And here I beg the reader to recall what I said regarding the resolving to begin any task, that it can be greatly aided by even a brief pre-determination.

In all cases it is a kind of self-suggestion.

There would seem to be some magic virtue in sleep, as if it preserved and ripened our wishes, hence the injunction in the proverbs of all languages to sleep over a resolve, or subject--and that "night brings counsel." It is not necessary that this sleep shall be _hypnotic_, or what is called hypnotic slumber, since, according to very good authorities, there is grave doubt as to whether the so-called condition is a sleep at all.

_Hypnotism_ is at any rate a suspension of the faculties, resembling sleep, caused by the will and act of the operator.

He effects this by fixing the eyes on the patient, making passes as in Mesmerism, giving a glass of water, or simply commanding sleep.