Stolisomancy
Divination from the manner in which a person dresses himself. Augustus believed that a military revolt was predicted on the morning of its occurrence by the fact that his valet had buckled his right sandal to his left foot.
Stomach, Seeing with the: A phenomenon frequently observed by the followers of Mesmer in their somnambules. The subject, in a cataleptic state closely resembling death, would show no signs of intelligence when questions were directed to his ears, but if the questions were addressed to the pit of the stomach, or sometimes to the finger-tips or toes, an answer would be immediately forthcoming.
Several such cases are recorded by Dr. Pététin, of Lyons, who in 1808 published his Electricité Animale, and by other mesmerists. Not only hearing, but seeing, tasting and smelling were performed by the stomach, independent of the sensory organs. Pététin attributes the phenomenon to animal electricity and states that objects placed on the patient's stomach were not seen when they were wrapped in wax or silk-that is, non-conductors. The best way to communicate with a patient in the cataleptic state was for the operator to place his hand on the stomach of the subject, and address his question to the finger-tips of his own free hand. This trance phenomenon, as well as others, may now be referred to suggestion and hyperæsthesia. Strange Story, A: by Bulwer Lytton. (See Fiction, Occult English.)