MO THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."] SrR,—In the Spectator of
April 1st you discussed the best methods of inducing sleep, and recalled some of the old- fashioned prescriptions. Personally, I find a good plan is to have some hobby or subject which it is pleasing to think about, and to let the mind rest upon it just after retiring. This has a very soothing effect which tends to induce sleep. But there are, no doubt, mechanical aids available in this scientific era. Your suggestions recall to me a contrivance which I happened to see at the British Medical Association meeting in Edinburgh last year, in the form of a moving bed. Professor Sir Grainger Stewart was President of this great Congress of the medical profession, and the bed had been tested successfully for the cure of insomnia under him at the Royal Infirmary, Edin- burgh. The motion, which was produced by simple automatic action, was most soothing and restful. Since noticing your article, I have been looking over some jottings which I took of my visit to this Congress, and find the inventor of this bed was a Mr. Walker, of Hartwood, West Calder, from whom, no doubt, information may be had. I think it well to bring this before your readers, as sleeplessness is now a very common complaint.—I am, Sir, &c., 62 Buchanan Street, Glasgow, April 28th. T. Ross.
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