Fear of the operator renders the subject more pliable. Persons who are not easily hypnotized will often readily yield when they see others in the hypnotic state. That is why it is comparatively easy for a hypnotist, during an exhibition, to successfully make subjects of those whom he has never met before. There are always persons in the audience who are greatly impressed by the performance and who are in constant dread lest the hypnotist shall exercise his influence over them, and when he calls for volunteers, they are usually the first to respond, not through any desire to be hypnotized, but through fear, which unnerves them and impels them to volunteer.

This kind of fear is the same as that which causes the victims of venomous reptiles to stand still and tremble, even when there is opportunity for escape, or which impels persons to rush into danger. Ordinarily it is spoken of as "fascination." Animals are often "fascinated" by the looks of serpents, when they realize that they are in the presence of a power which is superior to them and capable of destroying them.

Persons who have met with recent financial troubles or family bereavement are usually difficult to hypnotize. They are in the habit of brooding over their misfortunes and concentrating their minds upon themselves, and are constantly thinking of their experiences - not allowing rest to their minds at any time.

Anger is another disturbing influence to the hypnotist. It destroys the equilibrium of the mind, which is so necessary for success. Persons of an irritable disposition, as a rule, make poor subjects.

It should also be mentioned in this connection that the operator, himself, should cultivate an evenness of temper and not allow trifling matters to disturb him. He may meet with great disappointment in his attempts to hypnotize subjects while he is harboring thoughts of anger or hatred.

Tranquility of mind always exerts a favorable influence upon the production of hypnosis. The mind at peace with all mankind becomes most readily passive. Likewise the mental equilibrium of the operator has great influence upon the subject. The irritable mother finds it difficult to rock her babe to sleep, while the mother whose mind is at perfect ease experiences no difficulty. The "putting to sleep" of an infant is one form of inducing hypnosis.