psychological
communication is to take the individual by the hand, in the same
manner as though you were going to shake hands. Press your thumb with
moderate force upon the _ulnar nerve_, which spreads its branches to
the ring and little finger. The pressure should be nearly one inch
above the knuckle, and in range of the ring finger. Lay the ball of
the thumb flat and particularly crosswise so as to cover the minute
branches of this nerve of motion and sensation. When you first take
your subject by the hand, request him to place his eyes upon yours,
and to keep them fixed, so that he may see every emotion of your mind
expressed in the countenance. Continue this pressure for half a minute
or more, then request him to close his eyes, and with your fingers
gently brush downward several times over the eyelids, as though
fastening them firmly together. Throughout the whole process feel
within yourself a fixed determination to close them, so as to express
that determination fully in your countenance and manner. Having done
this, place your hand on the top of his head and press your thumb
firmly on the organ of individuality, bearing partially downward, and
with the other thumb still pressing the _ulnar nerve_, tell him, _You
cannot open your eyes!_ Remember that your manner, your expression of
countenance, your motions, and your language must all be of the same
positive character. If he succeed in opening his eyes, try it once or
twice more, because impressions, whether physical or mental, continue
to deepen by repetition. In case, however, that you cannot close his
eyes, nor see any effect produced upon them, you should cease making
any further efforts, because you have now fairly tested that his mind
and body both stand in a positive relation as regards the doctrine of
impressions. If you succeed in closing the subject's eyes by the above
mode, you may then request him to put his hands on his head, or in any
other position you choose, and tell him, _You cannot stir them!_ In
case you succeed, request him to be seated, and tell him, _You cannot
rise!_ If you are successful in this, request him to put his hands in
motion, and tell him, _You cannot stop them!_ If you succeed, request
him to walk on the floor, and tell him, _You cannot cease walking!_ As
so you may continue to perform experiments, involving muscular motion
and paralysis of any kind that may recur to your mind, till you can
completely control him in arresting or