"ON THE HYP"-NOTIST.

(_FRAGMENT FROM A ROMANCE PURELY IMAGINARY AND YET TO BE WRITTEN._)

The _Savants_ were gathered together to consider the question of
Hypnotism. They had been appointed by a learned Association, and their
Hon. Secretary had distinguished himself by writing a letter, which if
eccentric in punctuation, was yet to the point.

"We must not forget, Gentlemen," said one of the learned persons,
"that we have been appointed to investigate the use of Hypnotism as
a therapeutic agent. It will be our duty to ascertain, if it is
possible, that operations can be performed under the shield of its
anæsthesia."

"You are indeed right," replied another, "and it is fortunate in one
sense that we have not had the advantage of greeting at our board,
Doctor OWEN COLEMAN of Dunedin, Surbiton."

"Why so?" asked a third.

"Because," returned _Savant_ No. 2, "that distinguished Member of the
Medical Profession can give instances of successful treatment under
the prescribed circumstances. For instance, JULES CLOQUET, as early
as 1845 was using Hypnotism in the cause of painless surgery. However,
our pleasant little gathering can do no harm."

"Perhaps not," acquiesced _Savant_ No. 3. "Although it is only right
to remark that had we had Dr. COLEMAN's knowledge, we should have