It is also becoming more and more recognised as a method of controlling refractory and violent patients in asylums and reformatory institutions.

It must be added, however, that psychological theory rather than medical practice is seriously concerning itself with this subject.
_Theory._--Two rival theories are held as to the general character of Hypnosis.

The Paris school already referred to, led by the late Dr.
Charcot, hold that it is a pathological condition which is most readily induced in patients already mentally diseased or having neuropathic tendencies.

They claim that the three stages described above are a discovery of great importance.

The so-called Nancy school, on the other hand, led by Bernheim, deny the pathological character of Hypnosis altogether, claiming that the hypnotic condition is nothing more than a special form of ordinary sleep brought on artificially by suggestion.