HYPNOTIC EXPERIMENTATION AND RESEARCH, 10 FEBRUARY 1954.

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 00428251
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: January 23, 2025
• Document Release Date: August 23, 2000
• Publication Date: February 10, 1954

To: File
Subject: Hypnotic Experimentation and Research,
On Wednesday, 10 February 1954j hypnotic
research work was continued in Building 13 b
using the followin
'The group of five subjects appeared on s
expecting only three subjects, namely
was forced to alter his plans somewha
arrival of two more subjects.
10 February 19S1..
erimentation and
Plans were originally made to conduct experiments in color
blindness, blindness and intoxication. These plans were altered to
permit first, the subjects to present questions and discussions.
(This was to permit the operator to spot any subjects who were
critically analyzing their progress.) Several questions were pre-
sented and promptly clarified to the satifiet,ion of the
In this discussion it was obvious that
were beginning to lose confidence in themse ves.
the wor]; proceeded as follows:
1. A posthypnotic � the ht b f.. - -ointed finger, you
will sleep) was enacted, immediately pro-
gressed to a deep hypnotic s n ur suggestion; This
was to test whether the mere carrying out of the posthypnotic would
produce the state of hypnosis desired. Needless to say, it did.
2. . then instructed (having previously ex-
at she would use every
now in a deep hypnotic
up a pistol nearby and
ould be
or failing
pressed a fe of firearms in an
method at her disposal to awake
sleep) and � this, she wp pie
fire it at She was instructed tha
so great th not hesitate to "kill"
.to awaken. carried out these sugges
including f unloaded pneumatic pistol) gun at
e.nd then proceeding to fall into a deep sleep. After proper sugges-
tions were made, both wer d expressed complete amnesia
for the entire sequence. as again handed the gun, which
she refused (in an awakene A-b -to pick up or accept from the
operator. She expressed absolute denial that the foregoing� sequence
had happened.
APPROVED FOR RELEASE
DATE:
3. 1111111MINIWpressed-fluther interest in
the transfer, o con r r, one su ject indu' is in another;
. �
induced a
was to obtain
of hypnosis in
through the use of po
state of hypnosis in
uggestion,
(The entire
eTore a emoting a deep state
4. as previously- pointed out, felt reluctant
about participating T�rther since she expressed her doubt as to any -
useful purpose in further attendance. The Operat oceeded
in full view of all other subjects to
he planned to induce a deep sis no . e reac n
was as had been expected. excused hereself to make a
telephone call (defense me . upon her return a very positive
approach was adopted by the operator whereupon a deeper, much deeper
state of hypnosis was obtained. Immediately a posthypnotic was induced
explain to that
that when the operatrr r11v 4ropped a steel ball in his hand
�h floor accidently would again go into hypnosis.
then advise that s e mus conclude her work for the eveninj.
arose to adjust her hair before the mirror. The bgll was� dropped
and she promptly slued back into the r1iir M hack., into hypnosis.
It is the opinion of the operator that properly
trained(positive approach) will continue improve.
.The evening's work was concluded at approximately 9:00 PM.