Phenomena

(fe-nom' -en-ah). Plural of Phenomenon, q. v. Phenomena of Transfer. Peculiar phenomena observed in hysterical patients. It has been found, in some cases, that the laying of a metal plate upon an anesthetic portion of the skin restores to this its sensibility, while simultaneously a corresponding area on the opposite side of the body, previously normal, becomes anesthetic. Frequently the sensibility oscillates from one side to the other. If the metal is placed first on an area po e ing normal sensibility, this becomes anesthetic, while a corresponding zone on the anesthetic side regains its sensibility. Other hysterical symptoms may present these same transfer-phenomena. Nor is their production confined to metallic plates; other so-called esthesiogenic substances produce the same effect thus, large magnets, weak galvanic currents, static electricity, vibrating tuning-forks, mustard plasters, and others. As to the nature of the curious phenomena, it is generally believed that they are due to suggestion.