to compel a certain state of mind. This won, all may be won, by
continued reflection and perseverance. It is the great step gained,
the alphabet learned, by which the mind may pass to boundless power.

It may be here interesting to consider some of the states of mind into
which a person may be brought by hypnotism. When subject to the will
of an operator the patient may believe anything--that he is a mouse or
a girl, drunk or inspired. The same may result from self-hypnotism by
artificial methods which appeal powerfully to the imagination.
According to Dr. JAMES R. COCKE many of his patients could induce this
by looking at any bright object, a bed of coals, or at smooth running
water. It is, of course, to be understood that it is not merely by
_looking_ that hypnotism is induced. There must be will or determinate
thought; but when once brought about it is easily repeated.

"They have the ability," writes Dr. COCKE, "to resist this state or
bring it on at will. Many of them describe beautiful scenes from
Nature, or some mighty cathedral with its lofty dome, or the
faces of imaginary beings." This writer's own first experience of
self-hypnotism was very remarkable. He had been told by a hypnotizer
to keep the number twenty-six in his mind. He did so, and after
hearing a ringing in his ears and then a strange roaring he felt that
spirits were all round him--music sounding and a sensation as of
expanding.

But self-hypnotizing, by the simple easy process of trusting to
ordinary sleep, is better adapted to action delayed, or states of
mind. These may be:

_A desire to be at peace or perfectly calm_. After a few repetitions
it will be found that, though irritating accidents may countervene,
the mind will recur more and more to calm.

_To feel cheerful or merry_.

_To be in a brave, courageous, hearty or vigorous mood_.

_To work hard without feeling weary_. This I have fully tested with
success, and especially mention it for the benefit of students. All of
my intimate friends can certify what I here assert.

_To keep the faculty of quickness of perception alert_, as, for
instance, when going out to perceive more than usual in a crowd. A
botanist or mineralogist may awaken the faculty with the hope of
observing or finding with success.

_To be susceptible to beauty_, as, for instance, when visiting a scene
or gallery. In such cases it means to derive Attention from Will. The
habitually trained Forethought or Attenti