Advanced suggestion (neuroinduction) / by Haydn Brown.

  • Brown, Haydn, 1864-1936.
Date:
1921
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Advanced suggestion (neuroinduction) / by Haydn Brown. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    the only treatment” has been a repeated comment, in reference to confirmed habits which have been based upon abnormal nerve-functioning. The instance of a distinguished physician becoming a sworn believer in suggestion within a couple of memorable hours is not without interest. He was attending a wealthy lady for supposed appendicitis, when he suspected stone in the kidney. Happening to mention his doubt to a member of the family, the latter proceeded to discuss the case in whispers, which were overheard by the patient, who thereupon became first hysterical and then seriously alarmed, until growing mental distress promised rapidly to develop into very serious disorder. The situation became acute when the physician was accused by the relatives of driving the patient insane through a careless remark. He hastened to his most intimate colleague for help; the latter was in a difficulty as to how he should reply, until he finally concluded : “ The only thing to do is to get someone to treat her by suggestion.” The ajarming position was thereby saved. At times, indeed, the employer of suggestion does distinctly “come out on top,” and in these days with increasing frequency. Take the instance of a lady being seized with a sudden agony of mind on hearing of a tragedy. Acute dementia was diagnosed. She exhibited loss of mental capability to the extent of becoming incoherent of speech and violent, while there was a total lack of intelligent response to any ques¬ tioning. Certificates were written out and awaited