nfallible. It is suggested to you as
another good technique. In order to help the subject relax, I have been
using a phonograph record or tape that I recorded containing the
continuous sound of various degrees of rain. One side has a half hour of
very soft, light rainfall such as you have experienced in listening to
rain falling on grass, canvas or a tent top. The other side or track
contains a half hour of rain effects such as one would hear in a heavy
downfall with loud splatterings of water on the pavement. The record and
tape were originally designed to help insomnia sufferers and later
incorporated into the hypnotic procedure.

The subject is instructed to close his eyes and listen to the sound of
the rain while picturing himself relaxing near a warm, glowing
fireplace. As you can note, the subject again incorporates the
visual-imagery technique. The relaxing effect thus produced over a
period of time enhances his chances of success in attaining a deep,
hypnotic state.

There are many other interesting and unique devices and aids you can use
for inducing hypnosis. Rather than present them all in this book, I have
fully described them and their technique of operation in a 144-page
illustrated catalog. This catalog not only contains a list of hypnotic
aids, but a description and listing of over 450 hypnotism and self-help
books. Upon request, I shall be pleased to send it to you. Write to:
Melvin Powers, 12015 Sherman Road, No. Hollywood, California 91605 and
ask for Hypnotic Catalog No. 7. Should you have any questions on
self-hypnosis or hetero-hypnosis, I shall be pleased to answer you.

Chapter 12

The Nature of Hypnosis

Although the nature and phenomena of hypnosis are still incompletely
understood, there are a multitude of theories which attempt to explain
its mechanism and results. The most that can be done at this time is to
explore various views which are held by leading authorities at present.
It can be said, however, that a majority of authorities agree that
hypnosis ensues as a result of natural laws which have been incorporated
in the human organism since the beginning of man as he is today.

The older theories show almost as much disparity as today, but for the
purposes of history it is probably necessary to enumerate only the
"animal magnetism" of Frederick Anton Mesmer, and a mention of the
"hysteria syndrome" of Jean Martin Charcot. Both names loom large in the
history of hypnosis. Me