James Braid's last manuscript on hypnotism, summarizing his mature views and lost since his death, existed only in French and German translations. The author discusses the history and importance of this document, "On Hypnotism" (1860), as well as his new English version, translated back from the French and German editions. Braid's manuscript constitutes an important, missing jigsaw piece in the early history of psychological therapy and helps to explain the origin of hypnotherapy and correct certain historical misconceptions that have developed concerning the meaning of the term hypnotism. The rediscovery of this text provides additional evidence that hypnotism originated as an explicitly empirical and "common sense" reaction against the pseudo-scientific excesses of mesmerism. Although drawing heavily on excerpts from his previous writings, some of Braid's observations and techniques may renew interest among contemporary researchers and clinicians.

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2009 Apr;57(2):127-32. Robertson D. HypnoSynthesisUK@aol.com

Posted: 07/08/2009



This article provided by The International Hypnosis Research Institute.

Enter your email address to subscribe to the IHRI Newsletter.

Accepting Darkness This hypnosis session will easily and effortlessly allow you to eliminate your fear of the dark because it works at a deep inner mind level.You won’t have to live in fear any more in this world of light and dark&sleep at night better!

Eliminating Spider Fear This hypnosis session will easily and effortlessly allow you to eliminate your fear of spiders.You’ll be able to deal with spiders with a calm and rational mind, appreciate the beauty of spider webs, and see a spider without any negative emotion.

Dissolving Injections Fear Eliminate Injection Fear!If you are terrified of needles, then this session is for you.This hypnosis session is extremely effective by reprogramming your negative responses and teaching you how to control both your emotions and your body.