GENTLEMAN OF PHILADELPHIA [EDGAR ALLAN POE] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM BY A GENTLEMAN OF PHILADELPHIA (EDGAR ALLAN POE) WITH AN ESSAY ON POE BY JOSEPH JACKSON PHILADELPHIA 1928 OF THIS REPRINT OF THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL BEEN PRINTED THIS COPY IS NO. —— COPYRIGHT 1928 : BY JOSEPH JACKSON PRESS OF PATTERSON & WHIT PHILADELPHIA CONTENTS Portrait of Edgar Allan Poe . Frontispiece FOREWORDS PALE I. Poe as a Timely Writer . ; ‘ . 5 II. The Philosophy of Animal Magnetism Identified . . . . . . 14 THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM Facsimile of Original Title . facing page 34 Dedication . . . . . . . 35 Introduction . . . . . 37 Animal Magnetism . . . . . 43 FOREWORD I Epcar ArLuaN Por has been described as pos- sessed of several characteristics as a writer and as a man, but one very obvious side of his char- acter seems to have been overlooked in the label ling process. This side, I have no hesitation in asserting, was the journalistic bent of his mind. He was a timely writer, but, unfortunately for himself, journalism, in the United States, in his time consisted almost entirely of being able to handle party politics in a coarse and undignified manner. Among the things of which Poe was ignorant— probably his pride would not have allowed him to admit it—was politics. Another thing, about which he was no better informed, was the Fine Arts. He was above all else intellectual; he was an analyst of rare quality, and evidently believed himself to be a philosopher and a man of science. To an extent, he was correct in his judgment, for he was a scholar, a poet and a mathematician. But of his journalistic quality, which is only another way of saying his ability to write of timely things, I do not believe there are two [5] FOREWORD opinions. If one were inclined to question this assertion, let him only recall the events which influenced Poe in writing some of his tales and articles, other than those which are distinctly erie of contemporary literary men. While it may not be possible to indicate the influence which prompted each of his tales and romances, since all of them are essentially works of the imagination, there still remain sufficient data upon which to found the idea that he was journalistic in his tendencies. Considerable interest was shown in the scien- tific world, and even in certain newspapers and magazines, in the early thirties in the work of Sir John Herschel, the British Astronomer, who had gone to Cape Town, South Africa, to complete his work of “Sweeping the Heavens.” He had recently (1833) finished his work of a general survey of the northern skies, having checked up his father’s nebular discoveries, and catalogued nebula clusters, in addition to discovering a few thousand double-stars. He was by all accounts the foremost astronomer of his time. His South African expedition was entered upon for the pur- pose of making a survey of the Southern heavens. He landed at the Cape in January, 1834, and remained there for more than four years, and while the full results of his studies and observa- tions were not made known until 1847, his efforts never failed to awaken interest among men of science and scholars. With a mind that ever was alert, and an appe- tite for knowledge that never was fully satisfied, [6] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM Poe was deeply interested in the Herschel expedi- tion. A mathematician himself, Poe, naturally, was acquainted with astronomy. His was a specu- lative mind, and it was furnished with an intellect so analytical that it could instantly see a whole book in a slender suggestion. His journalistic instinct told him there was a potential interest in the heavens, partly awakened by the trip of the eminent astronomer. While the moon was receiving very little attention from Sir John Herschel, it was one of the two heavenly bodies known to all, and always interesting to the mean- est intelligence. Poe, who had just become one of the contribu- tors of the Southern Literary Messenger, inspired by the new interest in astronomy as a spectacle, wrote a tale, “The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Phaal,” and it was printed in the num- ber of the magazine for June, 1835. His hero was supposed to have reached the moon by means of a balloon, thus anticipating Jules Verne’s hero by some thirty years. Poe and astronomy in this his first experiment in the region of the wonderful, but, as a hoax, it must have failed completely. It was read with interest, but its extravagances deceived none of its read- ers. Three weeks after it was published Richard Adams Locke, editor of the New York Sun, began publishing in that newspaper his “Moon Hoax,” which, by sticking close to the alleged movements of Sir John Herschel, reported that astronomer, by means of a great telescope constructed by the [71] FOREWORD Earl of Rosse, had been able to make discoveries of moving objects upon the moon. As a matter of fact, Locke’s story actually deceived thousands. Poe’s tale only interested its readers, who prob- ably were astounded by his show of learning. Soon after the Tale appeared, Poe became editor of the Southern Literary Messenger, but left in January, 1837, and his career during this year, excepting for eight or nine months he is known to have resided in New York City, is all but a blank to his biographers. There is reason to believe that for a part of that year he was either a resident or visitor to Philadelphia. Philadelphia at that time was the home of the great magazines of the country—7he Casket, and Godey’s Ladies’ Book as well as the literary weekly, The Saturday Evening Post, and some others. It was the centre of the magazine indus- try. Poe recognized it as the city where he might find a congenial position as editor or contributor. Certainly, the work now reprinted, “The Philoso- phy of Animal Magnetism,” was published there in 1837, and Poe must have at least visited Phila- delphia that year. As we are here principally concerned with his little book on Animal Magnetism, the subject will be discussed in fuller detail later. In this place it will only be necessary to point out its timeli- ness in the fall of 1837, when the little volume issued forth from the press of a Philadelphia printer. In the year 1836 the final report of the French Royal Commission to examine into the value of [81] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM the claims of Mesmerism, which had been sub- mitted five years before, and in which it con- firmed some of the claims of therapeutic value made for mesmerism, was partly published. The subject was receiving a great deal of attention in Europe, and naturally excited some interest in the United States. In the summer of 1837, the work of Deleuze, one of the French practitioners of the method, was translated and parts of it sub- mitted to certain physicians and scientists in sev- eral American cities for their examination. It is probable that some of these parts were seen by Poe, but certainly, through paragraphs which appeared in some of the newspapers, he knew of the publication, and, of course, was fully alive to the wide interest which was being taken in the subject. With the journalistic instinct and with the feel- ing that he could clear up the mystery, for he had given some attention to the subject, “The Philosophy of Animal Magnetism” was the result. of Arthur Gordon Pym, of Nantucket,” did not appear as a book, nor in its entirety, until the year 1838, parts of it made its appearance in print in the pages of The Southern Literary Mes- senger for January and February, 1837. Here, again, we find Poe receiving his idea and his influ- ence from current events. In the year 1836 con- siderable interest was being taken by the public in a contemplated South Sea Expedition by J. N. Reynolds, who is said to have been a friend of Poe. In those days the South Sea and the Ant- [91 FOREWORD arctic regions were the most mysterious parts of the globe. There had been travelers’ tales that were amazing to the readers who dwelt in a very slow-going, work-a-day world. It was a section of the earth that had about it the glamour of romance, and the fancy of Fairyland. One could let his imagination have full rein in picturing it. Poe’s imagination was fired with the idea, for had he not written for The Messenger a critical review of the “Report of the Committee on Naval Affairs to whom were referred memorials from Sundry Citizens of Connecticut interested in the whale- fishery, praying that an exploring expedition be fitted out to the Pacific Ocean and South Seas, March 21, 1836”? This report, and Captain Benjamin Morrell’s “Narrative of Four Voyages to the South Seas and Pacific, 1822-1831,” and Lynch’s “South Sea Expedition” had furnished him with the founda- tion, while DeFoe’s “Robinson Crusoe” gave him the style; but, the whole wonderful “Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym” was Poe’s. It was another piece of timely, or journalistic writing, and when an edition of the book appeared in London, it was mistaken for fact, instead of fiction. In the “Foreword” I wrote for the reprint of “English Notes, by Quarles Quickens,” I reviewed the events which drew it forth from Poe’s pen. Here the author of “The Raven,” seized oppor- tunity because the country was reading and con- demning Dickens’ “American Notes,” in 1842, to furnish an answer to it in the form of satire, [10] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM parody and invective. Like several of his other works, this was published without his name as author. During the decade between 1835 and 1845 sev- eral ‘subjects which were not new to the nine- teenth century were receiving more than an ordinary share of attention on the part of per- sons possessed of intellectual curiosity. This curiosity was kept alive from a sense that Science was on the threshold of great discoveries in one or another of these problems. As a matter of fact, Science is always on the threshold; even now it entertains hope of clearing up thousands of scientific mysteries. However, during the period indicated, the Americans who were of a progressive turn of mind were awaiting develop- ments in astronomy, mesmerism and aerial navi- gation. In England, Charles Green, financed by Robert Holland, and aided by Monck Mason, had con- structed a mammoth balloon—at least it was so regarded in 1836. The great aerostat was exhibit- ed at Vauxhall gardens in London, and finally made a historic voyage to Germany. The balloon was named the Nassau, and it was in the duchy of the same name that the daring voyagers land- ed, after an eighteen hour voyage through the air from London. In this country there was one aeronaut who was frequently in the public eye— John Wise, of Philadelphia. He made occasional air voyages, and one of his ascensions was made within a few blocks of Poe’s home in that city. It is just possible that Poe had met the aeronaut, [11] FOREWORD but we may believe he saw the ascension. Poe was a student of many subjects, but never neglected to inform himself about those that were receiving popular attention, especially if they had a scien- tific side. Consequently, when in 1844 he went to New York to make his home, one of the first articles he offered a publisher was his now celebrated “Balloon Hoax.” It is evident he had not for- gotten the great excitement caused a few years before by Locke’s “Moon Hoax,” and believed he could not better introduce himself than by a tale vastly more exciting, and equally plausible and deceptive. But what evidently must have inspired Poe at this time was the attempt of Gruere Hen- son, an English inventor of hosiery machinery, to navigate the air with a dirigible balloon, actuated by a kind of Archimedian screw. The Albion, a weekly paper published in New York, printed a large illustration of the vessel and gave a detailed description of it in 1842. It was, therefore, fresh in Poe’s memory, and consequently Poe, in his hoax, brought across the Atlantic what he called Monck Mason’s “flying machine,” the “Steering Balloon, Victoria.” It was a far better hoax and one more readily accepted in good faith than the other, “The Moon Hoax.” Poe’s tale was printed with large headlines and given as a matter of fact in the New York Sun, appropriately on April 1st, 1844. It created a sensation, which in its author’s words “was something beyond even the prodigious.” ‘This was journalism 1 with the most [121 THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM Carriage,” together with the inventor’s descrip- tion of his machine. As a matter of fact, Henson’s machine never was constructed, although it is formance. Therefore, the public was prepared to swallow the hoax, although the author, in his tale made Mason the inventor, and Henson merely one of the passengers in the wonderful machine. [131] FOREWORD II. The Philosophy of Animal Magnetism Identified IN prESENTING this little book with the name of Edgar Allan Poe attached to it as author, some explanation is to be expected. It has not ap- peared in any of the numerous editions of Poe; and none of the poet’s biographers up to this time, or any of his critics has evidently even heard its name. Yet it is the work of the same hand that wrote “Eureka,” and of the critic who reviewed Stephen’s book, “Arabia Petraea.” A bald assertion, of course, is insufficient as testimony as well as an unscientific method of identifying an anonymous literary work. One would like to know—and has a perfect right to the knowledge—several things about such a pro- duction before he is willing to lend a sympathetic ear. This is especially true where the circum- stantial evidence, including internal evidence, must be depended upon to determine such author- ship. Let us just list the headings of the inquiry: a. What was the past history of the book? b. Who could have written the book? c. What does the internal evidence show? d. What other, or external circumstances, point to the author as Poe? The first two of these inquiries need not detain us long. Had I not been known to have solved a number of literary mysteries, “The Philosophy of Animal [14] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM Magnetism” might never have been brought to my attention. As it was, I had identified “Eng- lish Notes,” by “Quarles Quickens,” as an auda- cious answer by Poe to Dickens’ “American Notes,” and the publicity given that discovery set a good many booksellers delving for copies. One Philadelphia bookseller, who had not been fortunate enough to mor copy—which was not remarkable, for there are evidently but five now known after fifteen years’ search, and one of them in a public library—did run across an anonymous little book, which seemed to him to have a Poesque touch, although he could not ex- actly explain why he was thus impressed. He had no knowledge of the copy which came into his possession, but when I was looking over his stock, he handed it to me with the remark: “This looks as if it was written by Poe.” I glanced at it, but could not discern a great deal in that glance to convince me of the correct ness of his surmise. However, as the price was modest, I came away with the specimen for exam- ination. I confess that I entertained no enthusi- asm, after a hurried survey. The volume was placed with my Poe collection, however, and remained there for some years, until, while in another book store I found a copy of “Instruc- tions in Animal Magnetism,” by Deleuze, trans- lated by Thomas C. Hartshorn. This volume, also, was purchased with the thought that it might contain a clue to the book already in my Poe collection. It was, at first sight, a long chance, for this translation of Deleuze bore [15] FOREWORD the date 1846, while “The Philosophy of Animal Magnetism” was dated 1837, and a rapid com- parison of the two books showed immediately that the same hand was not responsible for both volumes. There is also an edition of Hartshorn’s translation of Deleuze dated 1843. A more careful survey of the translation of Deleuze’s book brought out several significant facts. First, and most interesting of which was that the translation had originally appeared in the year 1837. Almost if not quite half of the volume is composed of an appendix, and from this it was learned that the book had been issued in three separate parts in the summer of the year mentioned. They had been issued, according to the translator, with a view to sending them to physicians, scientists and the medical and daily journals for reviews and for the purpose of ob- taining new data. Also the preface to the 1846 edition contained this very significant sentence: “As no great pains were taken to circulate the first edition of this work, several small, cheap and ill-digested books have been published in dif- ferent places, containing instructions chiefly de- rived from Deleuze, without acknowledgment ; and mingled with precepts either doubtful or abso- lutely injurious in their tendency.” There can be no doubt that “The Philosophy of Animal Magnetism,” published in Philadelphia in 1837, was one of the offending volumes, and there should be no doubt that Poe had seen some of the parts circulated as the first edition. In this place it also should be noted that in [16] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM 1836 there ‘appeared in London a work in two volumes, entitled “Isis Revelata,” by J. C. Colqu- houn. The sub-title reads: “An enquiry with the Origin, Progress and Present State of Animal Magnetism.” An extensive paper on the subject of Animal Magnetism, by Dr. Benjamin Haskell, appeared in the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal of October 25, 1837. There were other works on the subject issued about this time both in Europe and America, and Animal Magnetism was receiving the attention of a novelty that made it a topic of fashionable conversation. Here, then, was the provocation for the little book, “The Philosophy of Animal Magnetism,” a demand for information. oo As it is known so many persons were writing that perhaps another than Poe was the author of this brochure. Denial of this statement is to be found by even a casual comparison of any or all of these writ- ings with “The Philosophy of Animal Magnet- ism.” The style of the latter is that of a highly imaginative, gifted literary man and has that nervous, penetrating intensity in its style not to be found in the work of any contemporary of Poe. By this process of elimination, every other writer of the period is rejected as the author. The process of elimination is a recognized method in the detection of crime, and by this means the search dwindles to one, and that one is Edgar Allan Poe. He alone seems able to have written it. But did he write it? [17] FOREWORD In the case of a crime, a detective or investi- gator, having reached this stage of his investiga- tion, would naturally gravitate to the next stage. With a crime, this would be a search for previous similar offense by the suspect. With us, the search is along exactly parallel lines. In order to fasten the book upon Poe, we should be able to show that he has at least done something similar, either before or since “The Philosophy of Animal Magnetism” was published. While there are many indications of similar writing to be found in the works of Poe, for our purpose only a few need be selected for inspec- tion, and they may be taken up in their chrono- logical order. First, there is his review of J. L. Stephens’s book, “Arabia Petraea,” which appeared in the New York Review, in October, 1837; “Mesmeric Revelation,” a tale which appeared in the Colum- bian Magazine for August, 1844; “The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar,” a tale, published in The American Whig Review, December, 1845; and “Eureka, A Prose Poem,” published by George P. Putnam, New York, 1848. According to this selection, it might be urged that if Poe wrote “The Philosophy of Animal Magnetism,” it must have been his first offense, for all of these instances mentioned of similar work, with the exception of his review of Stephens’s book, appeared after 1837. Yet, as we are engaged, after the fact, in showing him to be the author of “Animal Magnetism,” we may be pardoned for introducing the similar offenses [18] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM in which Poe had, to carry out the same phrase- ology, pleaded guilty, by signing them with his name. The review of ‘“Arabia Petraea,” if read by those unfamiliar with Poe or his writings, might Philosophy of Animal Magnetism.” Examined literally it is true there will not be found any parallel, but if the article is reviewed for style and method of the literary workman, the critic will admit, on these points, a single hand was engaged on both compositions. In both works the writer displays scholarly erudition, or what on the surface will pass for it; and he shows a familiarity with languages, beyond the usual high school acquaintance or the accomplishment of a dilettante. The writer of each was a thinker of some depth, and it is unusual to find much depth of thought in the average book review. There is the same feverish intensity in both, yet in the review there is a greater tranquillity in the pres- entation. This is natural, for in “Animal Mag- netism” the writer was propounding a theory as well as composing a treatise; he was the instructor explaining and hammering home the truths he wanted to convey. But it is evident, upon a care- ful analysis of the styles, that the same hand held the pen in both productions. On the whole, this example would not be signifi- cant were it not for the fact it was produced about the same time that “The Philosophy of Ani- mal Magnetism” was written, and displays the trend of the mind that wrote both. [19] FOREWORD Of the two tales, “Mesmeric Revelation” and “The Facts in the Case of Mr. Valdemar,” the subject matter, naturally, reveals the fact that their author had made studies in mesmerism. Here, unlike the example just cited, the style and method do not find a parallel in “The Philosophy of Animal Magnetism.” There is nothing remark- able about this, since the writer of a tale of necessity must compose his work upon very dif- ferent forms from those found effective in a book of instruction, or philosophical treatise. These examples, then, may be introduced in the inquiry to show that “The Philosophy of Animal Magnetism” was not the only adventure into that mysterious realm of metaphysics by its author. Taking up “Eureka, A Prose Poem,” we find a closer return to the style of “The Philosophy of Animal Magnetism,” although in the beginning of that work the author especially includes “Mag- netism” and “Mesmerism” among “Some other equally delicious ism, of the same species, and invariably patronized by one and the same species of people,” Poe was referring here to the ~ Newtonian Gravity, and was calling “attention to the fact that while all men have admitted some principle as existing behind the law of Gravity, no attempt has yet been made to point out what this principle in particular is,—if we except, per- haps, the occasional fantastic efforts at referring it” to the isms already mentioned. There are numerous points of agreement so far as authorship is concerned, between “Eureka” and “The Philosophy of Animal Magnetism.” [201 : THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM These are not so much in substance as in manner, and, it might be added, in the display of nervous tension on the part of the expounder. In “Eureka,” Poe is, to quote his own words, en- deavoring to solve the general proposition: “In the Original Unity of the First Thing lies the Secondary Cause of All Things, with the Germ of their Inevitable Annihilation.” It is evident from an addenda Poe wrote upon “Eureka” that he was satisfied he had revealed the secret of Eternity. In his metaphysical writings, in which category “The Philosophy of Animal Magnetism” may be placed, Poe always appears filled with confidence in his views. He really believes himself to be a philosopher and a scientist, but, as Professor George E. Woodberry points out in his “Life of Edgar Allan Poe,” “he had not advanced farther in Science than the elements of physics, mathe- matics, and astronomy, as he had learned them at school, or from popular works, such as Dr. Nichol’s ‘Architecture of the Heavens,’ or from generalizations, such as the less technical chap- ters of Auguste Comte’s ‘La Philosophie Positif.’ ”’ Professor Woodberry asserts that “The earliest indication that such topics (metaphysical essays) occupied his mind occurs in the review of Macau- lay’s ‘Essays.’ ” As this review appeared in Gra- ham’s Magazine in June 1841, it was four years after Poe had published “The Philosophy of Ani- mal Magnetism.” “The Philosophy of Animal Magnetism,” and “Eureka” are adventures in Poe’s favorite field [211] FOREWORD of speculative science. No one familiar only with the tales of Poe need be told that he was as much fascinated with the pseudo-science he worked into them, as were his readers. He delighted in all that was new in scientific subjects. He revelled in foreign scientific journals or books, and evi- dently always aimed to be better informed than the average man. In this sense, he resembled Balzac, and like the French novelist, when scientific fact failed him he invented something to pass for it. This is, of course, the privilege of the imaginative writer, and, in a measure, is the reason they are able to fascinate and hold the attention of their readers. We are still concerned with internal evidence of Poe’s authorship in “The Philosophy of Animal Magnetism.” Thus far we have been dealing with appearances rather than facts. First, we have the title page to study, and it reveals several facts that point to Poe, but do not indicate any other. The mere name, “The Phi- losophy of ——”” which in itself might not be at all significant, is worth remembering in view of Philosophy of Composition” and another, “The Philosophy of Furniture.” Then, in the sub-title we find the term, “The Effects and the Rationale” (of Animal Magnet- ism). Here it is worth recalling that one of Poe’s critical papers was entitled “The Rationale of Verse.” Now, the use of the words “The Philosophy of” and “The Rationale of” were not to be met with [22] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM at that time in the titles of any work by an American writer, however much they may have been used in Europe. As a matter of fact, they are French in their origin, and Poe, an excellent French scholar, derived a great deal of his knowledge from French publications. Still keeping our study to the title page of “The Philosophy of Animal Magnetism” we find the author hiding his identity under the pseudonym, “A Gentleman of Philadelphia.” It was, of course, no new thing at that time for books to appear without their author’s name or with some pen name, but it was unusual for a work to appear merely as from the pen of “A Gentleman of Philadelphia.” In this connection we find Poe’s first book, “Tamerlane and Other Poems,” printed in Boston in 1827, was described on the title as being “By a Bostonian.” In 1821 there was published in Baltimore a volume edited by Elizabeth Chase, entitled “Mis- cellaneous Selections and Original Pieces in Prose and Verse.” Among the pieces included in the volume was a “Monody on the Death of General Joseph Stertt, By a Very Young Gentleman of Baltimore.” This piece was signed “Edgar,” and there were in the volume twenty other poems by the same hand. It has been assumed, and we believe correctly, that these are by Poe, although Mr. J. H. Whitty, who has edited “The Complete Poems of Edgar Allan Poe,” suggests that they were by “an early Baltimore literary character whose last name was Edgar,” but we must insist that it is incon- [23] FOREWORD ceivable that any literary character who wanted to disguise his identity under a description such as “A Very Young Gentleman of Baltimore,” would deliberately throw off the disguise at the bottom of the poem by signing his family name. In fact, it does not seem reasonable, and it seems very like Poe to describe himself in the manner quoted. oo Here, then, we find Poe first coming forwar as “A Very Young Gentleman of Baltimore,” which was correct, for he belonged to a Baltimore family, and at the time was residing there; a few years later he makes his appearance as “A Bos- tonian,” which also was correct, for he was born in Boston; and ten years afterward he visits Philadelphia, and issues a book by “A Gentleman of Philadelphia.” The following year his “Narra- tive of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket” ap- peared anonymously. This playful eccentric method of publishing appeared to be a mania with him. The next lines which meet our eyes on the title page of “The Philosophy of Animal Magnetism,” are a line in Greek, attributed to Epicharmus, the so-called father of Hellenic Comedy, and of whose works only fragments remain; and below it a quotation from Allison’s “Europe.” While it is not extraordinary to find quotations on title pages, it is particularly in character for Poe to have quoted from the Greek an author very little known beyond his name to the average reader. It will be recalled that upon the title of Poe’s first book, “Tamerlane,” there was a quotation [24] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM of two lines from Cowper; and on the title of his third volume of “Poems,” published in New York in 1831, there is a line, in French, from Roche- foucault, while many of his Tales were published with quotations from various languages, includ- ing several in Greek, at their head. Even in his quotations Poe displayed originality, seldom using any that had become commonplace by similar use. While at the University of Virginia Poe entered the Schools of Ancient and Modern Languages and attended the lectures on Latin, Greek, ‘French, Spanish, and Italian. He is said to have distinguished himself in the examinations in Latin and French, and certainly German was not an unknown language to him, since he quotes from German authors in several of his tales, placing the quotations, like a text under the title. Strong as are the indications of Poe’s author- ship on the title page of “The Philosophy of Ani- mal Magnetism,” the internal evidence does not stop there. The dedication is another example of his weird sense of humor. The use of the word “Literati” here is another Poesque touch. In the work proper, the constant use of italics and small capitals, is a mannerism that was char- acteristic of Poe almost to the end of his days. It is true that his publishers in later years dis- pensed with the use of small capitals, but the printers of “Animal Magnetism,” Merrihew and Gunn, Philadelphia, were a new firm, and did not remain long in business. They evidently followed the author’s copy literally. In the beginning of the textbook, as he terms it, [25] FOREWORD the author comments upon the standing of Animal Magnetism at that time, saying that it was begin- ning to “awaken the attention of the literati in England as well as in this country.” A few lines below he says: “In the United States, espe- ‘cially, it would have been somewhat hazardous for any man of literary pretensions to couple it with his name, except in the way of sneer and invective.” Here we have the reason Poe declined to place his name on the title page. He had literary pre- tensions, and evidently was an advocate of Animal Magnetism. On page 22 (of the original), the author ex- plains: “In my observations generally, I shall make free with several authorities which it is not in my power to quote, even when I use lan- guage not my own, owing to the manner in which they were collected.” This seems to point to the use of some of The Hartshorn translation of Deleuze, but it would be difficult to indicate any direct plagiarism. Among the authorities the author notes were Colquhoun, Andral, Virey, Beclard and The French Reports upon “Magnitisme Animale.” In- deed, the reader will find in the body of the book quite an array of authorities quoted, and occa- sionally with references to the page of the original where they may be found. On page 39 there is a footnote that also sug- gests Poe: “Every child, of a kind and docile spirit, knows the effect produced on his mind during his moth- [26] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM er’s manipulations in dressing his head. The author well remembers, when a boy, that while his mother, or nurse, used to comb his head, he was accustomed to fall into a sleep, and while in that state his pleasure was so excessive, that he still solicits it from his companion, though his locks are silvered with age, for the delicious en- joyment he feels in the manipulation.” Here we have the fiction writer, the imagina- tive artist intruding in a philosophical treatise, which is a combination unlikely to be found in 1837 excepting in Poe. One needs only read about the “locks silvered with age,” to remember that the pen which wrote the words was held by a youthful hand. Age is not sentimental. In addition to the use of the word “literati” in several parts of the book, the author also uses more than once the expressions “rationale” and “a posteriori,” which were favorites of Poe. In themselves the expressions may not be very significant, but they belong to the tremendous, confident, erudite manner in which the little book is written which is entirely out of keeping with so small a performance, but so characteristic of Poe, who always wrote, especially in his pseudo- scientific tales and articles, like an oracle. No other American writer of his time could carry off so successfully this wonderful display of uni- versal knowledge, consequently none of them at- tempted to do so. The whole book may have been one of Poe's satires on the prevailing serious interest in the subject of Animal Magnetism, but as he was then [27] FOREWORD very young, very impressionable, and filled with enthusiasm and little experienced, it is more likely that he really believed he could write a better text book on the subject than any of those being published. It is true that there is a touch of the joke, or a hoax, and it is true that in 1841 and 1842 he wrote in one of his papers on “Autog- raphy,” in describing Colonel W. L. Stone: “We place him among our literati because he has published certain books. Perhaps the best of these are his ‘Life of Brandt, and ‘Life and Times of Red Jacket.” Of the rest, his story called ‘Ups and Downs,” his defense of Animal Magnetism, and his pamphlets concerning Maria Monk, are scarcely the most absurd.” This might lead to the impression that Poe was not a believer in Animal Magnetism, but by refer- ring to page 76 of “The Philosophy of Animal Magnetism” we find that he did not believe in Col. Stone: “The preceding pages had nearly all passed through the press before the recent works of Col. Stone, C. F. Durant, and The Reports of the French Commissioners, published by Mr. Perkins, of this city, made their appearance; of these, our limits will now admit of no more than a passing notice. Col. Stone has given us an interesting account of facts as they occurred. He makes no pretensions to understand them. Had he made such an attempt, we might have doubted whether he did not make the facts to suit his theory, as we presume Mr. Durant did—that is, if such a [28] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM man as Col. Stone could be doubted at all. What the Colonel relates is in perfect accordance with the published reports of the French philosophers —not the Commissioners—in their detail of clair- voyance and prevision, as they call it. The reason is this, the actors were honest, were not frivolous triflers, were men who examined to understand, and inquired to make known the result of their inquiries, and honest convictions. I recommend, therefore, Colonel Stone’s pamphlet as a work of surpassing interest,—as affording almost the only instance of clairvoyance that I have read of as having happened in America.” From this passage the inference is irrefutable that Poe at the time at least believed in Animal Magnetism, but had no high regard for Colonel Stone, and that four or five years later his atti- tude toward the Colonel remained unchanged. In view of the facts set down here, it seems that it may be concluded as an ascertained fact that Poe was the author of “The Philosophy of Animal Magnetism.” He was sufficiently interested; he was doing hack-work at the time; and the man- ner and use of words found in the book were those employed by Poe in his acknowledged works. As it might be argued that Poe was not known to have been in Philadelphia in 1837, it might be urged that he is known to have left Richmond, Va., in January of that year, and to have resided in New York for about nine months of 1837. As Philadelphia was the chief publishing city of the country then, and as it is extremely probable that [29] FOREWORD Poe passed through it on his way to New York City, it is fair to assume that he did do so. From all indications “The Philosophy of Animal Mag- netism” was published in the Autumn of 1837. In 1838 Poe is said to have done some editorial work for James Pedders on The Farmer's Cab- inet, an agricultural journal published in Phila- delphia, and that Pedders induced him to go to Philadelphia. Beyond the articles Poe contributed to The Southern Literary Messenger in January and Feb- ruary, it will be found by examination of any bibliography of his works that he did very little acknowledged work in the year 1837. It is incon- ceivable that he was idle. He could not afford to be idle even if it were his nature to do nothing, which, of course, was not the case with a genius like the author of “Eureka.” There can be no doubt that he was actively knocking at the doors of publishing houses and magazines in Philadel- phia, and it may be that he sold to the publishers, who are unknown as publishers, the manuscript of “The Philosophy of Animal Magnetism.” Cer- tainly the little volume was issued as the property of Merrihew and Gunn, for it was copyrighted by that firm. It will be noted from the title page that this firm of printers had their shop at 7 Carter's Alley, Philadelphia. The fact that Samuel C. At- kinson, Editor of The Saturday Evening Post, “National Atlas,” and “The Casket,” the latter a monthly magazine to which Poe had contributed “An Enigma” and “Answer to an Enigma,” a few years before, had his office in the same block, [301] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM but on the opposite side of the street, at 36, would suggest that Poe had called on Atkinson and that the latter had referred him to the printers as likely to publish the book. In July, 1838, Poe’s “Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym” was pub- lished in New York, having been completed after the author left Richmond. Even in this year Poe published very little—two tales and an article for The American Museum and his “Reply to His Critics,” in The Southern Literary Messenger, seem to have been all. With these facts, and the internal and external evidences already mentioned, there is no reason- able doubt of Poe’s authorship of the book now reprinted. A bibliographical note, however, re- mains to be given. : So far as the writer can learn, the copy of the book in his possession is the only one known, which, of course, is the reason the reprint was undertaken.* The book is bound in buff boards, and is what was then called a 12mo. volume. It consists of 84 pages as follows: Title; copy-right notice on verso; dedication, “To the Clergy, Physicians, Philosophers, Liter- ati,” etc., page 3; page 4, blank; Introduction, pages 5 to 9 inclusive; page 10 blank; pages 11 to 84 inclusive—text. The front cover bears the title in the same type but with a single rule hav- ing flower design corners enclosing the type. The back cover is blank, and the end papers white, evidently the same paper used for the text. JOSEPH JACKSON. * Since this was written two copies have been discovered in public libraries. [81] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM ? TO THR CLERGY, PHYSICIANS, PHILOSOPHERS, LITERATI, LAWYERS AND MERCHANTS, MANUFACTURERS, MECHANICS, FARMERS AND CITIZENS GENERALLY ; But More EspPecIALLY THE LADIES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Tas WORK ON ANIMAL MAGNETISM, OR ECSTATIC SOMNOLENCY, 18 REsPECTFULLY DEDICATED, BY THE AUTHOR. INTRODUCTION ANIMAL MAGNETISM, owing to recent develop- ments of extraordinary facts, the attestation of which are too well sustained to be refuted, begins powerfully to engage the attention of all classes of society in our country. These facts, spread before the community, without the least pretence on the part of our fellow citizens to understand anything of the cause, have startled and surprised them. They have burst suddenly upon them, like a flood of light pouring its beams into a dungeon, almost before they were prepared to suspect their existence; for, unless to the learned, even its name was hardly known until recently to ordinary readers, and its meaning still fewer pretended to understand. At the apparitional presence of a power so stupendous, our alarm has prevented that calm investigation demanded by phenomena so remote from the ordinary course of events. The effects of these developments were all that the most philosophic pretended to know; the rationale of the science has been arcana into which no one attempted to dive. From their astounding nature they so greatly taxed our [37] INTRODUCTION credulity, aroused our astonishment, and exhibited those who would allow their convictions to guide their judgments respecting it, as targets for the satire and shafts of the malevolent, that no one would allow himself to begin, if he had even suf- ficient perception to discover the true starting point. One party has denounced this phenomenon as a humbug, the other proclaimed it as a miracle; and though both were equally remote from the truth, neither of them possessed, and few of them sought either data or facts, upon which, without divesting themselves of their preconceived no- tions, to erect a superstructure of argumentation that would in any degree appear satisfactory to a thinking mind ; while they tended to distract the public, and divert their attention from the great sciences, but especially in physiology, 1 man loves to build a theory of his own, and when he has completed it, he thinks himself in duty bound to close the door against all further investigation! Now the theories contained in the following pages, are not the crude and undigested imaginings or hasty conclusions of a visionary. They have been formed by the most profound philosophers and physiologists in Europe; men, however, whose of which perhaps never may. They are not mere logical deductions made to prove theories; they are arguments deducted from “facts and experi- ence in explanation of this spiritual principle.” The time has arrived in this country when ani- mal magnetism must be investigated as far as its [38] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM facts and philosophy are concerned. Effects so surprising must have a cause; and a cause so occult, yet producing effects so tremendous, must exercise the rational mind; more especially since it is affirmed that on this subject, mind itself con- stitutes so important a part of the machinery. Nothing but a satisfactory development of this cause will arrest the ardent pursuit of philosoph- ical investigation. When causes shall have been explored and stated, the philosophic mind will next investigate, and see how far they are de- serving our assent. When reason is left to com- bat reason, the result will be moral light. But in a conflict in which prejudice and bigotry—a de- termined unbelief, in despite of the most demon- strable facts and abundant data—is opposed to an enlightened and liberal philosophy, the light will be let into the public mind by jets, but its full glory will be long delayed by the murky haze and refraction which hang dense and high over the horizon to obscure it. The detached and fragmental elements of its philosophy, so far as they have been given, have been entirely unsatisfactory. Our philosophers have been too much engaged in the wonders elicit- ed by the effects, to reason a posteriori about them. It has long been agitated in Europe, but until very recently it has vainly tried to gain a respectable footing amongst us. Now, when a few scientific and intelligent gentlemen have adopted the belief and presented new demonstra- tions in proof of its identity and reputed effects, in every step, more than confirming all that has [391 INTRODUCTION been reported of it from abroad, we allow our- selves to be—I almost said—frightened like chil- dren, and to become bewildered, not knowing how to direct our credence, or upon which side to place our faith. The PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM, contained in the following pages, will settle this important point, and remove the difficulties of distracted minds. It will hencefor- ward be regarded neither as a trick nor a miracle, but will expose the pious charlatanry and jugglery of pseudo-saints, explain innumerable phenomena in which circumstances, until now inexplicable, have transpired, and present the cause—the phi- losophy—the only rationale of far famed Mesmer- ism in its true characteristics before the world. It will afford, as it is here presented, just enough to enable men to think and leave them at it. It will also point out the path by which to attain a correct understanding of it without the neces- sity of any other guide, because it will shed LIGHT upon the mind which the powers of scepticism can never extinguish—it will paralyze scepticism itself, as we have found that its great- est opposers come from that quarter. This work was not originally prepared for pub- lication. The author having been favored by his friends with the perusal of a few works on animal magnetism, was deeply interested and forcibly struck with the contents. During their perusal, which was necessarily rendered hasty, he made notes of such passages as he considered of most importance. His leisure, and the time allowed him for perusal, would not permit him [40] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM to note down either the page or the author in detail. Hence, in giving the language of some authorities in which his recollection did not aid him, he was forced occasionally to use words not his own as if they were. But these notes, made for private use, formed subjects of much reflec- tion; these were also committed to paper. They were accidentally seen by others, than whom few in our country were more competent to form a just estimate of their value—and having been seen, he was compelled to print, that others might see and read also! It was insisted on that these remarks, then in a crude form, were the desid- erate upon animal magnetism so anxiously sought by the public.—They contain ample subjects of reflection for the wise and the foolish—the learn- ed and the illiterate—the infidel and the Chris- tian. They form a TEXT BOOK on animal mag- netism, which contains all that is necessary to fully indoctrinate the reader into the mysteries of the science, and enable the philosopher to trace the cause from the effects, affording at the same time, as before observed, the only true reasons for that which has heretofore been viewed by common consent as having too intimate a con- nexion with the invisible world to touch without trembling! Finally, it places before the reader the system of MANIPULATION and MAGNETIC PASSES, as used in France and Germany, to pro- duce that profound sommnolency, the effects of which, without these expositions to prepare the mind, are so astounding, as to place the most credulous under a severe trial in yielding the [41] INTRODUCTION assent of the mind to their most obvious facts; so that it is hoped, no one will hereafter say with Col. Stone, in his recent pamphlet, “I am not a positive believer in the system, because I know not what to believe,” the subject being clearly ~ before them. [42] ANIMAL MAGNETISM ANIMAL MacNETISM, which has been thor- oughly investigated and discussed on the Conti- nent of Europe for more than half a century, where it has gained many of the most profound men of the present age in the ranks of literature and science to sustain it, on account of the strik- ing facts that attend its demonstrations, now begins to awaken the attention of the literati in England as well as in this country. In the two latter countries, it has been the custom with scientific men to class animal magnetism with astrology, witchcraft, and other like exploded ob- jects of ridicule. In the United States, especially, it would have been somewhat hazardous for any man of literary pretensions to couple it with his name, except in the way of sneer and invective— a method which has been resorted to by sciolists in all ages to cry down what they either have not perceptions to understand, or what their moral principles or their interests may be opposed to. There is a class of men calling themselves scien- tific, who reject and oppose with determined hos- tility, all facts. Their heads are as impenetrable to conviction as an old anvil. They will not stop to inquire—to investigate—not even to hear. [4381] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM They ridicule and scoff as if all philosophy con- sisted in condemning unheard; and they conse- quently sneer down, secundum artem, not only what they are not acquainted with, but also all that they have a disinclination with which to become acquainted. This obstinate and irrational, ~ if not perverse spirit, is the fruitful source of all the ridiculous nostrums and quackeries with which our country is cursed. They act as if there were no further mysteries in store for man in the walks of science, learning, or discovery. They are ready, notwithstanding, to believe the visionary theories of GALL, SPURZHEIM, and others, which, with some probable truths, are a Babel of nonsense, upon which no two philosophers are in all points agreed. Such are some of the inconsist- encies of our modern philosophers. The celebrated FREDERICK ANTHONY MESMER, a German physician, was the first who brought animal magnetism into public notice, and reduced its principles into a science. On first pro- mulgating his doctrines, he was assailed with as bitter a malignity and persecution as if he had been the setter forth of a new religion. He was slandered, circumvented, and vilified—driven from city to city, and at length forced for bread to leave the German dominions. He ultimately made his way to Paris, in France, and kept on his principles, fearlessly challenging investigation, and boldly throwing defiance at his enemies. He performed many striking cures in the face and midst of his persecutors; compelling his enemies, in the language of the Jewish Sanhedrim on a [44] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM certain occasion, to admit that a notable cure had been done which could not be denied. MESMER, soon, however, attracted the attention of distin- guished men, and these, on investigating and wit- nessing the facts of the science, became converts to, and spiritedly sustained his doctrines. Animal magnetism, until now, seems to have been chiefly understood in its results and effects, and many things connected with it have been entirely above our philosophy. In consequence of this, it came in conflict with the pride of learning, because it did not open a sufficiently wide field for specula- tion. The literati could not revel in conjecture, and perhaps one of the reasons why it has not been acceptable to many is, that it has to do with a science which PROVES THE EXISTENCE OF A SOUL IN MAN; being the connecting link be- tween physiology and psycology, the former con- fining its labors to the physical machines, and the latter considering man as a compound of body and spirit. Investigations, however, prove animal magnetism to have a more especial connexion with psycology, than with any other doctrine or science. Soon after MESMER established himself in the French capital, and promulgated his new doc- trines, the French Academicians appointed a com- mittee to examine, and report on the facts and circumstances connected with this science. This was about the year 1784. The Report was made public in due time; but the investigations were extremely partial, because the committee was prejudiced against it. Many important admis- [45] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM sions were, however, made in its favor. After the lapse of a quarter of a century, when MES- MER had gained to his doctrine many of the greatest men of France, and when public opinion began to set in his favor, a new committee was appointed by the Academy of Sciences, at Paris, again to inquire into, and report upon the sub- ject. The reporter was, as the other, strongly prejudiced against MESMER and his doctrine; but being a man of honor and of science, and his literary reputation being at stake, he determined to act impartially. In consequence, this report was nearly the reverse of the previous one. The reporter entered fully into the subject, and from this time animal magnetism was placed before the French nation as a science possessing great interest, and fully deserving the credence and investigation of the learned public. This gave the study of Mesmerism a new impulse, and the cur- rent of public opinion began rapidly to set in his favor. It was from this period considered by the literati as a necessary adjunct to physiology. It presented new ideas to the mind of the student, and threw light upon many physiological subjects before involved in darkness. It also formed a new crisis in psycological investigations, present- ing startling views to the philosophical inquirer; but while the vindictive opposition of the hier- archy was stifled by the above report, the doc- trine, on the other side, afforded demonstration not to be resisted, that man contained a SOUL, and therefore the infidel notion was refused, that death was an eternal sleep! It presented the best [461] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM support of revelation on the one side, and pros- trated the Dagon of pretended miracles on the other, by accounting in a natural way, for many of the extraordinary events which emanated from the monkeries, of the marvellous intervention of invoked saints, in the cure of maladies and in the exorcism of evil spirits, all of which were dissi- pated, like smoke, on the announcement of these doctrines. The works that issued from the press, immedi- ately after the above report in favor of Animal Magnetism, were numerous, and from the ablest pens in the nation. If it had not been that igno- rant persons constituted themselves the judges of subjects, of which they had no knowledge, thereby assuming the quack while they denounced quack- ery, and were thus able, before the unthinking to produce some influence to agitate public opinion, Mesmerism would ere this not only have been well understood, but also embraced by the whole of the civilized world. It is a science of FACTS and EXPERIMENTS. The RATIONALE of its phenomena, like all sciences in their infancy, may sometimes be questioned, because the assigned arguments are new, and often startling; but they are founded upon data as easily sustained as are any sciences which claim our attention. Its de- velopments unfold many of the mysteries that surround the Pythonic and Sybiline Oracles of the heathen temple; many of the degrading super- stitions that were monopolised by the theurgical priesthood, and palmed upon the ignorant as the attestations of heaven in favor of their impious [47] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM pretensions. This science will now be viewed in a newer and better light than heretofore, when it is understood, that in all periods of time, in all nations, countries, and neighborhoods, men have been found possessing the power, by a TOUCH, to work a certain species of cures upon the human system! This is known to every man of intelli- gence in the country. The fouch-and-heal doctors are now, as they ever have been, the wonder of the illiterate, and the stumbling-block of the learned.* *NotE—A few years ago one of these rustic doctors was called for by a very respectable regular physician in this vicinity to try his powers upon a case of severe cephalea. The patient was in great distress, and my friend had the touch-doctor, who had considerable celebrity in the neigh- borhood, brought in, that he might be personally observ- ant of what took place. The fouch-doctor was reluctant to try his powers in the presence of the physician, and the latter was an utter disbeliever of the tales reported of this, as he supposed, impostor. After a few minutes conversation, he found the fouch-doctor a very ignorant, unpretending, but pious man. He insisted on his trying the effect of his touch upon the patient; the other at length consented; and after a few remarks in which he requested the patient not to look at him, but to God, for a cure, he applied the ends of his fingers to the patient's head, and asked her whether she felt any relief? The answer was, that the head-ache was gone! “I know that,” he replied, “for I feel it here, (pointing to the side of his head,) as severely as you felt it before I placed my hand upon the part of your head affected!” My friend was astonished. He asked whether such was the usual re- sult? His answer was in the affirmative, but it was also remarked that its continuance was always of short dura- tion. This fact is authentic. [481 THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM Now, is it any wonder that such a system should remain a secret to the crafty theologasters of the church; or that they should not collect, where ever found, those whom nature vested with such extraordinary powers, and use them for the bene- in what way the world has been gulled by miracle- mongers, and what are the occult principle and practice through which most of the veritable saints in the calendar have been manufactured. We have amongst us individuals possessing extraordi- nary magnetic powers, and who are capable of creating surprise from the singular effects of magnetism evolved from their fingers; but, who are themselves incredulous as to animal magnetism! Their incredulity, however, does not arise from the want of evidence, for of this they have abundance, but from the current of fashionable opposi- tion. Indeed, some there are, who possess an extensive ed- ucation, and claiming to possess high intellectual powers, who disclaim all science, and avoid all investigations which bring them into contact with any species of psycho- logical study. To name the word soul, in seriousness, would alarm them. They will become acquainted with nothing which claims any connexion with the world of spirits. A lady, well known to us, and who stands among the most respectable in our society, possesses the magnetic power in a very high degree. We have known her, on many occasions, in trials for amusement, to require a per- son to press his open hand upon a table—its palm down- ward; she would then tell him, that she would, by a few passes, compel the hand to rise from the table and follow hers; and no muscular effort or determination on his part could prevent such a result! Her passes were made with the fingers over the back of the hand—the movement in one direction, and peculiar. [491] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM In fact, says an able writer, “animal magnetism is a natural cause which explains all the effect, formerly attributed to magic and witchcraft; as electricity explains the thunder; as astronomy explains the appearance of the comets; as a knowledge of the different laws of nature explains all the phenomena which, in times of ignorance, were ascribed to supernatural agents. Animal magnetism may not inaptly be called the PHILOSOPHY OF SUPERSTITION. When the Romish clergy account for the operations of this fluid as performed by a Priest, or saint of their church, they ascribe them to God; when by a Protestant, or a member of any other persua- sion, they pronounce them to be the work of the devil! There is but little doubt that many a poor wretch has been put to cruel torments, in the dark ages, for having, by the order of nature, been unwittingly possessed of this extraordinary power in excess. That thousands are able to put forth this magnetic fluid in the cure of disease, or other- wise, who are entirely ignorant of the cause, ap- pears to be the fact. They only understand the virtues they possess in their effects. They do not know that the influence they exert is magnetic, or that it is under the control of their will, in certain circumstances. The case seems to be thus; they possess an unusual abundance of the magnetic fluid; or else, owing to their peculiar constitu tional temperament they distribute it more read- ily than others. The natural magnetic conductors of their system seem to be differently constituted from those of others; or, which is perhaps more [501 ‘ THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM probable, they have the faculty of CONFINING THEIR WILL TO THE OBJECT OF THEIR ATTENTION WITHOUT DISTRACTION, and at the same time making it act with great power. This latter opinion is rather confirmed by the fact, that men who are called touch-doctors, it is said, are usually distinguished for their steady seriousness and piety, and are seldom character- ized for quickness of perception, or intelligence. It is true, that men can train the mind by close attention to points of study, whether mental or moral; but I speak of those who are not artificially disciplined. Those who spontaneously eliminate the magnetic fluid are usually reputed men of STRONG FAITH! They believe themselves to be such, and they usually inspire a corresponding feeling for the time. But such men, as before re- marked, know little of their own powers, or they would soon be able to produce surprising effects in the curative art; and it will, before long, be demonstrated, that without the influence of the magnetic power in connexion with medicine, in the ordinary process of healing, the person who contends with disease, will more frequently destroy nature, than he will disease when he at- tacks it. ANIMAL MAGNETISM, as before said, is the connecting link between physiology and psycology. It is the phenomenon of the material, as well as of the spiritual, man; because it demonstrates the intimate connexion that subsists between them. Mesmerism and electricity are subject to the same code of criticism, and, in many things, to the [51] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM same laws. Sir HUMPHREY DAVY says: “Facts are independent of fashion, taste, and caprice, and are subject to no code of criticism. They are more useful, perhaps, when they contradict, than when they support received opinion and doctrines; for our theories are only the imperfect approxima- tions to the real knowledge of things.” The science we are now about to introduce, is one of those that must FORCE CONVICTION. It enters into concernments, and developes truths to which man has a natural repugnance; because it brings him into an acquaintance with HIS OWN SPIR- ITUAL NATURE; a study, from the contempla- tion of which we start and fly as anxiously as if we dreaded to know a future fate in the realiza- tion of which we could only anticipate terror and despair! Now, in a detail of facts, and when it is avowed that it is with facts only we have to do, where is there a just reason for incredulity in advance of knowledge, or a bitter opposition where nothing that can harm us is presented to our consideration? The facts and theory of this most extraordinary science, place the whole man before the student in a new light. This, no science ever did before. As soon as the student leaves the study of man, as a physical being, he passes him over into the hands of the Doctors of Divin- ity, leaving to them anything that belongs to OUR MORAL* nature. Yet every respectable physician * It is a singular fact, that the philosophers of France have recently become more free to express themselves, in writing, not only of animal magnetism, but also of almost every subject they touch which bears upon morals, but [52] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM in our country knows, that in the cure of disease, the action of the mind has, perhaps, more than half to do with the removal of the complaint. The chief reason why animal magnetism is a subject of doubt and ridicule, especially in this country, where it has only recently attracted pub- lic attention: is, because the rationale of the science has not been placed along side the facts, before the public. My first object shall be to discuss the acknowledged principles and physio- logical theories upon which the doctrines of ani- mal magnetism are founded. Let these be care- fully weighed and considered; for without this, the science cannot be well understood; but with these introductory remarks, all will be clear and easy of solution. In my observations, generally, I shall make free with several authorities which more especially upon the Christian religion, than most of the would be philosophers of our own protestant country. I do not now speak of the clergy, but of laymen. The recent literature of that country abounds with frequent allusions to religious subjects. LAMARTINE’S Travels in Palestine are of this class. He approaches the subject of Christianity, and speaks out his mind like a man of sense as well as piety, and that, too, in a manner that should put some of our divines to the blush. His work is a good specimen of the spirit, if not of the style, in which a Christian traveller and philosopher should write. There is more poetry in his prose than is often found in such works. When any of our modern—I might say Church- going philosophers, approach a subject requiring psyco- logical inquiries, they become fidgety, curl up their lips, and sneer as if it was a concernment which no one but a clergyman had a right to meddle with. Can any thing in- dicate more truly the narrow mind, and the bigoted spirit? [53] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM it is not in my power to quote, even when I use language not my own, owing to the manner in which they were collected. I refer to COLQU- HOUN’S work in English, and ANDRAL, VIREY, and others in French, together with the French Reports upon Magnitisme Animale, of which I have already taken notice, and to which I shall hereafter refer. . M. VIREY, in his Forces Medicatrices (p. 8), says, “Man is a compound of three kinds of prin- ciples. 1. Of an immaterial, intellectual soul; 2. Of a sensitive faculty, or life; and 3. of Natural elements. In order to act upon the body, the soul makes use of a vital principle, or a nervous fluid, which is capable of impressing motion and sensa- tion upon our organs—Though this principle is MORE SUBTILE .THAN LIGHT, it appears to be a material substance, capable of accumulating, and even of passing from one body to another.” The same author again observes, “Our soul perceives without reasoning, and by a secret action of its faculties, produces harmonious re- lations with other souls; such, for instance, as sounds have amongst each other. We do not ac- quire this instinct by science, although it may be rendered more perfect by study.” (p.172.) “The sensitive element is not of the same nature with thought; IT IS SECRETED IN THE BRAIN; it descends into the nerves;* it exhausts itself and * BECLARD, a French anatomist and physiologist, cut a large nerve adjoining a muscle. Paralysis followed. When he brought the ends of the cut nerves to approach within three lines of each other, the contracted nerve [541] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM i8 renewed. An animal is a fountain of life. It loses some part of it every day, and it extracts a fresh portion from the surrounding bodies. We never live more energetically than when effusing the vital fluid outward.” (p. 317.) The presence, the touch or the words, of a very eminent man, have a very singular influence on inferior minds, and are capable of curing bodily diseases.” (p. 352.) From what has been said, it will appear, that animal magnetism has for its principle a moral action. It is the WILL, which DARTS FORTH THE FLUID, said above to be secreted in the brain. The will gives it motion. It controls its action; it regulates its momentum; it is the mov- ing power in man, as it was the WILL of the Almighty by which the Universe was created. Man did not give himself this power. He derived it from that Being whose WILL alone has inde- pendent power, and from whom alone volition is derived. He that sitteth above gave man the power to will, and the power over the will to exert such transcendent faculties! But no one can have complete command over his volitions without that confidence which is necessary to augment its en- ergies. When, therefore, we speak of exciting the will, or of eliminating a fluid and transferring it to another, let it not be said that we do this inde- pendently of ourselves, any more than we perform seemed to protend with a motion as if attracted towards each other by some imponderable influence which trav- ersed the interval of separation. [551 THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM other acts dependent on our moral or physical nature. It would appear strange, if, in the cre- ation of man, the creative power should not imbue him with a principle of his own nature, by which, of all others, he is more eminently distinguished in our perceptions of his active powers; it would be passing strange, if man should have been cre- ated without faculties which would at least shadow forth that WILL which is the basis of all his moral attributes! We have the power to will —and if this faculty was properly improved, in- structed, managed, and regulated, the human con- dition would soon undergo a change that would spread happiness and peace through the earth, and before long the millenial light will dawn upon our moral world. I am not quite sure that the doctrine we now advocate is not one of the pre- cursors—shall I say pioneers?—to introduce us to, and render us familiar with the glory that is to be revealed in that day.* From all this it is plain that to effect great * It is the only discovery, apart from revelation, which exhibits man to himself in his three-fold character of body, soul and spirit. To those who have even more than “Moses and the Prophets,”—who have the Everlasting Gospel of the Son of God preached to them, but who will not believe, it mercifully comes in the form of demonstra- tion, to prove the reality of spiritual existence, through a medium which, to such men, is less objectionable. God has opened the stores of wisdom and knowledge, that the minds of men, who are indifferent, might be aroused—that men might see themselves, and, through that medium, ap- prehend their Author. In the progress of this work the three-fold character of man will be more fully explained. [561 THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM things, it is necessary to divest the persons upon whom you operate, as much as possible of their materiality; or in other words, add spirit to mat- ter. It is the will existing in man, which is the moving principle of all his actions. Volition does not belong to mere materiality. It belongs to all spiritual beings, and is the more active and power- ful in them, in proportion as they are disengaged from matter. The energy with which it operates, without the assistance of organs, is the essential characteristic of pure spirits. Volition, then, be- longs to matter, mind, and spirit; and as it is the most active faculty of all those with which man has been endowed, so is it fraught with happi- ness or misery according as it is well, or ill directed. Ta The will is a power that sits enthroned above our physical natures. It has full command over them when invested and in full possession of its natural energies and attributes. But the will is as often impotent as is the physical system, be- cause it is not instructed in the exercise of its functions. When it is, the human machine approx- imates most to perfection. But the human brain is the organ upon which the will acts. This organ seems to be a composi- tion that, like the Galvanic fluid, sends forth, at the command of the will, an electrico-magnetic fluid, to traverse the nerves—themselves empty tubes—in order to give vitality and action to the muscular system. The galvanic experiments made on dead men, seem to affect muscular action in this way. That there is a striking analogy be- [571 THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM tween galvanic electricity and nervous influence, is certain. That the one seems to act as a substi- tute for the other, and partially does so, has been demonstrated. That the magnet is affected by the nervous fluid, is certain, the existence of its polar- ity being demonstrated, by the connexion of the magnetic needle, with the nervous influence, ac- cording as it was brought into contact with the opposite fluids. It is admitted by all writers on the human system, that the blood contains a con- siderable quantity of iron. If, then, it contains iron, why should not that iron be capable of feel- ing the magnetic influence—of being even polar- ized ?* By repeated psycometrical experiments, the ex- isting affinity between the nervous fluid of the human body, and the electric and magnetic fluids, * Some weeks after this work was prepared for the Press, I saw the following article in one of our city papers. The same doctrine may be also found in COLQU- HOUN’S work on animal magnetism. “A curious fact, connected with the science of magnet- ism, has recently been noticed by MR. PARTINGTON, a lecturer at the Russian Institute, London; which seems to prove that the human body possesses polarity. The fol- lowing is his account: ‘Whilst making the necessary ar- rangements for this evening's lecture, I witnessed a very singular fact. A lady, who is now in the lecture room, having brought her hand nearly in contact with the mag- netized needle, it was observed that the bar was attracted. Although somewhat surprised at the singularity of the circumstance, I yet ascribed it either to the attraction of gravitation, or else to a disturbance of the electrical equilibrium, and accordingly repeated the experiment. The result was, that an attractive or repulsive force was observed alternately, upon presenting the thumb or finger of the same hand.’” [581 THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM has been pretty well ascertained. In fact, com- mon sense points out even to the casual observer, that a healthy subject can as well be affected by another healthy subject, as a healthy person is by another in a state of disease; or in other words, that there should be a contagion of health, as well as of disease. This fact was known in ancient times. It was the method adopted by the servants of the Israelitish king, in order to transfuse youth- ful vigor into his exhausted system; and whoever consults Friar Bacon’s “secret plaister for the cure of old age,” may be amused, if not instruct- ed. He says: “It heals because it is whole; when it is sick, it makes a man sick; when it is distem- pered, it breeds distempers and changes the body of its own disposition, because of the similitude it has with the body”—for as “the infirmity of man passes into man so does health because of like- ness.” The brain, or cerebrum, is the chief organ upon which the will operates, and as it is indispensable that we frequently refer to this substance, it may be necessary to say a word or two on its nature and use. The brain is a soft viscus, contained within the cranium; it is divided into six lobes, each of which is surrounded by membranes called the dura, and pia-mater, also with another cover- ing similar to a spider’s web and, on that account, called the arachnoid membrane. This membrane is situated between the dura and pia-mater, and has no blood vessels or nerves, and surrounds the several medullary substances composing the brain, and medulla spinalis. The cerebrum has three [69] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM ventricles, and several protuberances, from which originate blood vessels, and nerves. They give off nine pair of nerves to different sections of the head, as to the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, &c. The cerebrum is connected with the medulla oblongata by the crura cerebri and crura cerebelli, two medullary columns; and this again with the medulla spinalis, or spinal marrow. From the spinal marrow proceed thirty pair of nerves, eight cervical, twelve dorsal, five lumbar, and five sacral. My object in this brief description is to give the unlearned reader some idea of the num- ber, distinction, and origin, of the several classes of nerves. The nine pair that proceed from the brain are called the cerebral; the thirty from the spinal marrow, we shall call the spinal, or gangli- onic nerves, because they commence on each side of the spine in large tubercles, or knots, from which the word ganglion has been derived. These nerves possess different qualities and character- istics. Those proceeding from the cerebrum and medulla oblongata are different in their structure from the spinal nerves, the former being harder, whiter, and more oxidized, while the ganglionic nerves are softer, more like jelly, and of a grayish color. The former of these seems to have been appropriated to animal life, the latter to the vege- tative; the one as the seat of the intellect, the other as that of the affections.” * The Christian Scriptures every where confirm this doctrine. They represent the heart as the seat of one class of affections, and the bowels of another. That they are [60] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM Though we have reason to believe that the brain is the seat or centre of the operations of the intellect, we have equally good reason to hold that the ganglionic system—the nerves and plexus of the chest and abdomen—is the primary seat of the passions and affections of the mind. In fact, love, hate, jealousy, joy, sorrow, surprise, ter- ror, &ec., alter the functions, and even the structure of the organs, and any effect produced by these passions and emotions upon the brain appears to be secondary, or sympathetic. The nerves are hollow tubes, and their intention is to convey the nervous fluid from the seat of sensa- tion to the muscular system, to restore it when exhausted. The nerves always arise from a medul- lary substance, which, whether in the head, neck, or spine, we shall call the brain, for it deserves this appellation acting, as it does, in that capacity, and giving out the nervous energy according as the brain and nerves are suited to the intellect or the affections. The nervous fluid, as above observed, is secreted in the brain, and descends into the nerves at the command of the will. The construction of the brain is such as that it can give forth this fluid, and transmit it to the nervous system as it is required; and it ezhales from the nerves when in both the seat of the same affections appears conclusive, but the one in a more intense degree than the other, in some of them. Compassion, sympathy, and pity, it would seem, belong more to the bowels than to the heart, but to the latter in some degree. See Mat. XV.19; I John iii.19; Col. iii.12; Isa. Ixiil.15, etc. [61] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM excess, after the muscles have been vivified by transfusion ;* the cerebrine “medulla, or viscus, is capable of secreting this principle, in the same manner as electric matter is discharged from the Galvanic battery. Neither the fluid itself, nor the brain which secretes it, has any taste or smell, or color, both the cerebrum and nerves being white. ITS MOTION IS LIKE LIGHTNING, for by the direc- tion of the will it passes with the quickness of thought through every part of the human system. As the nerves are the organs of sense and motion, and always arise from a medullary, or brain-like viscus, I shall in these papers regard the several medullary organs, whether in the head, or spine, as Galvanic apparatus subject to the will, and when in a healthy condition, always ready to obey * It will hardly be supposed that the quantity trans- mitted is always in exact proportion to that which is required, any more than that the quantity of rays of light are in proportion to the demands of vegetable life. This no man would suppose who pretends to an acquaintance with natural philosophy, it being a general law that the principle is abundantly diffused but that nature appro- priates of that abundance a supply for the functional operations of progressive organization. The fact is, when the will is impotent the supply for the nerves is deficient, but at other times under excitement, it is in excess. In the latter state a preternatural strength, is for a time, diffused through the system, as we witness in cases of madness, epilepsy, or under the excitement of fever, or anger. Will it, then, be supposed, that a supply in exact measure will be given to meet contingencies which it is not the design of the creative power should ever happen? [621] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM its mandates. The sentient extremities of these nerves are like wires from either pole of the bat- tery, proceeding from and branching out into every part; but as each of those projecting on any one side, has a corresponding one on the other, always making a pair of the same class which perform the same duties, so they proceed in pairs, and bend their course to corresponding muscles, on either side of the system. But the nerves have different functions to perform. It would seem that those of the cerebral nerves receive the im- pulse of the will, upon their sentient extremities; it is probable that at the moment of perception an impingement on the extremity of the nerves by the viscus takes place. The common opinion is, that sensation precedes volition; but I hold the reverse, because I give volition entirely up to the action of the thinking part, or soul; and place the whole machine under its command. It is asserted upon very respectable authority, that the electric matter is different from the nervous fluid: That this fluid is not magnetic; neither oxygen, nor hydrogen, nor azot, but an element sui generis, which exists and is produced in the nerves only, and can be known only by its effects. It is sup- posed by some to be an intermediate substance between the body and the soul, and different from the vital principle. This nervous, or, as I shall call it, vital fluid, is LIGHT. It is the same active, imponderable fluid that is transfused into all nature. But this light in passing through any medium whatever is in some degree changed in its properties, and made [631] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM to partake of the nature of that through which it is diffused. The light of the sun, for instance, is motion, and proceeds, but is not discharged from the sun. On striking the earth, it passes through its pores, enters the solids, the fluids and minerals, and passes into the centre, from which, having become polarized and magnetized, it escapes at the poles in exhalations, and probably returns to the source from whence it came, thus supplying the exhaustless formation of light with its own beams! So when this light vivifies the human subject, it becomes modified in the medullary organs, and is concentrated there for perform- ing the necessary functions of life; just as the solar beams are taken up in vegetation, to give life to the vegetable world, and may be liberated again in the process of combustion; for all the beams of the sun received by the earth, are not needed in vegetable organization, an abundance being supplied, and from that abundance all parts of nature taking a portion for their own use. From what I have said on the abstract condi- tion of man, it may be inferred that he is capable of being analyzed so that his constituent elements may be ascertained. The chemical agent by which this can alone be effected is animal magnetism. The process by which an analysis is effected will soon be understood. It is agreed on all hands, that Animal Magnet- ism, when applied to the human subject, operates chiefly upon the nerves situated in the abdominal region; that is, upon the plexus solaris, or great sympathic nerves, which appear to be the centre [64] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM of the ganglionic system of nervous influence, opposed, as is well known, to that of the brain. So important in the human economy, has the region of this great ganglion been considered, that some of the elder philosophers conceived it to be the seat of the sentient soul. In diseased states of the organ, this ganglion appears in very peculiar relations towards the cerebral system, and it has sometimes, perhaps not unreasonably, been denominated the cerebrum abdominale. Now, it is a singular fact, that in many cases of catalepsy and somnambulism, the usual organs of the senses have been found to be entirely dormant, and the seat of general sensibility trans- ferred from the brain to the region of this gang- lion, or cerebrum abdominale. Does not this cir- cumstance suggest some distinction hitherto not sufficiently investigated, between the intellect and the sensibility—between the cerebral and the ganglionic systems of the nervous energy? The ganglionic system does not spring, as was formerly believed, from the fifth and sixth cere- bral pairs; but only communicates with them as with many others and all the nerves of the spinal cord. It constitutes itself a separate and inde- pendent whole. A series of ganglions lying on both sides of the spinal cord, linked together by means of connecting branches, formed into a cir- cle at a point between the cerebral and spinal action, constitutes the boundary of both systems. Within this boundary the spinal, or, as I prefer terming it, the ganglionic system expands and communicates outward with the brain, by means [65] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM of connecting branches. The ganglionic system, contained within the elliptical boundary, consists of a contexture of apparently irregular plexus of nerves, sometimes more loose, but where the prin- cipal vessels lie, more closely pressed together, and occasionally provided with nervous knots. In this labarinthine contexture, one particular group preponderates in respect to mass, separation, and influence, which, in consequence of its form, has been denominated the plexus solaris. Now, having described these two nervous sys- tems, it is proper to explain in what manner they are affected by the magnetic action. It appears, by repeated experiments, that when the activity of the cerebral system is diminished, that of the ganglionic system is increased. At such times the SKIN IS THE SEAT OF SENSATION! To prove this it is only necessary to let the point of the finger, or of a metallic rod, be passed over the skin of a sleeping person frequently, within an inch of the skin, or so, without producing a cur- rent of air, and the sleeper will become disturbed, rub the part affected, and if the experiment is continued probably awake. But when this subject is treated physiologically, there seems to be this difference between natural and magnetic sleep, that in a state of nature the cerebral organs are in activity; but when under magnetic influence these are suspended, and the ganglionic system is exalted, or in activity; that is, the principal effect of the magnetic treatment upon the brain appears to consist in the tem- porary suspension of the sensibility, and activity [66] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM of the cerebral organs; but the ganglionic system is rendered proportionately active as the other is depressed! Whether this indicates polarization in human system or not, let others judge. It seems, at least, to have some analogy to it. The proofs of animal magnetism seem also to be proofs of the Aurora Borealis. They are, as has been before hinted, exhalations of light from latter from the earth. Light, in passing through man, or through the earth, becomes magnetized, by partaking of the nature of the respective bodies through which it passes. At the moment of receiv- ing magnetic influence it becomes polarized. The nervous circulation is solar light, digested or mod- ified in the brain, and thence distributed through the system, as electricity is circulated from an electrical battery, or galvanic apparatus. It is projected from the head, and exhales at the eaz- tremities, whence it forms an atmosphere, or sphere of active motion similar to the magnetic action. Now, the vital power transferred from one individual to another, does not, as some suppose, reside in the nerves, but in the brain. It is from this point that the transferred power emanates, runs through the nerves, and gives vital energy to all parts of the muscular system. Those who have written upon animal magnet- ism, and they are both very numerous and re- spectable, concur in saying that every healthy individual has the power of communicating the vital fluid. The more healthy and sound the con- stitution, the more capable he is of communicat- [67] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM ing it. The opposite of these conditions produces the contrary effects. This fluid is produced by a very simple process, and even without their aid by the sole act of the will. But the act of the will is not necessary to receive it. It is transmitted the more easily in proportion as the will of the operator is real, strong, and determined. It will perhaps be with difficulty believed, that the com- munication of the fluid is more or less complete, according to the degree in which the will of the operator is more or less developed; but daily ex- perience has enabled us to perceive, that, in order to produce the desired effects, an adept has been obliged to learn to exert his will, as a child is obliged to learn to walk! Whoever examines a French work entitled, “Memoires sur le fluide vital,” will find many curious and interesting re- marks upon the subject, deeply worthy his atten- tion. Indeed, while the reasons of most of these phenomena are unnoticed is, men are not apt to examine very carefully those correspondencies in the human body upon which depends a great part of the plan of the animal machine. I have said above, that in the natural and magnetic somnambulism the operations appear to depend, or to exhibit their effects upon the organs which I have described, but that in the ‘somnolescent state the cerebral organs are ren- dered dormant, and the sensibility is frequently transferred to the epigastrium, that is, the pit of the stomach. REIHL assumed two poles of nerv- ous sensibility in the human organism—the one the pneumatic pole, being seated in the brain; the [681] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM other the somatic pole, in the ganglionic system. If RETHL had been acquainted with animal mag- netism, he would have better known how to have accounted for the peculiar principle which led him to make this distinction—it would at once have directed him to the true cause. If we admit, however, the connexion, or perhaps the antag- onism already pointed out between the intellect and the sensibility—between the cerebral and the nervous or ganglionic systems; and could we con- ceive it possible, either by means of the manipula- tions, &ec., employed in the magnetic treatment, or by way other accidental, or undiscoverable means, to withdraw a considerable portion of the nervous or vital fluid from the cerebral regions and concentrate it at the epigastrium in the plexus solaris, or distribute it throughout the ganglionic system, we should thus be enabled to account, in some degree, for the many extraordinary phenom- ena of animal magnetism, occasioned, it would appear, by the suspension or activity in the cere- bral organs, and the exalted sensibility of the abdominal ganglions. There is little doubt that the ganglions I have described, with their appendages, was designed by PARACELSUS and VON HELMONT, in what they have said respecting the existence and funec- tions of the archaeus, which they describe as a sort of demon, presiding over the stomach, acting constantly by means of the vital spirits, perform- ing the most important offices in the animal econ- omy, producing all the organic changes which take place in the corporeal frame, curing diseases, [69] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM &c. VON HELMONT even held, that, by virtue of the archaeus, man was approximated to the realm of spirits; meaning, I presume, that in cases of catalepsy and somnambulism, the excited sensi- bility of the archaeus (or plexus solaris) pre- dominates over the cerebral energy, supplies its functions with increased activity, and in the ab- sence of the ordinary organic influence, seems to transport us to another world. It is remarkable and well demonstrated fact, that the combination of fluids of one individual with those of another, has the effect of producing sleep.* This combination causes the brain to pass into a sort of ercthismus, which gradually increas- ed by the continuation of magnetic action, de- termines, in the brain of the magnetized person, a considerable disengagement of fluid. It is this excess fluid, whose subtility, traversing the sides of the cranium, irradiates the surrounding ob- jects, and occasions the wonderful phenomena of lucidity. In such cases the brain is enabled to dispense with the instruments of the senses, and * Every child, of a kind and docile spirit, knows the effect produced on his mind during his mother’s manipu- lations in dressing its head. The author well remembers, when a small boy, that while his mother, or nurse, used to comb his head, he was accustomed to fall into a sleep, and while in that state his pleasure was so excessive, that he still solicits it from his companion, though his locks are silvered with age, for the delicious enjoyment he feels in the manipulation. This was an imperfect somnolency, which, had the parties understood, might have resulted in the usual effects, by continuing it in the usual way. [70] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM the individual can see without eyes, and hear with- out ears. In the ordinary state, the organs of the senses are a kind of conductors through which we re- ceive the impressions of external objects; but in somnambulism, the fluid comes immediately into contact with these objects, so that the natural conductors of sensation become useless. We have seen that in somnambulism the sensi- bility of the animal life is entirely abolished. This phenomenon, in our opinion, is susceptible of rigorous explanation. We feel nothing, because the brain, completely absorbed by the activity of this new order of perceptions, entirely abandoned to this ecstatic life, no longer perceives any other impressions. We may form some idea of this in- capability of perceiving in the brain, from what daily takes place when a strong sensation annihi- lates within us a weaker one, and probably where the perceptions are slow, there is a degree of dis- ease in the nervous system, or in the viscus which supplies it with the nervous fluid, the latter being deficient in the necessary energy to secrete the fluid which sets the machine in motion, and invig- orates it. It is elsewhere said, that when effusing this fluid outward, we feel more energy both of mind and body than at other times. If excitement is kept up it will give a greater activity to the series of sensations upon which we act—but if the mind is too much excited without the refresh- ing influence of pleasure, it will sink into exhaus- tion, or become deranged. In this way, when strong unpleasant mental excitement supervenes, [711 THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM and continues without necessary relaxation, mon- omania usually follows. If the mind is balanced by a variety of pleasing emotions, or enlightened by study, monomania seldom occurs, because the mind has occupation on so many points that it is ~ not exhausted on any. It is thus that an individual profoundly pre-occupied with some great idea, or struck with the sight of a very interesting object, sees and hears nothing of what is going on around him. It is thus, too, that in a contest, embittered by wrath, or vengeance, the two adversaries scarcely feel the blows which they mutually in- flict upon one another. Every man, in a healthy state, as I have said, has the faculty of causing the magnetic fluid to radiate from his brain by the sole act of his will. This fluid, however, is not generated in the brain in the same manner as in the Gymnotus Electri- cus, for the Gymnotus has no conductors to dif- fuse the fluid through its own system, and there- fore must give it out; but the human machine has, and hence it retains what is necessary for its own use, and give out at will, but in slight and imper- ceptible degree, what can be spared. Just as the will is disciplined and taught, it has the power to give or withhold this vital fluid. Hence, the indi- vidual who is well instructed has more command over his own energies than the man whose educa- tion is neglected; but the man who possesses natural powers of a high order has this fluid more in obedience to his will than any other, because with him it is an instinctive principle of his nature. [721 THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM It should be borne in mind that the vital fluid and the magnetic fluid, are not exactly the same in form and degree. The latter is a modified form of the former, as the Aurora Borealis is of the beams of light which are received by the earth. These having passed through the minerals, &e., contained in it, and thereby become polarized, pass off at the magnetic, or around the polar regions, in exhalations, and probably return to the source from whence they issued. The vital fluid for instance, passes from the brain with a velocity almost beyond thought. Dr. Roget, in his Bridgewater Treatises, (vol. ii., p. 367,) says: “The velocity with which the nerves, subservient to sensation, transmit the impressions they re- ceive at one extremity, along their whole course, exceeds all measurement, and can be compared only to electricity passing along the conducting wire.” Now, such is not the manner in which the magnetic influence is given out, though the rapid- ity of its motion through the organized system is quite equal to that stated by Dr. Roget. Out- wardly, it diffuses itself from the nervous system by almost insensible transmission, but in greater quantities at the extremities than at any other part of the human system. Let, for instance, as elsewhere observed, a healthy person pass his hand in the most delicate manner over the face of another person asleep,—he need not touch the cuticle, nor even raise a wind, so slow and gentle may be the movement of the extremity of the fingers, in approximation with the sleeper, and immediately he becomes uneasy—he starts—he [781 THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM applies his hand to the face, and rubs it; and, if the movement be continued, he usually starts from his slumber and awakes. The fluid sent forth by the will is given out in greater abundance as the will has power over its own wvolitions, when the fluid is in a neutral or natural state. Now, sup- pose this fluid to be directed by the magnetizer towards the brain of another individual, the con- sequence will be this: if the fluid of the magnetiz- ed person is equally natural, no effect will be pro- duced, because two neutral fluids do not act upon each other; and this is what generally takes place when we attempt to magnetize a person in health. But if the fluids are isolated, as is usually the case in sick persons, each of these two fluids will tend to decompose the neutral fluids of the magnetizer, and to combine with its opposite. After a magnetic sleep the somnambulist recol- lects nothing of what passes while in that state, because everything had taken place without the action of the brain, since we have seen that the fluid goes out in search of other objects. If time and space will allow, I may give other and strong reasons for this singular phenomenon—at present it would be premature. The reason why a magnetizer does not always act effectively, is because his will at the given moment, may be incapable of directing the fluid; because his mind is distracted or indisposed, and his fluid no longer possesses the requisite condi- tions; because he acts upon a healthy person, and their mutual fluids are incapable of acting upon each other; because he operates upon a sick per- [74] THE PEILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM son, whose fluid, at the moment, is in a natural state; finally, because some third party ewverts a contradictory action with or without intention. The magnetized person should have confidence in magnetism, because it is necessary that the brain should be in certain moral conditions in order to produce certain moral effects. Writers upon animal magnetism inform us of this peculiar influence, or vital fluid, that inde- pendently of its sanative efficacy, the usual effects of the magnetic processes are the production of sleep and somnambulism, the latter being ob- viously a more profound lethargic state of the former. The phenomena invariably observed in somnambulism, when the crisis is perfect, are insensibility of the corporeal organs, exaltation of the intellectual faculties, a transferrence of the sensitive powers to other than the usual parts of the nervous system, intuition, prevision, (pre- science) prediction, and the total oblivion, when restored to the natural state, of all that occurred during the continuance of the affection.* * The intellectual faculties are not located in the brain, except when the brain is in its natural state. It follows this fluid, and is rendered more active by it. What we call prevision is not an attribute of man in any state; but it sometimes receives this name, from the ability of the active powers in the somnolescent state to be present at all places upon the surface of this globe, when it wills to be there present. It therefore knows and declares what is relative prevision, because it may require months for others to know it in the ordinary course of events. The future is known only to God, and he to whom he is pleased to reveal such knowledge, in part, to individuals in com- munication with Him for especial purposes, or to any individual in whom His designs are not fulfilled; for we are immortal till our time is come. [751 THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM The Bibliotheque de Magnetisme Animale, a distinguished French periodical, says in sub- stance, that it has often had occasion to remark, that persons affected with mania, or laboring under some mental irregularity, which caused them to be taxed with slight insanity are, in the somnolescent state, generally more clear-sighted (clairvoyant), than others, and that at such times, they exhibit no indication of the defects of the mind with which they are charged. Another writer remarks the same thing in cases where the intellectual faculties were absent, or were manifestly infirm. These phenomena are suffi- ciently explained by the observations of old and experienced physicians. They know that partial insanity, different kinds of mania, symptoms of an habitual aberration of mind, must have most frequently their principal seat in some deeply affected viscus of the epigastrium; and in that case the irregularity of the cerebral function is only sympathetic. Now, somnambulism has the effect of insulating the latter, of rendering them, for the time, independent of their usual relations, of withdrawing the brain from its morbid affec- ‘tions; and it is by such means that this organ instantaneously acquires this freedom—this facil- ity, this great latitude of operation, which it enjoys in this state. Those who are either altogether, or but slightly acquainted with this science, suppose that it chiefly consists in an artificial sleep, by means of some jugglery, performed on the subject, by a person who possesses powers in some degree like [761] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM the Gymmotus Electricus, or touch-doctors already noticed. The manipulations by which the mag- netic sleep is produced is the cause—the sleep, and the extraordinary effects resulting from it, is the part of this interesting subject which de- serves the attention of the philosopher. In sleep, our external senses are in a dormant state. But the cuticular organ, the principal seat of the phys- ical sensibility, is considered more open to ex- ternal impressions and influences, when asleep than when awake. This organ,—the skin,—in sleep, is the door by which we may communicate directly with the internal sense of man, excite his faculties, and even direct his moral sense to the object we propose. Is it not very common to make sleeping persons speak; to make them some- times hold long conversations, and even tell their secrets? Now, the ear being asleep, how can they hear by that organ? They cannot—they hear you by the only organ then active—then, indeed, more than at any other time sensitive. The vibrations of sound, as well as rays of light, are perceived through the skin. Through this medium alone, and by this does he see, and distinguish objects. ROULLIER, a French writer of celebrity, ob- serves, that in magnetism the physical processes compel us, as it were, to admit, even if all som- nambulists had not besides invariably attested its existence. The somnambulists invariably see this fluid WHITE AS LIGHT, and SPRINKLED WITH BRILLIANT SPARKS, when magnetizer operates, with more or less energy, with the points [771 THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM of his fingers; and among these somnambulists, there have been children, persons without any knowledge of physics, and even some who, in their natural state, had no confidence in magnetism. PUYSEGUR says, “the electric machine, set in motion by the handle, which causes the glass plate to revolve between two cushions, is the image of the magnetizer. Let this motion stop, then all communications cease—all the sparks dis- appear—in short, all kinds of electrical manifesta- tions are at an end. In the same manner, the manifestations of animal magnetism cease from the moment that our will, the HANDLE OF OUR THOUGHTS, no longer acts magnetically in the intention of producing them.” When the inward man, the soul, forsakes the in- ward sphere; or when the senses operate, and merely continues the vital functions, the body falls into an entranced state, or a profound sleep, dur- ing which time the soul acts more freely and powerfully, all its faculties being elevated. The more, therefore, the soul is divested of the body, the more extensive, free, and powerful, is its in- “ward sphere of operation. It has, therefore, no ‘need whatever of the body, in order to live and exist; the latter is rather an hindrance to it. The soul in a state of magnetism, has no per- ception whatever of the visible world; but if it be brought into reciprocal connexion with some one who is in his natural state, and acts through the medium of his corporal senses, it becomes con- scious of the visible world through him, and in him is sensible of it. [781 THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM SPACE is merely the operation of the material organs of sense; out of them it has no existence; therefore as soon as the soul forsakes the latter, all proximity and distance cease. Hence, if it stand in reciprocal connexion with a person who is many thousand miles distant from it, it can im- part knowledge by an internal communication, and receive it from such an one, and all this as rapidly as thoughts follow each other. In such cases, the soul, when separated from the body, IS WHEREVER IT THINKS TO BE; for as space is only its mode of thinking, but does not exist except in its ideas, it is always at the place which it represents itself to itself, if it may be there. In the early part of this work I made an allu- sion to reports made by commissioners appointed by the French Academy, on Animal Magnetism. I shall now refer to the latter of those reports, and make extracts from it in the words of the commissioners: “In all the experiments which we made,” says the Report, “we invariably observed that, in the development of phenomena so delicate, the atten- tion of the magnetizer and the magnetized ought not to be distracted by anything foreign. Besides, we did not wish to incur the reproach of having injured distracting causes; and we always took care that the expression of our countenances should neither operate as a constraint upon the magnetized, nor occasion doubt in the mind of the person magnetized. Our position, we are anxious to repeat it, was constantly that of in- quisitive and impartial observers. [791 THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM “The person to be magnetized was placed in a sitting posture, either in a convenient elbow chair, or on a couch—sometimes in a common chair.” [Other writers say the patient should be placed in a semi-recumbent posture, so that the operator can reach from his head to his toes. It is not ‘necessary that the patient be undressed, only so as that no silk covering should intervene.] “The magnetizer, seated on a chair a little more elevated, opposite, and at the distance of about one foot from the patient, seemed to collect him- self for some moments, during which he took the thumbs of the patient between his two fingers, so that the interior parts of the thumbs were in contact with each other. He fixed his eyes upon the patient, and remained in this position until he felt that an equal degree of heat was estab- lished between the thumbs of the magnetizer and magnetized. He then withdrew his hands, turn- ing them outward, placing them on the shoulder, where he allowed them to remain about a minute, and conducted them slowly, by a sort of very slight friction, along the arms to the extremities of the fingers. This operation he performed five or six times, which the magnetizers call a pass. He then placed his hands above the head, held them there a moment, drew them downwards in front of the face, at the distance of one or two inches, to the epigastrium, (pit of the stomach,) resting his fingers upon this part of the body; and he descended slowly along the body to the feet. These passes were repeated during the greater part of the sitting; and when he wished [80] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM to terminate it, he prolonged them beyond the extremities of the hands and feet, shaking his fingers each time. Finally, he made transverse passes before the face and breast, at the distance of from three to four inches, presenting his two hands approximately to each other, and separat- ing them abruptly. “At other times he approximated the fingers of each hand, and presenting them at the distance of three or four inches from the head to the stomach, leaving them in this position during one or two minutes; then withdrawing them and ap- proximating them alternately with more or less rapidity, he imitated the very natural movement which is performed when we wish to shake off a liquid which has moistened the extremity of our fingers. These different modes of operation have been adopted in all our experiments, without any preference of the one to the other. Frequently we employed only one, sometimes two, and in the choice we made, we were guided by the idea that one method would produce an effect more readily and more conspicuously than the other.” To this account of the method of producing magnetic somnambulism, the commissioners add, in conclusion, (for the report is too long for our purpose) the following brief summary of reflec- tions: 1. “The contact of the thumbs, or of the hands; frictions, or certain gestures which are made at a small distance from the body, and are called passes, are the means employed to place ourselves [81] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM in magnetic connexion, or in other words, to transmit the magnetic influence to the patient. 2. “The means which are external and visible are not always necessary, since, on many occa- sions, the will, the fized look, have been found sufficient to produce the magnetic phenomena, 3. “Magnetism takes effect upon persons of different sexes and ages. 4. “The time required for transmitting the magnetic influence with effect, has varied from one minute to half an hour. 5. “In general, magnetism does not act upon persons in a sound state of health. 6. “Neither does it upon all sick persons. 7. “A certain number of the effects observed appeared to us to depend upon magnetism alone, and were never produced without its application. These are well established physiological and ther- apeutic phenomena. 8. “The real effects produced by magnetism are very various. It agitates some, and soothes others. Most commonly it occasions a momentary acceleration of respiration and of the circulation, ~ fugitive fibrillary convulsive motions, resembling shocks, a numbness in a greater or less degree, heaviness, somnolency, and, in a small number of cases, that which magnetizers call somnambu- lism.” M. DELUSE, in explaining this magnetism as a natural cause which explains much of what was heretofore considered supernatural, says: “the opinion that an emanation from one person [82] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM directed by his will may act upon another person, as an emanation from the brain acts upon the fingers—does not conduct us to the belief of the action of devils; on the contrary, it annihilates this superstition, by teaching us to see in ourselves the cause of many effects, which were formerly ascribed to strange and chimerical powers.” The doctrines of animal magnetism are emi- nently calculated to promote the true interests of spiritual religion, by associating with it a spiritual philosophy. Indeed this doctrine demonstrates beyond all power of confutation, that man con- tains within him another being—a Soul. When the thinking principle is separated from the society and contagion of the body, it remem- bers the past, perceives the present, and foresees the future. The body of a magnetized sleeper lies like one dead; but the mind lives, and is vigorous. How much more so will it be after death, when it shall have altogether separated from the body? A materialist will venture to assert that the brain thinks, and feels, and wills, as clearly as the liver secretes bile. It would be much easier to prove that mind—soul, spirit, the immortal prin- ciple—produces, forms, creates, the brain. Many are sceptical on the subject of the psyco- logical part of this most interesting science, who admit a part of the facts—for instance, those which relate to the magnetic somnambulism, and the physiological facts connected with them. They cannot understand, and will not believe, any of the facts connected with prevision, and the locomotive powers of mind and soul during the [831] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM somnolescent state. They cannot realize the fact, before alluded to, that during its disengagement from the body, the soul has no perception what- ever of the visible and tangible world. They are unable to perceive that time is, in reality, a mere mode of thinking, and not of existing, and that the departed or temporarily separated soul, may be susceptible of future things. Why may not the mind, or sentient soul, for instance, extend itself with the velocity of thought, when thus divested of organized corporeity, just as easy as we are enabled to extend our knowledge with the aid of a few lenses directed to the heavens? It is freely admitted, that we can read the mighty volume of the visible heavens with ac- curacy, and even distinguish not only stars before unseen, but also their periodical movements—we can travel with them through space in the im- mense velocity of their flight, and tell with mathe- matical precision not only the distance but the exact geometrical form of the course over which they travel. We have no reason to infer that because our perceptions are circumscribed while in the body, they are equally so when dis- engaged from it. Indeed the faculty of percep- tion enables us to see and know only a few of the little matters and things belonging to the globe we dwell on; but does the soul belong to the ele- ments of nature? Is not its sphere to extend itself beyond the shell and husk of animal organ- ization, and roam with a vast power of locomo- tion over the structure of nature’s handy-work at the operation of the will? “The body,” says an [84] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM able writer, “is not the open bower or tent of the soul—but it is its castle, from which all other ~ minds may be excluded.” But when it vacates its abode, for an excursion over the realms of nature, must we infer that its evolutions are as sluggish as if it were encased in that castle, and chained down by the entities of animal organization? Such are not our perceptions of its condition. We must entertain other notions of its communications, habits, capacities, powers, locomotions, and ethereal qualities and enjoyments. Whatever be the construction of that soul, whether corporeal, or ethereal, is not our concern in the present argu- ment; but it is whether it exists at all, and if so, what effects magnetism produces in the act of its disengagement from the body, or whether under the influence of this phenomenon, the soul can communicate, without the agency of the body, with those who are in reciprocal connexion with the body of the magnetized. This should be the most important question of all. M. VIREY, in his work before alluded to, (p. 346,) says: “without doubt, we owe to a certain ability of mind those predictions which result from experience and prudence; but nature re- places this advantage in animals, and in the most simple of mankind, by very delicate instincts. Our souls have naturally a tact which gives them a presentiment of seasons, and sometimes of events. The more the mind is occupied with science the less is it moved by internal impressions. Igno- rance, too, by leaving the soul in its natural con- dition, is more susceptible of instinctive impres- [81 THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM sions, than the logical and limited march of the reasoning powers.” The same writer further remarks, that when a sensible organization observes itself internally, the instinct speaks; it inspires and instructs the individual on the subjects of his peculiar com- plaints, or diseases, and frequently in a more luminous manner than the most skilful physician is capable of doing. “This internal voice,” says M. VIREY, “is inde- pendent of the intellect; the most simple persons, idiots, individuals half asleep, are even more capable of hearing it, because they are less dis- tracted by internal sensations.”—‘“There is,” con- tinues he, “in man a soul, a peculiar force which animates him; this force has particular faculties independent of the organization of the body. It is by means of this invisible agent that we acquire all our knowledge—it alone constitutes our true being.” (p. 4, 5.) “Qur soul,” says the writer last quoted, “is sus- ceptible of three principal states: 1. That of ordinary life, which employs the soul as well as the body; 2. That of dreaming or delirium, which chiefly occupies the sensitive faculties of the body; 3. The state of ecstatic meditation, in which the soul acts almost alone. The soul, in the ecstatic state, can contemplate events from a higher point of view, and its dreams have something of a pro- phetic character; for being prodigiously from the body by meditation, it seems to have diffused itself throughout universal nature, where it can remark many effects in their source. The man who is in [86] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM the habit of directing his native energies, acquires thereby a marked superiority over other men. Our soul has spontaneous motions; it acts alone, with- out the concurrence of the body; it admits the vital spirits to where they are required to go; it organizes the fetus; in diseases, it constitutes the natura medicatriz, which, taking care to direct the humors in a salutary manner, points out to the physician what he ought to do. It is not an ac- quired science, but an innate faculty; for, in- structed by the Author of all being Himself, the soul has no need of acquired knowledge, this being only relative to external objects. When the equilibrium of health has been disturbed, the motion of the soul mechanically aspires to restore it. Every disease frequently discovers its remedy, if we will only listen to its determinations. Medi- cine is in ourselves; we do not create, we develope it, when, consulting in silence the impulse of nature, we favor its direction. Nature may pro- duce in every being the desire of an unknown object, and cause an individual to divine the rem- edy, of which, perhaps, all the science of the physician would never have dreamed. “Amongst doubtful events, when we cannot form a conjecture as to what may be the issue, if we take them so much to heart as to become heated, the soul is enlightened, and sometimes penetrates into the future. A prophet does not (always) know the cause of his prophecyings; he feels himself moved by a power which exceeds his natural energies. He does not divine all things, but only that which comes into his thoughts. This species of divination arises and is lost naturally, [871] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM and is with difficulty retained. When the mind manifests it, all the senses are in a state of tem- porary suspension, and nothing external distracts them. They must hold converse alone with the Being with whom they are at the time in com- munication.” These arguments lead us to a knowledge of the fact, that by magnetism, nervous disorders, long continued efforts of the soul, or by other means, a person who has a natural predisposition for it, may, in the present life, detach his soul in a greater or less degree from its corporeal organiza- tion. With the doctrines of animal magnetism are intimately connected the subject of sleep and dreams, omens, presentiments and sympathetic forebodings, second sight, &c. There are various well attested phenomena which prove the reality of these occurrences, and justify the assertion of the poet, that “Dreams full oft are found of real events The forms and shadows.” The same may be said of omens and presenti- ments. It is difficult to reject the whole of the evidence upon this subject, and absolutely to deny that, upon some occasions, and under certain cir- cumstances, “Coming events cast their shadows before.” Animal magnetism affords us the means of giving a natural explanation of these phenomena, and the whole subject deserves to be philosophi- cally investigated, with a view to dispel supersti- tion on the one hand, and scepticism on the other. [881 THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM Indeed, few observant persons are to be found, who have not become acquainted with well authen- ticated facts in relation to sympathetic forebod- ings and presentiments. The instances are both numerous and well attested. They are phenomena which the most incredulous cannot deny, while they attempt to account for them on principles which reject any intervention of our spiritual nature. Profane, no less than sacred history, abounds with these species of incidents; and they all go to prove that there is an existence dis- tinct from that of the present mode of life, to which we shall emerge when the scenes of mor- tality shall close upon us. Professor ANDRAL, in his lectures, delivered in the University of Paris, published in 1832, speaks of a case of somnambulism, of which the proofs are most authentic, from which the follow- ing is a brief abstract. The author, (M. FE- LAZZ1,) then an interne, (an internal resident) at the Hotel Dieu, and totally sceptical regarding the powers ascribed to the mysterious essence— this asserted magnetic fluid,—formed, for amuse- ment, the plan with a brother interne, equally in- credulous, of submitting this friend to the manceuvres of the magnetizers, in the manner M. ROSTAN describes. The passes were con- tinued for about twenty minutes without any remarkable effect, but at the expiration of that time, the young man began to yawn, his eyelids grew heavy, and closed involuntarily; he attempt- ed to shake off the torpor in vain; his respiration next became accelerated, his head fell on his [89] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM shoulder, and he uttered a sardonic laugh of indescribable expression. “We thought,” says the narrator, “that he was amusing himself at our expense; but in a little time, what was my horror when I saw his fingers turn blue, his head fall powerless forward—when I heard his respiration rattling like a dying man’s, and felt his skin as cold as death itself! I cannot find words to describe my sufferings. I knew not what to do. Meanwhile all these horrid phenomena increased in intensity. I tremble at the recollection of what I saw. There lay my friend, my victim, devoid of the aspect of life, in a state of complete and terri- ble collapse! With his hands clasped in mine, in a state of agony no tongue can tell of, I laid him on a bed, and waited the result in a frenzy of mind I can never forget. In a quarter of an hour he recovered, exclaiming that in the ecstacy he had experienced extreme delight, and begged me to recommence my passes. I did so, with less ap- prehension, and again the somnolency proceeded. The collapse, however, was less profound and ter- rific than the former, and in some minutes he suddenly awoke with the exclamation, ‘What hap- piness is this?” The cases that might be cited of prevision, and the sympathetic influence alluded to, having been produced in an extraordinary degree during mag- netic sleep, are so numerous and well authenti- cated in France and Germany, that it would re- quire several volumes to detail them. All the theories laid down in this work, have been de- duced from those oft repeated, and well attested [901 THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM facts. I will give one other fact as related by M. CHARDEL, illustrative of the peculiar sym- pathy often existing between persons, and also of the statements alluded to in these pages re- specting the transferrence of the sensation, and the power of seeing things as present that are at a distance, or as it is called, clairvoyance. M. CHARDEL had two sisters as his patients, who were both magnetic somnambulists, and in the most intimate affinity, (rapport,) with each other. M. CHARDEL proposed to bleed the elder of these two in the foot. In the meantime, the younger sister, after being magnetized, felt some- what indisposed, and went to bed in another room. The father and mother remaining to assist the operator. At the first attempt to insert the lancet, a piercing cry was heard to proceed from the bed- room of the younger sister, who, on entering it, was found to be in a swoon, in the position in which she had gone to sleep. M. CHARDEL re- covered her, and inquired the cause of her faint- ing. She then related the details of all his move- ments in the projected operation. She said that she had constantly followed him with her eyes, and that, at the moment he was going to insert the lancet, an emotion which she could not control, had entirely deprived her of sense. In case of ordinary life, this would have been impossible, considering the distance and the intervening walls. In general almost all somnambulists possess, during their critical sleep, the faculty of recogniz- ing their own complaints as well as those of [911] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM others; of determining their nature, their dura- tion and their accidents; of declaring whether they are curable or not—of predicting of what nature the crisis shall be, the manner in which ‘they shall take place, the precise moment of their appearance; of pointing out how they shall best be promoted, seconded, sustained; finally of pre- scribing all the means proper to be employed in order to effect a cure. In the Dictionaire des sciences medicales, on the article Instinct, we are told that it is wrong to deny that man is endowed with instinct, like the other animals; and that this faculty, unexercised in our ordinary states, is developed in certain cir- cumstances, and gives us more information than that which we can acquire by the senses and ex- perience. Nature acting, then, alone, and without being opposed, or deranged by the intellectual faculties, or the will, manifests those astonishing acts of salutary conservation, or direction for the cure of diseases. Indeed, in a state of somnambu- lism, the person thus affected usually feels, in a more lively manner, and will see all the internal economy of his structure, and thus seeing, will naturally desire those remedies most appropriate to his ailment. Sometimes the sympathetic influ- ence or connexion between two individuals is such, that the one feels all the complaints of the other. It appears that the fluid which passes from one individual to another, as elsewhere observed, is the same which exists in all nature. If there exists (as NEWTON and EULER imagined,) in the interval of the stars an exceedingly rare and [921 THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM subtile fluid which has been called ether, it must possess the most penetrating qualities, and be capable of producing the most wonderful effects. But this ethereal substance, being able to insinu- ate itself into the most compact matter, must pro- duce in it different effects according to the nature of the bodies, the modifications of which it is susceptible. The nervous fluid does not originate in the nerves and proceed to the brain, as some suppose. It always commences at the medullary viscus, and proceeds from thence through the nerves to the muscular system. Hence its elimination by the pores of the extremities. But were it to com- mence in the nerves, we should infer that its escape would be by the medulla, with which the nerves were in contact. Hence also the effects resulting from manipulations and passes, in draw- ing the magnetic action from its source, and seat- ing it in a region different from its natural home. Sensation follows the transitions of the magnetic influence. It ceases in the part from whence the other is entirely abstracted. When this influence is transferred from the usual seat of sensation to the epigastrium, it may be compared to a coated jar, charged with the electric fluid from the bat- tery of an electrical apparatus. The latter dis- charges its contents suddenly, or slowly, as con- ductors to some body in a negative state are ap- plied—or otherwise. So with the human machine. It is at the command of the magnetizer. The mag- netic and nervous influence, however, only differ in quality as it may be modified by transmission [93] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM through a variety of mediums, every different combination presenting it under mew modifica tions. influence is transferred to the region of the ganglions, the reverse takes place of what is natural. In our ordinary condition we effuse it outwardly—now we infuse it inwardly, receiving from external bodies what they can communicate. The somnambulist depends upon the magnetizer for the power to change the ordinary functions of sensation from their usual current, and the magnetized holds communication only with him, and those whom he wills to place in that singular relation. When the magnetic fluid, by the passes of the magnetizer, is drawn from the ordinary seat of sensation, and is concentrated in the regions of the ganglions, the powers of vision are transferred with it—for, in the presence of this fluid in the intellectual region consists not only sensation but also perception. If, then, perception depends on its presence wherever located, is it any matter of surprise that it should follow it to what- ever region it may for the time be located in? Lucidity or clairvoyance, as the French call it, is not, however, the mere perception of things as present, wherever the somnambulist happens to be, but depends on those magnetic changes which separate the thinking principle, or soul, from its seat of action, and enables it to transfer itself at the will of the person to wherever that person wills it to go. In this locomotion, it is not able to will for itself; if it were, its subsequent con- [94] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM nexion with materiality might in some cases be doubtful. - One of the chief difficulties with those not acquainted with this subject is owing to the anom- alies in the magnetic effusion and reception. In this, as in other physiological phenomena, there are idiosyncrasies which bid defiance to all rule. Indeed there are, it must be admitted, some things for which it is difficult to account, and which are not as yet sufficiently considered—that is, if they are not above our philosophy, it has not reached and reduced them to known principles. My limits will not allow me to multiply cases of somnambulism. Indeed, at the present crisis, this is not so much needed as the rationale of results so astonishing. Much of the incredulity existing on the subject depends on the nature of the facts, lying so closely as they do upon the precincts of what is generally regarded as marvellous, and not affording sufficient explanation on natural principles. The public are staggered in their be- lief, for the want of reasons, yet the reasons are abundant and natural. It is hoped our arguments will give a new direction to the powers of thought ; and, while it prevents the imagination from run- ning wild in idle hypothesis, enable it to trace, a@’posteriori, this most deeply interesting and im- portant subject to its source—rescue it from the charlatanry of men, who, before they investigate, form preconceived opinions to which everything must bend—men who, before they enter the threshold of the investigation, announce that when they have heard a report of a case, for [95] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM which they are waiting, they are prepared to issue a work on the subject,* though that case may be as remote from a correct elucidation of the science as it is possible for the mind to conceive! When gentlemen will not stop to deliberate, read, reflect, ~ examine and compare, what wonder the public would remain in confusion and doubt, “not know- ing,” as COL. STONE very prudently tells us was his case, “how to believe?” Those who claim the appellation of philosophers are usually slow to recede from long cherished and sustained opin- ions. Facts afford no data for their philosophiz- ings, nor will they believe them. They draw infer- ences from the abortions of every fanatic who only keeps in his eye the throne of Plutus. They forget that before they attempt to en- lighten others, it is indispensable that they know something of the subject upon which they write. I have heard of no case happening in New York, and few in Rhode Island, which a philosophic mind would accept as correct data upon which to erect a superstructure of argumentation. If this subject be in any degree worthy of our attention, it is not that which every one can explain by a random illustration. It requires common sense, a thing which, if we judge from the remarks alluded to in the note, is not common to every philosopher. Even the commissioners of the French king admitted that the effects were very different in different individuals; for, say they— * Vide Dr. REESE'S letter to C. F. DURANT, for an example in point. [96] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM “it agitates some, and soothes others.” In fact, the effects are scarcely in any two instances in all things alike, because whatever distracts the mind destroys them; and MR. DURANT must acknowledge that, if we are to judge from his own gossip, and peculiar interference, (which MR. ANDROS must have soon observed,) they were more for the sake of forming materials for his book, than for giving a chance to his friend by favoring his speculations in his lectures. The revelation of God, who is a pure spiritual essence, is founded upon spiritual existence. It was not given with an ultimate reference to phys- ical man, only so far as he is connected with the spiritual being, and for the conservation of both. It is through the light of this revelation we are enabled to understand ourselves, to know of what we are constituted, how nearly we are related to, and how far we resemble, our original. That God, in our creation, should stamp upon us some part of His likeness, is not only what might be ex- pected, but also what the historian of the creation has explicitly affirmed. We are, in these Secrip- tures, represented as having in us THREE PRINCIPLES; for in one place it is said, “He breathed in us the breath of lives,” or, as the original imports, a plurality of beings; and, in another place, the Apostle prays for the sanctifi- cation of our whole spirit, soul, and body. These three principles could not but be holy when cre- ated, for God made and pronounced them good. They could not but be unholy, when the Apostle prayed that they might be purified, and conse- [971 THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM crated to God. They must, therefore, have fallen ; and, if fallen, must need restoration. Now the whole of man is the spirit, soul, and body: or, 1. The mvebpa (pneuma,) or spiritual and immortal principle; that which controls and ~ superintends the whole animal and functional economy. 2. The qux% (psyche,) or soul, which is the seat of the passions and affections, and possesses the understanding and emotions by which the physical part is agitated, as love, joy, grief, anger, hate, &c.; and 3. The cépx (soma,) or body, which is the house, or temple, of the other named occupants. Of these three parts, the body, only, is subject to dissolution. The others, being spiritual, could not die as the body dies. If they die, being spirits, they die spiritually. That they can live apart from the body, is affirmed by St. Paul, who, having been out of the body, could tell us of that which he saw. He says, there is not only a “spiritual body,” but also that when this house, spoken of above for the soul and spirit to dwell in, is dissolved, we have a spiritual house in the heavens to dwell in. There is here a strong expression, and full to our point, namely, that we have a three-fold nature, and that when the body loses its inhabitants, the spirit has a house still in the soul, a never-dying habitation, a corporeal, active body, the springs and machinery of which, like the original man when first created, will never wear out. It is a body possessing sensation, volition, and locomotion, but without any alliance with materiality, and capable of pleasures and enjoyments in an infinitely more [981 THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM refined sense, than in organized materiality. Hence it is a house in the heavens, for without these sensations there would be no heaven. “Body,” says the author of the “Physical Theory of a Future Life” “is the necessary means of bringing mind into relationship with space and extension, and so of giving it place.” In another place he says, “God is not here or there, any more than He exists now or then.” The mind, or soul, then, is the intermediate link between spirit and matter. It is the part of the man that thinks— that puts the physical machine into motion—that constitutes the likeness of God. Now, to prevent ourselves from wandering in hypothesis and doubt, we have called the Scrip- tures to our aid. They have thrown light upon our path, and in the science we have been consider- ing have enabled us to understand some things which, without a reference to those oracles of truth must have left us groping in darkness and doubt. The demonstrations afforded by animal magnetism show, in confirmation of the Secrip- tures, that man has within him a spiritual nature, which can live without the body during a period of suspended intercourse in time—or during the eternal NOW of a future existence. In speaking of a spiritual existence, the present life and visible world are introduced in contrast with that which is invisible and unseen—for I take it for granted that there is somewhere an unseen world with unseen inhabitants, having an existence and locality as certain as the globe we inhabit. That this unseen world, which we call [991] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM heaven, may be located in the sun, or stars, is an hypothesis maintained by some, and has many strong philosophical arguments to sustain it. Others, from the frequent intercourse between the inhabitants of those happy regions and our own, have assigned it a place in the mid-heavens not distant from our planet. In our opinion, its locality is less a question than its existence, since, as I have elsewhere said, distance is only ideal to un-embodied spirits. The idea that thought, more rapid in its flight than even light itself, when properly understood, dissipates at once the con- ception that either a near or remote locality has anything to do in regard to presence in the divine economy. “Am I a God near at hand, and not far off?” was a question put by God, through the prophet, to those who had too limited conceptions of His omnipresence. If, then, un-embodied spirits have such stupendous powers of locomotion, when dis-embodied by the magnetic operations; if they be subject to the laws of communication with organized corporeal matter in this life, and be left under such direction in that state, is there not here a good reason why this doctrine may have been ordained by Providence to work certain important ends for the benefit of the human fam- ily, and also why it was not fully developed to mankind in its whole arrangements, until man- kind became so enlightened and prepared to use it as intended by divine goodness? It seems now to be under certain laws and restrictions beyond which it has no power, and therefore cannot de- velop more of the spiritual economy, than finite [100] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM intellects are capable of controlling. Indeed, the finite mind is too apt to measure the vastness and variety of the spiritual domain by the scanty per- surrounds it; for, though it may take excursions of fancy over the boundless expanse of the mighty universe, it professes no furnishment to explore, and is therefore unable to delineate any of the cation with the Being who is the Ruler of those splendid domains; and consequently, having sion from the distance and indistinctness of the view. But the somnambulist is always in com- munication with the person who placed him in that ecstatic state, and in the dominions allotted to the magnetizer only can the magnetized have power to roam at will! This doctrine beautifully adumbrates the scenes where the disembodied are only in communication with God; where the will is controlled, and the locomotive powers are ex- tended according to the laws of that realm where pure ethereal spirits are the only inhabitants, and where each are in ecstatic communication with the other, and all with the Supreme. From what has been said, the reader will easily perceive, that my aim is to establish the doctrine of clairvoyance, as one of the most important as well as merciful discoveries with which God has permitted us to become acquainted. Many of the recent facts developed in Rhode Island and New York, connected with what have been published by the French philosophers, and others in various [101] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM places of Austria, Prussia, Russia, and Switzer- land, &c., concur in proving, that all persons are not capable of lucidity in the same degree, and same degree to exhibit the same powers. Animal magnetism has been so well demonstrated, that we might as well question the problems of EUCLID, because we never have demonstrated them ourselves, or seen them done by others. To doubt on that subject, would be less likely to expose us to ridicule than to make us ridiculous, except where a knowledge of the science had not been made known. But the philosophy of the facts is what all inquire after, and chiefly what we aim to furnish. oo The demonstration of animal magnetism are practical faith; that is, the operator must be able to confine his thoughts to one point, and fix them there. No man can exercise what is called faith, who is not able to do this, it being an essential prerequisite. To doubt, then, is to lose faith, for it is to distract. When the mind wanders from the point upon which it is fixed, it can no longer exercise this conservative principle. Thus it was when Christ walked on the water. Peter in the ~ confidence of his Lord, walked also, because his mind was powerfully directed towards the pro- tecting power of Him who bid him “come.” But Peter, without keeping his eye steadily on his Master, and his mind upon His omnipotent power, began to look around on the waste of waters. He saw the billows heave and roll under him, and his firedness of mind was withdrawn to nature [102] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM from its author, and he began to sink! Now, without the fixedness of mind spoken of, no mag- netizer can produce the necessary sommolency. Our minds must be drawn to a focal point. The thinking principle, this being the intermediate link between body and soul. Faith, then, is a single eye; and when our eye is single, our body is light—that is, our percep- tions will be clearer, and we the better enabled to understand and accomplish our pursuits. It was this that stimulated and gave success to the heroes of ancient and modern times. The eye was single after one object, and all the faculties of the mind were exerted in its execution. The habit, there- fore, of bringing the will into subjection to the mind, and of having that mind regulated so as to operate without distraction, is the way to acquire faith. An evil, is an erring eye, and being un- steady, it will not fix upon one point, and is, there- fore, dark. When the exiled apostle was invited by a voice to ascend into heaven, to hear and see things which must be hereafter, it is very evident his body was left behind, being forbidden, because “flesh and blood.” Thus separated, he was in the ecstatic state, and held communication with Him who threw him into the ecstasy—namely his God. Thus he could range over the kingdom of light at will, because he was in connexion with its sover- eign. He saw and heard things which he was for- bidden to write, as St. Paul, in the same region, heard things unlawful to utter. That the same [103] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM means were used to transport these favored apos- tles into the regions of the happy as is used amongst us in producing somnolency, is strongly probable—but the chief difference is, they were in communication with a Being whose divine pur- poses they had to fulfill, and therefore they were instructed in mysteries published for our benefit, and no longer necessary to repeat; while the mag- netic somnambulist can roam only in the region appropriated, for the time, to the individual with whom he is in communication, and can see noth- ing which does not belong to the material world to which he is yet linked by his connexion with materiality. The preceding pages had nearly all passed through the press before the recent works of COL. STONE, C. F. DURANT, and the Reports of the French Commissioners, published by MR. PERKINS, of this city, made their appearance; of these, our limits will now admit of no more than a passing notice. COL. STONE has given us an interesting account of facts as they occurred. He makes no pretensions to understand them. Had he made such an attempt, we might have doubted ~ whether he did not make the facts to suit his theory, as we presume MR. DURANT did,—that is, if such a man as COL. STONE could be doubt- ed at all. What the Colonel relates is in perfect accordance with the published reports of the French philosophers—not the Commissioners— in their detail of clairvoyance and prevision, as they call it. The reason is this, the actors were honest, were not frivolous triflers, were men who [1041 THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM examined to understand, and inquired to make known the result of their inquiries, and honest convictions. I recommend, therefore, Colonel STONE'S pamphlet as a work of surpassing in- terest,—as affording almost the only instance of clairvoyance that I have read of as having hap- pened in America. The report made by the Colonel is, that a Miss Bracket, in a state of som- nambulic lucidity, took an imaginary journey to New York, in his company, and that she there, among other circumstances of slight importance, which, as far as he knew or believed, were gen- erally correct, informed him of matters which were only known to himself, and which no one could describe without having seen them! Of these, I will only allude to one fact. When the Colonel had escorted Miss Bracket into his own house, he showed her a variety of articles, and among others, some pictures. She would only converse about these with him, but, as a rule, would never describe anything, presuming he knew as well as she. It is a rule with somnambu- lists, that if you request them in their ecstasy to remember anything, and tell them about it after- wards when awake, of that subject only can they recollect and speak. The Colonel requested her to give him an account of a certain picture when she returned and awoke. On her return, the Doctor (CAPRON,) willed her from Col. STONE, and by a few flourishes of his hand, awoke her. The Doctor then inquired about the pictures that had attracted her attention at the Bowling Green, opposite the lions. She blushed, and begged to be [1051] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM excused from answering. She had been requested to remember them. They were not proper sub- jects for ladies’ conversation. He then asked her to tell him what was the picture in the basement room of the Colonel’s house which pleased her so much. She laughted outright, and replied, “It was a funny looking fellow pulling a cat’s ear.” This was the fact, the painting was there; no one of the party knew of its existence but the Colonel, and the question of clairvoyance, in this and twenty or thirty cases, equally striking, was fully established. The whole of the Colonel’s pamphlet deserves perusal. I said that all persons do not equally become somnambulists, because all persons are not con- stituted alike. Hence the wise conclusion of a learned Doctor, who inquired about a few cases, not one of which gave even a good mock imitation whatever, that he might be duly “prepared to issue his publications” on animal magnetism ;—or rather, as I should understand his meaning, he was prejudiced against animal magnetism—did not believe it—and, pleased with a few ridiculous, counterfeit imitations of it, took them for his data, and with the gravity of—a philosopher of the ivy bush, “prepared to issue his publication,” in order to enlighten the medical faculty!! To say that the theory of Mr. DURANT was the essence of nonsense would be too much of a compliment. Whether he is serious, or in jest; whether he writes that we may have a book of instruction, or a specimen of bathos; whether he [106] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM aims to renew the Epicurean notions, which re- garded the soul as composed of atoms and primi- tive corpuscles, “trilobites,” as he calls them, “motes in sunbeams,” or what else, I avow myself utterly unable to comprehend. He gives us a rant about “clearing obstructions from the pathway of time,” —his looking “back on the chaotic mass,” in order, it is presumed, that he may sit “behind the dim nebula,” and view the operations of nature as it “occupies the more conspicuous station as- signed to it in cosmogony,”—that is, to see “all matter quick and bursting into birth,” in the modus operandi of creation, and amuse himself as “Behemoth, biggest born of earth, upheaves his vastness,” while the infinitesimal variety of “molecules,” and “globules,” and “gasses,” &c., all “ congregating” and “uniting,” forming “poles,” and “fluids,” and “vapours,” and “masses,” to produce “CERIN,” that, “His theory” might be complete! ! And what is “cerin ?” He calls it an “animal fat,” through which mag- netism cannot pass! This is what he calls, some one or two hundred times, “my theory,” and it would require more than ordinary brains to say whether Mr. D. did not write his book in such a style as to gull the simple and quiz the savans, or to make it suit those who could mot see his bur- lesque, and adapt it to the notions of those who could. Though he has said some things very well, and has displayed reading and research, yet his egotism and twaddle, above alluded to—his gos- sipping and detailing what he hears and sees in the company into which he is accidentally thrown ; 5 [107] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM —his practisings, as we should suppose it to be, from his own statements, upon Mr. and Mrs. ANDROS, and other things therein stated, are, we should say, not quite compatible with our notions of propriety. It is not the wish of every one who is an inquirer into such subjects that his name and accidental remarks should swell a book for the emolument of others. Few have such aspirations after fame; and to be dragged thus, nolens volens, into unsought notoriety, makes one feel as if they were not quite in gentlemanly hands. Mr. DURANT understands animal mag- netism as a law of nature, but he seems not to know that it is solar light, modified in the medul- lary viscus, as natural magnetism becomes such when the beams of light are modified in its trans mission through earth and minerals. The most he knows is, that there is such a thing as animal magnetism, and that it possesses singular powers of somnolency in the animal machine. Like a full blooded philosopher of the modern school, he rid- icules all else, by throwing into burlesque any attempt to investigate the arcana by which this occult science is surrounded. He accounts for the want of magnetic power by fatty brains, through which the fluid cannot penetrate! By analogy of reasoning a cracked brain is a dry one, and would let the fluid through in one unbroken stream! but those who have fat brains are fat witted; the steam, or gas, having been injected, cannot escape, and, of course, is disposed to be- come flighty and ascend! His ideas of the magnetic cords, to do away [108] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM with the doctrine of clairvoyance, is about as pre- posterous nonsense as can well be imagined. That the magnetizer must will the idea into the brain of the magnetized before their perceptions can embrace it, is contrary to all the principles, the experience, and the facts of an authenticated kind that have come to our knowledge. It would be a waste of time to pursue it. In the subject of clairvoyance lies the great dif- ficulty to the general spread of this doctrine. Of this I have already spoken in such manner as to - make it plain to the weakest mind. If this doc- trine did not so immediately run into psycology, the stumbling-block would, perhaps, be of less magnitude. But, as I have said elsewhere, we go armed at all points against every subject that leads to a more intimate acquaintance with soul and spirit, and yet I have never found that such familiarity and acquaintanceship has lessened the author’s esteem for these components of his own elements of moral and physical structure. Indeed, to a contemplation of these constituents of being, has been owing most of the happiness which it has been his destiny to enjoy through life, and as he nears the goal, he seems to realize an increase of pleasure by a more general inter- course, because he recognizes a close affinity of circumstance in the ultimate destiny of all the parties to the alliance. Clairvoyance has been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the most astute philosophers of Europe. One commissioner of those alluded to, who took five years to report, maintained the doctrine, though they proved that [109 ] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM in some cases it failed. For more than this I do not contend, because it is well known that of this peculiar attribute all are incapable of presenting the necessary proofs—and most of the objectors to it, make their opposition upon the ground that they witness failures; and that, therefore, the principle is false! There are abundance of such logicians, but the wonder is, that men, who call themselves philosophers, have such a penchant for the ridiculous, without knowing why. The reports of the commissioners of the French king are in themselves entirely insufficient to afford a proper knowledge of animal magnetism. Indeed, it is evident, from the statements of these savans, that they did not believe in it, and there- fore were too prejudiced to present their master with an impartial examination. This committee, regarding as many have done since, this innova- tion in the healing art, as likely to abstract from the number of their patients, took the alarm, and reported that they had “not beheld without in- quietude” the “proceedures” which “have been and are administered to the diseased, and paid for by the public, without having” undergone, in obedience to the laws, “the examination of the ‘medical profession.” With such ideas in view, are gentlemen capable of investigating a subject, while they imagine their interests are so essen- tially compromitted? There is something in such grave commissions, and such reports, that “looks like” a “get up to put down.” They are almost always, in their conclusions, of the same com- plexion with the body who instituted the commis- [110] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM sion. Their feelings are usually prompted by the same motives, and their aims with occasional ex- ceptions, are to look out for their own corps and defend its interests. A letter from such a com- mission is before me. It also originated in Paris, but on a different subject. It was directed to the Minister of Instruction, and concluded thus: — “We beg of you, monsieur le ministre, to deny us that means of enlightening ourselves in order to prevent its spreading, or at least to retard its propagation during OUR LIFETIME, so that we may quietly enjoy our places,” &e. One would suppose that this was irony, were it not known to be otherwise. It is a fair specimen of all such reports; and yet the reporters, in all cases, proved themselves more shrewd, intelligent, scientific, and liberal, than the translator and editor of their reports in our own city, who could always account for phenomena, of which he knew nothing, “upon the principle of collusion,” and thus, by cutting the Gordian knot, save his brains the labor of thought, in the investigation. Some of these reporters labored to prove that the imagination is the chief agent in producing the magnetic crisis. Having directed their atten- tion that way, their imaginations could receive no other impression, and all further philosophic in- vestigations were foreclosed by the idea, that to this peculiar sensation all that related to crises under the magnetic treatment, was to be ascribed. This afforded a text, and the sermon was suited to it. The creed having been formed, the next [111] THE PHILOSOPHY OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM point was to suit the doctrines to it, and maintain their thesis against all opposers. Learning, supposed to be the grave of prejudice, has too often been its foster-mother, to convey to it nutriment. I do not mean that profound learn- ing which has common sense for its basis, but that affected bantling of pride and selfishness, which, the moment its votaries are invested with author- ity to form an opinion as a guide for others, turns instinctively to the interests of its class, and begs that it may “be denied the means of enlighien- ment, lest others whose genius have stricken out a new path” should compel them “to the painful labor” of studying, so as to keep pace with the march of improvement, or lose both their emolu- ments and their importance in the ranks of society. Few of them have the candour of a cer- tain professor in one of the Prussian universi- ties, who, on examining a pupil, asked him whether he could explain the phenomena of the Aurora Borealis. After a pause, the student said he had known the cause, but at present it had escaped from his memory; then, said the pro- fessor, “I wish you would try to recollect and ex- plain it to me, for I really do not myself under- stand it.” Animal magnetism is a powerful support of true religion, and the more it is known, so much the more will Christianity be unshackled of its embarrassments, and appear divested of its dross. [112] U.C. BERKELEY LIBRARIES iii C02b237279