Complete Hypnotism: Mesmerism, Mind-Reading and Spritualism

by A. Alpheus

This is a REPRINT of this Classic publication originally published in 1903. - There is no doubt that hypnotism is a very old subject, though the name was not invented until 1850. In it was wrapped up the mysteries of Isis in Egypt thousands of years ago, and probably it was one of the weapons, if not the chief instrument of operation, of the magi mentioned in the Bible and of the wise men of Babylon and Egypt. Laying on of hands must have been a form of mesmerism, and Greek oracles of Delphi and other places seem to have been delivered by priests or priestesses who went into trances of self-induced hypnotism. Though various scientific men spoke of magnetism, and understood that there was a power of a peculiar kind which one man could exercise over another, it was not until Frederick Anton Mesmer (a doctor of Vienna) appeared in 1775 that the general public gave any special attention to the subject. We have now learned some facts concerning hypnotism; but they leave the subject still a mystery. Other facts, which will be developed in the course of this book, will only deepen the mystery.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction

Kindle Edition

First published March 24, 1903

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this on a free audio book player on my android. It's engaging enough to be easy to listen to. Its from the early 1900s, so it's interesting to hear what was in vogue at that point in time. This is a some what biased attempt a historical survey, not a guide. I found much of the anecdotal information to be entertaining enough that I think someone could make a movie or two. The analysis was also entertaining in the same way that reading Tarzan novels can be a colorful peek into the mind of the writer more than into his subject matter.

If you like period pieces, early pseudo-psychology, turn of last century occult writing, or historical scientific anecdote, you'll probably enjoy this.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought it would be novel and interesting to see what a difference is made by 100+ years of research.

While some of it was as wild as you’d imagine, it was not worth the novelty.

[Peter J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very intriguing. This makes me really give a lot of thought to what really happens with some charismatic faith healers.

[Michael Mulvihill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is super for hypnotherapists

I am a practicing clinical Hypnotherapist and this book is very useful for understanding the history of hypnosis from Mesmer to Braid to Charcot. It is written in 1903 so the reader must
understand that much people who are reading this for clairvoyant and psychic, occult and psychic stuff won't like it so therfore the title is misleading, but hypnotherapists will appreciate every of it.

[Carrie Billig]

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[Audiobook Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book, I listened to the audiobook version on YouTube. I will leave the link below so that everyone can enjoy it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om6bH...

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had a lot of good information, even if it was a bit dry.

[Axslingin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is an outdated bastion of ignorance, exposing the folly of establishing conjecture as fact until actual facts can be proven. As if that glaring deficiency wasn't apparent enough in this book, there are references throughout of "doctors," who, apparently experts on the subject, make up a good chunk of this book. No credentials are given for any of them, save Franz Mesmer and William James. Even with them though, the credentials are fleeting. Even doctors discredited earlier in the book are referenced again later, and Mesmer isn't the only one that falls into that category.

Some of the conclusions drawn are that hypnotized subjects are under some form of hysteria, and with some of the examples cited, it may have been the case. In fact, it was concluded that a subject would actually go into a hysterical fit under certain circumstances while under hypnosis, such as if they were instructed to do something against their morals. It seems like the subjects referenced in the parlor tricks disguised as scientific research clearly had something wrong with them before they ever got to the "doctor."

The book is not worth reading, unless you want to amuse yourself with the level of ignorance that "learned" men held at the time.

Stupidest quotes in the book:
A person who has nothing will give away any amount if told to do so; but quite different is the case of a wealthy merchant who really has money to sign away.

Really? A poor person would give away their last dime because it's only a dime? Really?

We know that hypnotism is akin to hysteria and other forms of insanity--it is, in short, a kind of experimental insanity.

Well, they're the experts...in more ways than they realized.

[Albert Fiol · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is more of a anecdotal compendium than a manual. Of course you can learn a lot of things, but keep in mind this was written more than 100 years ago. It is really interesting to see what was the "state of the art" in hypnotism in the early 20th century, though.

[David McClendon, Sr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting but written a long time ago.