E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Hypnotism.
The art of producing trance-sleep, or hypno’sis; or the state of being hypnotised. (Greek, hupnos, sleep.)
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“The method, discovered by Mr. Braid, of producing this state … appropriately designated … hypnotism, consists in the maintenance of a fixed gaze for several minutes … on a bright object placed somewhat above [the line of sight], at so short a distance [as to produce pain].”—Carpenter: Principles of Mental Physiology, book ii. chap. i. p. 65.
