In close connection with action at a distance is the question of distant production of hypnotic sleep.  For an answer to this problem, they are experimenting in both France and England; and Frederick W.H.  Myers has thrown an entirely new light upon the subject by the investigations he is making upon a purely experimental basis.  In Italy they have limited themselves to the study of isolated cases of hystero-hypnotism, except as the phenomena of magnetic fascination investigated by Donato have given rise to further research; but all the books I have seen upon this subject, as well as many by French authors, suffer from ignorance of the latest English discoveries.

With this I think that I have given a slight outline of the history of hypnotic investigation to the end of the year 1886.  I shall attempt a criticism of this whole movement at some other time, as space is not afforded to me here; but I should like to make this statement now, that two of the characteristic indications of this period are of the gravest import—­first the method ("Our work,” says Richet, “is that of strictly scientific testing, observation, and arrangement"); and, secondly, the result.  Hypnotism has been received into the realm of scientific investigation, and with this the foundation of a true experimental psychology has been laid.

MAX DESSOIR.

* * * * *

THE DUODENUM:  A SIPHON TRAP.

By MAYO COLLIER, M.S.  Lond., F.R.C.S.  Eng.; Senior Assistant Surgeon, North-West London Hospital; Assistant Demonstrator of Anatomy, London Hospital Medical College.

We may take it for granted that all gases generated in the jejunum, ileum, and large intestines pass onward toward the anus, and there sooner or later escape.  Fetid gases—­except those generated in the stomach and duodenum—­never pass upward, not even during vomiting due to hernia, obstruction, and other causes.  Physiologists, it would appear, have never busied themselves to find an explanation for this apparent breach of the laws of gravity.  The intestinal canal is a tube with various dilatations and constrictions, but at no spot except the pylorus does the constriction completely obliterate the lumen of the tube, and here only periodically.  It is perfectly evident, then, that, unless some system of trap exists in the canal, gases are free to travel from below upward in obedience to the laws of gravity, and would, as a matter of fact, sooner or later do so.  From the straight, course and vertical position of the oesophagus, a very slight pressure of gas in the stomach easily overcomes the closure of its cardiac sphincter and allows of escape.  When the stomach has digested its contents and the pylorus is relaxed, gases generated in the duodenum can and do ascend into the stomach and so escape.  Normally, no fetid gases are generated in the stomach or duodenum.  If we follow the course of the intestines down, we find that the duodenum presents a remarkable curve.