I. Introduction Several psychological processes operate concurrently on conscious, preconscious, and unconscious levels to contribute to the development of all hypnoidal phenomenon, including the fully evolved hypnotic state. There is, however, no general agreement as to what constitutes the unique essence of these psychological ingredients either individually or in their grouping, as they play their roles either in the induction of hypnosis or in the manifestations of the fully achieved hypnotic state. It is easier to describe what is unique about the process of induction than about the end-result. 1. During the process of induction, with varying ease and in varying degrees, the subject temporarily abdicates the use of his own native, self-protecting and alerting mechanisms, placing himself and his sense of "security" in the hands of another. 2. Obviously, this granting of a protective role to another derives from infancy and involves complex transference and counter