I should
mention, too, that this limb was no farther subject to my will. I
endeavored in vain to make it follow the direction of my hand. The
only real indication, indeed, of the mesmeric influence, was now found
in the vibratory movement of the tongue, whenever I addressed M.
Valdemar a question. He seemed to be making an effort to reply, but
had no longer sufficient volition. To queries put to him by any
other person than myself he seemed utterly insensible --although I
endeavored to place each member of the company in mesmeric rapport
with him. I believe that I have now related all that is necessary to
an understanding of the sleep-waker's state at this epoch. Other
nurses were procured; and at ten o'clock I left the house in company
with the two physicians and Mr. L--l.
In the afternoon we all called again to see the patient. His
condition remained precisely the same. We had now some discussion as
to the propriety and feasibility of awakening him; but we had little
difficulty in agreeing that no good purpose would be served by so
doing. It was evident that, so far, death (or what is usually termed
death) had been arrested by the mesmeric process. It seemed clear to
us all that to awaken M. Valdemar would be merely to insure his
instant, or at least his speedy dissolution.
From this period until the close of last week --an interval of
nearly seven months --we continued to make daily calls at M.
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