Observations placeholder
Hack Tuke, Daniel – Sickness - Inducing paralysis as a consequence of suggestion only
Identifier
026041
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.,
PART I. THE INTELLECT.
CHAPTER III. INFLUENCE OF THE INTELLECT UPON THE VOLUNTARY MUSCLES.
SECTION III.— Loss of Muscular Power : Paralysis.
Professor Bennett records, on Professor Christison's authority, two cases which appear to be illustrative of the influence of a mental state unconnected with Emotion or with organic disease upon the power of locomotion.
" The first was that of a gentleman who frequently could not carry out what he willed to perform. Often on endeavoring to undress he was two hours before he could get off his coat, all his mental faculties, volition excepted, being perfect. On one occasion, having ordered a glass of water, it was presented to him on a tray, but he could not take it, though anxious to do so, and he kept the servant standing before him for half an hour, when the obstruction was overcome.
In the other case the peculiarity was limited. If, when walking in the street, this individual came to a gap in the line of houses, his will suddenly became inoperative, and he could not proceed. An unbuilt-on space in the street was sure to stop him. Crossing a street also was very difficult, and on going in or out of a door he was always arrested for some minutes. Both these gentlemen graphically described their feelings to be ' as if another person had taken possession of their Will' "
(The Mesmeric Mania of 1851. By Professor Bennett, p. 16).
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Dr. Gregory gives the case (a very common one) of Mr. W — , an officer,
" biologized by Dr. Darling, whose muscular motions were controlled in every possible way. He was rendered unable to raise his hands or to let them fall ; he was made unable to move one while he could move the other ; unable to sit down or to rise up ; or to take hold of or let go an object"
(Letters to a Candid Inquirer on Animal Magnetism. By Professor Gregory. 1851, p. 353).