The Paris school employs physical means to induce the state almost exclusively. They are practically the same as those employed by Braid, namely, causing the subject to gaze steadily at a bright object,—although many variations of the method have been introduced, such as flashing an electric light in the eyes of the subject, striking a gong without warning close to his ears, or by some peripheral excitation, such as rubbing the scalp, etc.
The mesmeric method proper consists in making passes from the head downwards, gazing fixedly into the subject's eyes, and concentrating the mind upon the work in hand, strongly willing the subject to sleep. It is true that many of the so-called mesmerists now employ Braid's method entirely, and others depend largely upon suggestion. But the true mesmeric method is as has been stated.
FOOTNOTES:
[13] Braid on Hypnotism, p. 37, note.
[14] Ibid.
[15] Neurypnology, p. 18.
[16] Neurypnology, p. 19.
[17] Ibid., p. 39.
[18] Moll on Hypnotism, p. 213.