Mesmerism in India and its Practical Application in Surgery and Medicine by Dr James Esdaile is a testimony of the power of mind over matter. The Psychic Research Company of England had rescued this book from oblivion in 1902 because it contains the simplest, clearest and most convincing data on the power of the mind to control agonizing pain. To Dr Esdaile the marvel lay in Mesmerism. The Society felt that in the times to come man shall be able to help himself through mesmerism and be able to control pain and restore health while he is in a normal waking condition. The author experimented it successfully among the natives of Bengal. 

James Esdaile commissioned the duty of editing the case studies presented in this book to his brother David Esdaile, who did so on the basis of long correspondences mailed to him by Dr James from India.