Among the many facts thus brought to bear upon this last
stronghold of the Prince of Darkness, may be named especially
those indicating "expectant attention"--an expectation of
phenomena dwelt upon until the longing for them becomes morbid
and invincible, and the creation of them perhaps unconscious.
Still other classes of phenomena leading to epidemics are found
to arise from a morbid tendency to imitation. Still other groups
have been brought under hypnotism. Multitudes more have been
found under the innumerable forms and results of hysteria. A
study of the effects of the imagination upon bodily functions has
also yielded remarkable results.
And, finally, to supplement this work, have come in an array
of scholars in history and literature who have investigated
myth-making and wonder-mongering.
Thus has been cleared away that cloud of supernaturalism
which so long hung over mental diseases, and thus have they been
brought within the firm grasp of science.[[166]]
Conscientious men still linger on who find comfort in holding fast
to some shred of the old belief in diabolic possession.
Pages:
999
1000
1001
1002
1003
1004
1005
1006
1007
1008
1009
1010
1011
1012
1013
1014
1015
1016
1017
1018
1019
1020
1021
1022
1023