PREACHER MAN
Hypnotism and the Power Within – Dr S J Van Pelt
Dr Sydney James ‘S J’ Van Pelt (1908-1976) was a key figure in British hypnosis in the late 1940s and 50s. Most notably – and lastingly – he was commissioned by the UK government and the National Association of Mental Health to assist in the adoption of the UK Hypnotism Act 1952. The Act allowed, and continues to allow, local authorities to impose conditions and restrictions upon entertainment hypnosis shows, and was instigated by a media frenzy surrounding a young woman who (unsuccessfully) sued American hypnotist Ralph Slater for ‘mental damage’ after attending one of his shows.
Born in Melbourne, Australia, Van Pelt practised medicine in his home city until serving in the Royal Navy during the Second World War as Surgeon Lieutenant-Commander. I’m not sure whether he relocated to the UK before or after 1935, but, having first come across hypnotism in Melbourne in 1932, he went on to establish a hypnosis practice in London’s Harley Street after the war ended.
In 1949, Van Pelt became the founding editor of the British Journal of Medical Hypnotism; the official journal of the British Society of Medical Hypnotists, of which he was also president. He lectured on hypnosis, appeared on TV and radio, and published eight books on the subject of hypnotism, too.
Naturally, Kev purchased this book – Hypnotism and the Power Within, published in 1958 – on the strength of the, frankly, terrified, and terrifying, eyes emblazed on its cover. Not to mention the whopping 17 illustrations, diagrams, and charts it boasts of, too. But I was also keen to learn about the approach and philosophy of a man who had such a strong influence on UK hypnosis then and now.
First, the good news. Van Pelt’s book is mostly sensible and sober stuff (for its time), explaining that hypnotism is generally just suggestion, and dismissing theories about the conscious-unconscious mind and the role of ganglion cells. The reader will find instructive chapters on the practicalities of hypnotism, from what it is and how to induce it, to the physical and mental ailments it can treat. All are explained with clarity and authority, and then packed with case studies as well as top tips.
The bad news is that Van Pelt believes hypnotism should be anchored in good, clean, honest Christianity, practised by stalwart Christian men, and so dedicates significant chunks of this book to that soapbox. He’s so strongly anti-Freud and psychoanalysis – and Judaism – that it comes across as innately antisemitic. He’s especially concerned and cross about the sins of self-pleasure, and the psychoanalysts encouraging the continuation of the practice in misguided young men whilst fleecing their parents for years’ worth of therapy. Van Pelt believes masturbation is a clear violation of God’s [Boring Heteronormative] Plan, and believes this bad habit should be nipped in the bud – with hypnosis, if necessary – rather than indulged by those sex-mad Freudians.
There are to-be-expected chapters on why hypnotism isn’t used more widely, specifically by medical doctors (clue: entertainment hypnotists and amateurs shouldn’t be meddling in it), and on the case for medical usage. ‘The Menace of Psycho-Analysis and Modern Psychology’ chapter is actually two chapters: the first features interesting content on Freud’s early days with Charcot and Janet as well as the evils of Christian Science; the second “continued” chapter is basically a big rant against Judaism in favour of Christianity.
The best thing about this book should have been the creepy photos of the faceless hypnotist and subjects. But all the God bothering rather spoiled even them.
