"The World's Greatest Books — Volume 15 — Science" by Arthur Mee and J. A. Hammerton is an extensive collection of scientific writings that likely dates to the late 19th century. This volume features notable works by prominent figures in science, including Charles Darwin, Georges Cuvier, and William Harvey, among others. The book covers significant topics in various scientific fields, such as biology, natural history, and geology, offering readers insights into the foundational ideas that shaped our understanding of the natural world. The opening portion of this volume focuses on the works of John Milne Bramwell and his exploration of hypnotism, tracing its historical background and key figures in its development. Bramwell introduces early researchers like Franz Anton Mesmer, John Elliotson, and James Braid, discussing their contributions and theories on hypnotism and its applications in medicine. He emphasizes the shift from mesmerism to modern understanding and techniques of hypnosis, examining its psychological and physiological aspects. This section serves as an intriguing introduction to the scientific exploration of the mind and its potential therapeutic benefits, setting the stage for the discussions in subsequent chapters. (This is an automatically generated summary.)