There is no doubt that hypnotism is a very old subject, though the name was not invented until 1850. It is wrapped up in the ¿mysteries of Ilsis¿ in Egypt thousands of years ago and it was probably one of the weapons, if not the chief instrument of operation of the Magi mentioned in the Bible and of the ¿wise men¿. We have now learned some facts concerning hypnotism; but they leave the subject still a mystery. Other facts, which will be developed in the course of this book, will only deepen the mystery.