousness,
+irritableness, the blues and slight
+headaches develop; and the impulses sent all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span>
+over the body becoming feebler, the various
+organs do not perform their functions as
+satisfactorily as usual. The impulses to the
+stomach and bowels becoming weaker and
+weaker, dyspepsia, or constipation, or both,
+soon follow. As soon as these, the main organs
+of nutrition, are out of order, nutrition
+fails rapidly and more ‘head symptoms’ develop.
+Every impulse of the muscular system
+leaves the brain, and the strength of
+these impulses depends upon the nutrition
+to the brain centers controlling the various
+groups. As the nutrition to these centers
+declines, the whole muscular system, including
+the muscles of the bowels, becomes
+weaker and the patient complains that he
+exhausts easily. The impulses for elimination
+becoming weaker, waste products remain
+in the circulation, and any of the evils,
+which naturally follow this state of affairs,
+such as rheumatism, sick-headache, biliousness,
+etc., are likely to develop. The centers
+of the special senses feeling the lessening of
+the vital fluid, such troubles as impaired
+vision, impaired hearing, loss of appetite
+(sense of taste) and inability to detect odors<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span>
+quickly soon follow. The sense of touch becomes
+more acute, and it is for this reason
+that one in poor health becomes hypersensitive.
+Lowered circulation in the mucous
+membrane of the throat and nose is often
+the cause of nasal catarrh appearing on the
+scene as an early symptom.”</p>
+
+<p>It will thus be seen that the Physical Conditions,
+perhaps originally caused by depressing
+Mental States, have brought about
+a state of affairs in which the brain is imperfectly
+nourished and which consequently
+cannot think properly. The liver being out
+of order, the spirits are depressed; the brain
+being imperfectly nourished, the attention
+and will are weakened, and the patient finds
+it hard to use his mind to influence his bodily
+conditions. The bowels not moving
+properly, the waste-products poison the circulation,
+and the brain is unable to think
+clearly. In fact, the whole physical system
+is often so disturbed that a condition known
+as “nervous prostration” sets in, in which
+it is practically impossible for the patient to
+hold the Mental States which will improve<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span>
+the Physical Conditions. In these cases outside
+help is generally necessary, unless in
+cases where a sudden shock, or an urgent
+necessity arouses the latent mental forces of
+the individual, and he asserts the power that
+is in him, and begins to reverse the chain of
+cause and effect and to start on the upward
+climb.</p>
+
+<p>The following additional quotation from
+Dr. Parkyn, gives us a vivid insight into the
+effect upon the Mental States of abnormal
+Physical Conditions: Dr. Parkyn says: “No
+organ of the body can perform its functions
+properly when the amount of blood supplied
+to it is insufficient, and we find, when the
+blood supply to the brain is not up to the
+normal standard, that brain functions are
+interfered with to a degree corresponding to
+the reduction in the circulation. Since the
+amount of blood normally supplied to the
+brain is lessened in nervous prostration, we
+find that the memory fails and the ability to
+concentrate the attention disappears. The
+reasoning power becomes weakened and the
+steadiest mind commences to vacillate.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span>
+Fears and hallucinations of every description
+may fill the mind of a patient at this
+stage, and every impression he receives is
+likely to be greatly distorted or misconstrued.
+Melancholia with a constant fear of
+impending danger is often present. In fact,
+the brain seems to lose even the power to
+control its functions, and the mind becomes
+active day and night.... The reduction
+of the nutrition to the brain lessens the
+activity of all the cerebral centers also,
+and digestion becomes markedly impaired,
+thereby weakening the organ itself upon
+which the supply of vital force depends.”</p>
+
+<p>The physiologist is able to furnish a great
+variety of illustrations of the effect of Physical
+Conditions over Mental States. He
+shows that many cases of mental trouble are
+due to eye-strain, and other muscular disturbances,
+and that serious mental complaints
+sometimes arise by reason of physical
+lesions. The very terms used to designate
+certain abnormal mental states show
+the relation, as for instance, <i>melancholia</i>
+which is derived from the Greek words
+meaning “black bile”; and <i>hysteria</i>, which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span>
+is derived from the Greek word meaning “the
+womb; or uterus.” Every one knows the
+Mental States produced by a sluggish liver,
+or by dyspepsia, or from constipation. We
+all know the difference between our mental
+capacity for thinking when we are tired, as
+contrasted with that accompanying the refreshed
+physical condition. No man, whatever
+his philosophy, can truthfully claim to
+be able to maintain a placid, even disposition,
+and a perfectly controlled temper, when
+he is suffering from a boil on the back of his
+neck. And, all know that after indulging in
+the midnight “Welsh rarebit,” one is apt to
+dream of his grandmother’s ghost, or see
+dream elephants with wings. All know the
+delirium produced by overindulgence in
+liquor, and the hallucinations that accompany
+fever. The effect of drugs, tobacco,
+and alcohol upon the Mental States are well
+known. “Philip drunk” is a very different
+mentality from “Philip sober.” The Mental
+States accompanying particular diseases
+are well known to physicians. One disease
+predisposes the sufferer to gloominess, while<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span>
+another will induce a state of feverish hilarity.
+Some leading authorities now hold
+that many cases of insanity are really due
+to abnormal conditions of the blood, rather
+than to any diseased condition of the brain.</p>
+
+<p>One of the most marked instances of the
+action and reaction of Mental States and
+Physical Conditions is met with in the activities
+of the sexual organism. Psychologists
+very properly hold that sexual excesses
+and abnormalities are largely due to improper
+thinking, that is, by allowing the attention
+and interest to dwell too strongly and continuously
+upon subjects connected with the activities
+of that part of the physical system.
+Mental treatment along the lines of Suggestive
+Therapeutics has resulted in curing
+many persons of troubles of this sort. But,
+note the correlated fact—excess and abnormalities
+of the kind mentioned, almost invariably
+react upon the mentality of the person
+indulging in them, and softening of the
+brain, paralysis, or imbecility have often
+arisen directly from these physical abuses.
+It will be seen that any sane treatment of
+these troubles must take into consideration<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>
+both Body and Mind. In the same way it is
+a fact that just as certain Mental States, notably
+those of fear, worry, grief, jealousy,
+etc., will injuriously affect the organs of digestion
+and assimilation, so will imperfect
+functioning of these organs tend to produce
+depressing mental states similar to those
+just mentioned. Many instances of the
+strange correspondences are met with in the
+study of physiological-psychology, or psychological-physiology.</p>
+
+<p>In order to more fully appreciate the relation
+between the Body and the Mind, let
+us read the following lines from Prof. Halleck:
+“Marvelous as are the mind’s achievements,
+we must note that it is as completely
+dependent upon the nervous system as is a
+plant upon sun, rain and air. Suppose a
+child of intelligent parents were ushered into
+the world without a nerve leading from his
+otherwise perfect brain to any portion of his
+body, with no optic nerve to transmit the
+glorious sensations from the eye, no auditory
+nerve to conduct the vibrations of the
+mother’s voice, no tactile nerves to convey
+the touch of a hand, no olfactory nerve to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span>
+rouse the brain with the delicate aroma from
+the orchards and the wild flowers in spring,
+no gustatory, thermal or muscular nerves.
+Could such a child live, as the years rolled
+on, the books of Shakespeare and of Milton
+would be opened in vain before the child’s
+eyes. The wisest men might talk to him
+with utmost eloquence, all to no purpose.
+Nature could not whisper one of her inspiring
+truths into his deaf ear, could not light
+up that dark mind with a picture of the rainbow
+or of a human face. No matter how
+perfect might be the child’s brain and his
+inherited capacity for mental activities, his
+faculties would remain for this life shrouded
+in Egyptian darkness. Perception could
+give memory nothing to retain, and thought
+could not weave her matchless fabrics without
+materials.”</p>
+
+<p>The very feelings or emotions themselves
+are so closely related to the accompanying
+physical expressions, that it is difficult to
+distinguish between cause and effect, or indeed
+to state positively which really is
+the cause of the other. Prof. William<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span>
+James, in some of his works, strongly indicates
+this close relation, as for instance
+when he says: “The feeling, in the coarser
+emotions, result from the bodily expression....
+My theory is that the bodily changes
+follow directly the perception of the exciting
+fact, and that our feeling of the same
+changes as they occur <i>is</i> the emotion....
+Particular perceptions certainly do produce
+widespread bodily effects by a sort of immediate
+physical influence, antecedent to the
+arousal of an emotion or emotional idea....
+Every one of the bodily changes,
+whatsoever it may be, is <i>felt</i>, acutely or obscurely,
+the moment it occurs.... If
+we fancy some strong emotion, and then try
+to abstract from our consciousness of it all
+the feelings of its bodily symptoms, we have
+nothing left behind.... A disembodied
+human emotion is a sheer nonentity. I do
+not say that it is a contradiction in the nature
+of things, or that pure spirits are necessarily
+condemned to cold intellectual lives;
+but I say that for <i>us</i> emotion disassociated
+from all bodily feelings is inconceivable.
+The more closely I scrutinize my states, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span>
+more persuaded I become that whatever
+‘coarse’ affections and passions I have are
+in very truth constituted by, and made up
+of, those bodily changes which we ordinarily
+call their expression or consequence....
+But our emotions must always be <i>inwardly</i>
+what they are, whatever may be the physiological
+ground of their apparition. If they
+are deep, pure, worthy, spiritual facts on
+any conceivable theory of their physiological
+source, they remain no less deep, more
+spiritual, and worthy of regard on this present
+sensational theory.”</p>
+
+<p>A deeper consideration of the relation between
+Mind and Body would necessitate our
+invading the field of metaphysical speculation,
+which we have expressed our intention
+to avoid doing. Enough for the purposes of
+our present consideration is: <i>the recognition
+that each individual is possessed of a mind
+and a material body; that these two phases
+or aspects of himself are closely related by
+an infinite variety of ties and filaments; that
+these two phases of his being act and react
+upon each other constantly and continuously;
+that in all considerations of the questiontion</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span>
+<i>of either mental or physical well-being,
+or both, that both of these phases of being
+must be considered; that any system of
+therapeutics which ignores either of these
+phases, is necessarily “one-sided” and incomplete;
+and that, while, for convenience
+and clearness of specialized thinking, we
+may consider the Mind and the Body as separate
+and independent of each other, yet, we
+must, in the end, recognize their interdependence,
+mutual relation, action and reaction.</i></p>
+
+<p>Thus, the New Psychology recognizes the
+importance of the Body, while the New Physiology
+recognizes the importance of the
+Mind. And, in the end, we feel that both
+physiology and psychology must be recognized
+as being but two different phases of
+one great science—the Science of Life.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr />
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;margin: 0 auto;" cellpadding="10">
+  <tr>
+    <td>
+      <b>Transcriber's Note:</b><br />
+      <br />
+         There are two occurrences of an unmatched double quotation mark. It was
+         unclear where the missing opening or closing quotation mark belonged,
+         and no attempt was made to insert one.
+   </td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44029 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Mind and Body, by William Walker Atkinson
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Mind and Body
+       or, Mental States and Physical Conditions
+
+
+Author: William Walker Atkinson
+
+
+
+Release Date: October 25, 2013  [eBook #44029]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
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+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIND AND BODY***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Turgut Dincer, sp1nd, and the Online Distributed
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+Note: Images of the original pages are available through
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+
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+
+
+
+MIND AND BODY
+
+Or
+
+Mental States and Physical Conditions
+
+by
+
+WILLIAM WALKER ATKINSON
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+L. N. Fowler & Company
+7, Imperial Arcade, Ludgate Circus
+London, E. C., England
+
+1910
+The Progress Company
+Chicago, Ill.
+
+Copyright, 1910
+By
+The Progress Company
+
+P. F. Pettibone & Co.
+Printers and Bindors
+Chicago
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+        Foreword                                9
+
+     I. The Subconscious Mind                  15
+
+    II. The Sympathetic System                 29
+
+   III. The Cell-Minds                         39
+
+    IV. The Mental Basis of Cure               58
+
+     V. The History of Psycho-Therapy          84
+
+    VI. Faith Cures                           115
+
+   VII. The Power of the Imagination          135
+
+  VIII. Belief and Suggestion                 155
+
+    IX. Psycho-Therapeutic Methods            173
+
+     X. The Reaction of the Physical          196
+
+
+
+
+FOREWORD
+
+
+Mind and Body--Mental States and Physical Conditions! To the mind
+of those who have contented themselves with merely the superficial
+aspects of things, these two things--mind and body; and mental states
+and physical conditions--seem to be as far apart as the two poles; seem
+to be opposites and contradictories impossible of reconciliation.
+But to those who have penetrated beneath the surface of things,
+these two apparent opposites are seen to be so closely related and
+inter-related--so blended and mingled together in manifestation--that it
+is practically impossible to scientifically determine where the one
+leaves off and the other begins. And so constant and close is their
+mutual action and reaction, that it often becomes impossible to state
+positively _which_ is the cause and which the effect.
+
+In the first place, Science now informs us that in all living
+substance, from cell to mammoth, there is and must be Mind. There
+can be no Life without Mind. Mind, indeed, is held to be the very
+"livingness" of Life--the greater the degree of manifestation of Mind,
+the higher the degree of Life. Moreover, the New Psychology informs
+us that upon the activities of the Subconscious Mind depend all the
+processes of physical life--that the Subconscious Mind is the essence
+of what was formerly called the Vital Force--and is embodied in every
+cell, cell-group or organ of the body. And, that this Subconscious Mind
+is amenable to suggestion, good and evil, from the conscious mind of
+its owner, as well as from outside. When the subject of the influence
+of Mental States upon Physical Conditions is studied, one sees that
+the Physical Condition is merely the reflection of the Mental State,
+and the problem seems to be solved, the mystery of Health and Disease
+solved. But in this, as in everything else, there is seen to be an
+opposing phase--the other side of the shield. Let us look at the other
+side of the question:
+
+Just as we find that wherever there is living substance there is Mind,
+so do we find that we are unable to intelligently consider Mind unless
+as _embodied_ in living substance. The idea of Mind, independent of
+its substantial embodiment, becomes a mere abstraction impossible
+of mental imaging--something like color independent of the colored
+substance, or light without the illuminated substance. And just as we
+find that Mental States influence Physical Conditions, so do we find
+that Physical Conditions influence Mental States. And, so the problem
+of Life, Health and Disease once more loses its simplicity, and the
+mystery again deepens. The deeper we dig into the subject, the more do
+we become impressed with the idea of the universal principle of Action
+and Reaction so apparent in all phenomena. The Mind acts upon the Body;
+the Body reacts upon the Mind; cause and effect become confused; the
+reasoning becomes circular--like a ring it has no beginning, no end; its
+beginning may be any place we may prefer, its ending likewise.
+
+The only reconciliation is to be found in the fundamental working
+hypothesis which holds that both Mind and Body--both Mental States and
+Physical Conditions--are _the two aspects of something greater than
+either--the opposing poles of the same Reality_. The radical Materialist
+asserts that the Body is the only reality, and that Mind is merely
+its "by-product." The Mentalist asserts that the Mind is the only
+reality, and that the Body is merely its grosser form of manifestation.
+The unprejudiced philosopher is apt to stand aside and say: "You are
+both right, yet both wrong--each is stating the truth, but only the
+half-truth." With the working hypothesis that Mind and Body are but
+varying aspects of the Truth--that Mind is the inner essence of the
+Body, and Body the outward manifestation of the Mind--we find ourselves
+on safe ground.
+
+We mention this fundamental principle here, for in the body of this
+book we shall not invade the province of metaphysics or philosophy,
+but shall hold ourselves firmly to our own field, that of psychology.
+Of course, the very nature of the subject renders it necessary that
+we consider the influence of psychology upon physiology, but we have
+remembered that this book belongs to the general subject of the New
+Psychology, and we have accordingly emphasized the psychological side
+of the subject. But the same material could have been used by a writer
+upon physiology, by changing the emphasis from the psychological phase
+to the physiological.
+
+We have written this book to reach not only those who refuse to
+see the wonderful influence of the Mental States over the Physical
+Conditions, but also for our "metaphysical" friends who have become
+so enamored with the power of the Mind that they practically ignore
+the existence of the Body, indeed, in some cases, actually denying the
+existence of the latter. We believe that there is a sane middle-ground
+in "metaphysical healing," as there is in the material treatment
+of disease. In this case, not only does Truth lie between the two
+extremes, but it is composed of the blending and assimilation of the
+two opposing ideas and theories. But, even if the reader does not fully
+agree with us in our general theories and conclusions, he will find
+within the covers of this book a mass of _facts_ which he may use in
+building up a new theory of his own. And, after all, what are theories
+but the threads upon which are strung the beads of _facts_--if our
+string does not meet with your approval, break it and string the beads
+of fact upon a thread of your own. Theories come, and theories go--but
+_facts_ remain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND
+
+
+In order to understand the nature of the influence of the mind upon
+the body--the effect of mental states upon physical functions--we must
+know something of that wonderful field of mental activity which in the
+New Psychology is known as "The Subconscious Mind," and which by some
+writers has been styled the "Subjective Mind;" the "Involuntary Mind;"
+the "Subliminal Mind;" the "Unconscious Mind," etc., the difference in
+names arising because of the comparative newness of the investigation
+and classification.
+
+Among the various functions of the Subconscious Mind, one of the
+most important is that of the charge and control of the involuntary
+activities and functions of the human body through the agency of the
+sympathetic nervous system, the cells, and cell-groups. As all students
+of physiology know, the greater part of the activities of the body
+are involuntary--that is, are independent (or partly so) of the control
+of the conscious will. As Dr. Schofield says: "The unconscious mind,
+in addition to the three qualities which it shares in common with the
+conscious--_viz._, will, intellect and emotion--has undoubtedly another
+very important one--nutrition, or the general maintenance of the body."
+And as Hudson states: "The subjective mind has absolute control of the
+functions, conditions and sensations of the body." Notwithstanding the
+dispute which is still raging concerning _what_ the Subconscious mind
+_is_, the authorities all agree upon the fact that, whatever else it
+may be, it may be considered as that phase, aspect, part, or field
+of the mind which has charge and control of the greater part of the
+physical functioning of the body.
+
+Von Hartmann says: "The explanation that unconscious psychical activity
+itself appropriately forms and maintains the body has not only nothing
+to be said against it, but has all possible analogies from the most
+different departments of physical and animal life in its favor,
+and appears to be as scientifically certain as is possible in the
+inferences from effect to cause." Maudsley says: "The connection of
+mind and body is such that a given state of mind tends to echo itself
+at once in the body." Carpenter says: "If a psychosis or mental
+state is produced by a neurosis or material nerve state, as pain by
+a prick, so also is a neurosis produced by a psychosis. That mental
+antecedents call forth physical consequents is just as certain as that
+physical antecedents call forth mental consequents." Tuke says: "Mind,
+through sensory, motor, vaso-motor and trophic nerves, causes changes
+in sensation, muscular contraction, nutrition and secretion.... If
+the brain is an outgrowth from a body corpuscle and is in immediate
+relation with the structures and tissues that preceded it, then, though
+these continue to have their own action, the brain must be expected
+to act upon the muscular tissue, the organic functions and upon the
+nervous system itself."
+
+Von Hartmann also says: "In willing any conscious act, the unconscious
+will is evoked to institute means to bring about the effect. Thus,
+if I will a stronger salivary secretion, the conscious willing of
+this effect excites the unconscious will to institute the necessary
+means. Mothers are said to be able to provide through the will a more
+copious secretion, if the sight of the child arouses in them the will
+to suckle. There are people who perspire voluntarily. I now possess the
+power of instantaneously reducing the severest hiccoughs to silence
+by my own will, while it was formerly a source of great inconvenience
+to me.... An irritation to cough, which has no mechanical cause, may
+be permanently suppressed by the will. I believe we might possess a
+far greater voluntary power over our bodily functions if we were only
+accustomed from childhood to institute experiments and to practice
+ourselves therein.... We have arrived at the conclusion that every
+action of the mind on the body, without exception, is only possible
+by means of an unconscious will; that such an unconscious will can be
+called forth partly by means of a conscious will, partly also through
+the conscious idea of the effect, without conscions will, and even in
+opposition to the conscious will."
+
+Henry Wood says of the Subconscious Mind: "It acts automatically
+upon the physical organism. It cognizes external facts, conditions,
+limitations, and even contagions, quite independent of its active
+counterpart. One may, therefore, 'take' a disease and be unaware of
+any exposure. The subconsciousness has been unwittingly trained to
+fear, and accept it; and it is this quality, rather than the mere inert
+matter of the body, that succumbs. Matter is never the actor, but is
+always acted upon. This silent, mental partner, in operation, seems
+to be a living, thinking personality, conducting affairs on its own
+account. It is a compound of almost unimaginable variety, including
+wisdom and foolishness, logic and nonsense, and yet having a working
+unitary economy. It is a hidden force to be dealt with and educated,
+for it is often found insubordinate and unruly. It refuses co-operation
+with its lesser but more active and wiser counterpart. It is very
+'set' in its views, and only changes its qualities and opinions by
+slow degrees. But, like a pair of horses, not until these two mental
+factors can be trained together can there be harmony and efficiency."
+
+In order to understand the important part played in the physical
+economy by the Subconscious Mind, it is only necessary to understand
+the various processes of the human system which are out of the ordinary
+field of the voluntary or conscious mind. We then realize that the
+entire process of nutrition, including digestion, assimilation, etc.,
+the processes of elimination, the processes of circulation, the
+processes of growth, in fact the entire processes manifested in the
+work of the cells, cell-groups, ganglia, physical organs, etc., are
+in charge of and controlled by the Subconscious Mind. Our food is
+digested and transformed into the nourishing substances of the blood;
+then carried through the arteries to all parts of the body, where it is
+absorbed by the cells and used to replace the worn-out material, the
+latter then being carried back through the veins to the lungs where the
+waste matter is burned up, and the balance again sent on its journey
+through the arteries re-charged with the life-giving oxygen. All of
+these processes, and many others of almost equal importance, are out
+of the field of the conscious or voluntary mind, and are governed by
+the Subconscious Mind. As we shall see when we consider the Sympathetic
+Nervous System, the greater part of the body is dominated by the
+Subconscious Mind, and that the welfare of the major physical functions
+depends entirely, or almost so, upon this great area or field of the
+mind.
+
+The best authorities now generally agree that there is no part of
+the body which may be considered as devoid of mind. The Subconscious
+Mind is not confined to the brain, or even the greater plexuses of
+the nervous system, but extends to all parts of the body, to every
+nerve, muscle, and even to every cell and cell-group of the body.
+The functions and processes of the body are no longer considered as
+purely mechanical, or chemical, but are now seen to be the result of
+mental action of some kind or degree. Therefore, in considering the
+Subconscious Mind, one must not think of it as resident in the brain
+alone, but rather as being _distributed over the entire physical
+body_. There is mind in every cell, every organ, every muscle, every
+nerve--in every part of the body.
+
+The importance of the above statements regarding the power and
+importance of the Subconscious Mind may be realized when one remembers
+the dictum of the New Psychology, to wit: _The Subconscious Mind is
+amenable to Suggestion_. When it is realized that this great controller
+of the physical organism is so constituted that it accepts as truth
+the suggestions from the conscious mind of its owner, as well as
+those emanating from the conscious minds of other people, it may be
+understood why Faith, Belief, and Expectant Attention manifest such
+marked effects upon the physical body and the general health, for
+good or for evil, as indicated in the preceding chapters. All of the
+many instances and examples recited in the preceding chapters may be
+understood when it is realized that the Subconscious Mind, which is in
+control of the physical functions and vital processes, will accept the
+suggestions from the conscious mind of its owner, and also suggestions
+from outside which the conscious mind of its owner allows to pass down
+to it. If, as Henry Wood has said in the paragraph previously quoted,
+it "acts automatically upon the physical organism," and "seems to be a
+living, thinking personality, conducting affairs on its own account,"
+and at the same time, _accepts and 'takes on' suggested conditions_,
+it may be readily understood how the wonderful and almost incredible
+statements of the authorities mentioned in the preceding chapters have
+had real and substantial basis in truth.
+
+This understanding of the part played by the Subjective Mind in
+controlling and affecting physical conditions and activities, together
+with its suggestible qualities and nature, gives us a key to the
+whole question of the "Why?" of Mental Healing. Suggestion is the
+connecting link between Mind and Body, and an understanding of its
+laws and principles enables one to see the moving cause of the strange
+phenomena of the Faith Cures, under whatever name they may pass, and
+under whatever guise they may present themselves. "Suggestion" is the
+explanation offered by the New Psychology for the almost miraculous
+phenomena which other schools seek to explain upon some hypothesis
+based either upon religious beliefs, or upon some metaphysical or
+philosophical doctrine. The New Psychology holds that it is not
+necessary to go outside of the realms of psychology and physiology in
+studying Mental Healing or Psycho-Therapy; and that the theories of
+the semi-religious and metaphysical cults are merely strange guises or
+masks which serve to conceal the real operative principle of cure.
+
+The following quotation from Dr. Schofield will serve to call the
+attention to the important part played by the Subconscious Mind in
+the physical activities, a fact which is not generally recognized:
+"It has often been a mystery how the body thrives so well with so
+little oversight or care on the part of its owner. No machine could
+be constructed, nor could any combination of solids or liquids in
+organic compounds, regulate, control, counteract, help, hinder or
+arrange for the continual succession of differing events, foods,
+surroundings and conditions which are constantly affecting the body.
+And yet, in the midst of this ever-changing and varying succession of
+influences, the body holds on its course of growth, health, nutrition
+and self-maintenance with the most marvelous constancy. We perceive, of
+course, clearly, that the best of qualities--regulation, control, etc.,
+etc.--are all mental qualities, and at the same time we are equally
+clear that by no self-examination can we say we consciously exercise
+any of these mental powers over the organic processes of our bodies.
+One would think, then, that the conclusion is sufficiently simple and
+obvious--that they must be used unconsciously; in other words, it is,
+and can be nothing else than _unconscious mental powers_ that control,
+guide and govern the functions and organs of the body.
+
+"Our ordinary text-books on physiology give but little idea of what I
+may call the intelligence that presides over the various systems of the
+body, showing itself in the bones, as we have seen, in distributing
+the available but insufficient amount of lime salts in disease; not
+equally, but for the protection of the most vital parts, leaving
+those of lesser value disproportionally deficient. In the muscular
+system nearly all contractions are involuntary. Even in the voluntary
+(so-called) muscles, the most we can do is to will results. We do
+not will the contractions that carry out these results. Muscles,
+striped and unstriped, are ceaselessly acting without the slightest
+consciousness in maintaining the balance of the body, the expression
+of the face, the general attributes corresponding to mental states,
+the carrying on of digestion and other processes with a purposiveness,
+and adaptation of means to new ends and new conditions, ceaselessly
+arising, that are beyond all material mechanism. Consider, for
+instance, the marvelous increase of smooth muscle in the uterus at
+term, and also its no less marvelous subsequent involution; observe,
+too, the compensating muscular increase of a damaged heart until the
+balance is restored and the necessity for it ceases, as does growth at
+a fixed period; consider in detail the repair of a broken bone. These
+actions are not mere properties of matter; they demand, and are the
+result of, a controlling mind.
+
+"The circulation does not go round as most text-books would lead us
+to believe, as the result merely of the action of a system of elastic
+tubes, connected with a self-acting force-pump. It is such views as
+these that degrade physiology and obscure the marvels of the body.
+The circulation never flows for two minutes in the same manner. In an
+instant, miles of capillaries are closed or opened up, according to
+the ever-varying body needs, of which, consciously, we are entirely
+unaware. The blood supply of each organ is not mechanical, but is
+carefully regulated from minute to minute in health, exactly according
+to its needs and activities, and when this ever fails, we at once
+recognize it as disease, and call it congestion and so forth. The
+very heart-beat itself is never constant, but varies _pro rata_ with
+the amount of exercise, activity of vital functions, of conditions
+of temperature, etc., and even of emotions and other direct mental
+feelings. The whole reproductive system is obviously under the sway and
+guidance of more than blind material forces. In short, when thoroughly
+analyzed, the action and regulation of no system of the body can be
+satisfactorily explained, without postulating an unconscious mental
+element, which _does_, if allowed, satisfactorily explain all the
+phenomena."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE SYMPATHETIC SYSTEM
+
+
+The average person has a general understanding of what is meant by
+"the nervous system," but inquiry will show that by this term he
+usually includes only that part of the nervous system which is known
+as the "cerebro-spinal system," or the system of nerves consisting
+of the brain and spinal cord, and the nerves extending therefrom
+throughout the body, the offices of which are to control the voluntary
+movements of the body. The average person is almost entirely ignorant
+of the existence of the Great Sympathetic System which controls
+the involuntary movements and processes, such as the processes and
+functions of nutrition, secretion, reproduction, excretion, the
+vaso-motor action, etc. In physiology, the term "sympathetic" is used
+in the sense of: "Reciprocal action of the different parts of the body
+on each other; an affection of one part of the body in consequence of
+something taking place in another. Thus when there is a local injury,
+the whole frame after a time suffers with it. A wound anywhere will
+tend to create feverishness everywhere; derangement of the stomach
+will tend to produce headache, liver complaint to produce pain in the
+shoulder, etc."
+
+An old authority thus describes the Sympathetic Nerves: "A system of
+nerves, running from the base of the skull to the coccyx, along both
+sides of the body, and consisting of a series of ganglia along the
+spinal column by the side of the vertebr�. With this trunk of the
+sympathetic there are communicating branches which connect the ganglia,
+or the intermediate cord, with all the spinal and several of the
+cranial nerves proceeding to primary branches on the neighboring organs
+or other ganglia, and finally numerous flexures of nerves running to
+the viscera. Various fibers from the sympathetic communicate with
+those of the cerebro-spinal system. The term 'sympathetic' has been
+applied on the supposition that it is the agent in producing sympathy
+between different parts of the body. It more certainly affects the
+secretions." In the New Psychology the Sympathetic Nervous System is
+recognized as that directly under the control of the Subconscious Mind.
+
+The Cerebro-Spinal Nervous System is concerned with the activities
+arising from the conscious activities of the mind, including those
+of the five senses. It controls the muscles by which we speak, walk,
+move our limbs, and pursue the ordinary activities of outer life. But,
+while these are very important to the individual, there is another
+set of activities--inner activities--which are none the less important.
+The Sympathetic System controls the involuntary muscles by means of
+which the heart throbs, the arteries pulsate, the air is conveyed to
+the lungs, the blood moves to and from the heart, the various glands
+and tubes of the body operate, and the entire work of nutrition,
+repair, and body-building is performed. While the Cerebro-Spinal
+System, and the Conscious Mind are able to rest a considerable portion
+of the twenty-four hours of the day, the Sympathetic System and the
+Subconscious Mind must needs work every minute of the twenty-four
+hours, without rest or vacation, during the life of their owner.
+
+Dr. E. H. Pratt, in his valuable "Series of Impersonations" published
+in the medical magazines several years ago, and since reproduced in
+book form, makes "The Sympathetic Man" speak as follows: "The entire
+body can do nothing without me; and my occupation of supplying the
+inspiration for our entire family is so constant and engaging that I
+am compelled to attend strictly to business night and day from one
+end of life to the other, and have no time whatever for observation,
+education, or amusement outside of my daily tasks. As a rule, I perform
+my work so noiselessly that the rest of the family are scarcely
+conscious of my existence, for when I am well everything works all
+right, each organ plays its part as usual, and the entire machinery
+of life is operated noiselessly and without friction. When I am not
+well, however, and am not quite equal to the demands made upon me, I
+have two ways of making it known to the family. One is by appealing
+to self-consciousness through the assistance of my cerebro-spinal
+brother, with whom I am closely associated, thereby causing some
+disturbance of sensation or locomotion (the most frequent disturbance
+in this direction being the instituting of some form of pain); or I
+sometimes take it into my head to say nothing to my cerebro-spinal
+brother about my affairs, but simply shirk my duties, and my
+inefficiency becomes manifest only when some one or all of the organs
+suffer from some function poorly performed."
+
+The nerve-centres of the Cerebro-Spinal System are grouped closely
+together, while those of the Sympathetic System are scattered about
+the body, each organ having its appropriate centre or tiny-brain. The
+heart, the liver, the kidneys, the spleen, the brain, the intestinal
+tract, the bladder, the generative organs, have each its own particular
+nerve-centre of the Sympathetic System--each its tiny-brain--each,
+however, connected with all the others. And more than this--in addition
+to the tiny-brains in each of the important vital organs, there are
+found scattered through the trunk a number of _ganglia_, or knots of
+gray nervous matter, arranged longitudinally in two lines extending
+from just in front of the spinal column from the base of the skull to
+the end of the spinal column, each vertebra having its appropriate
+ganglia. In some cases several of these ganglia are grouped together,
+the number ranging from two to three. Each ganglion is a distinct
+centre giving off branches in four directions.
+
+There is also one place in which are grouped together several very
+large ganglia, forming what is known as the Solar Plexus, or Abdominal
+Brain, which is situated at the upper part of the abdomen, behind the
+stomach and in front of the aorta and the pillars of the diaphragm,
+and from which issue nerves extending in all directions. By some
+authorities the Solar Plexus is regarded as the great centre of the
+Sympathetic System, and the main seat of the Subconscious Mind. Dr.
+Byron Robinson bestowed upon this centre the name "The Abdominal
+Brain," saying of the use of the term: "I mean to convey the idea that
+it is endowed with the high powers and phenomena of a great nervous
+centre; that it can organize, multiply, and diminish forces."
+
+One of the most interesting and significant features of the ganglia is
+that of their connection with the nerve centres of the Cerebro-Spinal
+System, indicating the reciprocal action existing between the two
+great nervous systems. From each one of the ganglia in the two great
+lines forming the system, issues a tiny filament which connects with
+the spinal cord; and at the same time it receives from the spinal
+cord a tiny filament in return, thus establishing a double line of
+communication. It is held by some authorities that one of these
+filaments acts as a sending wire, and the other as a receiving wire
+between the two systems. Be this as it may, the inter-communication
+between the two systems is clearly indicated.
+
+It must be remembered that the involuntary muscles which move the
+heart, as well as the tiny muscles which form the middle-coat of the
+arteries and the veins, are controlled by the Sympathetic System,
+and thus the important work of the circulation, which goes on day
+and night, year in and year out, during life, is directly under the
+charge of the Sympathetic System and the Subconscious Mind. Also, the
+involuntary muscles which are concerned with the activities of the
+liver, the kidneys and the spleen, are under the same direct control.
+
+Dr. E. H. Pratt, in the "Series of Impersonations" above referred to,
+makes the "Subconscious Man" tell the following wonderful truth, which
+we suggest each reader read carefully and fix in his mind: "My brother
+the Sympathetic Man has told you that I am the animating spirit of his
+construction; and as he is the great body builder, having furnished
+the emotions under which our entire family has been put into form, you
+can understand by what right I pose before you as the human form of
+forms. All the rest of the family are because I am. Even my Conscious
+brother, who claims superiority to his fellow-shapes because he bosses
+them around a little and makes use of them, is a subject of my own
+creation.... I am the life of the Sympathetic Man, whose existence as
+a human shape has already sufficiently been well established, and as
+there is no part of him which is not alive, the conclusion is very
+evident that his shape and mine are identical. _There is no part of
+the sympathetic system which is not animated by my own principle of
+vitality._ Indeed, he is but a cup of life, though I can assure you
+that his cup is full, and he would not be good for much if it was not.
+So, if you are able to conceive the shape of the Sympathetic Man, you
+can regard this form as identical with my own. This is really a very
+modest claim on my part, and does not quite do justice to myself, for
+in reality the Sympathetic Man does not contain all there is of me by
+any means, for I am not only in him, but all around him, and he is not
+by any means capable of containing my full self."
+
+When it is seen that the vital activities of the physical body are
+ruled, governed and controlled by the Sympathetic System, animated by
+the Subconscious Mind, and that the latter is amenable to Suggestion
+from the Conscious Mind and from outside, we may begin to get a glimmer
+of the great light which illuminates the principle of Mental Healing.
+If the Subconscious Mind, _the builder_, is influenced by Suggestion
+to neglect his work, or to build wrongly, it is likewise possible for
+him to heed proper Suggestion and to repair his mistakes and to rebuild
+properly. This principle being grasped, the rest will seem to be merely
+an understanding of the best methods of reaching the Subconscious
+Mind by Suggestion or Auto-Suggestion. We may now begin to understand
+the truth of the old axiom: "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is
+he"--physically. And as Thought is based largely upon Belief, can we not
+see the dynamic force of Faith? Is there not a real psychological basis
+for so-called "miracles?" Is not the wonder-working of the cults now
+understandable?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE CELL-MINDS
+
+
+Modern science has demonstrated that the human body is composed of a
+multitude of microscopic cells, that is, that the muscles, nerves,
+tissues, blood, bones, hair and nails are made up of minute cells, and
+groups of cells. Virchow says: "It is of the cells that the tissues
+are built up and the nerves formed. There is no part of the human body
+in which the cell is not seen. All these cells are neuclated--have in
+them a central life-spot like the yolk of an egg. Each cell is born,
+reproduces itself, dies and is absorbed. The maintenance of life and
+health depends upon the constant regeneration of the cells. When man
+can control the life and death of the cell he becomes the creator."
+Medical science now practically asserts that disease of the body is
+really disease of the cells of which the body is composed, and that all
+healing of the body must consist of the healing of the cells--that is,
+of restoring the cells to normal activity and functioning.
+
+The following quotation from Hudson, following Stephens, is
+interesting: "An aggregation of cells became a confederation, with its
+differentiation of cell functions and still further division of labor.
+As a result of a long process of such differentiation, the organisms
+of the larger animals and of man came to be composed, as we find
+them, of thirty or more different species of cells. For example, we
+have the muscle cells, whose vital energies are devoted to the office
+of contraction, or vigorous shortening of length; connective-tissue
+cells, whose office is mainly to produce and conserve a tough fibre
+for binding together and covering in the organism; bone cells, whose
+life work is to select and collocate salts of lime for the organic
+framework, levers and joints; hair, nail, horn and feather cells,
+which work in silicates for the protection, defense, and ornamentation
+of the organism; gland cells, whose _motif_ in living has come to be
+the abstraction from the blood of substances which are recombined
+to produce juices needed to aid the various processes or steps of
+digestion; blood cells, which have assumed the laborious function of
+general carriers, scavengers, and repairers of the organism; eye, ear,
+nasal and palate cells, which have become the special artificers of
+complicated apparatus for transmitting light, sound, odors, and flavors
+to the highly sentient brain cells; pulmonary cells, which elaborate
+a tissue for the introduction of oxygen and the elimination of carbon
+dioxide and other waste products; hepatic (liver) cells, which have, in
+response to the needs of the organism, descended to the menial office
+of living on the waste products and converting them into chemical
+reagents to facilitate digestion--these and numerous other species of
+cells; and lastly, most important and of greatest interest, brain and
+nerve cells."
+
+The various cells of the body are constantly busy, each performing
+its particular task, either singly or in connection with other cells
+in the cell-group. Like a great arm, the cells are divided into
+classes, some being engaged in the active daily work, while others are
+held back on the reserve line. Some are engaged in building up the
+tissues, muscles and bones, while others are busy manufacturing the
+juices, secretions, fluids and chemical compounds required in the great
+laboratory of the body. Some remain at their posts, stationary during
+their entire life, while others remain stationary only until the call
+comes for their services, while a third class are in constant motion
+from place to place either following regular routes or else travelling
+under a roving commission. Some of the moving cells act as carriers of
+material--the hod-carriers of the body, while others move about doing
+special repair work such as the healing of wounds, etc., while others
+still are the scavengers and street cleaners of system, and others form
+the cell army and cell police force. The body has been compared to a
+vast communistic or socialistic colony, each member of which cheerfully
+devotes his life-work, and often his life itself, to the common good.
+The brain cells are of course the most highly organized, and the most
+highly differentiated of the cells. The nerve cells constitute a living
+telegraph system over which is carried the messages from the several
+parts of the body, each cell being in close contact with its neighbor
+on each side--the nerve cells practically clasp hands and form a living
+chain of communication.
+
+The blood cells are important members of the cell-community, and are
+exceedingly numerous, there being over 75,000,000,000 of the red-blood
+cells alone. These red-blood cells move in the blood currents,
+carrying through the arteries each its little load of oxygen which it
+transports to the distant tissues that they may be invigorated and
+vitalized anew; and, returning, carrying through the veins the debris
+and waste products of the system to the great crematory of the lungs
+where the waste is burnt and thrown off from the body. Like the ships
+that sail the sea, each cell carries its outgoing cargo, and returns
+with another one. Some of these cells perform the office of special
+repairers, forcing their way through the walls of the blood-vessels and
+penetrating the tissues in order to perform their special tasks. There
+are several other kinds of cells in the blood besides the carriers
+just mentioned. There are the wonderful soldier and police cells which
+maintain order and fight battles when necessary. The police cells
+are on the constant lookout for germs, bacteria and other microscopic
+disturbers of the peace of the body. When these tiny policemen discover
+vagrant germs, or criminal bacteria, they rush upon the intruder and
+tying him up in a mesh, proceed to devour him. If the intruder be too
+large or vigorous, a call for assistance is sent out, and the reserve
+police rush to the assistance of their brothers and overpower the
+disturber of the peace. Sometimes when the vagrants are too numerous,
+the policemen throw them out from the body, by means of pimples, boils
+and similar eruptions. In case of infectious diseases, an army corps
+is ordered out in full strength and a royal fight is waged between the
+invading army and the defenders of home and country.
+
+Some of the blood cells take a part in the process of extracting from
+the food its nourishing particles, and then carrying the same through
+the blood-channels to all parts of the body, where it is used to feed
+and nourish the stationary cells there located. These cells manufacture
+the chemical juices of the body, such as bile, gastric juice,
+pancreatic juices, milk, etc., in short the entire physical process is
+carried on by these indefatigable tiny cells. The body of each of us is
+simply a great community of cells of various kinds. The cells are born
+by the form of reproduction common to all cells, that of sub-division.
+Each cell grows until a certain size is reached, when it assumes a
+"dumb-bell" shape, with a tiny waist line, which waist is afterward
+dissolved and the two cells move away from each other. In this way,
+and this way alone, does the body grow, the material required for the
+enlargement of the cell being supplied from the food and nourishment
+partaken by the individual. Cells die after having performed their
+life-work, and their corpses are carried through the veins by the
+carrier cells, and cast into the crematory of the lungs where they are
+consumed.
+
+The body is constantly undergoing a process of change and regeneration.
+Old cells are being cast off every second, and new cells are taking
+their places. Our muscles, tissues, hair, nails, nerves, brain
+substance, and even our bones are constantly being made over and
+rebuilt. Our bodies to-day do not contain a single particle of the
+material which composed them a few years back. A few weeks suffices to
+replace our entire skin, and a few months to replace other parts of
+the body. If a sufficiently large microscope could be placed over our
+bodies, we would see each part of it as active as a hive of bees, each
+cell being in action and motion, and the entire domestic work of the
+human hive being performed according to law and order. Verily, "we are
+fearfully and wonderfully made."
+
+A number of the best authorities have used the illustration of the
+process of the cells in healing an ordinary wound, in order to show the
+activity and "mind" of the tiny cells. We have become so accustomed to
+the natural healing of a wound, scratch or broken skin, that we have
+grown to regard it as an almost mechanical process. But, science shows
+us that there is manifested in the healing process a marvellous degree
+of life and mind in the cells. Let us consider the process of healing
+an ordinary wound, that we may see the cells at work. Let us imagine
+that we are gazing at the wounded part through a marvellously strong
+microscope which enables us to see every cell at work. If such a glass
+were provided we should witness a scene similar to that now to be
+described.
+
+In the first place, through our glass, we should see the gaping wound
+enlarged to gigantic proportions. We should see the torn skin, tissues,
+lymphatic and blood vessels, glands, muscles and nerves. We would see
+the blood pouring forth washing away the dirt and foreign substances
+that have entered the wound. We would then see the messages calling
+for help flashing over the living telegraph wires of the nerves, each
+nerve-cell rapidly passing the word to its neighbor until the great
+sympathetic centres received the call and sounded the alarm and sent
+out a "hurry up" call to the cells needed for the repair work. In the
+meantime the cells of the blood, coming in contact with the outside
+air have begun to coagulate into a sticky substance, which is the
+beginning of the scab, the purpose being to close the wound and to
+hold the severed parts together. The repair cells having now arrived
+at the scene of the accident begin to mend the break. The tissue,
+nerve, and muscle cells, on each side of the wound begin to multiply
+rapidly, receiving their nourishment from the blood cells, and quickly
+a cell bridge is built up until the two severed edges of the wound
+are reunited. This bridging is no haphazard process, for the presence
+of directing law and order is apparent. The newly-born cells of the
+blood-vessels unite with their brothers on the other side, evenly and
+in an orderly manner, new tubular channels being formed skillfully. The
+cells of the connective tissues likewise grow toward each other, and
+unite in the same orderly manner. The nerve-cells repair their broken
+lines, just as do a gang of linemen repair the interrupted telegraph
+system. The muscles are united in the same way. But mark you this,
+there is no mistake in this connecting process--muscle does not connect
+with nerve, nor blood-vessel with connective tissue. Finally, the inner
+repairs and connections having been completed, the scab disappears and
+the cells of the outer skin rebuild the outer covering, and the wound
+is healed. This process may occupy a few hours, or many days, depending
+upon the character of the wound, but the process is the same in all
+cases. The surgeon merely disinfects and cleans the wound, and placing
+the parts together allows the cells to perform their healing work, for
+no other power can perform the task. The knitting together of a broken
+bone proceeds along the same lines--the surgeon places the parts in
+juxtaposition, binds the limb together to prevent slipping, and the
+cells do the rest.
+
+When the body is well nourished, the general system well toned up,
+and the mind cheerful and active, the repair work proceeds rapidly.
+But when the physical system is run down, the body poorly nourished,
+and the mind depressed and full of fear, the work is retarded and
+interfered with. It is this healing power inherent in the cells that
+physicians speak of as the _vis vita_ or _vis medicatrix naturae_,
+or "the healing power of nature." Of it Dr. Patton says: "By the
+term 'efforts of nature' we mean a certain curative or restorative
+principle, or _vis vita_, implanted in every living or organized body,
+constantly operative for its repair, preservation and health. This
+instinctive endeavor to repair the human organism is signally shown in
+the event of a severed or lost part, as a finger, for instance; for
+nature unaided will repair and fashion a stump equal to one from the
+hands of an eminent surgeon.... Nature, unaided, may be equally potent
+in ordinary illness. Many individuals, even when severely ill, either
+from motives of economy, prejudice, or skepticism, remain at rest in
+bed, under favorable hygiene, regimen, etc., and speedily get well
+without a physician or medicine."
+
+Dr. Schofield says: "The _vis medicatrix naturae_ is a very potent
+factor in the amelioration of disease, if it only be allowed fair play.
+An exercise of faith, as a rule, suspends the operation of adverse
+influences, and appeals strongly through the consciousness, to the
+inner and underlying faculty of vital force (_i. e._, unconscious
+mind)." Dr. Bruce says: "We are compelled to acknowledge a power of
+natural recovery inherent in the body--a similar statement has been
+made by writers on the principle of medicine in all ages.... The
+body does possess a means and mechanism for modifying or neutralizing
+influences which it cannot directly overcome." Oliver Wendell Holmes
+says: "Whatever other theories we hold we must recognize the '_vis
+medicatrix naturae_' in some shape or other." Bruce says: "A natural
+power of the prevention and repair of disorders and disease has as real
+and as active an existence within us, as have the ordinary functions
+of the organs themselves." Hippocrates said: "Nature is the physician
+of diseases." And Ambrose Pare wrote on the walls of the great medical
+school, the Ecole de Medicine of Paris, these words: "_Je le ponsez et
+Dieu le guarit_," which translated is: "I dressed the wound, and God
+healed it."
+
+It is of course true that the life and mind in the cells is derived
+from the Subconscious Mind, in fact the cells themselves may be said
+to _embody_ the Subconscious Mind, just as the cells of the brain
+_embody_ the Conscious Mind. In every cell there is to be found
+intelligence in a degree required for the successful performance of the
+particular task of that cell. Hudson says: "All organic tissue is made
+up of microscopic cells, each one of which _is a living, intelligent
+entity_." And, again, "The subordinate intelligences are the cells of
+which the whole body is composed, _each of which is an intelligent
+entity, endowed with powers commensurate with its functions_." In
+short, _the cells of the body are living organs for the expression and
+manifestation of the Subconscious Mind_. There is not a single cell,
+group, or part of the party which is devoid of mind. Mind is imminent
+in the entire body, and in its every part, down to the smallest cell.
+
+The following quotation from Dr. Thomson J. Hudson's "Mental Medicine"
+clearly expresses a truth conceded by modern science. Dr. Hudson says:
+
+"It follows _a priori_, that every cell in the body is endowed with
+intelligence; and this is precisely what all biological science tells
+us is true. Beginning with the lowest form of animal life, the humblest
+cytode, every living cell is endowed with a wonderful intelligence.
+There is, in fact, no line to be drawn between life and mind; that
+is to say, every living organism is a mind organism, from the monera,
+crawling upon the bed of the ocean, to the most highly differentiated
+cell in the cerebral cortex of man. Volumes have been written to
+demonstrate that 'psychological phenomena begin among the very lowest
+class of beings; they are met with in every form of life, from the
+simplest cellule to the most complicated organism. It is they that
+are the essential phenomena of life, inherent in all protoplasm.'
+(Binet.) It is, in fact, an axiom of science that the lowest
+unicellular organism is endowed with the potentialities of manhood.
+I have remarked that each living cell is endowed with a wonderful
+intelligence. This is emphatically true, whether it is a unicellular
+organism or a constituent element of a multicellular organism. Its
+wonderful character consists not so much in the amount of intelligence
+possessed by each individual cell, as it does in the quality of that
+intelligence. That is to say, each cell is endowed with an instinctive,
+or intuitive, knowledge of all that is essential to the preservation of
+its own life, the conservation of its energies, and the perpetuation
+of its species. In other words, it is endowed with an intuitive
+knowledge of the laws of its own being, which knowledge is proportioned
+to its stage of development and adapted to its environment."
+
+The cell has the intelligence sufficient to enable it to seek
+nourishment, and to move from one place to another in search for
+food or for other purposes. It holds to its food when secured, and
+envelops it until it is absorbed and digested. It exercises the power
+of choice, accepting and selecting one portion of food in preference
+to another. It has the power of discriminating between nourishing food
+and the reverse. The authorities show that it has a rudimentary memory,
+and avoids the repetition of an unpleasant or painful experience,
+and also returns to the locality in which it has previously secured
+food. Biological experiments have shown that the cells are capable of
+experiencing surprise, pleasure and fear, and that they experience
+different degrees of feeling, and react accordingly in response to
+stimuli. Verworn, a biologist, even goes so far as to assert that they
+habitually adapt means to ends, near and remote. In his remarkable
+work on cell-life, "The Psychic Life of Micro-organisms," Binet says:
+"We shall not regard it as strange, perhaps, to find so complete a
+psychology in the history of the lower organisms, when we call to
+mind that, agreeably to the ideas of evolution now accepted, a higher
+animal is nothing more than a colony of protozoans. Every one of the
+cells composing such an animal has retained its primitive properties,
+giving them a higher degree of perfection by division of labor and
+by selection. The epithelial cells that secrete the nails and hair
+are organisms perfected with reference to the secretion of protective
+parts. Similarly, the cells of the brain are organisms that have been
+perfected with reference to psychical attributes."
+
+Dr. Schofield says: "That life involves mind has, of course, like
+all else, been vigorously disputed and equally vigorously affirmed.
+'Life,' says Prof. Bascom, 'is not force; it is combining power. _It is
+the product and presence of mind._' ... The extent to which the word
+mind may be employed as the inherent cause of purposive movements in
+organisms is a very difficult question to solve. There can be no doubt
+that the actual agents in such movements are the natural forces, but
+behind these the directing and starting power seems to be psychic....
+There being an indwelling power, not only for purposive action in each
+cell, but for endless combinations of cell activities for common ends
+not at all connected with the mere nutrition of the single cell, but
+for the good of the completed organism." Dr. R. Dunn says: "From the
+first movement when the primordial cell-germ of a human organism comes
+into being, the entire individual is present, fitted for human destiny.
+From the same moment, matter, life and mind are never for an instant
+separated, their union constituting the essential work of our present
+existence." Carpenter says: "The convertibility of physical forces and
+correlation of these with the vital and the intricacy of that nexus
+between mental and bodily activity which cannot be analyzed, all lead
+upwards towards one and the same conclusion--_the source of all power is
+mind_. And that physical conclusion is the apex of the pyramid which
+has its foundation in the primitive instincts of humanity."
+
+Having seen the evidences of life and mind in the single cell, let us
+now proceed to a consideration of the intelligence or mind inherent
+and manifest in the groups of cells, large and small, including the
+largest groups which compose the several organs of the body. This
+line of investigation will lead us to a fuller understanding of the
+influence of the mental states upon the health or disease of the organs
+and parts. It will be seen that Mental Healing has a sound biological
+as well as a psychological basis of truth, and that it is not necessary
+to invade the fields of metaphysics or theology in order to find an
+explanation of the effect of mind over body.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE MENTAL BASIS OF CURE
+
+
+We have seen that in each cell in the human body is embodied a part of
+the Subconscious Mind, sufficient in quantity and quality to enable the
+cell to perform its particular work in the physical community of cells.
+In the same manner each group of cells, large or small, is possessed of
+the quantity and quality of mind adapted to the successful performance
+of its particular function. And, rising in the scale, we find that
+each of the physical organs is possessed of a "composite cell-soul" or
+"organ-mind." As Hudson says: "Each organ of the body is composed of a
+group of cells which are differentiated with special reference to the
+functions to be performed by that organ. In other words, every function
+of life is performed by groups of co-operative cells, so that the body
+as a whole is simply a confederation of the various groups."
+
+For instance, as Haeckel says: "This 'tissue soul' is the higher
+psychological function which gives physiological individuality to
+the compound multicellular organism as a true 'cell commonwealth.'
+It controls all the separate 'cell souls' of the social cells--the
+mutually dependent 'citizens' which constitute the community.... The
+human egg-cell, as soon as it is fertilized, multiplies by division and
+forms a community, or colony of many social cells. These differentiate
+themselves, and by their specialization, by various modifications of
+these cells, the various tissues which compose the various organs are
+developed. The developed many-celled organisms of man and of all higher
+animals resemble, therefore, a social civil community, the numerous
+single individuals of which are, indeed, developed in various ways, but
+which were originally only simple cells of one common structure."
+
+Biology shows us that there are unquestionably methods of communication
+between cell and cell, although it has not as yet been definitely
+determined just how this communication is effected. In the
+cell-communities of the micro-organisms there is undoubtedly present
+the power to communicate on the part of the several cells composing
+the community, and the pain or discomfort of one part is evidently
+felt by the whole community. Just as an army, or a congregation, has
+a mind common to the whole, in addition to the individual minds of
+its units, so has every organ of the body an "organ mind" in addition
+to the individual cell minds of its unit cells. The fact of the
+existence of "group-mind," or "collective-mind" is recognized by the
+best authorities in modern psychology, and the study of its principles
+throws light on some hitherto perplexing phenomena.
+
+Prof. Le Bon, in his work "The Crowd," says of the "collective mind" of
+men: "The sentiments and ideas of all the persons in the gathering take
+one and the same direction, and their conscious personality vanishes.
+A collective mind is formed, doubtless transitory, but presenting
+very clearly marked characteristics. The gathering has become what,
+in the absence of a better expression, I will call an organized
+crowd, or, if the term be considered preferable, a psychological
+crowd. _It forms a single being_, and is subjected to the law of the
+mental unity of crowds.... The most striking peculiarity presented by
+a psychological crowd is the following: Whoever be the individuals
+that compose it, however like or unlike be their mode of life, their
+occupation, their character, or their intelligence, the fact that they
+have been transformed into a crowd puts them in possession of _a sort
+of collective mind_, which makes them feel, think, and act in a manner
+quite different from that in which each individual of them would feel,
+think and act, were he in a state of isolation. There are certain
+ideas and feelings which do not come into being, or do not transform
+themselves into acts, except in the case of the individuals forming
+a crowd.... In the collective mind the intellectual aptitudes of the
+individuals, and in consequence their individuality, is weakened....
+The most careful observations seem to prove that an individual immerged
+for some length of time in a crowd in action soon finds itself in a
+special state, which most resembles the state of fascination in which
+the hypnotized individual finds himself.... The conscious personality
+has entirely vanished, will and discernment are lost. All feelings and
+thoughts are bent in the direction determined by the hypnotizer.... An
+individual in a crowd is a grain of sand amid other grains of sand,
+which the wind stirs up at will."
+
+In short, psychology recognizes a _mental fusion_ between the
+individual minds of units composing a community of cells, insects,
+higher animals and even men. The "spirit of the hive" noted by
+all students of bee-life, and the community spirit in an ant-hill
+are instances serving to illustrate the general principle of "the
+collective mind." As we have seen in the preceding chapter, the entire
+human body is a vast community of cells, each unit in the community
+having relations with every other unit, and all having sprung from
+the same original egg-cell. This great community, or _nation_ of
+cells is divided into many smaller communities, chief among which are
+the principal organs of the body, as the stomach, the intestines,
+the liver, the kidneys, the spleen, the heart, etc. And, following
+the general rule, each of these organ-communities possesses its own
+"collective mind," subordinate, of course, to the great community mind
+known as the Subconscious Mind. Ordinarily these communities live in
+peace and harmony, and in obedience to the national government. But
+occasionally rebellions and revolutions are started, which cause much
+inharmony, pain and disease. Sometimes these rebellions arise from
+abuse of the particular organ by its owner, or from sympathy with
+another abused organ, or from general abuse of the system. But, at
+other times, there seems to be an active discontent springing up in an
+organ, to the quelling of which the entire Subconscious Mind bends its
+energy and forces. Very often these rebellions are started by adverse
+auto-suggestions or fearthoughts emanating from the conscious mind
+of the individual, which act according to the law of suggestion and
+practically _hypnotize_ the mind of the organ in question.
+
+This idea of each organ having a mind of its own--being practically an
+entity, in fact--may be somewhat startling to those who have never had
+the matter presented to them, but the statement is backed up by the
+best scientific authorities who, however, do not usually state it in
+so plain terms, or popular form. It is likely that the science of the
+future will make some great discoveries regarding this matter of the
+"collective mind" of the organs, and that the schools of medicine will
+adapt the new knowledge to the treatment of disease. In the meantime,
+the practitioners of Mental Healing are availing themselves of this
+principle, often without realizing the principle itself.
+
+The writer has been interested in this subject of the "organ mind" for
+a number of years, and has conducted a number of experiments along this
+line, the result being that he feels more firmly convinced each year of
+the truth of the theory or idea. He has found that mental treatments
+based on this theory have been very successful, much more so in fact
+than those conducted in pursuance to other theories. It seems that
+by applying the suggestive treatment direct to the affected organ a
+quicker response is had. The writer is indebted to Dr. Paul Edwards,
+a well known mental healer, who several years ago advanced the idea
+that the mind or "intelligence" in the several organs differed greatly
+in temperament and quality. He informed us that he had proven to his
+own satisfaction that the heart is "_very_ intelligent," and quite
+amenable to mild, gentle, coaxing suggestions, advice or orders; while,
+on the other hand, the liver is a most mulish, stubborn, obstinate
+organ-mind, which requires one to drive it in a sharp positive manner.
+Investigation along these lines suggested by Dr. Edwards has convinced
+the writer that the theory is warranted by the facts. Experiments have
+shown that the heart organ-mind is gentle, mild, and easily influenced
+by kindly suggestion, advice and requests, and that it needs but a word
+directed to it to attract its attention. Likewise, the liver has been
+found to be brutish, stubborn and obstinate, needing the most vigorous
+suggestions--in short the liver-mind is a donkey and must be so treated.
+The liver-mind is sluggish, torpid and sleepy, and needs much prodding
+before it will "sit up and take notice." The stomach has been found
+to be quite intelligent, especially when it has not been brutalized
+by "stuffing." It will readily respond to suggestive treatment of all
+kinds, it being noticed that it may be easily flattered or "jollied"
+into good behavior, just as may certain children. The nervous system
+has a mind of its own, and will accept suggestions, although it is
+usually difficult to attract its attention, owing to its habit of
+concentration upon its regular work. The bowel-mind will respond
+to firm, kind treatment, as will also the uterus-mind and the mind
+controlling the other organs peculiar to women.
+
+In another work, the writer has said regarding this form of treatment
+of the organs through their organ-minds: "Remember, always, that you
+are mind talking to mind, not to dead matter. There is mind in every
+cell, nerve, organ and part of the body, and in the body as a whole,
+and this mind will listen to your central mind and obey it, because
+your central mind is positive to it--the organ is negative to _you_.
+Carry this idea with you in giving these treatments, and endeavor
+to visualize the mind in the organs, as clearly as may be, for by
+so doing you get them in better _rapport_ with you, and can handle
+them to better advantage. And always remember that the virtue lies
+not in the mere sound of the words that happen to reach the organ or
+cells--they do not understand words as words, but they do understand the
+meaning behind the words. But without words it is very hard for you
+to think, or clearly express the feeling--and so, by all means use the
+words just as if the organ-mind understood the actual meaning thereof,
+for by so doing you can drive in the meaning of the word--and induce the
+mental state and conditions necessary to work the cure.
+
+Dr. S. F. Meacham, in a magazine article published several years ago,
+said: "Let me once more call your attention to that one great principle
+of disease and cure. It is the only medical creed I hold to-day and
+will bear repeating, lest we neglect it. _Disease is a failure of the
+cells to make good their waste, or to do their full duty._ This may
+be an individual matter with the cell, or may result from imperfect
+co-operation; there may be a mutiny in the co-operative commonwealth
+constituting the body. Apart from all mutual help, or co-operation of
+cells, each individual cell must either do its full duty, or suffer,
+and perchance die, as the result. Remember that each individual cell
+lives, and has an office that no other cell can fill to save it. If the
+other cell does the work, it will live, but the failing cell will not
+profit thereby. By co-operating they may lighten each other's labors,
+but _no cell is or can be exempt from doing its part_. Any failure of
+this kind is disease either local or general, according to the degree
+and nature of the failure, or according to the importance of the
+mutinous or weakened cell. A cure results when the cells again do their
+work. Or, if a certain number die, a cure is established when other
+cells learn to do that particular work, which is sometimes the case. A
+remedy is any substance, or force, or procedure that will stimulate,
+or help, or remove obstacles that prevent these cells from doing their
+work. _Keep in mind, that the life process acting through or in the
+cell does the work either aided, or alone._ The lesson then is that
+all these methods do good, and that owing to the view point, mental
+status, or expectancy of the individual, now one and now another method
+will appeal to him and be accepted. No matter what we do, we aid, we
+assist only--we do not cure.... _The process going on in each cell is an
+intelligent one_, and all extrinsic methods are really but suggestions
+offered to the cell, the real worker; and the fact is that any one of
+these helps may be chosen, and all may be rejected...."
+
+"The repair of a cell is as equally as intellectual a process as any
+other can be. If, for instance, blind force can repair one cell, it
+can many; if it can build one, it can all, and mind and intellect are
+then without causal efficacy, without spontaneity, and blind force,
+fatality and purposeless action reign supreme.... According to this
+theory the building and repairing of cells would not be intellectual,
+as there would be no working plan or purpose. I am aware that a purely
+extrinsic study of the cells and of the body will force this conclusion
+upon any candid, unprejudiced mind; but _a study from the inside_
+is a different matter. A cell, looked at from without, moves only
+when stimulated; but is this really true? The body is but a compound
+of cells when viewed from the outside; then if one cell moves when
+stimulated, why not twenty, a hundred, a thousand, a billion, the
+entire body? But is it true of the body? You come to me and propose
+some scheme, or act, which I carry out. Now is your proposition the
+real cause of my act, or only a condition? Do I not choose, and either
+do the thing or not, as determined from within? If this is true of
+the body, why not of the cell? May not the stimulation we see be a
+condition only, and the real cause of the act be within the cell
+itself?... The cell is not a mere machine, _but a living entity_, doing
+everything that the body does. It eats, drinks, moves, reproduces its
+kind, selects its food, repairs its waste, etc. These are intellectual
+processes, but may not be conscious....
+
+"The cure consists in the repairing of the wasted tissue, and in the
+cells restoring and repairing themselves into a definite pattern,
+necessary to mutual work, so that the commonwealth may prosper. Air,
+water, sunshine, food, etc., are necessary to the performance of
+this work of repair. When these are furnished, even under the best
+conditions possible, the cells must use them to build up the waste,
+and this they do by their internal forces. But this process is what is
+called repair on the one hand, and cure on the other. External means
+may be essential, but that will not make them really curative.... It
+is well, also, to keep in mind that external in the true sense of the
+term as we are using it here. _Any force outside of the diseased cell
+is an external force to that cell even if it be thought-force._ Disease
+is always treated by external force, external as defined above, and
+all disease is just as surely cured by internal force--viz.: _force
+resident in the cell itself_. Here we all stand around the suffering
+cell, one with drug-power in his hand, another with electricity, or
+water, or heat, or directed attention--thought-force or more nourishment
+which necessitates a better circulation to that area, or some other of
+the thousand therapeutic measures, and we are close enough together
+at last to see that we are simply using different stimuli to try to
+aid the real worker within the cell to do his work by furnishing, not
+only material that is necessary, but force as well, that out of the
+abundance his work may be easy and rapid."
+
+The reader who will consider the numerous instances of cure by
+Suggestion or Faith-Cure, as noted in the following chapters, will
+be better able to understand the principle underlying these cures if
+he will realize the fact brought out so forcibly by Dr. Meacham, as
+above quoted. The attention of the patient being directed to the organ
+affected, in connection with the stimulating and vitalizing effect
+of Faith and Belief, starts into renewed activity the cell-mind of
+the organ in question, and arouses its reparative and recuperative
+energies. Each organ, and its component cells and cell-groups, is of
+course under the control of the Subconscious Mind, and forms a part
+of the material embodiment thereof. The Subconscious Mind, being
+stimulated by the Suggestion and Faith, and having its Expectant
+Attention aroused, concentrates its energies upon the reparative and
+recuperative processes in the organ, and the work of cure proceeds.
+The cure, in every case, is simply either repair work, or else the
+restoration of normal functioning--in either case the cells themselves
+doing the work.
+
+In the consideration of the reasons underlying the cure of disease
+by Psycho-Therapeutics, we must first consider the question of
+what disease really is. And in this phase of the consideration, it
+will be well for us to first dispel the erroneous ideas concerning
+disease which we have been entertaining. Perhaps the following
+striking statement from Sidney Murphy, M. D., printed in the magazine
+"Suggestion" several years ago, may help you to form a correct idea
+of the nature of disease, or rather a correct idea of what disease
+_is not_. Dr. Murphy says, in the said article, among other things:
+"Prof. S. D. Gross, formerly of the New York University Medical School,
+says: 'Of the essence of disease very little is known--indeed nothing
+at all.' Nevertheless it is evident that medical men have an idea on
+the subject. The theory generally held, I believe, is that disease
+is destructive action; but just what this means, whether destructive
+action on the part of vitality itself, or by something acting upon
+the vitality, is not so clear; but we are enabled to gain some light
+by reference to the expression used in medical books concerning it.
+Thus we find that disease 'attacks us,' that it 'seats itself in an
+organ,' that 'it works through us, runs its course,' etc. It is also
+said to be 'very malignant,' or 'quite mild,' 'persistently resisting
+all treatment,' or 'yielding readily' to it. In fact, it is considered
+an entity, possessing character and disposition and general vital
+qualities--a something which domiciles itself in the vital domain,
+and exercises its forces to the destruction of the vital powers. It
+is indeed spoken of as one would speak of a rat in his granary, or a
+mouse in his cupboard, and efforts are made to dislodge it, or kill
+it, as one would dislodge or kill any other living thing. This theory
+of disease is beginning to be looked upon even by the medical world
+as untenable. Living things are always possessed of organizations
+having form or shape; and hence if disease were such, its form would
+be discerned and described; a thing which never has been done. Disease
+by our ancestors was considered a subtile and mysterious thing which
+pounced down upon us, and runs its course without any reference to
+causes; and language being formed to convey this idea, it has been
+transmitted almost unchanged from generation to generation down to
+the present time. And the medical profession of to-day is simply an
+embodiment of that idea. It is probable that the term 'destructive
+action' is generally held to mean destructive action on the part of the
+vitality itself.... Life in organic form is developed according to law.
+Slowly rising into power, organization at length reaches its zenith,
+and then goes down the gentle declivity, until the soul steps off into
+the great beyond, without pain or struggle, provided always that the
+conditions of life are natural and therefore favorable; but if these
+be unfavorable, unfavorable results must of course follow; vitality,
+nevertheless, doing the best it can under the circumstances to
+preserve the normal state of the body. Disease, we propose to show, is
+not antagonistic to vital action, but the opposite, a remedial effort,
+_or vital action on the defensive_. It is not a downward tendency, nor
+the result of a downward tendency on the part of a living organism,
+but is itself an upward or self-preservative tendency, the result of
+disobedience to natural laws. _It is simply abnormal action, because of
+abnormal conditions._"
+
+In considering the above revolutionary statement of Dr. Murphy, we
+must remember that "vitality" or "vital force" is simply the action
+of the Subconscious Mind operating through the sympathetic system,
+the organ-minds, and the cell-minds. _All vital energy, at the last
+is mental energy._ And, we must also remember that the "abnormal
+conditions" which Dr. Murphy speaks of as being the cause of
+"abnormal action" or disease, are not confined alone to physical or
+material conditions, but also to abnormal mental conditions, such as
+fear-thought, adverse suggestions, improper use of the imagination,
+etc. As we have seen in the preceding chapters, the causes of disease
+may be mental as well as material or physical.
+
+The Subconscious Mind in its vital activities is constantly at work
+building up, repairing, growing, nourishing, supporting and regulating
+the body, doing its best to throw off abnormal conditions, and seeking
+to do the best it can when these conditions cannot be removed. With its
+source pure and unpolluted the stream of vitality flows on unhindered,
+but when the poison of fear-thought, adverse suggestion and false
+belief is poured into the source or spring from which the stream rises,
+it follows that the waters of life will no longer be pure and clear.
+Let us notice the general direction of the vital activities of the
+Subconscious Mind.
+
+In the first place we find that the vital activities are primarily
+concerned with _self-preservation_, that is with the preservation of
+the individual and the race. One has but to notice the ever-present
+manifestation of the "race instinct" which draws the males and females
+of the several species together, that they may mate and bring forth
+the young needed to keep alive the species. The parental devotions,
+with its many sacrifices of personal pleasure for the young, are
+instances ever before us. And no less striking is the companion
+activities which make for the preservation of the individual. The
+instinctive tendency toward self-preservation is so strong that it
+overpowers the reason in the majority of cases. Men may decry the
+value of life, but let their life be threatened and the instinctive
+protective feeling causes them to fight for life against all odds.
+"All that a man hath will he give for his life." And this instinctive
+activity is manifest not only in the individual as a whole, but in
+every cell of his body. Every cell is striving hard for the welfare of
+the community of which it forms a part. Even in disease it strives to
+throw off the abnormal conditions which afflict the body, and failing
+to do so it hobbles along doing the best it can under the circumstances.
+
+The tiny seed sprouting in the ground, and lifting weights a thousand
+times that of itself, shows the self-preservative energies and
+activities of the mind principle within it. The healing work of
+the cells in the case of a wound, or of a broken bone, as described
+elsewhere in this book, gives us another example. The healing efforts
+of the organism striving to throw off the morbid substances within the
+body, purging them away in a flux, or burning them up with a fever,
+show the operations of the same principle. This, we have seen, is
+called the _vis medicatrix naturae_, or "healing power of nature,"
+which operates in man as well as in the case of the lower animals--but
+it is really but the operations of the great Subconscious Mind of the
+individual. As Dr. Murphy, previously quoted, says: "Certainly all
+experience declares and all physicians will admit that where vital
+power is abundant in a man he will get well from almost any injuries
+short of complete destruction of vital organs; but where vitality is
+low, recovery is much more difficult, if not impossible, which can only
+be explained on the principle that vitality always works upward toward
+life and health to the extent of its ability under the circumstances,
+because, if it worked downward, the less vitality, the more surely and
+speedily would death result."
+
+Following the law of self-preservation, we find that of _accommodation_
+manifesting itself in the vital activities of the Subconscious Mind.
+This principle or law works in the direction of _adjusting the organism
+to conditions which it cannot remedy_. Thus a sapling bent out of
+shape, will bend its branches upward until once more they will reach
+toward the sky notwithstanding the deformed trunk. Seed sprouting from
+a narrow crevice in a rock, and unable to split the rock, will assume a
+deformed shape but will hold tenaciously to life, and will thrive under
+these abnormal conditions. This principle of accommodation acts upon
+the idea of "life at any price," and of "making the best of things."
+Man and the lower animals accommodate themselves to their environment,
+when they are unable to overcome the unsatisfactory conditions of the
+latter. The study of anthropology, natural history, and botany will
+convince anyone that the principle of accommodation is everywhere
+present in connection with that of self-preservation. And the diseased
+conditions, and abnormal functioning, which we find in cases of
+chronic diseases is simply the principle of accommodation in the vital
+activities of the Subconscious Mind, but which it is "trying to make
+the best of it," and holding on to "life at any price."
+
+Dr. Murphy, previously quoted, says: "Disease, in its essential nature,
+has a deeper significance than simply abnormal manifestations. It is
+really a remedial effort, not necessarily successful, but an attempt
+to change, or have changed existing conditions. And for this reason
+any improper relation of the living organism to external agents
+necessarily results in an injury to that organism, which by virtue of
+its being self-preservative, immediately sets up defensive action, and
+begins as soon as possible to repair the damages that have accrued.
+This defensive or reparative action, of course, corresponds to the
+conditions to be corrected, and hence is abnormal and diseased; and its
+severity and persistence will depend upon the damages to be repaired,
+and the intensity and persistence of the causes that produced it.
+Serious injury present or impending will demand serious vital action;
+desperate conditions, desperate action. But in all cases the action
+is vital, an attempt at restoration, and the energy displayed will
+exactly correspond to the interests involved and the vitality that is
+available."
+
+From the above, and from what has been shown in previous chapters,
+it will be seen that just as is health the result of the normal
+functioning of the Subconscious Mind, so is disease the result of its
+abnormal functioning. And it may also be seen that the true healing
+power must come alone from and through the Subconscious Mind itself,
+although the same may be aroused, awakened and directed by various
+outside agencies. As Dr. Thomson J. Hudson says: "Granted that there
+is an intelligence that controls the functions of the body in health,
+it follows that it is the same power or energy that fails in case
+of disease. Failing, it requires assistance; and that is what all
+therapeutic agencies aim to accomplish. No intelligent physician of
+any school claims to be able to do more than to 'assist nature' to
+restore normal conditions of the body. That it is a mental energy
+that thus requires assistance, no one denies; for science teaches
+us that the whole body is made up of a confederation of intelligent
+entities, each of which performs its functions with an intelligence
+exactly adapted to the performance of its special duties as a member
+of the confederacy. There is, indeed, no life without mind, from the
+lowest unicellular organism up to man. _It is therefore a mental
+energy that actuates every fiber of the body under all its conditions.
+That there is a central intelligence that controls each of these mind
+organisms, is self-evident...._ It is sufficient for us to know that
+such an intelligence exists, and that, for the time being, it is the
+controlling energy that normally regulates the action of the myriad
+cells of which the body is composed. _It is, then, a mental organism
+that all therapeutic agencies are designed to energize, when, for any
+cause, it fails to perform its functions with reference to any part of
+the physical structure._"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+THE HISTORY OF PSYCHO-THERAPY
+
+
+One of the most remarkable achievements of the New Psychology is that
+of gathering up the scattered instances of the effect of the power of
+the mind over the body, under the various masks and guises worn during
+the ages, and uniting them in one broad and general synthesis in which
+is to be seen the one fundamental principle of Mental Healing operating
+under a thousand names, forms and theories, in every race, nation and
+clime in all ages past and present. The New Psychology is the great
+reconciler of the various theories, dogmas and speculations concerned
+with the subject of the strange cures effected by the mind, as well as
+with the equally strange adverse effect upon the physical organism of
+negative thoughts.
+
+From the earliest days of history we find records of strange and
+marvelous cures effected by non-material agents. In some cases the
+effect is attributed to magical power, while in others, and the
+majority of cases, the cure is attributed to some particular religious
+belief, creed or ceremony. Not only in the folk-lore of the several
+races, and in their general traditions, but also in the written and
+graven record do we find traces of the universality of the principle of
+mental therapeutics.
+
+H. Addington Bruce says: "Psychotherapy might well be cited in support
+of the old adage that there is nothing new but what has been forgotten.
+Traces of it are to be found almost as far back as authentic history
+extends, and even allusion to methods which bear a strong resemblance
+to those of modern times. The literature and monumental remains
+of ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, Persia, India and China reveal a
+widespread knowledge of hypnotism and its therapeutic value. There
+is in the British Museum a bas-relief from Thebes which has been
+interpreted as representing a physician hypnotizing a patient by
+making 'passes' over him. According to the Ebers papyrus, the 'laying
+on of hands' formed a prominent feature of Egyptian medical practice
+as early as 1552 B. C., or nearly thirty-five hundred years ago; and
+it is known that a similar mode of treatment was employed by priests
+of Chaldea in ministering to the sick. So, also, the priests of the
+famous Temples of Health are credited with having worked numerous
+cures by the mere touch of the hands. In connection with these same
+Temples of Health were sleeping chambers, repose in which was supposed
+to be exceptionally beneficial. Asclepiades of Bithynia, who won
+considerable fame at Rome as a physician, systematically made use of
+the 'induced trance' in the treatment of certain diseases. Plautus,
+Martial, and Seneca refer in their writings to some mysterious process
+of manipulation which had the same effect--that is, of putting persons
+into an artificial sleep. And Solon sang, apparently, of some form of
+mesmeric cure:
+
+  "'The smallest hurts sometimes increase and rage
+    More than all art of physic can assuage;
+    Sometimes the fury of the worst disease
+    The hand by gentle stroking, will appease.'
+
+"Many other instances might be mentioned testifying to the remarkable
+extent to which psycho-therapy, in one form or another, was utilized
+in the countries of the ancient world. This, of course, does not
+necessarily imply that the ancients had any real understanding of the
+psychological and physiological principles governing its operation.
+On the contrary, there is every reason to believe that they used it
+much as do too many of the mental healers of to-day--on the basis of
+'faith cure' pure and simple, with no attempt at diagnosis, and in a
+hit-or-miss fashion. It was not until the very end of the Middle Ages,
+so far as history informs us, that anything even remotely resembling a
+scientific inquiry into its nature and possibilities was undertaken,
+and then only in a faint, vague, indefinite way, by men who were
+metaphysicians and mystics rather than scientists. The first of these,
+Petrys Pomponatius, a sixteenth-century philosopher, sought to prove
+that disease was curable without drugs, by means of the 'magnetism'
+existing in certain specially gifted individuals. 'When those who are
+endowed with this faculty,' he affirmed, 'operate by employing the
+force of the imagination and the will, this force affects their blood
+and their spirits, which produce the intended effects by means of an
+evaporation thrown outwards.' Following Pomponatius, John Baptist von
+Helmont, to whom medical science owes a great deal, also proclaimed
+the curative virtue of magnetism, which he described as an invisible
+fluid called forth and directed by the influence of the human will.
+Other writers, notably Sir Kenelm Digby, laid stress on the power
+of the imagination as an agent in the cause as well as the cure of
+disease, compiling in a curious little treatise published in 1658, as
+interesting a collection of illustrative cases as is contained in the
+literature of modern psycho-therapy."
+
+In the Middle Ages, we read that there were many instances of
+miraculous cures effected at the various shrines of the saints, and in
+the churches in which were exhibited the bones and other relics of the
+holy people of church history. As Dr. George R. Patton says: "A word
+scrawled upon parchment, for instance, would cure fevers; an hexameter
+from the Iliad of Homer cured gout, while rheumatism succumbed to a
+verse from Lamentations. These could be multiplied, and undoubtedly all
+were equally potent of cure in like manner.... At one time holy wells
+were to be found in almost every parish of Ireland, to which wearisome
+journeys were made for the miraculous powers of cure. It was the custom
+of the cured to hang upon the bushes contiguous to the springs small
+fragments of their clothing, or a cane, or a crutch as a memento of
+cure, so that from afar the springs could be easily located by the many
+colored fragments of clothing, rags, canes and crutches swayed upon the
+branches by the wind. Inasmuch as the bushes for many rods around were
+thus adorned, the cures must have been far from few."
+
+In the Middle Ages it was the custom of persons afflicted with scrofula
+and kindred disorders to come before the king upon certain days to
+receive the "Royal Touch," or laying-on-of-hands which was held to be
+an infallible specific for the disease. The custom was instituted by
+Edward the Confessor, and continued until the accession to power of the
+house of Brunswick. It is a matter of history that many persons were
+cured by the touch of the king's hands. Wiseman, a celebrated surgeon
+and physician of old London testifies as follows: "I myself have been
+an eye-witness of many thousands of cures performed by his majesty's
+touch alone, without any assistance of medicine or surgery, and those,
+many of them, such as had tired out the endeavors of able surgeons
+before they came hither.... I must needs profess that what I write
+will little more than show the weakness of our ability when compared
+with his majesty's, who cureth more in one year than all the surgeons
+of London have done in an age." The virtue of the "King's Touch" was
+finally brought in doubt by the wonderful successes of a man by the
+name of Valentine Greatrakes, who in the Seventeenth Century began
+"laying on hands" and made even more wonderful cures than those of the
+king. So marked was his success that the government had difficulty
+in suppressing the growing conviction among the common people that
+Greatrakes must be of royal blood, and the rightful heir to the throne,
+because of the great healing virtues of his hands, which, they argued,
+could be possessed only by those having royal blood in their veins.
+The Chirurgical Society of London investigated Greatrakes' cures,
+and rendered an opinion that he healed by virtue of "some mysterious
+sanative contagion in his body."
+
+But perhaps the most notable figure in the European history of Mental
+Healing was Franz Anton Mesmer, a native of Switzerland, who was born
+in 1734, and who later in the century created the greatest excitement
+in several European countries by his strange theories and miraculous
+claims. Frank Podmore in a recent work says of Mesmer: "He had no
+pretensions to be a thinker; he stole his philosophy ready-made from a
+few belated alchemists; and his entire system of healing was based on
+a delusion. His extraordinary success was due to the lucky accident of
+the times. Mesmer's first claim to our remembrance lies in this--that
+he wrested the privilege of healing from the churches and gave it to
+mankind as a universal possession."
+
+Mesmer held that there was in Nature a universal magnetic force which
+had a powerful therapeutic effect when properly applied. He cured many
+people by touching them with an iron rod, through which he claimed the
+universal magnetism flowed from his body to that of the patient. He
+called this magnetic fluid "animal magnetism." Later on he devised his
+celebrated "magnetic tub" or _baquet_, by means of which he was able to
+treat his patients _en masse_. Podmore gives the following interesting
+account of scenes surrounding his treatments:
+
+"The baquet was a large oaken tub, four or five feet in diameter and
+a foot or more in depth, closed by a wooden cover. Inside the tub
+were placed bottles full of water disposed in rows radiating from the
+center, the necks in some of the rows pointing towards the center, in
+others away from it. All these bottles had been previously 'magnetized'
+by Mesmer. Sometimes there were several rows of bottles, one above the
+other; the machine was then said to be at high pressure. The bottles
+rested on layers of powdered glass and iron filings. The tub itself
+was filled with water. The whole machine, it will be seen, was a kind
+of travesty of the galvanic cell. To carry out the resemblance, the
+cover of the tub was pierced with holes, through which passed slender
+iron rods of varying lengths, which were jointed and movable, so that
+they could be readily applied to any part of the patient's body. Round
+this battery the patients were seated in a circle, each with his iron
+rod. Further, a cord, attached at one end to the tub, was passed round
+the body of each of the sitters, so as to bind them all into a chain.
+Outside the first a second circle would frequently be formed, who would
+connect themselves together by holding hands. Mesmer, in a lilac robe,
+and his assistant operators--vigorous and handsome young men selected
+for the purpose--walked about the room, pointing their fingers or an
+iron rod held in their hands at the diseased parts."
+
+Mesmer made many wonderful cures, and attracted wide attention. In
+1781 the king of France offered him a pension of thirty thousand
+livres if he would make public his secret. The offer was refused, but
+he gave private instruction and opened a school. He had many pupils
+and followers, prominent among whom was the Marquis de Puysegur, who
+made discoveries resulting in the identification of Mesmerism with
+the "trance condition" now commonly associated with the term, whereas
+originally Mesmerism included simply the healing process. Mesmer's
+methods continued popular for many years after his death, until Braid's
+work resulted in the founding of the modern school of Hypnotism, and
+Mesmerism died out.
+
+The Abbe Faria, about 1815, after investigating Mesmerism and
+attracting much attention, discarded the "fluidic" theory of Mesmer,
+and held, instead, that in order to induce the mesmeric state and
+to produce the phenomena thereof, it was necessary merely to create
+a mental state of "expectant attention" on the part of the patient.
+The cause of the state and the phenomena, he held, was not in the
+operator but in the mind of the patient--purely subjective, in fact.
+Alexander Bertrand, a Frenchman, published a work about this time,
+holding theories similar to those of Faria. In 1841 James Braid, an
+English physician, becoming interested in Mesmerism, discovered that
+the mesmeric state might be artificially induced by staring at bright
+objects until the eyes became fatigued, etc., and, later, that any
+method whereby concentration and "expectant attention" might be induced
+would produce the phenomenon. He duplicated all the feats of the
+mesmerists, including the healing of diseases. He called his new system
+"Hypnotism" to distinguish it from Mesmerism, and under its new name it
+gained favor among the medical fraternity. Moreover, in connection with
+his predecessors, Faria and Bertrand, he laid the basis for the modern
+theories of Suggestive Therapeutics.
+
+Shortly after Braid's death, in 1860, Dr. A. A. Liebault, a French
+physician, established his since famous School of Nancy, in which
+during the after years the later wonderful discoveries in Suggestive
+Therapeutics were made. He used the methods of hypnotism, but
+Suggestion was ever the operative principle recognized and applied.
+Liebault said: "It is all a matter of Suggestion. My patients are
+_suggested_ to sleep, and their ills are _suggested_ out of them.
+It is very simple, once you understand the laws of Suggestion." Dr.
+Charcot, in his celebrated clinic in the Salpetriere, in Paris, did
+great work along the same general lines, although proceeding under
+somewhat different theories. Following the example of these and other
+eminent authorities, the medical fraternity has gradually adopted many
+of the ideas of Suggestive Therapeutics, and to-day many of the best
+medical schools throughout this country and Europe give instruction in
+this branch of healing. Many books have been written on the subject by
+eminent medical authorities, and the indications are that during the
+present century Suggestive Therapeutics, in its various forms, will
+come even more prominently into popular favor, and that it will be
+developed far beyond its present limits. Experimental work along these
+lines is now being conducted in many psychological laboratories in our
+great universities.
+
+At the same time, as we shall now see, Mental Healing has been
+attracting much attention along other lines, outside of the medical
+profession, and often allied with religious and metaphysical movements.
+To understand the subject, we must study it in all of its phases.
+
+In the early part of the nineteenth century Elijah Perkins, an ignorant
+blacksmith living in Connecticut conceived a queer idea of curing
+disease by means of a peculiar pair of tongs manufactured by himself,
+one prong being of brass and the other of steel. These tongs were
+called "tractors," and were applied to the body of the patient in
+the region affected by disease, the body being stroked in a downward
+direction for a period of about ten minutes. The tractors were used
+to treat all manner of complaints, ailments and diseases, internal
+and external, with a wonderful degree of success. Almost miraculous
+cures of all manner of complaints were reported, and people flocked
+to Perkins from far and near in order to receive the benefit of his
+wonderful treatments.
+
+Soon this system of healing came to be called "Perkinsism," as a
+tribute to the inventor. The popularity of the system spread rapidly
+in the United States, particularly in New England, every city and
+many towns patronizing Perkins' practitioners and healers. From this
+country the craze spread to Great Britain, and even to the Continent.
+Centers of treatment, and even hospitals, were established by the
+"Perkinsites," and the fame of the tractors increased daily in ever
+widening circles. In Europe alone it is reported that over 1,500,000
+cures were performed, and the medical fraternity were at their wit's
+ends to explain the phenomenon. Finally, Dr. Haygarth, of London,
+conceived the idea that the real virtue of the cures was vested in
+the minds, belief and imagination of the patients rather than in
+the tractors, and that the cures were the result of the induced
+mental states of the patients instead of by the metallic qualities
+of the apparatus. He determined to investigate the matter under this
+hypothesis, and accordingly constructed a pair of tractors of wood,
+painted to resemble the genuine ones. The following account by Bostock
+describes the result: "He accordingly formed pieces of wood into the
+shape of tractors and with much assumed pomp and ceremony applied them
+to a number of sick persons who had been previously prepared to expect
+something extraordinary. The effects were found to be astonishing.
+Obstinate pains in the limbs were suddenly cured; joints that had
+long been immovable were restored to motion, and, in short, except
+the renewal of lost parts or the change in mechanical structure,
+nothing seemed beyond their power to accomplish." The exposure of
+this experiment, and the general acceptance of the explanation of the
+phenomena, caused "Perkinsism" to die out rapidly, and at the present
+time it is heard of only in connection with the history of medicine and
+in the pages of works devoted to the subject of the effect of the mind
+over the body.
+
+The success of "Perkinsism" is but a typical instance which is
+duplicated every twenty years or so by the rapid rise, spread and
+then rapid decline of some new "craze" in healing, all of which, when
+investigated are seen to be but new examples of the power of the
+mental states of faith and imagination upon the physical organism. The
+well-known "blue glass" craze of about thirty-five years ago gives
+us another interesting example. General Pleasanton, a well-known and
+prominent citizen of Philadelphia, announced his discovery that the
+rays of the sun passing through the medium of blue glass possessed a
+wonderful therapeutic value. The idea fired the public imagination
+at once, and the General's book met with a large sale. Everyone,
+seemingly, began to experiment with the blue glass rays. Windows
+were fitted with blue glass panes, and the patients sat so that the
+sun's rays might fall upon them after passing through the blue panes.
+Wonderful cures were reported from all directions, the results of
+"Perkinsism" being duplicated in almost every detail. Even cripples
+reported cures, and many chronic and "incurable" cases were healed
+almost instantaneously. Bedridden people threw aside their blankets
+and walked again, after a brief treatment. The interest developed into
+a veritable "craze," and the glass factories were operated overtime
+in order to meet the overwhelming demand for blue glass, the price of
+which rapidly advanced to fifty cents and even a dollar for a small
+pane, because of the scarcity. It was freely predicted that the days of
+physicians were over, and that the blue glass was the long-sought-for
+panacea for all human ills. Suddenly, however, and from no apparent
+cause, the interest in the matter dropped, and now all that is left of
+the blue glass craze is the occasional sight of an old blue pane in
+some window, the owner of which evidently felt disinclined to pay the
+price of replacing it with a clear pane. Only a few days ago, in an
+old-fashioned quarter of a large city, the writer saw several panes of
+the old blue glass in the frame of the window of an old house which had
+seen better days but which was now used as a cheap tenement house.
+
+The history of medicine is filled with records of similar "crazes"
+following the announcement of some new method of "cure." The striking
+peculiarity of these cures is that they all occur during the height of
+the excitement and notoriety of the early days of the announcement,
+while _they decline in proportion to the decline in public faith and
+interest_, the explanation being that in every instance the cure is
+effected by the action of the mental states of expectancy, faith, and
+the imagination of the patient, irrespective of any virtue in the
+method or system itself. In short, _all these cures belong to the
+category of faith-cures_--they are merely duplicates of the world-old
+cures resulting from faith in sacred relics, shrines, bones of holy
+people, sacred places, etc., of which nearly every religion has given
+us many examples. The history of medicine gives us many instances of
+the efficacy of the therapeutic power of Faith.
+
+Sir Humphrey Davy relates a case in which a man seriously ill
+manifested immediate improvement after the placing of a clinical
+thermometer in his mouth, he supposing that it was some new and
+powerful healing instrument. The grotesque remedies of the ancient
+physicians, and the _bizarre_ decoctions of the quacks of the present,
+all work cures. The "bread-pills" and other placebos of the "regulars"
+have cured many a case when other remedies have failed.
+
+It is related that several hundred years ago, a young English
+law-student while on a lark with several of his boon companions found
+themselves in a rural inn, without money with which to pay their
+reckoning. Finally, after much thought, the young man called the
+inn-keeper and told him that he, the student, was a great physician,
+and that he would prepare for him a magic amulet which would cure all
+diseases, in return for the receipted account of himself and friends.
+The landlord gladly consented, and the young man wrote some gibberish
+on a bit of parchment, which together with sundry articles of rubbish
+he inserted in a silk cover. With a wise and dignified air he then
+departed. Many years rolled by, and the young man rose to the position
+of a High Justice of the realm. One day before him was brought a woman
+accused of magic and witchcraft. The evidence showed that she had
+cured many people by applying to their bodies a little magic amulet,
+which the church authorities considered to be the work of the devil.
+The woman, on the stand, admitted the use of the amulet and the many
+cures resulting therefrom, but defended herself by saying that the
+instrument of cure had been given to her father, now deceased, many
+years ago, by a great physician who had stopped at her father's inn.
+She held that the cures were genuine medical cures resulting from
+the medicinal virtues of the amulet, and not the result of magic or
+witchcraft. The Justice asked to be handed the wonderful amulet.
+Ripping it open with his pen-knife, he found enclosed the identical
+scrawl inserted by himself many years before. He announced the
+circumstances from the bench, and discharged the woman--but the healing
+virtues of the amulet had disappeared, never to return. The cures were
+the result of the faith and imagination of the patients.
+
+The modern instances of the several great "Divine Healers," such as
+John Alexander Dowie of Chicago, and Francis Schlatter of Denver,
+give us additional evidence of the efficacy of Faith as a therapeutic
+agent. John Alexander Dowie, a Scotch preacher, came to America some
+twenty years ago, and instituted a new religion in which healing was
+an important feature. He claimed that all disease was the result of
+the devil, and that belief in God and the prayers of Dowie and his
+assistants would work the cure of the devil's evil operations. Great
+numbers flocked to Dowie's standard, and thousands of wonderful cures
+were reported. His "Tabernacle" was filled with testimonials and
+trophies from cured people. Back of Dowie's pulpit were displayed many
+crutches, plaster-casts, braces, and other spoils wrested from the
+devil by Dowie and his aids. His experience meetings were thronged
+with persons willing and anxious to testify that whereas they had been
+afflicted they were now whole again. Dowie succeeded in building up a
+great following all over the world, and had he not overreached himself
+and allowed his colossal vanity to overshadow his original ideas, the
+probability is that he would have founded a church which would have
+endured for centuries. As it is, he was discredited and disowned by his
+followers, and his church is now but little more than a memory.
+
+Francis Schlatter, the German shoemaker of Denver, with his Divine
+Healing, was a well known figure in the west several years ago. He was
+undoubtedly a half-insane fanatic, believing himself inspired by God to
+heal the nations. Persons flocked to him from afar, and he is reported
+to have healed thousands, many of whom were suffering from serious
+ailments. He afterward disappeared, and is believed to have died in
+the desert of the far west. Students of Mental Suggestion and Psychic
+Therapeutics find in the instances of Dowie and Schlatter merely the
+same underlying principle of Mental Healing resulting from faith, which
+is operative in all of the other cases mentioned. The theology, creed,
+theories of methods have but little to do with the cures, so long as
+the proper degree of faith is induced in the mind of the patient. Faith
+in _anything_ will work cures, providing it is sufficiently intense and
+active.
+
+Another branch of Mental Healing is seen in the modern schools of the
+"New Thought," "Mental Science," "Christian Science," and the "Emmanuel
+Movement." The authorities generally agree upon tracing the rise of
+these several schools to the general interest in the subject manifested
+in the United States and Great Britain about the middle of the last
+century. Some of the authorities believe that this general interest was
+induced largely by the teachings of Charles Poyen, a Frenchman who came
+from France to New England about 1835, bringing with him the French
+teachings and theories regarding mesmerism and the phenomena allied
+thereto. Poyen's teachings attracted marked interest and attention, and
+he soon had a host of followers, students and imitators. Teachers of
+the "new science" sprang up on all sides. Many theories were evolved
+and actively supported by the adherents of the several prominent
+teachers. The rise of interest in phrenology and the dawning interest
+in spiritualism aided the spread of the new teachings regarding
+mesmerism, clairvoyance, psychic healing, etc., and the pages of many
+magazines and books published about that time show that a public taste
+had been created for the strange and mysterious.
+
+Dr. J. S. Grimes, a physician interested in phrenology, taught that
+the phenomena were due to the action of a strange atmospheric force
+which he called "etherium." Rev. J. Bovee Dods evolved a theory based
+upon the supposed existence of an electrical principle, and called his
+system "Electro-Biology," by means of which he attracted to himself
+a large following. Dods wrote several large books on the subject,
+and traveled on lecture tours in this country and Great Britain,
+arousing great enthusiasm and making many cures. Rev. Leroy Sunderland
+expounded the doctrine of "patheism," in which he combined a strange
+mixture of mysticism and what has since been called "suggestion," to
+which he afterward added the current teachings of spiritualism after
+his conversion to that philosophy. It would seem that credit should
+be given Sunderland for his early announcement of the principle of
+suggestion, for he said: "When a relation is once established between
+an operator and his patient, corresponding changes may be induced in
+the nervous system of the latter by mere volition, and _by suggestions
+addressed to either of the external senses_." The decade, 1840-1850
+witnessed a remarkable interest in psychic phenomena of all kinds, and
+during that time there was undoubtedly laid the foundations upon which
+the later structures have since been erected. Any one reading the short
+stories of Poe, and other writers of that period, may readily see the
+state of public interest in these subjects at that time.
+
+The authorities generally agree that in Phineas Parkhurst Quimby we
+have the direct connecting link between the period just mentioned and
+the present. Quimby played quite an important role in the evolution
+of the modern conceptions of mental healing, or psycho-therapy as it
+is now called. He was a poor clockmaker, of quite limited means, of
+good character and a strong personality. His education is said to
+have been limited, but he made up for his lack in this respect by
+his naturally keen and inquiring mind. In 1838 one of the teachers
+of mesmerism visited his home in Belfast, Maine, and Quimby attended
+the seance. He became intensely interested in what he saw, and in the
+theories propounded, and began to experiment on the people in his town,
+the result being that he soon acquired a reputation as a powerful
+mesmerist and a good healer. He followed along the general lines of the
+"Electro-Biology" theory for a time, and then evolved theories of his
+own. He cured himself and many others by manual treatment, and was soon
+kept quite busy in his healing work.
+
+Quimby, thinking deeply regarding the cures he was making, soon came
+to the conclusion that while his _cures_ were genuine, his _theories_
+were wrong. He gradually evolved the idea that diseases are caused
+by erroneous thinking, and that his cures resulted from changing
+these wrong mental states for those based upon true conceptions. He
+held that all that is required to effect a cure is to bring about "a
+change of thought." Following upon this new conception, he ceased
+mesmerizing his patients, and began to treat them by simply sitting
+by the side of the afflicted person, picturing him as well and whole,
+and impressing upon the patient's mind that he is well and whole, _in
+Truth_. From this fundamental idea he gradually evolved a philosophy
+which has strongly influenced that of later schools. Quimby talked much
+regarding his great "discovery," as he called it, and built great hopes
+upon establishing "the science of health and happiness." He began to
+speak of the "Truth" in his "science," which he held to be identical
+with that taught by Christ, and by means of which Jesus performed his
+miraculous cures. Before he had firmly established his "science,"
+however, he died, leaving his work to be carried on by others, notably
+by Dr. Warren F. Evans, and Julius A. Dresser, to whom should be
+given the credit for launching what is now known as "the New Thought
+Movement."
+
+Mrs. Mary Baker G. Eddy, who afterward established "Christian Science"
+was one of Quimby's patients and students, and Dresser and others have
+positively stated and claimed that from him she received her ideas of
+the philosophy which she afterward developed into the great "Christian
+Science" movement. Mrs. Eddy, and her adherents, as positively deny to
+Quimby any credit for having inspired Mrs. Eddy's work. We merely state
+the opposing sides of the controversy here, taking no sides in the
+matter, the discussion not concerning us in the present consideration.
+
+The success of Evans and Dresser, and of Mrs. Eddy, in their respective
+schools and organizations, have caused many other teachers to come to
+the front, until at the present time there are many schools, cults
+and organizations basing their cures upon the broad principles of
+Mental Healing. Mrs. Eddy, and her followers, deny having anything in
+common with the other schools, however, holding that the latter are
+concerned with "mortal mind" while "Christian Science" alone is based
+upon Divine Mind, or Truth. In spite of the conflicting claims and
+theories, the fact remains that thousands of persons have been healed
+of various diseases by the various schools, cults, and teachings. To
+the authorities who stand outside of and apart from these opposing
+organizations, it seems that all the cures are based upon the same
+general principle, _i. e._, that of the influence of mental states
+over physical conditions, and that religious theories or metaphysical
+philosophies have nothing whatever to do with the production of the
+cures, except in the direction of giving a strong suggestion to those
+accepting them. The fact that _all_ the schools make cures, in about
+the same proportion, and of the same general classes of complaints,
+would seem to show that the theories and dogmas have nothing to do
+with the process of cure--and that the healing is done _in spite of the
+theories_, rather than because of them.
+
+The much advertised "Emmanuel Movement" now so popular in the orthodox
+churches throughout the country, is recognized by all the authorities
+as being nothing more than suggestion applied in connection with the
+religious and theological principles of the churches in question,
+and, in truth, as applying methods more in favor by the old school of
+mesmerists than by the later "New Thought" practitioners, or by the
+"Christian Science" healers. From this movement, however, there will
+probably evolve a more scientific system, manifesting none of the
+crudities which so disfigure its present stage, at least in the hands
+of some of its practitioners.
+
+In the following chapter we may see that the same element of Faith,
+Belief and Expectancy is manifested in all the various forms of Mental
+Healing, by whatever name, or under whatever theory, the method is
+applied. In short, that the cures are purely _psychological_, rather
+than metaphysical or religious, in their nature.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+FAITH CURES
+
+
+Following the scientific study of the phenomena of cures of physical
+illness by means of the power of mental states, and the recognition of
+the fact that there is a common principle operative under the various
+guises and forms, there sprang into scientific usage the term "Faith
+Cures" which was used to designate all instances and forms of cures
+coming under the general classification of mental healing. Prof.
+Goddard defines the term as follows: "A term applied to the practice
+of curing disease by an appeal to the hope, belief, or expectation of
+the patient, and without the use of drugs or other material means.
+Formerly it was confined to methods requiring the exercise of religious
+faith, such as the 'prayer cure' and 'divine healing,' but has now come
+to be used in the broader sense, and includes the cures of 'Mental
+Science,' and hypnotism; also a large part of the cures effected by
+patent medicines and nostrums, as well as many folk-practices and home
+remedies. By some it is used to include also Christian Science, but the
+believers in the latter regard it as entirely distinct."
+
+The term "Suggestion," used in the same sense as "Faith Cure" in
+relation to the healing of disease, has also come into popular usage,
+but inasmuch as Suggestion has a much larger meaning outside of its
+therapeutic phases, it may be said the best authorities to-day use the
+term "Faith Cure" as representing simply one phase of Suggestion.
+
+Prof. Goddard, in his article on "Faith Cure," in the _New
+International Encyclopaedia_ (Dodd, Mead & Co., New York), says:
+"Besides these recognized forms (divine healing, mental science, etc.),
+faith cure is an important element in cures wrought by patent medicines
+and nostrums, home remedies and folk practices. The advertisement,
+testimonial of friend, or family tradition arouses the faith of the
+sick man, and he comes to believe that he needs only to follow
+directions to be fully cured. The actual value of faith cure as a
+therapeutic method has been the subject of much discussion. It can
+no longer be denied that it has value. From divine healing to patent
+medicine and Father Kneipp's water cure, all cure disease. Each appeals
+to a particular type of mind, but _the results are practically the
+same in all--same diseases cured, same successes, same failures_. Many
+faith-curists claim that all diseases in all persons can be cured by
+their method; others hold that the principle is of limited application.
+Of them all, the hypnotists are the only ones who do not make sweeping
+claims."
+
+After stating "the tendency to exaggeration and the infrequency of
+impartial judgment" in connection with many instances of claimed cures,
+the above mentioned authority proceeds as follows: "The actual cures,
+however, are sufficiently numerous and sufficiently striking to need
+an explanation. These different forms agree in only one point--viz.,
+_the mental state of the patient is one of hope and expectation_. Can
+states of mind cause or cure disease? Some familiar occurrences seem
+to justify an affirmative answer. It is well known that certain glands
+and secretions are markedly affected by emotions. Fright causes the
+saliva to cease to flow and the perspiration to start. Sorrow causes
+the lachrymal glands to secrete tears. Happiness favors digestion,
+unhappiness retards it. Mosso has demonstrated that the bladder is
+especially sensitive to emotional states. In general, the pleasant
+emotions produce an opposite physical effect from the unpleasant ones.
+There are many glands within the body whose action under emotion
+we cannot observe; but we may reasonably assume that they also are
+affected by emotional states. Hence, if unpleasant emotions so act upon
+the glands as to derange the system and cause disease, the pleasant
+emotions may reasonably be assumed to tend to restore the normal
+functions. The various forms of faith cure tend strongly to put the
+patient in a happy frame of mind--a condition favorable to health.
+However, there are all degrees of faith and wide differences in the way
+the system responds to the emotional state. One person is slightly
+affected by a strong emotion; another is strongly affected by a weak
+emotion. Hence, there must always be a wide difference in the results
+of faith-cure methods. The diseases most amenable to faith cure are
+nervous--including many not recognized as nervous, but having a neural
+condition as their basis--and functional derangements. Organic diseases
+are not usually cured, though the symptoms are frequently ameliorated.
+Chronic diseases due to neuro-muscular habit often yield to hypnotic
+treatment."
+
+Prof. R. P. Halleck says: "Were it not for this power of the
+imagination, the majority of quack nostrums would disappear. In most
+cases bread pills, properly labeled, with positive assurances of
+certain cures accompanying them, would answer the purpose far better
+than these nostrums, or even much better than a great deal of the
+medicine administered by regular physicians. Warts have been charmed
+away by medicines which could have had only a mental effect. Dr. Tuke
+gives many cases of patients cured of rheumatism by rubbing them with
+a certain substance declared to possess magic power. The material in
+some cases was metal; in others wood; in still others, wax. He also
+recites the case of a very intelligent officer who had vainly taken
+powerful remedies to cure cramp in the stomach. Then 'he was told
+that on the next attack he would be put under a medicine which was
+generally believed to be most effective, but which was rarely used.'
+When the cramps came on again, 'a powder containing four grains of
+ground biscuit was administered every seven minutes, while the greatest
+anxiety was expressed (within the hearing of the party) lest too much
+be given. Half-drachm doses of bismuth had never procured the same
+relief in less than three hours. For four successive times did the same
+kind of attack recur, and four times was it met by the same remedy, and
+with like success.' A house surgeon in a French hospital experimented
+with one hundred patients, giving them sugared water. Then, with
+a great show of fear, he pretended that he had made a mistake and
+given them an emetic instead of the proper medicine. Dr. Tuke says:
+'The result may easily be anticipated by those who can estimate the
+influence of the imagination. No fewer than eighty--four-fifths--were
+unmistakably sick.'
+
+"We have a well authenticated case of a butcher, who, while trying to
+hang up a heavy piece of meat, slipped and was himself caught by the
+arm upon the hook. When he was taken to a surgeon, the butcher said he
+was suffering so much that he could not endure the removal of his coat;
+the sleeve must be cut off. When this was done, it was found that the
+hook had passed through his clothing close to the skin, but had not
+even scratched it. A man sentenced to be bled to death was blindfolded.
+A harmless incision was then made in his arm and tepid water fixed so
+as to run down it and drop with considerable noise into a basin. The
+attendants frequently commented on the flow of blood and the weakening
+pulse. The criminal's false idea of what was taking place was as
+powerful in its effects as the reality, and he soon died.... There is
+perhaps not a person living who would not at times be benefited by a
+bread pill, administered by some one in whom great confidence was
+reposed."
+
+The same authority also says: "It has been known for a long time
+that if the attention is directed toward any bodily organ, abnormal
+sensations may be caused in it, and disease may be developed. The
+renowned Dr. John Hunter said: 'I am confident that I can fix my
+attention to any part, until I have a sensation in that part.'" Dr.
+Tuke says that these "are words which ought to be inscribed in letters
+of gold over the entrance of a hospital for the Cure of Disease by
+Psychopathy." Hunter's confident assertion is the more interesting
+because, drawn from his own experience, it shows that the principle
+is not confined in its operation to the susceptible and nervous, but
+operates even on men of the highest mental endowment. We have examples
+from the literature of the seventeenth century, showing how the
+expectation of a complaint will produce it. In 1607 an ignorant English
+physician told a clergyman's wife that she had sciatica, although
+there was, in reality, nothing the matter with her sciatic nerve. Her
+attention was thereby directed to it and a severe attack of sciatica
+was the result. When a person inexperienced in medicine reads carefully
+the symptoms of some disease, he is apt to begin an attentive search
+for those symptoms and to end by fancying he has them. Seasick persons
+have been relieved of their nausea by being made to bail a leaking
+boat from the fear that it would sink. All their attention was thereby
+diverted from themselves. Many can recall how children, and grown
+persons, too, have forgotten all about their alleged intense thirst,
+as soon as their attention was diverted. Some persons, after eating
+something which they fancy is a trifle indigestible, center their
+attention upon the stomach, expecting symptoms of indigestion, and are
+often not disappointed. A man who had good reason to fear hydrophobia,
+determined that he would not have it. The pain in the bitten arm became
+intense, and he saw that he must have something to divert his attention
+from the wound and his danger. He therefore went hunting, but found no
+game. To make amends, he summoned a more inflexible will and exerted
+at every step 'a strong mental effort against the disease.' He kept on
+hunting until he felt better, and he mastered himself so perfectly that
+he probably thereby warded off an attack of hydrophobia. Accordingly
+as we center our attention upon one thing or another, we largely
+determine our mental happiness and hence our bodily health. One person,
+in walking through a noble forest, may search only for spiders, and
+venomous creatures, while another confines his attention to the singing
+birds in the branches above. One reason why travel is such a cure for
+diseases of body and mind is because so many new things thereby come
+in to claim the attention and divert it from its former objects. The
+following expression from Dr. Tuke should be remembered: '_Thought
+strongly directed to any part tends to increase its vascularity, and
+consequently its sensibility_.'"
+
+Dr. C. F. Winbigler says: "The practitioner secures the same effects
+from a placebo or powdered pop-corn as from some drugs by using
+suggestion with the former. Every successful physician has used this
+method at one time or another, and sometimes when he was utterly
+puzzled as to what he should prescribe, he thus secured a marvellous
+result, and a cure of the patient was effected.... Every believer
+in Psycho-therapeutics knows that there is a psychical as well as a
+physical effect from the use of drugs. The psychical value is based
+on the expectation of their special action, and that which is in the
+physician's mind may be subtly and powerfully carried over into the
+patient's mind. The physician's personality, attitude and interest in
+the patient accomplishes vastly more than the drugs he prescribes or
+administers. If he is cheerful and hopeful, he gives potency to their
+action; if he is gloomy, pessimistic and hopeless, he nullifies their
+effects. The cure of the patient is effected through the subconscious
+mind, and the attitude and bearings of the physician, attendants, the
+surroundings and the medicines employed, become powerful suggestions."
+
+Prof. Elmer Gates says: "The system makes an effort to eliminate
+the metabolic products of tissue-waste, and it is therefore not
+surprising that during acute grief tears are copiously excreted; that
+during sudden fear the bowels and the kidneys are caused to act, that
+during prolonged fear, the body is covered with a cold perspiration;
+and, that during anger, the mouth tastes bitter, due largely to the
+increased elimination of sulpho-cyanates. The perspiration during fear
+is chemically different, and even smells different from that which
+exudes during a happy mood.... Now if it can be shown in many ways
+that the elimination of waste products is retarded by sad and painful
+emotions; nay, worse than that, these depressing emotions directly
+augment the amount of these poisons. Conversely, the pleasurable and
+happy emotions, during the time they are active, inhibit the poisonous
+effects of the depressing moods, and cause the bodily cells to create
+and store up vital energy and nutritive tissue products."
+
+In an issue of "_The American Practitioner and News_," is reported a
+discussion before the Lexington (Ky.) Medical and Surgical Society, in
+which a member, Dr. Guest, related the following experience: "I have
+a brother-in-law who suffers every summer with hay-fever. He has a
+relative who believes in Christian Science. She told him that she felt
+positive that she could direct him to a woman, a Christian Scientist,
+who would cure him. He at first objected, because he hated to go to a
+woman physician. He arranged, however, to communicate with her daily by
+letter. When his hay-fever broke out he suffered with it all that day
+and night, and the next morning wrote her a note telling her to put him
+on treatment immediately. When he returned that night he was improved
+and slept better. He wrote a second note the next morning and was much
+encouraged. The third day he repeated his letter writing and stated
+that the symptoms had almost ceased. And he was guying me about being
+cured by Christian Science when regular physicians could do nothing for
+him. The night of the third day, when he came home to supper, he found
+a note from the Christian Scientist, stating that _she has been in the
+country and would put him under treatment the next day_. Realizing
+that all his treatment had been only in his imagination, the symptoms
+reappeared with the same intensity as before."
+
+Dr. A. J. Parks of New York, says: "The absolute and complete control
+that the sympathetic nervous system exercises over the physical
+organization is so perfectly clear and well-known to every observer
+that the recital of the phenomena in the vast and countless series
+of manifestations is unnecessary. We are all aware of the fact that
+digestion is promptly arrested upon the receipt of bad news. The
+appetite at once disappears. It ceases, and the whole system feels the
+effect of the depressing impulse--the mental and spiritual wave which
+lowers the vital thermometer. Fear not only suspends the digestive
+function but arrests the formation of the secretions upon which
+digestion depends. A sudden fright frequently paralyzes the heart
+beyond recovery, whereas a pleasant and pleasing message soothes and
+gently excites the whole granular system, increases the secretions,
+aids digestion and sends a thrill of joy to the sensorium, which
+diffuses the glad tidings to every nerve fibril in the complex
+organization."
+
+Dr. T. A. Borton, in an address before the Indiana State Medical
+Society, said: "The subject which I desire to present to you to-day
+has to do with the influence of the mind over the functions of the
+body. Its silent, unobserved force results in producing pathological
+conditions, and those, by reflex action, excite morbid sensibilities
+of the mind and thus derange the nerve centres, resulting in a
+changed condition or over-excitability of the nerve energies, which
+becomes a secondary diseased condition in the form of different types
+of neurasthenia. I have been interested in this subject for many
+years, and in my practice have had extended opportunities for making
+observations as to the potency of the mental and suggestive pathology
+bearing on this subject. I would especially refer to the healing of the
+body through these mental forces, changing healthy, normal conditions
+into unhealthy or diseased conditions and _vice versa_. These changes
+are not miraculous, but proceed from natural causes in the operation
+of the mind, as a therapeutic agency, operating through the functions
+of the body, sometimes as a tonic or stimulant, warding off diseases
+under the most exposed conditions, defending and holding the system in
+a state of health, while those void of these mental assurances become
+victims to the ravages of disease through contagion or infection. This
+protective mental force of the mind has been demonstrated many times in
+hospitals and other places where contagious diseases were prevailing.
+The mental force possesses a protective power when rightly exercised
+beyond what is usually conceded, not only in the way of defense; but
+also in correcting disease when in existence. I believe these to be
+much greater than has been generally admitted or understood.... We all
+know how difficult it is to get good results from medication in which
+our patients have no confidence, and it is an established fact that
+we get better results from drugs which are given with the patient's
+knowledge of their intended effect. _I have often produced desired
+results from means entirely inert, stating the desired and expected
+effect of its administration. I have frequently quieted the severest
+pain by injecting pure water into the arm of the patient._"
+
+Dr. G. R. Patton, in an address before the Wabasha County (Minn.)
+Medical Society, said: "As Bacon said, 'Faith, confidence, belief
+and hope are the working forces that make the cure--that work the
+miracle.' The mind as a dynamic force exerted over the functions of
+the body has been, doubtless, operatively manifest from the cradle of
+our existence. By the phrase, 'the mind as a dynamic force,' I refer
+to the various forms of suggestion as well as to various affective
+faculties of the mind, or those states caused by the sympathetic
+action of the brain, such as faith, confidence, belief, imagination,
+emotions, hope and the like. Any or all of them may become active over
+the bodily functions.... As instance of the mental impression acting
+upon observable functions revealed through the capillary circulation
+as revealed to the sight, I will mention blushing or pallor of the
+face, depending upon the theme presented to the thought; the mouth
+watering on the sight or thought of tempting food; the flow of tears
+from words or thoughts that excite grief; nausea or vomiting from
+a sickening spectacle; sexual excitement from obscene thought or
+lascivious sights. Instances might be multiplied. And is it not a fair
+inference, indeed, that through the vasomoter nerves, the internal
+viscera may be subject to like effects through mental impressions, and
+that thus acute as well as chronic congestive ailments thereof may be
+favorably influenced or even cured thereby?... It is my conviction that
+recognition of the power and usefulness of mental dynamics, including
+all forms of suggestion over physiological and pathological processes
+in combating diseases, is unquestionably the most impressive advance in
+modern medicine. Mental influence alone may diminish or increase the
+activities of the physiological processes to the extent of removing the
+pathological effects of disease.... A celebrated medical teacher, after
+an exhaustive dissertation over a case was leaving the bedside without
+prescribing any treatment when the house physician asked what should be
+given the patient. 'Oh,' said the professor, 'a hopeful prognosis and
+anything else you please.' To this he added, 'the doleful doctor will
+be a failure, while the hopeful one will prove a winner from start to
+finish.' It is reasonably assured that ultimately the physician will
+become not so much the man behind the pill as the judicious advisor,
+the wise counsellor, gently leading the sick 'into green pastures,
+beside still waters,' through paths that lead onward to recovery,
+assisting nature at times, if needs be, with a big bread pill."
+
+Dr. Herbert A. Parkyn, the well-known authority on suggestive
+therapeutics, says: "Certain results will follow certain thoughts,
+and in every instance that it is possible to get the patient to think
+the thoughts we desire, we secure the results we desire. It is the
+work of the suggestionist to place these thoughts in the mind of the
+patient so that he is bound to think them, and this can be done to some
+degree, if not perfectly, in every case. It is well to have faith, but
+faith is not absolutely necessary at the outset. It is time enough for
+the patient to have faith in the treatment when he can perceive the
+benefit he is receiving. Understanding the mental and physical changes
+which follow a certain thought, the suggestionist is able to bring
+about those mental or physical changes, by using direct suggestion in
+such a way that his patient is bound to think the thoughts which will
+produce the results. A man may not have faith in the statement that
+the thought of lemon juice will stimulate the flow of saliva, but if
+he will imagine for a moment that he is squeezing the juice of a lemon
+into his mouth the saliva will immediately flow more freely than usual,
+regardless of his faith. Similarly, many, if not all of the organs
+of the body, can be affected by impulses following certain lines of
+thought, and these impulses will follow the thought and stimulate the
+organs regardless of faith. It is simply necessary to get a patient to
+think the proper thoughts, and it is in the thought directing that the
+work of the suggestionist lies."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE POWER OF THE IMAGINATION
+
+
+Dr. F. W. Southworth says: "Fear is itself a contagious disease and is
+sometimes reflected from one mind to another with great rapidity. It
+passes from one to another, from the healthy to the ill, from doctor or
+nurse to patient, from mother to child, and so on. The greatest fears
+we can usually get away from, but it is the little fears and anxieties,
+constant apprehension, fears of imagined evils of all sorts which
+prey upon our vitality and lessen our powers, thus rendering us more
+susceptible to disease. To avert disease, then, we must eradicate fear;
+but how shall we accomplish it? Through wise education--educating the
+people to a higher standard of living; by teaching a sounder hygiene;
+a wiser philosophy and a more cheerful theology. By erasing a thousand
+errors and superstitions from fearful minds and pointing them to the
+light, beauty and loveliness of the truth. This mental and moral
+sanitation is still ahead of us, but it is more valuable and desirable
+than all quarantines, inventions, experiments, and microscopical
+researches after physical or material causes."
+
+Sir George Paget, M. D., says: "In many cases I have seen reasons for
+believing that cancer has had its origin in prolonged anxiety." Dr.
+Murchison says: "I have been surprised to find how often patients with
+primary cancer of the liver have traced the cause of this illness to
+protracted grief and anxiety. These cases have been far too numerous to
+be accounted for as merely coincidents." Sir B. W. Richardson, M. D.,
+says: "Eruptions of the skin frequently follow excessive mental strain.
+In all these, as well as in cancer, epilepsy and mania, the cause is
+frequently partly or wholly mental. It is remarkable how little the
+question of the origin of physical disease from mental influences
+has been studied." Prof. Elmer Gates says: "My experiments show that
+irascible, malevolent and depressing emotions generate in the system
+injurious compounds, some of which are extremely poisonous. Also that
+agreeable, happy emotions generate chemical compounds of nutritious
+value which stimulate the cells to manufacture energy."
+
+Dr. Patton, in the address before the Wabasha County Medical Society,
+above mentioned, gives the following interesting case of the effect
+of faith and expectant attention, or Suggestion: He said: "While
+surgeon of a Cincinnati hospital one of the messenger boys was often
+disobedient of orders. The sister superior once asked me how to
+punish him. I suggested putting him to bed and making him sick with
+medicine. My advice was acted upon with alacrity. A tea-spoonful of
+_colored water_ was given him every fifteen minutes. With assumed
+gravity, I ordered the nurse, in the boy's presence, to keep giving the
+medicine until he became sick and vomited. Within an hour he vomited
+profusely.... A funny incident illustrative of the faith and confidence
+sometimes reposed in the medical man and his power in curing disease,
+happened in my first year of practice. An Irish laborer, much given to
+profanity, came to my office, with a cold on his chest. I prescribed
+a soothing mixture and a liniment of camphor, ammonia and soap. A few
+days later, meeting him on the street, I asked him if the medicine
+had cured him all right. He replied with enthusiasm, 'Oh! yes, yes,
+it acted most beautifully and cured me pretty d---- d quick, but it was
+awful hot stuff, for it burned in my throat like hell-fire itself.' I
+knew at once, but did not tell him, that he had been swallowing the
+liniment of camphor, hartshorn and soap, and rubbing the cough mixture
+on the outside. His faith was even stronger than the liniment, and
+cured him in spite of the blunder.
+
+"Perhaps the most wonderful confirmation came under my observation
+while wintering in San Antonio, Texas, in 1880. Some nostrum fakirs
+with a retinue of fourteen musicians and comedians came to this city
+in an immense chariot, drawn by eight gaily caparisoned horses. Every
+evening they came upon the military plaza to sell their panacea. I
+went over one evening out of curiosity, being attracted by the songs
+and music. The head fakir was shouting to an immense crowd about
+the virtues of his specific. He claimed that it contained thirteen
+ingredients, gathered at a great expense from all quarters of the
+globe, and would cure all the ills that flesh was heir to. Cures
+were warranted in every case, or the money refunded on the following
+evening. After this harangue, he said that the medicine was for sale at
+$1 per bottle, until 300 bottles had been sold, as it was an invariable
+rule to sell only that number on any one evening. Immediately a
+frenzied mob rushed pell-mell to the end of the chariot, each one
+holding aloft a silver dollar. He had previously announced that no
+change would be made, and that every one to get the medicine should
+have a dollar ready in his hand. In half an hour 300 bottles had been
+sold, the empty trunk closed with a bang, and the statement made that
+no more could be had until the following evening, although there was
+yet a great multitude clamoring for more. Curiosity again led me to the
+plaza the next evening, and I went early. The initial performance was a
+free tooth-pulling, to last thirty minutes. He said he was the kingpin
+of the tooth-pullers, and I believe he was. The rapidity of his work
+was a marvel. He snatched from various jaws about 250 teeth, including
+the good ones, within the limit, throwing them from his forceps right
+and left among his audience. Those operated upon were wrought to such
+a frenzy of excitement and wonder that each one, without an exception,
+declared that no pain whatever had been experienced. A call was then
+made for the 300 who had bought medicine on the previous evening to
+mount the chariot and tell what the medicine had done for them.
+
+"From every quarter men and women, both white and colored, pressed
+forward to give their experience. Their stories were grotesque and
+curious enough, but no matter what their ailments, cures had resulted
+in every case. At the end of half an hour, while the experience meeting
+was at its acme, the fakir abruptly closed it, saying, in a regretful
+voice, that the rest would have to wait until the next evening to tell
+of their cures, as he now wanted those to come forward who had not
+been cured by the medicine bought on the previous evening. He stood in
+silence with folded arms for three minutes. No one having come forward,
+the voice of this arrant charlatan rang out in stentorian tones, 'All,
+_all_ have been cured! We have cured _everyone_!' Then another 300
+bottles were sold in a jiffy, I myself being one of the fortunate
+purchasers. The chief of this outfit stopped in the hotel where I was.
+After dinner the next day, I made his acquaintance in the smoking room,
+saying I was a doctor, too; that I had attended two of his soirees,
+bought his medicine and was greatly interested in it. I surprised him
+by the statement that his medicine was made by M. & Co., wholesale
+druggists of Cincinnati, and that it was fluid extract of podophyllin.
+He stared for some moments, but made no reply. I continued, 'I know
+M.'s fluid extract, as his process of its manufacture is peculiar, and
+differs from other manufacturers in this, that he exhausts the root
+by percolation with alcohol, ether and glycerine, giving the product
+a sweetish taste and a slight ethereal odor.' The man asked if I was
+also a chemist. I replied, 'Yes, I once lectured in a medical college
+in Cincinnati on drugs and their uses, and I can readily tell fluid
+extracts by their taste, odor and physical characteristics.'
+
+"After some hesitation, he said, 'Yes, this is M.'s podophyllin _and
+nothing else_.' I inquired if he attributed all his success to the
+medicine. He answered, 'No, for once in Missouri the mandrake ran out
+before a new lot arrived. We found something like it in a drug store of
+the town, and the people got well just the same. _If the people believe
+you can cure them, and have faith in your medicine, they get well
+anyway, or they think they do, which is the same thing._' The fakirs
+remained one week, sold 2,100 bottles, and presumably cured 2,100
+people, as no one came forward to reclaim his dollar for the medicine,
+which was contained in a two-drachm vial of 120 drops. A dose was one
+drop after each meal in one spoonful of water.
+
+"When I was in California recently a friend mentioned that an
+intelligent relative of his was being treated by a celebrated Chinese
+doctor. The relative claimed that Chinese physicians were better than
+our own; that they had devoted 5,000 years to medicine and had thus
+become so learned and skillful that they could tell all diseases
+without asking a single question, simply by feeling the pulse. Out of
+curiosity I visited this physician, ostensibly as a patient. Without
+so declaring myself, he knew intuitively that I came to consult him.
+Without asking any questions he placed his finger upon my right wrist,
+communed with himself for a few moments, and then gravely informed
+me that I had _thirty-seven diseases_; some in the blood, some in
+the brain, some in the kidneys, some in the liver, and many others
+in the heart and lungs. He said it would take _sixteen different
+herbs_ to cure me. He volunteered the statement that he could detect
+6,000 diseases by the pulse alone, and that he used 400 herbs in the
+treatment of the various diseases. Upon his request, I examined his
+portfolio containing 350 testimonials of marvellous cures, wrought
+upon American residents of California during his seventeen years'
+practice on the coast. Many of them were from parties of intelligence
+and eminence, and were so extraordinary that nothing short of their
+being attested by numerous witnesses of unimpeachable veracity, could
+satisfy one of their truth. Now, permit me to say that I have no pulse
+in the right wrist, the pulse being congenitally absent; but through it
+he made the pretense of locating so many diseases. This doubtless is
+the form and character of medical practice in China among the native
+Chinamen, and probably has been for many centuries among a population
+of 400,000,000. Is not the logic from the above facts irresistible,
+that in China the native physician cannot tell one disease from
+another, and that all his work is simply nonsense and guess work?
+There can be no escape from this conclusion--it follows as lucidly as a
+demonstrated problem in Euclid--_that_ any benefit that may ever accrue
+from their treatment is wholly due to the dynamic force of the brain
+upon the functions of the body."
+
+The following, from a Philadelphia journal, gives a striking
+illustration of the fact that the imagination is a _real_ factor
+in many cases of physical ailment: "The fact that the throes of
+the imagination under great nervous excitement often produce a
+corresponding physical frenzy was illustrated recently in the case of
+a man who had gone to sleep with his artificial teeth in his mouth.
+Waking suddenly with a choking sensation, he found his teeth had
+disappeared. He looked in the glass of water where they were usually
+deposited, did not see them and realized they must be far down his
+throat. Choking and struggling, he hammered on the door of a friend
+sleeping in the house, who, seeing his critical condition, vainly
+tried to draw the teeth out of the sufferer's throat. He could feel
+the teeth, but had not the strength to extract them. He ran for a
+blacksmith who lived a few doors away, but the blacksmith's hand was
+too big to put into the man's mouth. A doctor had been sent for, but he
+was so long in coming that the victim of the accident seemed likely to
+die of suffocation before the physician arrived. A little girl of ten
+years was brought under the impression that her small hand might reach
+the obstacle and withdraw it, but she got frightened and began to cry.
+The sufferer became black in the face, his throat swelled out, and his
+friends expected every moment to be his last, when finally the doctor
+arrived. He heard the history of the case, saw that the teeth were not
+in the man's jaws nor in their nightly receptacle, felt the throat
+and cast his eyes seriously upon the floor. _There, on the floor,
+he saw the whole set of teeth._ He adjusted them to the jaws of the
+patient, told him to breathe freely, and every symptom of suffocation
+disappeared."
+
+The following from an Eastern journal illustrates another phase of
+the subject: "Saltpetriere, the hospital for nervous diseases, made
+famous by the investigations of Dr. Charcot, has an interesting case
+of religious mania. The patient, who is a woman of about forty years
+of age, entertains the belief that she is crucified, and this delusion
+has caused a contraction of the muscles of the feet of such a nature
+that she can walk only on tip-toe. The patient, moreover, is subject
+occasionally to the still more extraordinary manifestation--that of
+'stigmata.' Instances of 'stigmata' are tolerably frequent in the
+'Lives of the Saints' of alleged supernatural marks on the body
+in imitation of the wounds of Christ. These 'stigmata' have been
+observed beyond all question on the woman at the Saltpetriere. Their
+appearance on the body coincides with the return of the most solemn
+religious anniversaries. These 'stigmata' are so visible that it has
+been possible to photograph them. The doctors of the Saltpetriere in
+order to assure themselves that these manifestations were not the
+result of trickery, contrived a sort of shade having a glass front and
+metal sides, and capable of being hermetically attached to the body by
+means of India rubber fixings. These shades were placed in position
+a considerable time before the dates at which the stigmata are wont
+to appear. When they were affixed there were no marks whatever on the
+patient's body, but at the expected period the 'stigmata' were visible
+as usual through the glass."
+
+In a Southern journal there is reported an interesting case, in which
+a New Orleans physician tells the following story: "A nervous man
+recently called on me and asked, 'In what part of the abdomen are the
+premonitory pains of appendicitis felt?' On the _left_ side, exactly
+here,' I replied, indicating a spot a little above the point of the
+hip-bone. He went out, and next afternoon I was summoned in hot haste
+to the St. Charles hotel. I found the planter writhing on his bed,
+his forehead beaded with sweat, and his whole appearance indicating
+intense suffering. 'I have an attack of appendicitis,' he groaned, 'and
+I'm a dead man! I'll never survive an operation!' 'Where do you feel
+the pain?' I asked. 'Oh, right here,' he replied, putting his finger
+on the spot I had located at the office. 'I feel as if somebody had a
+knife in me turning it around.' 'Well, then, it isn't appendicitis,
+at any rate,' I said cheerfully, 'because _it is the wrong side_.'
+'The wrong side!' he exclaimed, glaring at me indignantly. 'Why, you
+told me yourself it was on the _left_ side!' 'Then I must have been
+abstracted,' I replied calmly; 'I should have said the _right_ side.'
+I prescribed something that wouldn't hurt him, and learned afterward
+that he ate his dinner in the dining-room the same evening. Oh! yes; he
+was no doubt in real pain when I called, _but you can make your finger
+ache merely by concentrating your attention on it for a few moments_."
+
+Frank F. Moore, in "A Journalist's Note Book" tells the following
+amusing and significant story of the influence of imagination upon
+health. "A young civil servant in India, feeling fagged from the
+excessive heat and from long hours of work consulted the best doctor
+within reach. The doctor looked him over, sounded his heart and lungs,
+and then said gravely: 'I will write you tomorrow.' The next day
+the young man received a letter telling him that his left lung was
+gone and his heart seriously affected, and advising him to lose no
+time in adjusting his business affairs. 'Of course, you may live for
+weeks,' the latter said, 'but you had best not leave important matters
+undecided.' Naturally the young official was dismayed by so dark a
+prognosis--nothing less than a death warrant. Within twenty-four hours
+he was having difficulty with his respiration, and was seized with an
+acute pain in the region of the heart. He took to his bed with the
+feeling that he should never rise from it. During the night he became
+so much worse that his servant sent for the doctor. 'What on earth
+have you been doing to yourself?' demanded the doctor. 'There were no
+indications of this sort when I saw you yesterday?' 'It is my heart,
+I suppose,' weakly answered the patient. 'Your heart!' repeated the
+doctor. 'Your heart was all right yesterday.' 'My lungs, then.' 'What
+is the matter with you, man? You don't seem to have been drinking?'
+'Your letter,' gasped the patient. 'You said I had only a few weeks to
+live.' 'Are you crazy?' said the doctor. 'I wrote you to take a few
+weeks vacation in the hills, and you would be all right.' For reply
+the patient drew the letter from under the bedclothes and gave it to
+the doctor. 'Heavens!' cried that gentleman as he glanced at it. 'This
+was meant for another man! My assistant has mixed up the letters.' The
+young man at once sat up in bed and made a rapid recovery. And what of
+the patient for whom the direful prognosis was intended? Delighted with
+the report that a sojourn in the hills would set him right, he started
+at once, and five years later was alive and in fair health."
+
+The following is clipped from a medical journal: "Some physician makes
+use of this suggestive phrase--'the dynamic power of an idea,' and, as
+an illustration of what is meant by this expression, the following
+incident is related. Not long ago a man in taking medicine was suddenly
+possessed by the notion that he had by mistake taken arsenic. His
+wife insisted to the contrary, but he proceeded to manifest all the
+peculiar symptoms of arsenical poisoning, and finally died. So certain
+was his wife that he had not taken arsenic that an autopsy was held,
+when not an atom of the poison could be found. Of what did this man
+die? Arsenic? No, of the dynamic power of an idea or arsenic. Happily
+for humanity this dynamic power of ideas works constructively no less
+certainly than it does destructively, and an idea of health fixed in
+the consciousness and persistently adhered to would tend to bring the
+best results. Over a hundred years ago, old John Hunter said, '_As the
+state of mind is capable of producing disease, another state of it may
+effect a cure_.'"
+
+Dr. William C. Prime relates the following case in his book "Among
+the Northern Hills." "The judge was summoned in a hurry to see an old
+lady who had managed her farm for forty years since her husband's
+death. She had two sons, and a stepson, John, who was not an admirable
+person. After a long drive on a stormy night the judge found the old
+lady apparently just alive, and was told by the doctor in attendance to
+hurry, as his patient was very weak. The judge brought paper and ink
+with him. He found a stand and a candle, placed them at the head of the
+bed, and after saying a few words to the woman, told her he was ready
+to prepare the will if she would go on and tell him what she wanted
+him to do. He wrote the introductory phrase rapidly, and leaning over
+toward her said, 'Now, go on, Mrs. Norton.'
+
+"Her voice was quite faint, and she seemed to speak with an effort.
+She said: 'First of all, I want to give the farm to my sons, Harry and
+James. Just put that down.' 'But,' said the judge, 'you can't do that,
+Mrs. Norton. The farm isn't yours to give away.' 'The farm isn't mine?'
+she said in a voice decidedly stronger than before. 'No, the farm isn't
+yours. You have only a life interest in it.' 'This farm that I've run
+for goin' on forty-three year next spring isn't mine to do with what I
+please with it? Why not, Judge I'd like to know what you mean!' 'Why,
+Mr. Norton, your husband, gave you a life estate in all his property,
+and on your death the farm goes to his son, John, and _your_ children
+get the village houses. I have explained that to you very often
+before.' 'And when I die, John Norton is to have this house and farm
+whether I will or not?' 'Just so. It will be his.' '_Then I ain't goin'
+to die!_' said the old woman, in a clear and decidedly ringing and
+healthy voice. And so saying, she threw her feet over the front of the
+bed, sat up, gathered a blanket and coverlet about her, straightened
+her gaunt form, walked across the room and sat down in a great chair
+before the fire.
+
+"The doctor and the judge went home. That was fifteen years ago. _The
+old lady is alive to-day._ And she accomplished her intent, She beat
+John after all. He died four years ago."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+BELIEF AND SUGGESTION
+
+
+The writer has been informed by a prominent physician of Chicago, that
+for many years he has been in the habit of administering hypodermic
+injections of distilled water, accompanying the same by the statement
+that he is injecting morphine. He states that in every case, he
+has succeeded in inducing a quiet, peaceful sleep, and a cessation
+of pain after the injection, which can be attributed only to the
+_belief_ of the patient. The same physician also relates the case of
+a woman who believed that she had taken strychnine by mistake. When
+the doctor was called he found the woman manifesting every symptom of
+strychnine poisoning, even down to the most minute details, and he
+is of the opinion that death would have ensued in a short time had
+he not proceeded to administer the regular antidotes and restorative
+treatment. After the woman was brought out of the condition, it was
+discovered that the supposed strychnine was nothing but a harmless
+powder. In relating the case, the physician always adds that the woman
+had witnessed the death struggles of a dog which had been poisoned by
+strychnine several months previous, which might have had some effect in
+enabling her to unconsciously counterfeit the symptoms.
+
+Dr. Max Eastman, in a recent magazine article says: "The mission
+of this paper is to offer guidance in a matter about which a great
+quantity of the general public is very much at sea. In this question
+of 'mind over matter,' the reformers have done their work. They have
+stirred things up. They have bestowed upon the world about a hundred
+and fifty little religions and a confused idea that there must be some
+truth in the matter somewhere. The ignorant have done their work. They
+have persecuted the believers, jeered at them, or damned them with
+a vacuous smile. The world will never lack ballast. It is only the
+scientists that have failed of their duty. They have stalked through a
+routine of elevated lectures, written a few incomprehensible books,
+and kept the science of psychology, so far as the hungry world goes,
+sealed up in their own proud bosoms. In all this uproar of faith-cures,
+and miracles, and shouting prophets, we have heard few illuminating
+words from the universities. The consequence is that we are without a
+helm, and the reform blows now one way and now another....
+
+"The law of suggestion, which is one of the great discoveries of modern
+science, was first formulated by Dr. Liebault at Paris, in a book
+published in 1866. Since his day the number of physicians who practice
+'suggestive therapeutics' has steadily increased, until to-day no
+thorough clinical hospital is without a professional suggestionist. The
+practice _does not involve any metaphysical theories_, the passage of
+any hidden force from one brain to another, any 'planes of existence,'
+or any religious upset, or any poetic physiology, or the swallowing of
+any occult doctrines whatever. It is one of the simplest and coolest of
+scientific theories. It is a question of the relation between the brain
+and the bodily organs. It seems never to have been clearly stated that
+healing disease by suggestion depends not in the least degree upon
+any theory of the relation of mind and matter.... The attempt to fix
+an idea in the mind without reason is suggestion. It is accomplished
+usually in medical practice by asking the patient to lie down and relax
+his body and his mind and then vigorously stating to him the desired
+idea. It may be accomplished in a number of ways. The patient may be
+told that the operator is a wizard and is about to transfer an idea
+from his own mind to that of the patient. If the patient believes him
+he will very likely accept the idea. It may be accomplished by gestures
+or incantations which the patient regards with superstitious awe,
+provided it is explained beforehand what these gestures are meant to
+produce. It may be accomplished by telling the patient he has no body,
+and sitting with him for awhile in spiritual silence, _provided he
+knows what to expect_.
+
+"All these methods, _if one believes in them_, are good, and they prove
+by their success the law of suggestion. But the method that is based
+on a sure truth is the method of the scientist. He reasons with his
+patient, he stirs in him what moral or religious enthusiasm he can,
+and to these means he adds tactfully the subtle suggestive powers of
+his own presence and eloquence. This force, together with the power
+which is revealed in a man of correcting his own mental habits, is
+the greatest practical discovery of modern psychology.... Suggestive
+therapeutics is the use of suggestion to fix in the mind ideas of
+healthy mental habits....
+
+"Our question is: can the physical conditions of the brain affect the
+physical condition of the stomach? We know that the brain-building
+condition which accompanies the idea of raising our hand can affect
+the condition of the muscles of our arm--and we call that a voluntary
+function. Now the question is whether the brain condition which
+accompanies the idea of enlivening our stomach can have an effect upon
+that involuntary function. Experiments with suggestion have proved that
+in some cases it can, if it continues long enough. Persons of a very
+suggestible nature, can, for instance, by concentrating their mind
+upon a certain part of the body, increase the flow of blood to that
+part, although the regulation of blood flow is supposed to be entirely
+involuntary. The action of the heart, also the movements of the
+digestive organs particularly, and of the organs of elimination, are
+almost directly affected in suggestible persons by that change in their
+brains which accompanies certain ideas.... Science has established
+then, that suggestion can effect to some extent, the so-called
+involuntary functions of the body; but the extent or limitation of
+these effects is by no means determined. It could not be determined
+scientifically without years of diligent experiment and tabulation.
+Any dogmatic statement upon one side or the other of that question, is
+therefore premature and against the spirit of science."
+
+Dr. Leith, in his Edinburgh lectures in 1896, said: "I am inclined
+to doubt whether the benefits of Nauheim (a treatment for the heart)
+is not after all to be explained largely, if not entirely, by the
+influence of the mental factor." Tuke says that: "John Hunter says he
+was subject to spasm of his 'vital parts' when anxious about an event;
+as, for instance, whether his bees would swarm or not, whether the
+large cat he was anxious to kill would get away before he could get the
+gun. After death it was found that he had some heart disease.... Lord
+Eglinton told John Hunter how, when two soldiers were condemned to be
+shot, it was arranged the one who threw the number with the dice should
+be reprieved; the one who proved successful generally fainted, while
+the one to be shot remained calm." Dr. Schofield says: "During the rush
+of Consumptives to Berlin for inoculation by Dr. Koch's tuberculin,
+a special set of symptoms were observed to follow the injection and
+were taken as being diagnostic of the existence of tuberculosis; among
+others, a rise of temperature after so many hours. These phenomena were
+eagerly looked for by the patients, and occurred accurately in several
+who were injected with pure water. The formation of blisters full of
+serum from the application of plain stamp and other paper to various
+parts of the bodies of patients in the hypnotic state, is well attested
+and undoubtedly true."
+
+Dr. Krafft-Ebing has produced a rise from 37 degrees centigrade to 38.5
+degrees centigrade in patients by fixing their minds by suggestion.
+In the same way Binet lowered the temperature 10 degrees centigrade.
+The latter authority says: "How can it be, when one merely says to
+the patient: 'Your hand will become cold,' and the vaso-motor system
+answers by constricting the artery? _C'est ce que depasse notre
+imagination._" Schofield commenting on the above, says: "Indeed there
+is no way of accounting for such a phenomena but by freely admitting
+the presence of unconscious psychic forces in the body, capable of so
+influencing the structures of the body as to produce physical changes."
+Tuke says: "A lady saw a child in immediate danger of having its ankle
+crushed by an iron gate. She was greatly agitated, but could not
+move, owing to intense pain coming on in her corresponding ankle. She
+walked home with difficulty, took off her stocking and found a circle
+around the ankle of a light red color, with a large red spot on the
+outer side. By the morning her whole foot was inflamed, and she had to
+remain in bed for some days. A young woman witnessing the lancing of an
+abscess in the axilla immediately felt pain in that region, followed
+by inflammation. Dr. Marmise of Bordeaux tells us of a lady's maid,
+who when the surgeon put his lancet into her mistress's arm to bleed
+her, felt the prick in her own arm, and shortly after there appeared a
+bruise at the spot."
+
+It is related that St. Francis d'Assisi dwelt so long in concentrated
+meditation upon the thought and picture of the Crucifixion that
+he suffered intense pain in his hands and feet, at the points
+corresponding to the place of the nails in the hands and feet of
+Christ, which was afterward followed by marked inflammation at those
+points, terminating in actual ulceration. The phenomena of the
+_stigmata_ in the cases of religious enthusiasts and fanatics has
+been mentioned elsewhere in this book. Prof. Barrett says of the
+phenomenon: "It is not so well known, but it is nevertheless the
+fact, that utterly startling physiological changes can be produced
+in a hypnotized subject merely by conscious or unconscious mental
+suggestion. Thus a red scar or a painful burn, or even a figure of a
+definite shape, such as a cross or an initial, can be caused to appear
+on the body of the entranced subject solely through suggesting the
+idea. By creating some local disturbance of the blood-vessel in the
+skin, the unconscious self has done what would be impossible for the
+conscious to perform. And so in the well-attested cases of _stigmata_,
+where a close resemblance to the wounds of the body of the crucified
+Saviour appears on the body of the ecstatic. This is a case of
+unconscious self-suggestion, arising from the intent and adoring gaze
+of the ecstatic upon the bleeding figure on the crucifix."
+
+Dr. Schofield says: "The breath is altered by the emotions. The short
+quiet breath of joy contrasts with the long sigh of relief after
+breathless suspense. Joy gives eupnoea or easy breathing, grief or
+rather fear tends to dyspnoea or difficult breathing. Sobbing goes with
+grief, laughter with joy, and one often merges into the other. Yawning
+is produced by pure idea or by seeing it, as well as by fatigue. Dr.
+Morton Prince says a lady he knew always had violent catarrh in the
+nose (hay fever) if a rose was in the room. He gave her an _artificial_
+one and the usual symptoms followed. How many cases of hay-fever have
+a somewhat similar origin in the unconscious mind?... The hair may
+be turned grey and white by emotion in a few hours or sooner. With
+regard to the stomach and digestion, apart from actual disease, we
+may notice one or two instances of unconscious mind action. A man who
+was very sea-sick lost a valuable set of artificial teeth overboard,
+and was instantly cured. If the thoughts are strongly directed to the
+intestinal canal, as by bread-pills, it will produce strong peristaltic
+action. Vomiting occurs from mental causes, apart from organic brain
+disease. Bad news will produce nausea; emotion also, or seeing
+another person vomit, or certain smells or ideas, or thoughts about a
+sea-voyage, etc., or the thought that an emetic has been taken.... The
+thought of an acid fruit will fill the mouth with water. A successful
+way of stopping discordant street music is to suck a lemon within a
+full view of a German band. Fear will so dry the throat that dry rice
+cannot be swallowed. This is a test in India for the detection of a
+murderer. The suspected man is brought forward and given a handful of
+dry rice to swallow. If he can do this he is innocent; if he cannot he
+is guilty, fear having dried up his mouth.... A young lady who could
+not be cured of vomiting was engaged to be married. On being told that
+the wedding day must be postponed till cured, the vomiting ceased.... A
+mother nursing her child always found the milk secreted when she heard
+the child crying for any length of time. Fear stops the secretion of
+milk, and worry will entirely change its character, so as to become
+absolutely injurious to the child."
+
+Maudsley says: "Perhaps we do not as physicians consider sufficiently
+the influence of mental states in the production of disease, their
+importance as symptoms; or realize all the advantages which we take
+of them in our efforts to cure disease. Quackery seems to have got
+hold of a truth which legitimate medicine fails to appreciate or use
+adequately." Dr. Buckley says: "A doctor was called to see a lady
+with severe rheumatism, and tried to extemporize a vapor bath in bed,
+with an old tin pipe and a tea-kettle; and only succeeded in scalding
+the patient with the boiling water proceeding from the overful kettle
+through the pipe. The patient screamed: 'Doctor, you have scalded
+me,' and leaped out of bed. But the rheumatism was cured, and did not
+return." Tuke relates an amusing instance of the effect of suggestion
+and faith upon warts. He had been considering the subject of the
+various "pow-wows" or "wart-cures" of the old women, and determined to
+try some experiments in order to see whether these cures were not due
+simply to mental influences and expectant attention. On an official
+tour he visited an asylum, where he was regarded as a great personage
+by reason of his office. He noticed that several of the inmates were
+afflicted with warts, and muttering a few words over the excresences,
+he told the owners that by such and such a day the warts would have
+completely disappeared. He forgot the circumstances, owing to the
+press of his official duties, and was agreeably surprised when, on his
+next round of visits, he was told that his patients had been cured
+at the time he had predicted. Nearly everyone has had some personal
+acquaintance with some of these "pow-wow" wart cures, in one form or
+another. Tying a knot in a piece of cord, then rubbing the wart with
+it, and burying the string, has cured thousands of cases of warts--the
+suggestion being the real cause behind the mask.
+
+Ferassi cured fifty cases of ague by a charm, which consisted merely of
+a piece of paper with the word "Febrifuge" written on it. The patient
+was directed to clip off one letter of the word each day until cured.
+Some patients recovered as soon as the first "F" was clipped from the
+paper. The writer hereof knows personally of a number of people having
+been cured of fever and ague by means of a written "charm" which an old
+man in Philadelphia sold them at a dollar a copy. The old man informed
+him that he, "and his father before him" had cured thousands of people
+in this way, making a comfortable living from the practice. Dr. Gerbe,
+of Paris, cured 401 out of 629 cases of toothache by masked suggestion
+administered in the form of causing the patients to crush a small
+insect between their fingers, after having strongly impressed upon them
+the fact that this was an infallible cure.
+
+Dr. Schofield reports the following interesting cases of cures by
+auto-suggestion and faith: "A surgeon took into a hospital ward some
+time ago, a little boy who had kept his bed for five years, having hurt
+his spine in a fall. He had been all the time totally paralyzed in the
+legs, and could not feel when they were touched or pinched; nor could
+he move them in the least degree. After careful examination, the doctor
+explained minutely to the boy the awful nature of the electric battery,
+and told him to prepare for its application the next day. At the same
+time he showed him a sixpence, and sympathizing with his state, told
+him that the sixpence should be his if, notwithstanding, he should have
+improved enough the next day to walk leaning on and pushing a chair,
+which would also save the need of the battery. In two weeks the boy was
+running races in the park, and his cure was reported in the '_Lancet_.'
+... A young lady who had taken ether three and a half years before, on
+the inhaler being held three inches away from the face, and retaining a
+faint odor of ether, went right off, and becoming unconscious without
+any ether being used or the inhaler touching her face. A woman was
+brought on a couch into a London hospital by two ladies, who said she
+had been suffering from incurable paralysis of the spine for two years,
+and having exhausted all their means in nursing her, they now sought to
+get her admitted, pending her removal to a home for incurables. In two
+hours I had cured her by agencies which owed all their virtue to their
+influence on the mind, and I walked with the woman half a mile up and
+down the waiting-room, and she then returned home in an omnibus, being
+completely cured. An amusing case is that of a paralyzed girl, who on
+learning that she had secured the affections of the curate, who used
+to visit her, got out of bed and walked--cured; and soon afterwards
+made an excellent pastor's wife. A remarkable instance of this sort of
+cure is that of a child afflicted with paralysis, who was brought up
+from the country to Paris to the Hotel Dieu. The child, who had heard
+a great deal of the wonderful metropolis, its magnificent hospitals,
+its omnipotent doctors, and their wonderful cures, was awe-struck, and
+so vividly impressed with the idea that such surroundings must have a
+curative influence, that the day after her arrival she sat up in bed
+much better. The good doctor just passed around, but had not time to
+treat her till the third day; by which time when he came round she was
+out of bed, walking about the room, quite restored by the glimpses she
+had got of his majestic presence."
+
+Having now shown by numerous disinterested authorities, the majority
+of whom belong to the medical profession, that the mental states of
+belief, faith and expectancy, and their negative aspects of fear,
+apprehension, and false-belief, may, and do, influence physical
+conditions, functioning and activities, irrespective of the particular
+theory, creed, or explanation accepted by the patient himself, or
+herself, we see the necessity of seeking for the common principle of
+cure manifesting in the various forms of phenomena. And before this
+common principle may be grasped, we must needs acquaint ourselves with
+the physical organism involved in the process of cure. Accordingly
+the several succeeding chapters will be devoted to that phase of the
+general subject.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+PSYCHO-THERAPEUTIC METHODS
+
+
+The reader will have seen from the preceding chapters that we have
+proceeded upon the theory that Suggestion is the universal operative
+principle manifesting in all forms of mental healing, under whatever
+guise the latter may be presented and by whatever method it may be
+applied. But it must be remembered that by "Suggestion" we do not mean
+the theories of any particular group of psycho-therapists, but rather
+the broad general principle indicated by that term which operates in
+the direction of influencing the Subconscious Mind and its activities.
+Let us consider the principle of Suggestion that we may understand what
+it is, and what it is not.
+
+The term "Suggestion" has as its root the Latin word _suggero_, which
+is translated as follows: _sug_ (or _sub_), "under;" and _gero_, "to
+carry;" that is, "to carry or place under." In its general usage it
+signifies "The introduction indirectly into the mind or thoughts; or
+that which is so introduced." Ordinarily a "suggestion" is an idea
+indirectly insinuated into the mind, and generally without the process
+of argument or reasoning. In the New Psychology, the term "suggestion"
+is used in the sense of an idea which is "carried under" the objective
+or conscious mind, and introduced to the subjective or Subconscious
+Mind. In Suggestive Therapeutics, a "suggestion" is an idea introduced
+into that part of the Subconscious Mind which governs and controls the
+physical functions and activities, and which is embodied in the cells
+and cell-groups of the body as we have stated in the preceding chapters.
+
+By many mental healers the term "Suggestion" is applied only to the
+particular method of applying Suggestion employed by physicians
+and others who practice under the general theories of Suggestive
+Therapeutics, and the first mentioned class deny that they use
+Suggestion because, as they say, they do not use the methods of the
+practitioners of Suggestive Therapeutics, and make their cures by
+"metaphysical" or "spiritual" means, or according to some creed or
+metaphysical theory which, accepted, works the cure. We think that
+the unprejudiced reader who has followed us this far will have seen
+that these metaphysical theories, creeds, and special dogmas are
+simply the outward mask of Suggestion. These healers simply supply a
+form of Suggestion which is acceptable to the patient because of his
+temperament, training, etc., and the healing process operates along the
+lines of the "faith cure."
+
+The fact that healers of entirely opposite theories and doctrines
+manage to make cures in about the same proportion and in about the same
+time, would seem to prove that the theories or dogmas have but little
+to do with the real work of healing. Whatever form of Suggestion is
+most acceptable to the patient, will best perform the healing work
+in that particular case. This will also serve to explain why some
+patients failing to obtain relief from one school of mental healing
+often are cured by healers of another school, and _vice versa_. Some
+need Suggestion couched in the mystical terms of some of the cults;
+others need it garbed in religious drapings, while others prefer some
+vague metaphysical theory which seems to explain the phenomena. Others
+still are repelled by any of the above forms, but respond readily to
+the Suggestion of a physician administering "straight" suggestive
+treatment, without any religious, metaphysical, or mystical disguise.
+In all of these cases the real healing work is done by the Subconscious
+Mind of the patient himself, the various forms of Suggestion serving
+merely to awaken and rouse into activity the latent forces of nature.
+
+We invite your consideration of the following forms of "treatment" for
+various disorders, as given by some of the "Divine Scientists" and
+other metaphysical and semi-religious organizations and cults. As you
+read them, try to discover the Suggestive germ so nicely surrounded
+by the sugar-coating--the Suggestive pill so cleverly concealed by the
+"metaphysical" raisin.
+
+From a journal published in Chicago several years ago, called
+"Universal Truth," the following "treatments" were clipped:
+
+A correspondent who asked for a "treatment" adapted to the cure of
+_nervousness_, is instructed to use the following formula, which must
+be "repeated over and over":
+
+"_I am warmed and fed and clothed and healed by Divine Love._"
+
+Another correspondent is given the following formula for the cure of
+sore feet, the affirmation to be made frequently:
+
+"_I so thoroughly understand the divine working of the Truth, and I so
+thoroughly realize the presence of the Father in me and about me that I
+am now conscious that omnipotent Love rules in every atom of my being,
+soul and body. My feet can never be weary nor sore. God created my feet
+perfect. I walk the pathway of life in perfect ease and comfort. All
+the obstacles in my path have vanished, and my feet are bathed in a
+sea of pure love. Through a knowledge and realization of the presence
+of Omnipotence, I praise and thank God for the perfect spirit of peace
+that now dwells within me._"
+
+The following additional "treatment" is suggested to this sufferer from
+_sore feet_:
+
+"_Mentally place yourself in an attitude to realize the power of the
+words you utter, for the fullness of peace and harmony in your feet
+comes with realization. The more frequently this spiritual medicine is
+used, the sooner comes manifestation of perfect health._"
+
+The same journal contained the following item:
+
+"The following invigorating affirmations are used at the Exodus Club,
+Chicago, Sunday mornings, the congregation repeating them after the
+leader: _'With reverent recognition of my birthright, I claim my
+sonship with the Almighty. I am free from disease and disorder. I am in
+harmony with my source. The Infinite Health is made manifest in me. The
+Infinite Substance is my constant supply. The Infinite Life fills and
+strengthens me. The Infinite Intelligence illumines and directs me. The
+Infinite Love surrounds and protects me. The Infinite Power upholds and
+supports me. I am out of bondage. I have the freedom of the sons of
+God. With all that is in me I rejoice and give thanks. God and man are
+the all in all, now and forever more._'"
+
+The same journal recommends the following affirmations for general
+health treatment:
+
+"Monday--_Perfect health is my external birthright_.
+
+"Tuesday--_I have health of intellect, therefore I have wise judgment
+and clear understanding_.
+
+"Wednesday--_I am morally healthful, therefore in all my dealings I love
+to realize that I am quickened by the spirit of integrity_.
+
+"Thursday--_Healthfulness of soul gives me a pure heart and
+righteousness of motive in everything I do_.
+
+"Friday--_Meditation upon the health of my real being outpictures in
+physical health and strength, in even temper, joyous spirits and in
+kind words_.
+
+"Saturday--_My health is inexhaustible, because I keep my eye steadily
+fixed upon its eternal Principle, and my mouth filled with words of its
+Omnipotence_.
+
+"Sunday--_The Father and I are one; one in purpose, alike in Substance,
+and one in manifestation_."
+
+In the same journal a correspondent gives the following treatment for
+_rupture_:
+
+"_You were conceived in Divine Love. You are the expression of that
+pure, perfect Love. Divine Love is a binding, cementing power. It is
+the power that holds all atoms in their places. Every atom of your body
+is drawn and held together in its place by this power. If any of them
+get separated as by rupture or any other appearance, they may be drawn
+together and cemented by the omnipotent power of Love; but the word
+must be spoken. Therefore use the following: 'The omnipotent spirit
+of Love in me heals this rupture and gives me peace.' Then, mentally
+realize the truth of your words, for the Spirit alone can heal._"
+
+The following treatment for _appendicitis_ is given in the same journal:
+
+"_The false theories of physicians and surgeons, and the general
+impressions regarding that error named Appendicitis are powerless to
+produce or perpetuate such manifestation. The great law of harmony
+reigns and only waits the universal acknowledgment of its supremacy to
+obliterate all such falsity, thereby obliterating the manifestation. We
+claim, therefore, freedom from such error for every soul. We make this
+claim in the name of Jesus Christ._"
+
+From the same source is taken this treatment for _periodical nausea in
+a child_:
+
+"_Dear child, every organ of your body is designed to represent the
+ideal and perfect organ in your real spiritual being; and every
+function of your body must respond to the word of truth which is now
+sent forth to establish harmony in your consciousness. The infinite
+Love that is omnipresent and all-powerful permeates and penetrates
+every organ and function of your body, and corrects every tendency to
+discord or disease. By that infinite Love you are now made free. You
+are fearless and free. You are joyous and free. You are free from the
+fear of others. You manifest health, strength and peace. Harmony reigns
+in mind and body. The word of truth has made you free._"
+
+Also the following treatment for _constipation_:
+
+"_I do realize that the power of divine Love so permeates every atom of
+my being that my bowels move freely and without effort. This inflowing
+of divine Love removes all obstructions and I am healed. I realize joy
+and eternal life so fully that the spirit of Peace is ever present with
+me. I acknowledge the fullness of joy, peace and power, and have come
+into a realization of my oneness with infinite Spirit; therefore I rest
+in thee, O my father._"
+
+Another journal of "Divine Science" gave the following "Health Thought"
+to be held during the month:
+
+"_All the natural channels of my body are open and free. The substance
+of my body is good._"
+
+Also the following treatment for _general health_:
+
+"_What is true of God is true of man. God is the One All, and is always
+in a state of wholeness. I, the man of God, am always whole, like unto
+the One All. No false belief environs or limits me. No shadow darkens
+my mental vision. My body is a heavenly body, and my eyes do behold the
+glory of God in all visible things. I am well, and provided for, thank
+God, and nothing can make me think otherwise._"
+
+While to the orthodox practitioner of medicine the above affirmation
+and "treatments" may seem to be nothing but a ridiculous conglomeration
+of mystical, religious and metaphysical terms, without sequence,
+logical relation, or common-sense, _it is true that statements and
+treatments similar to the above have successfully healed many cases of
+physical ailments_. There are thousands of people who will testify that
+they were healed in a similar manner, and the majority of them believed
+that there was some particular and peculiar virtue in the formula used,
+or in the theories and beliefs upon which the formula was based. But
+the unprejudiced student of Suggestion will readily see that the real
+healing force was with the mind and being of the patients themselves,
+and that the _faith, belief and expectant attention_ was aroused by the
+formula and the theories. The principle is that of all Faith Cures--the
+principle of Suggestion.
+
+Other schools of metaphysical or religious healers treat the patient
+by impressing upon his mind the fact that God being perfect, good
+and loving could not be guilty of creating evil, pain or disease,
+and that such things are non-existent in the "Divine Mind," and are
+merely illusion, errors, or false claims of the "mortal mind," or
+"carnal mind" of the patient; therefore, if the patient will deny their
+reality, and will admit as existent only such things as are held in
+the Divine Mind, _i. e._, the _good_ things, then the evil things,
+being merely illusions and untruths, must of necessity fade away and
+disappear and perfect health will result. Others treat their patients
+by impressing upon their minds the idea that sickness and disease is
+either the world or "the devil," or of the "principle of evil," the
+latter being described as "the negation of truth," and similar terms;
+and that therefore fixing the mind and faith upon the "principle of
+Good," or God, must result in driving away the evil conditions.
+Others hold that disembodied spirits are aiding in the cure. There are
+thousands of variations rung on the chimes of metaphysical or religious
+suggestions in the cults. _And they all make some cures_, remember--_in
+spite of their theories_ rather than because of them.
+
+The Mental Scientists come nearest to the ideas of the New Psychology,
+when they teach that "As a man thinketh, so is he," and that the
+mind of man creates physical conditions, good and evil, and that the
+constant holding of the ideal of perfect health and the assertion
+thereof, will restore normal healthy conditions to the person suffering
+from physical ailments. Mental Science is very near to being "straight
+suggestion" so far as the actual method of treatment is concerned,
+although it resembles some of the other cults when it begins to
+speculate or dogmatize regarding the nature of the universe, etc.
+
+Differing from these metaphysical, mystical, or religious schools of
+healing in theory, although employing the same principle, we find the
+school of Suggestive Therapeutics, proper, favored by many of the
+regular physicians and by a number of other healers who base their
+treatment upon the idea of "straight suggestion" coupled with hygienic
+truth and rational physiological facts. Perhaps a better idea of the
+theories and ideas of this school may be obtained by referring to the
+actual treatments given by some of their leading practitioners.
+
+Herbert A. Parkyn, M. D., an eminent practitioner of Suggestive
+Therapeutics, gives the following instruction to his pupils: "Students
+often ask for information as to what they should say to a patient when
+thorough relaxation is realized. As no two cases are exactly alike, it
+follows that the suggestions given must necessarily fit the case, and
+be given with a view to bring about the mental and physical condition
+desired. For instance, in treating a patient who is afflicted with
+insomnia, suggestions of sleep should be persistently given; and in
+cases of malnutrition suggestions of hunger should be made to stimulate
+the appetite for food. The operator should bear in mind that _the
+reiteration of the suggestion that will change the condition existing,
+to that desired, is always the right one_, and his own intelligence
+will be the best guarantee as to what the suggestion should be....
+Always arouse the expectant attention of a patient.... So logical a
+line of argument can be made that each patient will have a reason for
+expecting certain conditions to be brought about. _With the patient's
+attention on the desired results, they generally come to pass._ It is
+better not to give negative suggestions, such as, 'You will not, or
+cannot do this, that or the other thing,' etc. Pointing out what is not
+desirable does not suffice. In place of such suggestions, tell what you
+really wish your patients to do. For example, if a man should mount his
+bicycle incorrectly, he would profit nothing if we should merely tell
+him that the way he mounted was not the proper one. How much easier
+it would be for all concerned if the proper manner of mounting should
+be shown at once. Just so it is with therapeutic suggestions, _keep
+suggesting the conditions of mind or body you wish to bring about_."
+
+The following treatment given as an example by F. W. Southworth, M. D.,
+in his little book on "True Metaphysical Science, and its Practical
+Application through the Law of Suggestion," furnishes an excellent
+illustration of the form of suggestive treatment favored by this
+particular school. The patient is addressed as follows:
+
+"As thoughts are not only things, but forces and act upon our mental
+and physical life for good or ill, we must be careful to always keep
+ourselves in that condition of thought which builds up and strengthens,
+to constantly think thoughts of _health_, of _happiness_, of _good_,
+to be _cheerful_, hopeful, confident and fearless. (Repeat five or
+six times.) In order to sustain this condition of positive thinking
+it requires the development of the will power. The will is the motive
+power and the controlling force in all aspects of our life, but we
+develop it especially for the concentration and control of thought.
+This is the higher self--the infinite will. Exercise it with vigor and
+earnest persistency, and learn to _rely_ upon it. Assert its power as
+you assert the power of the muscles in exercise and it will manifest
+itself and the thought will be positive, the secretions of the body
+will be normal, and the circulation of the blood in the head will be
+kept at that proper equilibrium which insures the constant nutrition of
+the cells of the brain and their constant vigor and strength of control
+of all the organs and tissues of the body, and this vast and intricate
+machinery of the body will work harmoniously for the production of
+nutrition through elaboration of the food elements.
+
+"As our body is constantly changing and wasting, we must rebuild and
+restore it constantly, and we do so from the air we breathe, the water
+we drink, and the food we eat. The most important of these is the air
+you breathe, as it is not only a food in itself to the tissues, but
+it vitalizes the food you eat and the water you drink. Give it that
+quality of your thought and breathe it as you have been directed at
+least six times per day for a period of from five to ten minutes each
+time. Recognize it as both a food and an eliminator of poisons, as it
+is, and breathe, breathe, breathe, by Nature's method, and the lungs
+will distribute the oxygen to the blood, and the blood being the common
+carrier of the body will take it to all parts of the body and on its
+return will gather up all the waste and poisonous matters and will
+bring them to the lungs, where, meeting the fresh oxygen, they will be
+burned up and exhaled as carbonic acid gas, leaving the body pure and
+clean.
+
+"The water you drink, in the proportion of three and one-half pints
+each day, is necessary in all adult bodies to insure perfect secretion
+and excretion. As the result of this required liquid being provided
+in normal quantity, the secreting glands will manufacture the proper
+amount of juices needed in digestion, absorption and assimilation of
+your food, and the excreting glands, those which bring about excretion
+or the removal of waste matters from the body--the liver giving you the
+bile, which produces a daily movement of the bowels--the kidneys and
+bladder removing the chemical deposits which come about through the
+processes of digestion, and the skin excreting a large amount of waste
+matter from its twelve square feet of surface, which you remove with a
+towel each morning after moistening it with cold water. By following
+these laws of Nature you will have a good appetite and digestion, a
+daily movement of the bowels, refreshing sleep, and, as your nutrition
+is restored from day to day, a feeling of satisfaction and happiness
+will be the result. Be earnest and persistent and do everything
+cheerfully, with a firm determination of doing your part to restore
+nutrition.
+
+"When you breathe, give it the quality of your thought; it is for the
+purpose of getting food, life; feeding from the air and eliminating
+poisons from your body. (Repeat five and six times.) When you sip the
+water, think each time that it is to produce perfect secretion and
+excretion--to give you a good appetite, digestion, refreshing sleep and
+a free movement of the bowels each morning. (Repeat five or six times.)
+Each day look forward to the morrow for progress and advancement. Think
+health--talk it and nothing else. Do not talk with anyone about disease
+or allow any person to talk to you on such subjects. _Be cheerful_,
+_hopeful_, _confident_ and fearless always, and you will be happy and
+healthy. Eat, drink, breathe and be merry."
+
+It will be noticed that in the above described treatment, the
+suggestions are made along physiological and hygienic lines. That
+is, the suggestions indicate the physiological processes which are
+performed normally in the healthy person, the idea being to set up an
+ideal pattern for the Subconscious Mind to follow. In all scientific
+suggestive treatment the idea is always to paint a mental picture
+of the _desired conditions_ rather than to dwell upon the existing
+undesirable conditions. The _ideal_ is always held up to view, and the
+patient's mind is led to _realize_ the ideal--to make the ideal real--to
+manifest the thought in action--to materialize the mental picture.
+
+The general principles of Suggestive Therapeutics may be applied
+effectively by means of Auto-Suggestion. In fact, the "affirmations,"
+"statements" and "assertions" used by many of the New Thought schools
+are but forms of Auto-Suggestion. There is no essential difference
+between the Suggestion given by others, and the Auto-Suggestion given
+by one's self to one's self. The healing power is in the mind of the
+patient, and whether it is called forth by his own Auto-Suggestion
+or the Suggestion of a healer matters not. The Auto-Suggestion is
+merely a case of self-healing by Suggestion, and is administered upon
+the principle of "every man his own suggestionist"--"sez I to meself,
+sez I." Auto-Suggestions are usually given to one's self in the form
+of "affirmations," as, "I am improving; my stomach is doing its work
+well, digesting what is given it, and the nourishment is assimilated,
+etc." In other works by the writer hereof, the method of addressing
+one's self as one would another is recommended as particularly
+efficacious. That is to say, instead of saying, "_I_ am, etc.," in
+Auto-Suggestion, it is better to address one's self in the second
+person, as "_John Smith_ (naming yourself), _you_ are, etc." In short,
+the Auto-Suggestion seems to have additional force imparted to it by
+being directed as if it were being given to another person.
+
+The following thought of Dr. Schofield is worthy of careful
+consideration in connection with the methods of applying Suggestion.
+He says, referring to the treatment of hysterical disorders and
+ailments: "We must, however, remember one great point with regard to
+suggestion--that it is like nitrogen. Nitrogen is the essential element
+in all animal life; it forms four-fifths of the air we breathe, and
+yet, curious to say, we have no power to use it in a pure state. We
+can only take it unconsciously, when combined with other substances
+in the form of proteid food. It is the same with suggestions. Not one
+hysterical sufferer in a hundred can receive and profit by them in a
+raw state--that is, consciously; they must generally be presented, as
+we have said, indirectly to the subconscious mind by the treatment
+and environment of the patient. An electric shock often cures slight
+hysterical diseases instantaneously, acting, as it often does, on the
+unconscious mind through the conscious. No doubt it would be easier if
+we could say to these sufferers, 'The disease is caused by suggestions
+from ideal centers, and to cure it, all you have to do is to believe
+you are well.' Still, it would be as impossible for us to take our
+nitrogen pure from the air, the mind cannot as a rule be thus acted
+on directly when the brain is unhealthy. Suggestion must be wrapped
+in objective treatment, directed ostensibly and vigorously to the
+simulated disease."
+
+Not only is the above true regarding the treatment of hysterical
+disorders, but to _all_ disorders as well. The methods which will bring
+about the best results must be carefully modeled upon the patient's
+particular temperament, education, prejudices for and against, and
+general belief. The skilled suggestionist adapts his treatment and
+methods to each individual case coming to him for treatment. Whatever
+method will best arouse the patient's belief, faith and expectant
+attention is the best method for administering the suggestions. The
+successful suggestionist must be "all things to all men," never,
+however, losing sight of the fundamental principle of Suggestion--the
+arousing of faith, belief, and expectant attention.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE REACTION OF THE PHYSICAL
+
+
+As we have stated in our Foreword, there is a constant action and
+reaction between the Mental States and the Physical Conditions. In this
+book, from the nature of our subject, we have started with the phase
+of the Mental State and worked from that point to the consideration of
+the Physical Condition. In the same way, many physiologists start from
+the phase of the Physical Condition, and work up to the Mental State.
+But, starting from either phase, the candid investigator must admit
+that there is an endless chain of action and reaction between Mind and
+Body--between Body and Mind.
+
+This action and reaction works along the lines of building-up as
+well as tearing-down. For instance, if a person's Mental States are
+positive, optimistic, cheerful and uplifting, the body will respond and
+the Physical Conditions will improve. The Physical Conditions, thus
+improving, will react upon the Mental States giving them a clearness
+and strength greater than previously manifested. The improved Mental
+State again acts upon the Physical Conditions, improving the latter
+still further. And so on, an endless chain of cause and effect, each
+effect becoming a cause for a subsequent effect, and each cause arising
+from a preceding effect. Likewise, a depressed, harmful Mental State
+will act upon the Physical Conditions, which in turn will react upon
+the Mental States, and so on, in an endless chain of destructive
+cause and effect. It is a striking illustration of the old Biblical
+statement: "To him who hath shall be given; to him who hath not shall
+be taken away even that which he hath." In improving either the Mental
+State or the Physical Condition, one gives an uplift to the whole
+process of action and reaction; while, whatever adversely affects
+either Mental State or Physical Condition, starts into operation a
+depressing and destructive process of action and reaction. The ideal
+to be aimed at is, of course, "A healthy Mind in a healthy Body"--and
+the two are so closely related that what affects one, favorably or
+unfavorably, is sure to react upon the other.
+
+Just as the influence of the Mental States over the Physical Conditions
+has been shown to operate by means of the Sympathetic Nervous System
+(controlled of course by the Subconscious Mind), so the influence
+of Physical Conditions over Mental States may be explained in
+physiological terms. In order to understand the reaction of the Body
+upon the Mind, we have but to recall the fact that the Subconscious
+Mind is the builder and preserver of the very brain-cells which are
+used by the Conscious Mind in manifesting thought. And also, that the
+entire Nervous System, both Cerebro-Spinal as well as Sympathetic, is
+really under the control of the Subconscious Mind so far as growth
+and nourishment is concerned. The very brain and nerve-centers in and
+through which is manifested thought, feeling, emotion, and will, are
+nourished by the Sympathetic System, and are hurt by anything affecting
+the latter. The Sympathetic System joins all parts of the organism
+so closely together that trouble in one part is reflected in other
+parts. Just as depressing thoughts will cause the organs to function
+improperly, so will the improper functioning of an organ tend to
+produce depressing thoughts.
+
+Herbert A. Parkyn, M. D., well states the action and reaction of Mind
+and Body, as follows: "A tree is much like a human being. Give it
+plenty of fresh air, water and a rich soil, and it will flourish. In
+the same degree in which it is deprived of these does it wilt, and _the
+first part of the tree to wilt when the nutrition becomes imperfect
+is the top_. This is owing to the force of gravity; the blood of the
+tree, the sap, having to overcome this force of nature when nourishing
+the highest leaves. The blood of man is also affected by this same
+force, and the moment a man's circulation begins to run down, owing to
+stinted nutrition, we find that the first symptoms of trouble appear
+in the head.... The brain failing to receive its accustomed amount of
+blood, such troubles as impaired memory, inability to concentrate the
+attention, sleeplessness, nervousness, irritableness, the blues and
+slight headaches develop; and the impulses sent all over the body
+becoming feebler, the various organs do not perform their functions
+as satisfactorily as usual. The impulses to the stomach and bowels
+becoming weaker and weaker, dyspepsia, or constipation, or both, soon
+follow. As soon as these, the main organs of nutrition, are out of
+order, nutrition fails rapidly and more 'head symptoms' develop. Every
+impulse of the muscular system leaves the brain, and the strength
+of these impulses depends upon the nutrition to the brain centers
+controlling the various groups. As the nutrition to these centers
+declines, the whole muscular system, including the muscles of the
+bowels, becomes weaker and the patient complains that he exhausts
+easily. The impulses for elimination becoming weaker, waste products
+remain in the circulation, and any of the evils, which naturally follow
+this state of affairs, such as rheumatism, sick-headache, biliousness,
+etc., are likely to develop. The centers of the special senses feeling
+the lessening of the vital fluid, such troubles as impaired vision,
+impaired hearing, loss of appetite (sense of taste) and inability to
+detect odors quickly soon follow. The sense of touch becomes more
+acute, and it is for this reason that one in poor health becomes
+hypersensitive. Lowered circulation in the mucous membrane of the
+throat and nose is often the cause of nasal catarrh appearing on the
+scene as an early symptom."
+
+It will thus be seen that the Physical Conditions, perhaps originally
+caused by depressing Mental States, have brought about a state
+of affairs in which the brain is imperfectly nourished and which
+consequently cannot think properly. The liver being out of order, the
+spirits are depressed; the brain being imperfectly nourished, the
+attention and will are weakened, and the patient finds it hard to use
+his mind to influence his bodily conditions. The bowels not moving
+properly, the waste-products poison the circulation, and the brain is
+unable to think clearly. In fact, the whole physical system is often so
+disturbed that a condition known as "nervous prostration" sets in, in
+which it is practically impossible for the patient to hold the Mental
+States which will improve the Physical Conditions. In these cases
+outside help is generally necessary, unless in cases where a sudden
+shock, or an urgent necessity arouses the latent mental forces of the
+individual, and he asserts the power that is in him, and begins to
+reverse the chain of cause and effect and to start on the upward climb.
+
+The following additional quotation from Dr. Parkyn, gives us a vivid
+insight into the effect upon the Mental States of abnormal Physical
+Conditions: Dr. Parkyn says: "No organ of the body can perform
+its functions properly when the amount of blood supplied to it is
+insufficient, and we find, when the blood supply to the brain is not
+up to the normal standard, that brain functions are interfered with
+to a degree corresponding to the reduction in the circulation. Since
+the amount of blood normally supplied to the brain is lessened in
+nervous prostration, we find that the memory fails and the ability
+to concentrate the attention disappears. The reasoning power becomes
+weakened and the steadiest mind commences to vacillate. Fears and
+hallucinations of every description may fill the mind of a patient
+at this stage, and every impression he receives is likely to be
+greatly distorted or misconstrued. Melancholia with a constant fear of
+impending danger is often present. In fact, the brain seems to lose
+even the power to control its functions, and the mind becomes active
+day and night.... The reduction of the nutrition to the brain lessens
+the activity of all the cerebral centers also, and digestion becomes
+markedly impaired, thereby weakening the organ itself upon which the
+supply of vital force depends."
+
+The physiologist is able to furnish a great variety of illustrations
+of the effect of Physical Conditions over Mental States. He shows
+that many cases of mental trouble are due to eye-strain, and other
+muscular disturbances, and that serious mental complaints sometimes
+arise by reason of physical lesions. The very terms used to designate
+certain abnormal mental states show the relation, as for instance,
+_melancholia_ which is derived from the Greek words meaning "black
+bile"; and _hysteria_, which is derived from the Greek word meaning
+"the womb; or uterus." Every one knows the Mental States produced by
+a sluggish liver, or by dyspepsia, or from constipation. We all know
+the difference between our mental capacity for thinking when we are
+tired, as contrasted with that accompanying the refreshed physical
+condition. No man, whatever his philosophy, can truthfully claim to be
+able to maintain a placid, even disposition, and a perfectly controlled
+temper, when he is suffering from a boil on the back of his neck. And,
+all know that after indulging in the midnight "Welsh rarebit," one is
+apt to dream of his grandmother's ghost, or see dream elephants with
+wings. All know the delirium produced by overindulgence in liquor, and
+the hallucinations that accompany fever. The effect of drugs, tobacco,
+and alcohol upon the Mental States are well known. "Philip drunk" is
+a very different mentality from "Philip sober." The Mental States
+accompanying particular diseases are well known to physicians. One
+disease predisposes the sufferer to gloominess, while another will
+induce a state of feverish hilarity. Some leading authorities now hold
+that many cases of insanity are really due to abnormal conditions of
+the blood, rather than to any diseased condition of the brain.
+
+One of the most marked instances of the action and reaction of Mental
+States and Physical Conditions is met with in the activities of
+the sexual organism. Psychologists very properly hold that sexual
+excesses and abnormalities are largely due to improper thinking, that
+is, by allowing the attention and interest to dwell too strongly and
+continuously upon subjects connected with the activities of that part
+of the physical system. Mental treatment along the lines of Suggestive
+Therapeutics has resulted in curing many persons of troubles of this
+sort. But, note the correlated fact--excess and abnormalities of the
+kind mentioned, almost invariably react upon the mentality of the
+person indulging in them, and softening of the brain, paralysis, or
+imbecility have often arisen directly from these physical abuses. It
+will be seen that any sane treatment of these troubles must take into
+consideration both Body and Mind. In the same way it is a fact that
+just as certain Mental States, notably those of fear, worry, grief,
+jealousy, etc., will injuriously affect the organs of digestion and
+assimilation, so will imperfect functioning of these organs tend to
+produce depressing mental states similar to those just mentioned. Many
+instances of the strange correspondences are met with in the study of
+physiological-psychology, or psychological-physiology.
+
+In order to more fully appreciate the relation between the Body and the
+Mind, let us read the following lines from Prof. Halleck: "Marvelous
+as are the mind's achievements, we must note that it is as completely
+dependent upon the nervous system as is a plant upon sun, rain and
+air. Suppose a child of intelligent parents were ushered into the
+world without a nerve leading from his otherwise perfect brain to any
+portion of his body, with no optic nerve to transmit the glorious
+sensations from the eye, no auditory nerve to conduct the vibrations of
+the mother's voice, no tactile nerves to convey the touch of a hand,
+no olfactory nerve to rouse the brain with the delicate aroma from
+the orchards and the wild flowers in spring, no gustatory, thermal or
+muscular nerves. Could such a child live, as the years rolled on, the
+books of Shakespeare and of Milton would be opened in vain before the
+child's eyes. The wisest men might talk to him with utmost eloquence,
+all to no purpose. Nature could not whisper one of her inspiring truths
+into his deaf ear, could not light up that dark mind with a picture
+of the rainbow or of a human face. No matter how perfect might be the
+child's brain and his inherited capacity for mental activities, his
+faculties would remain for this life shrouded in Egyptian darkness.
+Perception could give memory nothing to retain, and thought could not
+weave her matchless fabrics without materials."
+
+The very feelings or emotions themselves are so closely related
+to the accompanying physical expressions, that it is difficult to
+distinguish between cause and effect, or indeed to state positively
+which really is the cause of the other. Prof. William James, in some
+of his works, strongly indicates this close relation, as for instance
+when he says: "The feeling, in the coarser emotions, result from the
+bodily expression.... My theory is that the bodily changes follow
+directly the perception of the exciting fact, and that our feeling
+of the same changes as they occur _is_ the emotion.... Particular
+perceptions certainly do produce widespread bodily effects by a
+sort of immediate physical influence, antecedent to the arousal of
+an emotion or emotional idea.... Every one of the bodily changes,
+whatsoever it may be, is _felt_, acutely or obscurely, the moment it
+occurs.... If we fancy some strong emotion, and then try to abstract
+from our consciousness of it all the feelings of its bodily symptoms,
+we have nothing left behind.... A disembodied human emotion is a sheer
+nonentity. I do not say that it is a contradiction in the nature
+of things, or that pure spirits are necessarily condemned to cold
+intellectual lives; but I say that for _us_ emotion disassociated from
+all bodily feelings is inconceivable. The more closely I scrutinize my
+states, the more persuaded I become that whatever 'coarse' affections
+and passions I have are in very truth constituted by, and made up of,
+those bodily changes which we ordinarily call their expression or
+consequence.... But our emotions must always be _inwardly_ what they
+are, whatever may be the physiological ground of their apparition.
+If they are deep, pure, worthy, spiritual facts on any conceivable
+theory of their physiological source, they remain no less deep, more
+spiritual, and worthy of regard on this present sensational theory."
+
+A deeper consideration of the relation between Mind and Body would
+necessitate our invading the field of metaphysical speculation, which
+we have expressed our intention to avoid doing. Enough for the purposes
+of our present consideration is: _the recognition that each individual
+is possessed of a mind and a material body; that these two phases or
+aspects of himself are closely related by an infinite variety of ties
+and filaments; that these two phases of his being act and react upon
+each other constantly and continuously; that in all considerations of
+the question of either mental or physical well-being, or both, that
+both of these phases of being must be considered; that any system of
+therapeutics which ignores either of these phases, is necessarily
+"one-sided" and incomplete; and that, while, for convenience and
+clearness of specialized thinking, we may consider the Mind and the
+Body as separate and independent of each other, yet, we must, in the
+end, recognize their interdependence, mutual relation, action and
+reaction._
+
+Thus, the New Psychology recognizes the importance of the Body, while
+the New Physiology recognizes the importance of the Mind. And, in the
+end, we feel that both physiology and psychology must be recognized as
+being but two different phases of one great science--the Science of Life.
+
+
+
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+There are two occurrences of an unmatched double quotation mark. It was
+unclear where the missing opening or closing quotation mark belonged,
+and no attempt was made to insert one.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIND AND BODY***
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+<body>
+<h1 class="pg">The Project Gutenberg eBook, Mind and Body, by William Walker Atkinson</h1>
+<p>This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at <a
+href="http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></p>
+<p>Title: Mind and Body</p>
+<p>       or, Mental States and Physical Conditions</p>
+<p>Author: William Walker Atkinson</p>
+<p>Release Date: October 25, 2013  [eBook #44029]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: UTF-8</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIND AND BODY***</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h4>E-text prepared by Turgut Dincer, sp1nd,<br />
+    and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br />
+    (<a href="http://www.pgdp.net">http://www.pgdp.net</a>)<br />
+    from page images generously made available by<br />
+    Internet Archive<br />
+    (<a href="https://archive.org">https://archive.org</a>)</h4>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;margin: 0 auto;" cellpadding="10">
+  <tr>
+    <td valign="top">
+      Note:
+    </td>
+    <td>
+      Images of the original pages are available through
+      Internet Archive. See
+      <a href="https://archive.org/details/mindbodyormental00atki">
+      https://archive.org/details/mindbodyormental00atki</a>
+    </td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h1>MIND AND BODY</h1>
+
+<p class="center">OR</p>
+
+<p class="center f125">MENTAL STATES AND PHYSICAL<br />
+CONDITIONS</p>
+
+<p class="center f075">BY</p>
+
+<p class="center">WILLIAM WALKER ATKINSON<br /><br /></p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p class="center f075">L. N. FOWLER &amp; COMPANY<br />
+7, Imperial Arcade, Ludgate Circus<br />
+London, E. C., England</p>
+
+<p class="center"><small>1910</small><br />
+THE PROGRESS COMPANY<br />
+<small>CHICAGO, ILL.</small></p>
+<hr />
+<p class="center f075">
+<span class="smcap">Copyright, 1910<br />
+By</span><br />
+THE PROGRESS COMPANY<br /><br /></p>
+
+<p class="center f075"><span class="smcap">P. F. Pettibone &amp; Co.</span><br />
+Printers and Bindors<br />
+Chicago</p>
+<hr />
+
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+<table summary="CONTENTS"><tr>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td><td class="tdl">Foreword</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="tdr">I.</td><td class="tdl">The Subconscious Mind</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="tdr">II.</td><td class="tdl">The Sympathetic System</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_29">29</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="tdr">III.</td><td class="tdl">The Cell-Minds</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_39">39</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="tdr">IV.</td><td class="tdl">The Mental Basis of Cure</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_58">58</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="tdr">V.</td><td class="tdl">The History of Psycho-Therapy</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_84">84</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="tdr">VI.</td><td class="tdl">Faith Cures</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_115">115</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="tdr">VII.</td><td class="tdl">The Power of the Imagination</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_135">135</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="tdr">VIII.</td><td class="tdl">Belief and Suggestion</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_155">155</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="tdr">IX.</td><td class="tdl">Psycho-Therapeutic Methods</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_173">173</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td class="tdr">X.</td><td class="tdl">The Reaction of the Physical</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_196">196</a></td>
+</tr></table>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>FOREWORD</h2>
+
+<p>Mind and Body—Mental States and Physical
+Conditions! To the mind of those who
+have contented themselves with merely the
+superficial aspects of things, these two things—mind
+and body; and mental states and
+physical conditions—seem to be as far apart
+as the two poles; seem to be opposites and
+contradictories impossible of reconciliation.
+But to those who have penetrated beneath the
+surface of things, these two apparent opposites
+are seen to be so closely related and inter-related—so
+blended and mingled together
+in manifestation—that it is practically impossible
+to scientifically determine where the
+one leaves off and the other begins. And so
+constant and close is their mutual action and
+reaction, that it often becomes impossible to
+state positively <i>which</i> is the cause and which
+the effect.</p>
+
+<p>In the first place, Science now informs us
+that in all living substance, from cell to mam<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>moth,
+there is and must be Mind. There can
+be no Life without Mind. Mind, indeed, is
+held to be the very “livingness” of Life—the
+greater the degree of manifestation of
+Mind, the higher the degree of Life. Moreover,
+the New Psychology informs us that
+upon the activities of the Subconscious Mind
+depend all the processes of physical life—that
+the Subconscious Mind is the essence of
+what was formerly called the Vital Force—and
+is embodied in every cell, cell-group or
+organ of the body. And, that this Subconscious
+Mind is amenable to suggestion, good
+and evil, from the conscious mind of its
+owner, as well as from outside. When the
+subject of the influence of Mental States upon
+Physical Conditions is studied, one sees that
+the Physical Condition is merely the reflection
+of the Mental State, and the problem
+seems to be solved, the mystery of Health
+and Disease solved. But in this, as in everything
+else, there is seen to be an opposing
+phase—the other side of the shield. Let us
+look at the other side of the question:</p>
+
+<p>Just as we find that wherever there is living
+substance there is Mind, so do we find<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span>
+that we are unable to intelligently consider
+Mind unless as <i>embodied</i> in living substance.
+The idea of Mind, independent of its substantial
+embodiment, becomes a mere abstraction
+impossible of mental imaging—something
+like color independent of the colored
+substance, or light without the illuminated
+substance. And just as we find that
+Mental States influence Physical Conditions,
+so do we find that Physical Conditions influence
+Mental States. And, so the problem
+of Life, Health and Disease once more loses
+its simplicity, and the mystery again deepens.
+The deeper we dig into the subject, the
+more do we become impressed with the idea
+of the universal principle of Action and Reaction
+so apparent in all phenomena. The
+Mind acts upon the Body; the Body reacts
+upon the Mind; cause and effect become confused;
+the reasoning becomes circular—like
+a ring it has no beginning, no end; its beginning
+may be any place we may prefer, its
+ending likewise.</p>
+
+<p>The only reconciliation is to be found in
+the fundamental working hypothesis which
+holds that both Mind and Body—both Men<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>tal
+States and Physical Conditions—are <i>the
+two aspects of something greater than either—the
+opposing poles of the same Reality</i>.
+The radical Materialist asserts that the Body
+is the only reality, and that Mind is merely
+its “by-product.” The Mentalist asserts
+that the Mind is the only reality, and that
+the Body is merely its grosser form of manifestation.
+The unprejudiced philosopher is
+apt to stand aside and say: “You are both
+right, yet both wrong—each is stating the
+truth, but only the half-truth.” With the
+working hypothesis that Mind and Body are
+but varying aspects of the Truth—that Mind
+is the inner essence of the Body, and Body
+the outward manifestation of the Mind—we
+find ourselves on safe ground.</p>
+
+<p>We mention this fundamental principle
+here, for in the body of this book we shall
+not invade the province of metaphysics or
+philosophy, but shall hold ourselves firmly to
+our own field, that of psychology. Of course,
+the very nature of the subject renders it necessary
+that we consider the influence of psychology
+upon physiology, but we have remembered
+that this book belongs to the gen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>eral
+subject of the New Psychology, and we
+have accordingly emphasized the psychological
+side of the subject. But the same material
+could have been used by a writer upon
+physiology, by changing the emphasis from
+the psychological phase to the physiological.</p>
+
+<p>We have written this book to reach not
+only those who refuse to see the wonderful
+influence of the Mental States over the Physical
+Conditions, but also for our “metaphysical”
+friends who have become so enamored
+with the power of the Mind that they practically
+ignore the existence of the Body, indeed,
+in some cases, actually denying the existence
+of the latter. We believe that there
+is a sane middle-ground in “metaphysical
+healing,” as there is in the material treatment
+of disease. In this case, not only does
+Truth lie between the two extremes, but it is
+composed of the blending and assimilation of
+the two opposing ideas and theories. But,
+even if the reader does not fully agree with
+us in our general theories and conclusions, he
+will find within the covers of this book a
+mass of <i>facts</i> which he may use in building
+up a new theory of his own. And, after all,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>
+what are theories but the threads upon which
+are strung the beads of <i>facts</i>—if our string
+does not meet with your approval, break it
+and string the beads of fact upon a thread of
+your own. Theories come, and theories go—but
+<i>facts</i> remain.</p>
+
+<hr />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER I</h2>
+
+<p class="center">THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND</p>
+
+<p>In order to understand the nature of the
+influence of the mind upon the body—the
+effect of mental states upon physical functions—we
+must know something of that wonderful
+field of mental activity which in the
+New Psychology is known as “The Subconscious
+Mind,” and which by some writers
+has been styled the “Subjective Mind;” the
+“Involuntary Mind;” the “Subliminal
+Mind;” the “Unconscious Mind,” etc., the
+difference in names arising because of the
+comparative newness of the investigation
+and classification.</p>
+
+<p>Among the various functions of the Subconscious
+Mind, one of the most important is
+that of the charge and control of the involuntary
+activities and functions of the human
+body through the agency of the sympathetic
+nervous system, the cells, and cell-groups.
+As all students of physiology know, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>
+greater part of the activities of the body are
+involuntary—that is, are independent (or
+partly so) of the control of the conscious
+will. As Dr. Schofield says: “The unconscious
+mind, in addition to the three qualities
+which it shares in common with the conscious—<i>viz.</i>,
+will, intellect and emotion—has
+undoubtedly another very important one—nutrition,
+or the general maintenance of the
+body.” And as Hudson states: “The subjective
+mind has absolute control of the functions,
+conditions and sensations of the body.”
+Notwithstanding the dispute which is still
+raging concerning <i>what</i> the Subconscious
+mind <i>is</i>, the authorities all agree upon the
+fact that, whatever else it may be, it may be
+considered as that phase, aspect, part, or field
+of the mind which has charge and control of
+the greater part of the physical functioning
+of the body.</p>
+
+<p>Von Hartmann says: “The explanation
+that unconscious psychical activity itself appropriately
+forms and maintains the body
+has not only nothing to be said against it, but
+has all possible analogies from the most different
+departments of physical and animal<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>
+life in its favor, and appears to be as scientifically
+certain as is possible in the inferences
+from effect to cause.” Maudsley says:
+“The connection of mind and body is such
+that a given state of mind tends to echo itself
+at once in the body.” Carpenter says: “If
+a psychosis or mental state is produced by a
+neurosis or material nerve state, as pain by
+a prick, so also is a neurosis produced by a
+psychosis. That mental antecedents call
+forth physical consequents is just as certain
+as that physical antecedents call forth mental
+consequents.” Tuke says: “Mind,
+through sensory, motor, vaso-motor and
+trophic nerves, causes changes in sensation,
+muscular contraction, nutrition and secretion....
+If the brain is an outgrowth
+from a body corpuscle and is in immediate
+relation with the structures and tissues that
+preceded it, then, though these continue to
+have their own action, the brain must be expected
+to act upon the muscular tissue, the
+organic functions and upon the nervous system
+itself.”</p>
+
+<p>Von Hartmann also says: “In willing any
+conscious act, the unconscious will is evoked<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>
+to institute means to bring about the effect.
+Thus, if I will a stronger salivary secretion,
+the conscious willing of this effect excites the
+unconscious will to institute the necessary
+means. Mothers are said to be able to provide
+through the will a more copious secretion,
+if the sight of the child arouses in them
+the will to suckle. There are people who perspire
+voluntarily. I now possess the power
+of instantaneously reducing the severest hiccoughs
+to silence by my own will, while it
+was formerly a source of great inconvenience
+to me.... An irritation to cough, which
+has no mechanical cause, may be permanently
+suppressed by the will. I believe we might
+possess a far greater voluntary power over
+our bodily functions if we were only accustomed
+from childhood to institute experiments
+and to practice ourselves therein....
+We have arrived at the conclusion
+that every action of the mind on the body,
+without exception, is only possible by means
+of an unconscious will; that such an unconscious
+will can be called forth partly by
+means of a conscious will, partly also through
+the conscious idea of the effect, without con<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>scions
+will, and even in opposition to the
+conscious will.”</p>
+
+<p>Henry Wood says of the Subconscious
+Mind: “It acts automatically upon the physical
+organism. It cognizes external facts,
+conditions, limitations, and even contagions,
+quite independent of its active counterpart.
+One may, therefore, ‘take’ a disease and be
+unaware of any exposure. The subconsciousness
+has been unwittingly trained to fear,
+and accept it; and it is this quality, rather
+than the mere inert matter of the body, that
+succumbs. Matter is never the actor, but is
+always acted upon. This silent, mental partner,
+in operation, seems to be a living, thinking
+personality, conducting affairs on its
+own account. It is a compound of almost unimaginable
+variety, including wisdom and
+foolishness, logic and nonsense, and yet having
+a working unitary economy. It is a hidden
+force to be dealt with and educated, for
+it is often found insubordinate and unruly.
+It refuses co-operation with its lesser but
+more active and wiser counterpart. It is
+very ‘set’ in its views, and only changes its
+qualities and opinions by slow degrees. But,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>
+like a pair of horses, not until these two mental
+factors can be trained together can there
+be harmony and efficiency.”</p>
+
+<p>In order to understand the important part
+played in the physical economy by the Subconscious
+Mind, it is only necessary to understand
+the various processes of the human
+system which are out of the ordinary field
+of the voluntary or conscious mind. We then
+realize that the entire process of nutrition,
+including digestion, assimilation, etc., the
+processes of elimination, the processes of
+circulation, the processes of growth, in fact
+the entire processes manifested in the work
+of the cells, cell-groups, ganglia, physical organs,
+etc., are in charge of and controlled by
+the Subconscious Mind. Our food is digested
+and transformed into the nourishing substances
+of the blood; then carried through
+the arteries to all parts of the body, where
+it is absorbed by the cells and used to replace
+the worn-out material, the latter then being
+carried back through the veins to the lungs
+where the waste matter is burned up, and the
+balance again sent on its journey through the
+arteries re-charged with the life-giving oxy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>gen.
+All of these processes, and many others
+of almost equal importance, are out of the
+field of the conscious or voluntary mind, and
+are governed by the Subconscious Mind. As
+we shall see when we consider the Sympathetic
+Nervous System, the greater part of
+the body is dominated by the Subconscious
+Mind, and that the welfare of the major
+physical functions depends entirely, or almost
+so, upon this great area or field of the
+mind.</p>
+
+<p>The best authorities now generally agree
+that there is no part of the body which may
+be considered as devoid of mind. The Subconscious
+Mind is not confined to the brain,
+or even the greater plexuses of the nervous
+system, but extends to all parts of the body,
+to every nerve, muscle, and even to every
+cell and cell-group of the body. The functions
+and processes of the body are no longer
+considered as purely mechanical, or chemical,
+but are now seen to be the result of mental
+action of some kind or degree. Therefore,
+in considering the Subconscious Mind,
+one must not think of it as resident in the
+brain alone, but rather as being <i>distributed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>
+over the entire physical body</i>. There is
+mind in every cell, every organ, every muscle,
+every nerve—in every part of the body.</p>
+
+<p>The importance of the above statements
+regarding the power and importance of the
+Subconscious Mind may be realized when
+one remembers the dictum of the New Psychology,
+to wit: <i>The Subconscious Mind is
+amenable to Suggestion</i>. When it is realized
+that this great controller of the physical organism
+is so constituted that it accepts as
+truth the suggestions from the conscious
+mind of its owner, as well as those emanating
+from the conscious minds of other people, it
+may be understood why Faith, Belief, and
+Expectant Attention manifest such marked
+effects upon the physical body and the general
+health, for good or for evil, as indicated
+in the preceding chapters. All of the many
+instances and examples recited in the preceding
+chapters may be understood when it
+is realized that the Subconscious Mind, which
+is in control of the physical functions and
+vital processes, will accept the suggestions
+from the conscious mind of its owner, and
+also suggestions from outside which the con<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span>scious
+mind of its owner allows to pass down
+to it. If, as Henry Wood has said in the
+paragraph previously quoted, it “acts automatically
+upon the physical organism,” and
+“seems to be a living, thinking personality,
+conducting affairs on its own account,” and
+at the same time, <i>accepts and ‘takes on’ suggested
+conditions</i>, it may be readily understood
+how the wonderful and almost incredible
+statements of the authorities mentioned
+in the preceding chapters have had real and
+substantial basis in truth.</p>
+
+<p>This understanding of the part played by
+the Subjective Mind in controlling and affecting
+physical conditions and activities, together
+with its suggestible qualities and nature,
+gives us a key to the whole question of
+the “Why?” of Mental Healing. Suggestion
+is the connecting link between Mind and
+Body, and an understanding of its laws and
+principles enables one to see the moving
+cause of the strange phenomena of the Faith
+Cures, under whatever name they may pass,
+and under whatever guise they may present
+themselves. “Suggestion” is the explanation
+offered by the New Psychology for the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>
+almost miraculous phenomena which other
+schools seek to explain upon some hypothesis
+based either upon religious beliefs, or
+upon some metaphysical or philosophical doctrine.
+The New Psychology holds that it is
+not necessary to go outside of the realms of
+psychology and physiology in studying Mental
+Healing or Psycho-Therapy; and that the
+theories of the semi-religious and metaphysical
+cults are merely strange guises or masks
+which serve to conceal the real operative
+principle of cure.</p>
+
+<p>The following quotation from Dr. Schofield
+will serve to call the attention to the
+important part played by the Subconscious
+Mind in the physical activities, a fact which
+is not generally recognized: “It has often
+been a mystery how the body thrives so well
+with so little oversight or care on the part of
+its owner. No machine could be constructed,
+nor could any combination of solids or liquids
+in organic compounds, regulate, control,
+counteract, help, hinder or arrange for the
+continual succession of differing events,
+foods, surroundings and conditions which are
+constantly affecting the body. And yet, in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span>
+the midst of this ever-changing and varying
+succession of influences, the body holds on its
+course of growth, health, nutrition and self-maintenance
+with the most marvelous constancy.
+We perceive, of course, clearly, that
+the best of qualities—regulation, control,
+etc., etc.—are all mental qualities, and at the
+same time we are equally clear that by no
+self-examination can we say we consciously
+exercise any of these mental powers over the
+organic processes of our bodies. One would
+think, then, that the conclusion is sufficiently
+simple and obvious—that they must be used
+unconsciously; in other words, it is, and can
+be nothing else than <i>unconscious mental powers</i>
+that control, guide and govern the functions
+and organs of the body.</p>
+
+<p>“Our ordinary text-books on physiology
+give but little idea of what I may call the intelligence
+that presides over the various systems
+of the body, showing itself in the bones,
+as we have seen, in distributing the available
+but insufficient amount of lime salts in disease;
+not equally, but for the protection of
+the most vital parts, leaving those of lesser
+value disproportionally deficient. In the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>
+muscular system nearly all contractions are
+involuntary. Even in the voluntary (so-called)
+muscles, the most we can do is to will
+results. We do not will the contractions that
+carry out these results. Muscles, striped
+and unstriped, are ceaselessly acting without
+the slightest consciousness in maintaining
+the balance of the body, the expression
+of the face, the general attributes corresponding
+to mental states, the carrying on of digestion
+and other processes with a purposiveness,
+and adaptation of means to new
+ends and new conditions, ceaselessly arising,
+that are beyond all material mechanism.
+Consider, for instance, the marvelous increase
+of smooth muscle in the uterus at
+term, and also its no less marvelous subsequent
+involution; observe, too, the compensating
+muscular increase of a damaged heart
+until the balance is restored and the necessity
+for it ceases, as does growth at a fixed
+period; consider in detail the repair of a
+broken bone. These actions are not mere
+properties of matter; they demand, and are
+the result of, a controlling mind.</p>
+
+<p>“The circulation does not go round as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>
+most text-books would lead us to believe, as
+the result merely of the action of a system
+of elastic tubes, connected with a self-acting
+force-pump. It is such views as these that
+degrade physiology and obscure the marvels
+of the body. The circulation never flows for
+two minutes in the same manner. In an instant,
+miles of capillaries are closed or
+opened up, according to the ever-varying
+body needs, of which, consciously, we are entirely
+unaware. The blood supply of each
+organ is not mechanical, but is carefully
+regulated from minute to minute in health,
+exactly according to its needs and activities,
+and when this ever fails, we at once recognize
+it as disease, and call it congestion and
+so forth. The very heart-beat itself is never
+constant, but varies <i>pro rata</i> with the amount
+of exercise, activity of vital functions, of
+conditions of temperature, etc., and even of
+emotions and other direct mental feelings.
+The whole reproductive system is obviously
+under the sway and guidance of more than
+blind material forces. In short, when thoroughly
+analyzed, the action and regulation of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>
+no system of the body can be satisfactorily
+explained, without postulating an unconscious
+mental element, which <i>does</i>, if allowed,
+satisfactorily explain all the phenomena.”</p>
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER II</h2>
+
+<p class="center">THE SYMPATHETIC SYSTEM</p>
+
+<p>The average person has a general understanding
+of what is meant by “the nervous
+system,” but inquiry will show that by this
+term he usually includes only that part of
+the nervous system which is known as the
+“cerebro-spinal system,” or the system of
+nerves consisting of the brain and spinal
+cord, and the nerves extending therefrom
+throughout the body, the offices of which are
+to control the voluntary movements of the
+body. The average person is almost entirely
+ignorant of the existence of the Great Sympathetic
+System which controls the involuntary
+movements and processes, such as the
+processes and functions of nutrition, secretion,
+reproduction, excretion, the vaso-motor
+action, etc. In physiology, the term “sympathetic”
+is used in the sense of: “Reciprocal
+action of the different parts of the body
+on each other; an affection of one part of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>
+body in consequence of something taking
+place in another. Thus when there is a local
+injury, the whole frame after a time suffers
+with it. A wound anywhere will tend to
+create feverishness everywhere; derangement
+of the stomach will tend to produce
+headache, liver complaint to produce pain in
+the shoulder, etc.”</p>
+
+<p>An old authority thus describes the Sympathetic
+Nerves: “A system of nerves, running
+from the base of the skull to the coccyx,
+along both sides of the body, and consisting
+of a series of ganglia along the spinal column
+by the side of the vertebræ. With this
+trunk of the sympathetic there are communicating
+branches which connect the ganglia,
+or the intermediate cord, with all the spinal
+and several of the cranial nerves proceeding
+to primary branches on the neighboring organs
+or other ganglia, and finally numerous
+flexures of nerves running to the viscera.
+Various fibers from the sympathetic communicate
+with those of the cerebro-spinal system.
+The term ‘sympathetic’ has been applied
+on the supposition that it is the agent
+in producing sympathy between different<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>
+parts of the body. It more certainly affects
+the secretions.” In the New Psychology the
+Sympathetic Nervous System is recognized
+as that directly under the control of the Subconscious
+Mind.</p>
+
+<p>The Cerebro-Spinal Nervous System is
+concerned with the activities arising from the
+conscious activities of the mind, including
+those of the five senses. It controls the
+muscles by which we speak, walk, move our
+limbs, and pursue the ordinary activities of
+outer life. But, while these are very important
+to the individual, there is another set of
+activities—inner activities—which are none
+the less important. The Sympathetic System
+controls the involuntary muscles by
+means of which the heart throbs, the arteries
+pulsate, the air is conveyed to the lungs, the
+blood moves to and from the heart, the various
+glands and tubes of the body operate,
+and the entire work of nutrition, repair, and
+body-building is performed. While the Cerebro-Spinal
+System, and the Conscious Mind
+are able to rest a considerable portion of the
+twenty-four hours of the day, the Sympathetic
+System and the Subconscious Mind<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>
+must needs work every minute of the twenty-four
+hours, without rest or vacation, during
+the life of their owner.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. E. H. Pratt, in his valuable “Series of
+Impersonations” published in the medical
+magazines several years ago, and since reproduced
+in book form, makes “The Sympathetic
+Man” speak as follows: “The entire
+body can do nothing without me; and my occupation
+of supplying the inspiration for our
+entire family is so constant and engaging
+that I am compelled to attend strictly to
+business night and day from one end of life
+to the other, and have no time whatever for
+observation, education, or amusement outside
+of my daily tasks. As a rule, I perform my
+work so noiselessly that the rest of the family
+are scarcely conscious of my existence, for
+when I am well everything works all right,
+each organ plays its part as usual, and the
+entire machinery of life is operated noiselessly
+and without friction. When I am not
+well, however, and am not quite equal to the
+demands made upon me, I have two ways of
+making it known to the family. One is by
+appealing to self-consciousness through the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>
+assistance of my cerebro-spinal brother, with
+whom I am closely associated, thereby causing
+some disturbance of sensation or locomotion
+(the most frequent disturbance in this
+direction being the instituting of some form
+of pain); or I sometimes take it into my head
+to say nothing to my cerebro-spinal brother
+about my affairs, but simply shirk my duties,
+and my inefficiency becomes manifest only
+when some one or all of the organs suffer
+from some function poorly performed.”</p>
+
+<p>The nerve-centres of the Cerebro-Spinal
+System are grouped closely together, while
+those of the Sympathetic System are scattered
+about the body, each organ having its
+appropriate centre or tiny-brain. The
+heart, the liver, the kidneys, the spleen, the
+brain, the intestinal tract, the bladder, the
+generative organs, have each its own particular
+nerve-centre of the Sympathetic System—each
+its tiny-brain—each, however, connected
+with all the others. And more than
+this—in addition to the tiny-brains in each of
+the important vital organs, there are found
+scattered through the trunk a number of
+<i>ganglia</i>, or knots of gray nervous matter, ar<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>ranged
+longitudinally in two lines extending
+from just in front of the spinal column from
+the base of the skull to the end of the spinal
+column, each vertebra having its appropriate
+ganglia. In some cases several of these ganglia
+are grouped together, the number ranging
+from two to three. Each ganglion is a
+distinct centre giving off branches in four
+directions.</p>
+
+<p>There is also one place in which are
+grouped together several very large ganglia,
+forming what is known as the Solar Plexus,
+or Abdominal Brain, which is situated at the
+upper part of the abdomen, behind the stomach
+and in front of the aorta and the pillars
+of the diaphragm, and from which issue
+nerves extending in all directions. By some
+authorities the Solar Plexus is regarded as
+the great centre of the Sympathetic System,
+and the main seat of the Subconscious Mind.
+Dr. Byron Robinson bestowed upon this
+centre the name “The Abdominal Brain,”
+saying of the use of the term: “I mean to
+convey the idea that it is endowed with the
+high powers and phenomena of a great ner<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span>vous
+centre; that it can organize, multiply,
+and diminish forces.”</p>
+
+<p>One of the most interesting and significant
+features of the ganglia is that of their connection
+with the nerve centres of the Cerebro-Spinal
+System, indicating the reciprocal
+action existing between the two great nervous
+systems. From each one of the ganglia
+in the two great lines forming the system, issues
+a tiny filament which connects with the
+spinal cord; and at the same time it receives
+from the spinal cord a tiny filament in return,
+thus establishing a double line of communication.
+It is held by some authorities
+that one of these filaments acts as a sending
+wire, and the other as a receiving wire between
+the two systems. Be this as it may,
+the inter-communication between the two systems
+is clearly indicated.</p>
+
+<p>It must be remembered that the involuntary
+muscles which move the heart, as well
+as the tiny muscles which form the middle-coat
+of the arteries and the veins, are controlled
+by the Sympathetic System, and thus
+the important work of the circulation, which
+goes on day and night, year in and year out,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>
+during life, is directly under the charge of
+the Sympathetic System and the Subconscious
+Mind. Also, the involuntary muscles
+which are concerned with the activities of the
+liver, the kidneys and the spleen, are under
+the same direct control.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. E. H. Pratt, in the “Series of Impersonations”
+above referred to, makes the
+“Subconscious Man” tell the following wonderful
+truth, which we suggest each reader
+read carefully and fix in his mind: “My
+brother the Sympathetic Man has told you
+that I am the animating spirit of his construction;
+and as he is the great body builder,
+having furnished the emotions under which
+our entire family has been put into form,
+you can understand by what right I pose before
+you as the human form of forms. All
+the rest of the family are because I am.
+Even my Conscious brother, who claims superiority
+to his fellow-shapes because he
+bosses them around a little and makes use
+of them, is a subject of my own creation....
+I am the life of the Sympathetic
+Man, whose existence as a human shape has
+already sufficiently been well established, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>
+as there is no part of him which is not alive,
+the conclusion is very evident that his shape
+and mine are identical. <i>There is no part of
+the sympathetic system which is not animated
+by my own principle of vitality.</i> Indeed,
+he is but a cup of life, though I can
+assure you that his cup is full, and he would
+not be good for much if it was not. So, if
+you are able to conceive the shape of the
+Sympathetic Man, you can regard this form
+as identical with my own. This is really a
+very modest claim on my part, and does not
+quite do justice to myself, for in reality the
+Sympathetic Man does not contain all there
+is of me by any means, for I am not only in
+him, but all around him, and he is not by any
+means capable of containing my full self.”</p>
+
+<p>When it is seen that the vital activities of
+the physical body are ruled, governed and
+controlled by the Sympathetic System, animated
+by the Subconscious Mind, and that the
+latter is amenable to Suggestion from the
+Conscious Mind and from outside, we may
+begin to get a glimmer of the great light
+which illuminates the principle of Mental
+Healing. If the Subconscious Mind, <i>the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>
+builder</i>, is influenced by Suggestion to neglect
+his work, or to build wrongly, it is likewise
+possible for him to heed proper Suggestion
+and to repair his mistakes and to rebuild
+properly. This principle being grasped, the
+rest will seem to be merely an understanding
+of the best methods of reaching the Subconscious
+Mind by Suggestion or Auto-Suggestion.
+We may now begin to understand
+the truth of the old axiom: “As a man thinketh
+in his heart, so is he”—physically. And
+as Thought is based largely upon Belief, can
+we not see the dynamic force of Faith? Is
+there not a real psychological basis for so-called
+“miracles?” Is not the wonder-working
+of the cults now understandable?</p>
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER III</h2>
+
+<p class="center">THE CELL-MINDS</p>
+
+<p>Modern science has demonstrated that the
+human body is composed of a multitude of
+microscopic cells, that is, that the muscles,
+nerves, tissues, blood, bones, hair and nails
+are made up of minute cells, and groups of
+cells. Virchow says: “It is of the cells that
+the tissues are built up and the nerves
+formed. There is no part of the human
+body in which the cell is not seen. All these
+cells are neuclated—have in them a central
+life-spot like the yolk of an egg. Each cell
+is born, reproduces itself, dies and is absorbed.
+The maintenance of life and health
+depends upon the constant regeneration of
+the cells. When man can control the life and
+death of the cell he becomes the creator.”
+Medical science now practically asserts that
+disease of the body is really disease of the
+cells of which the body is composed, and that
+all healing of the body must consist of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>
+healing of the cells—that is, of restoring the
+cells to normal activity and functioning.</p>
+
+<p>The following quotation from Hudson, following
+Stephens, is interesting: “An aggregation
+of cells became a confederation, with
+its differentiation of cell functions and still
+further division of labor. As a result of a
+long process of such differentiation, the organisms
+of the larger animals and of man
+came to be composed, as we find them, of
+thirty or more different species of cells. For
+example, we have the muscle cells, whose vital
+energies are devoted to the office of contraction,
+or vigorous shortening of length; connective-tissue
+cells, whose office is mainly to
+produce and conserve a tough fibre for binding
+together and covering in the organism;
+bone cells, whose life work is to select and
+collocate salts of lime for the organic framework,
+levers and joints; hair, nail, horn and
+feather cells, which work in silicates for the
+protection, defense, and ornamentation of
+the organism; gland cells, whose <i>motif</i> in
+living has come to be the abstraction from
+the blood of substances which are recombined
+to produce juices needed to aid the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>
+various processes or steps of digestion;
+blood cells, which have assumed the laborious
+function of general carriers, scavengers,
+and repairers of the organism; eye, ear, nasal
+and palate cells, which have become the special
+artificers of complicated apparatus for
+transmitting light, sound, odors, and flavors
+to the highly sentient brain cells; pulmonary
+cells, which elaborate a tissue for the introduction
+of oxygen and the elimination of
+carbon dioxide and other waste products;
+hepatic (liver) cells, which have, in response
+to the needs of the organism, descended to
+the menial office of living on the waste products
+and converting them into chemical reagents
+to facilitate digestion—these and
+numerous other species of cells; and lastly,
+most important and of greatest interest,
+brain and nerve cells.”</p>
+
+<p>The various cells of the body are constantly
+busy, each performing its particular task,
+either singly or in connection with other cells
+in the cell-group. Like a great arm, the cells
+are divided into classes, some being engaged
+in the active daily work, while others are
+held back on the reserve line. Some are en<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span>gaged
+in building up the tissues, muscles and
+bones, while others are busy manufacturing
+the juices, secretions, fluids and chemical
+compounds required in the great laboratory
+of the body. Some remain at their posts,
+stationary during their entire life, while
+others remain stationary only until the call
+comes for their services, while a third class
+are in constant motion from place to place
+either following regular routes or else travelling
+under a roving commission. Some of
+the moving cells act as carriers of material—the
+hod-carriers of the body, while others
+move about doing special repair work such
+as the healing of wounds, etc., while others
+still are the scavengers and street cleaners of
+system, and others form the cell army and
+cell police force. The body has been compared
+to a vast communistic or socialistic
+colony, each member of which cheerfully devotes
+his life-work, and often his life itself,
+to the common good. The brain cells are of
+course the most highly organized, and the
+most highly differentiated of the cells. The
+nerve cells constitute a living telegraph system
+over which is carried the messages from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>
+the several parts of the body, each cell being
+in close contact with its neighbor on each
+side—the nerve cells practically clasp hands
+and form a living chain of communication.</p>
+
+<p>The blood cells are important members of
+the cell-community, and are exceedingly numerous,
+there being over 75,000,000,000 of the
+red-blood cells alone. These red-blood cells
+move in the blood currents, carrying through
+the arteries each its little load of oxygen
+which it transports to the distant tissues that
+they may be invigorated and vitalized anew;
+and, returning, carrying through the veins
+the debris and waste products of the system
+to the great crematory of the lungs where the
+waste is burnt and thrown off from the body.
+Like the ships that sail the sea, each cell
+carries its outgoing cargo, and returns with
+another one. Some of these cells perform
+the office of special repairers, forcing their
+way through the walls of the blood-vessels
+and penetrating the tissues in order to perform
+their special tasks. There are several
+other kinds of cells in the blood besides the
+carriers just mentioned. There are the wonderful
+soldier and police cells which main<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>tain
+order and fight battles when necessary.
+The police cells are on the constant lookout
+for germs, bacteria and other microscopic
+disturbers of the peace of the body. When
+these tiny policemen discover vagrant germs,
+or criminal bacteria, they rush upon the intruder
+and tying him up in a mesh, proceed
+to devour him. If the intruder be too large
+or vigorous, a call for assistance is sent out,
+and the reserve police rush to the assistance
+of their brothers and overpower the disturber
+of the peace. Sometimes when the
+vagrants are too numerous, the policemen
+throw them out from the body, by means of
+pimples, boils and similar eruptions. In case
+of infectious diseases, an army corps is ordered
+out in full strength and a royal fight is
+waged between the invading army and the
+defenders of home and country.</p>
+
+<p>Some of the blood cells take a part in the
+process of extracting from the food its nourishing
+particles, and then carrying the same
+through the blood-channels to all parts of the
+body, where it is used to feed and nourish the
+stationary cells there located. These cells
+manufacture the chemical juices of the body,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>
+such as bile, gastric juice, pancreatic juices,
+milk, etc., in short the entire physical process
+is carried on by these indefatigable tiny cells.
+The body of each of us is simply a great community
+of cells of various kinds. The cells
+are born by the form of reproduction common
+to all cells, that of sub-division. Each
+cell grows until a certain size is reached,
+when it assumes a “dumb-bell” shape, with
+a tiny waist line, which waist is afterward
+dissolved and the two cells move away from
+each other. In this way, and this way alone,
+does the body grow, the material required for
+the enlargement of the cell being supplied
+from the food and nourishment partaken by
+the individual. Cells die after having performed
+their life-work, and their corpses are
+carried through the veins by the carrier cells,
+and cast into the crematory of the lungs
+where they are consumed.</p>
+
+<p>The body is constantly undergoing a process
+of change and regeneration. Old cells
+are being cast off every second, and new cells
+are taking their places. Our muscles, tissues,
+hair, nails, nerves, brain substance, and
+even our bones are constantly being made<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>
+over and rebuilt. Our bodies to-day do not
+contain a single particle of the material
+which composed them a few years back. A
+few weeks suffices to replace our entire skin,
+and a few months to replace other parts of
+the body. If a sufficiently large microscope
+could be placed over our bodies, we would
+see each part of it as active as a hive of bees,
+each cell being in action and motion, and the
+entire domestic work of the human hive being
+performed according to law and order. Verily,
+“we are fearfully and wonderfully
+made.”</p>
+
+<p>A number of the best authorities have
+used the illustration of the process of the
+cells in healing an ordinary wound, in order
+to show the activity and “mind” of the tiny
+cells. We have become so accustomed to
+the natural healing of a wound, scratch or
+broken skin, that we have grown to regard
+it as an almost mechanical process. But,
+science shows us that there is manifested in
+the healing process a marvellous degree of
+life and mind in the cells. Let us consider
+the process of healing an ordinary wound,
+that we may see the cells at work. Let us<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>
+imagine that we are gazing at the wounded
+part through a marvellously strong microscope
+which enables us to see every cell at
+work. If such a glass were provided we
+should witness a scene similar to that now
+to be described.</p>
+
+<p>In the first place, through our glass, we
+should see the gaping wound enlarged to gigantic
+proportions. We should see the torn
+skin, tissues, lymphatic and blood vessels,
+glands, muscles and nerves. We would see
+the blood pouring forth washing away the
+dirt and foreign substances that have entered
+the wound. We would then see the messages
+calling for help flashing over the living telegraph
+wires of the nerves, each nerve-cell
+rapidly passing the word to its neighbor until
+the great sympathetic centres received the
+call and sounded the alarm and sent out a
+“hurry up” call to the cells needed for the
+repair work. In the meantime the cells of
+the blood, coming in contact with the outside
+air have begun to coagulate into a sticky
+substance, which is the beginning of the scab,
+the purpose being to close the wound and to
+hold the severed parts together. The repair<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span>
+cells having now arrived at the scene of the
+accident begin to mend the break. The tissue,
+nerve, and muscle cells, on each side of
+the wound begin to multiply rapidly, receiving
+their nourishment from the blood cells,
+and quickly a cell bridge is built up until the
+two severed edges of the wound are reunited.
+This bridging is no haphazard process, for
+the presence of directing law and order is
+apparent. The newly-born cells of the blood-vessels
+unite with their brothers on the other
+side, evenly and in an orderly manner, new
+tubular channels being formed skillfully.
+The cells of the connective tissues likewise
+grow toward each other, and unite in the
+same orderly manner. The nerve-cells repair
+their broken lines, just as do a gang of
+linemen repair the interrupted telegraph system.
+The muscles are united in the same
+way. But mark you this, there is no mistake
+in this connecting process—muscle does
+not connect with nerve, nor blood-vessel with
+connective tissue. Finally, the inner repairs
+and connections having been completed, the
+scab disappears and the cells of the outer
+skin rebuild the outer covering, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>
+wound is healed. This process may occupy
+a few hours, or many days, depending upon
+the character of the wound, but the process
+is the same in all cases. The surgeon merely
+disinfects and cleans the wound, and placing
+the parts together allows the cells to perform
+their healing work, for no other power
+can perform the task. The knitting together
+of a broken bone proceeds along the same
+lines—the surgeon places the parts in juxtaposition,
+binds the limb together to prevent
+slipping, and the cells do the rest.</p>
+
+<p>When the body is well nourished, the general
+system well toned up, and the mind
+cheerful and active, the repair work proceeds
+rapidly. But when the physical system is
+run down, the body poorly nourished, and the
+mind depressed and full of fear, the work is
+retarded and interfered with. It is this healing
+power inherent in the cells that physicians
+speak of as the <i>vis vita</i> or <i>vis medicatrix
+naturae</i>, or “the healing power of nature.”
+Of it Dr. Patton says: “By the
+term ‘efforts of nature’ we mean a certain
+curative or restorative principle, or <i>vis
+vita</i>, implanted in every living or organized<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>
+body, constantly operative for its repair,
+preservation and health. This instinctive endeavor
+to repair the human organism is signally
+shown in the event of a severed or lost
+part, as a finger, for instance; for nature unaided
+will repair and fashion a stump equal
+to one from the hands of an eminent surgeon....
+Nature, unaided, may be equally
+potent in ordinary illness. Many individuals,
+even when severely ill, either from motives
+of economy, prejudice, or skepticism,
+remain at rest in bed, under favorable hygiene,
+regimen, etc., and speedily get well
+without a physician or medicine.”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Schofield says: “The <i>vis medicatrix
+naturae</i> is a very potent factor in the amelioration
+of disease, if it only be allowed fair
+play. An exercise of faith, as a rule, suspends
+the operation of adverse influences,
+and appeals strongly through the consciousness,
+to the inner and underlying faculty of
+vital force (<i>i. e.</i>, unconscious mind).” Dr.
+Bruce says: “We are compelled to acknowledge
+a power of natural recovery inherent
+in the body—a similar statement has been
+made by writers on the principle of medicine<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>
+in all ages.... The body does possess
+a means and mechanism for modifying or
+neutralizing influences which it cannot directly
+overcome.” Oliver Wendell Holmes
+says: “Whatever other theories we hold
+we must recognize the ‘<i>vis medicatrix naturae</i>’
+in some shape or other.” Bruce says:
+“A natural power of the prevention and repair
+of disorders and disease has as real and
+as active an existence within us, as have the
+ordinary functions of the organs themselves.”
+Hippocrates said: “Nature is the physician
+of diseases.” And Ambrose Pare wrote on
+the walls of the great medical school, the
+Ecole de Medicine of Paris, these words: “<i>Je
+le ponsez et Dieu le guarit</i>,” which translated
+is: “I dressed the wound, and God
+healed it.”</p>
+
+<p>It is of course true that the life and mind
+in the cells is derived from the Subconscious
+Mind, in fact the cells themselves may be
+said to <i>embody</i> the Subconscious Mind, just
+as the cells of the brain <i>embody</i> the Conscious
+Mind. In every cell there is to be
+found intelligence in a degree required for
+the successful performance of the particular<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>
+task of that cell. Hudson says: “All organic
+tissue is made up of microscopic cells,
+each one of which <i>is a living, intelligent entity</i>.”
+And, again, “The subordinate intelligences
+are the cells of which the whole
+body is composed, <i>each of which is an intelligent
+entity, endowed with powers commensurate
+with its functions</i>.” In short, <i>the
+cells of the body are living organs for the
+expression and manifestation of the Subconscious
+Mind</i>. There is not a single cell,
+group, or part of the party which is devoid
+of mind. Mind is imminent in the entire
+body, and in its every part, down to the
+smallest cell.</p>
+
+<p>The following quotation from Dr. Thomson
+J. Hudson’s “Mental Medicine” clearly
+expresses a truth conceded by modern
+science. Dr. Hudson says:</p>
+
+<p>“It follows <i>a priori</i>, that every cell in the
+body is endowed with intelligence; and this
+is precisely what all biological science tells
+us is true. Beginning with the lowest form
+of animal life, the humblest cytode, every living
+cell is endowed with a wonderful intelligence.
+There is, in fact, no line to be drawn<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>
+between life and mind; that is to say, every
+living organism is a mind organism, from
+the monera, crawling upon the bed of the
+ocean, to the most highly differentiated cell
+in the cerebral cortex of man. Volumes
+have been written to demonstrate that ‘psychological
+phenomena begin among the very
+lowest class of beings; they are met with in
+every form of life, from the simplest cellule
+to the most complicated organism. It is they
+that are the essential phenomena of life, inherent
+in all protoplasm.’ (Binet.) It is,
+in fact, an axiom of science that the lowest
+unicellular organism is endowed with the potentialities
+of manhood. I have remarked
+that each living cell is endowed with a wonderful
+intelligence. This is emphatically
+true, whether it is a unicellular organism or
+a constituent element of a multicellular organism.
+Its wonderful character consists not
+so much in the amount of intelligence possessed
+by each individual cell, as it does in
+the quality of that intelligence. That is to
+say, each cell is endowed with an instinctive,
+or intuitive, knowledge of all that is essential
+to the preservation of its own life, the con<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>servation
+of its energies, and the perpetuation
+of its species. In other words, it is endowed
+with an intuitive knowledge of the
+laws of its own being, which knowledge is
+proportioned to its stage of development and
+adapted to its environment.”</p>
+
+<p>The cell has the intelligence sufficient to enable
+it to seek nourishment, and to move
+from one place to another in search for food
+or for other purposes. It holds to its food
+when secured, and envelops it until it is absorbed
+and digested. It exercises the power
+of choice, accepting and selecting one portion
+of food in preference to another. It
+has the power of discriminating between
+nourishing food and the reverse. The authorities
+show that it has a rudimentary
+memory, and avoids the repetition of an unpleasant
+or painful experience, and also
+returns to the locality in which it has previously
+secured food. Biological experiments
+have shown that the cells are capable of experiencing
+surprise, pleasure and fear, and
+that they experience different degrees of feeling,
+and react accordingly in response to
+stimuli. Verworn, a biologist, even goes so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>
+far as to assert that they habitually adapt
+means to ends, near and remote. In his remarkable
+work on cell-life, “The Psychic
+Life of Micro-organisms,” Binet says: “We
+shall not regard it as strange, perhaps, to
+find so complete a psychology in the history
+of the lower organisms, when we call to mind
+that, agreeably to the ideas of evolution now
+accepted, a higher animal is nothing more
+than a colony of protozoans. Every one of
+the cells composing such an animal has retained
+its primitive properties, giving them
+a higher degree of perfection by division of
+labor and by selection. The epithelial cells
+that secrete the nails and hair are organisms
+perfected with reference to the secretion of
+protective parts. Similarly, the cells of the
+brain are organisms that have been perfected
+with reference to psychical attributes.”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Schofield says: “That life involves
+mind has, of course, like all else, been vigorously
+disputed and equally vigorously affirmed.
+‘Life,’ says Prof. Bascom, ‘is not
+force; it is combining power. <i>It is the product
+and presence of mind.</i>’ ... The
+extent to which the word mind may be em<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span>ployed
+as the inherent cause of purposive
+movements in organisms is a very difficult
+question to solve. There can be no doubt that
+the actual agents in such movements are the
+natural forces, but behind these the directing
+and starting power seems to be psychic....
+There being an indwelling power,
+not only for purposive action in each cell,
+but for endless combinations of cell activities
+for common ends not at all connected
+with the mere nutrition of the single cell, but
+for the good of the completed organism.” Dr.
+R. Dunn says: “From the first movement
+when the primordial cell-germ of a human
+organism comes into being, the entire individual
+is present, fitted for human destiny.
+From the same moment, matter, life and
+mind are never for an instant separated,
+their union constituting the essential work
+of our present existence.” Carpenter says:
+“The convertibility of physical forces and
+correlation of these with the vital and the
+intricacy of that nexus between mental and
+bodily activity which cannot be analyzed, all
+lead upwards towards one and the same conclusion—<i>the
+source of all power is mind</i>.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>
+And that physical conclusion is the apex
+of the pyramid which has its foundation in
+the primitive instincts of humanity.”</p>
+
+<p>Having seen the evidences of life and mind
+in the single cell, let us now proceed to a
+consideration of the intelligence or mind inherent
+and manifest in the groups of cells,
+large and small, including the largest groups
+which compose the several organs of the
+body. This line of investigation will lead us
+to a fuller understanding of the influence of
+the mental states upon the health or disease
+of the organs and parts. It will be seen that
+Mental Healing has a sound biological as
+well as a psychological basis of truth, and
+that it is not necessary to invade the fields of
+metaphysics or theology in order to find an
+explanation of the effect of mind over body.</p>
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2>
+
+<p class="center">THE MENTAL BASIS OF CURE</p>
+
+<p>We have seen that in each cell in the human
+body is embodied a part of the Subconscious
+Mind, sufficient in quantity and
+quality to enable the cell to perform its particular
+work in the physical community of
+cells. In the same manner each group of
+cells, large or small, is possessed of the quantity
+and quality of mind adapted to the successful
+performance of its particular function.
+And, rising in the scale, we find that
+each of the physical organs is possessed of
+a “composite cell-soul” or “organ-mind.”
+As Hudson says: “Each organ of the body
+is composed of a group of cells which are
+differentiated with special reference to the
+functions to be performed by that organ. In
+other words, every function of life is performed
+by groups of co-operative cells, so
+that the body as a whole is simply a confederation
+of the various groups.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>For instance, as Haeckel says: “This ‘tissue
+soul’ is the higher psychological function
+which gives physiological individuality to the
+compound multicellular organism as a true
+‘cell commonwealth.’ It controls all the separate
+‘cell souls’ of the social cells—the mutually
+dependent ‘citizens’ which constitute
+the community.... The human egg-cell,
+as soon as it is fertilized, multiplies by
+division and forms a community, or colony
+of many social cells. These differentiate
+themselves, and by their specialization, by
+various modifications of these cells, the various
+tissues which compose the various organs
+are developed. The developed many-celled
+organisms of man and of all higher
+animals resemble, therefore, a social civil
+community, the numerous single individuals
+of which are, indeed, developed in various
+ways, but which were originally only simple
+cells of one common structure.”</p>
+
+<p>Biology shows us that there are unquestionably
+methods of communication between
+cell and cell, although it has not as yet been
+definitely determined just how this communication
+is effected. In the cell-communities<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>
+of the micro-organisms there is undoubtedly
+present the power to communicate on the
+part of the several cells composing the community,
+and the pain or discomfort of one
+part is evidently felt by the whole community.
+Just as an army, or a congregation, has a
+mind common to the whole, in addition to the
+individual minds of its units, so has every organ
+of the body an “organ mind” in addition
+to the individual cell minds of its unit cells.
+The fact of the existence of “group-mind,”
+or “collective-mind” is recognized by the
+best authorities in modern psychology, and
+the study of its principles throws light on
+some hitherto perplexing phenomena.</p>
+
+<p>Prof. Le Bon, in his work “The Crowd,”
+says of the “collective mind” of men: “The
+sentiments and ideas of all the persons in the
+gathering take one and the same direction,
+and their conscious personality vanishes. A
+collective mind is formed, doubtless transitory,
+but presenting very clearly marked
+characteristics. The gathering has become
+what, in the absence of a better expression,
+I will call an organized crowd, or, if the term
+be considered preferable, a psychological<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>
+crowd. <i>It forms a single being</i>, and is subjected
+to the law of the mental unity of
+crowds.... The most striking peculiarity
+presented by a psychological crowd
+is the following: Whoever be the individuals
+that compose it, however like or unlike be
+their mode of life, their occupation, their
+character, or their intelligence, the fact that
+they have been transformed into a crowd
+puts them in possession of <i>a sort of collective
+mind</i>, which makes them feel, think, and act
+in a manner quite different from that in
+which each individual of them would feel,
+think and act, were he in a state of isolation.
+There are certain ideas and feelings which
+do not come into being, or do not transform
+themselves into acts, except in the case of
+the individuals forming a crowd....
+In the collective mind the intellectual aptitudes
+of the individuals, and in consequence
+their individuality, is weakened....
+The most careful observations seem to prove
+that an individual immerged for some length
+of time in a crowd in action soon finds itself
+in a special state, which most resembles the
+state of fascination in which the hypnotized<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span>
+individual finds himself.... The conscious
+personality has entirely vanished, will
+and discernment are lost. All feelings and
+thoughts are bent in the direction determined
+by the hypnotizer.... An individual in
+a crowd is a grain of sand amid other grains
+of sand, which the wind stirs up at will.”</p>
+
+<p>In short, psychology recognizes a <i>mental
+fusion</i> between the individual minds of units
+composing a community of cells, insects,
+higher animals and even men. The “spirit
+of the hive” noted by all students of bee-life,
+and the community spirit in an ant-hill are
+instances serving to illustrate the general
+principle of “the collective mind.” As we
+have seen in the preceding chapter, the entire
+human body is a vast community of cells,
+each unit in the community having relations
+with every other unit, and all having sprung
+from the same original egg-cell. This great
+community, or <i>nation</i> of cells is divided into
+many smaller communities, chief among
+which are the principal organs of the body,
+as the stomach, the intestines, the liver, the
+kidneys, the spleen, the heart, etc. And, following
+the general rule, each of these organ-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>communities
+possesses its own “collective
+mind,” subordinate, of course, to the great
+community mind known as the Subconscious
+Mind. Ordinarily these communities live in
+peace and harmony, and in obedience to the
+national government. But occasionally rebellions
+and revolutions are started, which
+cause much inharmony, pain and disease.
+Sometimes these rebellions arise from abuse
+of the particular organ by its owner, or from
+sympathy with another abused organ, or
+from general abuse of the system. But, at
+other times, there seems to be an active discontent
+springing up in an organ, to the quelling
+of which the entire Subconscious Mind
+bends its energy and forces. Very often
+these rebellions are started by adverse auto-suggestions
+or fearthoughts emanating from
+the conscious mind of the individual, which
+act according to the law of suggestion and
+practically <i>hypnotize</i> the mind of the organ
+in question.</p>
+
+<p>This idea of each organ having a mind of
+its own—being practically an entity, in fact—may
+be somewhat startling to those who have
+never had the matter presented to them, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>
+the statement is backed up by the best scientific
+authorities who, however, do not usually
+state it in so plain terms, or popular form.
+It is likely that the science of the future will
+make some great discoveries regarding this
+matter of the “collective mind” of the organs,
+and that the schools of medicine will
+adapt the new knowledge to the treatment of
+disease. In the meantime, the practitioners
+of Mental Healing are availing themselves of
+this principle, often without realizing the
+principle itself.</p>
+
+<p>The writer has been interested in this subject
+of the “organ mind” for a number of
+years, and has conducted a number of experiments
+along this line, the result being that he
+feels more firmly convinced each year of the
+truth of the theory or idea. He has found
+that mental treatments based on this theory
+have been very successful, much more so in
+fact than those conducted in pursuance to
+other theories. It seems that by applying the
+suggestive treatment direct to the affected
+organ a quicker response is had. The writer
+is indebted to Dr. Paul Edwards, a well
+known mental healer, who several years ago<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>
+advanced the idea that the mind or “intelligence”
+in the several organs differed greatly
+in temperament and quality. He informed
+us that he had proven to his own satisfaction
+that the heart is “<i>very</i> intelligent,” and
+quite amenable to mild, gentle, coaxing suggestions,
+advice or orders; while, on the
+other hand, the liver is a most mulish, stubborn,
+obstinate organ-mind, which requires
+one to drive it in a sharp positive manner.
+Investigation along these lines suggested by
+Dr. Edwards has convinced the writer that
+the theory is warranted by the facts. Experiments
+have shown that the heart organ-mind
+is gentle, mild, and easily influenced by
+kindly suggestion, advice and requests, and
+that it needs but a word directed to it to attract
+its attention. Likewise, the liver has
+been found to be brutish, stubborn and obstinate,
+needing the most vigorous suggestions—in
+short the liver-mind is a donkey
+and must be so treated. The liver-mind is
+sluggish, torpid and sleepy, and needs much
+prodding before it will “sit up and take notice.”
+The stomach has been found to be
+quite intelligent, especially when it has not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>
+been brutalized by “stuffing.” It will readily
+respond to suggestive treatment of all kinds,
+it being noticed that it may be easily flattered
+or “jollied” into good behavior, just
+as may certain children. The nervous system
+has a mind of its own, and will accept
+suggestions, although it is usually difficult
+to attract its attention, owing to its habit of
+concentration upon its regular work. The
+bowel-mind will respond to firm, kind treatment,
+as will also the uterus-mind and the
+mind controlling the other organs peculiar
+to women.</p>
+
+<p>In another work, the writer has said regarding
+this form of treatment of the organs
+through their organ-minds: “Remember,
+always, that you are mind talking to mind,
+not to dead matter. There is mind in every
+cell, nerve, organ and part of the body, and
+in the body as a whole, and this mind will
+listen to your central mind and obey it, because
+your central mind is positive to it—the
+organ is negative to <i>you</i>. Carry this
+idea with you in giving these treatments, and
+endeavor to visualize the mind in the organs,
+as clearly as may be, for by so doing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>
+you get them in better <i>rapport</i> with you, and
+can handle them to better advantage. And
+always remember that the virtue lies not in
+the mere sound of the words that happen to
+reach the organ or cells—they do not understand
+words as words, but they do understand
+the meaning behind the words. But
+without words it is very hard for you to
+think, or clearly express the feeling—and
+so, by all means use the words just as if the
+organ-mind understood the actual meaning
+thereof, for by so doing you can drive in the
+meaning of the word—and induce the mental
+state and conditions necessary to work
+the cure.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. S. F. Meacham, in a magazine article
+published several years ago, said: “Let me
+once more call your attention to that one
+great principle of disease and cure. It is
+the only medical creed I hold to-day and will
+bear repeating, lest we neglect it. <i>Disease
+is a failure of the cells to make good their
+waste, or to do their full duty.</i> This may be
+an individual matter with the cell, or may
+result from imperfect co-operation; there<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span>
+may be a mutiny in the co-operative commonwealth
+constituting the body. Apart
+from all mutual help, or co-operation of cells,
+each individual cell must either do its full
+duty, or suffer, and perchance die, as the
+result. Remember that each individual cell
+lives, and has an office that no other cell can
+fill to save it. If the other cell does the work,
+it will live, but the failing cell will not profit
+thereby. By co-operating they may lighten
+each other’s labors, but <i>no cell is or can be
+exempt from doing its part</i>. Any failure of
+this kind is disease either local or general,
+according to the degree and nature of the
+failure, or according to the importance of
+the mutinous or weakened cell. A cure results
+when the cells again do their work. Or,
+if a certain number die, a cure is established
+when other cells learn to do that particular
+work, which is sometimes the case. A remedy
+is any substance, or force, or procedure
+that will stimulate, or help, or remove obstacles
+that prevent these cells from doing their
+work. <i>Keep in mind, that the life process
+acting through or in the cell does the work
+either aided, or alone.</i> The lesson then is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>
+that all these methods do good, and that owing
+to the view point, mental status, or expectancy
+of the individual, now one and now
+another method will appeal to him and be
+accepted. No matter what we do, we aid,
+we assist only—we do not cure....
+<i>The process going on in each cell is an intelligent
+one</i>, and all extrinsic methods are
+really but suggestions offered to the cell,
+the real worker; and the fact is that any one
+of these helps may be chosen, and all may
+be rejected....”</p>
+
+<p>“The repair of a cell is as equally as intellectual
+a process as any other can be. If,
+for instance, blind force can repair one cell,
+it can many; if it can build one, it can all,
+and mind and intellect are then without
+causal efficacy, without spontaneity, and
+blind force, fatality and purposeless action
+reign supreme.... According to this
+theory the building and repairing of cells
+would not be intellectual, as there would be
+no working plan or purpose. I am aware
+that a purely extrinsic study of the cells
+and of the body will force this conclusion
+upon any candid, unprejudiced mind; but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>
+<i>a study from the inside</i> is a different matter.
+A cell, looked at from without, moves
+only when stimulated; but is this really true?
+The body is but a compound of cells when
+viewed from the outside; then if one cell
+moves when stimulated, why not twenty, a
+hundred, a thousand, a billion, the entire
+body? But is it true of the body? You
+come to me and propose some scheme, or act,
+which I carry out. Now is your proposition
+the real cause of my act, or only a condition?
+Do I not choose, and either do the thing or
+not, as determined from within? If this is
+true of the body, why not of the cell? May
+not the stimulation we see be a condition
+only, and the real cause of the act be within
+the cell itself?... The cell is not a
+mere machine, <i>but a living entity</i>, doing
+everything that the body does. It eats,
+drinks, moves, reproduces its kind, selects
+its food, repairs its waste, etc. These are
+intellectual processes, but may not be
+conscious....</p>
+
+<p>“The cure consists in the repairing of
+the wasted tissue, and in the cells restoring
+and repairing themselves into a definite pat<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>tern,
+necessary to mutual work, so that the
+commonwealth may prosper. Air, water, sunshine,
+food, etc., are necessary to the performance
+of this work of repair. When
+these are furnished, even under the best conditions
+possible, the cells must use them to
+build up the waste, and this they do by their
+internal forces. But this process is what is
+called repair on the one hand, and cure on
+the other. External means may be essential,
+but that will not make them really curative....
+It is well, also, to keep in mind that
+external in the true sense of the term as
+we are using it here. <i>Any force outside of
+the diseased cell is an external force to that
+cell even if it be thought-force.</i> Disease is
+always treated by external force, external as
+defined above, and all disease is just as
+surely cured by internal force—viz.: <i>force
+resident in the cell itself</i>. Here we all stand
+around the suffering cell, one with drug-power
+in his hand, another with electricity,
+or water, or heat, or directed attention—thought-force
+or more nourishment which
+necessitates a better circulation to that area,
+or some other of the thousand therapeutic<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span>
+measures, and we are close enough together
+at last to see that we are simply using different
+stimuli to try to aid the real worker
+within the cell to do his work by furnishing,
+not only material that is necessary, but force
+as well, that out of the abundance his work
+may be easy and rapid.”</p>
+
+<p>The reader who will consider the numerous
+instances of cure by Suggestion or
+Faith-Cure, as noted in the following chapters,
+will be better able to understand the
+principle underlying these cures if he will
+realize the fact brought out so forcibly by
+Dr. Meacham, as above quoted. The attention
+of the patient being directed to the organ
+affected, in connection with the stimulating
+and vitalizing effect of Faith and Belief,
+starts into renewed activity the cell-mind
+of the organ in question, and arouses
+its reparative and recuperative energies.
+Each organ, and its component cells and cell-groups,
+is of course under the control of the
+Subconscious Mind, and forms a part of the
+material embodiment thereof. The Subconscious
+Mind, being stimulated by the Suggestion
+and Faith, and having its Expectant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>
+Attention aroused, concentrates its energies
+upon the reparative and recuperative processes
+in the organ, and the work of cure proceeds.
+The cure, in every case, is simply
+either repair work, or else the restoration
+of normal functioning—in either case the
+cells themselves doing the work.</p>
+
+<p>In the consideration of the reasons underlying
+the cure of disease by Psycho-Therapeutics,
+we must first consider the question
+of what disease really is. And in this phase
+of the consideration, it will be well for us to
+first dispel the erroneous ideas concerning
+disease which we have been entertaining.
+Perhaps the following striking statement
+from Sidney Murphy, M. D., printed in the
+magazine “Suggestion” several years ago,
+may help you to form a correct idea of the
+nature of disease, or rather a correct idea
+of what disease <i>is not</i>. Dr. Murphy says, in
+the said article, among other things: “Prof.
+S. D. Gross, formerly of the New York University
+Medical School, says: ‘Of the essence
+of disease very little is known—indeed
+nothing at all.’ Nevertheless it is evident<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>
+that medical men have an idea on the subject.
+The theory generally held, I believe,
+is that disease is destructive action; but just
+what this means, whether destructive action
+on the part of vitality itself, or by something
+acting upon the vitality, is not so clear; but
+we are enabled to gain some light by reference
+to the expression used in medical books concerning
+it. Thus we find that disease ‘attacks
+us,’ that it ‘seats itself in an organ,’
+that ‘it works through us, runs its course,’
+etc. It is also said to be ‘very malignant,’
+or ‘quite mild,’ ‘persistently resisting all
+treatment,’ or ‘yielding readily’ to it. In
+fact, it is considered an entity, possessing
+character and disposition and general vital
+qualities—a something which domiciles itself
+in the vital domain, and exercises its
+forces to the destruction of the vital powers.
+It is indeed spoken of as one would speak of
+a rat in his granary, or a mouse in his cupboard,
+and efforts are made to dislodge it,
+or kill it, as one would dislodge or kill any
+other living thing. This theory of disease
+is beginning to be looked upon even by the
+medical world as untenable. Living things<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>
+are always possessed of organizations having
+form or shape; and hence if disease were
+such, its form would be discerned and described;
+a thing which never has been done.
+Disease by our ancestors was considered a
+subtile and mysterious thing which pounced
+down upon us, and runs its course without any
+reference to causes; and language being
+formed to convey this idea, it has been transmitted
+almost unchanged from generation
+to generation down to the present time. And
+the medical profession of to-day is simply
+an embodiment of that idea. It is probable
+that the term ‘destructive action’ is generally
+held to mean destructive action on the
+part of the vitality itself.... Life in
+organic form is developed according to law.
+Slowly rising into power, organization at
+length reaches its zenith, and then goes down
+the gentle declivity, until the soul steps off
+into the great beyond, without pain or struggle,
+provided always that the conditions of
+life are natural and therefore favorable; but
+if these be unfavorable, unfavorable results
+must of course follow; vitality, nevertheless,
+doing the best it can under the circum<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>stances
+to preserve the normal state of the
+body. Disease, we propose to show, is not
+antagonistic to vital action, but the opposite,
+a remedial effort, <i>or vital action on the
+defensive</i>. It is not a downward tendency,
+nor the result of a downward tendency on
+the part of a living organism, but is itself
+an upward or self-preservative tendency, the
+result of disobedience to natural laws. <i>It
+is simply abnormal action, because of abnormal
+conditions.</i>”</p>
+
+<p>In considering the above revolutionary
+statement of Dr. Murphy, we must remember
+that “vitality” or “vital force” is simply
+the action of the Subconscious Mind
+operating through the sympathetic system,
+the organ-minds, and the cell-minds. <i>All
+vital energy, at the last is mental energy.</i>
+And, we must also remember that the “abnormal
+conditions” which Dr. Murphy
+speaks of as being the cause of “abnormal
+action” or disease, are not confined alone to
+physical or material conditions, but also to
+abnormal mental conditions, such as fear-thought,
+adverse suggestions, improper use
+of the imagination, etc. As we have seen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>
+in the preceding chapters, the causes of disease
+may be mental as well as material or
+physical.</p>
+
+<p>The Subconscious Mind in its vital activities
+is constantly at work building up, repairing,
+growing, nourishing, supporting
+and regulating the body, doing its best to
+throw off abnormal conditions, and seeking
+to do the best it can when these conditions
+cannot be removed. With its source pure and
+unpolluted the stream of vitality flows on
+unhindered, but when the poison of fear-thought,
+adverse suggestion and false belief
+is poured into the source or spring from
+which the stream rises, it follows that the
+waters of life will no longer be pure and
+clear. Let us notice the general direction of
+the vital activities of the Subconscious Mind.</p>
+
+<p>In the first place we find that the vital activities
+are primarily concerned with <i>self-preservation</i>,
+that is with the preservation
+of the individual and the race. One has but
+to notice the ever-present manifestation of
+the “race instinct” which draws the males
+and females of the several species together,
+that they may mate and bring forth the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>
+young needed to keep alive the species. The
+parental devotions, with its many sacrifices
+of personal pleasure for the young, are instances
+ever before us. And no less striking
+is the companion activities which make
+for the preservation of the individual. The
+instinctive tendency toward self-preservation
+is so strong that it overpowers the reason
+in the majority of cases. Men may decry
+the value of life, but let their life be
+threatened and the instinctive protective
+feeling causes them to fight for life against
+all odds. “All that a man hath will he give
+for his life.” And this instinctive activity
+is manifest not only in the individual as a
+whole, but in every cell of his body. Every
+cell is striving hard for the welfare of the
+community of which it forms a part. Even
+in disease it strives to throw off the abnormal
+conditions which afflict the body, and
+failing to do so it hobbles along doing the
+best it can under the circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>The tiny seed sprouting in the ground,
+and lifting weights a thousand times that of
+itself, shows the self-preservative energies
+and activities of the mind principle within<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span>
+it. The healing work of the cells in the case
+of a wound, or of a broken bone, as described
+elsewhere in this book, gives us another example.
+The healing efforts of the organism
+striving to throw off the morbid substances
+within the body, purging them away in a
+flux, or burning them up with a fever, show
+the operations of the same principle. This,
+we have seen, is called the <i>vis medicatrix naturae</i>,
+or “healing power of nature,” which
+operates in man as well as in the case of the
+lower animals—but it is really but the operations
+of the great Subconscious Mind of the
+individual. As Dr. Murphy, previously
+quoted, says: “Certainly all experience declares
+and all physicians will admit that
+where vital power is abundant in a man he
+will get well from almost any injuries short
+of complete destruction of vital organs; but
+where vitality is low, recovery is much more
+difficult, if not impossible, which can only
+be explained on the principle that vitality
+always works upward toward life and health
+to the extent of its ability under the circumstances,
+because, if it worked downward, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>
+less vitality, the more surely and speedily
+would death result.”</p>
+
+<p>Following the law of self-preservation, we
+find that of <i>accommodation</i> manifesting itself
+in the vital activities of the Subconscious
+Mind. This principle or law works in the
+direction of <i>adjusting the organism to conditions
+which it cannot remedy</i>. Thus a sapling
+bent out of shape, will bend its branches
+upward until once more they will reach toward
+the sky notwithstanding the deformed
+trunk. Seed sprouting from a narrow crevice
+in a rock, and unable to split the rock,
+will assume a deformed shape but will hold
+tenaciously to life, and will thrive under
+these abnormal conditions. This principle
+of accommodation acts upon the idea of “life
+at any price,” and of “making the best of
+things.” Man and the lower animals accommodate
+themselves to their environment,
+when they are unable to overcome the unsatisfactory
+conditions of the latter. The
+study of anthropology, natural history, and
+botany will convince anyone that the principle
+of accommodation is everywhere present
+in connection with that of self-preserva<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>tion.
+And the diseased conditions, and
+abnormal functioning, which we find in cases
+of chronic diseases is simply the principle
+of accommodation in the vital activities of
+the Subconscious Mind, but which it is “trying
+to make the best of it,” and holding
+on to “life at any price.”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Murphy, previously quoted, says:
+“Disease, in its essential nature, has a
+deeper significance than simply abnormal
+manifestations. It is really a remedial effort,
+not necessarily successful, but an attempt
+to change, or have changed existing
+conditions. And for this reason any improper
+relation of the living organism to
+external agents necessarily results in an injury
+to that organism, which by virtue of its
+being self-preservative, immediately sets up
+defensive action, and begins as soon as possible
+to repair the damages that have accrued.
+This defensive or reparative action,
+of course, corresponds to the conditions to
+be corrected, and hence is abnormal and diseased;
+and its severity and persistence will
+depend upon the damages to be repaired,
+and the intensity and persistence of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>
+causes that produced it. Serious injury
+present or impending will demand serious
+vital action; desperate conditions, desperate
+action. But in all cases the action is
+vital, an attempt at restoration, and the energy
+displayed will exactly correspond to
+the interests involved and the vitality that
+is available.”</p>
+
+<p>From the above, and from what has been
+shown in previous chapters, it will be seen
+that just as is health the result of the normal
+functioning of the Subconscious Mind,
+so is disease the result of its abnormal
+functioning. And it may also be seen that
+the true healing power must come alone from
+and through the Subconscious Mind itself,
+although the same may be aroused, awakened
+and directed by various outside agencies.
+As Dr. Thomson J. Hudson says:
+“Granted that there is an intelligence that
+controls the functions of the body in health,
+it follows that it is the same power or energy
+that fails in case of disease. Failing,
+it requires assistance; and that is what all
+therapeutic agencies aim to accomplish. No
+intelligent physician of any school claims<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>
+to be able to do more than to ‘assist nature’
+to restore normal conditions of the body.
+That it is a mental energy that thus requires
+assistance, no one denies; for science teaches
+us that the whole body is made up of a confederation
+of intelligent entities, each of
+which performs its functions with an intelligence
+exactly adapted to the performance of
+its special duties as a member of the confederacy.
+There is, indeed, no life without
+mind, from the lowest unicellular organism
+up to man. <i>It is therefore a mental energy
+that actuates every fiber of the body under
+all its conditions. That there is a central intelligence
+that controls each of these mind
+organisms, is self-evident....</i> It is
+sufficient for us to know that such an intelligence
+exists, and that, for the time being,
+it is the controlling energy that normally
+regulates the action of the myriad cells of
+which the body is composed. <i>It is, then, a
+mental organism that all therapeutic
+agencies are designed to energize, when, for
+any cause, it fails to perform its functions
+with reference to any part of the physical
+structure.</i>”</p>
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER V</h2>
+
+<p class="center">THE HISTORY OF PSYCHO-THERAPY</p>
+
+<p>One of the most remarkable achievements
+of the New Psychology is that of gathering
+up the scattered instances of the effect of
+the power of the mind over the body, under
+the various masks and guises worn during
+the ages, and uniting them in one broad and
+general synthesis in which is to be seen the
+one fundamental principle of Mental Healing
+operating under a thousand names,
+forms and theories, in every race, nation
+and clime in all ages past and present. The
+New Psychology is the great reconciler of
+the various theories, dogmas and speculations
+concerned with the subject of the
+strange cures effected by the mind, as well as
+with the equally strange adverse effect upon
+the physical organism of negative thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>From the earliest days of history we find
+records of strange and marvelous cures effected
+by non-material agents. In some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>
+cases the effect is attributed to magical
+power, while in others, and the majority of
+cases, the cure is attributed to some particular
+religious belief, creed or ceremony. Not
+only in the folk-lore of the several races, and
+in their general traditions, but also in the
+written and graven record do we find traces
+of the universality of the principle of mental
+therapeutics.</p>
+
+<p>H. Addington Bruce says: “Psychotherapy
+might well be cited in support of
+the old adage that there is nothing new but
+what has been forgotten. Traces of it are to
+be found almost as far back as authentic history
+extends, and even allusion to methods
+which bear a strong resemblance to those of
+modern times. The literature and monumental
+remains of ancient Egypt, Greece,
+Rome, Persia, India and China reveal a
+widespread knowledge of hypnotism and its
+therapeutic value. There is in the British
+Museum a bas-relief from Thebes which has
+been interpreted as representing a physician
+hypnotizing a patient by making ‘passes’
+over him. According to the Ebers papyrus,
+the ‘laying on of hands’ formed a prominent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>
+feature of Egyptian medical practice as
+early as 1552 B. C., or nearly thirty-five hundred
+years ago; and it is known that a similar
+mode of treatment was employed by
+priests of Chaldea in ministering to the sick.
+So, also, the priests of the famous Temples
+of Health are credited with having worked
+numerous cures by the mere touch of the
+hands. In connection with these same
+Temples of Health were sleeping chambers,
+repose in which was supposed to be exceptionally
+beneficial. Asclepiades of Bithynia,
+who won considerable fame at Rome as a
+physician, systematically made use of the
+‘induced trance’ in the treatment of certain
+diseases. Plautus, Martial, and Seneca refer
+in their writings to some mysterious
+process of manipulation which had the same
+effect—that is, of putting persons into an artificial
+sleep. And Solon sang, apparently,
+of some form of mesmeric cure:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+<div class="stanza">
+<div class="line">“‘The smallest hurts sometimes increase and rage</div>
+<div class="line i1">More than all art of physic can assuage;</div>
+<div class="line i1">Sometimes the fury of the worst disease</div>
+<div class="line i1">The hand by gentle stroking, will appease.’</div>
+</div></div></div>
+
+<p>“Many other instances might be men<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>tioned
+testifying to the remarkable extent to
+which psycho-therapy, in one form or another,
+was utilized in the countries of the
+ancient world. This, of course, does not
+necessarily imply that the ancients had any
+real understanding of the psychological and
+physiological principles governing its operation.
+On the contrary, there is every reason
+to believe that they used it much as do
+too many of the mental healers of to-day—on
+the basis of ‘faith cure’ pure and simple,
+with no attempt at diagnosis, and in a hit-or-miss
+fashion. It was not until the very
+end of the Middle Ages, so far as history informs
+us, that anything even remotely resembling
+a scientific inquiry into its nature
+and possibilities was undertaken, and then
+only in a faint, vague, indefinite way, by
+men who were metaphysicians and mystics
+rather than scientists. The first of these,
+Petrys Pomponatius, a sixteenth-century
+philosopher, sought to prove that disease
+was curable without drugs, by means of the
+‘magnetism’ existing in certain specially
+gifted individuals. ‘When those who are endowed
+with this faculty,’ he affirmed, ‘oper<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>ate
+by employing the force of the imagination
+and the will, this force affects their
+blood and their spirits, which produce the
+intended effects by means of an evaporation
+thrown outwards.’ Following Pomponatius,
+John Baptist von Helmont, to whom medical
+science owes a great deal, also proclaimed
+the curative virtue of magnetism, which he
+described as an invisible fluid called forth
+and directed by the influence of the human
+will. Other writers, notably Sir Kenelm
+Digby, laid stress on the power of the imagination
+as an agent in the cause as well as
+the cure of disease, compiling in a curious
+little treatise published in 1658, as interesting
+a collection of illustrative cases as is
+contained in the literature of modern psycho-therapy.”</p>
+
+<p>In the Middle Ages, we read that there
+were many instances of miraculous cures effected
+at the various shrines of the saints,
+and in the churches in which were exhibited
+the bones and other relics of the holy people
+of church history. As Dr. George R.
+Patton says: “A word scrawled upon parchment,
+for instance, would cure fevers; an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>
+hexameter from the Iliad of Homer cured
+gout, while rheumatism succumbed to a verse
+from Lamentations. These could be multiplied,
+and undoubtedly all were equally potent
+of cure in like manner.... At one
+time holy wells were to be found in almost
+every parish of Ireland, to which wearisome
+journeys were made for the miraculous powers
+of cure. It was the custom of the cured
+to hang upon the bushes contiguous to the
+springs small fragments of their clothing, or
+a cane, or a crutch as a memento of cure, so
+that from afar the springs could be easily
+located by the many colored fragments of
+clothing, rags, canes and crutches swayed
+upon the branches by the wind. Inasmuch
+as the bushes for many rods around were
+thus adorned, the cures must have been far
+from few.”</p>
+
+<p>In the Middle Ages it was the custom of
+persons afflicted with scrofula and kindred
+disorders to come before the king upon certain
+days to receive the “Royal Touch,” or
+laying-on-of-hands which was held to be an
+infallible specific for the disease. The cus<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>tom
+was instituted by Edward the Confessor,
+and continued until the accession to
+power of the house of Brunswick. It is a
+matter of history that many persons were
+cured by the touch of the king’s hands.
+Wiseman, a celebrated surgeon and physician
+of old London testifies as follows: “I
+myself have been an eye-witness of many
+thousands of cures performed by his majesty’s
+touch alone, without any assistance of
+medicine or surgery, and those, many of
+them, such as had tired out the endeavors
+of able surgeons before they came hither....
+I must needs profess that what I
+write will little more than show the weakness
+of our ability when compared with his
+majesty’s, who cureth more in one year than
+all the surgeons of London have done in an
+age.” The virtue of the “King’s Touch”
+was finally brought in doubt by the wonderful
+successes of a man by the name of Valentine
+Greatrakes, who in the Seventeenth Century
+began “laying on hands” and made
+even more wonderful cures than those of the
+king. So marked was his success that the
+government had difficulty in suppressing the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>
+growing conviction among the common people
+that Greatrakes must be of royal blood,
+and the rightful heir to the throne, because
+of the great healing virtues of his hands,
+which, they argued, could be possessed only
+by those having royal blood in their veins.
+The Chirurgical Society of London investigated
+Greatrakes’ cures, and rendered an
+opinion that he healed by virtue of “some
+mysterious sanative contagion in his body.”</p>
+
+<p>But perhaps the most notable figure in the
+European history of Mental Healing was
+Franz Anton Mesmer, a native of Switzerland,
+who was born in 1734, and who later
+in the century created the greatest excitement
+in several European countries by his
+strange theories and miraculous claims.
+Frank Podmore in a recent work says of
+Mesmer: “He had no pretensions to be a
+thinker; he stole his philosophy ready-made
+from a few belated alchemists; and his entire
+system of healing was based on a delusion.
+His extraordinary success was due to
+the lucky accident of the times. Mesmer’s
+first claim to our remembrance lies in this—that
+he wrested the privilege of healing from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>
+the churches and gave it to mankind as a
+universal possession.”</p>
+
+<p>Mesmer held that there was in Nature a
+universal magnetic force which had a powerful
+therapeutic effect when properly applied.
+He cured many people by touching
+them with an iron rod, through which he
+claimed the universal magnetism flowed
+from his body to that of the patient. He
+called this magnetic fluid “animal magnetism.”
+Later on he devised his celebrated
+“magnetic tub” or <i>baquet</i>, by means of
+which he was able to treat his patients <i>en
+masse</i>. Podmore gives the following interesting
+account of scenes surrounding his
+treatments:</p>
+
+<p>“The baquet was a large oaken tub, four
+or five feet in diameter and a foot or more
+in depth, closed by a wooden cover. Inside
+the tub were placed bottles full of water disposed
+in rows radiating from the center, the
+necks in some of the rows pointing towards
+the center, in others away from it. All these
+bottles had been previously ‘magnetized’ by
+Mesmer. Sometimes there were several
+rows of bottles, one above the other; the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>
+machine was then said to be at high pressure.
+The bottles rested on layers of powdered
+glass and iron filings. The tub itself
+was filled with water. The whole machine,
+it will be seen, was a kind of travesty of the
+galvanic cell. To carry out the resemblance,
+the cover of the tub was pierced with holes,
+through which passed slender iron rods of
+varying lengths, which were jointed and
+movable, so that they could be readily applied
+to any part of the patient’s body.
+Round this battery the patients were seated
+in a circle, each with his iron rod. Further,
+a cord, attached at one end to the tub, was
+passed round the body of each of the sitters,
+so as to bind them all into a chain. Outside
+the first a second circle would frequently
+be formed, who would connect themselves
+together by holding hands. Mesmer,
+in a lilac robe, and his assistant operators—vigorous
+and handsome young men selected
+for the purpose—walked about the room,
+pointing their fingers or an iron rod held in
+their hands at the diseased parts.”</p>
+
+<p>Mesmer made many wonderful cures, and
+attracted wide attention. In 1781 the king<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>
+of France offered him a pension of thirty
+thousand livres if he would make public his
+secret. The offer was refused, but he gave
+private instruction and opened a school.
+He had many pupils and followers, prominent
+among whom was the Marquis de Puysegur,
+who made discoveries resulting in the
+identification of Mesmerism with the “trance
+condition” now commonly associated with
+the term, whereas originally Mesmerism included
+simply the healing process. Mesmer’s
+methods continued popular for many
+years after his death, until Braid’s work resulted
+in the founding of the modern school
+of Hypnotism, and Mesmerism died out.</p>
+
+<p>The Abbe Faria, about 1815, after investigating
+Mesmerism and attracting much attention,
+discarded the “fluidic” theory of
+Mesmer, and held, instead, that in order to
+induce the mesmeric state and to produce the
+phenomena thereof, it was necessary merely
+to create a mental state of “expectant attention”
+on the part of the patient. The
+cause of the state and the phenomena, he
+held, was not in the operator but in the
+mind of the patient—purely subjective, in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>
+fact. Alexander Bertrand, a Frenchman,
+published a work about this time, holding
+theories similar to those of Faria. In 1841
+James Braid, an English physician, becoming
+interested in Mesmerism, discovered that
+the mesmeric state might be artificially induced
+by staring at bright objects until the
+eyes became fatigued, etc., and, later, that
+any method whereby concentration and “expectant
+attention” might be induced would
+produce the phenomenon. He duplicated all
+the feats of the mesmerists, including the
+healing of diseases. He called his new system
+“Hypnotism” to distinguish it from
+Mesmerism, and under its new name it
+gained favor among the medical fraternity.
+Moreover, in connection with his predecessors,
+Faria and Bertrand, he laid the basis
+for the modern theories of Suggestive
+Therapeutics.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly after Braid’s death, in 1860, Dr.
+A. A. Liebault, a French physician, established
+his since famous School of Nancy, in
+which during the after years the later wonderful
+discoveries in Suggestive Therapeutics
+were made. He used the methods of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>
+hypnotism, but Suggestion was ever the operative
+principle recognized and applied.
+Liebault said: “It is all a matter of Suggestion.
+My patients are <i>suggested</i> to sleep,
+and their ills are <i>suggested</i> out of them. It
+is very simple, once you understand the laws
+of Suggestion.” Dr. Charcot, in his celebrated
+clinic in the Salpetriere, in Paris,
+did great work along the same general lines,
+although proceeding under somewhat different
+theories. Following the example of
+these and other eminent authorities, the
+medical fraternity has gradually adopted
+many of the ideas of Suggestive Therapeutics,
+and to-day many of the best medical
+schools throughout this country and
+Europe give instruction in this branch of
+healing. Many books have been written on
+the subject by eminent medical authorities,
+and the indications are that during the present
+century Suggestive Therapeutics, in its
+various forms, will come even more prominently
+into popular favor, and that it will
+be developed far beyond its present limits.
+Experimental work along these lines is now<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>
+being conducted in many psychological laboratories
+in our great universities.</p>
+
+<p>At the same time, as we shall now see,
+Mental Healing has been attracting much attention
+along other lines, outside of the
+medical profession, and often allied with religious
+and metaphysical movements. To
+understand the subject, we must study it in
+all of its phases.</p>
+
+<p>In the early part of the nineteenth century
+Elijah Perkins, an ignorant blacksmith living
+in Connecticut conceived a queer idea of
+curing disease by means of a peculiar pair
+of tongs manufactured by himself, one prong
+being of brass and the other of steel. These
+tongs were called “tractors,” and were applied
+to the body of the patient in the region
+affected by disease, the body being stroked
+in a downward direction for a period of
+about ten minutes. The tractors were used
+to treat all manner of complaints, ailments
+and diseases, internal and external, with a
+wonderful degree of success. Almost miraculous
+cures of all manner of complaints
+were reported, and people flocked to Per<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>kins
+from far and near in order to receive
+the benefit of his wonderful treatments.</p>
+
+<p>Soon this system of healing came to be
+called “Perkinsism,” as a tribute to the inventor.
+The popularity of the system spread
+rapidly in the United States, particularly in
+New England, every city and many towns
+patronizing Perkins’ practitioners and healers.
+From this country the craze spread to
+Great Britain, and even to the Continent.
+Centers of treatment, and even hospitals,
+were established by the “Perkinsites,” and
+the fame of the tractors increased daily in
+ever widening circles. In Europe alone it
+is reported that over 1,500,000 cures were
+performed, and the medical fraternity were
+at their wit’s ends to explain the phenomenon.
+Finally, Dr. Haygarth, of London,
+conceived the idea that the real virtue of
+the cures was vested in the minds, belief and
+imagination of the patients rather than in
+the tractors, and that the cures were the result
+of the induced mental states of the patients
+instead of by the metallic qualities of
+the apparatus. He determined to investigate
+the matter under this hypothesis, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>
+accordingly constructed a pair of tractors of
+wood, painted to resemble the genuine ones.
+The following account by Bostock describes
+the result: “He accordingly formed pieces
+of wood into the shape of tractors and with
+much assumed pomp and ceremony applied
+them to a number of sick persons who had
+been previously prepared to expect something
+extraordinary. The effects were found
+to be astonishing. Obstinate pains in the
+limbs were suddenly cured; joints that had
+long been immovable were restored to motion,
+and, in short, except the renewal of lost
+parts or the change in mechanical structure,
+nothing seemed beyond their power to accomplish.”
+The exposure of this experiment,
+and the general acceptance of the explanation
+of the phenomena, caused “Perkinsism”
+to die out rapidly, and at the present
+time it is heard of only in connection
+with the history of medicine and in the pages
+of works devoted to the subject of the effect
+of the mind over the body.</p>
+
+<p>The success of “Perkinsism” is but a
+typical instance which is duplicated every
+twenty years or so by the rapid rise, spread<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>
+and then rapid decline of some new “craze”
+in healing, all of which, when investigated
+are seen to be but new examples of the power
+of the mental states of faith and imagination
+upon the physical organism. The well-known
+“blue glass” craze of about thirty-five
+years ago gives us another interesting
+example. General Pleasanton, a well-known
+and prominent citizen of Philadelphia, announced
+his discovery that the rays of the
+sun passing through the medium of blue
+glass possessed a wonderful therapeutic
+value. The idea fired the public imagination
+at once, and the General’s book met with a
+large sale. Everyone, seemingly, began to
+experiment with the blue glass rays. Windows
+were fitted with blue glass panes, and
+the patients sat so that the sun’s rays might
+fall upon them after passing through the
+blue panes. Wonderful cures were reported
+from all directions, the results of “Perkinsism”
+being duplicated in almost every detail.
+Even cripples reported cures, and
+many chronic and “incurable” cases were
+healed almost instantaneously. Bedridden
+people threw aside their blankets and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>
+walked again, after a brief treatment. The
+interest developed into a veritable “craze,”
+and the glass factories were operated overtime
+in order to meet the overwhelming
+demand for blue glass, the price of which rapidly
+advanced to fifty cents and even a dollar
+for a small pane, because of the scarcity.
+It was freely predicted that the days of
+physicians were over, and that the blue glass
+was the long-sought-for panacea for all human
+ills. Suddenly, however, and from no
+apparent cause, the interest in the matter
+dropped, and now all that is left of the blue
+glass craze is the occasional sight of an old
+blue pane in some window, the owner of
+which evidently felt disinclined to pay the
+price of replacing it with a clear pane. Only
+a few days ago, in an old-fashioned quarter
+of a large city, the writer saw several panes
+of the old blue glass in the frame of the
+window of an old house which had seen better
+days but which was now used as a cheap
+tenement house.</p>
+
+<p>The history of medicine is filled with records
+of similar “crazes” following the announcement
+of some new method of “cure.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>”
+The striking peculiarity of these cures is
+that they all occur during the height of the
+excitement and notoriety of the early days
+of the announcement, while <i>they decline in
+proportion to the decline in public faith and
+interest</i>, the explanation being that in every
+instance the cure is effected by the action of
+the mental states of expectancy, faith, and
+the imagination of the patient, irrespective
+of any virtue in the method or system itself.
+In short, <i>all these cures belong to the category
+of faith-cures</i>—they are merely duplicates
+of the world-old cures resulting from
+faith in sacred relics, shrines, bones of holy
+people, sacred places, etc., of which nearly
+every religion has given us many examples.
+The history of medicine gives us many instances
+of the efficacy of the therapeutic
+power of Faith.</p>
+
+<p>Sir Humphrey Davy relates a case in
+which a man seriously ill manifested immediate
+improvement after the placing of a
+clinical thermometer in his mouth, he supposing
+that it was some new and powerful
+healing instrument. The grotesque remedies
+of the ancient physicians, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>
+<i>bizarre</i> decoctions of the quacks of the present,
+all work cures. The “bread-pills” and
+other placebos of the “regulars” have cured
+many a case when other remedies have
+failed.</p>
+
+<p>It is related that several hundred years
+ago, a young English law-student while on a
+lark with several of his boon companions
+found themselves in a rural inn, without
+money with which to pay their reckoning.
+Finally, after much thought, the young man
+called the inn-keeper and told him that he,
+the student, was a great physician, and that
+he would prepare for him a magic amulet
+which would cure all diseases, in return for
+the receipted account of himself and friends.
+The landlord gladly consented, and the
+young man wrote some gibberish on a bit of
+parchment, which together with sundry articles
+of rubbish he inserted in a silk cover.
+With a wise and dignified air he then departed.
+Many years rolled by, and the
+young man rose to the position of a High
+Justice of the realm. One day before him
+was brought a woman accused of magic and
+witchcraft. The evidence showed that she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>
+had cured many people by applying to their
+bodies a little magic amulet, which the
+church authorities considered to be the work
+of the devil. The woman, on the stand, admitted
+the use of the amulet and the many
+cures resulting therefrom, but defended herself
+by saying that the instrument of cure
+had been given to her father, now deceased,
+many years ago, by a great physician who
+had stopped at her father’s inn. She held
+that the cures were genuine medical cures
+resulting from the medicinal virtues of the
+amulet, and not the result of magic or witchcraft.
+The Justice asked to be handed the
+wonderful amulet. Ripping it open with his
+pen-knife, he found enclosed the identical
+scrawl inserted by himself many years before.
+He announced the circumstances from
+the bench, and discharged the woman—but
+the healing virtues of the amulet had disappeared,
+never to return. The cures were the
+result of the faith and imagination of the
+patients.</p>
+
+<p>The modern instances of the several great
+“Divine Healers,” such as John Alexander
+Dowie of Chicago, and Francis Schlatter of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>
+Denver, give us additional evidence of the
+efficacy of Faith as a therapeutic agent.
+John Alexander Dowie, a Scotch preacher,
+came to America some twenty years ago, and
+instituted a new religion in which healing
+was an important feature. He claimed that
+all disease was the result of the devil, and
+that belief in God and the prayers of Dowie
+and his assistants would work the cure of
+the devil’s evil operations. Great numbers
+flocked to Dowie’s standard, and thousands
+of wonderful cures were reported. His
+“Tabernacle” was filled with testimonials
+and trophies from cured people. Back of
+Dowie’s pulpit were displayed many
+crutches, plaster-casts, braces, and other
+spoils wrested from the devil by Dowie and
+his aids. His experience meetings were
+thronged with persons willing and anxious
+to testify that whereas they had been afflicted
+they were now whole again. Dowie succeeded
+in building up a great following all
+over the world, and had he not overreached
+himself and allowed his colossal vanity to
+overshadow his original ideas, the probability
+is that he would have founded a church<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>
+which would have endured for centuries. As
+it is, he was discredited and disowned by
+his followers, and his church is now but
+little more than a memory.</p>
+
+<p>Francis Schlatter, the German shoemaker
+of Denver, with his Divine Healing, was a
+well known figure in the west several years
+ago. He was undoubtedly a half-insane fanatic,
+believing himself inspired by God to
+heal the nations. Persons flocked to him
+from afar, and he is reported to have
+healed thousands, many of whom were suffering
+from serious ailments. He afterward
+disappeared, and is believed to have
+died in the desert of the far west. Students
+of Mental Suggestion and Psychic Therapeutics
+find in the instances of Dowie and
+Schlatter merely the same underlying principle
+of Mental Healing resulting from
+faith, which is operative in all of the other
+cases mentioned. The theology, creed, theories
+of methods have but little to do with
+the cures, so long as the proper degree of
+faith is induced in the mind of the patient.
+Faith in <i>anything</i> will work cures, providing
+it is sufficiently intense and active.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Another branch of Mental Healing is seen
+in the modern schools of the “New Thought,”
+“Mental Science,” “Christian Science,”
+and the “Emmanuel Movement.” The authorities
+generally agree upon tracing the
+rise of these several schools to the general
+interest in the subject manifested in the
+United States and Great Britain about the
+middle of the last century. Some of the authorities
+believe that this general interest
+was induced largely by the teachings of
+Charles Poyen, a Frenchman who came from
+France to New England about 1835, bringing
+with him the French teachings and theories
+regarding mesmerism and the phenomena
+allied thereto. Poyen’s teachings
+attracted marked interest and attention, and
+he soon had a host of followers, students and
+imitators. Teachers of the “new science”
+sprang up on all sides. Many theories were
+evolved and actively supported by the adherents
+of the several prominent teachers.
+The rise of interest in phrenology and the
+dawning interest in spiritualism aided the
+spread of the new teachings regarding mesmerism,
+clairvoyance, psychic healing, etc.,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>
+and the pages of many magazines and books
+published about that time show that a public
+taste had been created for the strange
+and mysterious.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. J. S. Grimes, a physician interested in
+phrenology, taught that the phenomena were
+due to the action of a strange atmospheric
+force which he called “etherium.” Rev. J.
+Bovee Dods evolved a theory based upon the
+supposed existence of an electrical principle,
+and called his system “Electro-Biology,” by
+means of which he attracted to himself a
+large following. Dods wrote several large
+books on the subject, and traveled on lecture
+tours in this country and Great Britain,
+arousing great enthusiasm and making
+many cures. Rev. Leroy Sunderland expounded
+the doctrine of “patheism,” in
+which he combined a strange mixture of
+mysticism and what has since been called
+“suggestion,” to which he afterward added
+the current teachings of spiritualism after
+his conversion to that philosophy. It would
+seem that credit should be given Sunderland
+for his early announcement of the principle
+of suggestion, for he said: “When a rela<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>tion
+is once established between an operator
+and his patient, corresponding changes
+may be induced in the nervous system of the
+latter by mere volition, and <i>by suggestions
+addressed to either of the external senses</i>.”
+The decade, 1840-1850 witnessed a remarkable
+interest in psychic phenomena of all
+kinds, and during that time there was undoubtedly
+laid the foundations upon which
+the later structures have since been erected.
+Any one reading the short stories of Poe,
+and other writers of that period, may readily
+see the state of public interest in these
+subjects at that time.</p>
+
+<p>The authorities generally agree that in
+Phineas Parkhurst Quimby we have the direct
+connecting link between the period just
+mentioned and the present. Quimby played
+quite an important role in the evolution of
+the modern conceptions of mental healing,
+or psycho-therapy as it is now called. He
+was a poor clockmaker, of quite limited
+means, of good character and a strong personality.
+His education is said to have been
+limited, but he made up for his lack in this
+respect by his naturally keen and inquiring<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>
+mind. In 1838 one of the teachers of mesmerism
+visited his home in Belfast, Maine,
+and Quimby attended the seance. He became
+intensely interested in what he saw,
+and in the theories propounded, and began
+to experiment on the people in his town, the
+result being that he soon acquired a reputation
+as a powerful mesmerist and a good
+healer. He followed along the general lines
+of the “Electro-Biology” theory for a time,
+and then evolved theories of his own. He
+cured himself and many others by manual
+treatment, and was soon kept quite busy in
+his healing work.</p>
+
+<p>Quimby, thinking deeply regarding the
+cures he was making, soon came to the conclusion
+that while his <i>cures</i> were genuine,
+his <i>theories</i> were wrong. He gradually
+evolved the idea that diseases are caused by
+erroneous thinking, and that his cures resulted
+from changing these wrong mental
+states for those based upon true conceptions.
+He held that all that is required to effect a
+cure is to bring about “a change of thought.”
+Following upon this new conception, he
+ceased mesmerizing his patients, and began<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span>
+to treat them by simply sitting by the side
+of the afflicted person, picturing him as well
+and whole, and impressing upon the patient’s
+mind that he is well and whole, <i>in Truth</i>.
+From this fundamental idea he gradually
+evolved a philosophy which has strongly influenced
+that of later schools. Quimby
+talked much regarding his great “discovery,”
+as he called it, and built great hopes
+upon establishing “the science of health and
+happiness.” He began to speak of the
+“Truth” in his “science,” which he held to
+be identical with that taught by Christ, and
+by means of which Jesus performed his miraculous
+cures. Before he had firmly established
+his “science,” however, he died, leaving
+his work to be carried on by others,
+notably by Dr. Warren F. Evans, and Julius
+A. Dresser, to whom should be given the
+credit for launching what is now known as
+“the New Thought Movement.”</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Mary Baker G. Eddy, who afterward
+established “Christian Science” was one of
+Quimby’s patients and students, and Dresser
+and others have positively stated and
+claimed that from him she received her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>
+ideas of the philosophy which she afterward
+developed into the great “Christian Science”
+movement. Mrs. Eddy, and her adherents,
+as positively deny to Quimby any
+credit for having inspired Mrs. Eddy’s
+work. We merely state the opposing sides
+of the controversy here, taking no sides in
+the matter, the discussion not concerning us
+in the present consideration.</p>
+
+<p>The success of Evans and Dresser, and of
+Mrs. Eddy, in their respective schools and
+organizations, have caused many other
+teachers to come to the front, until at the
+present time there are many schools, cults
+and organizations basing their cures upon
+the broad principles of Mental Healing.
+Mrs. Eddy, and her followers, deny having
+anything in common with the other schools,
+however, holding that the latter are concerned
+with “mortal mind” while “Christian
+Science” alone is based upon Divine
+Mind, or Truth. In spite of the conflicting
+claims and theories, the fact remains that
+thousands of persons have been healed of
+various diseases by the various schools,
+cults, and teachings. To the authorities who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span>
+stand outside of and apart from these opposing
+organizations, it seems that all the
+cures are based upon the same general principle,
+<i>i. e.</i>, that of the influence of mental
+states over physical conditions, and that religious
+theories or metaphysical philosophies
+have nothing whatever to do with the production
+of the cures, except in the direction
+of giving a strong suggestion to those accepting
+them. The fact that <i>all</i> the schools
+make cures, in about the same proportion,
+and of the same general classes of complaints,
+would seem to show that the theories
+and dogmas have nothing to do with the
+process of cure—and that the healing is done
+<i>in spite of the theories</i>, rather than because
+of them.</p>
+
+<p>The much advertised “Emmanuel Movement”
+now so popular in the orthodox
+churches throughout the country, is recognized
+by all the authorities as being nothing
+more than suggestion applied in connection
+with the religious and theological
+principles of the churches in question, and, in
+truth, as applying methods more in favor by
+the old school of mesmerists than by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span>
+later “New Thought” practitioners, or by
+the “Christian Science” healers. From this
+movement, however, there will probably
+evolve a more scientific system, manifesting
+none of the crudities which so disfigure its
+present stage, at least in the hands of some
+of its practitioners.</p>
+
+<p>In the following chapter we may see that
+the same element of Faith, Belief and Expectancy
+is manifested in all the various
+forms of Mental Healing, by whatever name,
+or under whatever theory, the method is applied.
+In short, that the cures are purely
+<i>psychological</i>, rather than metaphysical or
+religious, in their nature.</p>
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2>
+
+<p class="center">FAITH CURES</p>
+
+<p>Following the scientific study of the phenomena
+of cures of physical illness by means
+of the power of mental states, and the recognition
+of the fact that there is a common
+principle operative under the various guises
+and forms, there sprang into scientific usage
+the term “Faith Cures” which was used to
+designate all instances and forms of cures
+coming under the general classification of
+mental healing. Prof. Goddard defines the
+term as follows: “A term applied to the
+practice of curing disease by an appeal to
+the hope, belief, or expectation of the patient,
+and without the use of drugs or other
+material means. Formerly it was confined
+to methods requiring the exercise of religious
+faith, such as the ‘prayer cure’ and ‘divine
+healing,’ but has now come to be used in the
+broader sense, and includes the cures of
+‘Mental Science,’ and hypnotism; also a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span>
+large part of the cures effected by patent
+medicines and nostrums, as well as many
+folk-practices and home remedies. By some
+it is used to include also Christian Science,
+but the believers in the latter regard it as
+entirely distinct.”</p>
+
+<p>The term “Suggestion,” used in the same
+sense as “Faith Cure” in relation to the
+healing of disease, has also come into popular
+usage, but inasmuch as Suggestion has a
+much larger meaning outside of its therapeutic
+phases, it may be said the best authorities
+to-day use the term “Faith Cure”
+as representing simply one phase of Suggestion.</p>
+
+<p>Prof. Goddard, in his article on “Faith
+Cure,” in the <i>New International Encyclopaedia</i>
+(Dodd, Mead &amp; Co., New York),
+says: “Besides these recognized forms (divine
+healing, mental science, etc.), faith cure
+is an important element in cures wrought by
+patent medicines and nostrums, home remedies
+and folk practices. The advertisement,
+testimonial of friend, or family tradition
+arouses the faith of the sick man, and he
+comes to believe that he needs only to fol<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>low
+directions to be fully cured. The actual
+value of faith cure as a therapeutic method
+has been the subject of much discussion. It
+can no longer be denied that it has value.
+From divine healing to patent medicine and
+Father Kneipp’s water cure, all cure disease.
+Each appeals to a particular type of
+mind, but <i>the results are practically the same
+in all—same diseases cured, same successes,
+same failures</i>. Many faith-curists claim that
+all diseases in all persons can be cured by
+their method; others hold that the principle
+is of limited application. Of them all, the
+hypnotists are the only ones who do not
+make sweeping claims.”</p>
+
+<p>After stating “the tendency to exaggeration
+and the infrequency of impartial judgment”
+in connection with many instances of
+claimed cures, the above mentioned authority
+proceeds as follows: “The actual cures,
+however, are sufficiently numerous and sufficiently
+striking to need an explanation.
+These different forms agree in only one
+point—viz., <i>the mental state of the patient
+is one of hope and expectation</i>. Can states
+of mind cause or cure disease? Some fa<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>miliar
+occurrences seem to justify an affirmative
+answer. It is well known that certain
+glands and secretions are markedly affected
+by emotions. Fright causes the saliva to
+cease to flow and the perspiration to start.
+Sorrow causes the lachrymal glands to secrete
+tears. Happiness favors digestion,
+unhappiness retards it. Mosso has demonstrated
+that the bladder is especially sensitive
+to emotional states. In general, the
+pleasant emotions produce an opposite physical
+effect from the unpleasant ones. There
+are many glands within the body whose action
+under emotion we cannot observe; but
+we may reasonably assume that they also
+are affected by emotional states. Hence, if
+unpleasant emotions so act upon the glands
+as to derange the system and cause disease,
+the pleasant emotions may reasonably be assumed
+to tend to restore the normal functions.
+The various forms of faith cure tend
+strongly to put the patient in a happy frame
+of mind—a condition favorable to health.
+However, there are all degrees of faith and
+wide differences in the way the system responds
+to the emotional state. One person<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span>
+is slightly affected by a strong emotion; another
+is strongly affected by a weak emotion.
+Hence, there must always be a wide
+difference in the results of faith-cure methods.
+The diseases most amenable to faith
+cure are nervous—including many not recognized
+as nervous, but having a neural
+condition as their basis—and functional derangements.
+Organic diseases are not usually
+cured, though the symptoms are frequently
+ameliorated. Chronic diseases due
+to neuro-muscular habit often yield to hypnotic
+treatment.”</p>
+
+<p>Prof. R. P. Halleck says: “Were it not
+for this power of the imagination, the majority
+of quack nostrums would disappear.
+In most cases bread pills, properly labeled,
+with positive assurances of certain cures accompanying
+them, would answer the purpose
+far better than these nostrums, or even much
+better than a great deal of the medicine administered
+by regular physicians. Warts
+have been charmed away by medicines which
+could have had only a mental effect. Dr.
+Tuke gives many cases of patients cured of
+rheumatism by rubbing them with a certain<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span>
+substance declared to possess magic power.
+The material in some cases was metal; in
+others wood; in still others, wax. He also
+recites the case of a very intelligent officer
+who had vainly taken powerful remedies to
+cure cramp in the stomach. Then ‘he was
+told that on the next attack he would be put
+under a medicine which was generally believed
+to be most effective, but which was
+rarely used.’ When the cramps came on
+again, ‘a powder containing four grains of
+ground biscuit was administered every seven
+minutes, while the greatest anxiety was expressed
+(within the hearing of the party)
+lest too much be given. Half-drachm doses
+of bismuth had never procured the same relief
+in less than three hours. For four successive
+times did the same kind of attack recur, and
+four times was it met by the same remedy,
+and with like success.’ A house surgeon in
+a French hospital experimented with one
+hundred patients, giving them sugared
+water. Then, with a great show of fear, he
+pretended that he had made a mistake and
+given them an emetic instead of the proper
+medicine. Dr. Tuke says: ‘The result may<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>
+easily be anticipated by those who can estimate
+the influence of the imagination. No
+fewer than eighty—four-fifths—were unmistakably
+sick.’</p>
+
+<p>“We have a well authenticated case of a
+butcher, who, while trying to hang up a
+heavy piece of meat, slipped and was himself
+caught by the arm upon the hook. When he
+was taken to a surgeon, the butcher said he
+was suffering so much that he could not endure
+the removal of his coat; the sleeve must
+be cut off. When this was done, it was
+found that the hook had passed through his
+clothing close to the skin, but had not even
+scratched it. A man sentenced to be bled
+to death was blindfolded. A harmless incision
+was then made in his arm and tepid
+water fixed so as to run down it and drop
+with considerable noise into a basin. The
+attendants frequently commented on the
+flow of blood and the weakening pulse. The
+criminal’s false idea of what was taking
+place was as powerful in its effects as the
+reality, and he soon died.... There is
+perhaps not a person living who would not
+at times be benefited by a bread pill, admin<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>istered
+by some one in whom great confidence
+was reposed.”</p>
+
+<p>The same authority also says: “It has been
+known for a long time that if the attention
+is directed toward any bodily organ, abnormal
+sensations may be caused in it, and disease
+may be developed. The renowned Dr.
+John Hunter said: ‘I am confident that I can
+fix my attention to any part, until I have
+a sensation in that part.’” Dr. Tuke says
+that these “are words which ought to be inscribed
+in letters of gold over the entrance
+of a hospital for the Cure of Disease by Psychopathy.”
+Hunter’s confident assertion is
+the more interesting because, drawn from
+his own experience, it shows that the principle
+is not confined in its operation to the
+susceptible and nervous, but operates even
+on men of the highest mental endowment.
+We have examples from the literature of the
+seventeenth century, showing how the expectation
+of a complaint will produce it. In
+1607 an ignorant English physician told a
+clergyman’s wife that she had sciatica, although
+there was, in reality, nothing the
+matter with her sciatic nerve. Her attention<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>
+was thereby directed to it and a severe attack
+of sciatica was the result. When a
+person inexperienced in medicine reads carefully
+the symptoms of some disease, he is
+apt to begin an attentive search for those
+symptoms and to end by fancying he has
+them. Seasick persons have been relieved of
+their nausea by being made to bail a leaking
+boat from the fear that it would sink.
+All their attention was thereby diverted
+from themselves. Many can recall how children,
+and grown persons, too, have forgotten
+all about their alleged intense thirst, as
+soon as their attention was diverted. Some
+persons, after eating something which they
+fancy is a trifle indigestible, center their attention
+upon the stomach, expecting symptoms
+of indigestion, and are often not disappointed.
+A man who had good reason to
+fear hydrophobia, determined that he would
+not have it. The pain in the bitten arm became
+intense, and he saw that he must have
+something to divert his attention from the
+wound and his danger. He therefore went
+hunting, but found no game. To make
+amends, he summoned a more inflexible will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span>
+and exerted at every step ‘a strong mental
+effort against the disease.’ He kept on
+hunting until he felt better, and he mastered
+himself so perfectly that he probably thereby
+warded off an attack of hydrophobia. Accordingly
+as we center our attention upon
+one thing or another, we largely determine
+our mental happiness and hence our bodily
+health. One person, in walking through a
+noble forest, may search only for spiders,
+and venomous creatures, while another confines
+his attention to the singing birds in the
+branches above. One reason why travel is
+such a cure for diseases of body and mind
+is because so many new things thereby come
+in to claim the attention and divert it from
+its former objects. The following expression
+from Dr. Tuke should be remembered:
+‘<i>Thought strongly directed to any part tends
+to increase its vascularity, and consequently
+its sensibility</i>.’”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. C. F. Winbigler says: “The practitioner
+secures the same effects from a placebo
+or powdered pop-corn as from some drugs
+by using suggestion with the former. Every
+successful physician has used this method<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span>
+at one time or another, and sometimes when
+he was utterly puzzled as to what he should
+prescribe, he thus secured a marvellous result,
+and a cure of the patient was effected....
+Every believer in Psycho-therapeutics
+knows that there is a psychical as well
+as a physical effect from the use of drugs.
+The psychical value is based on the expectation
+of their special action, and that which
+is in the physician’s mind may be subtly and
+powerfully carried over into the patient’s
+mind. The physician’s personality, attitude
+and interest in the patient accomplishes
+vastly more than the drugs he prescribes or
+administers. If he is cheerful and hopeful,
+he gives potency to their action; if he is
+gloomy, pessimistic and hopeless, he nullifies
+their effects. The cure of the patient is
+effected through the subconscious mind, and
+the attitude and bearings of the physician,
+attendants, the surroundings and the medicines
+employed, become powerful suggestions.”</p>
+
+<p>Prof. Elmer Gates says: “The system
+makes an effort to eliminate the metabolic
+products of tissue-waste, and it is therefore<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span>
+not surprising that during acute grief tears
+are copiously excreted; that during sudden
+fear the bowels and the kidneys are caused
+to act, that during prolonged fear, the body
+is covered with a cold perspiration; and, that
+during anger, the mouth tastes bitter, due
+largely to the increased elimination of sulpho-cyanates.
+The perspiration during fear
+is chemically different, and even smells different
+from that which exudes during a happy
+mood.... Now if it can be shown
+in many ways that the elimination of waste
+products is retarded by sad and painful emotions;
+nay, worse than that, these depressing
+emotions directly augment the amount of
+these poisons. Conversely, the pleasurable
+and happy emotions, during the time they
+are active, inhibit the poisonous effects of
+the depressing moods, and cause the bodily
+cells to create and store up vital energy and
+nutritive tissue products.”</p>
+
+<p>In an issue of “<i>The American Practitioner
+and News</i>,” is reported a discussion before
+the Lexington (Ky.) Medical and Surgical
+Society, in which a member, Dr. Guest, related
+the following experience: “I have a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>
+brother-in-law who suffers every summer
+with hay-fever. He has a relative who believes
+in Christian Science. She told him
+that she felt positive that she could direct
+him to a woman, a Christian Scientist, who
+would cure him. He at first objected, because
+he hated to go to a woman physician.
+He arranged, however, to communicate with
+her daily by letter. When his hay-fever
+broke out he suffered with it all that day
+and night, and the next morning wrote her
+a note telling her to put him on treatment
+immediately. When he returned that night
+he was improved and slept better. He wrote
+a second note the next morning and was
+much encouraged. The third day he repeated
+his letter writing and stated that the
+symptoms had almost ceased. And he was
+guying me about being cured by Christian
+Science when regular physicians could do
+nothing for him. The night of the third day,
+when he came home to supper, he found a
+note from the Christian Scientist, stating
+that <i>she has been in the country and would
+put him under treatment the next day</i>.
+Realizing that all his treatment had been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>
+only in his imagination, the symptoms reappeared
+with the same intensity as before.”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. A. J. Parks of New York, says: “The
+absolute and complete control that the sympathetic
+nervous system exercises over the
+physical organization is so perfectly clear
+and well-known to every observer that the
+recital of the phenomena in the vast and
+countless series of manifestations is unnecessary.
+We are all aware of the fact that
+digestion is promptly arrested upon the receipt
+of bad news. The appetite at once disappears.
+It ceases, and the whole system
+feels the effect of the depressing impulse—the
+mental and spiritual wave which lowers
+the vital thermometer. Fear not only suspends
+the digestive function but arrests the
+formation of the secretions upon which digestion
+depends. A sudden fright frequently
+paralyzes the heart beyond recovery,
+whereas a pleasant and pleasing message
+soothes and gently excites the whole granular
+system, increases the secretions, aids digestion
+and sends a thrill of joy to the
+sensorium, which diffuses the glad tidings<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>
+to every nerve fibril in the complex organization.”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. T. A. Borton, in an address before the
+Indiana State Medical Society, said: “The
+subject which I desire to present to you to-day
+has to do with the influence of the mind
+over the functions of the body. Its silent,
+unobserved force results in producing pathological
+conditions, and those, by reflex action,
+excite morbid sensibilities of the mind
+and thus derange the nerve centres, resulting
+in a changed condition or over-excitability
+of the nerve energies, which becomes a
+secondary diseased condition in the form of
+different types of neurasthenia. I have been
+interested in this subject for many years,
+and in my practice have had extended opportunities
+for making observations as to
+the potency of the mental and suggestive
+pathology bearing on this subject. I would
+especially refer to the healing of the body
+through these mental forces, changing
+healthy, normal conditions into unhealthy or
+diseased conditions and <i>vice versa</i>. These
+changes are not miraculous, but proceed
+from natural causes in the operation of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span>
+mind, as a therapeutic agency, operating
+through the functions of the body, sometimes
+as a tonic or stimulant, warding off diseases
+under the most exposed conditions, defending
+and holding the system in a state of
+health, while those void of these mental assurances
+become victims to the ravages of
+disease through contagion or infection. This
+protective mental force of the mind has been
+demonstrated many times in hospitals and
+other places where contagious diseases were
+prevailing. The mental force possesses a
+protective power when rightly exercised beyond
+what is usually conceded, not only in
+the way of defense; but also in correcting
+disease when in existence. I believe these
+to be much greater than has been generally
+admitted or understood.... We all
+know how difficult it is to get good results
+from medication in which our patients have
+no confidence, and it is an established fact
+that we get better results from drugs which
+are given with the patient’s knowledge of
+their intended effect. <i>I have often produced
+desired results from means entirely inert,
+stating the desired and expected effect of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>
+its administration. I have frequently quieted
+the severest pain by injecting pure water
+into the arm of the patient.</i>”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. G. R. Patton, in an address before the
+Wabasha County (Minn.) Medical Society,
+said: “As Bacon said, ‘Faith, confidence, belief
+and hope are the working forces that
+make the cure—that work the miracle.’ The
+mind as a dynamic force exerted over the
+functions of the body has been, doubtless,
+operatively manifest from the cradle of our
+existence. By the phrase, ‘the mind as a
+dynamic force,’ I refer to the various forms
+of suggestion as well as to various affective
+faculties of the mind, or those states caused
+by the sympathetic action of the brain, such
+as faith, confidence, belief, imagination, emotions,
+hope and the like. Any or all of them
+may become active over the bodily functions....
+As instance of the mental impression
+acting upon observable functions revealed
+through the capillary circulation as
+revealed to the sight, I will mention blushing
+or pallor of the face, depending upon the
+theme presented to the thought; the mouth
+watering on the sight or thought of tempt<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>ing
+food; the flow of tears from words or
+thoughts that excite grief; nausea or vomiting
+from a sickening spectacle; sexual excitement
+from obscene thought or lascivious
+sights. Instances might be multiplied. And
+is it not a fair inference, indeed, that through
+the vasomoter nerves, the internal viscera
+may be subject to like effects through mental
+impressions, and that thus acute as well
+as chronic congestive ailments thereof may
+be favorably influenced or even cured thereby?...
+It is my conviction that recognition
+of the power and usefulness of mental
+dynamics, including all forms of suggestion
+over physiological and pathological
+processes in combating diseases, is unquestionably
+the most impressive advance in
+modern medicine. Mental influence alone
+may diminish or increase the activities of
+the physiological processes to the extent of
+removing the pathological effects of disease....
+A celebrated medical teacher, after
+an exhaustive dissertation over a case was
+leaving the bedside without prescribing any
+treatment when the house physician asked
+what should be given the patient. ‘Oh,’ said<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>
+the professor, ‘a hopeful prognosis and
+anything else you please.’ To this he added,
+‘the doleful doctor will be a failure, while
+the hopeful one will prove a winner from
+start to finish.’ It is reasonably assured
+that ultimately the physician will become not
+so much the man behind the pill as the judicious
+advisor, the wise counsellor, gently leading
+the sick ‘into green pastures, beside still
+waters,’ through paths that lead onward to
+recovery, assisting nature at times, if needs
+be, with a big bread pill.”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Herbert A. Parkyn, the well-known authority
+on suggestive therapeutics, says:
+“Certain results will follow certain thoughts,
+and in every instance that it is possible to
+get the patient to think the thoughts we desire,
+we secure the results we desire. It is
+the work of the suggestionist to place these
+thoughts in the mind of the patient so that
+he is bound to think them, and this can be
+done to some degree, if not perfectly, in
+every case. It is well to have faith, but faith
+is not absolutely necessary at the outset. It
+is time enough for the patient to have faith
+in the treatment when he can perceive the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>
+benefit he is receiving. Understanding the
+mental and physical changes which follow a
+certain thought, the suggestionist is able to
+bring about those mental or physical changes,
+by using direct suggestion in such a way
+that his patient is bound to think the
+thoughts which will produce the results. A
+man may not have faith in the statement that
+the thought of lemon juice will stimulate the
+flow of saliva, but if he will imagine for a
+moment that he is squeezing the juice of a
+lemon into his mouth the saliva will immediately
+flow more freely than usual, regardless
+of his faith. Similarly, many, if not all
+of the organs of the body, can be affected by
+impulses following certain lines of thought,
+and these impulses will follow the thought
+and stimulate the organs regardless of faith.
+It is simply necessary to get a patient to
+think the proper thoughts, and it is in the
+thought directing that the work of the suggestionist
+lies.”</p>
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2>
+
+<p class="center">THE POWER OF THE IMAGINATION</p>
+
+<p>Dr. F. W. Southworth says: “Fear is itself
+a contagious disease and is sometimes
+reflected from one mind to another with great
+rapidity. It passes from one to another,
+from the healthy to the ill, from doctor or
+nurse to patient, from mother to child, and
+so on. The greatest fears we can usually
+get away from, but it is the little fears and
+anxieties, constant apprehension, fears of
+imagined evils of all sorts which prey upon
+our vitality and lessen our powers, thus rendering
+us more susceptible to disease. To
+avert disease, then, we must eradicate fear;
+but how shall we accomplish it? Through
+wise education—educating the people to a
+higher standard of living; by teaching a
+sounder hygiene; a wiser philosophy and a
+more cheerful theology. By erasing a thousand
+errors and superstitions from fearful
+minds and pointing them to the light,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>
+beauty and loveliness of the truth. This
+mental and moral sanitation is still ahead of
+us, but it is more valuable and desirable than
+all quarantines, inventions, experiments, and
+microscopical researches after physical or
+material causes.”</p>
+
+<p>Sir George Paget, M. D., says: “In many
+cases I have seen reasons for believing that
+cancer has had its origin in prolonged anxiety.”
+Dr. Murchison says: “I have been
+surprised to find how often patients with
+primary cancer of the liver have traced the
+cause of this illness to protracted grief and
+anxiety. These cases have been far too numerous
+to be accounted for as merely coincidents.”
+Sir B. W. Richardson, M. D., says:
+“Eruptions of the skin frequently follow excessive
+mental strain. In all these, as well
+as in cancer, epilepsy and mania, the cause
+is frequently partly or wholly mental. It is
+remarkable how little the question of the
+origin of physical disease from mental influences
+has been studied.” Prof. Elmer
+Gates says: “My experiments show that
+irascible, malevolent and depressing emotions
+generate in the system injurious com<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>pounds,
+some of which are extremely poisonous.
+Also that agreeable, happy emotions
+generate chemical compounds of nutritious
+value which stimulate the cells to manufacture
+energy.”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Patton, in the address before the Wabasha
+County Medical Society, above mentioned,
+gives the following interesting case
+of the effect of faith and expectant attention,
+or Suggestion: He said: “While surgeon
+of a Cincinnati hospital one of the messenger
+boys was often disobedient of orders.
+The sister superior once asked me how to
+punish him. I suggested putting him to bed
+and making him sick with medicine. My advice
+was acted upon with alacrity. A tea-spoonful
+of <i>colored water</i> was given him
+every fifteen minutes. With assumed gravity,
+I ordered the nurse, in the boy’s presence,
+to keep giving the medicine until he became
+sick and vomited. Within an hour he
+vomited profusely.... A funny incident
+illustrative of the faith and confidence
+sometimes reposed in the medical man and
+his power in curing disease, happened in
+my first year of practice. An Irish laborer,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span>
+much given to profanity, came to my office,
+with a cold on his chest. I prescribed a
+soothing mixture and a liniment of camphor,
+ammonia and soap. A few days later,
+meeting him on the street, I asked him if the
+medicine had cured him all right. He replied
+with enthusiasm, ‘Oh! yes, yes, it acted
+most beautifully and cured me pretty d—— d
+quick, but it was awful hot stuff, for it
+burned in my throat like hell-fire itself.’ I
+knew at once, but did not tell him, that he
+had been swallowing the liniment of camphor,
+hartshorn and soap, and rubbing the
+cough mixture on the outside. His faith was
+even stronger than the liniment, and cured
+him in spite of the blunder.</p>
+
+<p>“Perhaps the most wonderful confirmation
+came under my observation while wintering
+in San Antonio, Texas, in 1880. Some
+nostrum fakirs with a retinue of fourteen
+musicians and comedians came to this city
+in an immense chariot, drawn by eight gaily
+caparisoned horses. Every evening they
+came upon the military plaza to sell their
+panacea. I went over one evening out of
+curiosity, being attracted by the songs and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span>
+music. The head fakir was shouting to an
+immense crowd about the virtues of his specific.
+He claimed that it contained thirteen ingredients,
+gathered at a great expense from
+all quarters of the globe, and would cure all
+the ills that flesh was heir to. Cures were
+warranted in every case, or the money refunded
+on the following evening. After this
+harangue, he said that the medicine was for
+sale at $1 per bottle, until 300 bottles had
+been sold, as it was an invariable rule to sell
+only that number on any one evening. Immediately
+a frenzied mob rushed pell-mell
+to the end of the chariot, each one holding
+aloft a silver dollar. He had previously announced
+that no change would be made, and
+that every one to get the medicine should
+have a dollar ready in his hand. In half an
+hour 300 bottles had been sold, the empty
+trunk closed with a bang, and the statement
+made that no more could be had until the
+following evening, although there was yet a
+great multitude clamoring for more. Curiosity
+again led me to the plaza the next
+evening, and I went early. The initial performance
+was a free tooth-pulling, to last<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span>
+thirty minutes. He said he was the kingpin
+of the tooth-pullers, and I believe he
+was. The rapidity of his work was a marvel.
+He snatched from various jaws about 250
+teeth, including the good ones, within the
+limit, throwing them from his forceps right
+and left among his audience. Those operated
+upon were wrought to such a frenzy
+of excitement and wonder that each one,
+without an exception, declared that no pain
+whatever had been experienced. A call was
+then made for the 300 who had bought medicine
+on the previous evening to mount the
+chariot and tell what the medicine had done
+for them.</p>
+
+<p>“From every quarter men and women,
+both white and colored, pressed forward to
+give their experience. Their stories were
+grotesque and curious enough, but no matter
+what their ailments, cures had resulted in
+every case. At the end of half an hour,
+while the experience meeting was at its acme,
+the fakir abruptly closed it, saying, in a regretful
+voice, that the rest would have to
+wait until the next evening to tell of their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>
+cures, as he now wanted those to come forward
+who had not been cured by the medicine
+bought on the previous evening. He
+stood in silence with folded arms for three
+minutes. No one having come forward, the
+voice of this arrant charlatan rang out in
+stentorian tones, ‘All, <i>all</i> have been cured!
+We have cured <i>everyone</i>!’ Then another
+300 bottles were sold in a jiffy, I myself
+being one of the fortunate purchasers. The
+chief of this outfit stopped in the hotel where
+I was. After dinner the next day, I made
+his acquaintance in the smoking room, saying
+I was a doctor, too; that I had attended
+two of his soirees, bought his medicine and
+was greatly interested in it. I surprised him
+by the statement that his medicine was made
+by M. &amp; Co., wholesale druggists of Cincinnati,
+and that it was fluid extract of podophyllin.
+He stared for some moments, but
+made no reply. I continued, ‘I know M.’s
+fluid extract, as his process of its manufacture
+is peculiar, and differs from other manufacturers
+in this, that he exhausts the root
+by percolation with alcohol, ether and glycerine,
+giving the product a sweetish taste<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>
+and a slight ethereal odor.’ The man asked
+if I was also a chemist. I replied, ‘Yes, I
+once lectured in a medical college in Cincinnati
+on drugs and their uses, and I can
+readily tell fluid extracts by their taste, odor
+and physical characteristics.’</p>
+
+<p>“After some hesitation, he said, ‘Yes, this
+is M.’s podophyllin <i>and nothing else</i>.’ I inquired
+if he attributed all his success to the
+medicine. He answered, ‘No, for once in
+Missouri the mandrake ran out before a new
+lot arrived. We found something like it in a
+drug store of the town, and the people got
+well just the same. <i>If the people believe
+you can cure them, and have faith in your
+medicine, they get well anyway, or they
+think they do, which is the same thing.</i>’
+The fakirs remained one week, sold 2,100 bottles,
+and presumably cured 2,100 people, as
+no one came forward to reclaim his dollar
+for the medicine, which was contained in a
+two-drachm vial of 120 drops. A dose was
+one drop after each meal in one spoonful of
+water.</p>
+
+<p>“When I was in California recently a
+friend mentioned that an intelligent relative<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>
+of his was being treated by a celebrated
+Chinese doctor. The relative claimed that
+Chinese physicians were better than our
+own; that they had devoted 5,000 years to
+medicine and had thus become so learned and
+skillful that they could tell all diseases without
+asking a single question, simply by feeling
+the pulse. Out of curiosity I visited this
+physician, ostensibly as a patient. Without
+so declaring myself, he knew intuitively that
+I came to consult him. Without asking any
+questions he placed his finger upon my right
+wrist, communed with himself for a few
+moments, and then gravely informed me that
+I had <i>thirty-seven diseases</i>; some in the
+blood, some in the brain, some in the kidneys,
+some in the liver, and many others in the
+heart and lungs. He said it would take <i>sixteen
+different herbs</i> to cure me. He volunteered
+the statement that he could detect
+6,000 diseases by the pulse alone, and that
+he used 400 herbs in the treatment of the
+various diseases. Upon his request, I examined
+his portfolio containing 350 testimonials
+of marvellous cures, wrought upon
+American residents of California during his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>
+seventeen years’ practice on the coast. Many
+of them were from parties of intelligence
+and eminence, and were so extraordinary
+that nothing short of their being attested by
+numerous witnesses of unimpeachable veracity,
+could satisfy one of their truth. Now,
+permit me to say that I have no pulse in the
+right wrist, the pulse being congenitally absent;
+but through it he made the pretense of
+locating so many diseases. This doubtless is
+the form and character of medical practice
+in China among the native Chinamen, and
+probably has been for many centuries among
+a population of 400,000,000. Is not the logic
+from the above facts irresistible, that in
+China the native physician cannot tell one
+disease from another, and that all his work
+is simply nonsense and guess work? There
+can be no escape from this conclusion—it
+follows as lucidly as a demonstrated problem
+in Euclid—<i>that</i> any benefit that may
+ever accrue from their treatment is wholly
+due to the dynamic force of the brain upon
+the functions of the body.”</p>
+
+<p>The following, from a Philadelphia journal,
+gives a striking illustration of the fact<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span>
+that the imagination is a <i>real</i> factor in many
+cases of physical ailment: “The fact that
+the throes of the imagination under great
+nervous excitement often produce a corresponding
+physical frenzy was illustrated recently
+in the case of a man who had gone to
+sleep with his artificial teeth in his mouth.
+Waking suddenly with a choking sensation,
+he found his teeth had disappeared. He
+looked in the glass of water where they were
+usually deposited, did not see them and realized
+they must be far down his throat. Choking
+and struggling, he hammered on the door
+of a friend sleeping in the house, who, seeing
+his critical condition, vainly tried to
+draw the teeth out of the sufferer’s throat.
+He could feel the teeth, but had not the
+strength to extract them. He ran for a
+blacksmith who lived a few doors away, but
+the blacksmith’s hand was too big to put into
+the man’s mouth. A doctor had been sent
+for, but he was so long in coming that the
+victim of the accident seemed likely to die
+of suffocation before the physician arrived.
+A little girl of ten years was brought under
+the impression that her small hand might<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>
+reach the obstacle and withdraw it, but she
+got frightened and began to cry. The sufferer
+became black in the face, his throat
+swelled out, and his friends expected every
+moment to be his last, when finally the doctor
+arrived. He heard the history of the
+case, saw that the teeth were not in the man’s
+jaws nor in their nightly receptacle, felt the
+throat and cast his eyes seriously upon the
+floor. <i>There, on the floor, he saw the
+whole set of teeth.</i> He adjusted them to
+the jaws of the patient, told him to breathe
+freely, and every symptom of suffocation
+disappeared.”</p>
+
+<p>The following from an Eastern journal illustrates
+another phase of the subject: “Saltpetriere,
+the hospital for nervous diseases,
+made famous by the investigations of Dr.
+Charcot, has an interesting case of religious
+mania. The patient, who is a woman of
+about forty years of age, entertains the belief
+that she is crucified, and this delusion
+has caused a contraction of the muscles of
+the feet of such a nature that she can walk
+only on tip-toe. The patient, moreover, is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>
+subject occasionally to the still more extraordinary
+manifestation—that of ‘stigmata.’
+Instances of ‘stigmata’ are tolerably frequent
+in the ‘Lives of the Saints’ of alleged
+supernatural marks on the body in imitation
+of the wounds of Christ. These ‘stigmata’
+have been observed beyond all question on
+the woman at the Saltpetriere. Their appearance
+on the body coincides with the return
+of the most solemn religious anniversaries.
+These ‘stigmata’ are so visible that
+it has been possible to photograph them. The
+doctors of the Saltpetriere in order to assure
+themselves that these manifestations were
+not the result of trickery, contrived a sort
+of shade having a glass front and metal
+sides, and capable of being hermetically attached
+to the body by means of India rubber
+fixings. These shades were placed in
+position a considerable time before the dates
+at which the stigmata are wont to appear.
+When they were affixed there were no marks
+whatever on the patient’s body, but at the
+expected period the ‘stigmata’ were visible
+as usual through the glass.”</p>
+
+<p>In a Southern journal there is reported an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span>
+interesting case, in which a New Orleans
+physician tells the following story: “A nervous
+man recently called on me and asked,
+‘In what part of the abdomen are the premonitory
+pains of appendicitis felt?’ On
+the <i>left</i> side, exactly here,’ I replied, indicating
+a spot a little above the point of the
+hip-bone. He went out, and next afternoon
+I was summoned in hot haste to the St.
+Charles hotel. I found the planter writhing
+on his bed, his forehead beaded with sweat,
+and his whole appearance indicating intense
+suffering. ‘I have an attack of appendicitis,’
+he groaned, ‘and I’m a dead man! I’ll never
+survive an operation!’ ‘Where do you feel
+the pain?’ I asked. ‘Oh, right here,’ he replied,
+putting his finger on the spot I had
+located at the office. ‘I feel as if somebody
+had a knife in me turning it around.’ ‘Well,
+then, it isn’t appendicitis, at any rate,’ I
+said cheerfully, ‘because <i>it is the wrong side</i>.’
+‘The wrong side!’ he exclaimed, glaring at
+me indignantly. ‘Why, you told me yourself
+it was on the <i>left</i> side!’ ‘Then I must
+have been abstracted,’ I replied calmly; ‘I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>
+should have said the <i>right</i> side.’ I prescribed
+something that wouldn’t hurt him,
+and learned afterward that he ate his dinner
+in the dining-room the same evening. Oh!
+yes; he was no doubt in real pain when I
+called, <i>but you can make your finger ache
+merely by concentrating your attention on it
+for a few moments</i>.”</p>
+
+<p>Frank F. Moore, in “A Journalist’s Note
+Book” tells the following amusing and significant
+story of the influence of imagination
+upon health. “A young civil servant in India,
+feeling fagged from the excessive heat
+and from long hours of work consulted the
+best doctor within reach. The doctor looked
+him over, sounded his heart and lungs, and
+then said gravely: ‘I will write you tomorrow.’
+The next day the young man received a
+letter telling him that his left lung was gone
+and his heart seriously affected, and advising
+him to lose no time in adjusting his business
+affairs. ‘Of course, you may live for
+weeks,’ the latter said, ‘but you had best
+not leave important matters undecided.’
+Naturally the young official was dismayed
+by so dark a prognosis—nothing less than a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>
+death warrant. Within twenty-four hours
+he was having difficulty with his respiration,
+and was seized with an acute pain in the
+region of the heart. He took to his bed with
+the feeling that he should never rise from
+it. During the night he became so much
+worse that his servant sent for the doctor.
+‘What on earth have you been doing to yourself?’
+demanded the doctor. ‘There were no
+indications of this sort when I saw you yesterday?’
+‘It is my heart, I suppose,’ weakly
+answered the patient. ‘Your heart!’ repeated
+the doctor. ‘Your heart was all right
+yesterday.’ ‘My lungs, then.’ ‘What is the
+matter with you, man? You don’t seem to
+have been drinking?’ ‘Your letter,’ gasped
+the patient. ‘You said I had only a few
+weeks to live.’ ‘Are you crazy?’ said the
+doctor. ‘I wrote you to take a few weeks
+vacation in the hills, and you would be all
+right.’ For reply the patient drew the letter
+from under the bedclothes and gave it to
+the doctor. ‘Heavens!’ cried that gentleman
+as he glanced at it. ‘This was meant for another
+man! My assistant has mixed up the
+letters.’ The young man at once sat up in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>
+bed and made a rapid recovery. And what
+of the patient for whom the direful prognosis
+was intended? Delighted with the report
+that a sojourn in the hills would set
+him right, he started at once, and five years
+later was alive and in fair health.”</p>
+
+<p>The following is clipped from a medical
+journal: “Some physician makes use of this
+suggestive phrase—‘the dynamic power of an
+idea,’ and, as an illustration of what is meant
+by this expression, the following incident is
+related. Not long ago a man in taking medicine
+was suddenly possessed by the notion
+that he had by mistake taken arsenic. His
+wife insisted to the contrary, but he proceeded
+to manifest all the peculiar symptoms
+of arsenical poisoning, and finally died.
+So certain was his wife that he had not taken
+arsenic that an autopsy was held, when not
+an atom of the poison could be found. Of
+what did this man die? Arsenic? No, of
+the dynamic power of an idea or arsenic.
+Happily for humanity this dynamic power of
+ideas works constructively no less certainly
+than it does destructively, and an idea of
+health fixed in the consciousness and persis<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span>tently
+adhered to would tend to bring the
+best results. Over a hundred years ago, old
+John Hunter said, ‘<i>As the state of mind
+is capable of producing disease, another
+state of it may effect a cure</i>.’”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. William C. Prime relates the following
+case in his book “Among the Northern
+Hills.” “The judge was summoned in a
+hurry to see an old lady who had managed
+her farm for forty years since her husband’s
+death. She had two sons, and a stepson,
+John, who was not an admirable person.
+After a long drive on a stormy night the
+judge found the old lady apparently just
+alive, and was told by the doctor in attendance
+to hurry, as his patient was very weak.
+The judge brought paper and ink with him.
+He found a stand and a candle, placed them
+at the head of the bed, and after saying a
+few words to the woman, told her he was
+ready to prepare the will if she would go on
+and tell him what she wanted him to do. He
+wrote the introductory phrase rapidly, and
+leaning over toward her said, ‘Now, go on,
+Mrs. Norton.’</p>
+
+<p>“Her voice was quite faint, and she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span>
+seemed to speak with an effort. She said:
+‘First of all, I want to give the farm to my
+sons, Harry and James. Just put that
+down.’ ‘But,’ said the judge, ‘you can’t do
+that, Mrs. Norton. The farm isn’t yours to
+give away.’ ‘The farm isn’t mine?’ she said
+in a voice decidedly stronger than before.
+‘No, the farm isn’t yours. You have only a
+life interest in it.’ ‘This farm that I’ve
+run for goin’ on forty-three year next spring
+isn’t mine to do with what I please with it?
+Why not, Judge I’d like to know what you
+mean!’ ‘Why, Mr. Norton, your husband,
+gave you a life estate in all his
+property, and on your death the farm
+goes to his son, John, and <i>your</i> children
+get the village houses. I have explained
+that to you very often before.’ ‘And
+when I die, John Norton is to have this
+house and farm whether I will or not?’ ‘Just
+so. It will be his.’ ‘<i>Then I ain’t goin’ to
+die!</i>’ said the old woman, in a clear and decidedly
+ringing and healthy voice. And so
+saying, she threw her feet over the front of
+the bed, sat up, gathered a blanket and coverlet
+about her, straightened her gaunt form,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>
+walked across the room and sat down in a
+great chair before the fire.</p>
+
+<p>“The doctor and the judge went home.
+That was fifteen years ago. <i>The old lady is
+alive to-day.</i> And she accomplished her intent,
+She beat John after all. He died four
+years ago.”</p>
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2>
+
+<p class="center">BELIEF AND SUGGESTION</p>
+
+<p>The writer has been informed by a prominent
+physician of Chicago, that for many
+years he has been in the habit of administering
+hypodermic injections of distilled water,
+accompanying the same by the statement
+that he is injecting morphine. He states
+that in every case, he has succeeded in inducing
+a quiet, peaceful sleep, and a cessation
+of pain after the injection, which can
+be attributed only to the <i>belief</i> of the patient.
+The same physician also relates the case of
+a woman who believed that she had taken
+strychnine by mistake. When the doctor
+was called he found the woman manifesting
+every symptom of strychnine poisoning,
+even down to the most minute details, and
+he is of the opinion that death would have
+ensued in a short time had he not proceeded
+to administer the regular antidotes and restorative
+treatment. After the woman was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>
+brought out of the condition, it was discovered
+that the supposed strychnine was
+nothing but a harmless powder. In relating
+the case, the physician always adds that the
+woman had witnessed the death struggles of
+a dog which had been poisoned by strychnine
+several months previous, which might
+have had some effect in enabling her to unconsciously
+counterfeit the symptoms.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Max Eastman, in a recent magazine
+article says: “The mission of this paper is
+to offer guidance in a matter about which a
+great quantity of the general public is very
+much at sea. In this question of ‘mind over
+matter,’ the reformers have done their work.
+They have stirred things up. They have bestowed
+upon the world about a hundred and
+fifty little religions and a confused idea that
+there must be some truth in the matter somewhere.
+The ignorant have done their work.
+They have persecuted the believers, jeered at
+them, or damned them with a vacuous smile.
+The world will never lack ballast. It is only
+the scientists that have failed of their duty.
+They have stalked through a routine of elevated
+lectures, written a few incomprehen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>sible
+books, and kept the science of psychology,
+so far as the hungry world goes, sealed
+up in their own proud bosoms. In all this
+uproar of faith-cures, and miracles, and
+shouting prophets, we have heard few illuminating
+words from the universities.
+The consequence is that we are without a
+helm, and the reform blows now one way and
+now another....</p>
+
+<p>“The law of suggestion, which is one of
+the great discoveries of modern science, was
+first formulated by Dr. Liebault at Paris, in
+a book published in 1866. Since his day the
+number of physicians who practice ‘suggestive
+therapeutics’ has steadily increased,
+until to-day no thorough clinical hospital is
+without a professional suggestionist. The
+practice <i>does not involve any metaphysical
+theories</i>, the passage of any hidden force
+from one brain to another, any ‘planes of
+existence,’ or any religious upset, or any
+poetic physiology, or the swallowing of any
+occult doctrines whatever. It is one of the
+simplest and coolest of scientific theories.
+It is a question of the relation between the
+brain and the bodily organs. It seems never<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span>
+to have been clearly stated that healing disease
+by suggestion depends not in the least
+degree upon any theory of the relation of
+mind and matter.... The attempt to
+fix an idea in the mind without reason is suggestion.
+It is accomplished usually in medical
+practice by asking the patient to lie
+down and relax his body and his mind and
+then vigorously stating to him the desired
+idea. It may be accomplished in a number
+of ways. The patient may be told that the
+operator is a wizard and is about to transfer
+an idea from his own mind to that of the
+patient. If the patient believes him he will
+very likely accept the idea. It may be accomplished
+by gestures or incantations which
+the patient regards with superstitious awe,
+provided it is explained beforehand what
+these gestures are meant to produce. It may
+be accomplished by telling the patient he has
+no body, and sitting with him for awhile in
+spiritual silence, <i>provided he knows what
+to expect</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“All these methods, <i>if one believes in
+them</i>, are good, and they prove by their success
+the law of suggestion. But the method<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>
+that is based on a sure truth is the method
+of the scientist. He reasons with his patient,
+he stirs in him what moral or religious enthusiasm
+he can, and to these means he adds
+tactfully the subtle suggestive powers of his
+own presence and eloquence. This force, together
+with the power which is revealed in
+a man of correcting his own mental habits,
+is the greatest practical discovery of modern
+psychology.... Suggestive therapeutics
+is the use of suggestion to fix in the
+mind ideas of healthy mental habits....</p>
+
+<p>“Our question is: can the physical conditions
+of the brain affect the physical condition
+of the stomach? We know that the
+brain-building condition which accompanies
+the idea of raising our hand can affect the
+condition of the muscles of our arm—and we
+call that a voluntary function. Now the
+question is whether the brain condition which
+accompanies the idea of enlivening our
+stomach can have an effect upon that involuntary
+function. Experiments with suggestion
+have proved that in some cases it
+can, if it continues long enough. Persons of
+a very suggestible nature, can, for instance,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>
+by concentrating their mind upon a certain
+part of the body, increase the flow of blood
+to that part, although the regulation of blood
+flow is supposed to be entirely involuntary.
+The action of the heart, also the movements
+of the digestive organs particularly, and of
+the organs of elimination, are almost directly
+affected in suggestible persons by that
+change in their brains which accompanies
+certain ideas.... Science has established
+then, that suggestion can effect to some
+extent, the so-called involuntary functions of
+the body; but the extent or limitation of
+these effects is by no means determined. It
+could not be determined scientifically without
+years of diligent experiment and tabulation.
+Any dogmatic statement upon one
+side or the other of that question, is therefore
+premature and against the spirit of
+science.”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Leith, in his Edinburgh lectures in
+1896, said: “I am inclined to doubt whether
+the benefits of Nauheim (a treatment for the
+heart) is not after all to be explained largely,
+if not entirely, by the influence of the
+mental factor.” Tuke says that: “John<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>
+Hunter says he was subject to spasm of his
+‘vital parts’ when anxious about an event;
+as, for instance, whether his bees would
+swarm or not, whether the large cat he was
+anxious to kill would get away before he
+could get the gun. After death it was found
+that he had some heart disease....
+Lord Eglinton told John Hunter how, when
+two soldiers were condemned to be shot, it
+was arranged the one who threw the number
+with the dice should be reprieved; the one
+who proved successful generally fainted,
+while the one to be shot remained calm.”
+Dr. Schofield says: “During the rush of
+Consumptives to Berlin for inoculation by
+Dr. Koch’s tuberculin, a special set of symptoms
+were observed to follow the injection
+and were taken as being diagnostic of the
+existence of tuberculosis; among others, a
+rise of temperature after so many hours.
+These phenomena were eagerly looked for
+by the patients, and occurred accurately in
+several who were injected with pure water.
+The formation of blisters full of serum from
+the application of plain stamp and other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>
+paper to various parts of the bodies of patients
+in the hypnotic state, is well attested
+and undoubtedly true.”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Krafft-Ebing has produced a rise
+from 37 degrees centigrade to 38.5 degrees
+centigrade in patients by fixing their minds
+by suggestion. In the same way Binet lowered
+the temperature 10 degrees centigrade.
+The latter authority says: “How can it be,
+when one merely says to the patient: ‘Your
+hand will become cold,’ and the vaso-motor
+system answers by constricting the artery?
+<i>C’est ce que depasse notre imagination.</i>”
+Schofield commenting on the above, says:
+“Indeed there is no way of accounting for
+such a phenomena but by freely admitting
+the presence of unconscious psychic forces
+in the body, capable of so influencing the
+structures of the body as to produce physical
+changes.” Tuke says: “A lady saw a
+child in immediate danger of having its
+ankle crushed by an iron gate. She was
+greatly agitated, but could not move, owing
+to intense pain coming on in her corresponding
+ankle. She walked home with difficulty,
+took off her stocking and found a circle<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>
+around the ankle of a light red color, with a
+large red spot on the outer side. By the
+morning her whole foot was inflamed, and
+she had to remain in bed for some days.
+A young woman witnessing the lancing of
+an abscess in the axilla immediately felt pain
+in that region, followed by inflammation.
+Dr. Marmise of Bordeaux tells us of a lady’s
+maid, who when the surgeon put his lancet
+into her mistress’s arm to bleed her, felt the
+prick in her own arm, and shortly after
+there appeared a bruise at the spot.”</p>
+
+<p>It is related that St. Francis d’Assisi dwelt
+so long in concentrated meditation upon the
+thought and picture of the Crucifixion that
+he suffered intense pain in his hands and
+feet, at the points corresponding to the place
+of the nails in the hands and feet of Christ,
+which was afterward followed by marked inflammation
+at those points, terminating in
+actual ulceration. The phenomena of the
+<i>stigmata</i> in the cases of religious enthusiasts
+and fanatics has been mentioned elsewhere
+in this book. Prof. Barrett says of
+the phenomenon: “It is not so well known,
+but it is nevertheless the fact, that utterly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>
+startling physiological changes can be produced
+in a hypnotized subject merely by conscious
+or unconscious mental suggestion.
+Thus a red scar or a painful burn, or even a
+figure of a definite shape, such as a cross or
+an initial, can be caused to appear on the
+body of the entranced subject solely through
+suggesting the idea. By creating some local
+disturbance of the blood-vessel in the skin,
+the unconscious self has done what would be
+impossible for the conscious to perform.
+And so in the well-attested cases of <i>stigmata</i>,
+where a close resemblance to the
+wounds of the body of the crucified Saviour
+appears on the body of the ecstatic. This is
+a case of unconscious self-suggestion, arising
+from the intent and adoring gaze of the
+ecstatic upon the bleeding figure on the
+crucifix.”</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Schofield says: “The breath is altered
+by the emotions. The short quiet breath of
+joy contrasts with the long sigh of relief
+after breathless suspense. Joy gives eupnœa
+or easy breathing, grief or rather fear
+tends to dyspnœa or difficult breathing.
+Sobbing goes with grief, laughter with joy,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span>
+and one often merges into the other. Yawning
+is produced by pure idea or by seeing it,
+as well as by fatigue. Dr. Morton Prince
+says a lady he knew always had violent catarrh
+in the nose (hay fever) if a rose was
+in the room. He gave her an <i>artificial</i> one and
+the usual symptoms followed. How many
+cases of hay-fever have a somewhat similar
+origin in the unconscious mind?...
+The hair may be turned grey and white by
+emotion in a few hours or sooner. With regard
+to the stomach and digestion, apart
+from actual disease, we may notice one or two
+instances of unconscious mind action. A
+man who was very sea-sick lost a valuable
+set of artificial teeth overboard, and was instantly
+cured. If the thoughts are strongly
+directed to the intestinal canal, as by bread-pills,
+it will produce strong peristaltic action.
+Vomiting occurs from mental causes, apart
+from organic brain disease. Bad news will
+produce nausea; emotion also, or seeing another
+person vomit, or certain smells or
+ideas, or thoughts about a sea-voyage, etc.,
+or the thought that an emetic has been taken....
+The thought of an acid fruit will fill<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>
+the mouth with water. A successful way of
+stopping discordant street music is to suck
+a lemon within a full view of a German band.
+Fear will so dry the throat that dry rice cannot
+be swallowed. This is a test in India
+for the detection of a murderer. The suspected
+man is brought forward and given a
+handful of dry rice to swallow. If he can do
+this he is innocent; if he cannot he is guilty,
+fear having dried up his mouth....
+A young lady who could not be cured of
+vomiting was engaged to be married. On
+being told that the wedding day must be
+postponed till cured, the vomiting ceased....
+A mother nursing her child always
+found the milk secreted when she heard the
+child crying for any length of time. Fear
+stops the secretion of milk, and worry will
+entirely change its character, so as to become
+absolutely injurious to the child.”</p>
+
+<p>Maudsley says: “Perhaps we do not as
+physicians consider sufficiently the influence
+of mental states in the production of disease,
+their importance as symptoms; or realize
+all the advantages which we take of them
+in our efforts to cure disease. Quackery<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>
+seems to have got hold of a truth which legitimate
+medicine fails to appreciate or use
+adequately.” Dr. Buckley says: “A doctor
+was called to see a lady with severe rheumatism,
+and tried to extemporize a vapor bath
+in bed, with an old tin pipe and a tea-kettle;
+and only succeeded in scalding the patient
+with the boiling water proceeding from
+the overful kettle through the pipe. The
+patient screamed: ‘Doctor, you have scalded
+me,’ and leaped out of bed. But the rheumatism
+was cured, and did not return.”
+Tuke relates an amusing instance of the
+effect of suggestion and faith upon warts.
+He had been considering the subject of the
+various “pow-wows” or “wart-cures” of the
+old women, and determined to try some experiments
+in order to see whether these
+cures were not due simply to mental influences
+and expectant attention. On an
+official tour he visited an asylum, where he
+was regarded as a great personage by reason
+of his office. He noticed that several of
+the inmates were afflicted with warts, and
+muttering a few words over the excresences,
+he told the owners that by such and such a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>
+day the warts would have completely disappeared.
+He forgot the circumstances, owing
+to the press of his official duties, and was
+agreeably surprised when, on his next round
+of visits, he was told that his patients had
+been cured at the time he had predicted.
+Nearly everyone has had some personal acquaintance
+with some of these “pow-wow”
+wart cures, in one form or another. Tying
+a knot in a piece of cord, then rubbing the
+wart with it, and burying the string, has
+cured thousands of cases of warts—the suggestion
+being the real cause behind the mask.</p>
+
+<p>Ferassi cured fifty cases of ague by a
+charm, which consisted merely of a piece of
+paper with the word “Febrifuge” written
+on it. The patient was directed to clip off
+one letter of the word each day until cured.
+Some patients recovered as soon as the first
+“F” was clipped from the paper. The
+writer hereof knows personally of a number
+of people having been cured of fever
+and ague by means of a written “charm”
+which an old man in Philadelphia sold them
+at a dollar a copy. The old man informed
+him that he, “and his father before him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>”
+had cured thousands of people in this way,
+making a comfortable living from the practice.
+Dr. Gerbe, of Paris, cured 401 out
+of 629 cases of toothache by masked suggestion
+administered in the form of causing the
+patients to crush a small insect between their
+fingers, after having strongly impressed
+upon them the fact that this was an infallible
+cure.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Schofield reports the following interesting
+cases of cures by auto-suggestion and
+faith: “A surgeon took into a hospital ward
+some time ago, a little boy who had kept his
+bed for five years, having hurt his spine in
+a fall. He had been all the time totally paralyzed
+in the legs, and could not feel when
+they were touched or pinched; nor could he
+move them in the least degree. After careful
+examination, the doctor explained minutely
+to the boy the awful nature of the electric
+battery, and told him to prepare for its
+application the next day. At the same time
+he showed him a sixpence, and sympathizing
+with his state, told him that the sixpence
+should be his if, notwithstanding, he should
+have improved enough the next day to walk<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>
+leaning on and pushing a chair, which would
+also save the need of the battery. In two
+weeks the boy was running races in the park,
+and his cure was reported in the ‘<i>Lancet</i>.’ ...
+A young lady who had taken ether
+three and a half years before, on the inhaler
+being held three inches away from the face,
+and retaining a faint odor of ether, went
+right off, and becoming unconscious without
+any ether being used or the inhaler touching
+her face. A woman was brought on a
+couch into a London hospital by two ladies,
+who said she had been suffering from incurable
+paralysis of the spine for two years,
+and having exhausted all their means in
+nursing her, they now sought to get her admitted,
+pending her removal to a home
+for incurables. In two hours I had cured
+her by agencies which owed all their virtue
+to their influence on the mind, and I walked
+with the woman half a mile up and down the
+waiting-room, and she then returned home
+in an omnibus, being completely cured. An
+amusing case is that of a paralyzed girl,
+who on learning that she had secured the affections
+of the curate, who used to visit her,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span>
+got out of bed and walked—cured; and soon
+afterwards made an excellent pastor’s wife.
+A remarkable instance of this sort of cure
+is that of a child afflicted with paralysis,
+who was brought up from the country to
+Paris to the Hotel Dieu. The child, who had
+heard a great deal of the wonderful metropolis,
+its magnificent hospitals, its omnipotent
+doctors, and their wonderful cures, was
+awe-struck, and so vividly impressed with
+the idea that such surroundings must have
+a curative influence, that the day after her
+arrival she sat up in bed much better. The
+good doctor just passed around, but had not
+time to treat her till the third day; by which
+time when he came round she was out of
+bed, walking about the room, quite restored
+by the glimpses she had got of his majestic
+presence.”</p>
+
+<p>Having now shown by numerous disinterested
+authorities, the majority of whom belong
+to the medical profession, that the mental
+states of belief, faith and expectancy,
+and their negative aspects of fear, apprehension,
+and false-belief, may, and do, influence
+physical conditions, functioning and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>
+activities, irrespective of the particular
+theory, creed, or explanation accepted by the
+patient himself, or herself, we see the necessity
+of seeking for the common principle of
+cure manifesting in the various forms of
+phenomena. And before this common principle
+may be grasped, we must needs acquaint
+ourselves with the physical organism involved
+in the process of cure. Accordingly
+the several succeeding chapters will be devoted
+to that phase of the general subject.</p>
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2>
+
+<p class="center">PSYCHO-THERAPEUTIC METHODS</p>
+
+<p>The reader will have seen from the preceding
+chapters that we have proceeded
+upon the theory that Suggestion is the universal
+operative principle manifesting in all
+forms of mental healing, under whatever
+guise the latter may be presented and by
+whatever method it may be applied. But
+it must be remembered that by “Suggestion”
+we do not mean the theories of any particular
+group of psycho-therapists, but rather
+the broad general principle indicated by that
+term which operates in the direction of influencing
+the Subconscious Mind and its activities.
+Let us consider the principle of
+Suggestion that we may understand what it
+is, and what it is not.</p>
+
+<p>The term “Suggestion” has as its root
+the Latin word <i>suggero</i>, which is translated
+as follows: <i>sug</i> (or <i>sub</i>), “under;” and
+<i>gero</i>, “to carry;” that is, “to carry or place<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>
+under.” In its general usage it signifies
+“The introduction indirectly into the mind
+or thoughts; or that which is so introduced.”
+Ordinarily a “suggestion” is an idea indirectly
+insinuated into the mind, and generally
+without the process of argument or
+reasoning. In the New Psychology, the term
+“suggestion” is used in the sense of an
+idea which is “carried under” the objective
+or conscious mind, and introduced to
+the subjective or Subconscious Mind. In
+Suggestive Therapeutics, a “suggestion” is
+an idea introduced into that part of the
+Subconscious Mind which governs and controls
+the physical functions and activities,
+and which is embodied in the cells and cell-groups
+of the body as we have stated in the
+preceding chapters.</p>
+
+<p>By many mental healers the term “Suggestion”
+is applied only to the particular
+method of applying Suggestion employed by
+physicians and others who practice under the
+general theories of Suggestive Therapeutics,
+and the first mentioned class deny that they
+use Suggestion because, as they say, they do
+not use the methods of the practitioners of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>
+Suggestive Therapeutics, and make their
+cures by “metaphysical” or “spiritual”
+means, or according to some creed or metaphysical
+theory which, accepted, works the
+cure. We think that the unprejudiced
+reader who has followed us this far will have
+seen that these metaphysical theories, creeds,
+and special dogmas are simply the outward
+mask of Suggestion. These healers simply
+supply a form of Suggestion which is acceptable
+to the patient because of his temperament,
+training, etc., and the healing process
+operates along the lines of the “faith cure.”</p>
+
+<p>The fact that healers of entirely opposite
+theories and doctrines manage to make cures
+in about the same proportion and in about
+the same time, would seem to prove that the
+theories or dogmas have but little to do with
+the real work of healing. Whatever form
+of Suggestion is most acceptable to the patient,
+will best perform the healing work in
+that particular case. This will also serve
+to explain why some patients failing to obtain
+relief from one school of mental healing
+often are cured by healers of another<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>
+school, and <i>vice versa</i>. Some need Suggestion
+couched in the mystical terms of some
+of the cults; others need it garbed in religious
+drapings, while others prefer some
+vague metaphysical theory which seems
+to explain the phenomena. Others still are
+repelled by any of the above forms, but respond
+readily to the Suggestion of a physician
+administering “straight” suggestive
+treatment, without any religious, metaphysical,
+or mystical disguise. In all of these
+cases the real healing work is done by the
+Subconscious Mind of the patient himself,
+the various forms of Suggestion serving merely
+to awaken and rouse into activity the latent
+forces of nature.</p>
+
+<p>We invite your consideration of the following
+forms of “treatment” for various
+disorders, as given by some of the “Divine
+Scientists” and other metaphysical and
+semi-religious organizations and cults. As
+you read them, try to discover the Suggestive
+germ so nicely surrounded by the sugar-coating—the
+Suggestive pill so cleverly concealed
+by the “metaphysical” raisin.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>From a journal published in Chicago several
+years ago, called “Universal Truth,”
+the following “treatments” were clipped:</p>
+
+<p>A correspondent who asked for a “treatment”
+adapted to the cure of <i>nervousness</i>,
+is instructed to use the following formula,
+which must be “repeated over and over”:</p>
+
+<p>“<i>I am warmed and fed and clothed and
+healed by Divine Love.</i>”</p>
+
+<p>Another correspondent is given the following
+formula for the cure of sore feet, the
+affirmation to be made frequently:</p>
+
+<p>“<i>I so thoroughly understand the divine
+working of the Truth, and I so thoroughly
+realize the presence of the Father in me and
+about me that I am now conscious that omnipotent
+Love rules in every atom of my being,
+soul and body. My feet can never be weary
+nor sore. God created my feet perfect. I
+walk the pathway of life in perfect ease and
+comfort. All the obstacles in my path have
+vanished, and my feet are bathed in a sea of
+pure love. Through a knowledge and realization
+of the presence of Omnipotence, I
+praise and thank God for the perfect spirit
+of peace that now dwells within me.</i>”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The following additional “treatment” is
+suggested to this sufferer from <i>sore feet</i>:</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Mentally place yourself in an attitude to
+realize the power of the words you utter, for
+the fullness of peace and harmony in your
+feet comes with realization. The more frequently
+this spiritual medicine is used,
+the sooner comes manifestation of perfect
+health.</i>”</p>
+
+<p>The same journal contained the following
+item:</p>
+
+<p>“The following invigorating affirmations
+are used at the Exodus Club, Chicago, Sunday
+mornings, the congregation repeating
+them after the leader: <i>‘With reverent recognition
+of my birthright, I claim my sonship
+with the Almighty. I am free from disease
+and disorder. I am in harmony with my
+source. The Infinite Health is made manifest
+in me. The Infinite Substance is my
+constant supply. The Infinite Life fills and
+strengthens me. The Infinite Intelligence illumines
+and directs me. The Infinite Love
+surrounds and protects me. The Infinite
+Power upholds and supports me. I am out
+of bondage. I have the freedom of the sons</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span>
+<i>of God. With all that is in me I rejoice and
+give thanks. God and man are the all in all,
+now and forever more.</i>’”</p>
+
+<p>The same journal recommends the following
+affirmations for general health treatment:</p>
+
+<p>“Monday—<i>Perfect health is my external
+birthright</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Tuesday—<i>I have health of intellect, therefore
+I have wise judgment and clear understanding</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Wednesday—<i>I am morally healthful, therefore
+in all my dealings I love to realize that
+I am quickened by the spirit of integrity</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Thursday—<i>Healthfulness of soul gives me
+a pure heart and righteousness of motive in
+everything I do</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Friday—<i>Meditation upon the health of my
+real being outpictures in physical health and
+strength, in even temper, joyous spirits and
+in kind words</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Saturday—<i>My health is inexhaustible, because
+I keep my eye steadily fixed upon its
+eternal Principle, and my mouth filled with
+words of its Omnipotence</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Sunday—<i>The Father and I are one; one</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span>
+<i>in purpose, alike in Substance, and one in
+manifestation</i>.”</p>
+
+<p>In the same journal a correspondent gives
+the following treatment for <i>rupture</i>:</p>
+
+<p>“<i>You were conceived in Divine Love. You
+are the expression of that pure, perfect Love.
+Divine Love is a binding, cementing power.
+It is the power that holds all atoms in their
+places. Every atom of your body is drawn
+and held together in its place by this power.
+If any of them get separated as by rupture
+or any other appearance, they may be drawn
+together and cemented by the omnipotent
+power of Love; but the word must be spoken.
+Therefore use the following: ‘The omnipotent
+spirit of Love in me heals this rupture
+and gives me peace.’ Then, mentally realize
+the truth of your words, for the Spirit
+alone can heal.</i>”</p>
+
+<p>The following treatment for <i>appendicitis</i>
+is given in the same journal:</p>
+
+<p>“<i>The false theories of physicians and surgeons,
+and the general impressions regarding
+that error named Appendicitis are powerless
+to produce or perpetuate such manifestation.
+The great law of harmony reigns</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span>
+<i>and only waits the universal acknowledgment
+of its supremacy to obliterate all such
+falsity, thereby obliterating the manifestation.
+We claim, therefore, freedom from
+such error for every soul. We make this
+claim in the name of Jesus Christ.</i>”</p>
+
+<p>From the same source is taken this treatment
+for <i>periodical nausea in a child</i>:</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Dear child, every organ of your body is
+designed to represent the ideal and perfect
+organ in your real spiritual being; and every
+function of your body must respond to the
+word of truth which is now sent forth to establish
+harmony in your consciousness. The
+infinite Love that is omnipresent and all-powerful
+permeates and penetrates every
+organ and function of your body, and corrects
+every tendency to discord or disease.
+By that infinite Love you are now made
+free. You are fearless and free. You are
+joyous and free. You are free from the fear
+of others. You manifest health, strength
+and peace. Harmony reigns in mind and
+body. The word of truth has made you
+free.</i>”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Also the following treatment for <i>constipation</i>:</p>
+
+<p>“<i>I do realize that the power of divine
+Love so permeates every atom of my being
+that my bowels move freely and without effort.
+This inflowing of divine Love removes
+all obstructions and I am healed. I realize
+joy and eternal life so fully that the spirit of
+Peace is ever present with me. I acknowledge
+the fullness of joy, peace and power,
+and have come into a realization of my oneness
+with infinite Spirit; therefore I rest in
+thee, O my father.</i>”</p>
+
+<p>Another journal of “Divine Science” gave
+the following “Health Thought” to be held
+during the month:</p>
+
+<p>“<i>All the natural channels of my body are
+open and free. The substance of my body is
+good.</i>”</p>
+
+<p>Also the following treatment for <i>general
+health</i>:</p>
+
+<p>“<i>What is true of God is true of man. God
+is the One All, and is always in a state of
+wholeness. I, the man of God, am always
+whole, like unto the One All. No false belief
+environs or limits me. No shadow darkens</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span>
+<i>my mental vision. My body is a heavenly
+body, and my eyes do behold the glory of
+God in all visible things. I am well, and provided
+for, thank God, and nothing can make
+me think otherwise.</i>”</p>
+
+<p>While to the orthodox practitioner of
+medicine the above affirmation and “treatments”
+may seem to be nothing but a ridiculous
+conglomeration of mystical, religious
+and metaphysical terms, without sequence,
+logical relation, or common-sense, <i>it is true
+that statements and treatments similar to
+the above have successfully healed many
+cases of physical ailments</i>. There are thousands
+of people who will testify that they
+were healed in a similar manner, and the
+majority of them believed that there was
+some particular and peculiar virtue in the
+formula used, or in the theories and beliefs
+upon which the formula was based. But the
+unprejudiced student of Suggestion will
+readily see that the real healing force was
+with the mind and being of the patients
+themselves, and that the <i>faith, belief and expectant
+attention</i> was aroused by the formula
+and the theories. The principle is that of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>
+all Faith Cures—the principle of Suggestion.</p>
+
+<p>Other schools of metaphysical or religious
+healers treat the patient by impressing upon
+his mind the fact that God being perfect,
+good and loving could not be guilty of creating
+evil, pain or disease, and that such
+things are non-existent in the “Divine
+Mind,” and are merely illusion, errors, or
+false claims of the “mortal mind,” or “carnal
+mind” of the patient; therefore, if the
+patient will deny their reality, and will admit
+as existent only such things as are held
+in the Divine Mind, <i>i. e.</i>, the <i>good</i> things,
+then the evil things, being merely illusions
+and untruths, must of necessity fade away
+and disappear and perfect health will result.
+Others treat their patients by impressing
+upon their minds the idea that sickness and
+disease is either the world or “the devil,”
+or of the “principle of evil,” the latter being
+described as “the negation of truth,”
+and similar terms; and that therefore fixing
+the mind and faith upon the “principle of
+Good,” or God, must result in driving away<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span>
+the evil conditions. Others hold that disembodied
+spirits are aiding in the cure. There
+are thousands of variations rung on the
+chimes of metaphysical or religious suggestions
+in the cults. <i>And they all make some
+cures</i>, remember—<i>in spite of their theories</i>
+rather than because of them.</p>
+
+<p>The Mental Scientists come nearest to the
+ideas of the New Psychology, when they
+teach that “As a man thinketh, so is he,”
+and that the mind of man creates physical
+conditions, good and evil, and that the constant
+holding of the ideal of perfect health
+and the assertion thereof, will restore normal
+healthy conditions to the person suffering
+from physical ailments. Mental Science
+is very near to being “straight suggestion”
+so far as the actual method of treatment is
+concerned, although it resembles some of the
+other cults when it begins to speculate or
+dogmatize regarding the nature of the universe,
+etc.</p>
+
+<p>Differing from these metaphysical, mystical,
+or religious schools of healing in theory,
+although employing the same principle, we
+find the school of Suggestive Therapeutics,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span>
+proper, favored by many of the regular
+physicians and by a number of other healers
+who base their treatment upon the idea of
+“straight suggestion” coupled with hygienic
+truth and rational physiological facts. Perhaps
+a better idea of the theories and ideas
+of this school may be obtained by referring
+to the actual treatments given by some of
+their leading practitioners.</p>
+
+<p>Herbert A. Parkyn, M. D., an eminent
+practitioner of Suggestive Therapeutics,
+gives the following instruction to his pupils:
+“Students often ask for information as to
+what they should say to a patient when
+thorough relaxation is realized. As no two
+cases are exactly alike, it follows that the
+suggestions given must necessarily fit the
+case, and be given with a view to bring
+about the mental and physical condition desired.
+For instance, in treating a patient
+who is afflicted with insomnia, suggestions
+of sleep should be persistently given; and
+in cases of malnutrition suggestions of hunger
+should be made to stimulate the appetite
+for food. The operator should bear in mind
+that <i>the reiteration of the suggestion that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span>
+will change the condition existing, to that
+desired, is always the right one</i>, and his own
+intelligence will be the best guarantee as to
+what the suggestion should be.... Always
+arouse the expectant attention of a patient....
+So logical a line of argument
+can be made that each patient will have a
+reason for expecting certain conditions to be
+brought about. <i>With the patient’s attention
+on the desired results, they generally
+come to pass.</i> It is better not to give negative
+suggestions, such as, ‘You will not, or
+cannot do this, that or the other thing,’ etc.
+Pointing out what is not desirable does not
+suffice. In place of such suggestions, tell
+what you really wish your patients to do.
+For example, if a man should mount his
+bicycle incorrectly, he would profit nothing
+if we should merely tell him that the way he
+mounted was not the proper one. How much
+easier it would be for all concerned if the
+proper manner of mounting should be shown
+at once. Just so it is with therapeutic suggestions,
+<i>keep suggesting the conditions of
+mind or body you wish to bring about</i>.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The following treatment given as an example
+by F. W. Southworth, M. D., in his
+little book on “True Metaphysical Science,
+and its Practical Application through the
+Law of Suggestion,” furnishes an excellent
+illustration of the form of suggestive treatment
+favored by this particular school. The
+patient is addressed as follows:</p>
+
+<p>“As thoughts are not only things, but
+forces and act upon our mental and physical
+life for good or ill, we must be careful to
+always keep ourselves in that condition of
+thought which builds up and strengthens, to
+constantly think thoughts of <i>health</i>, of <i>happiness</i>,
+of <i>good</i>, to be <i>cheerful</i>, hopeful, confident
+and fearless. (Repeat five or six
+times.) In order to sustain this condition
+of positive thinking it requires the development
+of the will power. The will is the
+motive power and the controlling force in all
+aspects of our life, but we develop it especially
+for the concentration and control of
+thought. This is the higher self—the infinite
+will. Exercise it with vigor and earnest
+persistency, and learn to <i>rely</i> upon it. Assert
+its power as you assert the power of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>
+muscles in exercise and it will manifest itself
+and the thought will be positive, the
+secretions of the body will be normal, and
+the circulation of the blood in the head will
+be kept at that proper equilibrium which insures
+the constant nutrition of the cells of
+the brain and their constant vigor and
+strength of control of all the organs and tissues
+of the body, and this vast and intricate
+machinery of the body will work harmoniously
+for the production of nutrition
+through elaboration of the food elements.</p>
+
+<p>“As our body is constantly changing and
+wasting, we must rebuild and restore it constantly,
+and we do so from the air we
+breathe, the water we drink, and the food
+we eat. The most important of these is the
+air you breathe, as it is not only a food in
+itself to the tissues, but it vitalizes the food
+you eat and the water you drink. Give it
+that quality of your thought and breathe it
+as you have been directed at least six times
+per day for a period of from five to ten minutes
+each time. Recognize it as both a food
+and an eliminator of poisons, as it is, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>
+breathe, breathe, breathe, by Nature’s method,
+and the lungs will distribute the oxygen
+to the blood, and the blood being
+the common carrier of the body will take
+it to all parts of the body and on its return
+will gather up all the waste and poisonous
+matters and will bring them to the lungs,
+where, meeting the fresh oxygen, they will
+be burned up and exhaled as carbonic acid
+gas, leaving the body pure and clean.</p>
+
+<p>“The water you drink, in the proportion
+of three and one-half pints each day, is
+necessary in all adult bodies to insure perfect
+secretion and excretion. As the result
+of this required liquid being provided in normal
+quantity, the secreting glands will
+manufacture the proper amount of juices
+needed in digestion, absorption and assimilation
+of your food, and the excreting glands,
+those which bring about excretion or the removal
+of waste matters from the body—the
+liver giving you the bile, which produces a
+daily movement of the bowels—the kidneys
+and bladder removing the chemical deposits
+which come about through the processes of
+digestion, and the skin excreting a large<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span>
+amount of waste matter from its twelve
+square feet of surface, which you remove
+with a towel each morning after moistening
+it with cold water. By following these laws
+of Nature you will have a good appetite and
+digestion, a daily movement of the bowels,
+refreshing sleep, and, as your nutrition is
+restored from day to day, a feeling of satisfaction
+and happiness will be the result. Be
+earnest and persistent and do everything
+cheerfully, with a firm determination of doing
+your part to restore nutrition.</p>
+
+<p>“When you breathe, give it the quality of
+your thought; it is for the purpose of getting
+food, life; feeding from the air and
+eliminating poisons from your body. (Repeat
+five and six times.) When you sip the
+water, think each time that it is to produce
+perfect secretion and excretion—to give you
+a good appetite, digestion, refreshing sleep
+and a free movement of the bowels each
+morning. (Repeat five or six times.) Each
+day look forward to the morrow for progress
+and advancement. Think health—talk
+it and nothing else. Do not talk with anyone
+about disease or allow any person to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span>
+talk to you on such subjects. <i>Be cheerful</i>,
+<i>hopeful</i>, <i>confident</i> and fearless always, and
+you will be happy and healthy. Eat, drink,
+breathe and be merry.”</p>
+
+<p>It will be noticed that in the above described
+treatment, the suggestions are made
+along physiological and hygienic lines. That
+is, the suggestions indicate the physiological
+processes which are performed normally in
+the healthy person, the idea being to set up
+an ideal pattern for the Subconscious Mind
+to follow. In all scientific suggestive treatment
+the idea is always to paint a mental
+picture of the <i>desired conditions</i> rather than
+to dwell upon the existing undesirable conditions.
+The <i>ideal</i> is always held up to view,
+and the patient’s mind is led to <i>realize</i> the
+ideal—to make the ideal real—to manifest
+the thought in action—to materialize the
+mental picture.</p>
+
+<p>The general principles of Suggestive
+Therapeutics may be applied effectively by
+means of Auto-Suggestion. In fact, the “affirmations,”
+“statements” and “assertions”
+used by many of the New Thought
+schools are but forms of Auto-Suggestion.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span>
+There is no essential difference between the
+Suggestion given by others, and the Auto-Suggestion
+given by one’s self to one’s self.
+The healing power is in the mind of the patient,
+and whether it is called forth by his
+own Auto-Suggestion or the Suggestion of a
+healer matters not. The Auto-Suggestion is
+merely a case of self-healing by Suggestion,
+and is administered upon the principle of
+“every man his own suggestionist”—“sez I
+to meself, sez I.” Auto-Suggestions are
+usually given to one’s self in the form of
+“affirmations,” as, “I am improving; my
+stomach is doing its work well, digesting
+what is given it, and the nourishment is assimilated,
+etc.” In other works by the
+writer hereof, the method of addressing
+one’s self as one would another is recommended
+as particularly efficacious. That is
+to say, instead of saying, “<i>I</i> am, etc.,” in
+Auto-Suggestion, it is better to address one’s
+self in the second person, as “<i>John Smith</i>
+(naming yourself), <i>you</i> are, etc.” In short,
+the Auto-Suggestion seems to have additional
+force imparted to it by being directed
+as if it were being given to another person.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The following thought of Dr. Schofield is
+worthy of careful consideration in connection
+with the methods of applying Suggestion.
+He says, referring to the treatment of
+hysterical disorders and ailments: “We
+must, however, remember one great point
+with regard to suggestion—that it is like
+nitrogen. Nitrogen is the essential element
+in all animal life; it forms four-fifths of the
+air we breathe, and yet, curious to say, we
+have no power to use it in a pure state. We
+can only take it unconsciously, when combined
+with other substances in the form of
+proteid food. It is the same with suggestions.
+Not one hysterical sufferer in a hundred
+can receive and profit by them in a raw
+state—that is, consciously; they must generally
+be presented, as we have said, indirectly
+to the subconscious mind by the treatment
+and environment of the patient. An electric
+shock often cures slight hysterical diseases
+instantaneously, acting, as it often
+does, on the unconscious mind through the
+conscious. No doubt it would be easier if we
+could say to these sufferers, ‘The disease is
+caused by suggestions from ideal centers,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span>
+and to cure it, all you have to do is to
+believe you are well.’ Still, it would be as
+impossible for us to take our nitrogen pure
+from the air, the mind cannot as a rule be
+thus acted on directly when the brain is unhealthy.
+Suggestion must be wrapped in objective
+treatment, directed ostensibly and
+vigorously to the simulated disease.”</p>
+
+<p>Not only is the above true regarding the
+treatment of hysterical disorders, but to <i>all</i>
+disorders as well. The methods which will
+bring about the best results must be carefully
+modeled upon the patient’s particular
+temperament, education, prejudices for and
+against, and general belief. The skilled suggestionist
+adapts his treatment and methods
+to each individual case coming to him for
+treatment. Whatever method will best
+arouse the patient’s belief, faith and expectant
+attention is the best method for administering
+the suggestions. The successful
+suggestionist must be “all things to all men,”
+never, however, losing sight of the fundamental
+principle of Suggestion—the arousing
+of faith, belief, and expectant attention.</p>
+<hr />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER X</h2>
+
+<p class="center">THE REACTION OF THE PHYSICAL</p>
+
+<p>As we have stated in our Foreword, there
+is a constant action and reaction between the
+Mental States and the Physical Conditions.
+In this book, from the nature of our subject,
+we have started with the phase of the Mental
+State and worked from that point to the
+consideration of the Physical Condition. In
+the same way, many physiologists start from
+the phase of the Physical Condition, and
+work up to the Mental State. But, starting
+from either phase, the candid investigator
+must admit that there is an endless chain of
+action and reaction between Mind and Body—between
+Body and Mind.</p>
+
+<p>This action and reaction works along the
+lines of building-up as well as tearing-down.
+For instance, if a person’s Mental States are
+positive, optimistic, cheerful and uplifting,
+the body will respond and the Physical Conditions
+will improve. The Physical Condi<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>tions,
+thus improving, will react upon the
+Mental States giving them a clearness and
+strength greater than previously manifested.
+The improved Mental State again acts upon
+the Physical Conditions, improving the latter
+still further. And so on, an endless chain
+of cause and effect, each effect becoming a
+cause for a subsequent effect, and each cause
+arising from a preceding effect. Likewise, a
+depressed, harmful Mental State will act
+upon the Physical Conditions, which in turn
+will react upon the Mental States, and so on,
+in an endless chain of destructive cause and
+effect. It is a striking illustration of the old
+Biblical statement: “To him who hath shall
+be given; to him who hath not shall be taken
+away even that which he hath.” In improving
+either the Mental State or the Physical
+Condition, one gives an uplift to the whole
+process of action and reaction; while, whatever
+adversely affects either Mental State or
+Physical Condition, starts into operation a
+depressing and destructive process of action
+and reaction. The ideal to be aimed at is, of
+course, “A healthy Mind in a healthy Body”—and
+the two are so closely related that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>
+what affects one, favorably or unfavorably,
+is sure to react upon the other.</p>
+
+<p>Just as the influence of the Mental States
+over the Physical Conditions has been
+shown to operate by means of the Sympathetic
+Nervous System (controlled of course
+by the Subconscious Mind), so the influence
+of Physical Conditions over Mental States
+may be explained in physiological terms.
+In order to understand the reaction of the
+Body upon the Mind, we have but to recall
+the fact that the Subconscious Mind is the
+builder and preserver of the very brain-cells
+which are used by the Conscious Mind
+in manifesting thought. And also, that the
+entire Nervous System, both Cerebro-Spinal
+as well as Sympathetic, is really under the
+control of the Subconscious Mind so far as
+growth and nourishment is concerned. The
+very brain and nerve-centers in and through
+which is manifested thought, feeling, emotion,
+and will, are nourished by the Sympathetic
+System, and are hurt by anything affecting
+the latter. The Sympathetic System
+joins all parts of the organism so closely together
+that trouble in one part is reflected<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span>
+in other parts. Just as depressing thoughts
+will cause the organs to function improperly,
+so will the improper functioning of an organ
+tend to produce depressing thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>Herbert A. Parkyn, M. D., well states the
+action and reaction of Mind and Body, as
+follows: “A tree is much like a human being.
+Give it plenty of fresh air, water and
+a rich soil, and it will flourish. In the same
+degree in which it is deprived of these does
+it wilt, and <i>the first part of the tree to wilt
+when the nutrition becomes imperfect is the
+top</i>. This is owing to the force of gravity;
+the blood of the tree, the sap, having to
+overcome this force of nature when nourishing
+the highest leaves. The blood of man is
+also affected by this same force, and the
+moment a man’s circulation begins to run
+down, owing to stinted nutrition, we find
+that the first symptoms of trouble appear in
+the head.... The brain failing to receive
+its accustomed amount of blood, such
+troubles as impaired memory, inability to
+concentrate the attention, sleeplessness, nervousness,
+irritableness, the blues and slight
+headaches develop; and the impulses sent all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span>
+over the body becoming feebler, the various
+organs do not perform their functions as
+satisfactorily as usual. The impulses to the
+stomach and bowels becoming weaker and
+weaker, dyspepsia, or constipation, or both,
+soon follow. As soon as these, the main organs
+of nutrition, are out of order, nutrition
+fails rapidly and more ‘head symptoms’ develop.
+Every impulse of the muscular system
+leaves the brain, and the strength of
+these impulses depends upon the nutrition
+to the brain centers controlling the various
+groups. As the nutrition to these centers
+declines, the whole muscular system, including
+the muscles of the bowels, becomes
+weaker and the patient complains that he
+exhausts easily. The impulses for elimination
+becoming weaker, waste products remain
+in the circulation, and any of the evils,
+which naturally follow this state of affairs,
+such as rheumatism, sick-headache, biliousness,
+etc., are likely to develop. The centers
+of the special senses feeling the lessening of
+the vital fluid, such troubles as impaired
+vision, impaired hearing, loss of appetite
+(sense of taste) and inability to detect odors<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span>
+quickly soon follow. The sense of touch becomes
+more acute, and it is for this reason
+that one in poor health becomes hypersensitive.
+Lowered circulation in the mucous
+membrane of the throat and nose is often
+the cause of nasal catarrh appearing on the
+scene as an early symptom.”</p>
+
+<p>It will thus be seen that the Physical Conditions,
+perhaps originally caused by depressing
+Mental States, have brought about
+a state of affairs in which the brain is imperfectly
+nourished and which consequently
+cannot think properly. The liver being out
+of order, the spirits are depressed; the brain
+being imperfectly nourished, the attention
+and will are weakened, and the patient finds
+it hard to use his mind to influence his bodily
+conditions. The bowels not moving
+properly, the waste-products poison the circulation,
+and the brain is unable to think
+clearly. In fact, the whole physical system
+is often so disturbed that a condition known
+as “nervous prostration” sets in, in which
+it is practically impossible for the patient to
+hold the Mental States which will improve<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span>
+the Physical Conditions. In these cases outside
+help is generally necessary, unless in
+cases where a sudden shock, or an urgent
+necessity arouses the latent mental forces of
+the individual, and he asserts the power that
+is in him, and begins to reverse the chain of
+cause and effect and to start on the upward
+climb.</p>
+
+<p>The following additional quotation from
+Dr. Parkyn, gives us a vivid insight into the
+effect upon the Mental States of abnormal
+Physical Conditions: Dr. Parkyn says: “No
+organ of the body can perform its functions
+properly when the amount of blood supplied
+to it is insufficient, and we find, when the
+blood supply to the brain is not up to the
+normal standard, that brain functions are
+interfered with to a degree corresponding to
+the reduction in the circulation. Since the
+amount of blood normally supplied to the
+brain is lessened in nervous prostration, we
+find that the memory fails and the ability to
+concentrate the attention disappears. The
+reasoning power becomes weakened and the
+steadiest mind commences to vacillate.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span>
+Fears and hallucinations of every description
+may fill the mind of a patient at this
+stage, and every impression he receives is
+likely to be greatly distorted or misconstrued.
+Melancholia with a constant fear of
+impending danger is often present. In fact,
+the brain seems to lose even the power to
+control its functions, and the mind becomes
+active day and night.... The reduction
+of the nutrition to the brain lessens the
+activity of all the cerebral centers also,
+and digestion becomes markedly impaired,
+thereby weakening the organ itself upon
+which the supply of vital force depends.”</p>
+
+<p>The physiologist is able to furnish a great
+variety of illustrations of the effect of Physical
+Conditions over Mental States. He
+shows that many cases of mental trouble are
+due to eye-strain, and other muscular disturbances,
+and that serious mental complaints
+sometimes arise by reason of physical
+lesions. The very terms used to designate
+certain abnormal mental states show
+the relation, as for instance, <i>melancholia</i>
+which is derived from the Greek words
+meaning “black bile”; and <i>hysteria</i>, which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span>
+is derived from the Greek word meaning “the
+womb; or uterus.” Every one knows the
+Mental States produced by a sluggish liver,
+or by dyspepsia, or from constipation. We
+all know the difference between our mental
+capacity for thinking when we are tired, as
+contrasted with that accompanying the refreshed
+physical condition. No man, whatever
+his philosophy, can truthfully claim to
+be able to maintain a placid, even disposition,
+and a perfectly controlled temper, when
+he is suffering from a boil on the back of his
+neck. And, all know that after indulging in
+the midnight “Welsh rarebit,” one is apt to
+dream of his grandmother’s ghost, or see
+dream elephants with wings. All know the
+delirium produced by overindulgence in
+liquor, and the hallucinations that accompany
+fever. The effect of drugs, tobacco,
+and alcohol upon the Mental States are well
+known. “Philip drunk” is a very different
+mentality from “Philip sober.” The Mental
+States accompanying particular diseases
+are well known to physicians. One disease
+predisposes the sufferer to gloominess, while<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span>
+another will induce a state of feverish hilarity.
+Some leading authorities now hold
+that many cases of insanity are really due
+to abnormal conditions of the blood, rather
+than to any diseased condition of the brain.</p>
+
+<p>One of the most marked instances of the
+action and reaction of Mental States and
+Physical Conditions is met with in the activities
+of the sexual organism. Psychologists
+very properly hold that sexual excesses
+and abnormalities are largely due to improper
+thinking, that is, by allowing the attention
+and interest to dwell too strongly and continuously
+upon subjects connected with the activities
+of that part of the physical system.
+Mental treatment along the lines of Suggestive
+Therapeutics has resulted in curing
+many persons of troubles of this sort. But,
+note the correlated fact—excess and abnormalities
+of the kind mentioned, almost invariably
+react upon the mentality of the person
+indulging in them, and softening of the
+brain, paralysis, or imbecility have often
+arisen directly from these physical abuses.
+It will be seen that any sane treatment of
+these troubles must take into consideration<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>
+both Body and Mind. In the same way it is
+a fact that just as certain Mental States, notably
+those of fear, worry, grief, jealousy,
+etc., will injuriously affect the organs of digestion
+and assimilation, so will imperfect
+functioning of these organs tend to produce
+depressing mental states similar to those
+just mentioned. Many instances of the
+strange correspondences are met with in the
+study of physiological-psychology, or psychological-physiology.</p>
+
+<p>In order to more fully appreciate the relation
+between the Body and the Mind, let
+us read the following lines from Prof. Halleck:
+“Marvelous as are the mind’s achievements,
+we must note that it is as completely
+dependent upon the nervous system as is a
+plant upon sun, rain and air. Suppose a
+child of intelligent parents were ushered into
+the world without a nerve leading from his
+otherwise perfect brain to any portion of his
+body, with no optic nerve to transmit the
+glorious sensations from the eye, no auditory
+nerve to conduct the vibrations of the
+mother’s voice, no tactile nerves to convey
+the touch of a hand, no olfactory nerve to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span>
+rouse the brain with the delicate aroma from
+the orchards and the wild flowers in spring,
+no gustatory, thermal or muscular nerves.
+Could such a child live, as the years rolled
+on, the books of Shakespeare and of Milton
+would be opened in vain before the child’s
+eyes. The wisest men might talk to him
+with utmost eloquence, all to no purpose.
+Nature could not whisper one of her inspiring
+truths into his deaf ear, could not light
+up that dark mind with a picture of the rainbow
+or of a human face. No matter how
+perfect might be the child’s brain and his
+inherited capacity for mental activities, his
+faculties would remain for this life shrouded
+in Egyptian darkness. Perception could
+give memory nothing to retain, and thought
+could not weave her matchless fabrics without
+materials.”</p>
+
+<p>The very feelings or emotions themselves
+are so closely related to the accompanying
+physical expressions, that it is difficult to
+distinguish between cause and effect, or indeed
+to state positively which really is
+the cause of the other. Prof. William<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span>
+James, in some of his works, strongly indicates
+this close relation, as for instance
+when he says: “The feeling, in the coarser
+emotions, result from the bodily expression....
+My theory is that the bodily changes
+follow directly the perception of the exciting
+fact, and that our feeling of the same
+changes as they occur <i>is</i> the emotion....
+Particular perceptions certainly do produce
+widespread bodily effects by a sort of immediate
+physical influence, antecedent to the
+arousal of an emotion or emotional idea....
+Every one of the bodily changes,
+whatsoever it may be, is <i>felt</i>, acutely or obscurely,
+the moment it occurs.... If
+we fancy some strong emotion, and then try
+to abstract from our consciousness of it all
+the feelings of its bodily symptoms, we have
+nothing left behind.... A disembodied
+human emotion is a sheer nonentity. I do
+not say that it is a contradiction in the nature
+of things, or that pure spirits are necessarily
+condemned to cold intellectual lives;
+but I say that for <i>us</i> emotion disassociated
+from all bodily feelings is inconceivable.
+The more closely I scrutinize my states, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span>
+more persuaded I become that whatever
+‘coarse’ affections and passions I have are
+in very truth constituted by, and made up
+of, those bodily changes which we ordinarily
+call their expression or consequence....
+But our emotions must always be <i>inwardly</i>
+what they are, whatever may be the physiological
+ground of their apparition. If they
+are deep, pure, worthy, spiritual facts on
+any conceivable theory of their physiological
+source, they remain no less deep, more
+spiritual, and worthy of regard on this present
+sensational theory.”</p>
+
+<p>A deeper consideration of the relation between
+Mind and Body would necessitate our
+invading the field of metaphysical speculation,
+which we have expressed our intention
+to avoid doing. Enough for the purposes of
+our present consideration is: <i>the recognition
+that each individual is possessed of a mind
+and a material body; that these two phases
+or aspects of himself are closely related by
+an infinite variety of ties and filaments; that
+these two phases of his being act and react
+upon each other constantly and continuously;
+that in all considerations of the questiontion</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span>
+<i>of either mental or physical well-being,
+or both, that both of these phases of being
+must be considered; that any system of
+therapeutics which ignores either of these
+phases, is necessarily “one-sided” and incomplete;
+and that, while, for convenience
+and clearness of specialized thinking, we
+may consider the Mind and the Body as separate
+and independent of each other, yet, we
+must, in the end, recognize their interdependence,
+mutual relation, action and reaction.</i></p>
+
+<p>Thus, the New Psychology recognizes the
+importance of the Body, while the New Physiology
+recognizes the importance of the
+Mind. And, in the end, we feel that both
+physiology and psychology must be recognized
+as being but two different phases of
+one great science—the Science of Life.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr />
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;margin: 0 auto;" cellpadding="10">
+  <tr>
+    <td>
+      <b>Transcriber's Note:</b><br />
+      <br />
+         There are two occurrences of an unmatched double quotation mark. It was
+         unclear where the missing opening or closing quotation mark belonged,
+         and no attempt was made to insert one.
+   </td>
+  </tr>
+</table>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="full" />
+<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIND AND BODY***</p>
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Mind and Body, by William Walker Atkinson
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Mind and Body
+       or, Mental States and Physical Conditions
+
+
+Author: William Walker Atkinson
+
+
+
+Release Date: October 25, 2013  [eBook #44029]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIND AND BODY***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Turgut Dincer, sp1nd, and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from page images generously made
+available by Internet Archive (https://archive.org)
+
+
+
+Note: Images of the original pages are available through
+      Internet Archive. See
+      https://archive.org/details/mindbodyormental00atki
+
+
+
+
+
+MIND AND BODY
+
+Or
+
+Mental States and Physical Conditions
+
+by
+
+WILLIAM WALKER ATKINSON
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+L. N. Fowler & Company
+7, Imperial Arcade, Ludgate Circus
+London, E. C., England
+
+1910
+The Progress Company
+Chicago, Ill.
+
+Copyright, 1910
+By
+The Progress Company
+
+P. F. Pettibone & Co.
+Printers and Bindors
+Chicago
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+        Foreword                                9
+
+     I. The Subconscious Mind                  15
+
+    II. The Sympathetic System                 29
+
+   III. The Cell-Minds                         39
+
+    IV. The Mental Basis of Cure               58
+
+     V. The History of Psycho-Therapy          84
+
+    VI. Faith Cures                           115
+
+   VII. The Power of the Imagination          135
+
+  VIII. Belief and Suggestion                 155
+
+    IX. Psycho-Therapeutic Methods            173
+
+     X. The Reaction of the Physical          196
+
+
+
+
+FOREWORD
+
+
+Mind and Body--Mental States and Physical Conditions! To the mind
+of those who have contented themselves with merely the superficial
+aspects of things, these two things--mind and body; and mental states
+and physical conditions--seem to be as far apart as the two poles; seem
+to be opposites and contradictories impossible of reconciliation.
+But to those who have penetrated beneath the surface of things,
+these two apparent opposites are seen to be so closely related and
+inter-related--so blended and mingled together in manifestation--that it
+is practically impossible to scientifically determine where the one
+leaves off and the other begins. And so constant and close is their
+mutual action and reaction, that it often becomes impossible to state
+positively _which_ is the cause and which the effect.
+
+In the first place, Science now informs us that in all living
+substance, from cell to mammoth, there is and must be Mind. There
+can be no Life without Mind. Mind, indeed, is held to be the very
+"livingness" of Life--the greater the degree of manifestation of Mind,
+the higher the degree of Life. Moreover, the New Psychology informs
+us that upon the activities of the Subconscious Mind depend all the
+processes of physical life--that the Subconscious Mind is the essence
+of what was formerly called the Vital Force--and is embodied in every
+cell, cell-group or organ of the body. And, that this Subconscious Mind
+is amenable to suggestion, good and evil, from the conscious mind of
+its owner, as well as from outside. When the subject of the influence
+of Mental States upon Physical Conditions is studied, one sees that
+the Physical Condition is merely the reflection of the Mental State,
+and the problem seems to be solved, the mystery of Health and Disease
+solved. But in this, as in everything else, there is seen to be an
+opposing phase--the other side of the shield. Let us look at the other
+side of the question:
+
+Just as we find that wherever there is living substance there is Mind,
+so do we find that we are unable to intelligently consider Mind unless
+as _embodied_ in living substance. The idea of Mind, independent of
+its substantial embodiment, becomes a mere abstraction impossible
+of mental imaging--something like color independent of the colored
+substance, or light without the illuminated substance. And just as we
+find that Mental States influence Physical Conditions, so do we find
+that Physical Conditions influence Mental States. And, so the problem
+of Life, Health and Disease once more loses its simplicity, and the
+mystery again deepens. The deeper we dig into the subject, the more do
+we become impressed with the idea of the universal principle of Action
+and Reaction so apparent in all phenomena. The Mind acts upon the Body;
+the Body reacts upon the Mind; cause and effect become confused; the
+reasoning becomes circular--like a ring it has no beginning, no end; its
+beginning may be any place we may prefer, its ending likewise.
+
+The only reconciliation is to be found in the fundamental working
+hypothesis which holds that both Mind and Body--both Mental States and
+Physical Conditions--are _the two aspects of something greater than
+either--the opposing poles of the same Reality_. The radical Materialist
+asserts that the Body is the only reality, and that Mind is merely
+its "by-product." The Mentalist asserts that the Mind is the only
+reality, and that the Body is merely its grosser form of manifestation.
+The unprejudiced philosopher is apt to stand aside and say: "You are
+both right, yet both wrong--each is stating the truth, but only the
+half-truth." With the working hypothesis that Mind and Body are but
+varying aspects of the Truth--that Mind is the inner essence of the
+Body, and Body the outward manifestation of the Mind--we find ourselves
+on safe ground.
+
+We mention this fundamental principle here, for in the body of this
+book we shall not invade the province of metaphysics or philosophy,
+but shall hold ourselves firmly to our own field, that of psychology.
+Of course, the very nature of the subject renders it necessary that
+we consider the influence of psychology upon physiology, but we have
+remembered that this book belongs to the general subject of the New
+Psychology, and we have accordingly emphasized the psychological side
+of the subject. But the same material could have been used by a writer
+upon physiology, by changing the emphasis from the psychological phase
+to the physiological.
+
+We have written this book to reach not only those who refuse to
+see the wonderful influence of the Mental States over the Physical
+Conditions, but also for our "metaphysical" friends who have become
+so enamored with the power of the Mind that they practically ignore
+the existence of the Body, indeed, in some cases, actually denying the
+existence of the latter. We believe that there is a sane middle-ground
+in "metaphysical healing," as there is in the material treatment
+of disease. In this case, not only does Truth lie between the two
+extremes, but it is composed of the blending and assimilation of the
+two opposing ideas and theories. But, even if the reader does not fully
+agree with us in our general theories and conclusions, he will find
+within the covers of this book a mass of _facts_ which he may use in
+building up a new theory of his own. And, after all, what are theories
+but the threads upon which are strung the beads of _facts_--if our
+string does not meet with your approval, break it and string the beads
+of fact upon a thread of your own. Theories come, and theories go--but
+_facts_ remain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND
+
+
+In order to understand the nature of the influence of the mind upon
+the body--the effect of mental states upon physical functions--we must
+know something of that wonderful field of mental activity which in the
+New Psychology is known as "The Subconscious Mind," and which by some
+writers has been styled the "Subjective Mind;" the "Involuntary Mind;"
+the "Subliminal Mind;" the "Unconscious Mind," etc., the difference in
+names arising because of the comparative newness of the investigation
+and classification.
+
+Among the various functions of the Subconscious Mind, one of the
+most important is that of the charge and control of the involuntary
+activities and functions of the human body through the agency of the
+sympathetic nervous system, the cells, and cell-groups. As all students
+of physiology know, the greater part of the activities of the body
+are involuntary--that is, are independent (or partly so) of the control
+of the conscious will. As Dr. Schofield says: "The unconscious mind,
+in addition to the three qualities which it shares in common with the
+conscious--_viz._, will, intellect and emotion--has undoubtedly another
+very important one--nutrition, or the general maintenance of the body."
+And as Hudson states: "The subjective mind has absolute control of the
+functions, conditions and sensations of the body." Notwithstanding the
+dispute which is still raging concerning _what_ the Subconscious mind
+_is_, the authorities all agree upon the fact that, whatever else it
+may be, it may be considered as that phase, aspect, part, or field
+of the mind which has charge and control of the greater part of the
+physical functioning of the body.
+
+Von Hartmann says: "The explanation that unconscious psychical activity
+itself appropriately forms and maintains the body has not only nothing
+to be said against it, but has all possible analogies from the most
+different departments of physical and animal life in its favor,
+and appears to be as scientifically certain as is possible in the
+inferences from effect to cause." Maudsley says: "The connection of
+mind and body is such that a given state of mind tends to echo itself
+at once in the body." Carpenter says: "If a psychosis or mental
+state is produced by a neurosis or material nerve state, as pain by
+a prick, so also is a neurosis produced by a psychosis. That mental
+antecedents call forth physical consequents is just as certain as that
+physical antecedents call forth mental consequents." Tuke says: "Mind,
+through sensory, motor, vaso-motor and trophic nerves, causes changes
+in sensation, muscular contraction, nutrition and secretion.... If
+the brain is an outgrowth from a body corpuscle and is in immediate
+relation with the structures and tissues that preceded it, then, though
+these continue to have their own action, the brain must be expected
+to act upon the muscular tissue, the organic functions and upon the
+nervous system itself."
+
+Von Hartmann also says: "In willing any conscious act, the unconscious
+will is evoked to institute means to bring about the effect. Thus,
+if I will a stronger salivary secretion, the conscious willing of
+this effect excites the unconscious will to institute the necessary
+means. Mothers are said to be able to provide through the will a more
+copious secretion, if the sight of the child arouses in them the will
+to suckle. There are people who perspire voluntarily. I now possess the
+power of instantaneously reducing the severest hiccoughs to silence
+by my own will, while it was formerly a source of great inconvenience
+to me.... An irritation to cough, which has no mechanical cause, may
+be permanently suppressed by the will. I believe we might possess a
+far greater voluntary power over our bodily functions if we were only
+accustomed from childhood to institute experiments and to practice
+ourselves therein.... We have arrived at the conclusion that every
+action of the mind on the body, without exception, is only possible
+by means of an unconscious will; that such an unconscious will can be
+called forth partly by means of a conscious will, partly also through
+the conscious idea of the effect, without conscions will, and even in
+opposition to the conscious will."
+
+Henry Wood says of the Subconscious Mind: "It acts automatically
+upon the physical organism. It cognizes external facts, conditions,
+limitations, and even contagions, quite independent of its active
+counterpart. One may, therefore, 'take' a disease and be unaware of
+any exposure. The subconsciousness has been unwittingly trained to
+fear, and accept it; and it is this quality, rather than the mere inert
+matter of the body, that succumbs. Matter is never the actor, but is
+always acted upon. This silent, mental partner, in operation, seems
+to be a living, thinking personality, conducting affairs on its own
+account. It is a compound of almost unimaginable variety, including
+wisdom and foolishness, logic and nonsense, and yet having a working
+unitary economy. It is a hidden force to be dealt with and educated,
+for it is often found insubordinate and unruly. It refuses co-operation
+with its lesser but more active and wiser counterpart. It is very
+'set' in its views, and only changes its qualities and opinions by
+slow degrees. But, like a pair of horses, not until these two mental
+factors can be trained together can there be harmony and efficiency."
+
+In order to understand the important part played in the physical
+economy by the Subconscious Mind, it is only necessary to understand
+the various processes of the human system which are out of the ordinary
+field of the voluntary or conscious mind. We then realize that the
+entire process of nutrition, including digestion, assimilation, etc.,
+the processes of elimination, the processes of circulation, the
+processes of growth, in fact the entire processes manifested in the
+work of the cells, cell-groups, ganglia, physical organs, etc., are
+in charge of and controlled by the Subconscious Mind. Our food is
+digested and transformed into the nourishing substances of the blood;
+then carried through the arteries to all parts of the body, where it is
+absorbed by the cells and used to replace the worn-out material, the
+latter then being carried back through the veins to the lungs where the
+waste matter is burned up, and the balance again sent on its journey
+through the arteries re-charged with the life-giving oxygen. All of
+these processes, and many others of almost equal importance, are out
+of the field of the conscious or voluntary mind, and are governed by
+the Subconscious Mind. As we shall see when we consider the Sympathetic
+Nervous System, the greater part of the body is dominated by the
+Subconscious Mind, and that the welfare of the major physical functions
+depends entirely, or almost so, upon this great area or field of the
+mind.
+
+The best authorities now generally agree that there is no part of
+the body which may be considered as devoid of mind. The Subconscious
+Mind is not confined to the brain, or even the greater plexuses of
+the nervous system, but extends to all parts of the body, to every
+nerve, muscle, and even to every cell and cell-group of the body.
+The functions and processes of the body are no longer considered as
+purely mechanical, or chemical, but are now seen to be the result of
+mental action of some kind or degree. Therefore, in considering the
+Subconscious Mind, one must not think of it as resident in the brain
+alone, but rather as being _distributed over the entire physical
+body_. There is mind in every cell, every organ, every muscle, every
+nerve--in every part of the body.
+
+The importance of the above statements regarding the power and
+importance of the Subconscious Mind may be realized when one remembers
+the dictum of the New Psychology, to wit: _The Subconscious Mind is
+amenable to Suggestion_. When it is realized that this great controller
+of the physical organism is so constituted that it accepts as truth
+the suggestions from the conscious mind of its owner, as well as
+those emanating from the conscious minds of other people, it may be
+understood why Faith, Belief, and Expectant Attention manifest such
+marked effects upon the physical body and the general health, for
+good or for evil, as indicated in the preceding chapters. All of the
+many instances and examples recited in the preceding chapters may be
+understood when it is realized that the Subconscious Mind, which is in
+control of the physical functions and vital processes, will accept the
+suggestions from the conscious mind of its owner, and also suggestions
+from outside which the conscious mind of its owner allows to pass down
+to it. If, as Henry Wood has said in the paragraph previously quoted,
+it "acts automatically upon the physical organism," and "seems to be a
+living, thinking personality, conducting affairs on its own account,"
+and at the same time, _accepts and 'takes on' suggested conditions_,
+it may be readily understood how the wonderful and almost incredible
+statements of the authorities mentioned in the preceding chapters have
+had real and substantial basis in truth.
+
+This understanding of the part played by the Subjective Mind in
+controlling and affecting physical conditions and activities, together
+with its suggestible qualities and nature, gives us a key to the
+whole question of the "Why?" of Mental Healing. Suggestion is the
+connecting link between Mind and Body, and an understanding of its
+laws and principles enables one to see the moving cause of the strange
+phenomena of the Faith Cures, under whatever name they may pass, and
+under whatever guise they may present themselves. "Suggestion" is the
+explanation offered by the New Psychology for the almost miraculous
+phenomena which other schools seek to explain upon some hypothesis
+based either upon religious beliefs, or upon some metaphysical or
+philosophical doctrine. The New Psychology holds that it is not
+necessary to go outside of the realms of psychology and physiology in
+studying Mental Healing or Psycho-Therapy; and that the theories of
+the semi-religious and metaphysical cults are merely strange guises or
+masks which serve to conceal the real operative principle of cure.
+
+The following quotation from Dr. Schofield will serve to call the
+attention to the important part played by the Subconscious Mind in
+the physical activities, a fact which is not generally recognized:
+"It has often been a mystery how the body thrives so well with so
+little oversight or care on the part of its owner. No machine could
+be constructed, nor could any combination of solids or liquids in
+organic compounds, regulate, control, counteract, help, hinder or
+arrange for the continual succession of differing events, foods,
+surroundings and conditions which are constantly affecting the body.
+And yet, in the midst of this ever-changing and varying succession of
+influences, the body holds on its course of growth, health, nutrition
+and self-maintenance with the most marvelous constancy. We perceive, of
+course, clearly, that the best of qualities--regulation, control, etc.,
+etc.--are all mental qualities, and at the same time we are equally
+clear that by no self-examination can we say we consciously exercise
+any of these mental powers over the organic processes of our bodies.
+One would think, then, that the conclusion is sufficiently simple and
+obvious--that they must be used unconsciously; in other words, it is,
+and can be nothing else than _unconscious mental powers_ that control,
+guide and govern the functions and organs of the body.
+
+"Our ordinary text-books on physiology give but little idea of what I
+may call the intelligence that presides over the various systems of the
+body, showing itself in the bones, as we have seen, in distributing
+the available but insufficient amount of lime salts in disease; not
+equally, but for the protection of the most vital parts, leaving
+those of lesser value disproportionally deficient. In the muscular
+system nearly all contractions are involuntary. Even in the voluntary
+(so-called) muscles, the most we can do is to will results. We do
+not will the contractions that carry out these results. Muscles,
+striped and unstriped, are ceaselessly acting without the slightest
+consciousness in maintaining the balance of the body, the expression
+of the face, the general attributes corresponding to mental states,
+the carrying on of digestion and other processes with a purposiveness,
+and adaptation of means to new ends and new conditions, ceaselessly
+arising, that are beyond all material mechanism. Consider, for
+instance, the marvelous increase of smooth muscle in the uterus at
+term, and also its no less marvelous subsequent involution; observe,
+too, the compensating muscular increase of a damaged heart until the
+balance is restored and the necessity for it ceases, as does growth at
+a fixed period; consider in detail the repair of a broken bone. These
+actions are not mere properties of matter; they demand, and are the
+result of, a controlling mind.
+
+"The circulation does not go round as most text-books would lead us
+to believe, as the result merely of the action of a system of elastic
+tubes, connected with a self-acting force-pump. It is such views as
+these that degrade physiology and obscure the marvels of the body.
+The circulation never flows for two minutes in the same manner. In an
+instant, miles of capillaries are closed or opened up, according to
+the ever-varying body needs, of which, consciously, we are entirely
+unaware. The blood supply of each organ is not mechanical, but is
+carefully regulated from minute to minute in health, exactly according
+to its needs and activities, and when this ever fails, we at once
+recognize it as disease, and call it congestion and so forth. The
+very heart-beat itself is never constant, but varies _pro rata_ with
+the amount of exercise, activity of vital functions, of conditions
+of temperature, etc., and even of emotions and other direct mental
+feelings. The whole reproductive system is obviously under the sway and
+guidance of more than blind material forces. In short, when thoroughly
+analyzed, the action and regulation of no system of the body can be
+satisfactorily explained, without postulating an unconscious mental
+element, which _does_, if allowed, satisfactorily explain all the
+phenomena."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE SYMPATHETIC SYSTEM
+
+
+The average person has a general understanding of what is meant by
+"the nervous system," but inquiry will show that by this term he
+usually includes only that part of the nervous system which is known
+as the "cerebro-spinal system," or the system of nerves consisting
+of the brain and spinal cord, and the nerves extending therefrom
+throughout the body, the offices of which are to control the voluntary
+movements of the body. The average person is almost entirely ignorant
+of the existence of the Great Sympathetic System which controls
+the involuntary movements and processes, such as the processes and
+functions of nutrition, secretion, reproduction, excretion, the
+vaso-motor action, etc. In physiology, the term "sympathetic" is used
+in the sense of: "Reciprocal action of the different parts of the body
+on each other; an affection of one part of the body in consequence of
+something taking place in another. Thus when there is a local injury,
+the whole frame after a time suffers with it. A wound anywhere will
+tend to create feverishness everywhere; derangement of the stomach
+will tend to produce headache, liver complaint to produce pain in the
+shoulder, etc."
+
+An old authority thus describes the Sympathetic Nerves: "A system of
+nerves, running from the base of the skull to the coccyx, along both
+sides of the body, and consisting of a series of ganglia along the
+spinal column by the side of the vertebrae. With this trunk of the
+sympathetic there are communicating branches which connect the ganglia,
+or the intermediate cord, with all the spinal and several of the
+cranial nerves proceeding to primary branches on the neighboring organs
+or other ganglia, and finally numerous flexures of nerves running to
+the viscera. Various fibers from the sympathetic communicate with
+those of the cerebro-spinal system. The term 'sympathetic' has been
+applied on the supposition that it is the agent in producing sympathy
+between different parts of the body. It more certainly affects the
+secretions." In the New Psychology the Sympathetic Nervous System is
+recognized as that directly under the control of the Subconscious Mind.
+
+The Cerebro-Spinal Nervous System is concerned with the activities
+arising from the conscious activities of the mind, including those
+of the five senses. It controls the muscles by which we speak, walk,
+move our limbs, and pursue the ordinary activities of outer life. But,
+while these are very important to the individual, there is another
+set of activities--inner activities--which are none the less important.
+The Sympathetic System controls the involuntary muscles by means of
+which the heart throbs, the arteries pulsate, the air is conveyed to
+the lungs, the blood moves to and from the heart, the various glands
+and tubes of the body operate, and the entire work of nutrition,
+repair, and body-building is performed. While the Cerebro-Spinal
+System, and the Conscious Mind are able to rest a considerable portion
+of the twenty-four hours of the day, the Sympathetic System and the
+Subconscious Mind must needs work every minute of the twenty-four
+hours, without rest or vacation, during the life of their owner.
+
+Dr. E. H. Pratt, in his valuable "Series of Impersonations" published
+in the medical magazines several years ago, and since reproduced in
+book form, makes "The Sympathetic Man" speak as follows: "The entire
+body can do nothing without me; and my occupation of supplying the
+inspiration for our entire family is so constant and engaging that I
+am compelled to attend strictly to business night and day from one
+end of life to the other, and have no time whatever for observation,
+education, or amusement outside of my daily tasks. As a rule, I perform
+my work so noiselessly that the rest of the family are scarcely
+conscious of my existence, for when I am well everything works all
+right, each organ plays its part as usual, and the entire machinery
+of life is operated noiselessly and without friction. When I am not
+well, however, and am not quite equal to the demands made upon me, I
+have two ways of making it known to the family. One is by appealing
+to self-consciousness through the assistance of my cerebro-spinal
+brother, with whom I am closely associated, thereby causing some
+disturbance of sensation or locomotion (the most frequent disturbance
+in this direction being the instituting of some form of pain); or I
+sometimes take it into my head to say nothing to my cerebro-spinal
+brother about my affairs, but simply shirk my duties, and my
+inefficiency becomes manifest only when some one or all of the organs
+suffer from some function poorly performed."
+
+The nerve-centres of the Cerebro-Spinal System are grouped closely
+together, while those of the Sympathetic System are scattered about
+the body, each organ having its appropriate centre or tiny-brain. The
+heart, the liver, the kidneys, the spleen, the brain, the intestinal
+tract, the bladder, the generative organs, have each its own particular
+nerve-centre of the Sympathetic System--each its tiny-brain--each,
+however, connected with all the others. And more than this--in addition
+to the tiny-brains in each of the important vital organs, there are
+found scattered through the trunk a number of _ganglia_, or knots of
+gray nervous matter, arranged longitudinally in two lines extending
+from just in front of the spinal column from the base of the skull to
+the end of the spinal column, each vertebra having its appropriate
+ganglia. In some cases several of these ganglia are grouped together,
+the number ranging from two to three. Each ganglion is a distinct
+centre giving off branches in four directions.
+
+There is also one place in which are grouped together several very
+large ganglia, forming what is known as the Solar Plexus, or Abdominal
+Brain, which is situated at the upper part of the abdomen, behind the
+stomach and in front of the aorta and the pillars of the diaphragm,
+and from which issue nerves extending in all directions. By some
+authorities the Solar Plexus is regarded as the great centre of the
+Sympathetic System, and the main seat of the Subconscious Mind. Dr.
+Byron Robinson bestowed upon this centre the name "The Abdominal
+Brain," saying of the use of the term: "I mean to convey the idea that
+it is endowed with the high powers and phenomena of a great nervous
+centre; that it can organize, multiply, and diminish forces."
+
+One of the most interesting and significant features of the ganglia is
+that of their connection with the nerve centres of the Cerebro-Spinal
+System, indicating the reciprocal action existing between the two
+great nervous systems. From each one of the ganglia in the two great
+lines forming the system, issues a tiny filament which connects with
+the spinal cord; and at the same time it receives from the spinal
+cord a tiny filament in return, thus establishing a double line of
+communication. It is held by some authorities that one of these
+filaments acts as a sending wire, and the other as a receiving wire
+between the two systems. Be this as it may, the inter-communication
+between the two systems is clearly indicated.
+
+It must be remembered that the involuntary muscles which move the
+heart, as well as the tiny muscles which form the middle-coat of the
+arteries and the veins, are controlled by the Sympathetic System,
+and thus the important work of the circulation, which goes on day
+and night, year in and year out, during life, is directly under the
+charge of the Sympathetic System and the Subconscious Mind. Also, the
+involuntary muscles which are concerned with the activities of the
+liver, the kidneys and the spleen, are under the same direct control.
+
+Dr. E. H. Pratt, in the "Series of Impersonations" above referred to,
+makes the "Subconscious Man" tell the following wonderful truth, which
+we suggest each reader read carefully and fix in his mind: "My brother
+the Sympathetic Man has told you that I am the animating spirit of his
+construction; and as he is the great body builder, having furnished
+the emotions under which our entire family has been put into form, you
+can understand by what right I pose before you as the human form of
+forms. All the rest of the family are because I am. Even my Conscious
+brother, who claims superiority to his fellow-shapes because he bosses
+them around a little and makes use of them, is a subject of my own
+creation.... I am the life of the Sympathetic Man, whose existence as
+a human shape has already sufficiently been well established, and as
+there is no part of him which is not alive, the conclusion is very
+evident that his shape and mine are identical. _There is no part of
+the sympathetic system which is not animated by my own principle of
+vitality._ Indeed, he is but a cup of life, though I can assure you
+that his cup is full, and he would not be good for much if it was not.
+So, if you are able to conceive the shape of the Sympathetic Man, you
+can regard this form as identical with my own. This is really a very
+modest claim on my part, and does not quite do justice to myself, for
+in reality the Sympathetic Man does not contain all there is of me by
+any means, for I am not only in him, but all around him, and he is not
+by any means capable of containing my full self."
+
+When it is seen that the vital activities of the physical body are
+ruled, governed and controlled by the Sympathetic System, animated by
+the Subconscious Mind, and that the latter is amenable to Suggestion
+from the Conscious Mind and from outside, we may begin to get a glimmer
+of the great light which illuminates the principle of Mental Healing.
+If the Subconscious Mind, _the builder_, is influenced by Suggestion
+to neglect his work, or to build wrongly, it is likewise possible for
+him to heed proper Suggestion and to repair his mistakes and to rebuild
+properly. This principle being grasped, the rest will seem to be merely
+an understanding of the best methods of reaching the Subconscious
+Mind by Suggestion or Auto-Suggestion. We may now begin to understand
+the truth of the old axiom: "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is
+he"--physically. And as Thought is based largely upon Belief, can we not
+see the dynamic force of Faith? Is there not a real psychological basis
+for so-called "miracles?" Is not the wonder-working of the cults now
+understandable?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE CELL-MINDS
+
+
+Modern science has demonstrated that the human body is composed of a
+multitude of microscopic cells, that is, that the muscles, nerves,
+tissues, blood, bones, hair and nails are made up of minute cells, and
+groups of cells. Virchow says: "It is of the cells that the tissues
+are built up and the nerves formed. There is no part of the human body
+in which the cell is not seen. All these cells are neuclated--have in
+them a central life-spot like the yolk of an egg. Each cell is born,
+reproduces itself, dies and is absorbed. The maintenance of life and
+health depends upon the constant regeneration of the cells. When man
+can control the life and death of the cell he becomes the creator."
+Medical science now practically asserts that disease of the body is
+really disease of the cells of which the body is composed, and that all
+healing of the body must consist of the healing of the cells--that is,
+of restoring the cells to normal activity and functioning.
+
+The following quotation from Hudson, following Stephens, is
+interesting: "An aggregation of cells became a confederation, with its
+differentiation of cell functions and still further division of labor.
+As a result of a long process of such differentiation, the organisms
+of the larger animals and of man came to be composed, as we find
+them, of thirty or more different species of cells. For example, we
+have the muscle cells, whose vital energies are devoted to the office
+of contraction, or vigorous shortening of length; connective-tissue
+cells, whose office is mainly to produce and conserve a tough fibre
+for binding together and covering in the organism; bone cells, whose
+life work is to select and collocate salts of lime for the organic
+framework, levers and joints; hair, nail, horn and feather cells,
+which work in silicates for the protection, defense, and ornamentation
+of the organism; gland cells, whose _motif_ in living has come to be
+the abstraction from the blood of substances which are recombined
+to produce juices needed to aid the various processes or steps of
+digestion; blood cells, which have assumed the laborious function of
+general carriers, scavengers, and repairers of the organism; eye, ear,
+nasal and palate cells, which have become the special artificers of
+complicated apparatus for transmitting light, sound, odors, and flavors
+to the highly sentient brain cells; pulmonary cells, which elaborate
+a tissue for the introduction of oxygen and the elimination of carbon
+dioxide and other waste products; hepatic (liver) cells, which have, in
+response to the needs of the organism, descended to the menial office
+of living on the waste products and converting them into chemical
+reagents to facilitate digestion--these and numerous other species of
+cells; and lastly, most important and of greatest interest, brain and
+nerve cells."
+
+The various cells of the body are constantly busy, each performing
+its particular task, either singly or in connection with other cells
+in the cell-group. Like a great arm, the cells are divided into
+classes, some being engaged in the active daily work, while others are
+held back on the reserve line. Some are engaged in building up the
+tissues, muscles and bones, while others are busy manufacturing the
+juices, secretions, fluids and chemical compounds required in the great
+laboratory of the body. Some remain at their posts, stationary during
+their entire life, while others remain stationary only until the call
+comes for their services, while a third class are in constant motion
+from place to place either following regular routes or else travelling
+under a roving commission. Some of the moving cells act as carriers of
+material--the hod-carriers of the body, while others move about doing
+special repair work such as the healing of wounds, etc., while others
+still are the scavengers and street cleaners of system, and others form
+the cell army and cell police force. The body has been compared to a
+vast communistic or socialistic colony, each member of which cheerfully
+devotes his life-work, and often his life itself, to the common good.
+The brain cells are of course the most highly organized, and the most
+highly differentiated of the cells. The nerve cells constitute a living
+telegraph system over which is carried the messages from the several
+parts of the body, each cell being in close contact with its neighbor
+on each side--the nerve cells practically clasp hands and form a living
+chain of communication.
+
+The blood cells are important members of the cell-community, and are
+exceedingly numerous, there being over 75,000,000,000 of the red-blood
+cells alone. These red-blood cells move in the blood currents,
+carrying through the arteries each its little load of oxygen which it
+transports to the distant tissues that they may be invigorated and
+vitalized anew; and, returning, carrying through the veins the debris
+and waste products of the system to the great crematory of the lungs
+where the waste is burnt and thrown off from the body. Like the ships
+that sail the sea, each cell carries its outgoing cargo, and returns
+with another one. Some of these cells perform the office of special
+repairers, forcing their way through the walls of the blood-vessels and
+penetrating the tissues in order to perform their special tasks. There
+are several other kinds of cells in the blood besides the carriers
+just mentioned. There are the wonderful soldier and police cells which
+maintain order and fight battles when necessary. The police cells
+are on the constant lookout for germs, bacteria and other microscopic
+disturbers of the peace of the body. When these tiny policemen discover
+vagrant germs, or criminal bacteria, they rush upon the intruder and
+tying him up in a mesh, proceed to devour him. If the intruder be too
+large or vigorous, a call for assistance is sent out, and the reserve
+police rush to the assistance of their brothers and overpower the
+disturber of the peace. Sometimes when the vagrants are too numerous,
+the policemen throw them out from the body, by means of pimples, boils
+and similar eruptions. In case of infectious diseases, an army corps
+is ordered out in full strength and a royal fight is waged between the
+invading army and the defenders of home and country.
+
+Some of the blood cells take a part in the process of extracting from
+the food its nourishing particles, and then carrying the same through
+the blood-channels to all parts of the body, where it is used to feed
+and nourish the stationary cells there located. These cells manufacture
+the chemical juices of the body, such as bile, gastric juice,
+pancreatic juices, milk, etc., in short the entire physical process is
+carried on by these indefatigable tiny cells. The body of each of us is
+simply a great community of cells of various kinds. The cells are born
+by the form of reproduction common to all cells, that of sub-division.
+Each cell grows until a certain size is reached, when it assumes a
+"dumb-bell" shape, with a tiny waist line, which waist is afterward
+dissolved and the two cells move away from each other. In this way,
+and this way alone, does the body grow, the material required for the
+enlargement of the cell being supplied from the food and nourishment
+partaken by the individual. Cells die after having performed their
+life-work, and their corpses are carried through the veins by the
+carrier cells, and cast into the crematory of the lungs where they are
+consumed.
+
+The body is constantly undergoing a process of change and regeneration.
+Old cells are being cast off every second, and new cells are taking
+their places. Our muscles, tissues, hair, nails, nerves, brain
+substance, and even our bones are constantly being made over and
+rebuilt. Our bodies to-day do not contain a single particle of the
+material which composed them a few years back. A few weeks suffices to
+replace our entire skin, and a few months to replace other parts of
+the body. If a sufficiently large microscope could be placed over our
+bodies, we would see each part of it as active as a hive of bees, each
+cell being in action and motion, and the entire domestic work of the
+human hive being performed according to law and order. Verily, "we are
+fearfully and wonderfully made."
+
+A number of the best authorities have used the illustration of the
+process of the cells in healing an ordinary wound, in order to show the
+activity and "mind" of the tiny cells. We have become so accustomed to
+the natural healing of a wound, scratch or broken skin, that we have
+grown to regard it as an almost mechanical process. But, science shows
+us that there is manifested in the healing process a marvellous degree
+of life and mind in the cells. Let us consider the process of healing
+an ordinary wound, that we may see the cells at work. Let us imagine
+that we are gazing at the wounded part through a marvellously strong
+microscope which enables us to see every cell at work. If such a glass
+were provided we should witness a scene similar to that now to be
+described.
+
+In the first place, through our glass, we should see the gaping wound
+enlarged to gigantic proportions. We should see the torn skin, tissues,
+lymphatic and blood vessels, glands, muscles and nerves. We would see
+the blood pouring forth washing away the dirt and foreign substances
+that have entered the wound. We would then see the messages calling
+for help flashing over the living telegraph wires of the nerves, each
+nerve-cell rapidly passing the word to its neighbor until the great
+sympathetic centres received the call and sounded the alarm and sent
+out a "hurry up" call to the cells needed for the repair work. In the
+meantime the cells of the blood, coming in contact with the outside
+air have begun to coagulate into a sticky substance, which is the
+beginning of the scab, the purpose being to close the wound and to
+hold the severed parts together. The repair cells having now arrived
+at the scene of the accident begin to mend the break. The tissue,
+nerve, and muscle cells, on each side of the wound begin to multiply
+rapidly, receiving their nourishment from the blood cells, and quickly
+a cell bridge is built up until the two severed edges of the wound
+are reunited. This bridging is no haphazard process, for the presence
+of directing law and order is apparent. The newly-born cells of the
+blood-vessels unite with their brothers on the other side, evenly and
+in an orderly manner, new tubular channels being formed skillfully. The
+cells of the connective tissues likewise grow toward each other, and
+unite in the same orderly manner. The nerve-cells repair their broken
+lines, just as do a gang of linemen repair the interrupted telegraph
+system. The muscles are united in the same way. But mark you this,
+there is no mistake in this connecting process--muscle does not connect
+with nerve, nor blood-vessel with connective tissue. Finally, the inner
+repairs and connections having been completed, the scab disappears and
+the cells of the outer skin rebuild the outer covering, and the wound
+is healed. This process may occupy a few hours, or many days, depending
+upon the character of the wound, but the process is the same in all
+cases. The surgeon merely disinfects and cleans the wound, and placing
+the parts together allows the cells to perform their healing work, for
+no other power can perform the task. The knitting together of a broken
+bone proceeds along the same lines--the surgeon places the parts in
+juxtaposition, binds the limb together to prevent slipping, and the
+cells do the rest.
+
+When the body is well nourished, the general system well toned up,
+and the mind cheerful and active, the repair work proceeds rapidly.
+But when the physical system is run down, the body poorly nourished,
+and the mind depressed and full of fear, the work is retarded and
+interfered with. It is this healing power inherent in the cells that
+physicians speak of as the _vis vita_ or _vis medicatrix naturae_,
+or "the healing power of nature." Of it Dr. Patton says: "By the
+term 'efforts of nature' we mean a certain curative or restorative
+principle, or _vis vita_, implanted in every living or organized body,
+constantly operative for its repair, preservation and health. This
+instinctive endeavor to repair the human organism is signally shown in
+the event of a severed or lost part, as a finger, for instance; for
+nature unaided will repair and fashion a stump equal to one from the
+hands of an eminent surgeon.... Nature, unaided, may be equally potent
+in ordinary illness. Many individuals, even when severely ill, either
+from motives of economy, prejudice, or skepticism, remain at rest in
+bed, under favorable hygiene, regimen, etc., and speedily get well
+without a physician or medicine."
+
+Dr. Schofield says: "The _vis medicatrix naturae_ is a very potent
+factor in the amelioration of disease, if it only be allowed fair play.
+An exercise of faith, as a rule, suspends the operation of adverse
+influences, and appeals strongly through the consciousness, to the
+inner and underlying faculty of vital force (_i. e._, unconscious
+mind)." Dr. Bruce says: "We are compelled to acknowledge a power of
+natural recovery inherent in the body--a similar statement has been
+made by writers on the principle of medicine in all ages.... The
+body does possess a means and mechanism for modifying or neutralizing
+influences which it cannot directly overcome." Oliver Wendell Holmes
+says: "Whatever other theories we hold we must recognize the '_vis
+medicatrix naturae_' in some shape or other." Bruce says: "A natural
+power of the prevention and repair of disorders and disease has as real
+and as active an existence within us, as have the ordinary functions
+of the organs themselves." Hippocrates said: "Nature is the physician
+of diseases." And Ambrose Pare wrote on the walls of the great medical
+school, the Ecole de Medicine of Paris, these words: "_Je le ponsez et
+Dieu le guarit_," which translated is: "I dressed the wound, and God
+healed it."
+
+It is of course true that the life and mind in the cells is derived
+from the Subconscious Mind, in fact the cells themselves may be said
+to _embody_ the Subconscious Mind, just as the cells of the brain
+_embody_ the Conscious Mind. In every cell there is to be found
+intelligence in a degree required for the successful performance of the
+particular task of that cell. Hudson says: "All organic tissue is made
+up of microscopic cells, each one of which _is a living, intelligent
+entity_." And, again, "The subordinate intelligences are the cells of
+which the whole body is composed, _each of which is an intelligent
+entity, endowed with powers commensurate with its functions_." In
+short, _the cells of the body are living organs for the expression and
+manifestation of the Subconscious Mind_. There is not a single cell,
+group, or part of the party which is devoid of mind. Mind is imminent
+in the entire body, and in its every part, down to the smallest cell.
+
+The following quotation from Dr. Thomson J. Hudson's "Mental Medicine"
+clearly expresses a truth conceded by modern science. Dr. Hudson says:
+
+"It follows _a priori_, that every cell in the body is endowed with
+intelligence; and this is precisely what all biological science tells
+us is true. Beginning with the lowest form of animal life, the humblest
+cytode, every living cell is endowed with a wonderful intelligence.
+There is, in fact, no line to be drawn between life and mind; that
+is to say, every living organism is a mind organism, from the monera,
+crawling upon the bed of the ocean, to the most highly differentiated
+cell in the cerebral cortex of man. Volumes have been written to
+demonstrate that 'psychological phenomena begin among the very lowest
+class of beings; they are met with in every form of life, from the
+simplest cellule to the most complicated organism. It is they that
+are the essential phenomena of life, inherent in all protoplasm.'
+(Binet.) It is, in fact, an axiom of science that the lowest
+unicellular organism is endowed with the potentialities of manhood.
+I have remarked that each living cell is endowed with a wonderful
+intelligence. This is emphatically true, whether it is a unicellular
+organism or a constituent element of a multicellular organism. Its
+wonderful character consists not so much in the amount of intelligence
+possessed by each individual cell, as it does in the quality of that
+intelligence. That is to say, each cell is endowed with an instinctive,
+or intuitive, knowledge of all that is essential to the preservation of
+its own life, the conservation of its energies, and the perpetuation
+of its species. In other words, it is endowed with an intuitive
+knowledge of the laws of its own being, which knowledge is proportioned
+to its stage of development and adapted to its environment."
+
+The cell has the intelligence sufficient to enable it to seek
+nourishment, and to move from one place to another in search for
+food or for other purposes. It holds to its food when secured, and
+envelops it until it is absorbed and digested. It exercises the power
+of choice, accepting and selecting one portion of food in preference
+to another. It has the power of discriminating between nourishing food
+and the reverse. The authorities show that it has a rudimentary memory,
+and avoids the repetition of an unpleasant or painful experience,
+and also returns to the locality in which it has previously secured
+food. Biological experiments have shown that the cells are capable of
+experiencing surprise, pleasure and fear, and that they experience
+different degrees of feeling, and react accordingly in response to
+stimuli. Verworn, a biologist, even goes so far as to assert that they
+habitually adapt means to ends, near and remote. In his remarkable
+work on cell-life, "The Psychic Life of Micro-organisms," Binet says:
+"We shall not regard it as strange, perhaps, to find so complete a
+psychology in the history of the lower organisms, when we call to
+mind that, agreeably to the ideas of evolution now accepted, a higher
+animal is nothing more than a colony of protozoans. Every one of the
+cells composing such an animal has retained its primitive properties,
+giving them a higher degree of perfection by division of labor and
+by selection. The epithelial cells that secrete the nails and hair
+are organisms perfected with reference to the secretion of protective
+parts. Similarly, the cells of the brain are organisms that have been
+perfected with reference to psychical attributes."
+
+Dr. Schofield says: "That life involves mind has, of course, like
+all else, been vigorously disputed and equally vigorously affirmed.
+'Life,' says Prof. Bascom, 'is not force; it is combining power. _It is
+the product and presence of mind._' ... The extent to which the word
+mind may be employed as the inherent cause of purposive movements in
+organisms is a very difficult question to solve. There can be no doubt
+that the actual agents in such movements are the natural forces, but
+behind these the directing and starting power seems to be psychic....
+There being an indwelling power, not only for purposive action in each
+cell, but for endless combinations of cell activities for common ends
+not at all connected with the mere nutrition of the single cell, but
+for the good of the completed organism." Dr. R. Dunn says: "From the
+first movement when the primordial cell-germ of a human organism comes
+into being, the entire individual is present, fitted for human destiny.
+From the same moment, matter, life and mind are never for an instant
+separated, their union constituting the essential work of our present
+existence." Carpenter says: "The convertibility of physical forces and
+correlation of these with the vital and the intricacy of that nexus
+between mental and bodily activity which cannot be analyzed, all lead
+upwards towards one and the same conclusion--_the source of all power is
+mind_. And that physical conclusion is the apex of the pyramid which
+has its foundation in the primitive instincts of humanity."
+
+Having seen the evidences of life and mind in the single cell, let us
+now proceed to a consideration of the intelligence or mind inherent
+and manifest in the groups of cells, large and small, including the
+largest groups which compose the several organs of the body. This
+line of investigation will lead us to a fuller understanding of the
+influence of the mental states upon the health or disease of the organs
+and parts. It will be seen that Mental Healing has a sound biological
+as well as a psychological basis of truth, and that it is not necessary
+to invade the fields of metaphysics or theology in order to find an
+explanation of the effect of mind over body.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE MENTAL BASIS OF CURE
+
+
+We have seen that in each cell in the human body is embodied a part of
+the Subconscious Mind, sufficient in quantity and quality to enable the
+cell to perform its particular work in the physical community of cells.
+In the same manner each group of cells, large or small, is possessed of
+the quantity and quality of mind adapted to the successful performance
+of its particular function. And, rising in the scale, we find that
+each of the physical organs is possessed of a "composite cell-soul" or
+"organ-mind." As Hudson says: "Each organ of the body is composed of a
+group of cells which are differentiated with special reference to the
+functions to be performed by that organ. In other words, every function
+of life is performed by groups of co-operative cells, so that the body
+as a whole is simply a confederation of the various groups."
+
+For instance, as Haeckel says: "This 'tissue soul' is the higher
+psychological function which gives physiological individuality to
+the compound multicellular organism as a true 'cell commonwealth.'
+It controls all the separate 'cell souls' of the social cells--the
+mutually dependent 'citizens' which constitute the community.... The
+human egg-cell, as soon as it is fertilized, multiplies by division and
+forms a community, or colony of many social cells. These differentiate
+themselves, and by their specialization, by various modifications of
+these cells, the various tissues which compose the various organs are
+developed. The developed many-celled organisms of man and of all higher
+animals resemble, therefore, a social civil community, the numerous
+single individuals of which are, indeed, developed in various ways, but
+which were originally only simple cells of one common structure."
+
+Biology shows us that there are unquestionably methods of communication
+between cell and cell, although it has not as yet been definitely
+determined just how this communication is effected. In the
+cell-communities of the micro-organisms there is undoubtedly present
+the power to communicate on the part of the several cells composing
+the community, and the pain or discomfort of one part is evidently
+felt by the whole community. Just as an army, or a congregation, has
+a mind common to the whole, in addition to the individual minds of
+its units, so has every organ of the body an "organ mind" in addition
+to the individual cell minds of its unit cells. The fact of the
+existence of "group-mind," or "collective-mind" is recognized by the
+best authorities in modern psychology, and the study of its principles
+throws light on some hitherto perplexing phenomena.
+
+Prof. Le Bon, in his work "The Crowd," says of the "collective mind" of
+men: "The sentiments and ideas of all the persons in the gathering take
+one and the same direction, and their conscious personality vanishes.
+A collective mind is formed, doubtless transitory, but presenting
+very clearly marked characteristics. The gathering has become what,
+in the absence of a better expression, I will call an organized
+crowd, or, if the term be considered preferable, a psychological
+crowd. _It forms a single being_, and is subjected to the law of the
+mental unity of crowds.... The most striking peculiarity presented by
+a psychological crowd is the following: Whoever be the individuals
+that compose it, however like or unlike be their mode of life, their
+occupation, their character, or their intelligence, the fact that they
+have been transformed into a crowd puts them in possession of _a sort
+of collective mind_, which makes them feel, think, and act in a manner
+quite different from that in which each individual of them would feel,
+think and act, were he in a state of isolation. There are certain
+ideas and feelings which do not come into being, or do not transform
+themselves into acts, except in the case of the individuals forming
+a crowd.... In the collective mind the intellectual aptitudes of the
+individuals, and in consequence their individuality, is weakened....
+The most careful observations seem to prove that an individual immerged
+for some length of time in a crowd in action soon finds itself in a
+special state, which most resembles the state of fascination in which
+the hypnotized individual finds himself.... The conscious personality
+has entirely vanished, will and discernment are lost. All feelings and
+thoughts are bent in the direction determined by the hypnotizer.... An
+individual in a crowd is a grain of sand amid other grains of sand,
+which the wind stirs up at will."
+
+In short, psychology recognizes a _mental fusion_ between the
+individual minds of units composing a community of cells, insects,
+higher animals and even men. The "spirit of the hive" noted by
+all students of bee-life, and the community spirit in an ant-hill
+are instances serving to illustrate the general principle of "the
+collective mind." As we have seen in the preceding chapter, the entire
+human body is a vast community of cells, each unit in the community
+having relations with every other unit, and all having sprung from
+the same original egg-cell. This great community, or _nation_ of
+cells is divided into many smaller communities, chief among which are
+the principal organs of the body, as the stomach, the intestines,
+the liver, the kidneys, the spleen, the heart, etc. And, following
+the general rule, each of these organ-communities possesses its own
+"collective mind," subordinate, of course, to the great community mind
+known as the Subconscious Mind. Ordinarily these communities live in
+peace and harmony, and in obedience to the national government. But
+occasionally rebellions and revolutions are started, which cause much
+inharmony, pain and disease. Sometimes these rebellions arise from
+abuse of the particular organ by its owner, or from sympathy with
+another abused organ, or from general abuse of the system. But, at
+other times, there seems to be an active discontent springing up in an
+organ, to the quelling of which the entire Subconscious Mind bends its
+energy and forces. Very often these rebellions are started by adverse
+auto-suggestions or fearthoughts emanating from the conscious mind
+of the individual, which act according to the law of suggestion and
+practically _hypnotize_ the mind of the organ in question.
+
+This idea of each organ having a mind of its own--being practically an
+entity, in fact--may be somewhat startling to those who have never had
+the matter presented to them, but the statement is backed up by the
+best scientific authorities who, however, do not usually state it in
+so plain terms, or popular form. It is likely that the science of the
+future will make some great discoveries regarding this matter of the
+"collective mind" of the organs, and that the schools of medicine will
+adapt the new knowledge to the treatment of disease. In the meantime,
+the practitioners of Mental Healing are availing themselves of this
+principle, often without realizing the principle itself.
+
+The writer has been interested in this subject of the "organ mind" for
+a number of years, and has conducted a number of experiments along this
+line, the result being that he feels more firmly convinced each year of
+the truth of the theory or idea. He has found that mental treatments
+based on this theory have been very successful, much more so in fact
+than those conducted in pursuance to other theories. It seems that
+by applying the suggestive treatment direct to the affected organ a
+quicker response is had. The writer is indebted to Dr. Paul Edwards,
+a well known mental healer, who several years ago advanced the idea
+that the mind or "intelligence" in the several organs differed greatly
+in temperament and quality. He informed us that he had proven to his
+own satisfaction that the heart is "_very_ intelligent," and quite
+amenable to mild, gentle, coaxing suggestions, advice or orders; while,
+on the other hand, the liver is a most mulish, stubborn, obstinate
+organ-mind, which requires one to drive it in a sharp positive manner.
+Investigation along these lines suggested by Dr. Edwards has convinced
+the writer that the theory is warranted by the facts. Experiments have
+shown that the heart organ-mind is gentle, mild, and easily influenced
+by kindly suggestion, advice and requests, and that it needs but a word
+directed to it to attract its attention. Likewise, the liver has been
+found to be brutish, stubborn and obstinate, needing the most vigorous
+suggestions--in short the liver-mind is a donkey and must be so treated.
+The liver-mind is sluggish, torpid and sleepy, and needs much prodding
+before it will "sit up and take notice." The stomach has been found
+to be quite intelligent, especially when it has not been brutalized
+by "stuffing." It will readily respond to suggestive treatment of all
+kinds, it being noticed that it may be easily flattered or "jollied"
+into good behavior, just as may certain children. The nervous system
+has a mind of its own, and will accept suggestions, although it is
+usually difficult to attract its attention, owing to its habit of
+concentration upon its regular work. The bowel-mind will respond
+to firm, kind treatment, as will also the uterus-mind and the mind
+controlling the other organs peculiar to women.
+
+In another work, the writer has said regarding this form of treatment
+of the organs through their organ-minds: "Remember, always, that you
+are mind talking to mind, not to dead matter. There is mind in every
+cell, nerve, organ and part of the body, and in the body as a whole,
+and this mind will listen to your central mind and obey it, because
+your central mind is positive to it--the organ is negative to _you_.
+Carry this idea with you in giving these treatments, and endeavor
+to visualize the mind in the organs, as clearly as may be, for by
+so doing you get them in better _rapport_ with you, and can handle
+them to better advantage. And always remember that the virtue lies
+not in the mere sound of the words that happen to reach the organ or
+cells--they do not understand words as words, but they do understand the
+meaning behind the words. But without words it is very hard for you
+to think, or clearly express the feeling--and so, by all means use the
+words just as if the organ-mind understood the actual meaning thereof,
+for by so doing you can drive in the meaning of the word--and induce the
+mental state and conditions necessary to work the cure.
+
+Dr. S. F. Meacham, in a magazine article published several years ago,
+said: "Let me once more call your attention to that one great principle
+of disease and cure. It is the only medical creed I hold to-day and
+will bear repeating, lest we neglect it. _Disease is a failure of the
+cells to make good their waste, or to do their full duty._ This may
+be an individual matter with the cell, or may result from imperfect
+co-operation; there may be a mutiny in the co-operative commonwealth
+constituting the body. Apart from all mutual help, or co-operation of
+cells, each individual cell must either do its full duty, or suffer,
+and perchance die, as the result. Remember that each individual cell
+lives, and has an office that no other cell can fill to save it. If the
+other cell does the work, it will live, but the failing cell will not
+profit thereby. By co-operating they may lighten each other's labors,
+but _no cell is or can be exempt from doing its part_. Any failure of
+this kind is disease either local or general, according to the degree
+and nature of the failure, or according to the importance of the
+mutinous or weakened cell. A cure results when the cells again do their
+work. Or, if a certain number die, a cure is established when other
+cells learn to do that particular work, which is sometimes the case. A
+remedy is any substance, or force, or procedure that will stimulate,
+or help, or remove obstacles that prevent these cells from doing their
+work. _Keep in mind, that the life process acting through or in the
+cell does the work either aided, or alone._ The lesson then is that
+all these methods do good, and that owing to the view point, mental
+status, or expectancy of the individual, now one and now another method
+will appeal to him and be accepted. No matter what we do, we aid, we
+assist only--we do not cure.... _The process going on in each cell is an
+intelligent one_, and all extrinsic methods are really but suggestions
+offered to the cell, the real worker; and the fact is that any one of
+these helps may be chosen, and all may be rejected...."
+
+"The repair of a cell is as equally as intellectual a process as any
+other can be. If, for instance, blind force can repair one cell, it
+can many; if it can build one, it can all, and mind and intellect are
+then without causal efficacy, without spontaneity, and blind force,
+fatality and purposeless action reign supreme.... According to this
+theory the building and repairing of cells would not be intellectual,
+as there would be no working plan or purpose. I am aware that a purely
+extrinsic study of the cells and of the body will force this conclusion
+upon any candid, unprejudiced mind; but _a study from the inside_
+is a different matter. A cell, looked at from without, moves only
+when stimulated; but is this really true? The body is but a compound
+of cells when viewed from the outside; then if one cell moves when
+stimulated, why not twenty, a hundred, a thousand, a billion, the
+entire body? But is it true of the body? You come to me and propose
+some scheme, or act, which I carry out. Now is your proposition the
+real cause of my act, or only a condition? Do I not choose, and either
+do the thing or not, as determined from within? If this is true of
+the body, why not of the cell? May not the stimulation we see be a
+condition only, and the real cause of the act be within the cell
+itself?... The cell is not a mere machine, _but a living entity_, doing
+everything that the body does. It eats, drinks, moves, reproduces its
+kind, selects its food, repairs its waste, etc. These are intellectual
+processes, but may not be conscious....
+
+"The cure consists in the repairing of the wasted tissue, and in the
+cells restoring and repairing themselves into a definite pattern,
+necessary to mutual work, so that the commonwealth may prosper. Air,
+water, sunshine, food, etc., are necessary to the performance of
+this work of repair. When these are furnished, even under the best
+conditions possible, the cells must use them to build up the waste,
+and this they do by their internal forces. But this process is what is
+called repair on the one hand, and cure on the other. External means
+may be essential, but that will not make them really curative.... It
+is well, also, to keep in mind that external in the true sense of the
+term as we are using it here. _Any force outside of the diseased cell
+is an external force to that cell even if it be thought-force._ Disease
+is always treated by external force, external as defined above, and
+all disease is just as surely cured by internal force--viz.: _force
+resident in the cell itself_. Here we all stand around the suffering
+cell, one with drug-power in his hand, another with electricity, or
+water, or heat, or directed attention--thought-force or more nourishment
+which necessitates a better circulation to that area, or some other of
+the thousand therapeutic measures, and we are close enough together
+at last to see that we are simply using different stimuli to try to
+aid the real worker within the cell to do his work by furnishing, not
+only material that is necessary, but force as well, that out of the
+abundance his work may be easy and rapid."
+
+The reader who will consider the numerous instances of cure by
+Suggestion or Faith-Cure, as noted in the following chapters, will
+be better able to understand the principle underlying these cures if
+he will realize the fact brought out so forcibly by Dr. Meacham, as
+above quoted. The attention of the patient being directed to the organ
+affected, in connection with the stimulating and vitalizing effect
+of Faith and Belief, starts into renewed activity the cell-mind of
+the organ in question, and arouses its reparative and recuperative
+energies. Each organ, and its component cells and cell-groups, is of
+course under the control of the Subconscious Mind, and forms a part
+of the material embodiment thereof. The Subconscious Mind, being
+stimulated by the Suggestion and Faith, and having its Expectant
+Attention aroused, concentrates its energies upon the reparative and
+recuperative processes in the organ, and the work of cure proceeds.
+The cure, in every case, is simply either repair work, or else the
+restoration of normal functioning--in either case the cells themselves
+doing the work.
+
+In the consideration of the reasons underlying the cure of disease
+by Psycho-Therapeutics, we must first consider the question of
+what disease really is. And in this phase of the consideration, it
+will be well for us to first dispel the erroneous ideas concerning
+disease which we have been entertaining. Perhaps the following
+striking statement from Sidney Murphy, M. D., printed in the magazine
+"Suggestion" several years ago, may help you to form a correct idea
+of the nature of disease, or rather a correct idea of what disease
+_is not_. Dr. Murphy says, in the said article, among other things:
+"Prof. S. D. Gross, formerly of the New York University Medical School,
+says: 'Of the essence of disease very little is known--indeed nothing
+at all.' Nevertheless it is evident that medical men have an idea on
+the subject. The theory generally held, I believe, is that disease
+is destructive action; but just what this means, whether destructive
+action on the part of vitality itself, or by something acting upon
+the vitality, is not so clear; but we are enabled to gain some light
+by reference to the expression used in medical books concerning it.
+Thus we find that disease 'attacks us,' that it 'seats itself in an
+organ,' that 'it works through us, runs its course,' etc. It is also
+said to be 'very malignant,' or 'quite mild,' 'persistently resisting
+all treatment,' or 'yielding readily' to it. In fact, it is considered
+an entity, possessing character and disposition and general vital
+qualities--a something which domiciles itself in the vital domain,
+and exercises its forces to the destruction of the vital powers. It
+is indeed spoken of as one would speak of a rat in his granary, or a
+mouse in his cupboard, and efforts are made to dislodge it, or kill
+it, as one would dislodge or kill any other living thing. This theory
+of disease is beginning to be looked upon even by the medical world
+as untenable. Living things are always possessed of organizations
+having form or shape; and hence if disease were such, its form would
+be discerned and described; a thing which never has been done. Disease
+by our ancestors was considered a subtile and mysterious thing which
+pounced down upon us, and runs its course without any reference to
+causes; and language being formed to convey this idea, it has been
+transmitted almost unchanged from generation to generation down to
+the present time. And the medical profession of to-day is simply an
+embodiment of that idea. It is probable that the term 'destructive
+action' is generally held to mean destructive action on the part of the
+vitality itself.... Life in organic form is developed according to law.
+Slowly rising into power, organization at length reaches its zenith,
+and then goes down the gentle declivity, until the soul steps off into
+the great beyond, without pain or struggle, provided always that the
+conditions of life are natural and therefore favorable; but if these
+be unfavorable, unfavorable results must of course follow; vitality,
+nevertheless, doing the best it can under the circumstances to
+preserve the normal state of the body. Disease, we propose to show, is
+not antagonistic to vital action, but the opposite, a remedial effort,
+_or vital action on the defensive_. It is not a downward tendency, nor
+the result of a downward tendency on the part of a living organism,
+but is itself an upward or self-preservative tendency, the result of
+disobedience to natural laws. _It is simply abnormal action, because of
+abnormal conditions._"
+
+In considering the above revolutionary statement of Dr. Murphy, we
+must remember that "vitality" or "vital force" is simply the action
+of the Subconscious Mind operating through the sympathetic system,
+the organ-minds, and the cell-minds. _All vital energy, at the last
+is mental energy._ And, we must also remember that the "abnormal
+conditions" which Dr. Murphy speaks of as being the cause of
+"abnormal action" or disease, are not confined alone to physical or
+material conditions, but also to abnormal mental conditions, such as
+fear-thought, adverse suggestions, improper use of the imagination,
+etc. As we have seen in the preceding chapters, the causes of disease
+may be mental as well as material or physical.
+
+The Subconscious Mind in its vital activities is constantly at work
+building up, repairing, growing, nourishing, supporting and regulating
+the body, doing its best to throw off abnormal conditions, and seeking
+to do the best it can when these conditions cannot be removed. With its
+source pure and unpolluted the stream of vitality flows on unhindered,
+but when the poison of fear-thought, adverse suggestion and false
+belief is poured into the source or spring from which the stream rises,
+it follows that the waters of life will no longer be pure and clear.
+Let us notice the general direction of the vital activities of the
+Subconscious Mind.
+
+In the first place we find that the vital activities are primarily
+concerned with _self-preservation_, that is with the preservation of
+the individual and the race. One has but to notice the ever-present
+manifestation of the "race instinct" which draws the males and females
+of the several species together, that they may mate and bring forth
+the young needed to keep alive the species. The parental devotions,
+with its many sacrifices of personal pleasure for the young, are
+instances ever before us. And no less striking is the companion
+activities which make for the preservation of the individual. The
+instinctive tendency toward self-preservation is so strong that it
+overpowers the reason in the majority of cases. Men may decry the
+value of life, but let their life be threatened and the instinctive
+protective feeling causes them to fight for life against all odds.
+"All that a man hath will he give for his life." And this instinctive
+activity is manifest not only in the individual as a whole, but in
+every cell of his body. Every cell is striving hard for the welfare of
+the community of which it forms a part. Even in disease it strives to
+throw off the abnormal conditions which afflict the body, and failing
+to do so it hobbles along doing the best it can under the circumstances.
+
+The tiny seed sprouting in the ground, and lifting weights a thousand
+times that of itself, shows the self-preservative energies and
+activities of the mind principle within it. The healing work of
+the cells in the case of a wound, or of a broken bone, as described
+elsewhere in this book, gives us another example. The healing efforts
+of the organism striving to throw off the morbid substances within the
+body, purging them away in a flux, or burning them up with a fever,
+show the operations of the same principle. This, we have seen, is
+called the _vis medicatrix naturae_, or "healing power of nature,"
+which operates in man as well as in the case of the lower animals--but
+it is really but the operations of the great Subconscious Mind of the
+individual. As Dr. Murphy, previously quoted, says: "Certainly all
+experience declares and all physicians will admit that where vital
+power is abundant in a man he will get well from almost any injuries
+short of complete destruction of vital organs; but where vitality is
+low, recovery is much more difficult, if not impossible, which can only
+be explained on the principle that vitality always works upward toward
+life and health to the extent of its ability under the circumstances,
+because, if it worked downward, the less vitality, the more surely and
+speedily would death result."
+
+Following the law of self-preservation, we find that of _accommodation_
+manifesting itself in the vital activities of the Subconscious Mind.
+This principle or law works in the direction of _adjusting the organism
+to conditions which it cannot remedy_. Thus a sapling bent out of
+shape, will bend its branches upward until once more they will reach
+toward the sky notwithstanding the deformed trunk. Seed sprouting from
+a narrow crevice in a rock, and unable to split the rock, will assume a
+deformed shape but will hold tenaciously to life, and will thrive under
+these abnormal conditions. This principle of accommodation acts upon
+the idea of "life at any price," and of "making the best of things."
+Man and the lower animals accommodate themselves to their environment,
+when they are unable to overcome the unsatisfactory conditions of the
+latter. The study of anthropology, natural history, and botany will
+convince anyone that the principle of accommodation is everywhere
+present in connection with that of self-preservation. And the diseased
+conditions, and abnormal functioning, which we find in cases of
+chronic diseases is simply the principle of accommodation in the vital
+activities of the Subconscious Mind, but which it is "trying to make
+the best of it," and holding on to "life at any price."
+
+Dr. Murphy, previously quoted, says: "Disease, in its essential nature,
+has a deeper significance than simply abnormal manifestations. It is
+really a remedial effort, not necessarily successful, but an attempt
+to change, or have changed existing conditions. And for this reason
+any improper relation of the living organism to external agents
+necessarily results in an injury to that organism, which by virtue of
+its being self-preservative, immediately sets up defensive action, and
+begins as soon as possible to repair the damages that have accrued.
+This defensive or reparative action, of course, corresponds to the
+conditions to be corrected, and hence is abnormal and diseased; and its
+severity and persistence will depend upon the damages to be repaired,
+and the intensity and persistence of the causes that produced it.
+Serious injury present or impending will demand serious vital action;
+desperate conditions, desperate action. But in all cases the action
+is vital, an attempt at restoration, and the energy displayed will
+exactly correspond to the interests involved and the vitality that is
+available."
+
+From the above, and from what has been shown in previous chapters,
+it will be seen that just as is health the result of the normal
+functioning of the Subconscious Mind, so is disease the result of its
+abnormal functioning. And it may also be seen that the true healing
+power must come alone from and through the Subconscious Mind itself,
+although the same may be aroused, awakened and directed by various
+outside agencies. As Dr. Thomson J. Hudson says: "Granted that there
+is an intelligence that controls the functions of the body in health,
+it follows that it is the same power or energy that fails in case
+of disease. Failing, it requires assistance; and that is what all
+therapeutic agencies aim to accomplish. No intelligent physician of
+any school claims to be able to do more than to 'assist nature' to
+restore normal conditions of the body. That it is a mental energy
+that thus requires assistance, no one denies; for science teaches
+us that the whole body is made up of a confederation of intelligent
+entities, each of which performs its functions with an intelligence
+exactly adapted to the performance of its special duties as a member
+of the confederacy. There is, indeed, no life without mind, from the
+lowest unicellular organism up to man. _It is therefore a mental
+energy that actuates every fiber of the body under all its conditions.
+That there is a central intelligence that controls each of these mind
+organisms, is self-evident...._ It is sufficient for us to know that
+such an intelligence exists, and that, for the time being, it is the
+controlling energy that normally regulates the action of the myriad
+cells of which the body is composed. _It is, then, a mental organism
+that all therapeutic agencies are designed to energize, when, for any
+cause, it fails to perform its functions with reference to any part of
+the physical structure._"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+THE HISTORY OF PSYCHO-THERAPY
+
+
+One of the most remarkable achievements of the New Psychology is that
+of gathering up the scattered instances of the effect of the power of
+the mind over the body, under the various masks and guises worn during
+the ages, and uniting them in one broad and general synthesis in which
+is to be seen the one fundamental principle of Mental Healing operating
+under a thousand names, forms and theories, in every race, nation and
+clime in all ages past and present. The New Psychology is the great
+reconciler of the various theories, dogmas and speculations concerned
+with the subject of the strange cures effected by the mind, as well as
+with the equally strange adverse effect upon the physical organism of
+negative thoughts.
+
+From the earliest days of history we find records of strange and
+marvelous cures effected by non-material agents. In some cases the
+effect is attributed to magical power, while in others, and the
+majority of cases, the cure is attributed to some particular religious
+belief, creed or ceremony. Not only in the folk-lore of the several
+races, and in their general traditions, but also in the written and
+graven record do we find traces of the universality of the principle of
+mental therapeutics.
+
+H. Addington Bruce says: "Psychotherapy might well be cited in support
+of the old adage that there is nothing new but what has been forgotten.
+Traces of it are to be found almost as far back as authentic history
+extends, and even allusion to methods which bear a strong resemblance
+to those of modern times. The literature and monumental remains
+of ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, Persia, India and China reveal a
+widespread knowledge of hypnotism and its therapeutic value. There
+is in the British Museum a bas-relief from Thebes which has been
+interpreted as representing a physician hypnotizing a patient by
+making 'passes' over him. According to the Ebers papyrus, the 'laying
+on of hands' formed a prominent feature of Egyptian medical practice
+as early as 1552 B. C., or nearly thirty-five hundred years ago; and
+it is known that a similar mode of treatment was employed by priests
+of Chaldea in ministering to the sick. So, also, the priests of the
+famous Temples of Health are credited with having worked numerous
+cures by the mere touch of the hands. In connection with these same
+Temples of Health were sleeping chambers, repose in which was supposed
+to be exceptionally beneficial. Asclepiades of Bithynia, who won
+considerable fame at Rome as a physician, systematically made use of
+the 'induced trance' in the treatment of certain diseases. Plautus,
+Martial, and Seneca refer in their writings to some mysterious process
+of manipulation which had the same effect--that is, of putting persons
+into an artificial sleep. And Solon sang, apparently, of some form of
+mesmeric cure:
+
+  "'The smallest hurts sometimes increase and rage
+    More than all art of physic can assuage;
+    Sometimes the fury of the worst disease
+    The hand by gentle stroking, will appease.'
+
+"Many other instances might be mentioned testifying to the remarkable
+extent to which psycho-therapy, in one form or another, was utilized
+in the countries of the ancient world. This, of course, does not
+necessarily imply that the ancients had any real understanding of the
+psychological and physiological principles governing its operation.
+On the contrary, there is every reason to believe that they used it
+much as do too many of the mental healers of to-day--on the basis of
+'faith cure' pure and simple, with no attempt at diagnosis, and in a
+hit-or-miss fashion. It was not until the very end of the Middle Ages,
+so far as history informs us, that anything even remotely resembling a
+scientific inquiry into its nature and possibilities was undertaken,
+and then only in a faint, vague, indefinite way, by men who were
+metaphysicians and mystics rather than scientists. The first of these,
+Petrys Pomponatius, a sixteenth-century philosopher, sought to prove
+that disease was curable without drugs, by means of the 'magnetism'
+existing in certain specially gifted individuals. 'When those who are
+endowed with this faculty,' he affirmed, 'operate by employing the
+force of the imagination and the will, this force affects their blood
+and their spirits, which produce the intended effects by means of an
+evaporation thrown outwards.' Following Pomponatius, John Baptist von
+Helmont, to whom medical science owes a great deal, also proclaimed
+the curative virtue of magnetism, which he described as an invisible
+fluid called forth and directed by the influence of the human will.
+Other writers, notably Sir Kenelm Digby, laid stress on the power
+of the imagination as an agent in the cause as well as the cure of
+disease, compiling in a curious little treatise published in 1658, as
+interesting a collection of illustrative cases as is contained in the
+literature of modern psycho-therapy."
+
+In the Middle Ages, we read that there were many instances of
+miraculous cures effected at the various shrines of the saints, and in
+the churches in which were exhibited the bones and other relics of the
+holy people of church history. As Dr. George R. Patton says: "A word
+scrawled upon parchment, for instance, would cure fevers; an hexameter
+from the Iliad of Homer cured gout, while rheumatism succumbed to a
+verse from Lamentations. These could be multiplied, and undoubtedly all
+were equally potent of cure in like manner.... At one time holy wells
+were to be found in almost every parish of Ireland, to which wearisome
+journeys were made for the miraculous powers of cure. It was the custom
+of the cured to hang upon the bushes contiguous to the springs small
+fragments of their clothing, or a cane, or a crutch as a memento of
+cure, so that from afar the springs could be easily located by the many
+colored fragments of clothing, rags, canes and crutches swayed upon the
+branches by the wind. Inasmuch as the bushes for many rods around were
+thus adorned, the cures must have been far from few."
+
+In the Middle Ages it was the custom of persons afflicted with scrofula
+and kindred disorders to come before the king upon certain days to
+receive the "Royal Touch," or laying-on-of-hands which was held to be
+an infallible specific for the disease. The custom was instituted by
+Edward the Confessor, and continued until the accession to power of the
+house of Brunswick. It is a matter of history that many persons were
+cured by the touch of the king's hands. Wiseman, a celebrated surgeon
+and physician of old London testifies as follows: "I myself have been
+an eye-witness of many thousands of cures performed by his majesty's
+touch alone, without any assistance of medicine or surgery, and those,
+many of them, such as had tired out the endeavors of able surgeons
+before they came hither.... I must needs profess that what I write
+will little more than show the weakness of our ability when compared
+with his majesty's, who cureth more in one year than all the surgeons
+of London have done in an age." The virtue of the "King's Touch" was
+finally brought in doubt by the wonderful successes of a man by the
+name of Valentine Greatrakes, who in the Seventeenth Century began
+"laying on hands" and made even more wonderful cures than those of the
+king. So marked was his success that the government had difficulty
+in suppressing the growing conviction among the common people that
+Greatrakes must be of royal blood, and the rightful heir to the throne,
+because of the great healing virtues of his hands, which, they argued,
+could be possessed only by those having royal blood in their veins.
+The Chirurgical Society of London investigated Greatrakes' cures,
+and rendered an opinion that he healed by virtue of "some mysterious
+sanative contagion in his body."
+
+But perhaps the most notable figure in the European history of Mental
+Healing was Franz Anton Mesmer, a native of Switzerland, who was born
+in 1734, and who later in the century created the greatest excitement
+in several European countries by his strange theories and miraculous
+claims. Frank Podmore in a recent work says of Mesmer: "He had no
+pretensions to be a thinker; he stole his philosophy ready-made from a
+few belated alchemists; and his entire system of healing was based on
+a delusion. His extraordinary success was due to the lucky accident of
+the times. Mesmer's first claim to our remembrance lies in this--that
+he wrested the privilege of healing from the churches and gave it to
+mankind as a universal possession."
+
+Mesmer held that there was in Nature a universal magnetic force which
+had a powerful therapeutic effect when properly applied. He cured many
+people by touching them with an iron rod, through which he claimed the
+universal magnetism flowed from his body to that of the patient. He
+called this magnetic fluid "animal magnetism." Later on he devised his
+celebrated "magnetic tub" or _baquet_, by means of which he was able to
+treat his patients _en masse_. Podmore gives the following interesting
+account of scenes surrounding his treatments:
+
+"The baquet was a large oaken tub, four or five feet in diameter and
+a foot or more in depth, closed by a wooden cover. Inside the tub
+were placed bottles full of water disposed in rows radiating from the
+center, the necks in some of the rows pointing towards the center, in
+others away from it. All these bottles had been previously 'magnetized'
+by Mesmer. Sometimes there were several rows of bottles, one above the
+other; the machine was then said to be at high pressure. The bottles
+rested on layers of powdered glass and iron filings. The tub itself
+was filled with water. The whole machine, it will be seen, was a kind
+of travesty of the galvanic cell. To carry out the resemblance, the
+cover of the tub was pierced with holes, through which passed slender
+iron rods of varying lengths, which were jointed and movable, so that
+they could be readily applied to any part of the patient's body. Round
+this battery the patients were seated in a circle, each with his iron
+rod. Further, a cord, attached at one end to the tub, was passed round
+the body of each of the sitters, so as to bind them all into a chain.
+Outside the first a second circle would frequently be formed, who would
+connect themselves together by holding hands. Mesmer, in a lilac robe,
+and his assistant operators--vigorous and handsome young men selected
+for the purpose--walked about the room, pointing their fingers or an
+iron rod held in their hands at the diseased parts."
+
+Mesmer made many wonderful cures, and attracted wide attention. In
+1781 the king of France offered him a pension of thirty thousand
+livres if he would make public his secret. The offer was refused, but
+he gave private instruction and opened a school. He had many pupils
+and followers, prominent among whom was the Marquis de Puysegur, who
+made discoveries resulting in the identification of Mesmerism with
+the "trance condition" now commonly associated with the term, whereas
+originally Mesmerism included simply the healing process. Mesmer's
+methods continued popular for many years after his death, until Braid's
+work resulted in the founding of the modern school of Hypnotism, and
+Mesmerism died out.
+
+The Abbe Faria, about 1815, after investigating Mesmerism and
+attracting much attention, discarded the "fluidic" theory of Mesmer,
+and held, instead, that in order to induce the mesmeric state and
+to produce the phenomena thereof, it was necessary merely to create
+a mental state of "expectant attention" on the part of the patient.
+The cause of the state and the phenomena, he held, was not in the
+operator but in the mind of the patient--purely subjective, in fact.
+Alexander Bertrand, a Frenchman, published a work about this time,
+holding theories similar to those of Faria. In 1841 James Braid, an
+English physician, becoming interested in Mesmerism, discovered that
+the mesmeric state might be artificially induced by staring at bright
+objects until the eyes became fatigued, etc., and, later, that any
+method whereby concentration and "expectant attention" might be induced
+would produce the phenomenon. He duplicated all the feats of the
+mesmerists, including the healing of diseases. He called his new system
+"Hypnotism" to distinguish it from Mesmerism, and under its new name it
+gained favor among the medical fraternity. Moreover, in connection with
+his predecessors, Faria and Bertrand, he laid the basis for the modern
+theories of Suggestive Therapeutics.
+
+Shortly after Braid's death, in 1860, Dr. A. A. Liebault, a French
+physician, established his since famous School of Nancy, in which
+during the after years the later wonderful discoveries in Suggestive
+Therapeutics were made. He used the methods of hypnotism, but
+Suggestion was ever the operative principle recognized and applied.
+Liebault said: "It is all a matter of Suggestion. My patients are
+_suggested_ to sleep, and their ills are _suggested_ out of them.
+It is very simple, once you understand the laws of Suggestion." Dr.
+Charcot, in his celebrated clinic in the Salpetriere, in Paris, did
+great work along the same general lines, although proceeding under
+somewhat different theories. Following the example of these and other
+eminent authorities, the medical fraternity has gradually adopted many
+of the ideas of Suggestive Therapeutics, and to-day many of the best
+medical schools throughout this country and Europe give instruction in
+this branch of healing. Many books have been written on the subject by
+eminent medical authorities, and the indications are that during the
+present century Suggestive Therapeutics, in its various forms, will
+come even more prominently into popular favor, and that it will be
+developed far beyond its present limits. Experimental work along these
+lines is now being conducted in many psychological laboratories in our
+great universities.
+
+At the same time, as we shall now see, Mental Healing has been
+attracting much attention along other lines, outside of the medical
+profession, and often allied with religious and metaphysical movements.
+To understand the subject, we must study it in all of its phases.
+
+In the early part of the nineteenth century Elijah Perkins, an ignorant
+blacksmith living in Connecticut conceived a queer idea of curing
+disease by means of a peculiar pair of tongs manufactured by himself,
+one prong being of brass and the other of steel. These tongs were
+called "tractors," and were applied to the body of the patient in
+the region affected by disease, the body being stroked in a downward
+direction for a period of about ten minutes. The tractors were used
+to treat all manner of complaints, ailments and diseases, internal
+and external, with a wonderful degree of success. Almost miraculous
+cures of all manner of complaints were reported, and people flocked
+to Perkins from far and near in order to receive the benefit of his
+wonderful treatments.
+
+Soon this system of healing came to be called "Perkinsism," as a
+tribute to the inventor. The popularity of the system spread rapidly
+in the United States, particularly in New England, every city and
+many towns patronizing Perkins' practitioners and healers. From this
+country the craze spread to Great Britain, and even to the Continent.
+Centers of treatment, and even hospitals, were established by the
+"Perkinsites," and the fame of the tractors increased daily in ever
+widening circles. In Europe alone it is reported that over 1,500,000
+cures were performed, and the medical fraternity were at their wit's
+ends to explain the phenomenon. Finally, Dr. Haygarth, of London,
+conceived the idea that the real virtue of the cures was vested in
+the minds, belief and imagination of the patients rather than in
+the tractors, and that the cures were the result of the induced
+mental states of the patients instead of by the metallic qualities
+of the apparatus. He determined to investigate the matter under this
+hypothesis, and accordingly constructed a pair of tractors of wood,
+painted to resemble the genuine ones. The following account by Bostock
+describes the result: "He accordingly formed pieces of wood into the
+shape of tractors and with much assumed pomp and ceremony applied them
+to a number of sick persons who had been previously prepared to expect
+something extraordinary. The effects were found to be astonishing.
+Obstinate pains in the limbs were suddenly cured; joints that had
+long been immovable were restored to motion, and, in short, except
+the renewal of lost parts or the change in mechanical structure,
+nothing seemed beyond their power to accomplish." The exposure of
+this experiment, and the general acceptance of the explanation of the
+phenomena, caused "Perkinsism" to die out rapidly, and at the present
+time it is heard of only in connection with the history of medicine and
+in the pages of works devoted to the subject of the effect of the mind
+over the body.
+
+The success of "Perkinsism" is but a typical instance which is
+duplicated every twenty years or so by the rapid rise, spread and
+then rapid decline of some new "craze" in healing, all of which, when
+investigated are seen to be but new examples of the power of the
+mental states of faith and imagination upon the physical organism. The
+well-known "blue glass" craze of about thirty-five years ago gives
+us another interesting example. General Pleasanton, a well-known and
+prominent citizen of Philadelphia, announced his discovery that the
+rays of the sun passing through the medium of blue glass possessed a
+wonderful therapeutic value. The idea fired the public imagination
+at once, and the General's book met with a large sale. Everyone,
+seemingly, began to experiment with the blue glass rays. Windows
+were fitted with blue glass panes, and the patients sat so that the
+sun's rays might fall upon them after passing through the blue panes.
+Wonderful cures were reported from all directions, the results of
+"Perkinsism" being duplicated in almost every detail. Even cripples
+reported cures, and many chronic and "incurable" cases were healed
+almost instantaneously. Bedridden people threw aside their blankets
+and walked again, after a brief treatment. The interest developed into
+a veritable "craze," and the glass factories were operated overtime
+in order to meet the overwhelming demand for blue glass, the price of
+which rapidly advanced to fifty cents and even a dollar for a small
+pane, because of the scarcity. It was freely predicted that the days of
+physicians were over, and that the blue glass was the long-sought-for
+panacea for all human ills. Suddenly, however, and from no apparent
+cause, the interest in the matter dropped, and now all that is left of
+the blue glass craze is the occasional sight of an old blue pane in
+some window, the owner of which evidently felt disinclined to pay the
+price of replacing it with a clear pane. Only a few days ago, in an
+old-fashioned quarter of a large city, the writer saw several panes of
+the old blue glass in the frame of the window of an old house which had
+seen better days but which was now used as a cheap tenement house.
+
+The history of medicine is filled with records of similar "crazes"
+following the announcement of some new method of "cure." The striking
+peculiarity of these cures is that they all occur during the height of
+the excitement and notoriety of the early days of the announcement,
+while _they decline in proportion to the decline in public faith and
+interest_, the explanation being that in every instance the cure is
+effected by the action of the mental states of expectancy, faith, and
+the imagination of the patient, irrespective of any virtue in the
+method or system itself. In short, _all these cures belong to the
+category of faith-cures_--they are merely duplicates of the world-old
+cures resulting from faith in sacred relics, shrines, bones of holy
+people, sacred places, etc., of which nearly every religion has given
+us many examples. The history of medicine gives us many instances of
+the efficacy of the therapeutic power of Faith.
+
+Sir Humphrey Davy relates a case in which a man seriously ill
+manifested immediate improvement after the placing of a clinical
+thermometer in his mouth, he supposing that it was some new and
+powerful healing instrument. The grotesque remedies of the ancient
+physicians, and the _bizarre_ decoctions of the quacks of the present,
+all work cures. The "bread-pills" and other placebos of the "regulars"
+have cured many a case when other remedies have failed.
+
+It is related that several hundred years ago, a young English
+law-student while on a lark with several of his boon companions found
+themselves in a rural inn, without money with which to pay their
+reckoning. Finally, after much thought, the young man called the
+inn-keeper and told him that he, the student, was a great physician,
+and that he would prepare for him a magic amulet which would cure all
+diseases, in return for the receipted account of himself and friends.
+The landlord gladly consented, and the young man wrote some gibberish
+on a bit of parchment, which together with sundry articles of rubbish
+he inserted in a silk cover. With a wise and dignified air he then
+departed. Many years rolled by, and the young man rose to the position
+of a High Justice of the realm. One day before him was brought a woman
+accused of magic and witchcraft. The evidence showed that she had
+cured many people by applying to their bodies a little magic amulet,
+which the church authorities considered to be the work of the devil.
+The woman, on the stand, admitted the use of the amulet and the many
+cures resulting therefrom, but defended herself by saying that the
+instrument of cure had been given to her father, now deceased, many
+years ago, by a great physician who had stopped at her father's inn.
+She held that the cures were genuine medical cures resulting from
+the medicinal virtues of the amulet, and not the result of magic or
+witchcraft. The Justice asked to be handed the wonderful amulet.
+Ripping it open with his pen-knife, he found enclosed the identical
+scrawl inserted by himself many years before. He announced the
+circumstances from the bench, and discharged the woman--but the healing
+virtues of the amulet had disappeared, never to return. The cures were
+the result of the faith and imagination of the patients.
+
+The modern instances of the several great "Divine Healers," such as
+John Alexander Dowie of Chicago, and Francis Schlatter of Denver,
+give us additional evidence of the efficacy of Faith as a therapeutic
+agent. John Alexander Dowie, a Scotch preacher, came to America some
+twenty years ago, and instituted a new religion in which healing was
+an important feature. He claimed that all disease was the result of
+the devil, and that belief in God and the prayers of Dowie and his
+assistants would work the cure of the devil's evil operations. Great
+numbers flocked to Dowie's standard, and thousands of wonderful cures
+were reported. His "Tabernacle" was filled with testimonials and
+trophies from cured people. Back of Dowie's pulpit were displayed many
+crutches, plaster-casts, braces, and other spoils wrested from the
+devil by Dowie and his aids. His experience meetings were thronged
+with persons willing and anxious to testify that whereas they had been
+afflicted they were now whole again. Dowie succeeded in building up a
+great following all over the world, and had he not overreached himself
+and allowed his colossal vanity to overshadow his original ideas, the
+probability is that he would have founded a church which would have
+endured for centuries. As it is, he was discredited and disowned by his
+followers, and his church is now but little more than a memory.
+
+Francis Schlatter, the German shoemaker of Denver, with his Divine
+Healing, was a well known figure in the west several years ago. He was
+undoubtedly a half-insane fanatic, believing himself inspired by God to
+heal the nations. Persons flocked to him from afar, and he is reported
+to have healed thousands, many of whom were suffering from serious
+ailments. He afterward disappeared, and is believed to have died in
+the desert of the far west. Students of Mental Suggestion and Psychic
+Therapeutics find in the instances of Dowie and Schlatter merely the
+same underlying principle of Mental Healing resulting from faith, which
+is operative in all of the other cases mentioned. The theology, creed,
+theories of methods have but little to do with the cures, so long as
+the proper degree of faith is induced in the mind of the patient. Faith
+in _anything_ will work cures, providing it is sufficiently intense and
+active.
+
+Another branch of Mental Healing is seen in the modern schools of the
+"New Thought," "Mental Science," "Christian Science," and the "Emmanuel
+Movement." The authorities generally agree upon tracing the rise of
+these several schools to the general interest in the subject manifested
+in the United States and Great Britain about the middle of the last
+century. Some of the authorities believe that this general interest was
+induced largely by the teachings of Charles Poyen, a Frenchman who came
+from France to New England about 1835, bringing with him the French
+teachings and theories regarding mesmerism and the phenomena allied
+thereto. Poyen's teachings attracted marked interest and attention, and
+he soon had a host of followers, students and imitators. Teachers of
+the "new science" sprang up on all sides. Many theories were evolved
+and actively supported by the adherents of the several prominent
+teachers. The rise of interest in phrenology and the dawning interest
+in spiritualism aided the spread of the new teachings regarding
+mesmerism, clairvoyance, psychic healing, etc., and the pages of many
+magazines and books published about that time show that a public taste
+had been created for the strange and mysterious.
+
+Dr. J. S. Grimes, a physician interested in phrenology, taught that
+the phenomena were due to the action of a strange atmospheric force
+which he called "etherium." Rev. J. Bovee Dods evolved a theory based
+upon the supposed existence of an electrical principle, and called his
+system "Electro-Biology," by means of which he attracted to himself
+a large following. Dods wrote several large books on the subject,
+and traveled on lecture tours in this country and Great Britain,
+arousing great enthusiasm and making many cures. Rev. Leroy Sunderland
+expounded the doctrine of "patheism," in which he combined a strange
+mixture of mysticism and what has since been called "suggestion," to
+which he afterward added the current teachings of spiritualism after
+his conversion to that philosophy. It would seem that credit should
+be given Sunderland for his early announcement of the principle of
+suggestion, for he said: "When a relation is once established between
+an operator and his patient, corresponding changes may be induced in
+the nervous system of the latter by mere volition, and _by suggestions
+addressed to either of the external senses_." The decade, 1840-1850
+witnessed a remarkable interest in psychic phenomena of all kinds, and
+during that time there was undoubtedly laid the foundations upon which
+the later structures have since been erected. Any one reading the short
+stories of Poe, and other writers of that period, may readily see the
+state of public interest in these subjects at that time.
+
+The authorities generally agree that in Phineas Parkhurst Quimby we
+have the direct connecting link between the period just mentioned and
+the present. Quimby played quite an important role in the evolution
+of the modern conceptions of mental healing, or psycho-therapy as it
+is now called. He was a poor clockmaker, of quite limited means, of
+good character and a strong personality. His education is said to
+have been limited, but he made up for his lack in this respect by
+his naturally keen and inquiring mind. In 1838 one of the teachers
+of mesmerism visited his home in Belfast, Maine, and Quimby attended
+the seance. He became intensely interested in what he saw, and in the
+theories propounded, and began to experiment on the people in his town,
+the result being that he soon acquired a reputation as a powerful
+mesmerist and a good healer. He followed along the general lines of the
+"Electro-Biology" theory for a time, and then evolved theories of his
+own. He cured himself and many others by manual treatment, and was soon
+kept quite busy in his healing work.
+
+Quimby, thinking deeply regarding the cures he was making, soon came
+to the conclusion that while his _cures_ were genuine, his _theories_
+were wrong. He gradually evolved the idea that diseases are caused
+by erroneous thinking, and that his cures resulted from changing
+these wrong mental states for those based upon true conceptions. He
+held that all that is required to effect a cure is to bring about "a
+change of thought." Following upon this new conception, he ceased
+mesmerizing his patients, and began to treat them by simply sitting
+by the side of the afflicted person, picturing him as well and whole,
+and impressing upon the patient's mind that he is well and whole, _in
+Truth_. From this fundamental idea he gradually evolved a philosophy
+which has strongly influenced that of later schools. Quimby talked much
+regarding his great "discovery," as he called it, and built great hopes
+upon establishing "the science of health and happiness." He began to
+speak of the "Truth" in his "science," which he held to be identical
+with that taught by Christ, and by means of which Jesus performed his
+miraculous cures. Before he had firmly established his "science,"
+however, he died, leaving his work to be carried on by others, notably
+by Dr. Warren F. Evans, and Julius A. Dresser, to whom should be
+given the credit for launching what is now known as "the New Thought
+Movement."
+
+Mrs. Mary Baker G. Eddy, who afterward established "Christian Science"
+was one of Quimby's patients and students, and Dresser and others have
+positively stated and claimed that from him she received her ideas of
+the philosophy which she afterward developed into the great "Christian
+Science" movement. Mrs. Eddy, and her adherents, as positively deny to
+Quimby any credit for having inspired Mrs. Eddy's work. We merely state
+the opposing sides of the controversy here, taking no sides in the
+matter, the discussion not concerning us in the present consideration.
+
+The success of Evans and Dresser, and of Mrs. Eddy, in their respective
+schools and organizations, have caused many other teachers to come to
+the front, until at the present time there are many schools, cults
+and organizations basing their cures upon the broad principles of
+Mental Healing. Mrs. Eddy, and her followers, deny having anything in
+common with the other schools, however, holding that the latter are
+concerned with "mortal mind" while "Christian Science" alone is based
+upon Divine Mind, or Truth. In spite of the conflicting claims and
+theories, the fact remains that thousands of persons have been healed
+of various diseases by the various schools, cults, and teachings. To
+the authorities who stand outside of and apart from these opposing
+organizations, it seems that all the cures are based upon the same
+general principle, _i. e._, that of the influence of mental states
+over physical conditions, and that religious theories or metaphysical
+philosophies have nothing whatever to do with the production of the
+cures, except in the direction of giving a strong suggestion to those
+accepting them. The fact that _all_ the schools make cures, in about
+the same proportion, and of the same general classes of complaints,
+would seem to show that the theories and dogmas have nothing to do
+with the process of cure--and that the healing is done _in spite of the
+theories_, rather than because of them.
+
+The much advertised "Emmanuel Movement" now so popular in the orthodox
+churches throughout the country, is recognized by all the authorities
+as being nothing more than suggestion applied in connection with the
+religious and theological principles of the churches in question,
+and, in truth, as applying methods more in favor by the old school of
+mesmerists than by the later "New Thought" practitioners, or by the
+"Christian Science" healers. From this movement, however, there will
+probably evolve a more scientific system, manifesting none of the
+crudities which so disfigure its present stage, at least in the hands
+of some of its practitioners.
+
+In the following chapter we may see that the same element of Faith,
+Belief and Expectancy is manifested in all the various forms of Mental
+Healing, by whatever name, or under whatever theory, the method is
+applied. In short, that the cures are purely _psychological_, rather
+than metaphysical or religious, in their nature.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+FAITH CURES
+
+
+Following the scientific study of the phenomena of cures of physical
+illness by means of the power of mental states, and the recognition of
+the fact that there is a common principle operative under the various
+guises and forms, there sprang into scientific usage the term "Faith
+Cures" which was used to designate all instances and forms of cures
+coming under the general classification of mental healing. Prof.
+Goddard defines the term as follows: "A term applied to the practice
+of curing disease by an appeal to the hope, belief, or expectation of
+the patient, and without the use of drugs or other material means.
+Formerly it was confined to methods requiring the exercise of religious
+faith, such as the 'prayer cure' and 'divine healing,' but has now come
+to be used in the broader sense, and includes the cures of 'Mental
+Science,' and hypnotism; also a large part of the cures effected by
+patent medicines and nostrums, as well as many folk-practices and home
+remedies. By some it is used to include also Christian Science, but the
+believers in the latter regard it as entirely distinct."
+
+The term "Suggestion," used in the same sense as "Faith Cure" in
+relation to the healing of disease, has also come into popular usage,
+but inasmuch as Suggestion has a much larger meaning outside of its
+therapeutic phases, it may be said the best authorities to-day use the
+term "Faith Cure" as representing simply one phase of Suggestion.
+
+Prof. Goddard, in his article on "Faith Cure," in the _New
+International Encyclopaedia_ (Dodd, Mead & Co., New York), says:
+"Besides these recognized forms (divine healing, mental science, etc.),
+faith cure is an important element in cures wrought by patent medicines
+and nostrums, home remedies and folk practices. The advertisement,
+testimonial of friend, or family tradition arouses the faith of the
+sick man, and he comes to believe that he needs only to follow
+directions to be fully cured. The actual value of faith cure as a
+therapeutic method has been the subject of much discussion. It can
+no longer be denied that it has value. From divine healing to patent
+medicine and Father Kneipp's water cure, all cure disease. Each appeals
+to a particular type of mind, but _the results are practically the
+same in all--same diseases cured, same successes, same failures_. Many
+faith-curists claim that all diseases in all persons can be cured by
+their method; others hold that the principle is of limited application.
+Of them all, the hypnotists are the only ones who do not make sweeping
+claims."
+
+After stating "the tendency to exaggeration and the infrequency of
+impartial judgment" in connection with many instances of claimed cures,
+the above mentioned authority proceeds as follows: "The actual cures,
+however, are sufficiently numerous and sufficiently striking to need
+an explanation. These different forms agree in only one point--viz.,
+_the mental state of the patient is one of hope and expectation_. Can
+states of mind cause or cure disease? Some familiar occurrences seem
+to justify an affirmative answer. It is well known that certain glands
+and secretions are markedly affected by emotions. Fright causes the
+saliva to cease to flow and the perspiration to start. Sorrow causes
+the lachrymal glands to secrete tears. Happiness favors digestion,
+unhappiness retards it. Mosso has demonstrated that the bladder is
+especially sensitive to emotional states. In general, the pleasant
+emotions produce an opposite physical effect from the unpleasant ones.
+There are many glands within the body whose action under emotion
+we cannot observe; but we may reasonably assume that they also are
+affected by emotional states. Hence, if unpleasant emotions so act upon
+the glands as to derange the system and cause disease, the pleasant
+emotions may reasonably be assumed to tend to restore the normal
+functions. The various forms of faith cure tend strongly to put the
+patient in a happy frame of mind--a condition favorable to health.
+However, there are all degrees of faith and wide differences in the way
+the system responds to the emotional state. One person is slightly
+affected by a strong emotion; another is strongly affected by a weak
+emotion. Hence, there must always be a wide difference in the results
+of faith-cure methods. The diseases most amenable to faith cure are
+nervous--including many not recognized as nervous, but having a neural
+condition as their basis--and functional derangements. Organic diseases
+are not usually cured, though the symptoms are frequently ameliorated.
+Chronic diseases due to neuro-muscular habit often yield to hypnotic
+treatment."
+
+Prof. R. P. Halleck says: "Were it not for this power of the
+imagination, the majority of quack nostrums would disappear. In most
+cases bread pills, properly labeled, with positive assurances of
+certain cures accompanying them, would answer the purpose far better
+than these nostrums, or even much better than a great deal of the
+medicine administered by regular physicians. Warts have been charmed
+away by medicines which could have had only a mental effect. Dr. Tuke
+gives many cases of patients cured of rheumatism by rubbing them with
+a certain substance declared to possess magic power. The material in
+some cases was metal; in others wood; in still others, wax. He also
+recites the case of a very intelligent officer who had vainly taken
+powerful remedies to cure cramp in the stomach. Then 'he was told
+that on the next attack he would be put under a medicine which was
+generally believed to be most effective, but which was rarely used.'
+When the cramps came on again, 'a powder containing four grains of
+ground biscuit was administered every seven minutes, while the greatest
+anxiety was expressed (within the hearing of the party) lest too much
+be given. Half-drachm doses of bismuth had never procured the same
+relief in less than three hours. For four successive times did the same
+kind of attack recur, and four times was it met by the same remedy, and
+with like success.' A house surgeon in a French hospital experimented
+with one hundred patients, giving them sugared water. Then, with
+a great show of fear, he pretended that he had made a mistake and
+given them an emetic instead of the proper medicine. Dr. Tuke says:
+'The result may easily be anticipated by those who can estimate the
+influence of the imagination. No fewer than eighty--four-fifths--were
+unmistakably sick.'
+
+"We have a well authenticated case of a butcher, who, while trying to
+hang up a heavy piece of meat, slipped and was himself caught by the
+arm upon the hook. When he was taken to a surgeon, the butcher said he
+was suffering so much that he could not endure the removal of his coat;
+the sleeve must be cut off. When this was done, it was found that the
+hook had passed through his clothing close to the skin, but had not
+even scratched it. A man sentenced to be bled to death was blindfolded.
+A harmless incision was then made in his arm and tepid water fixed so
+as to run down it and drop with considerable noise into a basin. The
+attendants frequently commented on the flow of blood and the weakening
+pulse. The criminal's false idea of what was taking place was as
+powerful in its effects as the reality, and he soon died.... There is
+perhaps not a person living who would not at times be benefited by a
+bread pill, administered by some one in whom great confidence was
+reposed."
+
+The same authority also says: "It has been known for a long time
+that if the attention is directed toward any bodily organ, abnormal
+sensations may be caused in it, and disease may be developed. The
+renowned Dr. John Hunter said: 'I am confident that I can fix my
+attention to any part, until I have a sensation in that part.'" Dr.
+Tuke says that these "are words which ought to be inscribed in letters
+of gold over the entrance of a hospital for the Cure of Disease by
+Psychopathy." Hunter's confident assertion is the more interesting
+because, drawn from his own experience, it shows that the principle
+is not confined in its operation to the susceptible and nervous, but
+operates even on men of the highest mental endowment. We have examples
+from the literature of the seventeenth century, showing how the
+expectation of a complaint will produce it. In 1607 an ignorant English
+physician told a clergyman's wife that she had sciatica, although
+there was, in reality, nothing the matter with her sciatic nerve. Her
+attention was thereby directed to it and a severe attack of sciatica
+was the result. When a person inexperienced in medicine reads carefully
+the symptoms of some disease, he is apt to begin an attentive search
+for those symptoms and to end by fancying he has them. Seasick persons
+have been relieved of their nausea by being made to bail a leaking
+boat from the fear that it would sink. All their attention was thereby
+diverted from themselves. Many can recall how children, and grown
+persons, too, have forgotten all about their alleged intense thirst,
+as soon as their attention was diverted. Some persons, after eating
+something which they fancy is a trifle indigestible, center their
+attention upon the stomach, expecting symptoms of indigestion, and are
+often not disappointed. A man who had good reason to fear hydrophobia,
+determined that he would not have it. The pain in the bitten arm became
+intense, and he saw that he must have something to divert his attention
+from the wound and his danger. He therefore went hunting, but found no
+game. To make amends, he summoned a more inflexible will and exerted
+at every step 'a strong mental effort against the disease.' He kept on
+hunting until he felt better, and he mastered himself so perfectly that
+he probably thereby warded off an attack of hydrophobia. Accordingly
+as we center our attention upon one thing or another, we largely
+determine our mental happiness and hence our bodily health. One person,
+in walking through a noble forest, may search only for spiders, and
+venomous creatures, while another confines his attention to the singing
+birds in the branches above. One reason why travel is such a cure for
+diseases of body and mind is because so many new things thereby come
+in to claim the attention and divert it from its former objects. The
+following expression from Dr. Tuke should be remembered: '_Thought
+strongly directed to any part tends to increase its vascularity, and
+consequently its sensibility_.'"
+
+Dr. C. F. Winbigler says: "The practitioner secures the same effects
+from a placebo or powdered pop-corn as from some drugs by using
+suggestion with the former. Every successful physician has used this
+method at one time or another, and sometimes when he was utterly
+puzzled as to what he should prescribe, he thus secured a marvellous
+result, and a cure of the patient was effected.... Every believer
+in Psycho-therapeutics knows that there is a psychical as well as a
+physical effect from the use of drugs. The psychical value is based
+on the expectation of their special action, and that which is in the
+physician's mind may be subtly and powerfully carried over into the
+patient's mind. The physician's personality, attitude and interest in
+the patient accomplishes vastly more than the drugs he prescribes or
+administers. If he is cheerful and hopeful, he gives potency to their
+action; if he is gloomy, pessimistic and hopeless, he nullifies their
+effects. The cure of the patient is effected through the subconscious
+mind, and the attitude and bearings of the physician, attendants, the
+surroundings and the medicines employed, become powerful suggestions."
+
+Prof. Elmer Gates says: "The system makes an effort to eliminate
+the metabolic products of tissue-waste, and it is therefore not
+surprising that during acute grief tears are copiously excreted; that
+during sudden fear the bowels and the kidneys are caused to act, that
+during prolonged fear, the body is covered with a cold perspiration;
+and, that during anger, the mouth tastes bitter, due largely to the
+increased elimination of sulpho-cyanates. The perspiration during fear
+is chemically different, and even smells different from that which
+exudes during a happy mood.... Now if it can be shown in many ways
+that the elimination of waste products is retarded by sad and painful
+emotions; nay, worse than that, these depressing emotions directly
+augment the amount of these poisons. Conversely, the pleasurable and
+happy emotions, during the time they are active, inhibit the poisonous
+effects of the depressing moods, and cause the bodily cells to create
+and store up vital energy and nutritive tissue products."
+
+In an issue of "_The American Practitioner and News_," is reported a
+discussion before the Lexington (Ky.) Medical and Surgical Society, in
+which a member, Dr. Guest, related the following experience: "I have
+a brother-in-law who suffers every summer with hay-fever. He has a
+relative who believes in Christian Science. She told him that she felt
+positive that she could direct him to a woman, a Christian Scientist,
+who would cure him. He at first objected, because he hated to go to a
+woman physician. He arranged, however, to communicate with her daily by
+letter. When his hay-fever broke out he suffered with it all that day
+and night, and the next morning wrote her a note telling her to put him
+on treatment immediately. When he returned that night he was improved
+and slept better. He wrote a second note the next morning and was much
+encouraged. The third day he repeated his letter writing and stated
+that the symptoms had almost ceased. And he was guying me about being
+cured by Christian Science when regular physicians could do nothing for
+him. The night of the third day, when he came home to supper, he found
+a note from the Christian Scientist, stating that _she has been in the
+country and would put him under treatment the next day_. Realizing
+that all his treatment had been only in his imagination, the symptoms
+reappeared with the same intensity as before."
+
+Dr. A. J. Parks of New York, says: "The absolute and complete control
+that the sympathetic nervous system exercises over the physical
+organization is so perfectly clear and well-known to every observer
+that the recital of the phenomena in the vast and countless series
+of manifestations is unnecessary. We are all aware of the fact that
+digestion is promptly arrested upon the receipt of bad news. The
+appetite at once disappears. It ceases, and the whole system feels the
+effect of the depressing impulse--the mental and spiritual wave which
+lowers the vital thermometer. Fear not only suspends the digestive
+function but arrests the formation of the secretions upon which
+digestion depends. A sudden fright frequently paralyzes the heart
+beyond recovery, whereas a pleasant and pleasing message soothes and
+gently excites the whole granular system, increases the secretions,
+aids digestion and sends a thrill of joy to the sensorium, which
+diffuses the glad tidings to every nerve fibril in the complex
+organization."
+
+Dr. T. A. Borton, in an address before the Indiana State Medical
+Society, said: "The subject which I desire to present to you to-day
+has to do with the influence of the mind over the functions of the
+body. Its silent, unobserved force results in producing pathological
+conditions, and those, by reflex action, excite morbid sensibilities
+of the mind and thus derange the nerve centres, resulting in a
+changed condition or over-excitability of the nerve energies, which
+becomes a secondary diseased condition in the form of different types
+of neurasthenia. I have been interested in this subject for many
+years, and in my practice have had extended opportunities for making
+observations as to the potency of the mental and suggestive pathology
+bearing on this subject. I would especially refer to the healing of the
+body through these mental forces, changing healthy, normal conditions
+into unhealthy or diseased conditions and _vice versa_. These changes
+are not miraculous, but proceed from natural causes in the operation
+of the mind, as a therapeutic agency, operating through the functions
+of the body, sometimes as a tonic or stimulant, warding off diseases
+under the most exposed conditions, defending and holding the system in
+a state of health, while those void of these mental assurances become
+victims to the ravages of disease through contagion or infection. This
+protective mental force of the mind has been demonstrated many times in
+hospitals and other places where contagious diseases were prevailing.
+The mental force possesses a protective power when rightly exercised
+beyond what is usually conceded, not only in the way of defense; but
+also in correcting disease when in existence. I believe these to be
+much greater than has been generally admitted or understood.... We all
+know how difficult it is to get good results from medication in which
+our patients have no confidence, and it is an established fact that
+we get better results from drugs which are given with the patient's
+knowledge of their intended effect. _I have often produced desired
+results from means entirely inert, stating the desired and expected
+effect of its administration. I have frequently quieted the severest
+pain by injecting pure water into the arm of the patient._"
+
+Dr. G. R. Patton, in an address before the Wabasha County (Minn.)
+Medical Society, said: "As Bacon said, 'Faith, confidence, belief
+and hope are the working forces that make the cure--that work the
+miracle.' The mind as a dynamic force exerted over the functions of
+the body has been, doubtless, operatively manifest from the cradle of
+our existence. By the phrase, 'the mind as a dynamic force,' I refer
+to the various forms of suggestion as well as to various affective
+faculties of the mind, or those states caused by the sympathetic
+action of the brain, such as faith, confidence, belief, imagination,
+emotions, hope and the like. Any or all of them may become active over
+the bodily functions.... As instance of the mental impression acting
+upon observable functions revealed through the capillary circulation
+as revealed to the sight, I will mention blushing or pallor of the
+face, depending upon the theme presented to the thought; the mouth
+watering on the sight or thought of tempting food; the flow of tears
+from words or thoughts that excite grief; nausea or vomiting from
+a sickening spectacle; sexual excitement from obscene thought or
+lascivious sights. Instances might be multiplied. And is it not a fair
+inference, indeed, that through the vasomoter nerves, the internal
+viscera may be subject to like effects through mental impressions, and
+that thus acute as well as chronic congestive ailments thereof may be
+favorably influenced or even cured thereby?... It is my conviction that
+recognition of the power and usefulness of mental dynamics, including
+all forms of suggestion over physiological and pathological processes
+in combating diseases, is unquestionably the most impressive advance in
+modern medicine. Mental influence alone may diminish or increase the
+activities of the physiological processes to the extent of removing the
+pathological effects of disease.... A celebrated medical teacher, after
+an exhaustive dissertation over a case was leaving the bedside without
+prescribing any treatment when the house physician asked what should be
+given the patient. 'Oh,' said the professor, 'a hopeful prognosis and
+anything else you please.' To this he added, 'the doleful doctor will
+be a failure, while the hopeful one will prove a winner from start to
+finish.' It is reasonably assured that ultimately the physician will
+become not so much the man behind the pill as the judicious advisor,
+the wise counsellor, gently leading the sick 'into green pastures,
+beside still waters,' through paths that lead onward to recovery,
+assisting nature at times, if needs be, with a big bread pill."
+
+Dr. Herbert A. Parkyn, the well-known authority on suggestive
+therapeutics, says: "Certain results will follow certain thoughts,
+and in every instance that it is possible to get the patient to think
+the thoughts we desire, we secure the results we desire. It is the
+work of the suggestionist to place these thoughts in the mind of the
+patient so that he is bound to think them, and this can be done to some
+degree, if not perfectly, in every case. It is well to have faith, but
+faith is not absolutely necessary at the outset. It is time enough for
+the patient to have faith in the treatment when he can perceive the
+benefit he is receiving. Understanding the mental and physical changes
+which follow a certain thought, the suggestionist is able to bring
+about those mental or physical changes, by using direct suggestion in
+such a way that his patient is bound to think the thoughts which will
+produce the results. A man may not have faith in the statement that
+the thought of lemon juice will stimulate the flow of saliva, but if
+he will imagine for a moment that he is squeezing the juice of a lemon
+into his mouth the saliva will immediately flow more freely than usual,
+regardless of his faith. Similarly, many, if not all of the organs
+of the body, can be affected by impulses following certain lines of
+thought, and these impulses will follow the thought and stimulate the
+organs regardless of faith. It is simply necessary to get a patient to
+think the proper thoughts, and it is in the thought directing that the
+work of the suggestionist lies."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE POWER OF THE IMAGINATION
+
+
+Dr. F. W. Southworth says: "Fear is itself a contagious disease and is
+sometimes reflected from one mind to another with great rapidity. It
+passes from one to another, from the healthy to the ill, from doctor or
+nurse to patient, from mother to child, and so on. The greatest fears
+we can usually get away from, but it is the little fears and anxieties,
+constant apprehension, fears of imagined evils of all sorts which
+prey upon our vitality and lessen our powers, thus rendering us more
+susceptible to disease. To avert disease, then, we must eradicate fear;
+but how shall we accomplish it? Through wise education--educating the
+people to a higher standard of living; by teaching a sounder hygiene;
+a wiser philosophy and a more cheerful theology. By erasing a thousand
+errors and superstitions from fearful minds and pointing them to the
+light, beauty and loveliness of the truth. This mental and moral
+sanitation is still ahead of us, but it is more valuable and desirable
+than all quarantines, inventions, experiments, and microscopical
+researches after physical or material causes."
+
+Sir George Paget, M. D., says: "In many cases I have seen reasons for
+believing that cancer has had its origin in prolonged anxiety." Dr.
+Murchison says: "I have been surprised to find how often patients with
+primary cancer of the liver have traced the cause of this illness to
+protracted grief and anxiety. These cases have been far too numerous to
+be accounted for as merely coincidents." Sir B. W. Richardson, M. D.,
+says: "Eruptions of the skin frequently follow excessive mental strain.
+In all these, as well as in cancer, epilepsy and mania, the cause is
+frequently partly or wholly mental. It is remarkable how little the
+question of the origin of physical disease from mental influences
+has been studied." Prof. Elmer Gates says: "My experiments show that
+irascible, malevolent and depressing emotions generate in the system
+injurious compounds, some of which are extremely poisonous. Also that
+agreeable, happy emotions generate chemical compounds of nutritious
+value which stimulate the cells to manufacture energy."
+
+Dr. Patton, in the address before the Wabasha County Medical Society,
+above mentioned, gives the following interesting case of the effect
+of faith and expectant attention, or Suggestion: He said: "While
+surgeon of a Cincinnati hospital one of the messenger boys was often
+disobedient of orders. The sister superior once asked me how to
+punish him. I suggested putting him to bed and making him sick with
+medicine. My advice was acted upon with alacrity. A tea-spoonful of
+_colored water_ was given him every fifteen minutes. With assumed
+gravity, I ordered the nurse, in the boy's presence, to keep giving the
+medicine until he became sick and vomited. Within an hour he vomited
+profusely.... A funny incident illustrative of the faith and confidence
+sometimes reposed in the medical man and his power in curing disease,
+happened in my first year of practice. An Irish laborer, much given to
+profanity, came to my office, with a cold on his chest. I prescribed
+a soothing mixture and a liniment of camphor, ammonia and soap. A few
+days later, meeting him on the street, I asked him if the medicine
+had cured him all right. He replied with enthusiasm, 'Oh! yes, yes,
+it acted most beautifully and cured me pretty d---- d quick, but it was
+awful hot stuff, for it burned in my throat like hell-fire itself.' I
+knew at once, but did not tell him, that he had been swallowing the
+liniment of camphor, hartshorn and soap, and rubbing the cough mixture
+on the outside. His faith was even stronger than the liniment, and
+cured him in spite of the blunder.
+
+"Perhaps the most wonderful confirmation came under my observation
+while wintering in San Antonio, Texas, in 1880. Some nostrum fakirs
+with a retinue of fourteen musicians and comedians came to this city
+in an immense chariot, drawn by eight gaily caparisoned horses. Every
+evening they came upon the military plaza to sell their panacea. I
+went over one evening out of curiosity, being attracted by the songs
+and music. The head fakir was shouting to an immense crowd about
+the virtues of his specific. He claimed that it contained thirteen
+ingredients, gathered at a great expense from all quarters of the
+globe, and would cure all the ills that flesh was heir to. Cures
+were warranted in every case, or the money refunded on the following
+evening. After this harangue, he said that the medicine was for sale at
+$1 per bottle, until 300 bottles had been sold, as it was an invariable
+rule to sell only that number on any one evening. Immediately a
+frenzied mob rushed pell-mell to the end of the chariot, each one
+holding aloft a silver dollar. He had previously announced that no
+change would be made, and that every one to get the medicine should
+have a dollar ready in his hand. In half an hour 300 bottles had been
+sold, the empty trunk closed with a bang, and the statement made that
+no more could be had until the following evening, although there was
+yet a great multitude clamoring for more. Curiosity again led me to the
+plaza the next evening, and I went early. The initial performance was a
+free tooth-pulling, to last thirty minutes. He said he was the kingpin
+of the tooth-pullers, and I believe he was. The rapidity of his work
+was a marvel. He snatched from various jaws about 250 teeth, including
+the good ones, within the limit, throwing them from his forceps right
+and left among his audience. Those operated upon were wrought to such
+a frenzy of excitement and wonder that each one, without an exception,
+declared that no pain whatever had been experienced. A call was then
+made for the 300 who had bought medicine on the previous evening to
+mount the chariot and tell what the medicine had done for them.
+
+"From every quarter men and women, both white and colored, pressed
+forward to give their experience. Their stories were grotesque and
+curious enough, but no matter what their ailments, cures had resulted
+in every case. At the end of half an hour, while the experience meeting
+was at its acme, the fakir abruptly closed it, saying, in a regretful
+voice, that the rest would have to wait until the next evening to tell
+of their cures, as he now wanted those to come forward who had not
+been cured by the medicine bought on the previous evening. He stood in
+silence with folded arms for three minutes. No one having come forward,
+the voice of this arrant charlatan rang out in stentorian tones, 'All,
+_all_ have been cured! We have cured _everyone_!' Then another 300
+bottles were sold in a jiffy, I myself being one of the fortunate
+purchasers. The chief of this outfit stopped in the hotel where I was.
+After dinner the next day, I made his acquaintance in the smoking room,
+saying I was a doctor, too; that I had attended two of his soirees,
+bought his medicine and was greatly interested in it. I surprised him
+by the statement that his medicine was made by M. & Co., wholesale
+druggists of Cincinnati, and that it was fluid extract of podophyllin.
+He stared for some moments, but made no reply. I continued, 'I know
+M.'s fluid extract, as his process of its manufacture is peculiar, and
+differs from other manufacturers in this, that he exhausts the root
+by percolation with alcohol, ether and glycerine, giving the product
+a sweetish taste and a slight ethereal odor.' The man asked if I was
+also a chemist. I replied, 'Yes, I once lectured in a medical college
+in Cincinnati on drugs and their uses, and I can readily tell fluid
+extracts by their taste, odor and physical characteristics.'
+
+"After some hesitation, he said, 'Yes, this is M.'s podophyllin _and
+nothing else_.' I inquired if he attributed all his success to the
+medicine. He answered, 'No, for once in Missouri the mandrake ran out
+before a new lot arrived. We found something like it in a drug store of
+the town, and the people got well just the same. _If the people believe
+you can cure them, and have faith in your medicine, they get well
+anyway, or they think they do, which is the same thing._' The fakirs
+remained one week, sold 2,100 bottles, and presumably cured 2,100
+people, as no one came forward to reclaim his dollar for the medicine,
+which was contained in a two-drachm vial of 120 drops. A dose was one
+drop after each meal in one spoonful of water.
+
+"When I was in California recently a friend mentioned that an
+intelligent relative of his was being treated by a celebrated Chinese
+doctor. The relative claimed that Chinese physicians were better than
+our own; that they had devoted 5,000 years to medicine and had thus
+become so learned and skillful that they could tell all diseases
+without asking a single question, simply by feeling the pulse. Out of
+curiosity I visited this physician, ostensibly as a patient. Without
+so declaring myself, he knew intuitively that I came to consult him.
+Without asking any questions he placed his finger upon my right wrist,
+communed with himself for a few moments, and then gravely informed
+me that I had _thirty-seven diseases_; some in the blood, some in
+the brain, some in the kidneys, some in the liver, and many others
+in the heart and lungs. He said it would take _sixteen different
+herbs_ to cure me. He volunteered the statement that he could detect
+6,000 diseases by the pulse alone, and that he used 400 herbs in the
+treatment of the various diseases. Upon his request, I examined his
+portfolio containing 350 testimonials of marvellous cures, wrought
+upon American residents of California during his seventeen years'
+practice on the coast. Many of them were from parties of intelligence
+and eminence, and were so extraordinary that nothing short of their
+being attested by numerous witnesses of unimpeachable veracity, could
+satisfy one of their truth. Now, permit me to say that I have no pulse
+in the right wrist, the pulse being congenitally absent; but through it
+he made the pretense of locating so many diseases. This doubtless is
+the form and character of medical practice in China among the native
+Chinamen, and probably has been for many centuries among a population
+of 400,000,000. Is not the logic from the above facts irresistible,
+that in China the native physician cannot tell one disease from
+another, and that all his work is simply nonsense and guess work?
+There can be no escape from this conclusion--it follows as lucidly as a
+demonstrated problem in Euclid--_that_ any benefit that may ever accrue
+from their treatment is wholly due to the dynamic force of the brain
+upon the functions of the body."
+
+The following, from a Philadelphia journal, gives a striking
+illustration of the fact that the imagination is a _real_ factor
+in many cases of physical ailment: "The fact that the throes of
+the imagination under great nervous excitement often produce a
+corresponding physical frenzy was illustrated recently in the case of
+a man who had gone to sleep with his artificial teeth in his mouth.
+Waking suddenly with a choking sensation, he found his teeth had
+disappeared. He looked in the glass of water where they were usually
+deposited, did not see them and realized they must be far down his
+throat. Choking and struggling, he hammered on the door of a friend
+sleeping in the house, who, seeing his critical condition, vainly
+tried to draw the teeth out of the sufferer's throat. He could feel
+the teeth, but had not the strength to extract them. He ran for a
+blacksmith who lived a few doors away, but the blacksmith's hand was
+too big to put into the man's mouth. A doctor had been sent for, but he
+was so long in coming that the victim of the accident seemed likely to
+die of suffocation before the physician arrived. A little girl of ten
+years was brought under the impression that her small hand might reach
+the obstacle and withdraw it, but she got frightened and began to cry.
+The sufferer became black in the face, his throat swelled out, and his
+friends expected every moment to be his last, when finally the doctor
+arrived. He heard the history of the case, saw that the teeth were not
+in the man's jaws nor in their nightly receptacle, felt the throat
+and cast his eyes seriously upon the floor. _There, on the floor,
+he saw the whole set of teeth._ He adjusted them to the jaws of the
+patient, told him to breathe freely, and every symptom of suffocation
+disappeared."
+
+The following from an Eastern journal illustrates another phase of
+the subject: "Saltpetriere, the hospital for nervous diseases, made
+famous by the investigations of Dr. Charcot, has an interesting case
+of religious mania. The patient, who is a woman of about forty years
+of age, entertains the belief that she is crucified, and this delusion
+has caused a contraction of the muscles of the feet of such a nature
+that she can walk only on tip-toe. The patient, moreover, is subject
+occasionally to the still more extraordinary manifestation--that of
+'stigmata.' Instances of 'stigmata' are tolerably frequent in the
+'Lives of the Saints' of alleged supernatural marks on the body
+in imitation of the wounds of Christ. These 'stigmata' have been
+observed beyond all question on the woman at the Saltpetriere. Their
+appearance on the body coincides with the return of the most solemn
+religious anniversaries. These 'stigmata' are so visible that it has
+been possible to photograph them. The doctors of the Saltpetriere in
+order to assure themselves that these manifestations were not the
+result of trickery, contrived a sort of shade having a glass front and
+metal sides, and capable of being hermetically attached to the body by
+means of India rubber fixings. These shades were placed in position
+a considerable time before the dates at which the stigmata are wont
+to appear. When they were affixed there were no marks whatever on the
+patient's body, but at the expected period the 'stigmata' were visible
+as usual through the glass."
+
+In a Southern journal there is reported an interesting case, in which
+a New Orleans physician tells the following story: "A nervous man
+recently called on me and asked, 'In what part of the abdomen are the
+premonitory pains of appendicitis felt?' On the _left_ side, exactly
+here,' I replied, indicating a spot a little above the point of the
+hip-bone. He went out, and next afternoon I was summoned in hot haste
+to the St. Charles hotel. I found the planter writhing on his bed,
+his forehead beaded with sweat, and his whole appearance indicating
+intense suffering. 'I have an attack of appendicitis,' he groaned, 'and
+I'm a dead man! I'll never survive an operation!' 'Where do you feel
+the pain?' I asked. 'Oh, right here,' he replied, putting his finger
+on the spot I had located at the office. 'I feel as if somebody had a
+knife in me turning it around.' 'Well, then, it isn't appendicitis,
+at any rate,' I said cheerfully, 'because _it is the wrong side_.'
+'The wrong side!' he exclaimed, glaring at me indignantly. 'Why, you
+told me yourself it was on the _left_ side!' 'Then I must have been
+abstracted,' I replied calmly; 'I should have said the _right_ side.'
+I prescribed something that wouldn't hurt him, and learned afterward
+that he ate his dinner in the dining-room the same evening. Oh! yes; he
+was no doubt in real pain when I called, _but you can make your finger
+ache merely by concentrating your attention on it for a few moments_."
+
+Frank F. Moore, in "A Journalist's Note Book" tells the following
+amusing and significant story of the influence of imagination upon
+health. "A young civil servant in India, feeling fagged from the
+excessive heat and from long hours of work consulted the best doctor
+within reach. The doctor looked him over, sounded his heart and lungs,
+and then said gravely: 'I will write you tomorrow.' The next day
+the young man received a letter telling him that his left lung was
+gone and his heart seriously affected, and advising him to lose no
+time in adjusting his business affairs. 'Of course, you may live for
+weeks,' the latter said, 'but you had best not leave important matters
+undecided.' Naturally the young official was dismayed by so dark a
+prognosis--nothing less than a death warrant. Within twenty-four hours
+he was having difficulty with his respiration, and was seized with an
+acute pain in the region of the heart. He took to his bed with the
+feeling that he should never rise from it. During the night he became
+so much worse that his servant sent for the doctor. 'What on earth
+have you been doing to yourself?' demanded the doctor. 'There were no
+indications of this sort when I saw you yesterday?' 'It is my heart,
+I suppose,' weakly answered the patient. 'Your heart!' repeated the
+doctor. 'Your heart was all right yesterday.' 'My lungs, then.' 'What
+is the matter with you, man? You don't seem to have been drinking?'
+'Your letter,' gasped the patient. 'You said I had only a few weeks to
+live.' 'Are you crazy?' said the doctor. 'I wrote you to take a few
+weeks vacation in the hills, and you would be all right.' For reply
+the patient drew the letter from under the bedclothes and gave it to
+the doctor. 'Heavens!' cried that gentleman as he glanced at it. 'This
+was meant for another man! My assistant has mixed up the letters.' The
+young man at once sat up in bed and made a rapid recovery. And what of
+the patient for whom the direful prognosis was intended? Delighted with
+the report that a sojourn in the hills would set him right, he started
+at once, and five years later was alive and in fair health."
+
+The following is clipped from a medical journal: "Some physician makes
+use of this suggestive phrase--'the dynamic power of an idea,' and, as
+an illustration of what is meant by this expression, the following
+incident is related. Not long ago a man in taking medicine was suddenly
+possessed by the notion that he had by mistake taken arsenic. His
+wife insisted to the contrary, but he proceeded to manifest all the
+peculiar symptoms of arsenical poisoning, and finally died. So certain
+was his wife that he had not taken arsenic that an autopsy was held,
+when not an atom of the poison could be found. Of what did this man
+die? Arsenic? No, of the dynamic power of an idea or arsenic. Happily
+for humanity this dynamic power of ideas works constructively no less
+certainly than it does destructively, and an idea of health fixed in
+the consciousness and persistently adhered to would tend to bring the
+best results. Over a hundred years ago, old John Hunter said, '_As the
+state of mind is capable of producing disease, another state of it may
+effect a cure_.'"
+
+Dr. William C. Prime relates the following case in his book "Among
+the Northern Hills." "The judge was summoned in a hurry to see an old
+lady who had managed her farm for forty years since her husband's
+death. She had two sons, and a stepson, John, who was not an admirable
+person. After a long drive on a stormy night the judge found the old
+lady apparently just alive, and was told by the doctor in attendance to
+hurry, as his patient was very weak. The judge brought paper and ink
+with him. He found a stand and a candle, placed them at the head of the
+bed, and after saying a few words to the woman, told her he was ready
+to prepare the will if she would go on and tell him what she wanted
+him to do. He wrote the introductory phrase rapidly, and leaning over
+toward her said, 'Now, go on, Mrs. Norton.'
+
+"Her voice was quite faint, and she seemed to speak with an effort.
+She said: 'First of all, I want to give the farm to my sons, Harry and
+James. Just put that down.' 'But,' said the judge, 'you can't do that,
+Mrs. Norton. The farm isn't yours to give away.' 'The farm isn't mine?'
+she said in a voice decidedly stronger than before. 'No, the farm isn't
+yours. You have only a life interest in it.' 'This farm that I've run
+for goin' on forty-three year next spring isn't mine to do with what I
+please with it? Why not, Judge I'd like to know what you mean!' 'Why,
+Mr. Norton, your husband, gave you a life estate in all his property,
+and on your death the farm goes to his son, John, and _your_ children
+get the village houses. I have explained that to you very often
+before.' 'And when I die, John Norton is to have this house and farm
+whether I will or not?' 'Just so. It will be his.' '_Then I ain't goin'
+to die!_' said the old woman, in a clear and decidedly ringing and
+healthy voice. And so saying, she threw her feet over the front of the
+bed, sat up, gathered a blanket and coverlet about her, straightened
+her gaunt form, walked across the room and sat down in a great chair
+before the fire.
+
+"The doctor and the judge went home. That was fifteen years ago. _The
+old lady is alive to-day._ And she accomplished her intent, She beat
+John after all. He died four years ago."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+BELIEF AND SUGGESTION
+
+
+The writer has been informed by a prominent physician of Chicago, that
+for many years he has been in the habit of administering hypodermic
+injections of distilled water, accompanying the same by the statement
+that he is injecting morphine. He states that in every case, he
+has succeeded in inducing a quiet, peaceful sleep, and a cessation
+of pain after the injection, which can be attributed only to the
+_belief_ of the patient. The same physician also relates the case of
+a woman who believed that she had taken strychnine by mistake. When
+the doctor was called he found the woman manifesting every symptom of
+strychnine poisoning, even down to the most minute details, and he
+is of the opinion that death would have ensued in a short time had
+he not proceeded to administer the regular antidotes and restorative
+treatment. After the woman was brought out of the condition, it was
+discovered that the supposed strychnine was nothing but a harmless
+powder. In relating the case, the physician always adds that the woman
+had witnessed the death struggles of a dog which had been poisoned by
+strychnine several months previous, which might have had some effect in
+enabling her to unconsciously counterfeit the symptoms.
+
+Dr. Max Eastman, in a recent magazine article says: "The mission
+of this paper is to offer guidance in a matter about which a great
+quantity of the general public is very much at sea. In this question
+of 'mind over matter,' the reformers have done their work. They have
+stirred things up. They have bestowed upon the world about a hundred
+and fifty little religions and a confused idea that there must be some
+truth in the matter somewhere. The ignorant have done their work. They
+have persecuted the believers, jeered at them, or damned them with
+a vacuous smile. The world will never lack ballast. It is only the
+scientists that have failed of their duty. They have stalked through a
+routine of elevated lectures, written a few incomprehensible books,
+and kept the science of psychology, so far as the hungry world goes,
+sealed up in their own proud bosoms. In all this uproar of faith-cures,
+and miracles, and shouting prophets, we have heard few illuminating
+words from the universities. The consequence is that we are without a
+helm, and the reform blows now one way and now another....
+
+"The law of suggestion, which is one of the great discoveries of modern
+science, was first formulated by Dr. Liebault at Paris, in a book
+published in 1866. Since his day the number of physicians who practice
+'suggestive therapeutics' has steadily increased, until to-day no
+thorough clinical hospital is without a professional suggestionist. The
+practice _does not involve any metaphysical theories_, the passage of
+any hidden force from one brain to another, any 'planes of existence,'
+or any religious upset, or any poetic physiology, or the swallowing of
+any occult doctrines whatever. It is one of the simplest and coolest of
+scientific theories. It is a question of the relation between the brain
+and the bodily organs. It seems never to have been clearly stated that
+healing disease by suggestion depends not in the least degree upon
+any theory of the relation of mind and matter.... The attempt to fix
+an idea in the mind without reason is suggestion. It is accomplished
+usually in medical practice by asking the patient to lie down and relax
+his body and his mind and then vigorously stating to him the desired
+idea. It may be accomplished in a number of ways. The patient may be
+told that the operator is a wizard and is about to transfer an idea
+from his own mind to that of the patient. If the patient believes him
+he will very likely accept the idea. It may be accomplished by gestures
+or incantations which the patient regards with superstitious awe,
+provided it is explained beforehand what these gestures are meant to
+produce. It may be accomplished by telling the patient he has no body,
+and sitting with him for awhile in spiritual silence, _provided he
+knows what to expect_.
+
+"All these methods, _if one believes in them_, are good, and they prove
+by their success the law of suggestion. But the method that is based
+on a sure truth is the method of the scientist. He reasons with his
+patient, he stirs in him what moral or religious enthusiasm he can,
+and to these means he adds tactfully the subtle suggestive powers of
+his own presence and eloquence. This force, together with the power
+which is revealed in a man of correcting his own mental habits, is
+the greatest practical discovery of modern psychology.... Suggestive
+therapeutics is the use of suggestion to fix in the mind ideas of
+healthy mental habits....
+
+"Our question is: can the physical conditions of the brain affect the
+physical condition of the stomach? We know that the brain-building
+condition which accompanies the idea of raising our hand can affect
+the condition of the muscles of our arm--and we call that a voluntary
+function. Now the question is whether the brain condition which
+accompanies the idea of enlivening our stomach can have an effect upon
+that involuntary function. Experiments with suggestion have proved that
+in some cases it can, if it continues long enough. Persons of a very
+suggestible nature, can, for instance, by concentrating their mind
+upon a certain part of the body, increase the flow of blood to that
+part, although the regulation of blood flow is supposed to be entirely
+involuntary. The action of the heart, also the movements of the
+digestive organs particularly, and of the organs of elimination, are
+almost directly affected in suggestible persons by that change in their
+brains which accompanies certain ideas.... Science has established
+then, that suggestion can effect to some extent, the so-called
+involuntary functions of the body; but the extent or limitation of
+these effects is by no means determined. It could not be determined
+scientifically without years of diligent experiment and tabulation.
+Any dogmatic statement upon one side or the other of that question, is
+therefore premature and against the spirit of science."
+
+Dr. Leith, in his Edinburgh lectures in 1896, said: "I am inclined
+to doubt whether the benefits of Nauheim (a treatment for the heart)
+is not after all to be explained largely, if not entirely, by the
+influence of the mental factor." Tuke says that: "John Hunter says he
+was subject to spasm of his 'vital parts' when anxious about an event;
+as, for instance, whether his bees would swarm or not, whether the
+large cat he was anxious to kill would get away before he could get the
+gun. After death it was found that he had some heart disease.... Lord
+Eglinton told John Hunter how, when two soldiers were condemned to be
+shot, it was arranged the one who threw the number with the dice should
+be reprieved; the one who proved successful generally fainted, while
+the one to be shot remained calm." Dr. Schofield says: "During the rush
+of Consumptives to Berlin for inoculation by Dr. Koch's tuberculin,
+a special set of symptoms were observed to follow the injection and
+were taken as being diagnostic of the existence of tuberculosis; among
+others, a rise of temperature after so many hours. These phenomena were
+eagerly looked for by the patients, and occurred accurately in several
+who were injected with pure water. The formation of blisters full of
+serum from the application of plain stamp and other paper to various
+parts of the bodies of patients in the hypnotic state, is well attested
+and undoubtedly true."
+
+Dr. Krafft-Ebing has produced a rise from 37 degrees centigrade to 38.5
+degrees centigrade in patients by fixing their minds by suggestion.
+In the same way Binet lowered the temperature 10 degrees centigrade.
+The latter authority says: "How can it be, when one merely says to
+the patient: 'Your hand will become cold,' and the vaso-motor system
+answers by constricting the artery? _C'est ce que depasse notre
+imagination._" Schofield commenting on the above, says: "Indeed there
+is no way of accounting for such a phenomena but by freely admitting
+the presence of unconscious psychic forces in the body, capable of so
+influencing the structures of the body as to produce physical changes."
+Tuke says: "A lady saw a child in immediate danger of having its ankle
+crushed by an iron gate. She was greatly agitated, but could not
+move, owing to intense pain coming on in her corresponding ankle. She
+walked home with difficulty, took off her stocking and found a circle
+around the ankle of a light red color, with a large red spot on the
+outer side. By the morning her whole foot was inflamed, and she had to
+remain in bed for some days. A young woman witnessing the lancing of an
+abscess in the axilla immediately felt pain in that region, followed
+by inflammation. Dr. Marmise of Bordeaux tells us of a lady's maid,
+who when the surgeon put his lancet into her mistress's arm to bleed
+her, felt the prick in her own arm, and shortly after there appeared a
+bruise at the spot."
+
+It is related that St. Francis d'Assisi dwelt so long in concentrated
+meditation upon the thought and picture of the Crucifixion that
+he suffered intense pain in his hands and feet, at the points
+corresponding to the place of the nails in the hands and feet of
+Christ, which was afterward followed by marked inflammation at those
+points, terminating in actual ulceration. The phenomena of the
+_stigmata_ in the cases of religious enthusiasts and fanatics has
+been mentioned elsewhere in this book. Prof. Barrett says of the
+phenomenon: "It is not so well known, but it is nevertheless the
+fact, that utterly startling physiological changes can be produced
+in a hypnotized subject merely by conscious or unconscious mental
+suggestion. Thus a red scar or a painful burn, or even a figure of a
+definite shape, such as a cross or an initial, can be caused to appear
+on the body of the entranced subject solely through suggesting the
+idea. By creating some local disturbance of the blood-vessel in the
+skin, the unconscious self has done what would be impossible for the
+conscious to perform. And so in the well-attested cases of _stigmata_,
+where a close resemblance to the wounds of the body of the crucified
+Saviour appears on the body of the ecstatic. This is a case of
+unconscious self-suggestion, arising from the intent and adoring gaze
+of the ecstatic upon the bleeding figure on the crucifix."
+
+Dr. Schofield says: "The breath is altered by the emotions. The short
+quiet breath of joy contrasts with the long sigh of relief after
+breathless suspense. Joy gives eupnoea or easy breathing, grief or
+rather fear tends to dyspnoea or difficult breathing. Sobbing goes with
+grief, laughter with joy, and one often merges into the other. Yawning
+is produced by pure idea or by seeing it, as well as by fatigue. Dr.
+Morton Prince says a lady he knew always had violent catarrh in the
+nose (hay fever) if a rose was in the room. He gave her an _artificial_
+one and the usual symptoms followed. How many cases of hay-fever have
+a somewhat similar origin in the unconscious mind?... The hair may
+be turned grey and white by emotion in a few hours or sooner. With
+regard to the stomach and digestion, apart from actual disease, we
+may notice one or two instances of unconscious mind action. A man who
+was very sea-sick lost a valuable set of artificial teeth overboard,
+and was instantly cured. If the thoughts are strongly directed to the
+intestinal canal, as by bread-pills, it will produce strong peristaltic
+action. Vomiting occurs from mental causes, apart from organic brain
+disease. Bad news will produce nausea; emotion also, or seeing
+another person vomit, or certain smells or ideas, or thoughts about a
+sea-voyage, etc., or the thought that an emetic has been taken.... The
+thought of an acid fruit will fill the mouth with water. A successful
+way of stopping discordant street music is to suck a lemon within a
+full view of a German band. Fear will so dry the throat that dry rice
+cannot be swallowed. This is a test in India for the detection of a
+murderer. The suspected man is brought forward and given a handful of
+dry rice to swallow. If he can do this he is innocent; if he cannot he
+is guilty, fear having dried up his mouth.... A young lady who could
+not be cured of vomiting was engaged to be married. On being told that
+the wedding day must be postponed till cured, the vomiting ceased.... A
+mother nursing her child always found the milk secreted when she heard
+the child crying for any length of time. Fear stops the secretion of
+milk, and worry will entirely change its character, so as to become
+absolutely injurious to the child."
+
+Maudsley says: "Perhaps we do not as physicians consider sufficiently
+the influence of mental states in the production of disease, their
+importance as symptoms; or realize all the advantages which we take
+of them in our efforts to cure disease. Quackery seems to have got
+hold of a truth which legitimate medicine fails to appreciate or use
+adequately." Dr. Buckley says: "A doctor was called to see a lady
+with severe rheumatism, and tried to extemporize a vapor bath in bed,
+with an old tin pipe and a tea-kettle; and only succeeded in scalding
+the patient with the boiling water proceeding from the overful kettle
+through the pipe. The patient screamed: 'Doctor, you have scalded
+me,' and leaped out of bed. But the rheumatism was cured, and did not
+return." Tuke relates an amusing instance of the effect of suggestion
+and faith upon warts. He had been considering the subject of the
+various "pow-wows" or "wart-cures" of the old women, and determined to
+try some experiments in order to see whether these cures were not due
+simply to mental influences and expectant attention. On an official
+tour he visited an asylum, where he was regarded as a great personage
+by reason of his office. He noticed that several of the inmates were
+afflicted with warts, and muttering a few words over the excresences,
+he told the owners that by such and such a day the warts would have
+completely disappeared. He forgot the circumstances, owing to the
+press of his official duties, and was agreeably surprised when, on his
+next round of visits, he was told that his patients had been cured
+at the time he had predicted. Nearly everyone has had some personal
+acquaintance with some of these "pow-wow" wart cures, in one form or
+another. Tying a knot in a piece of cord, then rubbing the wart with
+it, and burying the string, has cured thousands of cases of warts--the
+suggestion being the real cause behind the mask.
+
+Ferassi cured fifty cases of ague by a charm, which consisted merely of
+a piece of paper with the word "Febrifuge" written on it. The patient
+was directed to clip off one letter of the word each day until cured.
+Some patients recovered as soon as the first "F" was clipped from the
+paper. The writer hereof knows personally of a number of people having
+been cured of fever and ague by means of a written "charm" which an old
+man in Philadelphia sold them at a dollar a copy. The old man informed
+him that he, "and his father before him" had cured thousands of people
+in this way, making a comfortable living from the practice. Dr. Gerbe,
+of Paris, cured 401 out of 629 cases of toothache by masked suggestion
+administered in the form of causing the patients to crush a small
+insect between their fingers, after having strongly impressed upon them
+the fact that this was an infallible cure.
+
+Dr. Schofield reports the following interesting cases of cures by
+auto-suggestion and faith: "A surgeon took into a hospital ward some
+time ago, a little boy who had kept his bed for five years, having hurt
+his spine in a fall. He had been all the time totally paralyzed in the
+legs, and could not feel when they were touched or pinched; nor could
+he move them in the least degree. After careful examination, the doctor
+explained minutely to the boy the awful nature of the electric battery,
+and told him to prepare for its application the next day. At the same
+time he showed him a sixpence, and sympathizing with his state, told
+him that the sixpence should be his if, notwithstanding, he should have
+improved enough the next day to walk leaning on and pushing a chair,
+which would also save the need of the battery. In two weeks the boy was
+running races in the park, and his cure was reported in the '_Lancet_.'
+... A young lady who had taken ether three and a half years before, on
+the inhaler being held three inches away from the face, and retaining a
+faint odor of ether, went right off, and becoming unconscious without
+any ether being used or the inhaler touching her face. A woman was
+brought on a couch into a London hospital by two ladies, who said she
+had been suffering from incurable paralysis of the spine for two years,
+and having exhausted all their means in nursing her, they now sought to
+get her admitted, pending her removal to a home for incurables. In two
+hours I had cured her by agencies which owed all their virtue to their
+influence on the mind, and I walked with the woman half a mile up and
+down the waiting-room, and she then returned home in an omnibus, being
+completely cured. An amusing case is that of a paralyzed girl, who on
+learning that she had secured the affections of the curate, who used
+to visit her, got out of bed and walked--cured; and soon afterwards
+made an excellent pastor's wife. A remarkable instance of this sort of
+cure is that of a child afflicted with paralysis, who was brought up
+from the country to Paris to the Hotel Dieu. The child, who had heard
+a great deal of the wonderful metropolis, its magnificent hospitals,
+its omnipotent doctors, and their wonderful cures, was awe-struck, and
+so vividly impressed with the idea that such surroundings must have a
+curative influence, that the day after her arrival she sat up in bed
+much better. The good doctor just passed around, but had not time to
+treat her till the third day; by which time when he came round she was
+out of bed, walking about the room, quite restored by the glimpses she
+had got of his majestic presence."
+
+Having now shown by numerous disinterested authorities, the majority
+of whom belong to the medical profession, that the mental states of
+belief, faith and expectancy, and their negative aspects of fear,
+apprehension, and false-belief, may, and do, influence physical
+conditions, functioning and activities, irrespective of the particular
+theory, creed, or explanation accepted by the patient himself, or
+herself, we see the necessity of seeking for the common principle of
+cure manifesting in the various forms of phenomena. And before this
+common principle may be grasped, we must needs acquaint ourselves with
+the physical organism involved in the process of cure. Accordingly
+the several succeeding chapters will be devoted to that phase of the
+general subject.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+PSYCHO-THERAPEUTIC METHODS
+
+
+The reader will have seen from the preceding chapters that we have
+proceeded upon the theory that Suggestion is the universal operative
+principle manifesting in all forms of mental healing, under whatever
+guise the latter may be presented and by whatever method it may be
+applied. But it must be remembered that by "Suggestion" we do not mean
+the theories of any particular group of psycho-therapists, but rather
+the broad general principle indicated by that term which operates in
+the direction of influencing the Subconscious Mind and its activities.
+Let us consider the principle of Suggestion that we may understand what
+it is, and what it is not.
+
+The term "Suggestion" has as its root the Latin word _suggero_, which
+is translated as follows: _sug_ (or _sub_), "under;" and _gero_, "to
+carry;" that is, "to carry or place under." In its general usage it
+signifies "The introduction indirectly into the mind or thoughts; or
+that which is so introduced." Ordinarily a "suggestion" is an idea
+indirectly insinuated into the mind, and generally without the process
+of argument or reasoning. In the New Psychology, the term "suggestion"
+is used in the sense of an idea which is "carried under" the objective
+or conscious mind, and introduced to the subjective or Subconscious
+Mind. In Suggestive Therapeutics, a "suggestion" is an idea introduced
+into that part of the Subconscious Mind which governs and controls the
+physical functions and activities, and which is embodied in the cells
+and cell-groups of the body as we have stated in the preceding chapters.
+
+By many mental healers the term "Suggestion" is applied only to the
+particular method of applying Suggestion employed by physicians
+and others who practice under the general theories of Suggestive
+Therapeutics, and the first mentioned class deny that they use
+Suggestion because, as they say, they do not use the methods of the
+practitioners of Suggestive Therapeutics, and make their cures by
+"metaphysical" or "spiritual" means, or according to some creed or
+metaphysical theory which, accepted, works the cure. We think that
+the unprejudiced reader who has followed us this far will have seen
+that these metaphysical theories, creeds, and special dogmas are
+simply the outward mask of Suggestion. These healers simply supply a
+form of Suggestion which is acceptable to the patient because of his
+temperament, training, etc., and the healing process operates along the
+lines of the "faith cure."
+
+The fact that healers of entirely opposite theories and doctrines
+manage to make cures in about the same proportion and in about the same
+time, would seem to prove that the theories or dogmas have but little
+to do with the real work of healing. Whatever form of Suggestion is
+most acceptable to the patient, will best perform the healing work
+in that particular case. This will also serve to explain why some
+patients failing to obtain relief from one school of mental healing
+often are cured by healers of another school, and _vice versa_. Some
+need Suggestion couched in the mystical terms of some of the cults;
+others need it garbed in religious drapings, while others prefer some
+vague metaphysical theory which seems to explain the phenomena. Others
+still are repelled by any of the above forms, but respond readily to
+the Suggestion of a physician administering "straight" suggestive
+treatment, without any religious, metaphysical, or mystical disguise.
+In all of these cases the real healing work is done by the Subconscious
+Mind of the patient himself, the various forms of Suggestion serving
+merely to awaken and rouse into activity the latent forces of nature.
+
+We invite your consideration of the following forms of "treatment" for
+various disorders, as given by some of the "Divine Scientists" and
+other metaphysical and semi-religious organizations and cults. As you
+read them, try to discover the Suggestive germ so nicely surrounded
+by the sugar-coating--the Suggestive pill so cleverly concealed by the
+"metaphysical" raisin.
+
+From a journal published in Chicago several years ago, called
+"Universal Truth," the following "treatments" were clipped:
+
+A correspondent who asked for a "treatment" adapted to the cure of
+_nervousness_, is instructed to use the following formula, which must
+be "repeated over and over":
+
+"_I am warmed and fed and clothed and healed by Divine Love._"
+
+Another correspondent is given the following formula for the cure of
+sore feet, the affirmation to be made frequently:
+
+"_I so thoroughly understand the divine working of the Truth, and I so
+thoroughly realize the presence of the Father in me and about me that I
+am now conscious that omnipotent Love rules in every atom of my being,
+soul and body. My feet can never be weary nor sore. God created my feet
+perfect. I walk the pathway of life in perfect ease and comfort. All
+the obstacles in my path have vanished, and my feet are bathed in a
+sea of pure love. Through a knowledge and realization of the presence
+of Omnipotence, I praise and thank God for the perfect spirit of peace
+that now dwells within me._"
+
+The following additional "treatment" is suggested to this sufferer from
+_sore feet_:
+
+"_Mentally place yourself in an attitude to realize the power of the
+words you utter, for the fullness of peace and harmony in your feet
+comes with realization. The more frequently this spiritual medicine is
+used, the sooner comes manifestation of perfect health._"
+
+The same journal contained the following item:
+
+"The following invigorating affirmations are used at the Exodus Club,
+Chicago, Sunday mornings, the congregation repeating them after the
+leader: _'With reverent recognition of my birthright, I claim my
+sonship with the Almighty. I am free from disease and disorder. I am in
+harmony with my source. The Infinite Health is made manifest in me. The
+Infinite Substance is my constant supply. The Infinite Life fills and
+strengthens me. The Infinite Intelligence illumines and directs me. The
+Infinite Love surrounds and protects me. The Infinite Power upholds and
+supports me. I am out of bondage. I have the freedom of the sons of
+God. With all that is in me I rejoice and give thanks. God and man are
+the all in all, now and forever more._'"
+
+The same journal recommends the following affirmations for general
+health treatment:
+
+"Monday--_Perfect health is my external birthright_.
+
+"Tuesday--_I have health of intellect, therefore I have wise judgment
+and clear understanding_.
+
+"Wednesday--_I am morally healthful, therefore in all my dealings I love
+to realize that I am quickened by the spirit of integrity_.
+
+"Thursday--_Healthfulness of soul gives me a pure heart and
+righteousness of motive in everything I do_.
+
+"Friday--_Meditation upon the health of my real being outpictures in
+physical health and strength, in even temper, joyous spirits and in
+kind words_.
+
+"Saturday--_My health is inexhaustible, because I keep my eye steadily
+fixed upon its eternal Principle, and my mouth filled with words of its
+Omnipotence_.
+
+"Sunday--_The Father and I are one; one in purpose, alike in Substance,
+and one in manifestation_."
+
+In the same journal a correspondent gives the following treatment for
+_rupture_:
+
+"_You were conceived in Divine Love. You are the expression of that
+pure, perfect Love. Divine Love is a binding, cementing power. It is
+the power that holds all atoms in their places. Every atom of your body
+is drawn and held together in its place by this power. If any of them
+get separated as by rupture or any other appearance, they may be drawn
+together and cemented by the omnipotent power of Love; but the word
+must be spoken. Therefore use the following: 'The omnipotent spirit
+of Love in me heals this rupture and gives me peace.' Then, mentally
+realize the truth of your words, for the Spirit alone can heal._"
+
+The following treatment for _appendicitis_ is given in the same journal:
+
+"_The false theories of physicians and surgeons, and the general
+impressions regarding that error named Appendicitis are powerless to
+produce or perpetuate such manifestation. The great law of harmony
+reigns and only waits the universal acknowledgment of its supremacy to
+obliterate all such falsity, thereby obliterating the manifestation. We
+claim, therefore, freedom from such error for every soul. We make this
+claim in the name of Jesus Christ._"
+
+From the same source is taken this treatment for _periodical nausea in
+a child_:
+
+"_Dear child, every organ of your body is designed to represent the
+ideal and perfect organ in your real spiritual being; and every
+function of your body must respond to the word of truth which is now
+sent forth to establish harmony in your consciousness. The infinite
+Love that is omnipresent and all-powerful permeates and penetrates
+every organ and function of your body, and corrects every tendency to
+discord or disease. By that infinite Love you are now made free. You
+are fearless and free. You are joyous and free. You are free from the
+fear of others. You manifest health, strength and peace. Harmony reigns
+in mind and body. The word of truth has made you free._"
+
+Also the following treatment for _constipation_:
+
+"_I do realize that the power of divine Love so permeates every atom of
+my being that my bowels move freely and without effort. This inflowing
+of divine Love removes all obstructions and I am healed. I realize joy
+and eternal life so fully that the spirit of Peace is ever present with
+me. I acknowledge the fullness of joy, peace and power, and have come
+into a realization of my oneness with infinite Spirit; therefore I rest
+in thee, O my father._"
+
+Another journal of "Divine Science" gave the following "Health Thought"
+to be held during the month:
+
+"_All the natural channels of my body are open and free. The substance
+of my body is good._"
+
+Also the following treatment for _general health_:
+
+"_What is true of God is true of man. God is the One All, and is always
+in a state of wholeness. I, the man of God, am always whole, like unto
+the One All. No false belief environs or limits me. No shadow darkens
+my mental vision. My body is a heavenly body, and my eyes do behold the
+glory of God in all visible things. I am well, and provided for, thank
+God, and nothing can make me think otherwise._"
+
+While to the orthodox practitioner of medicine the above affirmation
+and "treatments" may seem to be nothing but a ridiculous conglomeration
+of mystical, religious and metaphysical terms, without sequence,
+logical relation, or common-sense, _it is true that statements and
+treatments similar to the above have successfully healed many cases of
+physical ailments_. There are thousands of people who will testify that
+they were healed in a similar manner, and the majority of them believed
+that there was some particular and peculiar virtue in the formula used,
+or in the theories and beliefs upon which the formula was based. But
+the unprejudiced student of Suggestion will readily see that the real
+healing force was with the mind and being of the patients themselves,
+and that the _faith, belief and expectant attention_ was aroused by the
+formula and the theories. The principle is that of all Faith Cures--the
+principle of Suggestion.
+
+Other schools of metaphysical or religious healers treat the patient
+by impressing upon his mind the fact that God being perfect, good
+and loving could not be guilty of creating evil, pain or disease,
+and that such things are non-existent in the "Divine Mind," and are
+merely illusion, errors, or false claims of the "mortal mind," or
+"carnal mind" of the patient; therefore, if the patient will deny their
+reality, and will admit as existent only such things as are held in
+the Divine Mind, _i. e._, the _good_ things, then the evil things,
+being merely illusions and untruths, must of necessity fade away and
+disappear and perfect health will result. Others treat their patients
+by impressing upon their minds the idea that sickness and disease is
+either the world or "the devil," or of the "principle of evil," the
+latter being described as "the negation of truth," and similar terms;
+and that therefore fixing the mind and faith upon the "principle of
+Good," or God, must result in driving away the evil conditions.
+Others hold that disembodied spirits are aiding in the cure. There are
+thousands of variations rung on the chimes of metaphysical or religious
+suggestions in the cults. _And they all make some cures_, remember--_in
+spite of their theories_ rather than because of them.
+
+The Mental Scientists come nearest to the ideas of the New Psychology,
+when they teach that "As a man thinketh, so is he," and that the
+mind of man creates physical conditions, good and evil, and that the
+constant holding of the ideal of perfect health and the assertion
+thereof, will restore normal healthy conditions to the person suffering
+from physical ailments. Mental Science is very near to being "straight
+suggestion" so far as the actual method of treatment is concerned,
+although it resembles some of the other cults when it begins to
+speculate or dogmatize regarding the nature of the universe, etc.
+
+Differing from these metaphysical, mystical, or religious schools of
+healing in theory, although employing the same principle, we find the
+school of Suggestive Therapeutics, proper, favored by many of the
+regular physicians and by a number of other healers who base their
+treatment upon the idea of "straight suggestion" coupled with hygienic
+truth and rational physiological facts. Perhaps a better idea of the
+theories and ideas of this school may be obtained by referring to the
+actual treatments given by some of their leading practitioners.
+
+Herbert A. Parkyn, M. D., an eminent practitioner of Suggestive
+Therapeutics, gives the following instruction to his pupils: "Students
+often ask for information as to what they should say to a patient when
+thorough relaxation is realized. As no two cases are exactly alike, it
+follows that the suggestions given must necessarily fit the case, and
+be given with a view to bring about the mental and physical condition
+desired. For instance, in treating a patient who is afflicted with
+insomnia, suggestions of sleep should be persistently given; and in
+cases of malnutrition suggestions of hunger should be made to stimulate
+the appetite for food. The operator should bear in mind that _the
+reiteration of the suggestion that will change the condition existing,
+to that desired, is always the right one_, and his own intelligence
+will be the best guarantee as to what the suggestion should be....
+Always arouse the expectant attention of a patient.... So logical a
+line of argument can be made that each patient will have a reason for
+expecting certain conditions to be brought about. _With the patient's
+attention on the desired results, they generally come to pass._ It is
+better not to give negative suggestions, such as, 'You will not, or
+cannot do this, that or the other thing,' etc. Pointing out what is not
+desirable does not suffice. In place of such suggestions, tell what you
+really wish your patients to do. For example, if a man should mount his
+bicycle incorrectly, he would profit nothing if we should merely tell
+him that the way he mounted was not the proper one. How much easier
+it would be for all concerned if the proper manner of mounting should
+be shown at once. Just so it is with therapeutic suggestions, _keep
+suggesting the conditions of mind or body you wish to bring about_."
+
+The following treatment given as an example by F. W. Southworth, M. D.,
+in his little book on "True Metaphysical Science, and its Practical
+Application through the Law of Suggestion," furnishes an excellent
+illustration of the form of suggestive treatment favored by this
+particular school. The patient is addressed as follows:
+
+"As thoughts are not only things, but forces and act upon our mental
+and physical life for good or ill, we must be careful to always keep
+ourselves in that condition of thought which builds up and strengthens,
+to constantly think thoughts of _health_, of _happiness_, of _good_,
+to be _cheerful_, hopeful, confident and fearless. (Repeat five or
+six times.) In order to sustain this condition of positive thinking
+it requires the development of the will power. The will is the motive
+power and the controlling force in all aspects of our life, but we
+develop it especially for the concentration and control of thought.
+This is the higher self--the infinite will. Exercise it with vigor and
+earnest persistency, and learn to _rely_ upon it. Assert its power as
+you assert the power of the muscles in exercise and it will manifest
+itself and the thought will be positive, the secretions of the body
+will be normal, and the circulation of the blood in the head will be
+kept at that proper equilibrium which insures the constant nutrition of
+the cells of the brain and their constant vigor and strength of control
+of all the organs and tissues of the body, and this vast and intricate
+machinery of the body will work harmoniously for the production of
+nutrition through elaboration of the food elements.
+
+"As our body is constantly changing and wasting, we must rebuild and
+restore it constantly, and we do so from the air we breathe, the water
+we drink, and the food we eat. The most important of these is the air
+you breathe, as it is not only a food in itself to the tissues, but
+it vitalizes the food you eat and the water you drink. Give it that
+quality of your thought and breathe it as you have been directed at
+least six times per day for a period of from five to ten minutes each
+time. Recognize it as both a food and an eliminator of poisons, as it
+is, and breathe, breathe, breathe, by Nature's method, and the lungs
+will distribute the oxygen to the blood, and the blood being the common
+carrier of the body will take it to all parts of the body and on its
+return will gather up all the waste and poisonous matters and will
+bring them to the lungs, where, meeting the fresh oxygen, they will be
+burned up and exhaled as carbonic acid gas, leaving the body pure and
+clean.
+
+"The water you drink, in the proportion of three and one-half pints
+each day, is necessary in all adult bodies to insure perfect secretion
+and excretion. As the result of this required liquid being provided
+in normal quantity, the secreting glands will manufacture the proper
+amount of juices needed in digestion, absorption and assimilation of
+your food, and the excreting glands, those which bring about excretion
+or the removal of waste matters from the body--the liver giving you the
+bile, which produces a daily movement of the bowels--the kidneys and
+bladder removing the chemical deposits which come about through the
+processes of digestion, and the skin excreting a large amount of waste
+matter from its twelve square feet of surface, which you remove with a
+towel each morning after moistening it with cold water. By following
+these laws of Nature you will have a good appetite and digestion, a
+daily movement of the bowels, refreshing sleep, and, as your nutrition
+is restored from day to day, a feeling of satisfaction and happiness
+will be the result. Be earnest and persistent and do everything
+cheerfully, with a firm determination of doing your part to restore
+nutrition.
+
+"When you breathe, give it the quality of your thought; it is for the
+purpose of getting food, life; feeding from the air and eliminating
+poisons from your body. (Repeat five and six times.) When you sip the
+water, think each time that it is to produce perfect secretion and
+excretion--to give you a good appetite, digestion, refreshing sleep and
+a free movement of the bowels each morning. (Repeat five or six times.)
+Each day look forward to the morrow for progress and advancement. Think
+health--talk it and nothing else. Do not talk with anyone about disease
+or allow any person to talk to you on such subjects. _Be cheerful_,
+_hopeful_, _confident_ and fearless always, and you will be happy and
+healthy. Eat, drink, breathe and be merry."
+
+It will be noticed that in the above described treatment, the
+suggestions are made along physiological and hygienic lines. That
+is, the suggestions indicate the physiological processes which are
+performed normally in the healthy person, the idea being to set up an
+ideal pattern for the Subconscious Mind to follow. In all scientific
+suggestive treatment the idea is always to paint a mental picture
+of the _desired conditions_ rather than to dwell upon the existing
+undesirable conditions. The _ideal_ is always held up to view, and the
+patient's mind is led to _realize_ the ideal--to make the ideal real--to
+manifest the thought in action--to materialize the mental picture.
+
+The general principles of Suggestive Therapeutics may be applied
+effectively by means of Auto-Suggestion. In fact, the "affirmations,"
+"statements" and "assertions" used by many of the New Thought schools
+are but forms of Auto-Suggestion. There is no essential difference
+between the Suggestion given by others, and the Auto-Suggestion given
+by one's self to one's self. The healing power is in the mind of the
+patient, and whether it is called forth by his own Auto-Suggestion
+or the Suggestion of a healer matters not. The Auto-Suggestion is
+merely a case of self-healing by Suggestion, and is administered upon
+the principle of "every man his own suggestionist"--"sez I to meself,
+sez I." Auto-Suggestions are usually given to one's self in the form
+of "affirmations," as, "I am improving; my stomach is doing its work
+well, digesting what is given it, and the nourishment is assimilated,
+etc." In other works by the writer hereof, the method of addressing
+one's self as one would another is recommended as particularly
+efficacious. That is to say, instead of saying, "_I_ am, etc.," in
+Auto-Suggestion, it is better to address one's self in the second
+person, as "_John Smith_ (naming yourself), _you_ are, etc." In short,
+the Auto-Suggestion seems to have additional force imparted to it by
+being directed as if it were being given to another person.
+
+The following thought of Dr. Schofield is worthy of careful
+consideration in connection with the methods of applying Suggestion.
+He says, referring to the treatment of hysterical disorders and
+ailments: "We must, however, remember one great point with regard to
+suggestion--that it is like nitrogen. Nitrogen is the essential element
+in all animal life; it forms four-fifths of the air we breathe, and
+yet, curious to say, we have no power to use it in a pure state. We
+can only take it unconsciously, when combined with other substances
+in the form of proteid food. It is the same with suggestions. Not one
+hysterical sufferer in a hundred can receive and profit by them in a
+raw state--that is, consciously; they must generally be presented, as
+we have said, indirectly to the subconscious mind by the treatment
+and environment of the patient. An electric shock often cures slight
+hysterical diseases instantaneously, acting, as it often does, on the
+unconscious mind through the conscious. No doubt it would be easier if
+we could say to these sufferers, 'The disease is caused by suggestions
+from ideal centers, and to cure it, all you have to do is to believe
+you are well.' Still, it would be as impossible for us to take our
+nitrogen pure from the air, the mind cannot as a rule be thus acted
+on directly when the brain is unhealthy. Suggestion must be wrapped
+in objective treatment, directed ostensibly and vigorously to the
+simulated disease."
+
+Not only is the above true regarding the treatment of hysterical
+disorders, but to _all_ disorders as well. The methods which will bring
+about the best results must be carefully modeled upon the patient's
+particular temperament, education, prejudices for and against, and
+general belief. The skilled suggestionist adapts his treatment and
+methods to each individual case coming to him for treatment. Whatever
+method will best arouse the patient's belief, faith and expectant
+attention is the best method for administering the suggestions. The
+successful suggestionist must be "all things to all men," never,
+however, losing sight of the fundamental principle of Suggestion--the
+arousing of faith, belief, and expectant attention.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE REACTION OF THE PHYSICAL
+
+
+As we have stated in our Foreword, there is a constant action and
+reaction between the Mental States and the Physical Conditions. In this
+book, from the nature of our subject, we have started with the phase
+of the Mental State and worked from that point to the consideration of
+the Physical Condition. In the same way, many physiologists start from
+the phase of the Physical Condition, and work up to the Mental State.
+But, starting from either phase, the candid investigator must admit
+that there is an endless chain of action and reaction between Mind and
+Body--between Body and Mind.
+
+This action and reaction works along the lines of building-up as
+well as tearing-down. For instance, if a person's Mental States are
+positive, optimistic, cheerful and uplifting, the body will respond and
+the Physical Conditions will improve. The Physical Conditions, thus
+improving, will react upon the Mental States giving them a clearness
+and strength greater than previously manifested. The improved Mental
+State again acts upon the Physical Conditions, improving the latter
+still further. And so on, an endless chain of cause and effect, each
+effect becoming a cause for a subsequent effect, and each cause arising
+from a preceding effect. Likewise, a depressed, harmful Mental State
+will act upon the Physical Conditions, which in turn will react upon
+the Mental States, and so on, in an endless chain of destructive
+cause and effect. It is a striking illustration of the old Biblical
+statement: "To him who hath shall be given; to him who hath not shall
+be taken away even that which he hath." In improving either the Mental
+State or the Physical Condition, one gives an uplift to the whole
+process of action and reaction; while, whatever adversely affects
+either Mental State or Physical Condition, starts into operation a
+depressing and destructive process of action and reaction. The ideal
+to be aimed at is, of course, "A healthy Mind in a healthy Body"--and
+the two are so closely related that what affects one, favorably or
+unfavorably, is sure to react upon the other.
+
+Just as the influence of the Mental States over the Physical Conditions
+has been shown to operate by means of the Sympathetic Nervous System
+(controlled of course by the Subconscious Mind), so the influence
+of Physical Conditions over Mental States may be explained in
+physiological terms. In order to understand the reaction of the Body
+upon the Mind, we have but to recall the fact that the Subconscious
+Mind is the builder and preserver of the very brain-cells which are
+used by the Conscious Mind in manifesting thought. And also, that the
+entire Nervous System, both Cerebro-Spinal as well as Sympathetic, is
+really under the control of the Subconscious Mind so far as growth
+and nourishment is concerned. The very brain and nerve-centers in and
+through which is manifested thought, feeling, emotion, and will, are
+nourished by the Sympathetic System, and are hurt by anything affecting
+the latter. The Sympathetic System joins all parts of the organism
+so closely together that trouble in one part is reflected in other
+parts. Just as depressing thoughts will cause the organs to function
+improperly, so will the improper functioning of an organ tend to
+produce depressing thoughts.
+
+Herbert A. Parkyn, M. D., well states the action and reaction of Mind
+and Body, as follows: "A tree is much like a human being. Give it
+plenty of fresh air, water and a rich soil, and it will flourish. In
+the same degree in which it is deprived of these does it wilt, and _the
+first part of the tree to wilt when the nutrition becomes imperfect
+is the top_. This is owing to the force of gravity; the blood of the
+tree, the sap, having to overcome this force of nature when nourishing
+the highest leaves. The blood of man is also affected by this same
+force, and the moment a man's circulation begins to run down, owing to
+stinted nutrition, we find that the first symptoms of trouble appear
+in the head.... The brain failing to receive its accustomed amount of
+blood, such troubles as impaired memory, inability to concentrate the
+attention, sleeplessness, nervousness, irritableness, the blues and
+slight headaches develop; and the impulses sent all over the body
+becoming feebler, the various organs do not perform their functions
+as satisfactorily as usual. The impulses to the stomach and bowels
+becoming weaker and weaker, dyspepsia, or constipation, or both, soon
+follow. As soon as these, the main organs of nutrition, are out of
+order, nutrition fails rapidly and more 'head symptoms' develop. Every
+impulse of the muscular system leaves the brain, and the strength
+of these impulses depends upon the nutrition to the brain centers
+controlling the various groups. As the nutrition to these centers
+declines, the whole muscular system, including the muscles of the
+bowels, becomes weaker and the patient complains that he exhausts
+easily. The impulses for elimination becoming weaker, waste products
+remain in the circulation, and any of the evils, which naturally follow
+this state of affairs, such as rheumatism, sick-headache, biliousness,
+etc., are likely to develop. The centers of the special senses feeling
+the lessening of the vital fluid, such troubles as impaired vision,
+impaired hearing, loss of appetite (sense of taste) and inability to
+detect odors quickly soon follow. The sense of touch becomes more
+acute, and it is for this reason that one in poor health becomes
+hypersensitive. Lowered circulation in the mucous membrane of the
+throat and nose is often the cause of nasal catarrh appearing on the
+scene as an early symptom."
+
+It will thus be seen that the Physical Conditions, perhaps originally
+caused by depressing Mental States, have brought about a state
+of affairs in which the brain is imperfectly nourished and which
+consequently cannot think properly. The liver being out of order, the
+spirits are depressed; the brain being imperfectly nourished, the
+attention and will are weakened, and the patient finds it hard to use
+his mind to influence his bodily conditions. The bowels not moving
+properly, the waste-products poison the circulation, and the brain is
+unable to think clearly. In fact, the whole physical system is often so
+disturbed that a condition known as "nervous prostration" sets in, in
+which it is practically impossible for the patient to hold the Mental
+States which will improve the Physical Conditions. In these cases
+outside help is generally necessary, unless in cases where a sudden
+shock, or an urgent necessity arouses the latent mental forces of the
+individual, and he asserts the power that is in him, and begins to
+reverse the chain of cause and effect and to start on the upward climb.
+
+The following additional quotation from Dr. Parkyn, gives us a vivid
+insight into the effect upon the Mental States of abnormal Physical
+Conditions: Dr. Parkyn says: "No organ of the body can perform
+its functions properly when the amount of blood supplied to it is
+insufficient, and we find, when the blood supply to the brain is not
+up to the normal standard, that brain functions are interfered with
+to a degree corresponding to the reduction in the circulation. Since
+the amount of blood normally supplied to the brain is lessened in
+nervous prostration, we find that the memory fails and the ability
+to concentrate the attention disappears. The reasoning power becomes
+weakened and the steadiest mind commences to vacillate. Fears and
+hallucinations of every description may fill the mind of a patient
+at this stage, and every impression he receives is likely to be
+greatly distorted or misconstrued. Melancholia with a constant fear of
+impending danger is often present. In fact, the brain seems to lose
+even the power to control its functions, and the mind becomes active
+day and night.... The reduction of the nutrition to the brain lessens
+the activity of all the cerebral centers also, and digestion becomes
+markedly impaired, thereby weakening the organ itself upon which the
+supply of vital force depends."
+
+The physiologist is able to furnish a great variety of illustrations
+of the effect of Physical Conditions over Mental States. He shows
+that many cases of mental trouble are due to eye-strain, and other
+muscular disturbances, and that serious mental complaints sometimes
+arise by reason of physical lesions. The very terms used to designate
+certain abnormal mental states show the relation, as for instance,
+_melancholia_ which is derived from the Greek words meaning "black
+bile"; and _hysteria_, which is derived from the Greek word meaning
+"the womb; or uterus." Every one knows the Mental States produced by
+a sluggish liver, or by dyspepsia, or from constipation. We all know
+the difference between our mental capacity for thinking when we are
+tired, as contrasted with that accompanying the refreshed physical
+condition. No man, whatever his philosophy, can truthfully claim to be
+able to maintain a placid, even disposition, and a perfectly controlled
+temper, when he is suffering from a boil on the back of his neck. And,
+all know that after indulging in the midnight "Welsh rarebit," one is
+apt to dream of his grandmother's ghost, or see dream elephants with
+wings. All know the delirium produced by overindulgence in liquor, and
+the hallucinations that accompany fever. The effect of drugs, tobacco,
+and alcohol upon the Mental States are well known. "Philip drunk" is
+a very different mentality from "Philip sober." The Mental States
+accompanying particular diseases are well known to physicians. One
+disease predisposes the sufferer to gloominess, while another will
+induce a state of feverish hilarity. Some leading authorities now hold
+that many cases of insanity are really due to abnormal conditions of
+the blood, rather than to any diseased condition of the brain.
+
+One of the most marked instances of the action and reaction of Mental
+States and Physical Conditions is met with in the activities of
+the sexual organism. Psychologists very properly hold that sexual
+excesses and abnormalities are largely due to improper thinking, that
+is, by allowing the attention and interest to dwell too strongly and
+continuously upon subjects connected with the activities of that part
+of the physical system. Mental treatment along the lines of Suggestive
+Therapeutics has resulted in curing many persons of troubles of this
+sort. But, note the correlated fact--excess and abnormalities of the
+kind mentioned, almost invariably react upon the mentality of the
+person indulging in them, and softening of the brain, paralysis, or
+imbecility have often arisen directly from these physical abuses. It
+will be seen that any sane treatment of these troubles must take into
+consideration both Body and Mind. In the same way it is a fact that
+just as certain Mental States, notably those of fear, worry, grief,
+jealousy, etc., will injuriously affect the organs of digestion and
+assimilation, so will imperfect functioning of these organs tend to
+produce depressing mental states similar to those just mentioned. Many
+instances of the strange correspondences are met with in the study of
+physiological-psychology, or psychological-physiology.
+
+In order to more fully appreciate the relation between the Body and the
+Mind, let us read the following lines from Prof. Halleck: "Marvelous
+as are the mind's achievements, we must note that it is as completely
+dependent upon the nervous system as is a plant upon sun, rain and
+air. Suppose a child of intelligent parents were ushered into the
+world without a nerve leading from his otherwise perfect brain to any
+portion of his body, with no optic nerve to transmit the glorious
+sensations from the eye, no auditory nerve to conduct the vibrations of
+the mother's voice, no tactile nerves to convey the touch of a hand,
+no olfactory nerve to rouse the brain with the delicate aroma from
+the orchards and the wild flowers in spring, no gustatory, thermal or
+muscular nerves. Could such a child live, as the years rolled on, the
+books of Shakespeare and of Milton would be opened in vain before the
+child's eyes. The wisest men might talk to him with utmost eloquence,
+all to no purpose. Nature could not whisper one of her inspiring truths
+into his deaf ear, could not light up that dark mind with a picture
+of the rainbow or of a human face. No matter how perfect might be the
+child's brain and his inherited capacity for mental activities, his
+faculties would remain for this life shrouded in Egyptian darkness.
+Perception could give memory nothing to retain, and thought could not
+weave her matchless fabrics without materials."
+
+The very feelings or emotions themselves are so closely related
+to the accompanying physical expressions, that it is difficult to
+distinguish between cause and effect, or indeed to state positively
+which really is the cause of the other. Prof. William James, in some
+of his works, strongly indicates this close relation, as for instance
+when he says: "The feeling, in the coarser emotions, result from the
+bodily expression.... My theory is that the bodily changes follow
+directly the perception of the exciting fact, and that our feeling
+of the same changes as they occur _is_ the emotion.... Particular
+perceptions certainly do produce widespread bodily effects by a
+sort of immediate physical influence, antecedent to the arousal of
+an emotion or emotional idea.... Every one of the bodily changes,
+whatsoever it may be, is _felt_, acutely or obscurely, the moment it
+occurs.... If we fancy some strong emotion, and then try to abstract
+from our consciousness of it all the feelings of its bodily symptoms,
+we have nothing left behind.... A disembodied human emotion is a sheer
+nonentity. I do not say that it is a contradiction in the nature
+of things, or that pure spirits are necessarily condemned to cold
+intellectual lives; but I say that for _us_ emotion disassociated from
+all bodily feelings is inconceivable. The more closely I scrutinize my
+states, the more persuaded I become that whatever 'coarse' affections
+and passions I have are in very truth constituted by, and made up of,
+those bodily changes which we ordinarily call their expression or
+consequence.... But our emotions must always be _inwardly_ what they
+are, whatever may be the physiological ground of their apparition.
+If they are deep, pure, worthy, spiritual facts on any conceivable
+theory of their physiological source, they remain no less deep, more
+spiritual, and worthy of regard on this present sensational theory."
+
+A deeper consideration of the relation between Mind and Body would
+necessitate our invading the field of metaphysical speculation, which
+we have expressed our intention to avoid doing. Enough for the purposes
+of our present consideration is: _the recognition that each individual
+is possessed of a mind and a material body; that these two phases or
+aspects of himself are closely related by an infinite variety of ties
+and filaments; that these two phases of his being act and react upon
+each other constantly and continuously; that in all considerations of
+the question of either mental or physical well-being, or both, that
+both of these phases of being must be considered; that any system of
+therapeutics which ignores either of these phases, is necessarily
+"one-sided" and incomplete; and that, while, for convenience and
+clearness of specialized thinking, we may consider the Mind and the
+Body as separate and independent of each other, yet, we must, in the
+end, recognize their interdependence, mutual relation, action and
+reaction._
+
+Thus, the New Psychology recognizes the importance of the Body, while
+the New Physiology recognizes the importance of the Mind. And, in the
+end, we feel that both physiology and psychology must be recognized as
+being but two different phases of one great science--the Science of Life.
+
+
+
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+There are two occurrences of an unmatched double quotation mark. It was
+unclear where the missing opening or closing quotation mark belonged,
+and no attempt was made to insert one.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIND AND BODY***
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