Observations placeholder
The mesmeric state
Identifier
001417
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
Harriet knew the time and what time had elapsed.
The strong bond between the two ensured success
A description of the experience
Letters on Mesmerism – Harriet Martineau
It is a memorable moment when one first hears the monosyllable, which tells that the true mesmeric trance has begun
“Are you asleep?"
“YES."
It is crossing the threshold of a new region of observation of human nature. Then it goes on.
“How long shall you sleep?"
"Half an hour."
“Shall you wake of yourself, or shall I wake you?"
"I shall wake of myself."
And so she did to a second, no clock or watch being near, but the watch in my hand. For some weeks she could always see the time, and foretell her own waking; but of late, in manifesting some new capabilities, she has lost much of this.