CONFESSIONS OF A MAGNETISER"

EXPOSED!EXHIBITING THE

FOLLY AND FALSEHOOD

OF A RECENT PAMPHLET WITH THE ABOVE TITLE.

WITH

REMARKS, SHOWING THE FALSITY OF THE NOTIONSHITHERTO PREVALENT IN REGARD TO WHAT

HAS BEEN DENOMINATED

''MESMERISM;"AND GIVING THE OUTLINES OF THE AUTHOR's

NEW THEORY OF MIND.

BY LA ROY SUNDERLAND.

"God made us, and wb marvel at ir.'

BOSTON:PUBLISHED BY REDDING AxND COMPANY.

NO. 8 STATE STREET.

1845.

IKJ\\

\'i.»'£-

§'~E>"2>

"CONFESSIONS OF A MAGNETISER"

EXPOSED!

FULLY AND EALSEHOOD

OF A RECENT PAMPHLET WITH THE ABOVE TITLE

'WITH

REMARKS, SHOWING THE FALSITY OF THE NOTIONS

HITHERTO PREVALENT IN REGARD TO XVHET

HAS BEEN DENOMINATED

"IIE'SIIEEISM;"AND GIVING THE OUTLINES OF THE AUTHORIS

NEEV THEORY OF MIND.

wvAA~v

BY LA ROY SUNDERLAND.

MMMMmWWWWNm7MMMMMMMw"

G

B()SfFC)N:

PUBLISHED BY REDDING AND COMPANY.

NO. 8 STATE STREET.

'

1845.

^

••• .« • •.

• • «

•

l f.

$A.ui.;

"CONFESSIONS OF A MAGNETIZER"EXPOSED.

LETTER I.

Boston, July 14, 1845.

Dear Sir,—As you requested, I have given the pamphlet purporting

to be the " Confessions of a Practical Magnetizer,*^ or " An Expose of

Animal Magnetism," a thorough reading, and, but for your request, I

should have thrown it aside, as utterly unworthy of a moment's notice.

However, the reasons you assign, have, upon farther consideration, in-

duced me to comply with your wishes in exposing the folly and wicked-ness of this silly publication. With you, I do not suppose, that it will

be read by many intelligent people, of any class, nor that any one with

a thimble full of brains, who knows any thing of the subject of which it

professes to treat, would be likely to be deceived by its puerile details,

as false and improbable as they so manifestly appear to be. But, the

fact that this subject has fallen into disreputable and unworthy hands,

like this one who dubs himself as a " practical " " animal magnetizer,"

that there is a vast amount of misconception and prejudice in the com-munity generally, against the subject, and that this pamphlet will be

likely to be read only by those who have not the means of detecting the

falsehoods palmed off upon them by this writer, forces upon me the con-

viction, that, upon the whole, it may be best for me to " expose " the

"humbugry" of this pamphlet, as worthless as it may be. Themass, we know, do not enter into a thorough investigation of the lawsof mind, and hence it is reasonable to suppose, that most who may

"GONFESSIONS OF A MAGNE'I'lZER"

EXPOSED.

LETTER I.

Bosron, July 14, 1845.

DEAR SIR,*AS you requested, I have given the pamphlet purportingto be the " Confessions of a Practical Magnetizer," or

" An Expose of

Animal Magnetism," a thorough reading, and, but for your request, I

should have thrown it aside, as utterly unworthy of a. moment's notice.

However, the reasons you assign, have, upon farther consideration, in-

duced me to comply with your wishes in exposing the folly and wicked-

ness of this silly publication. With you, I do not suppose, that it will

be read by many intelligent people, of any class, nor that any one with

a thimblc full of brains, who knows any thing of the subject of which it

professes to treat, would be likely to be deceived by its purile details,as false and improbable as they so manifestly appear to be. But, the

fact that this subject has fallen into disreputable and unworthy hands,like this one who dubs himself as a

"

practical" " animal magnetizer,"

that there is a vast amount of misconception and prejudice in the com-

munity generally, against the subject, and that this pamphlet will be

likely to be read only by those who have not the means of detecting the

falsehoods palmecl oH` upon them by this writer, forces upon me the COD'

viction, that, upon the whole, it may be best for me to "

expose" the

"

humbugry"

of this pamphlet, as worthless as it may be. The

mass, we know, do not enter into a thorough investigation of' the lawsof` mind, and hence it is reasonable to suppose, that most who may

4 "CONFESSIONS OF A MAGNETIZER" EXPOSED.

read this production, will receive a vague impression that, if it be not

strictly true in all its details, yet there may be something in the thing

denominated " animal magnetism " which should render it disreputable

or dangerous, according to the representations contained in this

pamphlet.

In the notice, therefore, which I purpose to bestow upon this self-

styled " practical animal magnetizer," you will perceive I have a two-

fold object in view, — not merely to expose the folly, the falsehood^ the

deception and hypocrisy of this author, but in doing this, to set forth the

real nature of that form of human influence hitherto most generally

known under the name of " Mesmerism," and the useful purposes to

which it may be applied. And in the sequel, I doubt not, it will be made

to appear, not only how very unworthy of credit this nameless book is,

and, withal, how hlameivorthy, how deserving of censure, the individual

must be who could allow himself to resort to the publication of such a

book, for the purpose of making money. We shall see with what a be-

coming grace this " animal magnetizer " tells us that he " had taken a

most solemn oath " that he would never, on any account, receive pecu-

niary compensation for his " animalizing,'*'' and how much worse it

would have been for him to have received pay for doing the good which

he tells us he did, than it was for him to attempt to make money by the

falsehoods which he has put forth in his pamphlet, under the pretence of

exposing the humbugry of Magnetism.

If there by any offence deserving of severe reprehension, any which

should expose one to the unmixed condemnation of the public, any for

which the perpetrator should be made to feel ashamed and degraded in

the estimation of the community, it is the publication of falsehood and

misrepresentation, under the pretence of exposing " humbugry." Theman who purposely deceives the public mind, who wilfully misleads those

whom he assumes to teach, in matters that concern the character, the

health, the happiness and lives of his fellow men, commits a crime as

really deserving of punishment, as if he were to set fire to their dwell-

ings, or shorten their earthly existence by furnishing them with a deadly

lioison, under the pretence of selling them wholesome food. Where is

safety ? Where is public confidence .? How shall the mass, who have

not the time nor means for acquiring correct information upon matters

of philosophy, avoid the mischiefs of humbugry, when they are hum-

hugged under the guise of attempts at exposing humbugry ? Andyet, how very much of this kind of deception we often see around us !

A quack cries out against quackery ! A pretended " Magnetic College "

4 "eonrnsstons or A it-tAoNEr1znn" sxrosro.

read this production, will receive a vague impression that, if it be not

strietly true in all its details, yet there may he something in the .Chingdenominated " animal magnetism

" which should render it disreputableor dangerous, according to the representations contained in thi_s

pamphlet.'

A

In the notice, tlierefore, which purpose to bestow upon this self-

styled " practical animal rnagnetizer," you will perceive Ihave a two-

fold object in view, --not merely to expose the folly, the falsehood, the

deception and hypocrisy of this author, but in doing this, to set forth the

real nature of that form of human influence hitherto most generallyknown under the name of' "M-3smerism," and the usetiil purposes to

which it may be applied. And in the sequel,`[ doubt not, it will be made

to appear, not only how very unworthy of credit this nameless bool; is,and, withal, how fnlemoiuorthy, how' deserving of censure, the individual

must be who could allow himself to resort to the publication of such a

book, for the purpose of making money. 'We shall see with what a be-

coming grace this " an-ima! magnetizer" tells us that he " had taken a

most solemn oath " that he would never, on any account, receive pecu-

niary compensation for his "

an-in1al'iz"Eng," and how much Worse it

would have been for him to have received pay for doing the good which

he tells us he did, than it was for him to attempt to make money by the

falsehoods which he has put forth in his pamphlet, under the pretence of

exposing the humhugry of Magnetism.If there by any offence deserving of severe reprehension, any which

should expose one to the unmixed condemnation of the public, any for

which the perpetrator should he made to feel ashamed and degraded in

the estimation ot' the community, it is the publication offalseftood and

misrepresentation, under the pretence of exposing"

humhugry." The

man who purposely deeeives the public mind, who wilfully misleads those

whom he assumes to teach, in matters that concern the character, the

health, the happiness and lives of his fellow men, commits a erinte as

really deserving of punishment, as if he were to set hte to their dwell-

ings, or shorten their earthly existence by furnishing them with a deadlypoison, under the pretence of selling them wholesome food. Where is

safety? Where is public confidence E How shall the mass, who havenot the time nor means for acquiring correct intbrmation upon matters

ot' philosophy, avoid the misehiefs of humbugry, when they are Imm-

baggezl under the guise ot' attempts at earposing humbugry? And

yet, how very much ot' this kind of deception we often see around us I

A quad: cries out against quackery I A pretended"

Magnetic College"

'^CONFESSIONS OF A MAGNETIZER " EXPOSED, 5

is reported to have been formed by three or four persons, as ignorant

of the true philosophy of what is called Magnetism, as they are of the

Chinese language, and they tell us it is done to " guard " the public

against imposition ! " Public attention is called by advertisements in

the papers, to what purports to be an " Expose of Animal Magnetism,"

by " A Practical Magnetizer," by which we are given to understand,

that a credible person, thoroughly acquainted ^vith what the most intelli-

gent writers assume in relation to this subject, has written something

which honest people would be enlightened in reading, but, on examina-

tion, it is found that this veiy pretended exposure is a deception^ defraud

upon the public confidence, and a base ruse to make money, as meanand dishonest, and a thousand times more so, than if it were filched from

your pocket. He v/ho steals your money " steals trash," but he who is

the means of deceiving you with regard to the philosophy of your ieing^

and the laws of life, does you a greater injury and one which may cause

you more misery than all the riches of earth would ever do you good.

1*

"coxrsssrons or A MAG-NETIZER" sxrossn. 5

is reported to have been formed by three or four persons, as ignorantof the true philosophy of' what is called Magnetism, as they are of the

Chinese language, and they tell us it is done to " guard" the publicagainst imposition Z" Public attention is called by advertisements in

the papers, to what purports to be an" Expose of' Animal Magnetism,"

by "A Practical Mngnetizer," by which we are given to understand,that a credible person, thoroughly acquainted with what the most intelli-

gent writers assume in relation to this subject, has written somethingwhich honest people would he enlightened in reading, but, on examina-

tion, it is found that this very pretended exposure is a deception, afraudupon the public confidence, and a base ruse to make money, as moan

and dishonest, and a thousand times more so, than it' it were filched from

your pocket. He who steals your money" steals trash," but he who is

the means of deceiving you with regard to the plzilosoplay ofyour being,and the laws of life, does you a greater injury and one which may cause

you more misery than all the riches of earth would ever do you good.

ls

LETTER II.

Boston, July 15, 1845.

Deas Sir,—Before I point out the contradictions and falsehoods of

this writer, it may be necessary for me to premise, that, though for more

than twent}" years I have been a firm believer in that form of human in-

jluence denominated " Mesmeiism," or " Magnetism," I have not been

in the habit of speaking of it under either of these terms. Mesmer him-

self never put one person into a state of somnambulism. He operated

by what is called the '• passes," and with trees, ropes, bottles of water,

wires, and many other things, by which he produced certain strange

effects, hke comiilsions, but he never induced that state of Coma, morerecently denominated " sleep-waking," and for this reason, it has always

seemed to me very unsuitable to c^U this state " Mesmeric sleep.''' Thefirst instance of this sleep, in the days of Mesmer, was produced byPysegar, and there is no evidence to prove that Mesmer ever induced

any such condition, during the whole course of his operations. And,for a similar reason, I have not been accustomed, as you know, to caU

this sleep a " magnetic " state, or the influence by which it is induced,

" magnetism." In the second volume of the Magnet, and also in mywork,* I have given what is believed to be the true philosophy of this

subject, and shown that there are no appreciable reasons for calling it

•' Magnetism," and least of all ^''Animal !Magne^lsm." Those reasons

put forth in my work, it may not be necessary, perhaps, to repeat here,

but merely to say, that it seems always most appropriate, when speaking

of new things, to use names the most expressive of their true nature and

laws, and as this influence is universally acknowledged by all to partake

of the nature of mental or physical sympathy^ I make use of a similar

*Pathetism; with Practical Instructions. Demonstrating the falsity of the

hitherto prevaJent assumptions in regard to what has been called " Mesmerism "

and " Neurology," and illustrating those Laws which induce Somnambulism,Second Sight, Sleep, Dreaming, Trance, and Clairvoyance, with numerousfacts tending to show the Pathology ofMonomania, Insanity, Witchcraft, and raxi-

ous other Mental or ^Nervous Phenomena. For sale by Redding & Co., No. 8

State St., Boston. Price 2-5 cents. It may be sent by rriGil to anv part of the

United States, subject only to pamphlet postage.

LETTER. II.

Boston, Jtmf 15, IS-15.

DEAR Sm,-Befc-re I po;nf out the contradictions and falseheods of

gg; wriier, it nzajv he necessary for me to premise, thai, though for more

£1311 twenty fears I have been a believer L11 thai form of Truman in-

fliiiiffifé' denominated " ]Iesn1e1lsn1," oi' þÿ�"�}�I�n�g�n�e ¬�i�s�n�1�,�"I have not been

in the habit of speakizg of' it zznier either of these terms. Mcsrncr him~

seffuever put one person into a state of solmmambzxlism. He operatedby what is þÿ�C�3�.�I�: ¬�7�;the "

passes," and with frees, ropes, boitfes of vraier,

"vires, and r;1sr.}' Of11'§1` thing, 'ay which he pr;-fzzced cerinin sirange.-

""A.. '-'-F

~.:ICCI:_~, MM: CGrzvufsiszzs, but Iii never i;1*;'11cef§ thai state of Cema, more

:'eeent3y denolzzilmied "

sleep-Wifiing," and for 'dis reason, it has alwaysseernefl to nie "ew ';ns':itabfe 1-3 eafl this sfaée " þÿ�§�|�I ¬�s�r�:�: ¬�.�=�"�f�cþÿ�3�? ¬ ¬�J�_�D�.�"The

nrst instance of :his sfeep, as the days of 3If:5Ll'l&1', was produced bv

Pysegir, ani :Ixete is no C~.'i'li-r_ee to ;:~rsve tI1e.t)Iesn1e1' ever induced

1121- -32-gh cj-gfifiggj f1';`!f",§ il? WIICIQ ('C`_Il`5'f UI" LIS þÿ�0�P�'�?�i�`�f�]�. ¬�I�C�I�E�S�._bifid-_ I. .

53: e sf;:1ife_;° "e:_sf:-rl, I Iieve :TTT 1[C°'f11 ;'_f:':'1s1c1.;;?:1, as 3-211 knew, to call

rljs seen e'° ;:1e_"::efie

"

site. Cr tfte i;:;I'_'§nee Irv v'T'_§ef1 it is induced.L D f »

-

" :'n?_f-:3et's;"." In the þÿ�s�;�-�2 ¬�;�'�_�_�`�_x'o"_:':_ze cf' the I"-Iegnet, and afso in mv

xv-:Lic I}:?.ve given wif' 1; `t--1 _ievsi to ':: the n",'e pfifesoplzy of this

e';'3_'e»;'t, eff. s1'_':"'n TTT? ff;_"i *Tc :tc z1jj7:'3e'n'J`_i retrscrs for calling it

'°JI:'_:;1ifis;'.1," e:_,_f feast 2-:`: T. '°_i;:' "rf ][:";:::"sm." These reasons

T; f'"="t§: fn :Ly xt'-1 ji, 11. _;t 'Je ;: :Q-Essery, fzflzaj-s, to re§»se,1 here,i_1_ 1i'_::'e1§' tv s'?_v_ T11-ei fi se-;'i__> nIve.§'s þÿ�:�;�_�s ¬aipj; :jrfat-1, Whtn speakingLI" þÿ�.�1�?�'�~�' ¬�?�.�1�n�z�;�.to :se ni"-'_-as 1`.e :ne-st "§X?f'_-'?S{'E cfthefr fi uf rmrurf and

`av's. ani as iftls ._ is _1:.''e:°s':`f}' erhuzzmfedgei Hy all to partake~+°' r` 'n»1)+:'|°:` 51 ,hi T /gn .

'1

'

?_q=»~ 13:1 I I'~»~p f' ~.; Q'

,. .., _ cl .... .a. ._1__ jsiccr ._ ..},a _;, mane _.s- c a r>.!'I1..L11'

'

þÿ�P�a�t�.�1 ¬ ¬�'�s�_�n�:"'1'_. Frzcz lnszructims. Dc-rrmnstraiing the fafsltjr nf the

..`t}1'ar"~ þÿ�p�r�e�.�'�f�f�_�I�e�!�: ¬ass;_z;pt"_ns= in regard to w:f;¢=t has been called *' Mesrnerism "

;r_'i '=Ye'..rclt;j'.' :ti-L fff';sir'1f':_g these Laws which fmiuce S=:~r_nnambu1ism,i`~':"'f` Sf;"_'. S _ D: "':"r;. Trance, and Cf':§r"'j;m7f_ vriqh n-Img]-ous

',r "

:'.f"~»;*' sf °

~-: *Ile P 'F I gf' <f'}I:r.' _;:=r}f1, Insaz, þÿ�\�" ¬�'�r�7�'�c�r�'�;�~�f�t�,and va;-1-

its'

't M _*I v 35:7 is Pit `._,'IIf`1'l"_ F':' sale IT Rfijg & Ce., So. S

raft* '~. B etfn. Fic- is-1 ~:_":.ts_ It IT1`_'`I`13 sent Hg: -on 7 ta any part of the

If. .- .l '55 "L :._`._ -ci `

' 2' pzrrfhlef p¢.¢"frgr

"CONFESSIONS OF A MAGNETISER " EXPOSED. 7

term, Pathetism^ expressive of this philosophy, and to signify not only

the AGENCY by which one person is enabled to produce emotion^ feeling,

passion, or any physical or mental effects, in the system of another, but

also that susceptibility of emotion or feeling, of any kind, in the sub-

ject operated upon.

You will, therefore, please to bear in mind, that when I use any of

the ordinary terms, as " Mesmerism," or " Animal Magnetism," I bor-

row them from this writer whom I am reviewing, as a matter of conve-

nience, and not because I either believe in the notions he puts forth

about the " nervo-vital fluid," or would sanction the use of these terms

when speaking of the functions and susceptibilities of the nervous sys-

tem. During the last four years, I have induced a state of somnambu-lism, or what I denominate liypnojpathy (sympathetic sleep) in more than

fifteen hundred cases, and on more than thirty of these persons surgical

operations have been performed, without the consciousness of pain.

Through this influence, I have permanently cured numerous cases of

insanity, and many other forms of nervous difficulty. Besides my work,

before referred to, you well know, that for some two years I published

and edited a periodical devoted expressly to this subject, and which af-

forded me unusual facilities for becoming familiar with operators in

other parts of this country and Europe ; so that I have had extraordinary

means for knowing what has been done, and the views entertained in

other parts of the world upon this subject. And to the above I may add,

that for a number of years I have been in the habit of importing about

every thing published in England and France upon this philosophy.

Nor is this all ; for some two years before I commenced writing or pub-

licly lecturing upon Pathetism, I devoted my time, wholly, to a course of

experimental study, in the investigation of the theories prevalent un-

der the names " Mesmerism," " Magnetism," and " Neurology." Atconsiderable expense, and in the use of Electricity, Galvanism, andmineral Magnetism, for years I was prosecuting my inquiries, for the

purpose of ascertaining the real nature of this agency, so that I think it

not unreasonable for me to suppose, that during this time, and with the

facilities above referred to, I must have possessed advantages for arriv-

ing at the truth on this subject, which warrants the conclusion, that if I

do not know as much about it as some others, it must be for the want of

a well developed brain, and not for the want of time, nor expense, nor" experience," nor opportunities of finding out what it is.

The great difficulty with most whom I have known, or heard of, whohave set up for " practical magnetizers " and public lecturers on this sub-

"conrssstons or A iracnsrissrv' nxrosro. 7

term, Paths!-ism, expressive of this philosophy, and to signify not onlythe acsncr by which one person is enabled to produce emotiomfeeling,passion, or any physical or mental eftects, in the system of another, but

also that SUSCEl'TIBII=ITY of emotion or feeling, of any kind, in the sub-

ject operated upon.

You Will, therefore, please to bear in mind, that when I use any of

the ordinary terms, as" Mesmerism," or

" Animal Magnetism," I bor-

row them from this writer whom I am reviewing, as a matter of conve-

nience, and not because Ieithe1' believe in the notions he puts forth

about the "nerve-vital iluid," or would sanction the use of these terms

when speaking of the functions and susceptibilities of the nervous sys-

tem. During the last four years, I have induced a state of somnambu~

lism, or what I denominate lz-ypnopailiy (sympathetic sleep) in more than

fifteen hundred cases, and on more than thirty of these persons surgicaloperations have been performed, without the consciousness of pain.Through this in1lnence,I have permanently cured numerous eases of

insanity, and many other forms of nervous difficulty. Besides my work,before referred to, you well know, that for some two years I publishedand edited a periodical devoted expressly to this subject, and which af-

forded me unusual facilities for becoming familiar with operators in

other parts of' this country and Europe ; so that I have had extraordinarymeans for knowing what has been done, and the views entertained in

other parts of the world upon this subject. And to the above I may add,that for a number of years I have been in the habit of importing about

every thing published in England and France upon this philosophy.Nor is this all ; for some two years before I commenced writing or pub-liely lecturing upon Pathetism,I devoted my time, wholly, to a course of

experimental study, in the investigation of the theories prevalent un-

der the names "Mesmerism," "

Magnetism," and "

Neurology." At

considerable expense, and in the use of _Electric-ity, G-eleenism, and

minerad Jlfegnetisfn, For yearsI was prosecuting my inquiries, for the

purpose of ascertaining the real nature of this agency, so that I think it

not unreasonable for me to suppose, that during this time, and with the

facilities above referred to, I must have possessed advantages for arriv-

ing at the truth on this subject, which warrants the conclusion, that if I

do not know as much about it as some others, it must be for the want of

a well developed brain, and not for the want of time, nor expense, nor

" experience," nor opportunities of finding out what it is.

The great difficulty with most wholn I have known, or heard of, whohave set up for "

practical magnetizers°' and public lecturers on this sub-

8 "CONFESSIONS OF A MAGNETIZER " EXPOSED.

ject, has been, they do not seem ever to have experimented, at all, for the

purpose of finding out the true nature of this agency. They have neverattempted to test the truth of the old notions about a " fluid," and hencetheir want of a knowledge of the true philosophy of the nervous func-

tions. A man, to excel as a mechanic, is under the necessity of devot-

ing seven years, or more, to the study and practice of the " mysteries "

of his art. But here and there we see men who do not know enough' of the science of language, to tell what they mean by a " nervo-vital

fluid ;" men who have scarcely brains enough to originate or put twoideas together, and who positively could not give an intelligent descrip-

tion of any thing, yet such persons are often found announcing them-selves as " Practical Magnetizers," or public lecturers on the " Philoso-

phy of Life," and dubbing themselves as " Doctors," " Professors," andthe like. Indeed, the public are beginning to take it diS prima facia evi-

dence of a greenhorn or a sap-head, when they see an operator an-

nouncing himself as " Dr. ," or " Professor , from NewYork," or " Boston," or " Philadelphia," &c. &c. &c. Nor could wescarcely conceive of a greater display in the ludicrous, than when we seethe names of these " Drs." and " Professors " exhibited on showbills,

offering to " examine diseases " by a " clairvoyant subject," or to give

a " Course of Lectures on the suUime science of Animal Magnetism !!"

To perform a few experiments may be a very easy thing. But this

done, and anon we have the soi-disant " Dr." or " Professor," givinglectures on a science more intricate, more difficult of attainment, a thou-sand times, than that of Mathematics or Astronomy. And yet, upon the

mysterious functions of the nervous system, and the laws of mind, youwill frequently find persons setting themselves up as teachers and" practical magnetizers," with the gravity of " an owl in ivy bush."And then comes the long harangue, as in the pamphlet before us, aboutthe " nervo-vital fluid," the " will," the " passes," &c. &c. &c. And,last of all, comes one of these " Drs.," or " practical magnetizers," witha flourish of trumpets, begging the sale of his ninepenny book, under thepretence that he, more wise or honest than all the rest, had really dis-

covered a cheat in the thing ; but, being very modest, and detailing cer-

tain "-Animal^' propensities quite prevalent in his own heart, he is, of-course, ashamed to put his name to it.*

* 1 think I could give the name of the writer of this pamphlet, and, as a mat-ter o^ curiosity, I may do so, in another work I am preparing for the press pro-vided he will consent to have me add a chapter of his real history, as I receivedit from one who knows him well ! It is an old proverb, " Follow not too nearthe heels of truth, lest she dash your teeth out."'

S "CONFESSIONS OF A MAGNETIZIER" EXPOSED.

ject, has been, they do not seem ever to have experimented, at all, forthe

purpose of finding out the true nature of this agency. They have never

attempted to test the truth of the old notions about a" iiuid," and hence

their want of a knowledge ef' the true philosophy of the nervous func-tions. A man, to excel as a mechanic, is under the necessity of devot-

ing seven years, or more, to the study and practice ofthe "

mysteries"

of his art. But here and there we see men who do not know enoughof the science of language, to tell what they mean by a "nerve-vitalfluid ;" men who have scarcely brains enough to originate or put two

ideas together, and who positively could not give an intelligent descrip-tion of any thing, yet such persons are often found announcing them-selves as

" Practical lVlagnetizers," or public lecturers on the " Philoso-

phy of Life," and dubbing themselves as" Doctors," " Professors," and

the like. Indeed, the public are beginning to take it as primafacfia evi-dence of a greenkofrn or a sap-head, when they see an operator an-

nouncing himself' as" Dr. -," or

" Professor ---, from New

York," or"

Boston," or"

Philadelphia," &c. &c. &c. Nor could we

scarcely conceive of a greater display in the ludicrous, than when we see

the names of these " Drs." and " Professors "' exhibited on showbills,offering to " examine diseases "

by a"

elairvoyant subject," or to givea

" Course of Lectures on the .artful-into science of rin-ima! Magnetism ! l"To perform a fevv experiments may be a very easy thing. But this

done, and anon we have the sei-ctisa-nt " Dr." or" Professor," giving

lectures on a science more intricate, more tlifiicult of attainment, a thou-sand times, than that of Mathematics or Astronomy. And yet, upon the

mysterious functions of the nervous system, and the laws of mind, youwill frequently find persons setting themselves up as teachers and

"practical magnetizers," with the gravity of "an owl in ivy bush."

And then comes the long harangue, as in the pamphlet before us, aboutthe " nerve-vital fluid," the " will," the "

passes," &c. &e. &c. And,last of' all, comes one of' these " Drs," or

"

practical magnetizers," witha flourish of trumpets, begging the sale of his ninepenny book, under the

pretence that he, more wise or honest than all the rest, had really dis-covered a cheat in the thing; but, being very modest, and detailing cer-

tain " Animal "

propensities quite prevalent in his own heart, he is, of

course, ashamed to put his name to it*

*' I think I could give the name ofthe writer of this pamphlet, and, as fi mst.ter of curiosity, I may do so, in another work I am preparing for the press, pro-videcl he will consent to have me add ai chapter of his reel history, as I receivedit from one who knows him well ! It is an old proverb, " Follow not too neat'

the heels of truth, lest she dash your teeth out."

" CONFESSIONS OF A MAGNETIZER " EXPOSED. 9

He begins by telling us, first, that he narrates " facts," and secondly,

that they " had all been experienced by the author." That he did " ex-

perience " the predominance of certain " animal " propensities, when*' placed opposite a young and lovely female," and that he was the mag-netizer who did actually " choose his wife among his subjects," we are

bound to believe, from his own showing. But, that his gross ignorance

of the subject upon which he puts himself before the public as a teacher,

or that his strong " animal " propensities should pass and be taken for

the true philosophy of mind ^ I cannot admit, by any means. The guise

thrown over his attempt, is too thin to hide the deformity within. Themerest novice might discover the ignorance and deception exhibited uponalmost every page of this pamphlet, which, so far from exposing anything objectionable in the thing about which he professes to write, ex-

poses the weakness of his own head, and shows how utterly unfit he ever

was to be a " magnetizer," and still more, how unsafe it was for any" young and lovely female " to be placed any where within his reach.

Never were the words of the poet more strikingly exemplified than in

the case of this self-styled " practical magnetizer :"

" Lust^ though to a radiant angel linked,

Will satiate itself in a celestial bed,

And prey on garbage.

But virtue never will be moved,Though lewdness court it in the garb of heaven."

When a man writes a book of fifty pages, and publishes to the world

that he never could sit " opposite a female," or come near to them, andespecially that he could not look one in the eye, without having

" Unlawful thoughts of many things,"

is such a man to be accredited, when he attempts to palliate his owncrimes by affecting to show that every other man is like himself, and

that every lady is precisely of the same character as those whose" eyes have closed " on him " in dreamy and spiritual affection ^

"

Set him down as a weak-brother, " a practical " any thing but a teacher

of the laws of mind. He may, perchance, be a good man, but ten

thousand chances to the contrary. Beside " a young and lovely female "

his heart melts like butter before the fire, and he is just silly enough to

imagine every other person like himself. Such is this anonymousauthor, who comes before the public with his " Confessions !" and to

"CONFESSIONS OF A þÿ�l�I�A�G�i�* ¬�E�'�1�`�1�Z�E�I�i�.�"EXPOSED. 9

He begins by tolling us, first, that he narrates " thcts," and secondly,that they " had all been experienced by the author." That he did "

ex-

perience" the predominance of certain "animal "

propcnsitles, when"

placed opposite a young and lovely female," and that he was the mag-netizer who did actually "choose his wife among his subjects," we are

bound to believe, from his own sliowing. But, that his gross ignoranceof the subject upon which he puts himself before the public as a teacher,or that his strong

" animal " propensities should pass and be taken for

the true philosophy qfmiml, l cannot admit, by any means. The guisethrown over his attempt, is too thin to hide the deformity within. The

merest novice might discover the ignorance and deception exhibited uponalmost every page of this pamphlet, which, so far from exposing any

thing objectionable inthe thing ahout which he profcsses to write, ex-

poses the weakness of' his own head, and shows how utterly unfit he ever

was to hc a" magnetizcr," and still more, how unsafe it was for any

"

young and lovely female "to be placed any where within his reach.

Never were the ivords of the poet more strikingly exemplified than in

the case of' this seltistyled"

practical magnetizer :"

" Lust, though to a radiant angel linked,"fill satiate itself' in a celestial bed,

And prey on garbage.But virtue never will be moved,Though lewdness court it in the garb of heaven."

Vifhen a man writes a book of fifty pages, and publishes to the world

that he never could sit °'

opposite a female," or come near to them, and

especially that he could not look one in the eye, without having

" Unlawful thoughts of many things,"

is such a man to be accredited, when he attempts to palliate his own

crimes by affecting to show that every other man is like himself, and

that every lady is precisely of the same character as those whose

"eyes have closed" on him " in dreamy and spiritual aH`cction?"

Set him down as a weak-brother, "a practical

"

any thing but a_tcacherof the laws of mind. He may, perchance, be a good man, but ten

thousand chances to the contrary. Beside "a young and lovely female "

his heart melts like butter before the fire, and he is just silly enough to

imagine every other person like liimself. Such is this anonymous

author, who comes before the public with his "Confessions 1" and to

10 "CONFESSIONS OF A MAGNETIZER^' EXPOSED.

make them sell, sticks out his shingle as " a practical magnetizer,'' whenthe soft-head never put a person into a real state of somnambulism since

he was bom, probably ; that he never put one person to sleep in the

manner he describes, I know. The thing was never done in that way,

never ; and he but shows his ignorance in supposing (if, indeed, he does

believe) the truth of what he says*

10 "CONFESSIONS OF A MAGNETIZER" EXPOSED.

make them sell, sticks out his shingle as"

a practical magnetizer," when

the soft-head never put a person into a real state of somnambulism since

he was born, probably; that he never put one person to sleep in the

manner he describes, I know. The thing was never done in that way,

never; and he but shows his ignorance in supposing (if, indeed, he does

believe) the truth of what he says.

LETTER III.

Boston, July 16, 1845.

Dear Sir,—Nothing can be more evident, than that this " practical

Animal Magnetizer " was deceived, if he did fully believe the truth

of his details ; and being himself deceived, of course he will deceive

others just as much as they may confide in the truth of his statements.

He says

:

" I am one of those who believe that there is a certain will within the cultiva-

tion of every powerful mind, which may be so exercised over the dormant pow-ers of another, as to render the person, for the time being, subject to the wish

of the active agent."

The meaning here is, that merely by the will^ without contact, or

without signifying the intention to the subject, one person may over-

come another never operated upon before, and throw him into a state of

unconscious sleep ! And, upon this assumption, this writer goes on to

tell us of cases in which he says he induced the sleep merely by his

will^ where the persons had no suspicion of his design ; and even he

himself, he tells us, was put to sleep in this same way ! Now, I pro-

nounce this whole representation about the vnll a sheer fabrication^ a

deception^ defraud. A state of sleep was never induced in this way,

that is, by the will, merely, where the person had never been operated

on before, and when he had no apprehension, at the time, of what wasgoing on. It would be a libel on the Author of our being to suppose

such a result possible ! It is what never was done, and what never can

be done. Remember, I am not, noio, speaking of tohat may he done, hy

the WILL, toithout the patienfs knoivledge, after he has been once oper-

ated upon, and the sleep brought on ; though I believe the sleep is

scarcely, if ever, induced without the patient's knowledge, even after

they have been put to sleep many times. I am aware, that operators

have sometimes thought it was induced in this way, but I am certain they

were deceived. But at first, I affirm, without the fear of contradiction,

that without the patient's knowledge (and consent, direct or indirect,)

no impression was ever made upon him by the mere volition of another.

LETTER III.

BOSTON, JULY 16, 1845.

Drain SIR,-Nothing can be more evident, than that this " practicalJlnimaf Magnctizer" was deceived, if hc did fully believe the truth

of his details; and being himself deceived, of course he will deceive

others just as much as they may confide in the truth of his statements.

He says :

"I am one of those who believe that there is a certain will Within the cultiva-

tion of every powerful mind, which may be so exercised over the dormant pow-ers of another, as to render the person, for the time being, subject to the wish

of the active agent,"

The meaning here is, that merely by the will, without contact, or

Without s'ig~n12fy'ing the intention to the subject, one person may over-

come another never operated upon before, and throw him into a state of

unconscious sleep! And, upon this assumption, this writer goes on to

tell us of cases in which he says he induced the sleep merely by his

will, where the persons had no suspicion of his design; and even he

himself, he tells us, was put to sleep in this same way! Now, I pro-nounce this whole representation about the will a sheer fabrication, a

deception, a fraud. A state of sleep was never induced in this way,that is, by the will, merely, where the person had never been operatedon before, and when he had no apprehension, at the time, of what was

going on. It would be a libel on the Author of our being to supposesuch a result possible I It is what never was done, and what never can

be done. Remember, I am noi, now, speaking of :chat may be clone, bythe WILL, without the pat'ienZ's knowledge, AFTER he has been once OPCT-ated npon, and the sleep orongltt on; though I believe the sleep is

scarcely, if' ever, induced without the patient's knowledge, even after

they have been put to sleep many times. I am aware, that operatorshave sometimes thought it was induced in this way, but I am certain theywere deceived. But at first, I affirm, without the fear of contradiction,that without the patient's knowledge (and consent, direct or indirect,}no impression was ever made upon him by the mere volition of another.

12 "CONFESSSIONS OF A MAGNETIZER" EXPOSED.

And this writer's silly stories about his having put certain young ladie'S

to sleep, merely by his will, and induced them to love himself or others,

is Sifarce, a deception, of which any person may be easily satisfied by

the trial. The truth appears to be, this writer wanted to make a show

of an expose of something, and so he takes the old and long exploded

notions about " a nervo-vital fluid," and the power of the will, and, fab-

ricating a few silly cases, he pretends to have done by his will certain

things, which he never did do, and which he could not do, if he would ;

and on the prejudice which generally has prevailed on this subject, he

makes a show of great danger from ^'Animal Magnetism," as if his sto-

ries should be credited as the sober truth, by any intelligent person

who might read them. How the sleep, when it is induced, is brought

on, I may show in the sequel ; but it is never produced, at first, without

the patient's knowledge, by the mere will of the operator— never!

This writer betrays his ignorance, again, when he assumes to dogma-

tize on the power of " sympathy," and represents that the subject in a

state of somnambulism, " reflects the mind of the operator, or the per-

son with whom he is in communication." This is true only in a very

few, rare cases, and then only in a limited degree. Ordinarily, the

sleep-waker has no conception of the operator'^s will, except ichen it is

expressed in loords or signs. This I know to be a fact. And hence it

is manifest, that when this writer speaks of certain feelings having been

manifested by the females whom he says he put to sleep, if he speaks

the truth, he said or did something to excite those feelings, over and

above what was necessarj'' to induce the state of sleep.

Of course, our " Animal magnetizer " professes to be " honest." Hearhim

:

" As T propose to be honest in this expose, 1 will frankly acknowledge, that

when I found out the deception that had been practiced upon me, and in which

I had been an innocent agent of deception to others, I did not do as I should

have done. I was ashamed to acknowledge my error, being actuated by a false

pride, which led me to cleave to falsehood, rather than acknowledge my error."

What, pray, was the " deception " practiced upon this confiding

youth, this paragon of purity ? It was not that " Magnetism " was not

true ; for, in the truth of this agency consists the whole gist of his book.

It was not that he was not an " Animal Magnetizer " of the first water,

for he tells us he " had loved a hundred times,'^'' and a hundred different

females, and that he even procured his present wife by putting her to

sleep and " willing " her to love him ! In what, then, are we to under-

12 "CONFESSSIONS OF A NIAGNETIZER" EXPOSED.

And this writer's silly stories about his having put certain young ladies

to sleep, merely by his will, and induced them to love himself' or others,is afarce, a deception, of which any person may be easily satisfied bythe trial. The truth appears to be, this writer wanted to make a show

of an expose of something, and -so he takes the old and long explodednotions about "

a nerve-vital fluid," and the power ofthe will, and, fab-

ricating a, few silly cases, he pretends to have done by his will certain

things, which he never did do, and which he could not do, if he would ;

and on the prejudice which generally has prevailed on this subject, he

makes a show off great danger from "Animal Magnetisin," as if' his sto-

ries should be credited as the sober truth, by any intelligent person

who might read them. How the sleep, when it is induced, is broughton, I may show i11 the sequel 5 but it is never produced, at first, without

the patient's knowledge, by the mere will of the operator- nsvsal

This writer betrays his ignorance, again, when he assumes to dogma-tize on the power of "

sympathy," and represents that the subject in a

state of somnambulism, " reflects the mind of the operator, or the per-son with whom he is in communication." This is true only in a very

few, rare cases, and then only in a limited degree. Ordinarily, the

sleep-walter has no conception ofthe operator`s will, except when 'it 'ES

esqwessed in words or signs. This I lcnowto be a fact. And hence it

is manifest, that when this writer speaks of certain feelings having been

manifested by the females whom he says he put to sleep, if he speaksthe truth, he said or did something to excite those feelings, over and

above what was necessary to induce the state of sleep.Of Course, our

" Animal magnetizer"

professes to be "'l1onest." Heal'

him: ._

" As I propose to be honest in this expose, 1 will frankly acknowledge, that

when I found out the deception that had been practiced upon ine, and in which

I had been an innocent agent of deception to others, I did not do as I should

have done. I was ashamed to acknowledge my error, being actuated by a false

pride, which led me to cleave to falsehood, rather than acknowledge my error."

`What, pray, was the " deception"

practiced upon this contidingyouth, this paragon of purity P It was not that "

Magnetism"

was not

true; for, in the truth of this agency' consists the whole gist of his book.

lt was not that he was not an" flnimal .llfagnetizer

" of the lirst Water,for he tells us he " had loved a ltundred times," and a hundred different

females, and that he even procured his present wife by putting her to

sleep and "

willing" her to love him 1 ln what, then, are we to under-

"CONFESSIONS OF A MAGNETIZER" EXPOSED. 13

Stand the " deception " consists ? " O," says he, " there is vice to be

feared^ as concealed under the cloak of Magnetism ! !" " Vice to be

feared !" And how does this appear ? Why, this precocious youth

had so much of the " animal " himself, and took such frequent advan-

tages of the opportunities which his peculiar process of " Magnetising "

afforded him, to indulge his " animal " propensities, that he now comesto the wise conclusion to turn a penny by his depravity, in writing and

selling a book on the subject ! Nor will any one doubt, I think, for one

moment, that if all men were like this writer, it would be better for phy-

sicians, clergymen, and all others, to be separated wholly from all inter-

course with the fairer sex, " for fear that some vice might be concealed

beneath the cloak " of the profession. He tells us he " had loved a hun-

dred ti?nes, ay, and with his lohole heart,'''' while sitting " opposite

young and lovely females," for the purpose of " magnetizing " them. Nodoubt of it. The " critter " has so much of the " animal " in him, that

no one could doubt this part of his story.

The sickening details told in chapters 5, 6 and 7, about " Helen " and" Milton," though evidently fabricated for the occasion, show off the

hypocrisy of this writer, to the life. He feigned a knowledge of physi-

ognomy, and told the young lady whom he deceived, that it was " the only

science that is not made the foundation of some humbug ;" and this he told

her while he was humbugging her, that very moment, and now he at-

tempts to humbug the public by a most miserably written, silly story

about it.

In chapter 3d, this wiseacre makes a number of false statements about

myself, which shows his ignorance both of my theory and my manner

of operating in my public lectures. His directions for causing the

sleep by " a bow-knot of ribbon pinned to the wall," is given as a rev-

elation of a great secret, just as if such a process had not been published

in the Magnet years ago, and the explanation which he gives of it far-

ther shows that his knowledge of the human mind, and the effects which

one's o|vn attention has upon his nervous system, is scarcely up to medi-

ocrity. Indeed, the jumble he makes of effects produced in this way,

and those produced (as he thinks) by the human will, is enough to

show, that Mental Philosophy was unfortunate indeed when seized upon

by this " Animal Magnetizer," — more so than the " silly women " whomhe tells us he " led captive at his will," " laden with sins, led away with

divers lusts." But, we are told, that " the folly of such shall be mani-

fest unto all."

"CONFESSIONS or A MAoNEr1zf;a" sxrosso. 13

stand the " deception" consists P " O," says he, " there is vice to be

feared, as concealed under the cloak of' Magnetism I I " " Vice to be

feared I " And how does this appear? Why, this precocious youthhad so much of the " animal " himself, and took such frequent advan-

tages uf' the opportunities which his pf'rai!'z`ar process of "

Magi.etising"afforded him, to indulge his " a;m'mal "

propensities, that he now comes

to the wise conclusion to turn a penny by his depravity, in writing and

selling a book on the subject I Nor will any one doubt, I think, for one

moment, that if all men were like this writer, it would be better for phy-sicians, clergyman, and all others, to be separated wholly from all inter-

course vrith the fairer sex," for fear that some vice might be concealed

beneath the cloak" of the profession. He tells us he " had loved a hun-

dred times, ay, and with his -whole heart," while sitting"

oppositeyoung and lovely females," forthe purpose of "

magnetizing" them. No

doubt of it. The " critter " has so much of the " animfzl " in him, that

no one could doubt this part of' his story.The sickening details told in chapters 5, 6 and 7, about " Helen "' and

"l`lilton," though evidently fabricated for the occasion, show off the

hypocrisy of this writer, to the life. Hefeigned a knowledge of physi-ognomy, and told the young lady whom he deceived, that it was

" the onlyscience that is not made the foundation of some humbug ;" and this he told

her while he was humbugging her, that very moment, and now he at~

tempts to humhug the public by a most miserably written, silly storyabout it.

ln chapter 3d, this wiseacre makes a number of false statements about

myself, which shows his ignorance both of my theory and my manner

of operating in my public lectures. His directions For causing the

sleep by"

a bow-knot of ribbon pinned to the wall," is given as a rev-

elation of a great secret, just as it' such a process had not been publishedin~the Magnet years ago, and the explanation which he gives of it far-

ther shows that his knowledge of the human mind, and the effects '~'lllCll

one's own attention has upon his nervous system, is scarcely up to medi-

ocrity. Indeed, the jumble he makes of effects produced in this way,

and those produced (as he thinks) by the human will, is enough to

show, that Mental Philosophy was unfortunate indeed when seized upon

by this " Ana?-mel Magnetizer," - more so than the " silly women" whom

he tells us he " led captive at his will," "laden with sins, led away with

divers lusts." But, we are told, that " the folly of such shall be mani-

fest unto all."

2

LETTER IV.

Boston, July 16, 1845.

Dear Sir— Having exposed the ignorance, falsehood, and humbug-ry of the pamphlet under notice, I will now give you a very brief

account of the rationale of what has been known under the name of" Mesmerism," and, in doing this, I shall not only further show the false-

hood of this pamphlet, but you will see, from my remarks, that I not

only discard the old futile notions about " a nervo-vital fluid," but the

objectionable method of inducing the sleep, by gazing the patient in the

eyes, taking hold of the thumbs, and making the passes over the body.

These mummeries were discarded, years ago, by intelligent operators in

every part of the country, and they are now only resorted to by those

who believe in the old notions of di fluid.

The greatest mistake made in relation to what has been denominated'•'' Mesmerism," has been in viewing it as something essentially different

from the ordinary influence which one mind has always been known to

have over another. A correction of this misapprehension will put you

upon the right course of investigation for ascertaining loliat this agency

or influence is. Those who have produced certain results by what has

been called " Animal Magnetism," have been most egregiously bewil-

dered and deceived, by the assumption about a fluids said to be elimi-

nated out of one brain, by the will of the operator, into the nervous

system of the patient. As I have sifted this question, I believe, to the

bottom, and made use of every available means for arriving at the truth,

it will not, perhaps, be thought strange that I should speak somewhat

confidently upon this subject. It would not be possible to comprise any

considerable outline of the course of reasoning which shows the futility

of the old theories about a fluid, nor is this necessary here, as I have done

what I believe to be ample justice to this subject in my book ; and in

another work, which I have in the course of preparation for the press,

I hope to be able to shed still more light upon what is denominated Path-

etism, or the " New Philosophy of Mind."

Before you can form an enlightened judgment of this influence, it

will be necessary to have some knowledge of the susceptibilities of the

LETTER IV.

Bos'roN, July 16, 1845,

DEAR SIR-Having exposed the ignorance, falsehood, and humbug=ry of the pamphlet under notice, I will now give you a very brief

account of the ratifonale of' what has been known under the name of" Mesmerism," and, in doing this, I shall not only further show the false-

hood of this pamphlet, but you will see, from my remarks, that I not

only discard the old futile notions about "a nerve-vital fluid," but the

objectionable method of inducing the sleep, by gazing the patient in the

eyes, taking hold of' the thumbs, and making the passes over the body.These mummeries were discarded, years ago, by intelligent operators in

every part of the country, and they are new only resorted to by those

who believe in the old notions of a jia-id.The greatest mistake made in relation to what has been denominated

" ilrfesmerisrn," has been in viewing it as something essentially diferentfrom the ordinary influence which one mind has always been known to

have over another. A correction of this misapprehcnsion will put you

upon the right eoui'se of investigation for ascertaining what Uris agencyor injittence is. Those who have produced certain results by what has

been called " Animal Magnetism," have been most egregiously bewil-

dered and deceived, by the assumption about a _/laid, said to be elimi-

nated out of one brain, by the will of the operator, into the nervous

system ot' the patient. AsI have sifted this question, I believe, to the

bottom, and made use of every available means for arriving at the truth,it will not, perhaps, be thought strange that Ishould speak somewhat

confidently upon this subject. It would not be possible to comprise anyconsiderable outline of' the course of reasoning which shows the futilityof the old theories about a fluid, nor is this necessary here, as I have done

what I believe to be ample justice to this subject in my book; and in

another work, which I have in the course of preparation for the press,

I hope to be able to shed still more light upon what is denominated Path-

etism, or the " New Philosophy of' Mind."

Before you can form an enlightened judgment of this influence, it

will be necessary to have some knowledge of the susceptibilities of the

WHAT IS IT? 15

nervous system ; and the identity ofthis system, with that aggregate of the

nervous functions to which we apply the term, mind. These prehmina-

ries understood, then ask yourself this question :—

" Hoio, or hy what laws, does one mind affect another, in the common

concerns of life 7 Or, Tioio does your oion mind become affected, in any

given state ?-"

The true answer will give you the philosophy of Pathetism, or what

has been denominated the " Mesmeric influence." The term " HumanInfluence " would be much better, because the influence bv which I induce

a state of Somnambulism, Trance, or Catalepsy, is precisely the sam.e,

and depends upon the same conditions in the mind of the patient and

the operator, that allows of any sensation or emotion brought on by any

thing said, or done, for the purpose of producing any results.

Pathetism, then, includes all that is peculiar to a feeling of sympathy

or antipathy, joy or grief mirth or sadness, love or hatred, pride or

humility, adlitsiveness or aversion, health or disease, sleep or wakefulness,

when these states are brought upon one person, by something said or

done by another ; or when these states come on through the mind of the

patient, without any design of a second person to induce them.

Hence you will see upon how many different things, states, conditions,

circumstances, motives, &c., the results you may attempt to produce will

depend. The age, sex, temperament, health, state of the mind at the

time, are all concerned, and must be taken into the account, in determin-

ing the amount of influence which one may be able to exert over another

at any given time. But, as I have already stated, nothing can be

done, at first, without the patient's knowledge and consent — nothing at

all. Hence this great bugbear, conjured up by the " Animalists,"

vanishes " into thin air."

Nothing, perhaps, would tend more to demonstrate the falsity of the

hitherto prevalent notions about o. fluid in the production of the phenom-

ena current, under the term of " Mesmerism," than an examination of

the infinitely diversified effects alleged to have been produced by this

influence. Out of the tens of thousands of subjects operated upon, there

have never been found any two who were affected in all respects ex-

actly alike. At first view, to be sure, a superficial observer might take

these discrepances as so many evidences against the reality or utility of

the thing under notice. This, however, would not be the wiser course;

the same objection might be brought against the treatment of disease by

medicine. There is, really, just as much uncertainty in the anticipated

results of medicine, just as much want of agreement among the medical

YVHAT IS ir? 15

nervous system ; andthe identity of this system, with that aggregate of' the

nervous functions to which we apply the term, MIND. These prelimina-ries understood, then ask yourself this question :-

" How, or by what laws, does one :triad eject another, in the common

concerns of Zprc fl Or, how does your own. mind become ejected, in any

given state C?

The true answer will give you the philosophy of Paffzctisnt, or wha:

has been denominated the " Mesmeric infiuence." The term "Human

73

influence " would be much better, because the influence by which I induce

:1 state of Sonmambulism, Trance, or Catalepsy, is precisely the same,

and depends upon the same conditions in the mind of' the patient and

the operator, that allows of' any sensation or emotion brought on by any

thing said, or done, for the purpose of producing any results.

Pathetism, then, includes all that is peculiar to a feeling of sympatfzyor ori.t.i,rJo.fL'.y, joy or griojf mirth or .sod.=1o.ss,Zot2o or ltati"oc£,pr'£dc or

Fzanzifity, rzcU¢csit=cnc>ss or at-ersion, lzceltft or disease, Sleep or zoakcjirlzzess,when these states are brought upon one person, by something said or

done by another; or when these states come on through the mind of the

patient, without any design of a second person to induce them.

I-Ience you will see upon how many different things, states, conditions,circumstances, motives, 5:-e., the results you may attempt to produce will

depend. The age, sex, temperament, health, state of the mind at the

time, are all concerned, and must be taken into the account, in determin-

ing the amount of influence which one may be able to exert over another

at any given time. But, as l have already stated, Nornme can bc

done, at first, without the patient's knowledge and consent -nothing at

all. Hence this great bugbear, conjured up by the " Animalists,"vanishes " into thin air."

Nothing, perhaps, would tend more to demonstrate the falsity of the

hitherto prevalent notions about a ji-uid in the production of the phenom-ena current, under the term of " l'lesn'|e1'isn1,"' than an examination of

the infinitely tlirersgded eflects alleged to have been produced by this

influence. Out of the tens of thousands of' subjects operated upon, there

have never been found any two who were affected in all respects ex-

actly alike. At first view, to be sure, a superficial observer might take

these discrepances as so many evidences against the reality or utility of

the thing under notice. This, however, would not be the wiser course ;

the same objection might be brought against the treatment of' disease bymedicine. There is, really, just as much uncertainty in the anticipatedresults of medicine, just as much want of agreement among the medical

16 WHAT IS IT?

faculty, and far more, than has ever prevailed among the advocates of" Mesmerism."

The difference in the results of this influence do not prove that no re-

sults are actually produced, but they do prove, that they are not resolvable

into the laws which we know to be peculiar to magnetism or electricity.

In my work, I have entered somewhat in detail, into the examination of

this question, as to the medium of communication between mind andmind, and to that work I must refer all who wish for further information

upon this feature of our subject. I have been much gratified, in reading

four very interesting papers, in the London Lancet, re-published for

April, May, June and July, 1845, bearing directly upon this point. Theywere written by Dr. Charles E,. Hall, of the Royal College of Physicians,

London.* The Dr. has, evidently, never been considered favorable to

what has been known under the name of" Mesmerism," as he does not

seem to have been either a believer or an operator ; but the information

he has given in his papers on this subject, I venture to say, will tend

more to settle the question as to the real nature of this influence, than

any thing which has been previously published in England ; and it is to

be earnestly hoped, that the friends of this science (for so it is getting to be

called) will profit by the papers of Mr. Hall. The following are the con-

clusions at which his researches have brought his own mind. He says

:

" Of the alleged results of the Mesmeric process, I believe there are,

" Proved— Quietude, composure, sleep.

" Prohahle^ but requiring confirmation — Traction, convulsion,

heightened sensibility, diminished sensibility, double convulsions.

'"'' Possible ^ iut not very probable —Insensibility to severe pain, for

any given length of time, at pleasure.

" Impossible, as far as any thing can be so — Clairvoyance, intuition,

community of thought, involuntary and complete subjection of mind to

the mesmerizer." And, lastly, I believe, that we have not a shadow of evidence in sup-

port of the existence of any new agency, ivhether designated Mesmeric,

Magnetic, occult, or by any other name.''''

With the exception of his doubts on the question of clairvoyance, and

a modification of what he denies as to the " community of thought," and

insensibility to pain, you will perceive that Dr. Hall has but reiterated

* On the Rise, Progress, and Mysteries of Mesmerism, in all ages andcountries."

16 wvlmr IS IT?

faculty, and far more, than is ever prevailed among the advocates of" Mesrnerisrn."

The difference in the results of this influence do not prove that no re-

sults are actually produced, but they do prove, that they are not resolvable

into the laws which we know to be peculiar to magnetism or electricity.In my work, I have entered somewhat in detail, into the examination of

this question, as to the medium of communication between mind and

mind, and to that work I must refer all who wish for further information

upon this feature of our subject. I have been much gratified, in readingfour very interesting papers, in the London Lancet, re-published for

April, May, June and July, 1845, bearing directly upon this point. Theywere written by Dr. Charles R. Hall, of the Royal College of Physicians,London* The Dr. has, evidently, never been considered favorable to

what has been known under the name of "

ll-Icsrnerism," as he does not

seem to have been either a believer or an operator; but the information

he has given in his papers on this subject, I venture to say, will tend

more to settle the question as to the real nate-rc of this influence, than

any thing which has been previously published in England ; and it is to

be earnestly hoped, that the friends of this science (for so it is getting to be

called) will profit by the papers of ll/lr. Hall. The following are the con-

clusions at which his researches have brought his own rnind. He says:

"' Of the alleged results of the Mesrneric process, I believe there are," Pfoved- Quietude, composure, sleep." Probable, bet requiring eocrjir-ree.t1§on - Traction, convulsion,

heightened sensibility, diminished sensibility, double convulsions.

"Poss'ii'1le, but not 'very probehie --Insensibility to severe pain, for

any given length of time, at pleasure." Impossible, as far' as any timing can be so _ Clairvoyanee, intuition,

coniniunity of' thought, involuntary and complete subjection of mind to

the rnesmerizer." And, lastly,I believe, that we have not a shadow of evidence in sup-

port fy" the existence of any new agency, whether designated Mesvneric,

Magfzetic, occult, or by any other name."

With the exception of his doubts on the question of clairvoyanee, and

a modfificatfion of what he denies as to the " community of thought," and

insensibility to pain, you will perceive that Dr. Hall has but reiterated

*On the Rise, Progress, and Mysteries of Mesmerism, in all ages and

countries."

WHAT IS IT? 17

the views published by myself years ago. It does not appear, that he

had ever seen or even heard of my theory ; but it is gratifying to find that

an opponent, when writing upon this subject, and especially, one whohad taken as much pains to inform himself, as Dr. Hall has done, should

come so very near to admitting the whole truth. Indeed, it would hardly

seem possible for any believer in " Mesmerism " to read the quotations

he has made from a vast number of writers upon this subject, and not

come to a similar conclusion with respect to the non-existence of any

new agency^ in the production of what are denominated Mesmeric re-

sults, or any such agency as " Mesmerists " have supposed, under the

names " Magnetism," or a " nervo-vital fluid."

In speaking of " Mesmerism " under the terms of an '' agency," the

mind is apt to be misled ; because this gives the idea that it is something

separate and distinct from the mind itself. But this is the error to be

removed, before we can arrive at the truth of this subject, as you will see

more plainly on examination of my theory. The results produced by" Magnetism," alioays depend upon the state of the patienVs mind, and

not so much upon the process adopted to induce them, nor upon the mere

WILL of the operator. The operator, therefore, who is the most ac-

quainted with the human mind and the nature of its susceptibilities, the

conditions of the nervous system, upon which mental manifestations de-

pend, will succeed the best, cccteris paribus, in producing any given re-

sults. He will be able, of course, to adapt his process of operating to

the occasion and condition of the patient, for the purpose of bringing

about the right state of mind. The mind depends upon the state of the

nervous system, ahoays, and they reciprocally affect each other. Achange in the condition of the nervous system produces a change in

the mind, and a change in the state of the mind, made through the ex-

ternal senses, or by any other means, produces a change in the nervous

system. Medicines, when taken into the stomach or applied to the sur-

face of the body, operate upon precisely the same susceptibilities of the

nervous system ; and hence it is that medicine produces no change in

the dead body, and sometimes it produces no change in the living body,

owing to the condition of the nervous susceptibilities when it is taken.

In cases of insanity, the ordinary symptoms of some diseases do not ap-

pear, and the ordinary methods of medical treatment produce no effect,

owing entirely to the state of the patient's mind, or the changed condi-

tion of the nervous susceptibilities.* A knowledge of these facts is of

* For evidence of the truth upon which the above statement is made, see

the London Lancet for October, 1844, re-published Ja7i., 1845, p, 17.

2*

WHAT is IT? 17

the views published by myself years ago. lt does not appear, that he

had ever seen or even heard ot' my theory; but it is gratifying to find that

an opponent, when writing upon this subject, and especially, one who

had taken as much pains to inform hi1'nselt`, as Dr. Hall has done, should

come so very near to admitting the whole truth. Indeed, it would hardlyseein possible for any believer in " Mesmerism "

to read the quotationshe has made from a vast number ot' writers upon this subject, and not

come to a similar conclusion with respect to the non-existence of any

new agency, inthe production of what are denominated Mesrneric re-

sults, or any such agency as" ll-lesmerists " have supposed, under the

names"

ltlagnetism," or a" nerve-vital fluid."

ln speaking of " Mesmerism "' under the terms of an " agency," the

mind is apt to be misled; because this gives the idea that it is somethingseparate and distinct from the mind itself. But this is the error to be

removed, before we can arrive at the truth of this subject, as you will see

more plainly on examination of my theory. The results produced by" Magnetism," always depend upon the .slate of the pafficnfs mind, and

not so much upon the process adopted to -induce Neem, noi* upon the mere

WILL of the operator. The operator, therefore, who is the most ae-

quainled 'vlfllh the human mind and the nature ot' its susceptibilities, the

eonditionslol' the nervous system, upo_n which mental manil`estations de-

pend, will succeed the best, cwlierfis par-lines, in producing any given re»

suits. He will be able, of course, to adapt his process of operating to

the occasion and condition of' the patient, for the purpose of bringingabout the right state of mind. The mind depends upon the state of the

nervous system, always, and they reciproeally affect each other. A

change in the condition of' the nervous system produces a change in

the mind, and a change in the state of' the railed, made through the ex~

ternal senses, or by any other means, produces a change in the nervous

system. Medicines, when taken into the stomach or applied to the sur-

face of the body, operate upon precisely the same susceptibilities of the

nervous system ; and hence it is that medicine produces no change in

the dead body, and sometimes it produces no change in the living body,owing to the condition of' the nervous susceptibilities when it is taken.

In cases of insanity, the ordinary symptoms of' some diseases do not ap-

pear, and the ordinary methods of medical treatment produce no effect,owing entirely to the state of the patient's mind, or the changed condi-

tion ol` the nervous susceptibilitiesfi A knowledge of these facts is of

* For evidence of the truth upon which the above statement is made, see

the London Lancet for October, 1844, re-published Jam., 1845, p. 17.

Q#

18 WHAT IS IT ?

the utmost importance iii the treatment of disease, and especially incases of insanity.

But you ask me, if there be not danger, after the operator has induceda state of sleep, and got the patient under his power ? I answer :

This state is never brought on, nor this " power " obtained over apatient, suddenly, nor in a short time. The man who assumes to be ableto put a woman to sleep without her knowledge, or against her will thefirst time tr}-mg, and above all, to make her change her feelings towardshim, as is represented in the pamphlet under notice, is deceived ; andwhen he publishes such trash to the world as is here put forth, I do nothesitate to pronounce him a deceiver, utterly unworthy of any confidenceat all.

The only objection which could, justly, be brought against this subjector agency, is this : the intercourse necessary to bring on the sleepafibrds a vicious man extra opportunities for working upon the affec-tions of his female patients : and, after he has gamed their confidenceand produced a state of feelmg in them congenial with his own, then hemay mjure them. Hence it will be seen, this objection does not lie

against Pathetism, per se ; not agamst the uafluences which one mindhas, in the nature of mmd, over another, in given cases, but, against^ffordmg a certain class of persons opportunities for winning the affec-lions of females. Precisely the same objection will He against the pro-fessional services of physicians and clerg}-men ; though it is admittedthat the access which a " ]\Iagnetiser " is allowed to have, Generally tothe mind and feelings of his female subjects, afford him greater facilities

for controlling their susceptibilities than most other persons have • and071 this account, patients should exercise the more caution in permittingoperators to experiment upon them. If there were any real merit in this

writers pretended fears and cautions, it would be merely borrowedfrom Deleuze and others who wrote upon this subject before he wasborn. Indeed, scarcely any ^Titer can be found, but who has re-echoedthe same cautions, in which the real danger has been distinctly pointedout The followmg is from the Magnet, published long before this

writer, whom we are now castigating for his " Animalisms," committedthe depredations on female innocence so unblushingly told in the pages:of his pamphlet :

—

" That some subjects, after they have been frequently operated on.may be made to obey the will of the operator, cannot admit of anydoubt. I do not say, that they can be willed to do things that are disa-

18 wear rs rr P

the 1|:.'.ios: Iniportance in the treatment of disease, and especially in

cases of insanity.But you ask nie, if there be not danger, after the operator has induced

a state of sleep, and got the patient under his power? I answer : _

This state is never brought on, nor this "pove1"'0btained over a

patiennsuddenly, nor in a short time. The man who assumes to he ableto put a. woman to sleep without her lutowledge, or against her will, thefirst time trying, and above. all, to make her change her feelings towardshim, as is represented in the pamphlet under notice, is decezred; andwhen he Publishes such trash to the world as is here put forth, I do not

hesitate to pronounce him a deceiver, utterly untvorthy of any confidenceat all.

The only objection which could, justly, be brought against this subject,01- agency, is this : the intercourse necessary to bring on the sleep,affords a vicious man extra o_pporttrnfiz°rs for Working upon the affec-tions of his female patients; and, after he has gained their confidence,and produced a state of' feeling in them congenial with his own, then hemay injure them. Hence it will be seen, this objection does not lie

against Pathetism, per se; not against the influences which one mind

has, in the nature of lTllI]Cl,O'31' another, in given cases, but, againstaffording a certain class of persons oppo:'tnn'z`iz'cs for winning the aH`ec.tions ot' females. Precisely the same objection will lie against the pro-fessional services of physicians and clergytnen; though it is admitted,that the access which a

"

Magnetiscr" is allowed to have, generally, to

the mind and feelings of his f`er.1ale subjects, afford him greater facilitiesfor controlling their susceptihilitics than most other persons have ; and,on this account, patients should exercise the more caution in permittingoperators to experiment upon them. lf' there were any real merit in thisþÿ�V�i�'�1�`�l�l�§ ¬�1�'�i�Spretended fears and cautions, it would be merely borrowedfrom Deleuze and others who wrote upon this subject before he was

born. Indeed, scarcely any vrriter can be found, but who has re-echoedthe same cautions, in which the real danger has been distinctly pointedout. The following is from the Magnet, published long before thiswriter, whom we are now castigating for his "

Anirnalisms," committedthe depredations on female innocence so unblushingly told in the pagesof his pamphlet:-

"That some subjects, after they have been frequently operated on,may be made to obey the will of the operator, cannot admit of anydoubt. I do not say, that they can be trfffcd to do things that are disa»

WHAT IS IT? 19^

greeable to them, but they may be made willing to do many things they

could not be made willing to do in the normal state. And hence, it

should be known, that the person who submits to this process by another,

of whose healthy character^ and other necessary qualifications he is not

weirassured, runs a hazard far more dangerous than the patient whomerely swallows the nostrum of the quack, of whom he knows nothing

;

and that just so far as this operation is successful, just so far he mayreceive the impress, as it were, of the operator's heart. The mental dis-

position of the latter has much to do with the impression made on the

person who is put into the hypnopathic state. Of this fact I have had

numerous demonstrations, which leave no room for the shadow of a

doubt. All therefore should understand what results may follow, and

those which do ahoays follow, the influence which is exerted upon themby pathetism. That influence may, and should be good, and nothing but

good ; but this will depend, of course, upon the health, skill, and motives

of the operator."

I say, upon the motives of the operator, and the same remark might

be made, whatever might be the professed object, or the process adopted

for accomplishing it. If a man is disposed to do what would result in

the injury of any body, he v/ould find the means if he could, for accom-

plishing his object, and he would be sure to use the means if they werefurnished at his hand.

This writer alludes to others besides himself, who have trifled with the

affections of confiding females, under the guise of " Animal Magnetism,"

and some of whom, in this city, have comi%-;itted crimes, which, if tried

before the proper tribunals would result in their confinement in the State's

Prison. All this is admitted, and it is equally well known, that the char-

acters of those persons were notoriously bad before they had any thing

to do with this subject ; and the public papers teemed with cautions

against one of them more than twenty years ago, as a base villain and

imposter ; and now whose fault is it, after the public has been so fre-

quently cautioned against him. if he should succeed in the ruin of one or

a dozen females who have fallen in his way ?

I have spoken of the opportunities which the old process of " Magnet-

ising," as it is called, afforded for working upon the feelings of female

patients. These are increased by staring in the face, and passing the

hand over the system, practices which I repudiated years ago, and which

have been discontinued by every operator of any intelligence throughout

the country. There is no need of those mummeries, and as they are

WHAT is ir? I9

greeable to them, but they may be made willing to do many things theycould not be made willing to do in the normal state. And hence, it

should be known, that the person who submits to this process by another,of whose health, character, and other :accessory g'uaZg7ficatio»ns he is not

well assured, runs a hazard far more dangerous than the patient who

merely swallows the nostrum of the quaek,of whom he knows nothing;and that just so far as this operation is successful, just so far he mayreceive the fimpress, as it were, of the opcrator's It-cart. The mentaldis-

position of the latter has much to do with the inipressiou made on the

person who is put into the hypnopathie state. Of this fiactl have had

numerous demonstrations, which leave no 1'oom for the shadow of a

doubt. All therefore should understand what results may follow, and

those which do always follow, the influence which is exerted upon them

by pathetism. That influence may, and should be good, and nothing hut

good ; but this will depend, of course, upon the health, skill, and motives

of the operator."

I say, upon the MOTIVES of the operator, and the same remark mightbe made, whatever might be the professed object, or the process adoptedfor accomplishing it. If a man is disposed to do what would result in

the injury of any hotly, he would iind the means if he could, for accom-

plishing his object, and he would be sure to use the means if they were

furnished at his hand.

This writer alludes to others besides himself, who have trilled with the

alfeetions of confiding females, under the guise of " Animal Magnetism,"and some of whom, in this city, have committed crimes, whieh,if tried

before the proper tribunals would result in their confinement in the State's

Prison. All this is admitted, and it is equally well known, that the char-

acters of those persons were notoriously had before they had any thingto do with this subject; and the public papers tecmed with cautions

against one of them more than twenty years ago, as a base villain and

imposter; and now whose fault is it, after the public has been so fre»

quently cautioned against him. if he should succeed in the ruin of one or

a dozen females who have fallen in his way?I have spoken of' the opportunities which the old process of "

Magnet-ising," as it is called, afforded for working upon the feelings of female

patients. These are increased by staring in the face, and passing the

hand over the system, practices whichl repudiated years ago, and which

have been discontinued by every operator of any intelligence throughoutthe country. There is no need of those mummerics, and _as they are

20 WHAT IS IT?

highly objectionable on other grounds, as I anticipated years ago, they

have been continued only by a few " animalizers," like this one before

us.

The state of somnambulism may, at first, be induced by almost any

process ^^ h'ch is not disagi'ceable to the patient. As good a way as any

is, for the operator to stand behind the patient, or by his side, while he

places his hand upon the top of the head, and over the forehead. Thepatient should be directed to close his eyes, or keep them steadily set,

till the attention is immovally fixed upon the sleep. The sleep will

come on just in proportion to the fixedness of the patient's attention^

without any passes, or efforts of the operator's will.

A few puffs of air in his face, or slight pats upon the back part of

the head, will be sufficient to restore him to his normal state. Thus,

when you have dispensed with the old process of paicing and scraping

over the bodies of your patients, and discarded the absurd and prepos-

terous notions about the power of the " will," we have removed the

foundation of every reasonable objection which has ever been suggested

against the practice of Pathetism in the cure of disease.

After the sleep has been once induced, and the susceptibility of the

patient sufficiently excited, the sleep may be induced by the mere direc-

tion of the operator, and removed in the same way.*

In these remarks, of course, I say nothing of my manner of producing

results in my public Lectures, as that is still more peculiar to my Jiew

theory of mind^ and I am confident it never was adopted by any other

Lecturer, in any part of the world, till after the publication of the Mag-net, and the papers had given accounts of my having induced the

sleep in my public Lectures, in the cases of strangers whom I never had

seen before, and without contact, or the passes, or any particular efforts of

the " will," so called. But, since the accounts of my Lectures were

published, I have heard of numerous attempts at imitation of my manner,

and some have even gone so far as to issue verbatim copies of my hand-

bills, and in Lowell, Nov. 27, 1843, one of these imitators procured

Messrs. Norton and Bellows to print an exact copy of my bills, with myown name in it, including some of the newspaper notices of my Lec-

*" It has been common for some Lecturers to advise persons indiscriminately

to practice or experiment with this influence, and from which many mischievous

results have followed. It should never be undertaken without a thoroughknowledge of its laws. For " Practical Directions ' and rules for operating, see

the book entitled "Pathetism," before referred to.

20 wan is 1'1' Z'

highly objectionable on other grounds, as I anticipated years ago, theyhave been continued only by a few " animalizers," like this one before

us. -

The state of somnamhulism may, at first, be induced by almost any

process vthich is not disagreeable to the patient. As good a way as any

is, f'or the operator to stand behind the patient, or by his side, while he

places his hand upon the top of the head, and over the forehead. The

patient should be directed to close his eyes, or keep them steadily set,

till the attention is 17mnzoL°a5Fy_j'ired upon the sleep. The sleep will

come on just in proportion to the tixedness of the patient's attention,without any passes, or efforts ot' the operator's will.

A few puifs of air in his face, or slight pats upon the back part of

the head, will be sufficient to restore him to his normal state. Thus,when you have dispensed with the old process of parsing and .scrapingover the bodies of your patients, and discarded the absurd and prepos-terous notions about the power of the " will," we have removed the

foundation of every reasonable objection which has ever been suggestedagainst the practice of Pathctism in the cure ot' disease.

After the sleep has been once induced, and the susceptibility of' the

patient suiiiciently excited, the sleep may be induced by the mere direc-

tion of the operator, and removed in the same tray*ln these remarks, of' course,l say nothing of my manner of producing

results in my public Lectures, as that is still more peculiar to my new

theory of Tllfilff, and l am confident it never was adopted byany other

Lecturer, in any part of' the world, till after the publication of the Mag-net, and the papers had given accounts of my having induced the

sleep in my public Lectures, in the cases ot' strangers whom l never had

seen before, and without contact, or the passes, or any particular efforts of

the "will," so called. But, since the accounts of rny Lectures wer

published, I have heard ot' numerous attempts at imitation of my manner,

and some have even gone so far as to issue verbatim copies ot' my hand-

bills, and in Lowell, Nov. 27, 1843, one of these imitators procuredMessrs. Norton and Bellows to print an exact copy ot' my bills, with my

own name in it, including some ot' the newspaper notices of my Lec-

"It has been common for some Lecturers to advise persons indiscriminatelyto practice or experiment with this influence, and from which many mischievous

results have followed. It should never be undertaken Without a. thoroughknowledge of its laws. For "Practical Directions " and rules for operating, see

the book entitled " Pathctism," before referred tc.

WHAT IS IT? 21

tures ! ! These counterfeit bills were posted about the city, but before

the time for the lectures, the lecturer was missing.*

* A copy of that counterfeit bill now lies before me. I have another counter-

feit of my bills, got out in the city of New York, by one W. C. Tappan, dated

Sept. 23, 1843. I arrived in the city that very evening ; but Mr. Tappan cleared

out without giving his lecture. I have heard of other instances of the samekind, but the most glaring instance of an attempt to appropriate some things

peculiar to my theory, have been made by a man by the name of Grimes. Themonstrous blunders committed by this man, I have exposed in another work,

now ready for the press. His true character may be inferred from the following

fact, which I have upon what I believe to be good authority. When he had a

bust taken of his head, he caused the sculptor to raise the organs of conscien-

tiousness in the bust, so as to make them larger than the organs actually were in

his head ! ! This ruse is much like one practised by a man now living in Edgar-

town, Mass., who bears the reputation of a miser, but when I was in that town,

a few months ago, I saw a superb and costly monument, which he had actually

caused to be put up in the grave yard, on the spot where he is to be buried ; and

an inscription upon it lauding his character for benevolence in the highest terms !

'WHAT is rr? 21

tures!! These counterfeit bills were posted about the city, but before

the time for thc lectures, the lecturer was missing*

* A copy of that counterfeit hill now lies before me. I have another counter-

feit of my bills, got out in the city of New York, by one VV. C. Tappan, dated

Sept. 23, 1843. I arrived in the city that very evening; butMr. Tappan cleared

out Without giving his lecture. T have heard of other instances of' the same

kind, but the most glaring instance of' an attempt to appropriate some thingspeculiar to my theory, have been made by a man by the name of' Grimes. The

monstrous blunders committed hy this man, I have exposed in another work,now ready for the press. His true character may be inferred from the followingfact, which I have upon what I believe to be good authority. "Vixen he had a

bust taken of his head, he caused the sculptor to rfrise the organs of' conscien-

Ziousaess in the bust, so as to make them larger than the organs actually were in

his head I I This ruse is much like one practised by a man new living in Edgar-town, Mass., who bears the reputation of a raiser, but when I was in that town,a few months ago, I saw a superb and costly monument, which he had actuallycaused to be put up in the grave yard, on the spot wlire he is to he buried ; and

an inscription upon it lauding his character ibr oeneoolerice in the llighesttermsf

CHAPTER V.

Boston, July 17, 1845

Pear Sir :—Although the author of this pamphlet affects to deny,

and even to ridicule what has been denominated " clairvoyance," it will

be seen that he does, nevertheless, admit the existence of this power,

and, even to a greater extent than what is assumed by most persons

who profess to believe in it. He goes so far as to say, that, ordinarily,

subjects when first put to sleep, even, will be able to tell the thoughts

of those with whom they are in communication. This I do not believe.

What he thus affirms of subjects, as common, is very seldom developed,

in any considerable degree, even after they have been experimented

upon for a length of time.

In my previous writings on clairvoyance, years ago, I resolved this

power into what has been denominated instinct; and since that time, I

have been confirmed in this conjecture, beyond all doubt. An instinc-

tive action is one which is performed, independent of the external

senses ; it results neither from observation nor experience ; and is per-

fect from the first, and not susceptible of any improvement. Hence wenotice those animals, as man, for instance, which are accustomed to

use reflective faculties, are guided the least by instinct. And those

which have no reflective faculties, are guided alone by this sense.

Hence we find it the most developed in man, when the external senses

are suspended, as in natural or induced sleep. That there is a sense in

man, which often perceives the presence and qualities of things without

the use of either of the external organs of sense, we have the testimony

of the highest medical authorities to prove. The following remark is

from the celebrated Dr. Good :—" We occasionally meet among man-

kind, with a sort of sensation altogether wonderful and inexplicable.

There are some persons so peculiarly affected by the presence of a

particular object, that is neither seen, tasted, heard, smelt or touched,

as not only to be conscious of its presence, but to be in agony till it is

removed. The vicinity of a cat not unfrequently produces such an

effect, and I have been a witness to the most decisive proofs of this in

several instances."

CHAPTER V.

Bo sroN, JULY 17, 1845

:DEAR Sm:-Although the author of this pamphlet affects to deny,and even to ridicule what has been denominated "

clairvoyance," it will

be seen that he does, nevertheless, admit the existence of this power,

and, even to a greater extent than what is assumed by most personswho profess to believe in it. He goes so far as to say, that, ordinarily,subjects when first put to sleep, even, will be able to tell the thoughtsofthose with whom they are in communication. This I do not believe.

What he thus arlirms of subjects, as common, is very seldom developed,in any considerable degree, even after they have been experimentedupon for a length of time.

In my previous writings on clairvoyance, years ago, I resolved this

power into what has been denominated instinct; and since that time, I

have been confirmed in this conjecture, beyond all doubt. An instinc-

tive action is one which is performed, independent of the external

senses; it results neither from observation nor experience; a11d is per-fect from the lirst, and not susceptible of any improvement. Hence we

notice those animals, as man, for instance, which are accustomed to

use reflective faculties, are guided the least by instinct. And those

which have no reflective faculties, are guided alone by this sense.

Hence we lind it the most developed in man, when the external senses

are suspended, as in natural or induced sleep. That there is a sense in

man. which often perceives the presence and qualities ofthings without

the use of either ofthe external organs of sense, we have the testimonyof the highest medical authorities to prove. The following remark is

from the celebrated Dr. Good :-" We occasionally meet among man~

kind, with asort of sensation altogether wonderful and inexplicable.There are some persons so peculiarly affected by the presence ot a

particular object, that is neither seen, tasted, heard, smelt or touched,as not only to be conscious ot' its presence, but to be in agony till it is

removed. The vicinity of a cat not unfrequently produces such an

effect, and I have been a witness to the most decisive proofs of this in

several instances."

CLAIRVOYANCE. '23

Indeed, no intelligent physiologist doubts the existence of this powerj

and works on mental philosophy frequently detail dreams, which are to

be accounted for only by the existence of this mysterious sense. 1

have found persons, who could exercise it in a remarkable degree, in

their normal or waking state. Letters put into their hands have been

described by them with astonishing accuracy, and sometimes they will

tell the nature of medicinal drugs, when enveloped in wrappers, merely

by holding them a few moments in their hands.

I have had numerous demonstrations of the clairvoyant power, and

in a vast variety of ways, so that, I am just as certain of its reality as I

am of any other function of the nervous system. Cut, at the same time,

I feel bound to declare, that I place little or no confidence in most of

the stories which are told, under the name of clairvoyance, as the cir-

cumstances under which this power is said to have been developed are

not such as to secure an intelligent conviction of its reality, or to makeit sufficiently evident that the operators and the subjects were not in

some way deceived, in regard to many of the particulars making up

the case..

As to the examination of disease, and prescribing medicine by a

clairvoyant, it may be sufficient for me to observe, that I have never,

professionally, examined diseases in this way, for the very good reason,

that I believe I can give the diagnosis, myself, better than any clairvoy-

ant, though I would not hesitate to give any person who might consult

me, the satisfaction of such an examination, if it were preferred. Witha few exceptions, however, I must admit, that, as this business is carried

on, I have but little confidence in it- The subjects and operators maybe divided into two classes :

—

1. Those who are natural somnambulists and clairvoyants, who have

fallen into this habit spontaneously. Some of these I have known whohave given the true diagnosis, and their prescriptions have resulted in

as many cures as you could affirm in favor of any of the patent medi-

cines, or, indeed, of many of the " regular faculty."

2. The other class, are mere imitators. The subjects are put to

sleep, and, without having any instinctive faculty for detecting disease,

they are pressed into the habit of examining and prescribing, as a

money making business. And, some of the medical faculty have led

the way in this kind of examinations It is but a short time since I saw

the advertisement of one of them, inviting invalids far and near, to

come to his office, and, as it were, have their fortunes told; but, said

CLAIRVOYANCE. 23

Indeed, no intelligent physiologist doubts the existence ol' this power;and works on mental philosophy frequently detail dreams, which are to

be accounted for only by the existence of' this mysterious sense. 1

have found persons, who could exercise it in a remarkable degree, in

their normal or waking state. Letters put into their bands have been

described by them with astonishing accuracy, and sometimes they will

tell the nature ol` medicinal drugs, when enveloped in wrappers, merelyby holding them a few moments in their hands.

I have l1ad numerous demonstrations of the clairvoyant power, and

in a vast variety of ways, so that, I am just as certain of its reality as I

am of any other function of' the nervous system. But, at the same time,I feel bound to declare, that I place little or no confidence in most of

the stories which are told, under the name of clairvoyance, as the cir-

cumstances under which this power is said to have been developed are

not such as to secure an intelligent conviction of its reality, or to make

it sutliciently evident that the operators and the subjects were not in

some way deceived, in regard to many of the particulars Illiiiiillg upthe case.,

As to the examination of disease, and prescribing medicine by a

clairvoyant., it may be sufficient for me to observe, that I have never,

professionally, examined diseases in this way, for the very good reason,

that I believe I can give the diagnosis, myself, better than any clairvoy-ant, thougli I would not hesitate to give any person who might consult

me, the satisfaction of such an examination, it were _prqfei'i°ed. Vith

at few exceptions, ho1.vever,I must admit, that, as this business is carried

on, I have but little conlidence in it. The subjects and operators may

be divided into two classes :-

l. Those who are natural sornnambulists and clairvoyants, who have

fallen into this habit spontaneously. Some ol' these I have known who

have given the true diagnosis, and their prescriptions have resulted in

as many cures as you could afiirm in favor of any ol' the patent medi-

cines, or, indeed, ol' many of the "

regular faculty."2. The other class, are mere innftators. The subjects are put to

sleep, and, without having any instinctive faculty for detecting disease,

they are pressed into the habit of examiniiig and prescribing, as a

money rnaltiug business. And, some ot' the medical faculty have led

the way in this kind of examinations. It is but a short time since I saw'

the advertisement of one of them, inviting invalids far and near, to

come to his ofiice, and, as it were, have their fortunes told; but, said

24 CLAIRVOYANCE.

he, *' you must not wear silk," because his subject could not see through

silk ! What nonsense !

*

The extreme into which many of the " Drs." and " Professors " of

the science have carried this business of examining disease, prescribing

and selling medicine, has completely overdone the thing, and disgusted

intelligent believers in this disputed power. Indeed, how could it be

otherwise, when ignorant persons carry individuals about with them for

examining the sick " in a state of clairvoyance," whose subjects were

never in a sound state of sleep ! And then, again, when they resort to

collusion with the clairvoyants, as I know some have done in this city !

I lament this state of things, but do not see how it can be prevented,

unless the friends of this science unite in setting their faces against

these abuses. Truth should not be made to suffer, because unworthy

persons do, sometimes, set themselves up as its advocates ; and it does

seem to me to be a great injustice when this subject is made responsible

for the badness of character, in those cases where certain individuals

were notoriously infamous before they had any thing to do with it

;

and also, when worthy intelligent persons are hindered from doing the

good they might, because the ground is so extensively occupied by in-

competent operators.

3. And, then, there are difficulties in the way of the best subjects

who undertake to examine disease. They are not always in a good

condition—the ignorance of those who operate upon them, and the

fact, that this power does not last long, in the best cases; indeed, it

may become exhausted, or interrupted in a few days, beyond the possi-

bility of recovery. t And, in such cases, ignorant operators may keep

up a course of examinations long after the power is gone.

The same remarks might be made upon lectures, and public exhibi-

tions of the old process of pawing and staring subjects in the face.

* Out of some fifteen hundred persons whom I have put to sleep, I have not

found one who was spontaneously affected with silk, or any metallic substance,

according to what has been assumed by the '-'' AnimaV Magnetisers, in relation

to these conducting or non-conducting substances.

t "I say, "possibility of recovery," though 1 have restored it in two cases_

One was a lady of one of the regular medical faculty in this vicinity, and a veryinteresting case it was. She soon after went to Dr. Buchanan, who was thenin this city, and though she was one of the most susceptible subjects 1 eversaw, the Dr.'s ^'neuraura^' made no impression upon her. This was one of anumber of similar cases in which the Dr.'s ^'neuraura'' was found incapableof affecting highly susceptible subjects upon whom he tried his experiments.

34 CLAIRVUYANCE.

ne,"

you must not wear silk," because his subject could not see throughsilk ! What nonsense E it

The extreme into which many of the " Drs." and "Professors" of

the science have carried this business of examining disease, prescribingand selling medicine, has completely overdone the thing, and disgustedintelligent believers in this disputed power. Indeed, how could it be

otherwise, when ignorant persons carry individuals about with them for

examining the sick " in a state of clairvoyance," whose subjects were

never in a sound state of sleep l And then, again, when they resort to

collusion with the clairvoyants, as I know some have done in this city I

I lament this state ol' things, but do not see how it can be prevented,unless the friends of this science unite in setting their faces againstthese abuses. Truth should not be made to suffer, because unworthypersons do, sometimes, set themselves up as its advocates; and it does

seem to me to be a great injustice when this subject is made responsiblefor the badness of character, in those cases where certain individuals

were notoriously infamous before they had any thing to do with it;and also, when worthy intelligent persons are hindered from doing the

good they might, because the ground is so extensively occupied by in-

competent operators.3. And, then, there are dilliculties in the way of the best subjects

who undertake to examine disease. They are not always in a goodcondition-the ignorance of those who operate upon them, and the

fact, that this power does not last long, in the best cases; indeed, it

may become exhausted, or interrupted in a few days, beyond the possi-bility of recoveryn" And, in such eases, ignorant operators may keepup a course ol" examinations long after the power is gone.

The same remarks might be made upon lectures, and public exhibi-

tions of the old process ot' pawing and staring subjects in the face.

'l Out of some iiftcen hundred persons whom I have put lo sleep, I have not

found one who was spontaneously a.ft`eeted with silk, or any metallic substance,according to what has been assumed by the "_/2rr»ivrm!" Magnetisers, in relation

to these conducting or non-conducting substances.

i "I say, "possibility of recovery," though 1 have restored it in two ca.ses_One was a lady of one of the regular medical Faculty in this vicinity, and a very

interesting case it Was. She soon after went. to Dr. Buchanan, who was then

in this-1 city, and though she was one of the most susceptible subjects 1 ever

saw, tht- Dr.'s " nmzruufrc" made no impression upon her. This was one of aa.

number of similar cases in which the Dr.`s "ncuraurcL" was iound incapableof aflecting highly susceptible subjects upon whom he tried his experiments.

CLAIRVOYANCE. 25

For, while there are a few intelligent, and truly worthy persons en-

gaged in this business, there are many others who, for whatever else

they may be qualified, are certainly not fit for public lecturers on

the Science of Human Life. Some of them I have known who have

experimented upon persons who were never asleep, and they themselves

did not know enough to tell whether their subjects were asleep or not

!

And their manner of lecturing [!] and experimenting, ofcourse, must tend

to prejudice well informed people against this subject, and lead them to

the conclusion, that though the thing itself is true, and may be madethe means of great good, yet there has been, in some instances, a vast

deal of humbugry mixed up with it.

But there is one remark which I would make for the consideration

of such persons, in relation to the abuse of this power ; it is this,

—

every thing that is true, is liable to be abused just in proportion to its

importance, and the want of information, or honesty, in those who have

the management of it* Hence the necessity of information upon this

subject. Let the community be informed ; let all know what it is, and

how one mind may, under certain circumstances, influence another;

and no one need be injured any more by this science, than they are byreligion, or the practice of law, or medicine.

* " I doubt not, that in regard both to Phrenology and Mesmerism, the grandprinciple will prove true, that the more ominous of evil any branch of knowl-

edge seems to be, in its incipient state, the more prolific it will ultimately becomein illustrations favorable both to morality and religion."—-Dr. Hitchcock, Presi-^

dent of Amherst College.

CLAIRVOYAN CE. 25

For, while there are a few intelligent, and truly worthy persons en-

gaged in this business, there are many others who, for whatever else

they may be qualified, are certainly not tit for public lecturers on

the Science of Human Life. Some of them I have known who have

experimented upon persons who were never asleep, and they themselves

did not know enough to tell whether their subjects were asleep or not!

And their manner oflecturing and experimenting, ofcourse, must tend

to prejudice well informed people against this subject, and lead them to

the conclusion, that though the thing itself is true, and may be made

the means of great good, yet there has been, in some instances, a vast

deal of humbugry mixed up with it.

But there is one remark which I would make for the consideration

of such persons, in relation to the abuse of this power ; it is this,-every tftzng that is true, is liable to be afruscct just in _proportion to its

irnportonce, and the want of information, or' honesty, in those who have

the management of it* Hence the necessity of information upon this

subject. Let the community be informed; let all know what it is, and

how one mind may, under certain circumstances, iniiuence another;and no one need be injured any more by this science, than they are byreligion, or the practice of law, or medicine.

*" I doubt not, that in regard both to Phrenology and Mesmerisrn, the grand,principle will prove true, that the more ominous of' evil any branch of know!-»

edge seems to he, in itsincipient state, the more prolific it will ultimately become

in illustrations favorable both to morality and religion."--Dr. Hitchcock, Presi-

dent of .Hmfrerst College.

3

LETTER VI.

Boston, July 18, 1845.

Dear Sir, — Pathetism comprehends the science of mind, the knowl-

edge of the nervous functions, the science of human life. And a

knowledge of this subject will enable us to account, in a rational and sat-

isfactory manner, for every thing peculiar to the constitution of man,

every thing in relation to those extraordinary mental and physical phe-

nomena peculiar to Sleep, Dreaming, Trance, Second Sight, Witch-

craft Insanity, and those curious sympathetic imitative results produced

among the Hindoos, Mohammedans, Anahaptists, French Prophets,

Roman Catholics, Shaking Quakers, Mormons, Methodists, and other

sects, which have by ignorant fanatics been thought superhuman or

miraculous. And from which it will be seen, that it claims the serious

attention of all who wish to understand the philosophy of Human Influ-

ence.

The new theory of mind, or what I believe to be such, I pub-

lished in my work, before alluded to, some three years ago. It was,

I believe, the first ever issued in the English language, in which

an attempt was made to show the falsity of the opinions hitherto

prevalent, in relation to the agency of a fluid in the production of the

results peculiar to a state of induced somnambulism. And, though it

was written in considerable haste, amidst a pressure of other arduous

duties, and was, in fact, a mere outline of my views, yet the reception

it has met with has abundantly confirmed me in the conviction, that the

theory advanced and advocated in its pages, is destined to prevail just

in proportion to the attention which intelligent, unprejudiced operators

may, from time to time, give to the investigation of the subject. Not a

single case has come to my knowledge, where any one of common in-

formation has given my work a candid reading, but it has resulted in an

admission of the truthfulness of my theory, and among professional

gentlemen, especially, not excepting many of the clergy, the philosophy

LETTER VI.

BOSTON, JULY 18, 1845.

DEAR Sm,-Pathetisrn eornprehends the science of mind, the knowl-

edge of the nervous functions, the science of human life. And a

knowledge of this subject will enable us to account, in a rational and sat-

isfactory manner, for everything peculiar to the constitution of man,

every thing in relation to those extraordinary mental and physical phe-nomena peculiar to Sleep, Drea.m'.in.g, Trance, Second Sight, Witelz-

cmjif, Insanity, and those curious sympathetfie imitation results produced

among the Héadoos, Maha-m-rnodons, Aaabaptists, French Prophets,

R0-mga Catliolics, Seek-ing Q1_tekcrs, Ilfformons, Methodists, and other

sects, which have by ignorant fanatics been thought superhuman or

miraculous. And from which it will be seen, that it claims the serious

attention of all who Wish to understand the ple-ilosopfay of Hunter: lNFLU'

ence.

The new theory ot' mind, or what I believe to be such, I pub-lished in my work, before alluded to, some three years ago. It was,

l believe, the iirst ever issued in the English language, in which

an attempt was made to show the falsity of the opinions hitherto

prevalent, in relation to the agency of a fluid in the production of the

results peculiar to a state of induced sornnambulism. And, though it

was written in considerable haste, amidst a pressure of other arduous

duties, and Was, in fact, a mere outline of my views, yet the receptionit has met with has abundantly COI1H1`1'1']Bd me in the conviction, that the

theory advanced and advocated in its pages, is destined to prevail just

in proportion to the attention which intelligent, unprejudiced operators

may, from time to time, give to the investigation of the subject. Not 21

single case has come to my knowledge, where any one of common in-

formation has given my work a candid reading, but it has resulted in an

admission of the truthfulness of' my theory, and among professional

gentlemen, especially, not excepting many of the clergy, the philosophy

THEORY OF PATHETISM. 27

of the mental functions, explained in that work, has been received with

a favor which very much encourages me to hope that the time is not

far distant when the great mass, the world over, will be found to agree

in the true science of mind.

Since its publication, I have seen enough to confirm me, also, in the

apprehension I expressed, years ago, that this subject had nothing to

fear one hundredth part so much as the injudicious handling of opera-

tors. To read the assumptions put forth in the advertisements of some

of these persons, would be amusing indeed, were it not for the import-

ance of the subject, and the disgust one is forced to feel, on witnessing

the exhibitions of such unpardonable ignorance. Nor can it be denied

that a part of this blame does, unquestionably, belong to professional

men, to those whose education and opportunities, in other respects, have

fitted them, more than others, for the investigation of human physiology.

Had they taken hold on this subject, as they might and should have

done, instead of treating it with ridicule, long ago it would have taken

its place among the positive sciences, and nothing would have been left

for feeble intellects to do, but to receive the benefits which this science

would have afforded them. But, unfortunately, it has so happened, that,

while many physicians and clergymen have been convinced of the truth

of Pathetism, they have been prevented from suffering themselves to be

identified with it in any way, merely from seeing it handled by so manyincompetent minds. This is a great inconsistency, to be sure, but it

is one of which we but too often find even many good men guilty, in

other relations besides those they sustain to science. From these facts,

however, we learn some of the laws peculiar to the human mind, and see

how it is that truth prevails, notwithstanding the numerous impediments

thrown in its way.

But few efforts have been made, during the last two years, in this

country, to keep alive the old notions of a fluid. As far as I am able to

judge, the theory advocated by Dr. Buchanan, under the name of " Neu-rology," has made no converts, and even the Dr. himself, I believe,

has ceased to advocate it ; and the few who embraced it, on its first pre-

sentation to the public, have, as far as I know, without a single excep-

tion, given it up, as indefensible. In my travels through the difTerent

States, I have, now and then, met with a pamphlet pretending to somenew development of the old notions first put forth by Van Helmont, in

Germany, more than two hundred years ago, but I have seen nothing in

the form of fact or argument which confirms the truth of those notions, in

THEORY OF PATHETISM. 27

of the mental functions, explained in that work, has been received with

a favor which very much encourages me to hope that the time is not

far distant when the great mass, the world over, will be found to agreein the true science of mind.

Since its publication, I have seen enough to confirm me, also, in the

apprehension I expressed, years ago, that this subject had nothing to

fear one hundrcdth part so much as the injudicious handling of opera-tors. To read the assumptions put forth in the advertisements of some

of these persons, would be amusing indeed, were it not for the import-ance of the subject, and the disgust one is forced to feel, on witnessingthe exhibitions of such unpardonable ignorance. Nor can it be denied

that a part of this blame does, unquestionably, belong to professionalmen, to those Whose education and opportunities, in other respects, have

fitted them, more than others, for the investigation of human physiology.Had they taken hold on this subject, as they might and should have

done, instead of treating it with ridicule, long ago it would have taken

its place among the positive sciences, and nothing would have been left

for feeble intellects to do, but to receive the benefits which this science

would have afforded them. But, unfortunately, it has so happened, that,while many physicians and clergyman have been convinced of the truth

of Pathetism, they have been prevented from suffering themselves to be

identified with it in any way, merely from seeing it handled by so many

incompetent minds. This is a great inconsistency, to be sure, but it

is one of which we but too often find even many good men guilty, in

other relations besides those they sustain to science. From these facts,

however, we learn some of the laws pecul_iar to the human mind, and see

how it is that truth prevails, notwithstanding the numerous impedimentsthrown in its way.

But few efforts have been made, during the last two years, in this

country, to keep alive the old notions of ajluid. As far as I am able to

judge, the theory advocated by Dr. Buchanan, under the name of"' Neu-

rology," has made no converts, and even the Dr. hin'iself,I believe.

has ceased to advocate it ; and the few who embraced it, on its first pre-sentation to the public, have, as far as I know, without a single excep-tion, given it up, as indefensible. In my travels through the different

States, I have, new and then, met with a pamphlet pretending to some

new development of the old notions first put forth by Van Helmont, in

Germany, more than two hundred years ago, but I have seen nothing in

the form of' fact or argument which confirms the truth of' those notions, in

28 THEORY OF PATHETISM.

the least conceivable degree, while my own opportunities for observation

and experiments have been increased a thousand fold, and have abun-

dantly confirmed me in the truth of the following

THEORY;FIRST PUBLISHED IN MARCH, 1843.

I.

That Animal Life consists in ttoo alternating forces, which control

matter, including Electricity and Magnetism. The alternations of the

vital forces carry on a series of 7'evolutions, which perfectly correspond

with the alternating forces, or states of every thing else in nature, and

hence we have sleeping, waking— cold, heat — motion, rest.

II.

That these vital forces give those qualities to the body which consti-

tute a sympathetic system, and render all its parts susceptible to an influ-

ence from every other part, organ, or entity, between which and the

different organs or parts of the body, a difference in quality or function

is found to exist.

III.

The effects produced by these alternating forces depend upon certain

connections or relations which different parts of the body or different

substances, or entities, sustain to each other.

IV.

That the nature of these relations, between two or more substances,

organs, or entities, depends upon the difference or likeness in their qual'

ities orfunctions, and the difference in the nature or qualities of things

depends upon the balance of power between the two alternating forces.

This accounts for the difference in the susceptibilities of different per-

sons, to be influenced by any given substance or agency which is brought

into a relation with the mind, or any part of the body (as the stomach)

for the purpose of bringing about a change.

28 THEORY or PATHETISM.

the least conceivable degree, while my own opportunities for observation

and experiments have been increased a thousand fold, and have abun-

dantly confirmed me in the truth of the following

T H E 0 It Y ;

Fmsr PUBLISHED IN avnmon, 1843.

I.

That Animal Life consists in two alternat-ing forces, which control

matter, including Electricity and Magnetism. The alternations of the

vitalforces carry on a series ot' re-oolutfions, which perfectly correspondwith the alternating forces, or states of every thing else in nature, and

hence we have sleeping, waking- cold, heat _ motion, fest._

II.

That these 'vitalforces give those qualfizi-ies to the body which consti-

tute a sympathetic system, and render all its parts susceptible to an influ-ence from every other part, organ, or entity, between which and the

diiferent organs or parts of the body, a difference in quality or function

is found to exist.

Ill

The effects produced by these alternating forces depend upon certain

connections or relations which dilferent parts of the body or different

substances, or entities, sustain to each other.

IV.

That the nature of these relations, between two or more substances,

organs, or entities, depends upon the diference or likeness in their qual-ities or functions, and the ditterenee in the nature or qualities of thingsdepends upon the balance of power between the two alternating forces.This accounts for the diiference in the suscepzibilities of diiferent per-

sons, to be 'ifwuenced by any given substance or agency which is broughtinto a relation with the mind, or any part of the body (as the stomach)for the purpose of bringing about a change.

THEORY OF PATHET13M. 29

V.

That a peculiar connection between two entities, organs or sub-

stances, which differ in certain qualities or functions^ produces di positive

relation^ or the law of sympathy. A connection between two which are

precisely alike, produces a negative relation^ or the law of antipathy.

And, where bodies or substances are brought together which do not

come up to a certain degree of difference, in quality or functions, a neu-

tral relation, or a state of apathy, is the result.

VI.

This law of duality and contrariety, in the alternating forces, pre-

vails in the nature of things, and, of course, in the constitution of

MAN, and the organs through which mind is manifested. Hence, as there

are two forces, so there are two perfect parts (so to speak) to one humanbody ; two eyes, two ears, two hands, two feet, &c., and two entire

BRAINS, which may, and often do, act independently of each other. Thebrains combine the different mental organs, which not only exist in

pairs, but in groups, or families, in each brain ; and the pairs and groups

are balanced by other pairs and groups, whose functions are directly op-

posite. On the due development of these normal relations does con-

sciousness and mental power depend. For, when they are deficient, or

become disturbed or exhausted, the results appear in the states of the

mind, such as idiocy, monomania, insanity, and sleep. When the nor-

mal sympathetic relations are disturbed between the two brains, or the

cerebral organs and the nerves of motion or sensation in other parts of

the system, the results are shown in apoplexy, paralysis, and other phys-

ical orjTiental irregularities.

VII.

The cerebral system possesses the power of sensatio7i, or perception,

without the use of the external senses ; and when this power is exercised

without these senses, and also without any dependence upon observation

or experience, it results in what we denominate instinct, or clair-

voyance. The aggregate of all the mental faculties, when manifested

through the external senses, constitutes mind. The mind is identical

with the cerebral or sympathetic system, and hence they reciprocally act

upon each other. The latter is the medium through which the emotions

and volitions of mind are manifested, and through the same medium all

its impressions are received.

3*

THEORY OF 1'A'I`HE'1`1SM. 29

V.

That a peculiar cormectiofz between two entities, organs or sub-

stances, which difler in certain qualities orfunrtions, produces 0. positiverelation, or the law of syrnpatlty. A connection between two uhich are

precisely alike, produces a negatizie relation, or the law of antipathy.And, where bodies or substances are brought together which do not

come u p to a certain degree of difi`e1°ence, in quality or functions, a neu-

tral relation, or fa state of' apathy, is the result.

VI.

This lou: of' duality and contrarimfy, in the altcrnoti-ng forcf's, pre-vails in the nafurf' of things, and, of course, in the CONS'I'1TL"1'IO1'( or

;-IAN, and the organs through which :Wind is manifested. Hcnee,as there

are two forces, so there are two perfect parts (so to speak] to one human

body; two eyes, two ears, two hands, two feet, &c., and Two sxrxss

BRAINS, which may, and often do, act independently ot" each other. The

lwreias combine the diiferent 'mental organs, which not only exist in

pairs, but in groups, or fli,rnilies,i1'1 each brain; and the pairs and groupsare balanced hy other pairs and groups, whose functions are directly op-

posite. On the due development of these normal relations does con-

sciousness and mental power depend. For, when they are dehcient, or

become disturbed or exhausted, the results appear in the states ofthemind, such as idiocy, monomfzazflo, insanity, and sleep. Vhen the nor-

mal sympathetic relations are disturbed between the two brains, or the

cerebral organs and the nerves of' motion or sensation in other parts of

the system, the results are shown in apoplexy, paralysis, and other phys-ical orgrnental irregularities.

Vll.

The cerellrrtl system possesses the power of sensation, or perception,without the use of the external senses 5 and when this power is exercised

without these senses, and also without any dependence upon ohser'ation

or experience, it results in what we denorninate 1NsT1Nc'1', or clair-

royenee. The aggregate of all the mental faculties, when manifested

through the external senses, constitutes mtiatl. The mind is itlentical

with the cerebral or sympathetic system, and hence they reciprocally act

upon each other. The latter is the :ned-turn through which thc emotions

and eolitfons of DIIND are manifested, and through the same :rnctlium all

its impressions are received.

3%

30 THEORY OF PATHETISM.

VIII.

Bv establishing a positive relation between two persons, the mind of

one may thereby control the susceptiMlity of the other ; or by applying

the hand of one to any part of the other, different mental and physical

changes may thus be produced. Hence it follows, that the only influ-

ence extended from one mind or body to another, depends upon the

kind of relation established between them, and the same is true with re-

gard to any influence felt by the living body, from any other cause.

IX.

A positive relation is kept up, between the vital organs and the sub-

stances on which the system depends for its nourishment, such as air

and food, and, also, by the different functions of these organs ;and upon

the proper balance of all the different relations depends the health and

vigor of the body. Their disturbance produces disease, and their anni-

hilation, death.

X.

The muscles, limbs, and organs, are controlled by the brain on the

opposite side of the body ; that is, the right brain corresponds with the

left side, and the left brain with the right side, and the muscles are

moved through these relations, which exist between different portions of

the same muscles, and also, between these and the sympathetic nerves,

through which the mind operates. From which it follows, that there is

a reciprocal influence between the different nerves and the other organs

of the entire system ; and hence it is, that the state of one organ, or

part, is changed by the state of another, with which it is in positive re-

lation.

XI.

These sympathetic relations exist between the mental organs and the

nerves and muscles of the face ; they shape the features, and thus lay

the foundation for all that may be known of Physiognomy ; they give

the contour to the entire system, so that relations may be traced between

all the mental and physical developments; and from corresponding

points of sympathy, throughout the body, the different cerebral organs

may be excited and controlled by those external agencies, between

^hich and the susceptiMlity a positive relation has been established.

30 THEORY OF I'ATHE'1`1SM.

VIII.

By establishing a positive relation between two persons, the mind of

one may thereby control the susceptibility of the other ; or by applying

the hand of one to any part of the other, didercnt mental and physical

changes may thus be produced. Hence it follows, that the only intiu-

encc extended from one mind or body to another, depends upon the

hind ot'1°eZat'irm established between them, and the same is true with re-

gard to any~ influence felt by the living body, from any other cause.

IX.

A positive relation is kept up, between the vital organs and the sub-

stances on which the system depends for its nourishment, such as air

and food, and, also, by the different functions ofthese organs ; and upon

the proper balance of all the clitlerent relations depends the health and

vigor ofthe body. Their disturbance produces disease, and their anni-

hilation, death.

X.

The muscles_, limbs, and organs, are controlled by the brain on the

opposite side of the body ; that is, the right brain corresponds with the

left side, and the left brain with t}1e right side, and the muscles are

moved through these relations, which exist between different portions of

the same muscles, and also, between these and the sympathetic nerves,

through which the mind operates. From which it follows, that there is

a reciprocal influence between the ditlerent nerves and the other organs

of the entire system; and hence it is, that the state of' one organ, or

part, is changed by the state of another, with which it is in positive re-

lation.

Xl.

These sympathetic relations exist between the mental organs and the

nerves and muscles of the face; they shape the features, and thus laythe fbundation for all that may be known of Physiognomy; they givethe contour to the entire system,so that relations may be traced between

all the mental and physical developments ; and from corresponding

points of sympathy, throughout the body, the different cerebral organs

may he excited and controlled by those external agencies, between

which and the sztsceptihiftry a positive relation has been established.

THEORY OF PATHETISM. 31

XII.

The positive and negative relatio?is are controlled, in certain cases,

by the mind ; so that the system is positively or negatively affected ac-

cording to the mental apprehensions. In the same way relations may be

created, or transferred from one substance to another. When the mind

has been once impressed to a certain degree, from a mere apprehension

of an influence from any cause, it takes cognizance of this relation ;

and in cases of high susceptihility ^ it does sometimes either create, or

transfer it from one substance or agent, to another ; and hence the sys-

tem is affected precisely according to the anticipations of the mind^ and

not according to the real qualities of those things to which the relation

has been transferred.

xni.

The various vital., organic, and mental functions., are carried on by

these different relations ; and from which it must follow, that upon the

latter does the healthfulness and integrity of the former depend. Andby applying those agencies which change these relations, we mayincrease or modify the mental or physical powers, and thus ihefive senses

may be transposed and concentrated entirely in the sympathetic systeiti

;

or they may be wholly suspended, or even controlled by the sympa-

thetic system of the operator.

XIV.

It is a universal laxo of nature., that positive results are produced by a

relation between an agent, and a subject, or two or more substances,

brought into relation with each other. It is only by establishing a con-

nection between tico things, or forms which differ in quality, that a pos-

itive result difiering in quality from either of the two is produced. This

is \hQ first law of Pathetism, and from which we see how it is, that one

may not be able to produce the same effects upon different persons.

The vast number of experiments which I have performed, confirm-

atory of the truth of the above theory., have been of every possible

variety, and have been performed under those circumstances which have

afforded me the best advantages for determining the true nature of this

influence., as to whether it is a fiuid., eliminated out of one brain and

received into another ; or, whether it must not be resolved into the rela-

THEORY OF PATHETISM- 31

XII.

The positive and negative relations are controlled, in certain cases,

by the mind; so that the system is positively or negatively' affected ac-

cording to the mental apprrhensians. in the same ivay relzitions may bc

created, or transferred from one substance to another. When the mind

has been once impressed to a certain degree, from a mere apprehcnsfionof an infiuence from any cause, it takes cegnicancr of this relation;and in cases of high susceplibilrfty, it does sometimes either create, or

transfer it from one substance or agent, to another; and hence the sys-

tem is affected precisely according to the cntir::ipatt`ons of the inincl, and

not according to the real qualities ot' those things to which the relation

has been transferred.

XIII.

The various vital, organic, and mental functions, are carried on bythese diiterent relations; and from which-it must follow, that upon the

latter does the heaZtiji4Zm:.s's and intcg-nity of the former depend. And

by applying those agencies which change these relations, we mayincrease or modify the mental or physical powers, and thus thejioe senses

may be transposed and concentrated entirely in the synipatftetic system ;

or they may be wholly suspended, or even controlled by the sympa-

thetic systern of' the operator.

XIV.

It is a universal law of nat-ure, that positive results are produced by a

relation between an agent, and a subject, or tivo or more substances,

brought into relation with each other. It is only by establishing o, con-

nection between tzco things, or forms which diiier in quality, that a pos-itive result ditliering in quality from either oi" the tivo is produced. This

is tlie_]'i~rst law of Pathetfism, and from which we see how it is, that one

may not be able to produce the same effects upon different persons.

The vast number of experiments which I have performed, confirm-

atory of the truth of the above theory, have been of every possiblevariety, and have been performed under those circumstances which have

afforded me the best advantqes for determining the true nature of this

ȣn_fZum_.gg, as to whether it is a fluid, eliminated out of one brain and

received into another; or, whether it must not be resolved into the rela-

32 THEORY OF PATHETISM.

tions of things, and the laws by which the Great First Cause has deter-

mined they shall be governed.

The laws above described do obviously exist, and we daily observe

their results, and hence there is no necessity for attributing the phenom-

ena which occur, connected with the human mind^ to remote and extra-

ordinary causes.

I have found every imaginable variety of temperament and susceptibility,

necessary for the production of all those results, from which the nature

of this influence alone could be determined. Besides the thirty cases of

surgical operations on the persons whom I have rendered insensible to

pain, and the scores and hundreds of invalids whom I have entirely

cured or relieved, in New York, Boston, Providence, Lowell, NewBedford, Bangor, Portland, and many other places where I have lectured

among which I may mention some twelve cases of insanity, which I

have cured by my new process of impressing the nervous system. Tostate each case in detail would require more space than could be o-iven

in this letter ; nor does it seem so necessary, as these cures have beeneffected in my public lectures, on persons who attended them for this

purpose. Among these cases the following may be mentioned : —Tic-

doloroux. Spasms, Neuralgia, Chorea, Rheumatism, Sick HeadacheParalysis, Insanity, Cholera Morbus, Stammering, Epilepsy, Monoma-nia, Deafness, Fits, Hysteria, Loss of Voice, Hypochondria, Toothache,Want of Sleep, St. Vitus' Dance, and Blindness, besides numerous Con-gential Difficulties, and bad habits, such as the use of Tea, Coffee

Tobacco, and Intoxicating Drinks.

In this respect my lectures have, certainly, as far as I know, beendistinguished from those of any, and all other persons, who have attempt-

ed to call public attention to this subject. It has been my object to

make them of practical benefit, not merely to exhibit those phenomenaby which the truthfulness of my theory is demonstrated ; but, also, to

show the useful purposes to which this agency may be applied, in

the relief of pain, in developing the laws of mind, in explaining the

nervous functions, and in accounting for many strange mental condi-

tions, hitherto considered supernatural. How far I have succeeded in

these efforts, the thousands must judge who have witnessed the results of

my lectures, in different parts of the country, as well as the numberswho have professed to be, personally, benefitted by them. There is but

one drawback on the pleasure which the contemplation of these results

affords me, and that is, the state of feeling which my success seems to

32 THEORY OF PATHETISM.

tions of things, and th laws by which the Great First Cause has deter-

mined they shall he governed.The laws above described do obviously exist, and we daily observe

their results, and hence there is no necessity for attributing the _phenom-ena which occur, connected with the iruwzrm mind, to remote and extra-

ordinary causes.

I have found every imaginable variety ot" temperament and susceptibility,necessary for the production ot' all those results, from which the nature

ol" this intiuence alone could be determined. Besides the thirty cases of'

surgical operations on the persons whom I have rendered insensible to

pain, andthe scores and þÿ�l�1�l�.�l�1�l�C�l�l�` ¬�d�Sof' invalids whom I have entirelycured or relieved, in New York, Boston, I-'1'o'idcnee, Lowell, New

Bedford, Bangor, Portland, and many other places where I have lectured,among whichl may mention some twelve cases of insanity, which I

have cured by my new process of imp rcssing the nervous system. To

state each case in detail would require more space than could be givenin this letter; nor does it seem so necessary, as these cures have been

effected in my public lectures, on persons who attended them for this

purpose. Among these cases the following may be mentioned: -Tic-

doloroux, Spasms, Neuralgia, Chorca, Rheumatism, Sick Headache,Paralysis, lnsanity, Cholera Morbus, Stalnrnering, Epilepsy, Monomm

nia, Deathess, Fits, Hysteria, Loss of' Voice, Hypochondria, Toothaehe,W'ant of Sleep, St. Vitus' Dance, and Blindness, besides numerous Con-

gential Ditliculties, and bad habits, such as the use of Tea, Coffee,Tobacco, and intoxicating Drinks.

In this respect my lectures have, certainly, as far as I know, been

distinguished from those of any, and all other persons, who have attempt-ed to call public attention to this subieet. lt has been my object 10

make them ot' practical benefit, not merely to exhibit those phenomenaby which the truthtliliiess of my theory is demonstrated; but, also, to

show the useful purposes to which this agency may be applied, in

the relief of' pain, in developing the laws of mind, in explaining thc

nervous functions, and in accounting for many strange mental condi-

tions, hitherto considered supernatural. How far I have succeeded inthese etiorts, the thousands must _judge who have witnessed the results of'

my lectures, in ditterent pa1'ts of the country, as well as the numberswho have professed to be, personally, beneiitted by them. There is butone drawback on the pleasure which the contemplation of these results

affords me, and that is, the state of' feeling which my success seems to

THEORY OF PATHETISM. 33

have produced in the minds of a few other operators, as if the world

were not large enoug^h for them and me. A very few, also, of the med-

ical profession have been stumbled, in perceiving that I have succeeded

better in curing some of the worst forms of nervous disease far better

without medicine than they were ever able to do with it. A still larger

number of the profession, I am happy to say, have, after attending mylectures, candidly avowed their belief in Pathetism, and not a few of

them have been quite successful in the treatment of disease by this

influence alone.

.»

THEORY OF PATHETISM. 33

have produced in the minds of 11 few other operators, as if' the world

were not large enough for them and me. A very few, also, of' the med-

ical profession have been stumbled, in perceiving that I lu.ve succeeded

better in euring some of' the worst forms of nervous Lliseaise fhr better

without medicine than they were ever able to do with it. A still largernumber of the profession, I am happy to say, have, after attending my

lectures, candidly avowed their belief in Pathetism, and not u few of

'them have been quite successful in the treatment of disease by this

influence alone.

g.,

LETTER VIL

Boston, July 21, 1845.

Dear Sir,—It was supposed that the efforts of Dr. Buchanan, sometwo years since, to give a new development of the old notions about a

Jluid, would be the last attempts of the kind, at least by any one pretend-

ing to scientific attainments. But that supposition, it seems, was not

well founded. In the work to which I have before referred, by Mr.

Grimes, a labored attempt is made to revive the old notions of Van Hel-

mont, under the new-fangled name of " Etherium /" And yet, Mr. G.

belabors Dr. Buchanan with great severity, for doing this very thing

!

This " etherium," says this author,

" Is a material substance, occupying space, which connects the planets andthe earth, and which communicates light and heat, electricity, gravitation, andmental emotion from one body to another, and from one mind to another." • t

Admitting the truth of this new version of the fluid notion, you will,

undoubtedly, desire to be informed what the Deity is, or what he ever

did, or can do. For this " Etherium " occupies all space, communi-

cates all motion between matter and mind. But perhaps Mr. Grimes

would tell us that this " Etherium " is, itself, God. He says :

—

" The motions of etherium are the ne plus ultra of human knowledge. It

moves and communicates its motions to other things, this is certain ; but whatis the origin of its motions we cannot know."*

The visions of the prophets, and the miracles of the New Testament,

are, by this writer, ascribed to this same " etherium :"

" The practice of laying on of hands upon the sick, to heal them, referred to

in the New Testament, is precisely the etheriopathic practice."

" Who that compares the ancient seers with modern clairvoyants, and pos-

sessors of second sight, can doubt that they all belong to the same class .-""t

* Etherology, p. 156. t lb., p. 41.

LETTER Vll.

Y BOSTON, July 21, 1845.

DEAR Sis,-It was supposed that the efforts of Dr. Buchanan, some

two years since, to give a new development of the old notions about a

fluid, would be the last attempts ofthe kind, at least by any one pretend-ing to scientific attninrnents. But that supposition, it seems, was not

well founded. ln the work to which l have before referred, by Mr.

Grimes, a labored attempt is made to revive the old notions of Van Hel-

Inont, under the new-fangled name of " Etlierium I" And yet, Mr. G.

belabors Dr. Buchanan with great severity, for doing this very thing!This " ctlierium," says this author,

"Is amctcvéei! siibstctncc, occupying space, which connects the planets and

tll earth, and which com-mimirrctss light and heat, electricity, gravitation, and

mental emotion from one body to another, and from one mind to another." * |

Admitting the truth of this new version of the fluid notion, you will,

undoubtedly, desire to be informed what the DEITY is, or what he ever

did, or can do. For this " Etherium" occupies all space, communi-

cates all motion between matter and mind. But perhaps l'lr. Grimes

would tell us that this " Etherium "is, itself, God. He says :-

"The motions of othorium are the no plus ultra of human knowledge. lt

moves and communicates its motions to other things, this is certain, but what

is the origin of' its motions We cannot know."

The visions of theiprophets, and the miracles of the New Testament,are, by this writer, ascribed to this some

" etherium :"

" The practice of laying on of hands upon the sick, to hcal them, referred to

in thc New Testament, is precisely the etheriopathic practice."" VVho that compares the ancient scors with modern clairvoyants, and pos-

sessors of second sight, can doubt that they all belong to the same class ?"t

"

Etherology, p. 156. i lb., p. 41.

CRITICAL REMARKS. 35

However, it would not be consistent with my present design, to at-

tempt an examination of these notions. I merely wish to show that

this work contains nothing new, in the form of a theor}-, which was not

anticipated, and, as I think, sufficiently refuted in my work on Pathetism,

two years ago. If the influence heretofore known under the name of" Mesmerism," be a. fluid, eliminated out of one body into another, it is

not of the least consequence what you call it, whether Animal Magnet-ism, with Van Helmont and Mesmer, or Neuraura, with Dr. Buchanan,

or Electiricty, Etherium, or any thing else you please. Nor is it easy

to see any singular merit in substituting new terms for the same old no-

tions. I say old notions, for, though this writer has elaborated a workof some 350 pages, professedly in explanation of the " Philosophy of

Mesmerism," and has numerous repetitions of his ideas on the samesubject, yet I cannot perceive that he has, in the principal features of his

theor}', advanced a single step from jMesmer and Puysegar, or even Dr.

Buchanan. The fluid notion is common to them all, and it is one and

the same thing, by whatever name it may be distinguished. I find in

his book not a few contradictions, and incorrect statements ; and a dis-

play of more self-esteem than was necessary to antagonize all the ex-

citement he could induce in his conscientiousness, benevolence andsuavity combined. As he makes a show of having confuted my own the-

ory of Pathetism, it will not, perhaps, be out of place for me to give the

work a passing notice ; and in doing so, if it should appear that he has

made statements which will not bear the scrutiny of scientific research,

statements about historical facts, which are false, and, withal, if it should

appear that he has borrowed a few " new discoveries " from my ownwork on Pathetism, and claimed them as his own, I will leave it to you

to say, how much these things are to weigh in favor of the " etherium "

notions of Mr. J. Stanly Grimes.

As his avowed object was to prove the truth of the fluid theory, in op-

position to the theory of Pathetism, it was to be expected, as a matter of

course, that he would have informed his readers what the theory of

Pathetism was, that he might have the full benefit of its confutation.

This, however, he has not done, and though he quotes largely from the

Magnet^ (and when it suits his purpose) from my book on Pathetism, yet

he has never once attempted to state my theory in my own words ! Mybook contains my views on this subject, up to the time it was issued.

The Magnet was never designed to advocate any theory, exclusively,

and hence I stated in its pages, from time to time, that its object was to

give facts, and afford an opportunity for all friends of the science to ex-

CRITICAL I{EIlIARI{S. df

However, it would not be consistent with my present design, to at

tempt an examination of these notions. I tnervly wish to show that

this work contains nothing new, in the form ot` a tlmory whit lt was not

anticipated, and,as I think, suttieientlv 1't't`utod in my work on Pstthetisln,two years ago. If the influence heretofore known under the name of" Mcsmcrism," be a_flu~id, eliminated out of one body into anwtlt-'=_, it is

not ot' the least consequence what you call it, whether flttintal .§l.L'IgIlCf-is-m, with Van Holmont and Mesrner, or D.'ett;r'enra, with Dr. Buchanan.

or _E`Ze°<:t'irt`cty, Etherium, or any thing else you please. Nor is it easyto see any singular merit in substituting new terms for the some old no-

tions. I say old notions, for, though this writer has clahorated a worla

of some 350 pages, professedly in explanation of the "

1'hilosoph}' of

Mesmerism," and has numerous repetitions of his ideas on the some

subject, yet I cannot perceive that he has, in the principal features ofhis

theory, advanced at single step from llesmer and Puysegar, or even Dr

Buchanan. The __1l't¢.iri notion is common to them all, and it is one and

the same thing, by whatever name it may be distinguished. ltind in

his book not a few cozztracfictiozts, and t`t2ror1'ccr stetffnents; and a dis~

play of more self-esteem than was I'16CE'SSE3.]`§,' to antagonize all the exe

citement he could induce in his conseicntiousness, henevolence and

Suavity Combined. is he makes a s/7to2t"of` having confuted my own the-

ory of Pathetism, it will not, perhaps, he out of place for me to give thc

work a passing notice; and in doing so, if it should appear that he has

made statements which will not bear the scrutin}' of scientiic research,statements about historical facts, which are false, and, withal, if it should

appear that he has borrowed a few "new discoveries " from my own

work on Pathetism, and claimed them as his own, I will leave it to youto say, how much these things are to weigli in favor of the " etherium '°

notions of Mr. J. Stanly Grimes.

As his avowed object was to prove the truth of the fluid theory, in op-

position to the theory of Patlictisni, it was to he expected, as a matter of

course, that he would have infbrmed his readers what the theory of

Pathetism was, that he might have the fullnbenefit of its confutation,

This, however, he has not done, and though he quotes largely from thc

Magnet, (and when it suits his purpose) from roy hook on Pathctistn, yethe has never once attempted to state my theory in my own words I Mybook contains my views on this subject, up to the time it was issued.

The Magnet was never designed to advocate any theory, exclusively,and hence I stated in its pages, from time to time, that its object was to

give facts, and afford an opportunity for all friends of the science to ex-

36 CRITICAL REMARKS.

press their own views in their own way. And yet, while Mr. Grimes

had my book before him, (for he says he " had read it carefully,") he

fills a dozen of his own pages with quotations, not from my work, but

from the numbers of the Magnet, and which contained views that I had

expressly repudiated in my work on Pathetism. If this was without de-

sign, on the part of Mr. G., it shows his ignorance ; if it was done from

design, it shows a dishonest motive.

But, waiving this ground of complaint, let us proceed to notice a few

of the rays of light which Mr. G. himself assumes to have shed upon

this subject.

" One mind cannot influence another but through the instrumentahty of mo-tion.—p. 17.

This is obscure. He should have told us, of which mind the motion

is affirmed — the one that is acted upon, or the other ; and also whether

there can be thought without motion. Because if a mere thought may-

be the cause or effect of cerebral motion, or may be the necessary ac-

companiment of cerebral motion, there is a sense in which one mind,

without motion in itself, at the time, may act upon another mind. It is

when one mind is excited or depressed, or impressed, in any way, by its

conceptions, merely, of another mind.

" One thing' cannot influence another with which it is not in contact, unless

there is some material substance existing or passing between every portion of

the space which separates them."

—

lb.

Doubted. It would follow, from this assumption, that the Deity him-

self cannot influence mind without physical " contact," or that there

could be no relation or connection between two different minds, with-

out physical " contact." My mind is, at this moment, influenced by

my conceptions of Adam, so that it is true, that in some sense, Adam'sexistence communicates motion or emotion to my own mind ; but it is

not true, that there is a " material connection " between my mind and

that of Adam, the first man that ever lived.

The following contains a new idea :

"The involuntary motions constitute life. — -^. 26.

What is the difference in " involuntary motions .?!' Are they not

alike } And if so, then it follows that all " involuntary " motions are

36 CRITICAL REMARKS.

press their own views in their own way. And yet, While Mr. Grimes

had my book bef'o1'e him, (for he says he " had read it caref'ully,") he

Htls a dozen of' his own pages with quotations, not from my work, hut

from the numbers of the Magnet, and which contained views that I had

'arcpressly tepudtctcd in my work on Pathetisin. If this was without de-

sign, on the part of Mr. G., it shows his ignorance; if it was done from

design, it shows a dishonest motive.

But, waiving this ground ot' complaint, let us proceed to notice a few

ofthe rays of light which Mr. G. himself assumes to have shed uponthis subj ect.

" One mind cannot influence another but through the instrumentality of' mo-

tion.--p. 17.

This is obscure. He should have told us, of which mind the moi-ion

is afhrlned-the one that is acted upon, or the other; and also whether

there can be t}'z0u.g}'it Without. motion. Because if a mere thought may

he the cause or efl`cct of cerebral motion, or may be the necessary ac-

companiment of cerebral motion, there is a sense in which one mind,without motion in itself, at the time, may act upon another mind. It is

when one mind is excited or depressed, or impressed, in any way, by its

tonceptions, merely, ot' another mind.

" One thing* cannot influence another with which it is not in contact, unless

there is seine anetfriai substance existing or passing between every portion of

the space which separates them."-[h.

Doubted. It would follow, from this assumption, that the Deity him-

self' cannot influence mind without physical" contact," or that there

could be no relation or connection between two diIi`e1°ent minds, with-

out physical "contact" My mind is, at this moment, influenced hymy conceptions of Adam, so that it is true, that in some sense, Adam's

existence communicates motion or emotion to my own mind; hut it is

not true, that there is a" material connection " between my mind and

that of Adam, the first man that ever lived.

The following contains a new idea :

" The involuntary motions constitute Zife.--p. 26.

Vtfhat is the diti"erence in "involuntary motions ?!' Are they not

alike? And if so, then it follows that all "

involuntary" motions are

CRITICAL REMARKS. 37

life ! Hence all magnetic, or electrical, motions constitute life, and this

"' etherium," which " generates," as this writer tells us, every thing else,

besides itself, must be alive, also ! And in the same breath he informs

us, in addition to the above, that this " etherium " modifies every thing,

and is, at the same time, modified by every object from which it is

emanated ! It is the cause and the effect, at one and the same time, of all

things !"

Here is another " etherium " definition :

—

" Sympathy is when an active organ in the operator communicates its ownmotions to the corresponding organ in the subject, so as to make it act in a sim-

ilar manner."—p. 36.

" Sympathy means same emotion, sa.xae feeling, same condition."—p. 160.

" The currents of the operator's etherium, after having moved the organs of

the operator himself, proceeded to the corresponding organs of the subject, andmoved them in a similar manner. This is sympathy in a strict philosophical

sense."—p. 196.

Let us see. The operator, it is said, wills his subject to laugh, and'

he laughs. The " active organ " in the operator, in this case, is his

vnll ; but the active organ in the subject is not his loill, but his mirth.

The operator, by a mere volition (it is said) causes his subject to walk

;

and in this, as well as in a thousand other like cases, the " active organs "

in the operator and his subject are not the same. Our author furnishes a

case in point, and I will quote it here, inasmuch as he " takes the liberty

to recommend it to the attention of Dr. Elliotson." To my own mind, it

affords conclusive evidence that the author of " Etherology " is not so

familiar with the real nature of the subject on which he has written, as

he himself seems to imagine. He says :

" Take almost any person who is unacquainted with the subject, or with the

object of the experiment — ask him to sit down and close his eyes, and keep

them closed. Take hold of his hands, as if you were going to induct him in

the usual manner, and, after you have held them above five or ten minutes, let

go carefully of one hand, and will the thumb to move, and in five cases out of

six it will do so, even though the subject is not in the least asleep, and though

he is so slightly affected that he stoutly denies that he is affected at all. "—p. 292.

And the movement of a thumb, after having been tightly held, in

this manner, " for five or ten minutes," is appealed to by Mr. Grimes, as

a demonstration that a mere volition of the operator is sufiicient to move

the muscles of the patient ! And to such an experiment he invites the

4

CRITICAL REMARKS. 37

life .' Hence all magnetic, or electrical, motions constitute life, and this" etherinru," which " generates," as this writer tells us, every thing else,besides itself, must be alive, also! And in the same breath he informs

us, in addition to the above, that this " etherium "

modthes every thing,and is, at the same time, modified by every object from which it is

emanated I It is the cause and the effect, at one and the same time, of all

things I"

Here is another " etherium " definition :-

" Sympathy is when an active organ in the operator communicates its own

motions to the corresponding organ in the subject, so as to make it act in a. sim-

ilar manner."-p. 36.

" Sympathy means some emotion, same feeling, same condition."-p. 160.

"The currents of the operator's etherium, after having moved the organs of

the operator himself, proceeded to the corresponding organs of the subject, and

moved them in ni similar manner- This is sympe-thy in a strict philosophical.sense."--p. 196.

Let us see. The operator, it is said, us-ills his subject to laugh, and

hc laughs. The "active organ" in the operator, in this case, is his

will ; but the active organ in the subject' is not his will, but his mirth..

The operator, by a mere volition (it is said] causes his subject to walk ;

and in this, as well as in a thousand other like eases, the " active organs"

in the operator and his subject are not thc same. Our author furnishes a

case in point, and I will quote it here, inasmuch as he " takes the libertyto recommend it to the attention of Dr. Elliotson." To my own mind, it

affords conclusive evidence that the author of "

Etherology" is not so-

familiar with the real nature of the subject on which hc has written, as

he himself seems to imagine. He says:A

"Take almost any person who is unacquaintcd with the ubject, or with the-

object of the experiment-ask him to sit down and close his eyes, and keepsthem closed. Take hold of his hands, as if you were going to induct him in

the usual manner, and, after you have held them above five or ten minutes, let

go carefully of one hand, and will the thumb to move, and in tive cases out of"

six it will do so, even though the subject is not in the least asleep, and thoughhe is so slightly affected that he stoutly denies that he is affected at all."-p. 292.

And the movement ol' a thumb, after having been tightly held, in

this manner," for fivc or ten rninutes," is appealed to by Mr. Grimes, as

a demonstration that a more volition of thc operator is sutlicient to move

the muscles of the patient! And to such an experiment he invites the

4

38 CRITICAL REMARKS.

attention of one of the most able physiologists in England, for the pur-

pose of enabling him to make up his mind as to the effects of the human

will, when exerted, independently of all contact, over a subject in the

sympathetic sleep !

!

The slightest attention to the sense o^ feeling, or of consciousness,

would seem sufficient to enable the merest novice to account for a move-

ment of the thumb, or any other part of the body under the control of

the subject's own will, after it has been subjected to the pressure of the

process above described. The mind, or the sense of feeling, instinctively

prompts one to such a movement, that he may perceive the state of the

part which has been compressed or subjected to a kind of involuntary

restraint. The eifects would be the same upon the limbs of animals

;

and I am serious in saying, that Mr. Grimes would be still more suc-

cessful, if in future, he were to try, in the way he describes, the effects

of his " will " upon the tail of a cat, or any of the canine race. Hewould, undoubtedly, see their tails move in all directions, after pinching,

but I could not advise him to believe that they moved solely in obedience

to a fluid eliminated into them from his brain. Let him go through

with the process of clasping or pinching the thumbs, or the tails, " and

then let go carefully," and " will " them not to move, and see if " in five

cases out of six " he succeeds, or that he can satisfy "Dr. Elliotson "

that the results are produced by his ivill, independently of the imagina-

tion of the subject on whom he operates.

But, suppose the thumbs do move, as he assumes, merely because he

wills them to move ? How do results of this kind agree with his defini-

tion of sympathy, which he represents as a result that comes out from a

corresponding activity in the same organs, both in the operator and the

subject.

Mr. G. has considerable to say upon consciousness, and here is a

new idea upon it

:

" There are some reasons for suspecting, that every atom of matter in exist-

ence is capable of consciousness, when placed in the circumstances and condi-

tions favorable to its development."—p. 140.

" If consciousness depends upon an ultimate material particle, it is not im-

possible that the very identical consciousness which is now possessed by QueenVictoria, was once possessed by Queen Maud ; and it may be, that if HerMajesty will resolutely set to work, she may be able to recollect the circum-

stance. If this principle be admitted, it may be also, that the future state, con-

dition, and associations of consciousness, will be dependent upon the aptitudes

and habits, the moral and physical sympathies and antipathies which it has

acquired in its past and present state — but we can no longer touch bottom."—lb.

38 CRITICAL REM.-arms.

attention of one of the most able pbysiologists in England, for the pur-

pose of enabling him to make up his mind as to the effects of the human

will, when exerted, independently of all contact, over a subject in the

sympathetic sleep l !

The slightest attention to the sense offeeling, or of consciousness,would seem sufficient to enable the merest novice to account for a move-

ment ofthe thumb, or any other part of the body under the control of'

the subject's own will, after it has been subjected to the pressure of the

process above described. The mind, or the sense of feeling, instinctivelyprompts one to such a movement, that he may perceive the state of the

part which has been compressed or subjected to a kind of involuntaryrestrmlnt. The effects would be the same upon the limbs of animals;and I nm serious in saying, that Mr. Grimes would be still more suc-

cessful, if in future, he were to try, in the way he describes, the effects

of his " will" upon the tail of a cat, or any of the canine race. He

would, undoubtedly, see their tails move in all directions, after pinching,but I could not advise him to believe that they moved solely in obedience

to a lluid eliminated into them from his brain. Let him go throughwith the process of' elasping or pinching the thumbs, or the tails, " and

then let go carefully," and " will " them not to move,and see if " in tive

cases out of six" he succeeds, or that he can satisfy " Dr. Elliotson "'

that the results are produced by his will, independently of the imagina-tion of the subject on whom he operates.

But, suppose the thumbs do move, as he assumes, merely because he

wills them to move? How do results of this kind agree with his defini-

tion of sympathy, which he represents as a result that comes out from a

corresponding activity in the some organs, both in the operator and the

subject.Mr. G. has considerable to say upon consciousness, and here is a

new idea. upon it :

" There are some reasons for suspecting, that every atom of matter in exist-

ence is capable of consciousness, whn placed inthe circumstances and condi-

tions favorablc to its development."--p. 140.

" If consciousness depends upon an ultimate material particle, it is not im-

possible that the very identical consciousness which is now possessed by Queen

Victoria, was once possessed by Queen Maud; and it may be, that if Her

Majesty will resolutely set to work, she may be able to recollect the circum-

stance. If' this principle be admitted, it may be also, that the future state, con-

dition, and associations of consciousness, will be dependent upon the aptitudesand habits, the moral and physical sympathies and antipathies which it has

acquired in its past and present state -but we can no longer touch bottom."-Ib.

CRITICAL REMARKS. 39

Such is the light which this writer sheds upon consciousness^ and the

above is in perfect keeping with two-thirds of his book, in which he ex-

patiates with equal clearness, when it is equally impossible for him or

any of his readers to " touch bottom," or tell, with any degree of cer-

tainty, what his meaning is. The following extracts show us one wayin which this writer accounts for clairvoyance

:

" I have seen a ring handed to a subject ; and the owner of the ring, who lived

at a distance, described—the sex, health, residence and state ofmind, and manyother circumstances, with great accuracy. The ring being inducted by the

etherium of the owner, partially retains and communicates the motions which it

has received, just as a magnet does, or a scented handkerchief. The ring, if it

has continued to emanate motions of etherium all the loay from the place wherethe owner resides, to the residence of the subject, has made a path which mayaid the clairvoyant subject in finding him.—pp. 233, 234.

" If it has." Why does the writer put in this " if .>" According to

his theory, every particle of matter is constantly emitting the " etheri-

um," and if the ring does not emit the etherium before it reaches the

clairvoyant, it emits none afterward ; and if it emits none after it reaches

the subject, of course he could not, according to this " etherium " theory,

tell where the ring came from !

Nor is this the only difficulty

:

" The motions of the etherium are peculiarly modified in each successive avenue or stage through which it is obliged to pass."

" Etherium is modified by each external object from which it emanates ; for

there is no doubt that every object imparts its own peculiar character, in somedegree, at least, to the etherium which it is constantly receiving and emitting.**

—p. 21.

Now, conceive, if you can, of a "^a^/t" made by this " etherium,"

say five hundred miles, " all the way " from the place where the ownerof the ring resides, to the residence of the subject," and this, too, while

every particle of the atmosphere, and every other object with which the

ring has come in contact, during this immense distance, has, in ten

thousand ways, operated in " modifying " its " motions." The mind has

no faculty for conceiving the possibility of results brought about in this

way, except, indeed, it be done by that all potent organ of Creden-civENEss, of which Mr. Grimes makes so great an account. The notion,

however, is not original, as Mr. Grimes seems to think. The same idea

is advanced by Mr. Townshend, and it is believed to have been suffi-

ciently refuted, in my work on Pathetism, three years ago.

CRITICAL REMARKS. 39

Such is the light which this writer sheds upon consciousness, and the

above is in perfect keeping with two-thirds of' his book, in which he ex-

patiates with equal clearness, when it is equally impossible for him or

any of his readers to "touch bottom," or tell, with any degree of cer-

tainty, what his meaning is. The following extracts show us one wayin which this writer accounts for clairvoyamce .°

" I have seen a ring handed to a subject; and the owner of the ring,who lived

at a distance, described-the sex, health, residence and state ofmind, and many

other circumstances, with great accuracy. The ring being inducted by the

etllerium of the owner, partially retains and communicates the motions which it

has received, just as a magnet does, or a. scented handkerchief. The ring, if it

has continued to emanatie motions ofetherium all the racy-'from the place where

the owner resides, to the residence of the subject, has made a path which mayaid the clairvoyant subject in finding him.-pp. 233, 234.

" If it has." Vlfhy does the writer put in this " it' P" According to

his theory, every particle of matter is constantly emitting the " etheri~

urn," and if' the ring does not emit the etherium before it reaches the

clairvoyant, it emits none afterward ; and if' it emits none after it reaches

the subject, of course he could not, according to this " etherium "

theory,tell where the ring came from !

Nor is this the only difficulty:

" The motions of the etherium are peculiarly modified in each successive ave

nue or stage through which it is obliged to pass."" Etheriurn is modified by each external object from which it emanates; for

there is no doubt that every object imparts its own peculiar character, in some

degree, at least, to the etherium which it is constantly receiving and emitting."-p. 21.

Now, conceive, if you can, of a "path" made by this "

etherium,"say five hundred miles, " ali the way

" from the place where the owner

of the ring resides, to the residence of the subject," and this, too, while

every particle of the atmosphere, and every other object with which the

ring has come in contact, during this immense distance, has, in ten

thousand ways, operated in "

modifying" its " motions." The mind has

no faculty for conceiving the possibility of results brought about in this

way, except, indeed, it be done by that all potent organ of CREDEN-

CIVENESS, of which Mr. Grimes makes so great an account. The notion,however, is not original, as Mr. Grimes seems to think. The same idea

is advanced by Mr. Townshend, and it is believed to have been sutli-

ciently refuted, in my work on Pathetism, three years ago.

40 CRITICAL REMARKS.

But it is impossible to reconcile Mr. G.'s notions with his own the-

ory, and in his attempts to confute Dr. Buchanan's notions, he com-

pletely upsets his own. For instance, Mr. G. says :

" Admitting that emanations of etherium stream from the extremities of the

fingers, would they not be conducted away in all directions by the innumerable

nerve and blood vessels, the skull and membranes which intervene between the

spot touched and the phreno-organs which are supposed to be excited?"—p, 282.

Precisely so ! And admitting that the " etherium streams " from the

ring, how is it conducted into one of the clairvoyant's organs rather than

another ? " Etherology " does not, and cannot, tell how ; and thus

you will perceive, that while Mr. G. confutes Dr. Buchanan, he con-

futes himself also ; though, I should add, perhaps, that the above argu-

ment is not original with Mr. G., as it was published some two years be-

fore his book appeared, as you will see, by turning to my work, pages 73

and 343, where you will find that I used this very same argument, and for

a similar purpose ; it was to show the falsity of Dr. Buchanan's theory,

in relation to the excitement of the cerebral organs by a fluid.

The following direction for operating, will show that Mr. Grimes

himself has what he calls the organ of '"' CredenciniLsness '''' well devel-

oped, as well as his subjects :

" Let the subject sit down, and not cross his legs, as it will interrupt the

circulation."—p. 315.

Crossing the legs " interrupts the circulation " of the etherium ! ! !

And on page 236 he gives the particulars of an experiment with one

of his " credencive " subjects, who saw the fluid [ ! ] or " etherium,"

as he calls it :

—

" The moment she mentioned the fluid, I interrupted her, and asked her what^wid she meant. She answered ' This,' holding out her fingers and movingthem as if she perceived something emanating from them ; ' this is it, don't

you see it ?' "

Whether our author himself actually saw the fluid, or not, he has not

informed us. But he has yet to learn that when " Marvellousness " is

once excited to a certain degree, he or his subjects can see or believe

any thing. He can see the " fluid " stop the moment a subject happens

to " cross his legs " while the operator is inducing the sleep ; and one

of Dr. Buchanan's followers, in New York, (S. J., Esq.,) once told methat he himself had positively " seen the fluid streaming from his own

40 CRITICAL REMARKS.

But it is impossible to reconcile Mr. G.'s notions with his own the-

ory, and in his attempts to confute Dr. Buchanarfs notions, he com-

pletely upsets his own. For instance, Mr. G. says :

" Admitting that emanations of etherium stream from the extremities of the

fingers, would they not be conducted away in all directions by the innumerable

nerve and blood Vessels, the skull and membranes which intervene between the

spot touched and the phreno-organs which are supposed to be excited ?"-p. 232.

Precisely so! And admitting that the " etherium streams" from the

ring, how is it conducted into one of the clairvoyant's organs rather than

another F "

Etherologyf' does not, and cannot, tell how ; and thus

you will perceive, that while Mr. G. confutes Dr. Buchanan, he con-

futes himself also ; though, l should add, perhaps, that the ahove argu-ment is not original with Mr. G., as it was published some two years he-

fore his book appeared, as you will see, by turning to my work, pages 73

and 343, where you will find that l used this very same argument, and for

a similar purpose ; it was to show the falsity of Dr. Buehanaifs theory,in relation to the excitement of the cerebral organs by a fluid.

The following direction for operating, will show that Mr. Grimes

himself has what he calls the organ of "-Cv'edencimtsness" well clevel-

oped, as well as his subjects :

_'* Let the subject sit down, and not cross his legs, as it will interrupt the

circulation."-p. 315.

Crossing the legs" interrupts the circulation " of the etherium l I l

And on page 236 he gives the particulars of an experiment with one

of his "credeneive "

subjects, who saw the _fluid [ !] or "etherium,"as he calls it :--

" The moment she mentioned the jlaid, I interrupted her, and asked her what

_fluid she meant. She answered 'This,' holding out her Hngers and movingthem as if she perceived something emanating from them; 'this is it, don't

you see it ?' "

VVhether our author himself actually saw the iiuid, or not, he has not

informed us. But he has yet to learn that when " Marvellousness " is

once excited to a certain degree, he or his subjects can see or believe

any thing. He can see the " fluid "

stop the moment a subject happensto "

cross his legs" while the operator is inducing the sleep ; and one

of Dr. Buehanan's f'ollowers, in New York, (S. J., Esq.,) once told me

that he himself had positively"

seen the Huid streaming from his own

CRITICAL REMARKS. 41

fingers," at a certain time, while in the act of operating for the cure of

some disease ! It was, he said, of " the color of smoke ! !"

It has been in the excitement of the same organs of Marvellousness^

that somnambulists have been made to declare that they " saw the fluid ;"

but this is not so much to be wondered at, as it is when we find opera-

tors, claiming a medium degree of intelligence, who profess their belief

in these sights. A man who could believe that his subject actually saw

an invisible "^wirf," must have an organ of " Credenciveness " by far

loo large to allow of his hesitating to believe any thing which afforded

the least prospect of gratification to his love of distinction, or self-

esteem. A change of circumstances would put him in a position of ri-

valship with Joe Smith, or Joanna Southcote ; and you will, I think,

agree with me, when I declare it as my opinion, that science has but

little to expect from the labors of such minds.

CRITICAL REMARKS. 41

fingers," at a certain time, while in the act of operating for the cure of

some disease I It was, he said, of "the color of smoke ! J "

It has been in the excitement of the same organs of Mawellousness,that somnambulists have been made to declare that they

"saw the fluid ;"

but this is not so much to be wondered at, as it is when we Hnd opera~

tors, claiming a medium degree of intelligence, who profess their belief'

in these sights. A man who could believe that his subject actually saw

an invisible "_jluid," must have an organ of " Credeneiveness "

by far

too large to allow of his hesitating to believe any thing which afforded

the least prospect of gratification to his love of distinction, or self-

esteem. A change of circumstances would put him in a position of ri-

valship with Joe Smith, or Joanna Southcotc ; and you will, I think,

agree with ine, when I declare it as my opinion, that science has but

little to expect from the labors of such minds.

LETTER VIII.

Boston, July 24, 1845.

Dear Sir,—As you desire it, I proceed to point out a few of Mr.

Grimes's incorrect statements — statements which are so palpably false

^

some of them, at least, that I find it utterly impossible to account for

them, consistently with either his intelligence or honesty. If he did not

know that the following representations were false, he was incompetent

for writing upon the subject on which he undertook to enlighten the

public. If he made them, knowing them to be false, he is guilty of a

crime that renders him unworthy of public confidence as an author or

teacher on any subject. He says :

" My object is to rebut the absurd doctrine of Sunderland, Buchanan, andothers, that clairvoyance depends upon a peculiar organ, which was bestowed

upon man for that very purpose."—p. 218.

My theory is contained in my work, the latest publication I have madeon the subject of clairvoyance, and every thing else connected with this

subject till now. And Mr. Grimes declares, page 1 12, that he had read

this work carefully. I never taught that clairvoyance depended upon a

peculiar organ given us for this purpose. As you have seen, I resolve this

power into what has been denominated Instinct. There is not the

least reason for this representation of Mr. Grimes.

Here is another mistake :

" It should be understood that La Roy Sunderland claims to have been the

first to discover that the organs of the brain can be excited by touching them,"

—p. 109.

This is not true ; as you will see by turning to pages 139, 141, and

142 of my book, and especially the first and second paragraphs on page

141. I stated, years ago, that I had no confidence in those cerebral ex-

citements for proving the precise locations of the mental organs.

And here is another

:

" Not one of those who have adopted this doctrine concerning the excitement

of the phreno-organs, has yet retracted, or even expressed a doubt concerning

the truthfulness of their conclusions."—p. 281.

LETTER VIII.

Bosron, Jem' 24, 1845.

DEAR SIR,--~.A.s you desire it,I proceed to point outa few of Mr.

Grimes's incorrect statements -statements which are so palpablyfalse,some of them, at least, that Iiind it utterly impossible to account for

them, consistently with either his intelligence or honesty. If he did not

know that the following representations were false, he was incompetentfor writing upon the subject on which he undertook to enlighten the

public. If he made them, knowing them to he false, he is guilty of a

Crime that renders him unworthy of public confidence as an author or

teacher on any subject. He says :

"My object is to rebut the absurd doctrine of Sunderland, Buchanan, and

others, that clairvoyance depends upon a. peculiar organ, which was bestowed

upon man for that very purpose."--p. 218.

My theory is contained in my work, the latest publication I have made

on the subject of elairveyanee, and every thing else connected with this

subject till now. And ll-Ir. Grimes declares, page 112, that he had read

this work carefully. I never taught that clairvoyance depended upon a

peculiar organ given us for this purpose. As you have seen,I resolve this

power into what has been denominated INSTINCT. There is not the

least reason for this representation of Mr. Grimes.

Here is another mistake :

"It should IJ understood that La Roy Sunderland claims to have been the

first to discover that the organs of' the brain can be excited by touching them,"-p. 109.

This is not true ; as you will se by turning to pages 139, 141, and

142 of my book, and especially the first and second paragraphs on page141. I stated, years ago, that I had no coryidence in those cerebral ex-

citcments for proving the precise locations of the mental organs.

And here is another :

" Not one of those who have adopted this doctrine concerning the excitement

ofthe phreno-organs, has yet retracted, or even expressed a doubt concerning-the truthfulness of their conclusions."--p. 281.

CRITICAL REMARKS. 43

Almost every page of my work might be referred to as a confutationof the above statement. See especially, pages 141, 145, 146, 147,240, and 247 inclusive. Compare these pages with the following, andit will be seen that while I make nothing at all of the excitement of thephrenological organs by Pathetism, Mr. G. himself makes every thing ofit. He is speaking of his clairvoyant subject who saw [ ! ] the " ethe-rium :"

—

" I then asked her concerning the location and uses of several new phreno-organs, which I suppose that / had discovered^ and, to my surprise, she answeredme without the least hesitation, and confirmed all my previous opinions [ofcourse she did, for she got her views from Mr. Grimes' mind, according to hisown theory,] not even excepting those opinions I had never mentioned to anyone, and which she could only have known from clairvoyance. As far as 1

know, this was the first attempt to learn the functions of the brain by means ofMesmerism ; and notwithstanding all the boasting of the Pathetizers and Neu-rologizers, I still think that this method is the only one which will be found ofany use."—p. 237.

Now, I depend neither upon cerebral excitements, by Pathetism, nor

upon the statements of clairvoyants, for fixing the locations of the men-tal organs ; and all this I published to the world years ago.*

On page 250, Mr. G. informs us that the credit of having discovered

the head-touching principle is supposed to belong to Spencer T. Hall

;

but in making this statement, he only shows his want of information, as

you will see by turning to page 142 of " Pathetism."

Mr. G. complains bitterly of " Buchanan, Sunderland, Caldwell," and

even " Dr. EUiotson and others," for having, as he thinks, so strangely

overlooked his wonderful discoveries, for you should know, that he

seems to claim the credit of having discovered about every thing in

" Phrenology and Mesmerism " there was to be found out.

Throughout his book he has much to say on what he denominates

* When I first excited the separate cerebral organs, in August, 1841, 1 thought

I had made an important discovery, one by which I could demonstrate the truth

of Phrenology, and the precise location of each of the mental organs. But I

very soon found that those excitements could not be depended upon, as 1 at first

supposed, and becoming satisfied that what I thought was a discovery was of no

very great importance, and, as I found A. B. C. D., &c., throughout the coun-

try, claiming the same discoveries, 1 long ago relinquished my claims, being

perfectly willing that those who wished the credit of priority in those experi-

ments of exciting the mental organs, should enjoy it without any rivalship from

me.

CRITICAL REMARKS. 43

Almost every page of' my work might be referred to as a confutationof the above statement. See especially, pages 141, 145, 146, 147,240, and 247 inclusive. Compare these pages with the following, andit will be seen that while I make nothing at all of the excitement of the

phronological organs by Pathetism, Mr. G. himself makes every thing ofit. He is speaking of his clairvoyant subject who saw the " othe-rium :"-

" I then asked her concerning the location and uses of' several new phreno-organs, which I suppose that Ihad discovered, and, to my surprise, she answeredme without the least hesitation, and confirmed all my previous opinions [ofcourse she did, for she got her views from Mr. Grimes' mind, according to hisown theory,] not even excepting those opinions I had never mentioned to anyone, and which she could only have known from clairvoyancc. As far as]

know, this was the first attempt to learn the functions of the brain by means of'

Mesrnerisrn; and notwithstanding all the boasting of the Pathetizers and Neu-

rologizers, I still think that this method is the only one which will be found of

any use."---p. 237.

Now, I depend neither upon cerebral exeitements, by Pathotism, nor

upon the statements of clairvoyants, for fixing the locations of the men-

tal organs; and all this I published to the world years aged*On page 250, Mr. G. informs us that the credit of having discovered

the head-touching principle is supposed to belong to Spencer T. Hall;hut in making this statement, he only shows his want of information, as

you will see by turning to page 142 of " Pathetism."

Mr. G. complains bitterly of' "' Buchanan, Sunderland, Caldwell," and

even" Dr. Elliotson and others," for having, as he thinks, so strangely

overlooked his vronderful discoveries, for you should know, that he

seems to claim the credit of having discovered about every thing in"

Phrenology and Mesmerism "there was to he found out.

Throughout his book he has much to say on what he denominates

'* When I first excited the separate cerebral organs, in August,1841, I thoughtI had made an important discovery, one by which l could demonstrate the truth

of Phrenology, and the precise location of' each of' the mental organs. But I

very soon found that those excitements could not be depended upon, as I at first

supposed, and becoming satisfied that what I thought was a. discovery was of no

very great importance, and, as I found A. B. C. D., dec., throughout the conn-

try, claiming the same discoveries,l long ago relinquished my claims, beingperfectly willing that those who wished the credit of priority in those experi-ments of exciting the mental organs, should enjoy it Without any rivalship from

me.

44 CRITICAL REMARKS.

" Credenciveness," and " Credencive experiments." By Credencive-

ness, he means precisely what Gall, Spurzheim, Combe, and other

phrenologists mean by Marvellousness, or Credulity, and precisely what

I explained in my book, by " Faith," or the " mental apprehensions " of

the patient. The drift of my entire work goes to show, that I accounted

for most of the results produced by Dr. Buchanan, Mesmer, Baird, and

others, not by ajluid, but by the operation of certain relations brought

to bear upon the patient's mind, through his " apprehensions," or knowl-

edge of the operator's design, as you will have seen from my Theory,

(XIII.)

It was by this law of " Credenciveness," that I accounted for the

results produced by Mesmer, (page 65,) also the results which follow an

"assertion" of the operator, (pages 232, 246, 234, and 111. In this

way I accounted for the effects produced by the " Tractors " of Perkins,

(pp. 106-108) and numerous other phenomena, which had seemed to

remain shrouded in mystery, or attributed to supernatural agency. In-

deed, this very idea may be found repeated upon almost every page of

my book, so that any school-boy, who reads it, as Mr. Grimes says he

had, " Carefully," could not fail of perceiving this fact recognized as a

fundamental principle in my theory. But this same Mr. Grimes, who*' declines " an " acquaintance with George Combe," says he " finds it

impossible to understand " my theory, or, " if he does understand it,

it is perfectly obscured."—p. 112.

But now for the proof, that Mr. Grimes did understand my theory,

or a part of it, at least, and that he has horrowed it, and having baptized

it under the name of " Etherology," he has published it to the world as

his own, and claimed it as his own original discovery :

" Credenciveness will induct any part which the operator pleases, or evenany part which the subject believes or suspects that the operator desires to in-

duct. This principle of self-induction has never before, to my knowledge, beenannounced."—p. 38.

And, lest the reader should not remember the above original an-

nouncement, he repeats the account again, in the following terms

:

" While engaged in performing various experiments, I made a very import-ant DISCOVERY, which I have never before communicated to the public in

writing." [ !]

Preserve your gravity. Such oracular announcements as the aboveshould be received with becoming solemnity. Here is another :

44 CRITICAL REMARKS.

" Credeneiveness," and " Credeneive experiments." By Credencivc-

ness, he means precisely what Gall, Spurzheim, Combo, and other

phrenologists mean by Marvellousness, or Credulity, and precisely what

I explained in my book, by" Faith," or the " mental apprehensions

" oi'

the patient. The drift of my entire work goes to show, that I accounted

for most of the results produced by Dr. Buchanan, Mesmer, Baird, and

others, not by ajlu-ici, but by the operation of certain relations broughtto bear upon the patient's mind, through his " apprehensions," or knowl-

edge of the opera.tor's design, as you will have seen from my Theory,(XIIL)

It was by this law of' "Credenciveness," that I accounted for the

results produced by ilrlesmer, (page 55,) also the results which follow an

"assertion" of the operator, (pages 232, 246, 234, and 111. In this

way I accounted for the effects produced by the "' Tractors " of Perkins,(pp. 106-108) and numerous other phenomena, which had seemed to

remain shrouded in mystery, or attributed to supernatural agency. In-

deed, this very idea may be found repeated upon almost every page of

my book, so that any school-boy, who reads it, as Mr. Grimes says he

had, "

Carefully," could not fail of perceiving this fact recognized as a

fundamental p1"£nc'ipZe in my theory. But this same Mr. Grimes, who" declines "

an" acquaintance with George Combo," says he " finds it

impossible to understand "

my theory, or, "if he does understand it,it is perfectly obscured."-p. 112.

But new for the proof, that Mr. Grimes did understand my theory.,or a part of' it, at least, and that he has ?`Jm°-rows it, and having baptizedit under the name of"' Etherology," he has published it to the world as

his own, and claimed it as his own original discovery :

" Credcnciveness will induet. any part which the operator pleases, or even

any part which the subject believes or suspects that the operator desires to in-

duct. This principle of self'-induction has never before, to my knowledge, been

announced."--p. 38.

And, lest the reader should not remember the above original an-

nouncement, he repeats the account again, in the following terms:

" Vhilc engaged in performing' various experiments, I made a, vnnr IMPORT-

nar mscovmw, which I have never before communicated to thc public in

Writing." [!]

Preserve your gravity. Such oracular announcements as the aboveshould be received with becoming solernnity. Here is another:

CRITICAL REMARKS. 45

"This explanation of the nature of credenciveness is a key to most of the

wonderful experiments and discoveries of Buchanan and Sunderland, of Baird,

Hall, and Elliotson. It explains, also, the apparent contradictions and absurdi-

ties which embarrassed the celebrated French Committee of which Dr. Frank-lin was a member."

—

p. 195.

Now, Mr. Grimes does not seem to have known that a Committee of

the French Academy, in 1825, accounted for Mesmeric results in pre-

cisely the same way ; though indeed he has, on page 67 quoted from

the report of that Committee, the evidence of this fact, where they

account for those results by the " expectation " of the subject. And in

precisely the same way I accounted for them ; and if you examine pages

111 and 113 of Mr. G.'s book, you will find he has quoted passages from

my work, in which I had maintained this very same doctrine, in relation to

the effects caused by " credenciveness," or the " apprehension " of the

patient ; effects which have been well known to all persons familiar with

mind ever since the world was made, and which Mr. G. so gravely thinks

no one ever knew before himself! I noticed them in my work simply

for the purpose of illustrating certain laws of the mind, which I had

attempted to arrange and classify in my Theory. And now, two years

after the announcement of my Theory, this writer, " while engaged in

performing experiments," makes and solemnly announces a most im-

portant and wonderful discovery of precisely the same thing

!

I have already quoted an argument he uses against Dr. Buchanan's

theory, (page 282,) and shown that the same argument was used two

years before, in my work, which Mr. Grimes says he had read " care-

fully." And, on pages 40, 41, he gives an explanation of Witchcrafl,

which he had " read carefully" in my book, page 210, On page 226,

he attempts to show how it is that " whole communities " are often

affected by sympathy and imitation, as if this explanation of those

strange results had never been thought of before ; but turn to my work,

pages 51 and 57, inclusive, and you will find the same explanation

had already been given, and which Mr. Grimes had " carefully read."

His illustrations of the clairvoyant power by " instinct," (page 232,) maybe found in my book, pages 213 and 214.

Mr. G. not only labors hard to establish his own priority of claim to

certain discoveries, but he puts forth certain claims in behalf of others,

which are equally unfounded, as the reader may see. Speaking of the

excitement of the separate cerebral organs, he says :—

" There is no evidence that Sunderland or Buchanan made their experiments

before the spring of 1841, whereas Mr. Garfield made his known to me in the

CRITICAL RELIARKS. 45

" This explanation of the nature of credencivcness is a key to most of the

wonderful experiments and discoveries of Buchanan and Sunderland, of Baird,Hall, and Elliotson. It explains, also, the apparent contradictions and absurdi-

tic which embarrassed the celebrated French Committee of which Dr. Frank-

lin was a member."-p. 195.

Now, Mr. Grimes does not seem to have known that a Committee of

the French Academy, in 1825, accounted for Mesmeric results in prc~

cisely the same way; though indeed hc has, on page 67 quoted from

the report of that Committee, the evidence of this fhct, where theyaccount for those results by the "

expectation" of the subject. And in

precisely the same way I accounted for them; and if you examine pages111 and 113 of Mr. G.'s book, you will find he has quoted passages from

my work, in which lhad maintained this very same doctrine, in relation to

the eifects caused by" credenciveness," or the "

apprehension" of the

patient ; effects which have been well known to all persons familiar with

mind ever since the world was made, and which Mr. G. so gravely thinks

no one ever knew before himself! 1 noticed them in my work simplyfor the purpose of illustrating certain laws of the mind, which 1 had

attempted to arrange and classify in my Theory. And now, two yearsafter the announcement of my Theory, this writer, " while engaged in

performing experiments," makes and solemnly announces a most im-

portant and wonderful discovery of precisely the same thing !

lhave already quoted an argument he uses against Dr. Buehanan's

theory, (page 282,) and shown that the same argument was used two

years before, in my work, which Mr. Grimes says he had read "care-

fully." And, on pages 40, 41, he gives an explanation of Witchcraft,which he had " read carefully

"' in my book, page 210. Un page 226,he attempts to show how it is that " whole communities "

are often

affected by sympathy and imitation, as if this explanation of those

strange results had never been thought of before ; but turn to my work,

pages 51 and 57, inclusive, and you will find the same explanationhad already been given, and which Mr. Grimes had "carefully read."

His illustrations of the clairvoyant power by" instinct," (page 232,) may

be found in my book, pages 213 and 214.

Mr. G. not only labors hard to establish his own priority of claim to

certain discoveries, but he puts forth certain claims in behalf of others,which are equally unfounded, as the reader may see. Speaking of the

excitement of the separate cerebral organs, he says :-'

"There is no evidence that Sunderland or Buchanan made their experimentsbefore the spring of 1841, w}1erea.s_ Mr. Garfield made his known to me in the

46 CRITICAL REMARKS.

previous winter, so that if there is any honor in the priority, it belongs of right

to Mr. Garfield."—^. 238.

I have already referred to the places in my book, from which it will

be seen that I do not make any claims to priority, like those Mr. Grimes

represents ; and on page 141 he will find that I gave Dr. Cleaveland, of

Providence, R. I., the credit of having excited the cerebral organs by

this agency, as long ago as 1837, five years before the time when this

writer tells us it was first done by Mr. Garfield. Mr. Grimes must have

known this fact. Mr. G. refers to the first volume of the Magnet, for

what he says of my " claims " to priority ; and this, too, while he had

my work on Pathetism before him, in which I disclaimed every thing of

the kind, except what I have stated in the preface, page 7.

The following extracts are sufficient to show that Mr. G. has a little

self-esteem, as well as " credenciveness :

"

" Mr. George Combe had just arrir3d in this country, at the time when mywork was issued, and 1 was desirous to receive his sanction of the new doctrines

which I had advanced. But, before I had an opportunity to make his acquaint-

ance, I learned that he considered my new system as dangerous to his own per-

sonal ambition; — under these circumstances, I declined his acquaintance."

P- 12.

•' I believe that I am the first who has attempted to show their fallacy."

—

p. 281.

"I believe that I am the first to attempt to give an explanation, and on this

ground I claim some indulgence."

—

p. 300.

The above forcibly reminds one of the lion in the verses of Sir Rich-

ard Blackmore —" The lordly lion looked so wondrous grim,

His very shadow durst not follow him."

Mr. Grimes seems to feel extreme mortification that neither " Fowler,

Buchanan, nor Sunderland," had ever read his work on Phrenology

!

and he charges them with appropriating his phrenological discoveries in

terms indicative of great wrath :—

" The reader may, perhaps, suppose that these great discoverers, when they

found that they had previously done me injustice, were prompt in acknowledge-

ments, and loud in their proclamations of my priority and correctness. Mydear reader, let me assure you that, on the contrary, they have forgotten, or

never knew, that such a work as that of mine was ever published." [! ! !] p. 245.

46 CRITICAL REMARKS.

previous winter, so that if' there is any honor in the priority, lt belongs of rightto Iulr. Gariield."--p. 233.

I have already referred to the places in my book, from which it will

be seen that I do not make any claims to priority, like those Mr. Grimes

represents; and on page 141 he will find that I gave Dr. Cleaveland, of

Providence, R. I., the credit of having excited the cerebral organs bythis agency, as long ago as 1837, five years before the time when this

writer tells us it was first done by Mr. Garfield. Mr. Grimes must haveknown this fact. Mr. G. refers to the first volume of the Magnet, for

what he says of my" claims" to priority; and this, too, while he had

my work on Pathetism before him, in which I disclaimed every thing of

the kind, except what l have stated in the preface, page 7.

The following extracts are sufficient to show that Mr. G. has a little

self-esteem, as well as"' credenciveness :

"

" Mr. George Combe had just arrived in this country, at the time when my

Work was issued, and I was desirous to receive his sanction ofthe new doctrines

which I had advanced. But, before I had an opportunity to make his acquaint-ance, I learned that he considered my new system as dangerous to his own per~

sonal ambition;--under these circumstances, I nrzcurmn ms acQUaIs'r_NcB."

p. 12.

"I believe thatl am thejirsr who has attempted to show their fallacy."-p. 281.

"I believe that Iam the _first to attempt to give an explanation, and on this

ground I claim some indulgence."--p. 300.

The above forcibly reminds one of the lion in the verses of' Sir Rich-

ard Blackmore --

"The lordly lion looked so wondrous grim,His very shadow durst not follow him."

Mr. Grimes seems to feel extreme mortification that neither " Fowler,

Buchanan, nor Sunderland," had ever read his work on Phrenology!and he charges them with appropriating his phrenological discoveries in

Terms indicative of great wrath :--

" The reader may, perhaps, suppose that these great discoverers, when theyfound that they had previously done me injustice, were prompt in acknowledge-ments, and loud in their proclamations of nu' priority and correctness. Mydear reader, let me assure you that, on the contrary, they have Forgotten, or

never knew, that such a work as that of mine was ever published." [E 1 !] _p.245.e s :|= 4 s 4 at

CRITICAL REMARKS. 47

For Messrs, Fowler and Buchanan I cannot speak ; but for myself, I

am under the disagreeable and painful necessity of confessing to you,

that I never did know, previous to reading the above humiliating an-

nouncement, " that such a work " as that referred to by the said J.

Stanley Grimes, " loas ever published." Indeed, I scarcely knew that

such a man as this Mr. Grimes had ever existed ; his book I never read,

never saw it, that I know of, and, though I perceive that this want of

knowledge on my part is a cause of poignant grief to the said Mr.

Grimes, for the life of me I cannot tell how he may find relief, unless he

should set his " credenciveness " to work, and " induct " his good sense

enough to counteract the undue development of his self-esteem. In

that case he might, perhaps, upon mature reflection, come to the grave

conclusion, that there may be a very few other blockheads in this

world, who, indeed, never did know, that the said J. Stanley Grimes,

" Etherologist," " Counsellor at Law," " President of the Buffalo Phre-

nological Society," " Professor of Medical Jurisprudence," and " Author

of a New System of Phrenology," had condescended to enlighten the

world upon this or any other subject.

CRITICAL REMARKS. 47

For Messrs, Fowler and Buchanan Ieannot speak; but for myself, I

am under the disagreeable and painful neeessity of confessing to you,

thatl never did know, previous to reading the above humiliating an-

nouncement, "that such a work "as that referred to by the said J.

Stanley Grimes, "was ever published." Indeed,I scarcely knew that

such at man as this Mr. Grimes had ever existed; his book I never read,never saw it, thatl know of, and, though I perceive that this want of

knowledge on my part is a cause of poignant grief to the said Mr.

Grimes, for the life of me I cannot tell how he may find relief, unless he

should set his " credenciveness "to work, and " induct " his good sense

enough _to counteract the undue development of his self-esteem. In

that case he might, perhaps, upon mature reflection, come to the grave

conclusion, that there may he a very few other bleekheads in this

world, who, indeed, never did. know, that the said J. Stanley Grimes,"

Etherologist,"" Counsellor at Law," " President of the Buffalo Phre-

nologieal Society,"" Professor of Medical Jurisprudence," and " Author

of a New System of' Phrenology," had condescended to enlighten the

world upon this or any other subject.

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

019 953 49ilPreparing for the Press.

PATHETISM;A NEW THEORY OF MIND.

ILLUSTRATING THE

PHILOSOPHY OF HUMAN INFLUENCE AND ACTION, THESUSCEPTIBILITIES AND POWERS OF THE NERVOUS

SYSTEM, AND GIVING THE RATIONALE OF

LIFE AND HEALTH,SLEEP, DREAMING, SOMNAMBULISM, TRANCE, ECSTACY, SPEC-TRAL ILLUSIONS, VISIONS, INSANITY, CHARMS, WITCH-

CRAFT, SECOND-SIGHT, SPELLS, ENCHANTMENTS,FASCINATION, DOUBLE CONSCIOUSNESS, HAL-

LUCINATION, DELUSION, INSTINCT or CLAIR-VOYANCE, PRESENTIMENTS,

AND EVERY SENSATION, EMOTION, CONCEPTION, PERCEPTION, AND CON-

DITION, PECITLIAR TO

MIND;TOGETHER WITH THE

EXTRAORDINARY PHENOMENAPrevalent among the Ancient Egyptians, the Hindoos, Mohammedans,Anabaptists, French Prophets, Ranters, Roman Catholics, ShakingQuakers, Mormons, and other Sects, which have hitherto been considered

SUPERNATURAL OR MIRACULOUS,And many similar and strange results sometimes connected with Reli-gious, Political, and various other excitements, showing the nature ofMoral, Sympathetic, Mania, Temptations, the Principles concerned in

the Formation of Character, and the pursuit of the highest good, includ-

ing whatever relates to

PHRENOLOGY, PATHOGNOMY, PHYSIOGNOMY,AND THE TRUE SCIENCE OF LIFE.

BY LA ROY SUNDERLAND.

" There cannot be a sounder maxim of reasoning, than that which points out to us the error ofattributing the phenomena that occur to remote and extraordinary causes, when they may, with equalpropriety, be referred to causes which obviously exist, and the results of which we daliy observe."

1

<

I

With Appendices, containing critical remarks on the Theories of Mesmer,Townshend, Braid, Dr. Buchanan, J. S. Grimes, and others, and showing thePhilosophy of Religion, in its adaptation to the constitutional susceptibilities ofthe Human Mind» &c. &c.

LIB HAFIY OF CONGRESS

HillIllIIIlllllil||||||E|I||lI|||`|l|flc|IIlllillllll Q

0 019 953 493 2

Preparing for the Press.

PATHETISM;ANEW THEORY OF MIND, I

ILLUSTRATING THE

PHILOSOPHY OF HUMAN INFLUENCE AND ACTION, THE

SUSCEPTIBILITIES AND POWERS OF THE NERVOUS

SYSTEM, AND GIVING THE RATIONALE OF

LIFE AND HEALTH, ~

SLEEP, DREAMING, SOMNAMBULISM, TRANCE, ECSTACY, SPEC*

TRAL ILLUSIONS, VISIONS, INSANITY, CHARMS, VVITCH-

CRAFT, SECONIPSIGHT, SPELLS, ENCHANTMENTS,

FASCINATION, DOUBLE CONSCIOUSNBSS, HAL-

LUCINATION, DELUSION, INSTINCT Ol' CLAIR-

VOYANCE, PRESENTIMENTS,

AND EVERY SENSATION, EMOTION, CONCEPTION, PERCEPTION., AND CON*

DITIUN, PI-ICULIAR T0

MIND;`

rooarnan wire 'ri-In

EXTRAORDINARY PHENOMENAPrevalent among the Ancient Egyptians, the Hindoos, Mohammerlans,Anahaptists, French Prophets, Renters, Roman Catholics, ShakingQuakers, Mormons, and other Sects, which have hitherto been considered

SUPERNATURAL OR MIRACULOUS,And many similar and strange results sometimes connected with Reli-

gious, Political, and various other excitements, showing the nature of

Moral, Sympathetic, Mania, Temptations, the Principles concerned inthe Formation of Character, and the pursuit of the highest good, includ-

ing whatever relates to

PHIRENOLOGY, PATIIOGNOIIIY, PHYSIOGNOMY,

ANI] THE TRUE SUIENGE OF LIFE.

BY LA ROY SUNDERLAND. _._.,_ ,_,

"There cannot be a. sounder maxim of reasoning, than that which points out to us the error ofattributing the phenomena that occur to remote and extraordinary causes, when they may, with equalpropriety, be referred to causes which. obviously exist., and the results of which wa daliy observe."

With Appendices, containing critical remarks on the Theories of Mesmer,Townshend, Braid, Dr. Buchanan, J. S. Grimes, and others, and showing the

Philosophy of Religion, in its adaptation to the constitutional susceptibilities ofthe Human Mind, &o. &»o.