Amateur Svengali.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 268, 21 November 1901, Page 1

Amateur Svengali.

MESMERISES A GIRL AND GETS THRASHED. Paris, Oct. o. _ Dr Vial lias been indicted upon the singular charge of mesmerising a Miss Thorne, an Australian girl, who was sitting opposite him in an omnibus. Ihe defendant admits his guilt, but pleads scientific interest as his excuse. He says that while he was riding in the. omnibus with another physician their conversation led to hypnotism as a means of controlling innocent people for the perpetrating of criminal acts. In order to convince his doubting friend Dr Vial, having noticed the nervous disposition of a girl opposite him, wagered that he would put her in a trance and cause her to follow them without speaking to her. The experiment succeeded. He fastened his eyes upon Miss Thorne and she soon gave evidence of being under mesmeric influence. The physicians then stopped the omnibus and alighted, followed by the girl, who dogged their steps a few paces behind. At Dr Vial’s office, in the presence of several physicians, experiments were conducted which proved his contention.

For example, when he ordered her to go and stab a fruit vendor across the street Miss Thorne seized a knife and started immediately. It was then that Dr Vial roused her from the trance, explained everything, apologised and even offered to pay any fee demanded. Miss Thorne went home dazed and afterwards was very ill. She told her brother what had happened, and he, after thrashing the doctor, sued for damages. The Court has posponed giving judgment in the case.