SAHÁTOF. In that case, are we to understand that you hypnotised yourself?
GROSSMAN. And why not? An hypnotic state may ensue not only in consequence of association—the sound of the tom-tom, for instance, in Charcot's method—but by merely entering an hypnogenetic zone.
SAHÁTOF. Granting that, it would still be desirable to define what hypnotism is, more exactly?
PROFESSOR. Hypnotism is a phenomenon resulting from the transmutation of one energy into another.
GROSSMAN. Charcot does not so define it.
SAHÁTOF. A moment, just a moment! That is your definition, but Liébault told me himself …
DOCTOR [lets go of Grossman's pulse] Ah, that's all right; well now, the temperature?
FAT LADY [interrupting] No, allow me! I agree with the Professor. And here's the very best proof. After my illness, when I lay insensible, a desire to speak came over me. In general I am of a silent disposition, but then I was overcome by this desire to speak, and I spoke and spoke, and I was told that I spoke in such a way that every one was astonished! [To Sahátof] But I think I interrupted you?
SAHÁTOF [with dignity] Not at all. Pray continue.
DOCTOR. Pulse 82, and the temperature has risen three-tenths of a degree.