Observations placeholder
Hack Tuke, Daniel – Healing - Urinary Incontinence cured by suggestion and mesmerism
Identifier
026213
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
As described in Illustrations Of The Influence Of The Mind Upon The Body In Health And Disease, Designed To Elucidate The Action Of The Imagination - Daniel Hack Tuke, M.D., M.R.C.P.,
CHAPTEE XVII. PSYCHO- THERAPEUTICS. PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE MIND ON THE BODY TO MEDICAL PRACTICE.
SECTION VI.— Effect of Exciting certain Mental States
My friend Dr. Procter, of York attended some years ago a chemist of that city for, he states, "an affection of the bladder and kidneys, accompanied by considerable diuresis, and during sleep there was involuntary discharge of urine that rendered his situation most distressing." Dr. Procter adds, "All the usual plans of treatment were had recourse to, and the opinion of one of our eminent physicians taken, without any benefit resulting therefrom." The patient was recommended to try Mesmerism, and did so. Dr. Procter says,
"the effect was certainly wonderful; the involuntary discharge of urine ceased at once, and the quantity became considerably diminished ; and though certainly his general condition was not materially benefited, the removal of the previously-mentioned symptom, rendered his life comparatively comfortable, and greatly diminished his sufferings" (The Zoist. Commenced 1843. Edited by Dr. Elliotson, 1851).
In this case no mesmeric coma was induced, but the usual passes were made, and even on the first occasion produced a state of control over the bladder which had not existed for twelve months. The patient said afterwards that he was opposed to the trial of this process and expected no result; "therefore," he says, " it could not be the effect of Imagination." But although it was not the result of expectant Imagination, it does not follow it was the effect of any other influence than that of his own mind (e. g., Attention) upon his body.
Confusion of ideas as to this distinction is exceedingly common. If " passes " assist the direction of the Attention, by all means let them be used. Dr. Elliotson said with great force, in regard to the removal of "ganglions" by mesmeric passes, without friction, "Mr. Braid, Dr. Carpenter, and Dr. Holland, must ascribe these cures to dominant ideas, suggestion, and expectant attention, and ought to petition for the introduction of these into the next ‘Pharmacopoeia ' of the Royal College of Physicians."
We do make this petition; at any rate, let these psychical agents be included in the Armamenta Medica of every medical man.