“The author” of this book, we are told by the publisher, “has devoted the last 12 years to hypnotic practice and research and his personal observations of the practical work done in France, Germany, Sweden, Holland, Switzerland, and Belgium should also make the volume a valuable addition to the science of a subject which is exciting much interest at the present time.” In the introductory chapter the author tells us that in the course of the volume he proposes “to refer not only to his own hypnotic 12 years’ practice and research but also to give such a general account of the subject as can be brought within reasonable compass.” Examining Dr. Bramwell's book in the light of his own account of his intentions we doubt if he has fulfilled the promises made. One chapter is devoted to the early history of hypnotism; it is short and very incomplete; for example, the account given of Mesmer is fragmentary. The work of Elliotson, of Esdaile, and of Braid is more fully treated. The section on the later History of Hypnotism contains an account of the practice of Dr. A. A. Liebeault of Nancy. A section follows entitled “History of My Own Practice.” The remaining part of the book is devoted to dissertations on the methods of inducing and terminating hypnosis, susceptibility to hypnosis and the causes which influence it, the experimental phenomena of hypnosis, and the management of hypnotic experiments and an account of the “different stages of hypnosis.” The therapeutic use of hypnotism is dealt with in chapters on hypnotism in medicine and surgery and in one on the management of medical and surgical cases. This is followed by a disquisition on hypnotic theories which occupies 150 pages, or nearly a third of the whole work. A chapter is devoted to “the so-called dangers of hypnotism” and this is followed by a summary, conclusion, and list of references. Of the two appendices one is the late Dr. Williamson's account of the origin of Braid's work and the other is a note on spiritualism, clairvoyance, and telepathy.

The general effect produced by this book is a feeling of wonder that such a subject, with all its suggestions of mystery and occultism bred of our imperfect knowledge, can have led to the production of so unstimulating a book. Doubtless Dr. Bramwell was particularly right to treat his subject very seriously, but he might have taken more steps to arouse and to hold our interest. The work would gain much if it were rearranged and rewritten so that the history of the subject and the theories of its various exponents were placed together. For example, the life of Esdaile is given in one place, while his theories will be found in another. The author's views naturally pervade the book, but while lessons from personal experience are of the utmost value in all medical treatises, an author should beware lest the actors of the past should appear merely as puppets in his play. Dr. Bramwell is, we are sure, unaware how strongly the impression is produced that views contrary to his own are erroneous and misleading.