By this word magnetism we have in mind nothing verging in the least upon the supernatural.

We have reference only to the well-known physical discomfort experienced by those who have not yet become masters of poise when meeting a steady stare.

Its effect is so strong that, in the majority of cases, the timid are quite unable to endure it.  They stammer, lose their presence of mind, and finally reveal everything they are asked to tell, if only to escape from the tyranny of the gaze which seems to go right through them and to dictate the words that they must utter.

One must be careful, then, not to allow oneself to become swayed by the gaze of another.  But since it would seem ridiculous to keep one’s eyes constantly lowered, and is impolite to allow them to wander from the face of the person with whom one is speaking, one can escape the magnetic effect of his pupils by looking steadily at the bridge of his nose directly between his eyes.

When first practising this one must be careful not to look too fixedly, for the eye has not yet acquired the necessary muscular power, and one will quickly find oneself fascinated instead of dominating.

But this method is an absolute safeguard, if one does not stare too fixedly.

It must not be forgotten that this spot is known as the “magnetic point.”

In the case of those who have made no study of the power of the eye, and particularly of those who are lacking in poise, this method of looking steadily at the bridge of the other’s nose, while not having any marked effect upon him, will save them from becoming the tools of his will.

Certain easy exercises will be found most useful in arriving at the possession of the first notions of this art, so indispensable in the ordinary applications of poise.

One good way is to look steadily, for several seconds at first and later on for several minutes at a time, at some object so small that the eye can remain fixt upon it without discomfort.

For the latter reason it is better to choose something dark.  A brilliant object will much more readily cause fatigue and dizziness.

We have said for several seconds to begin with.  It will be found a matter of sufficient difficulty to keep one’s gaze fixt for much longer than this, when one is unaccustomed to this sort of exercise.

One should endeavor to keep the two eyes open without winking.  One should not open them too wide nor yet close them.  The head should be kept steady and the pupils motionless.

If this attempt causes the least wandering of the gaze or the slightest winking of the eyes, it must be begun over again.

It is for this reason that at the start it will be found difficult to keep it up for more than a few seconds.

After resting awhile one should repeat the exercise afresh, until the time comes when one can concentrate one’s gaze in this way for at least four or five minutes of perfect fixity.