Law of Psychic Phenomena (1912): A Working Hypothesis for the Systematic Study of Hypnotism, Spiritism & Mental Therapeutics

by Hudson, Thomas Jay

• ISBN13: 9780766101067
• ISBN10: 0766101061
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1997-09-01
• Publisher: Kessinger Pub

Summary

1912. This is the book that inspired H. Spencer Lewis, the founder of the modern day Rosicrucian Order, AMORC, to begin his early studies into mysticism. Dr. Lewis treasured this book because it convinced him of a vast world to explore within himself. It was the first book dealing with mysticism and the psychic side of life that he ever read. Contents: Duality and suggestion; Reasoning powers of the two minds differentiated; Perfect memory of the subjective mind; Subjective memory; Perception of the fixed laws of nature; Effects of adverse suggestion; Hypnotism and mesmerism; Hypnotism and crime; Psycho-therapeutics; A new system of mental therapeutics; Phenomena of spiritism; Physical phenomena of spiritism; Phantasms of the dead; Suspended animation and premature burial; Practical conclusions and suggestions; Physical manifestations and philosophy of Christ; Spiritual philosophy of Christ; Mission of Christ; Deductions from various attributes of the soul.

Table of Contents

Introductory	19	(8)
Necessity of a Working Hypothesis
The Newtonian Hypothesis
The Atomic Theory
A Psychological Hypothesis necessary
Theories of Hypontism and Mesmerism
Spiritism
Mental Therapeutics
Libeult's Law of Suggestion
Duality of Mind
A Working Hypothesis for Psychology formulated
Its Three Terms
Duality and Suggestion.	27	(6)
The Doctrine of the Trinity of Man
The Greek Philosophy
The Early Christian Fathers
Hermetic Philosophy
Swedenborg
Duality in Modern Philosophy
``Objective'' and ``Subjective'' Minds
Their Distinctive Differences and Modes of Operation
The Subjective Mind a Distinct Entity
Illustrations from Hypontism
Suggestion
Auto-Suggestion
Universality of the Law of Suggestion
Reasoning Powers of the Two Minds Differentiated.	33	(7)
The Subjective Mind incapable of Inductive Reasoning
Its Processes Always Deductive, or Syllogistic
Its Premises the Result of Suggestion
Illustrations by Hypnotism
Hypnotic Interview with Socrates
Reasons from an Assumed Major Premise
Interview with a Philosophic Pig
The Pig Affirms the Doctrine of Reincarnation
Dogmatism of Subjective Intelligence
Incapable of Controversial Argument
Persistency in following a Suggested Line of Thought
Precet Memory of The Subjective Mind.	40	(8)
Confirmed by Hypnotic Phenomena
Opinions of Psychologists
Sir William Hamilton's Views
Observations of Dr. Rush
Talent for Poetry and Music developed by Abnormal Conditions
Talent for Drawing Evolved by Madness
Resucitation of Knowledge in the Insane
Extraordinary Feats of Memory during IIIness
A Forgotten Language recovered
Whole Pages of Greek and Hebrew remembered by an Illiterate Servant Girl
Speaking in Unknown Tongues Explained
The Result of the Operations of Natural Law
Subjective Memory (countinued).	48	(14)
Practical Illustrations
Reasons for Limitations of Subjective Power
Its Practical Significance
Its Application to the Solution of Problems of Insanity
The Mental Phenomena of ``Genius.''
Napoleon Bonaparte
Shakespeare
Poets
Artists
Macaulay's Estimate of Poets and Poetry
Dangers of Subjective Control
Lord Byron
Socrates' Estimate of Poets
His Recognition of the Subjective Element in Poetic Composition
Occasional Inconveniences
Unconscious Plagiarism
Observations of Holmes
Improvisation
Solution of the Shakspeare-Bacon Problem
The Subjective in Art
Madness in Art
Great Orators
Webster
Clay
Patrick Henry
Incidents
Practical Conclusions
Perception of the Fixed Laws of Nature.	62	(13)
Three Sub-Classes of Mental Phenomena
Mathematical Prodigies
Musical Prodigies
Measurement of Time
Distinction between Results of Objective Education and Intuitive Perception
Zerah Colburn, the Mathematical Prodigy
The Lightning Calculator
Blind Tom, the Musical Prodigy
The Origin and Uses of Music
East Indian Fakirs
Measurement of Time
The Power possessed by Animals
Illustrative Incidents
Hypnotic Subjects
Jouffroy's Testimony
Bernheim's Views
Practical Observations
The Normal Functions of Objective Intelligence
The Limitations of Subjective Intelligence pertains to its Earthly State only
Its Kinship to God Demonstrated by its Limitations
Omniscience cannot reason inductively
Induction is Inquiry
Perception the Attribute of Omniscience
Conclusions regarding the Power of the Soul
Effects of Adverse Suggestion.	75	(6)
The Subjective Mind incapable of controversial Argument
A Sceptical Audience demoralizes it
The Presence of an Avowed Sceptic prevents Successful Exhibition of Subjective Phenomena
Labouchere and Bishop
The Royal Academy of Medicine
Its Offer to Clairvoyants
Failure to earn Reward
Harmonious Conditions required by Spiritists
The Seybert Commission
Trance-speaking Mediums
How demoralized
Adverse Suggestion the Cause of Failure in all Cases
Possible Lack of Telepathic Conditions in Bishop's Case
General Conclusions
Failure Consistent with Honesty of Mediums
Hypnotism and Mesmerism.	81	(24)
Warfare of the Schools
History of the Science
Mesmer's Career
The Academicians
The Successors of Mesmer
The Royal Academy of Medicine
Its Idiotic Prejudices
Dr. Braid's Discovery
Re-baptism of the Science
Effects of Braid's Discoveries
Liebault's Theory of Suggestion
The Nancy School and the Paris School Compared
The Fluidic Theory
The Law of Suggestion the Greatest Discovery in Psychic Science
The Significance of Braid's Discoveries not appreciated
Hypnotism of Animals
The Charcot School
The Sources of its Errors
Reform in Terminology suggested
The Mesmeric Theory
Braid's Processes not productive of Higher Phenomena
Mesmerization of Animals
Recapitulation of Points
Hypnotism and Mesmerism (continued).	105	(17)
Mesmeric Methods
The Fluidic Theory
Influence of the Mind of the Operator
The Early Mesmerists
Their Methods and their Effects
Decadence of the Higher Phenomena under Braid's Methods
The Causes explained
Telepathic Powers developed by Mesmerism
Mesmerism as a Therapeutic Agent
Method of Operation recommended
How to acquire the Power
The Necessary Conditions of Success
Will-Power explained
The Fluidic Theory requires Revision
Distinction between Mesmerism and Hypnotism sharply drawn
Mesmerization of Animals distinguished from the Hypnotization of Animals
Methods employed in each
Tamers of Horses and Wild Beasts
Dog-Trainers
Primitive Man
His Powers
His Immunity from Harm
Daniel
The Adepts
General Conclusions
Hypnotism and Crime.	122	(22)
Platform Experiments misleading
Their Utter Inutility as a Test
So-called ``Tests'' described and explained
Sexual Outrages impossible
Auto-Suggestion projects the Virtuous
A Willing Subject necessary
Demonstrative Experiments
Modern Authorities cited against Themselves
Professor Gregory's Views
The Elevated Moral Tone of Subjects when mesmerized
Successful Suggestion of Suicide impossible
The Three Normal Functions of the Subjective Mind
Self-Preservation
Propagation
Preservation of Offspring
Instinctive Auto-Suggestion
Indifference on Near Approach of Death
A Universal Law
Illustrative Incidents
Suggestive Criminal Abortion impossible
Premonitions explained
The Daemon of Socrates
Clairaudience
The Instinct of Death
Hypnotism in Jurisprudence
Testimony valueless
Vital Secrets impossible to obtain
Doctors must not monopolize the Forces of Nature
The Folly of Adverse Legislation
Psycho-Therapeutics.	144	(17)
Historical Notes
Mind Cure in Ancient Times
Bible Accounts
Miracles of the Church
Healing by the King's Touch
Views of Paracelsus and Pomponazzi
Bernheim's Experiments
The Modern Schools
Their Theories
The True Hypothesis applicable to All Systems
Illustrations of the Theory
Producing a Blister by Suggestion
Bloody Stigmata
Letters of Blood
Objective Control of Subjective Mind
Subjective Control of Bodily Functions
The Necessary Mental Conditions
The Precepts and Example of Christ
Subjective Faith alone required
Discussion of Various Systems
Christian Science, etc
General Conclusions
Psycho-Therapeutics (continued)	161	(15)
Methods Classified in Two Divisions
Mental and Oral Suggestions
Absent Treatment
Christian Scientists handicapped by Absurd Theories
They claim too much
The Use of Drugs
Dangers arising from too Radical Change
Importance of Favorable Mental Environment
Mental Healing requires Mental Conditions
Treatment by Hypnotism
Bernheim's Methods
Illustrative Cases
The Practical Value of the System
The Illogical Limitations of the Theory
Potency of Telepathic Suggestion
Researches of the Society for Psychical Research
Mr. Gurney's Experiments
They demonstrate the Theory of Effluent Emanations
Diagnosis by Intuition
Potency of Mesmerism
Permanency of Cures
Conditions Necessary
The Example of Jesus
Self-Healing by Auto- Suggestion
A New System of Mental Therapeutics.	176	(15)
Telepathy the Normal Means of Communication between Subjective Minds
Perfect Passivity required for Therapeutic Suggestions
Natural Sleep the Most Perfect State of Passivity
Hypnotic Sleep and Natural Sleep identical
Phenomena of Dreams
Subjective Mind controllable by Suggestion during Natural Sleep
Illustrative Incidents
Passivity a Necessity on the Part of the Operator
The Subjective Mind can be caused to convey Telepathic Messages during Sleep
Illustrative Experiments
A New System of Mental Therapeutics (continued).	191	(14)
Recapitulation of Propositions
Natural Sleep the Best Condition attainable both for Healer and Patient
Demonstrative Experiments
Healing at a Distance of the One thousand-Miles
Distance no Obstacle
Space does not exist for the Subjective Mind
Objective Habits of thought the only Adverse Factor
Diseases treated
Strabismus cured
Mode of Operation
Not a Good Money-making Scheme
It promotes the Health of the Healer
A Method of Universal Utility
Self-Healing its most Important Function
The Power absolute
Within the Reach of All
Method of Self-Healing
The Patient's Credulity not overtaxed
The Example of Christ
Material Remedies not to be ignored
Advice to Christian Scientists
The Control of Dreams
Practical Conclusions
The Phenomena of Spiritism.	205	(14)
If a Man die, shall he live again?
The Problem not solved by Spiritistic Phenomena
The Phenomena admitted
Their Supernatural Origin denied
Explained by the Hypothesis
Subsidiary Hypothesis
An Intelligent Dynamic Force
Its Characteristics
Limited by Medium's Intelligence
It is controlled by Suggestion
Phenomena fail in Presence of Scepticism
Reasons
Mediumistic Frauds
The Primary Lesson in Spiritistic Investigation
Mediums not necessarily dishonest
Their Honest Belief in the Phenomena
Suggestion explains all
Illustrations from Hypnotism
Convincing Character of Alleged Communications
Telepathic Explanations
General Conclusions
The Phenomena of Spiritism (continued)	219	(19)
Various Classes of Phenomena
Clairvoyance
Its Field not yet clearly defined
Telepathy invades its Ancient Domain
Simple Experiments in Telepathy
Their Significance
Telepathic Power in Mediums
Telepathic Visions
A Typical Seance
Wonderful Exhibition of Telepathic Power
An Affecting Interview of the Sitter with Himself
Deductions
Visions of Inanimate Things as well as of Deceased Persons
Spirit of the Jack of Clubs
Subjective Memory
Spirit Identity
Allan Kardec's Observations
His Illogical Conclusions
His Supreme Test
Telepathic Explanation
Four Ways of explaining his Test Case
The Phenomena of Spiritism (continued).	238	(13)
Psychometry
``The Souls of Things.''
Professor Denton's Experiments
Wonderful Visions of the Ancient Environment of Geological Specimens
A Piece of Mortar from Cicero's House
Supposed Scientific Tests
Explanation on Telepathic Principles
Experiments in Hypnotism compared
Clairvoyance and Telepathy
Their Boundary Lines in Transit
Clairaudience
Definitions of the Term
Socrates and his Daemon
Modern Instances
Mental Impressions
Premonitions
Their Unreliability
Remarkable Examples of Clairaudience
A Lawyer's Experience
Subject to the Law of Suggestion
Insanity sometimes results from Ignorance of the Cause
Practical Suggestions
The Phenomena of Spiritism (continued).	251	(20)
The Planchette
Modifications
Easily operated
Automatic Writing
Governed by the Universal Law
The Planchette without Spirits
The Planchette and Telepathy
Trance
Ancient and Modern Superstitions relating to Trance
Religious Systems founded on Trance
Visions
Swedenborg
Oriental Philosophy
Its Slow Growth and Stupendous Proportions
Spiritistic Philosophy
Its Evolution
All founded on Trance Visions, in Ignorance of the Law of Suggestion
Cahagnet's Mesmeric Seers
Their Revelations
Objective and Subjective Visions
Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy
Visions of the Holy Virgin
The Physical and Mental Attitude of Prayer
The Prayer of Faith
Obsession
Possession
Casting out Devils
Devils out of Fashion
The Influence of Suggestion
The Element of Telepathy
Dual Personality
Loss of Identity
Characteristics
The Case of Ansel Bourne
Possible Explanation
A Proof of the Dual Hypothesis
Multiple Personality
The Physical Phenomena of Spiritism.	271	(15)
The Intelligence manifested
It is a Human Intelligence
Inherent Probabilities
Conditions requisite
The Best Conditions
A Living Organism necessary
The Laws of Telepathy and Suggestion prevail
Slate-Writing
A Wonderful Slate-Writing Seance
Telepathic and Psycho-Physical Power displayed in Perfection
Demonstration of its Mundane Origin
An Unexpected Phenomenon
Summary of Results
Syllogism
General Conclusions
Spiritistic Phenomena do not constitute Valid Evidence of a Life beyond the Grave
An Argument for Immortality
Phantasms of the Dead.	286	(23)
Ghosts
Scientific Investigations
Tentative Classification of Phenomena
Power to create Phantasms demonstrated
Investigations of the London Society for Psychical Research
Spirit Photography
Projection of the ``Astral Body.''
Witches
Conditions necessary
The same in all Cases
Spirit ``Materialization.''
Magicians
Ghosts the Creations of the Subjective Entity
Eliphas Levi's Views
Raising the Devil
Crystal Visions
Propositions established
Embodied Thoughts
Phantasms not Spirits
Uniform Characteristics
A New Classification
Conditions of Objectivity and Persistency
Haunted Houses
No General Intelligence manifested
D' Assier's Statements
A Remarkable Case
Ghosts Intensified Telepathic Visions
Difference in Degree, not in Kind
Ghosts not controllable by Suggestion
Other Salient Peculiarities
Ghosts neither prove nor disprove Immortality
Mental Atmosphere of Houses
Remarkable Cases
Classification of Telepathic Phenomena
Conclusions
Suspended Animation and Premature Burial.	309	(12)
Facts of Startling Import
The Case of Washington Irving Bishop
Other Instances of Suspended Animation
Vampirism
Catalepsy
East Indian Fakirs buried alive for Months
Fundamental Errors
Catalepsy not a Disease
A Recuperative Agent
The Law of Suggestion governs the Phenomena
Subjective Insensibility impossible
Suggestion of Death deepens the Lethargy
The Appalling Dangers of Catalepsy
The Proper Treatment
Practical Conclusions and Suggestions.	321	(17)
The Normal Relations of the Objective and Subjective Faculties
Their Distinctive Powers and Functions
The Infinite Wisdom displayed in their Distribution
It constitutes Man a Free Moral Agent
Limitation of Subjective Powers and Responsibilities in this Life
The Kinship of the Soul to God
The Limitation of the Powers of the Objective Mind
The Transcendent Powers of the Soul
Errors of the Old Philosophers
The Normal Functions of the Soul in Earthly Life
Dangers of Abnormal Exercise of Subjective Power
Nervous Disorders, Insanity, Imbecility, and Moral Degradation
The Importance of a Knowledge of the Law of Suggestion
Dangers of Mediumship
Trance-Speakers
Immoral Tendency of Ignorant Mediumship
Tendency towards Free Love
The Causes
The Orientalists
Their Greater Powers, and their Greater Facilities for Self-Delusions
Practical Conclusions
Warnings
The Physical Manifestations and Philosophy of Christ.	338	(21)
The Great Stumbling-Block, Unbelief in the Physical History of Christ
Modern Science confirms the New Testament
Internal Evidence of the Truth of the History of Jesus
The Scientific Accuracy of His Statements
The Exoteric and the Esoteric Doctrines
Parables
Esoteric Doctrines reserved for Modern Science to discover
The Spirit of Truth
Jesus the First to proclaim the Scientific Truth
The Doctrine of Faith
Healing the Sick
Natural Law
Faith essential then as now
Illustrative Incidents
Jairus' Daughter
Seven Scientific Steps
Secrecy enjoined
Scientific Reasons
Rediscovery of the Science of Mental Therapeutics in Modern Times
Nothing discovered that Jesus did not Know
Absent Treatment
The Power to heal transmitted to all Future Generations
The Conditions
Conclusions
The Physical Manifestations of Christ (continued).	359	(15)
The Word Faith in its Applications to Psychic Phenomena
Its Definition
An Epitome of the Law of Suggestion
Subjective Faith only required
Illustrative Incident
The ``Spoken Word.''
Jesus knew the Law, and always acted within its Limitations
Intuitive Perception of the Laws of the Soul
His Manhood and its Limitations
Our Warranty of Title as Sons of God
Christ constantly controlled by Reason
His Subjective Powers Subservient
The Three Temptations illustrative
The Great Lesson to Mankind
The Normal Exercise of Subjective Power
Simon the Sorcerer
Miracle not a Necessary Explanation of the Power of Christ
Conclusions
The Spiritual Philosophy of Christ	374	(15)
The Necessity of Signs and Wonders
Christ's Work was for All Time
His Consummate Wisdom
Signs and Wonders as Evidence
His Perception of Spiritual Laws
The Perceptive Powers of the Soul
Propositions
Presumptive Evidence of His Knowledge of Spiritual Laws
Condition precedent to Immortality
Faith the Essential Condition
The Declarations of Christ
He meant just what He said
The Doctrines of the Church
Literal Extinction of the Soul through Unbelief
Belief essential to Salvation
Belief will not avert the Consequences of Sin
Inherent Probabilities
The Conscious Existence of the Soul
The Law of Suggestion applied
Scepticism constitutes a Fatal Suggestion
Phenomena of Hypnotism illustrative
Souls of Animals have no Conscious Existence; hence not Immortal
Christ as a Saviour of Souls
His Doctrine new to the World, but scientifically correct
The Mission of Christ. Future Rewards and Punishments.	389	(11)
The Success of Christ's Mission
Chaotic State of Spiritual Philosophy in His Time
The Various Doctrines in Vogue
Jesus the first to simplify the Doctrine of Immortality
He gave it a Definite Status in Philosophy
The Doctrine of Future Rewards and Punishments
God will ``Render to every Man According to his Deeds.''
Spiritual Penalties for Violations of Spiritual Law
The Sin against the Holy Ghost
The Sin of Unbelief
The Status of a Lost Soul
Possible Reincarnation
The Means of Punishment for Sin
Affections
Conscience
Memory
General Conclusions
Scientific Basis of Christianity
Deductions From Various Attributes of the Soul.	400
The Question of Identity
Consciousness and Memory
Identity considered in Reference to Rewards and Punishments
Conscience
Conflicting Theories of Psychologists
Education and Intuition
Different Standards of Morality
The Soul's Perception of the Eternal Principles of Right and Wrong
The Instinct of Worship
Its Abnormal Manifestations
The Law of Suggestion
Universality of the Sentiment of Worship
Its Normal Manifestations
Demonstrative of the Existence of a God of Love
Old Arguments invalid
Socrates and Paley
Argument predicated on the Affectional Emotions
Syllogistic Deductions
The Divine Pedigree of Man