epilepsy. Some say it is relevant to the likes of Apostle Paul, Sister Teresa and

epilepsy. Some say it is relevant to the likes of Apostle Paul, Sister Teresa and Joan of Arc. One evening in the human neurophysiology laboratory, | was invited by Dr. Heath to join him and several other brain scientists behind a two-way mirror to watch an interview with Donna while electrical current was being put through her recording electrodes. We watched and listened as a psychiatrist interviewed her about her past. The patient was speaking about her childhood. Unseen by the patient, the neurophysiologist, with us behind the mirror, was intermittently pushing the button evoking brain stimulation with very low current applied to the septum. Dr. Heath told me to listen for subtle changes or discontinuities in the flow of the on- going conversation that he said might reflect alterations in her thoughts and feelings. . “The first time we were allowed to take a break from Sunday school for the church service and | got to hear the choir and the pipe organ, | suddenly got a feeling of happiness that | hoped would last forever. My Sunday school teacher told us how much Jesus loved us and that’s what the music made me feel like. For the first time in my life | felt completely safe.” Though the two way mirror | saw the psychiatrist nod silently. “When | learned about the real meaning of Christmas and Easter, it was frightening and beautiful.” Within a few seconds after the neurophysiologist, behind the mirror and unseen by the patient or her interviewing physician, pushed the switch on the stimulus generator, the patient stopped talking. After a little more silence, her interviewer encouraged her to continue, “You were talking about how beautiful the holidays were. Tell me in what ways?” “| don’t want to talk about that anymore.” She blushed and looked very uncomfortable. The neurophysiologist's hand remained on the switch. She continued to speak with her psychiatrist. “| have to ask you a favor and | don’t know why. | hope you don’t get upset. The thought won't leave me alone.” She seemed embarrassed even as her body relaxed against the back of the chair languorously. 19 HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_013519