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Hypnotism in Court

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 February 2018

Extract

In the newspaper reports of a recent action for slander it was stated that the British Medical Association had officially recognised hypnotism as a therapeutic agent. The medical man whose evidence led to this incorrect statement has shown that his remarks had been misapprehended by the journalist. It is of some importance to recall the circumstances, to show how the matter really stands. The committee appointed to report upon the subject included well-known names, and after a considerable interval presented their conclusions. They expressed themselves as satisfied of the genuine nature of the hypnotic state, and were of opinion that, as a therapeutic agent, hypnotism was frequently effective in removing pain, procuring sleep, and alleviating many functional ailments. As to its permanent efficacy in the treatment of habitual drunkenness, the evidence before the committee was encouraging, but not conclusive. They specially indicated that care in the employment of hypnotism was necessary, and suggested important limitations.

Type
Part I.—Original Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1898 

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