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[Abstract of] The Nature of Hypnotic and Post-Hypnotic Hallucinations

Boris Sidis, Ph.D., M.D.

Psychological Bulletin, 1906, 3, 46-47.

The Nature of Hypnotic and Post-hypnotic Hallucinations. By BORIS SIDIS

        Hypnotic and post-hypnotic hallucinations have been studied more for amusement than for scientific analysis. The validity of the hypnotic hallucination has passed unchallenged, because of the doubtful assumption of the central origin of hallucinations, an assumption current among psychologists and especially among psychiatrists who still pin their faith to 'images and idols' and accept uncritically the introspective account of the insane and dements, as to the nature of their hallucinations. The central origin of hallucinations is highly doubtful, and the hypnotic hallucination certainly does not support it.

        Workers in hypnosis have too readily, eagerly and credulously accepted the suggestions of their subjects. Although the introspective account of hypnotic subjects is more valid and trustworthy than that of the insane or of dements, still it should be taken guardedly and should certainly not be accepted uncritically on its face value. Experiments and observations carried out by the writer on many subjects tend to prove that hypnotic hallucinations are neither of peripheral nor of the alleged 'central' origin, but are essentially spurious in their character. The so-called hypnotic or post-hypnotic hallucination is really not experienced by the subject. The hypnotic or post-hypnotic hallucination is not a hallucination, but a delusion.

(This paper is to appear in full in the forthcoming number of the Journal of Abnormal Psychology.)

 

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