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AN  ESSAY
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HUMAN  MAGNETISM:
THE INFANT MAGNETISM ENROBED IN ITS
           TRUE PANOPLY.
HENRY FOSTER SMITH,

    JErrKRSOSVILLE, INDIANA.
Tlic wondrous science thntlie strives tr> bring to life and ligrht,
Is softly, biiglilly, breaking from the misty ehaJe* of night."



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          THILADELPHIA:.
PRINTED BY WILLIAM S. YOUNG,—173 RACE STREET. 
 
AN ESSAY
HUMAN  MAGNETISM:
OB,
THE INFANT MAGNETISM ENROBED IN ITS
           TRUE PANOPLY.
J
HENRY FOSTER SMITH.

    JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA.
"The wondrous science that he strives to bring to life and light,
Is softly, brightly, breaking from the misty shades of night"
        ^-------------------jry





      Secontj  3StrftCon.
          PHILADELPHIA:

PRINTED BY WILLIAM S. YOUNG,—173 RACE STREET

              1844. 
r
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1844, In the Clerk's
  Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 
PREFACE.
   The subject of the  following essay,  I am well
 aware, is, in  many places, one of the most unpopular
 that I could have chosen to advocate; and I presume,
 therefore, no one  will doubt, that in thus appearing
 before the public in the  capacity of an author, I have
 been prompted by an ardent solicitude to contribute to
 the promotion of human happiness.  Those who have
 hitherto written upon human magnetism,have furnished
 us with interesting accounts of its wonderful develop-
 ments,  and of the  application of its  power to useful
 purposes.   But few of  them, however, have  seemed
 willing to hazard  their opinions as  to the  agent con-
 cerned in the production of its phenomena: and even
 those few have either left the subject unsatisfactorily
 explained, or enveloped it in still greater mystery than
 before.  From my own  experiments and observations,
 I have been forced to reject all  the  theories which I
have read upon the subject, and pursue, in many re-
spects, an independent course, having
     "No beaten path to tread, no practised course-to steer."
In this  course  one fact  after  another has  deyeloped
itself, till all that was wonderful in. the science has be- 
rV                   PREFACE.
come, to me, simple, interesting, and important; and 1
can now look upon it as a science founded in truth, and
destined, from  its very nature, to confer innumerable
blessings upon the human  family.
   I  have been repeatedly solicited, by gentlemen of
talent who were acquainted with my views, to publish
a work upon this subject.  This I have hesitated to do,
partly for want of that time which the  importance of
the subject demands, and partly through apprehension
that some  person, more competent  to the task, might
supersede the necessity of a work from me.  In looking
for this I have been disappointed, and, at length, think-
ing that I might place  the subject in a new light, and
clear away, at least in part, the  mists that have hitherto
shrouded it, I have concluded to yield to the solicita-
tions of friends, and  commence the  important under-
taking.   But I find, to  do justice to  the science, would
require more time than I can at present devote to the
cause: and, on mature consideration,  I have determined
to publish my views  in a number of pamphlets.  The
subject matter I  have endeavoured to arrange  so that
each number will  comprehend particular parts of the
science, and be complete in itself.   I have also endea-
voured to avoid, as much  as possible, all unnecessary
technicalities, and to  use the most simple illustrations,
that all might easily comprehend the principles of the
science, and that the work might thus be more exten-
sively useful.
                                       H. F.  S. 
HUMAN  MAGNETISM.
                CHAPTER  I.

HUMAN MAGNETISM DEFINED, AND OBJECTIONS TO THE
               SCIENCE CONSIDERED.
  The present age is one peculiarly characterized for
important discoveries.  Perhaps no other century in
the whole history of man has developed so many in-
teresting facts, and witnessed such advancement of the
human intellect, as the one in which we live.  In  the
mechanical arts, that which a short  time ago was in a
crude state, and  of but little use to society, has been
carried to a high degree of perfection, while new prin-
ciples have  been discovered  by which  the known
powers of nature are made more conducive  to human
happiness.
  New methods have been developed  by which cer-
tain portions of the mineral kingdom  which in ages
past were considered useless, are now made the sources
of immense wealth. The rugged earth is made to bloom
and groan  beneath its luxuriance—in every direction
is heard the busy hum of  manufactures—merchandise,
moving from port to port, is outstripping the winds,
and the  various  nations, by human inventions,  are
brought together into one social circle.
  Nor, in the sciences, have the discoveries been less
important and remarkable. Such,  indeed, have  been
the rapid strides in  scientific  discoveries within the
last half century, that the indolent student has now
to stand and gaze and wonder,  while a  large majority
of civilized society are  groping in  relative darkness,
      2 
6
HUMAN MAGNETISM
ignorant of the very first principles of well established
sciences.
  1. Such is peculiarly the case in reference to human
magnetism.  This  science has claims of the highest
importance,  and for many years  has justly excited
great interest in different parts of Europe and Ame-
rica.  Still but few, even of the educated, are as yet
acquainted with its principles, and many  of them
would be unable to give any definite or satisfactory an-
swer to the question, what is human magnetism?  The
same science has been denominated mesmerism, pathe-
tism, and animal magnetism.  I prefer the  name that
I have selected for reasons which will  hereafter be       I
mentioned;  and suggest  the  following  definition, as
containing my own views of the subject.
   Human magnetism is a science which  exhibits the
nature and  operations of the medium of communica-
tion between mind and matter, and  teaches the art of
managing that  medium for  the  production of human
happiness.  But for the benefit of those  who have not
informed  themselves upon the subject, I will endeavour
to give a  more  simple answer to the above question,
by a brief statement of a few facts connected with the
science.   There is a certain  independent  medium
through which  communication is kept up between the
mind and the  body. By this medium,  the  mind  is
enabled to receive and send forth impressions, to invi-
gorate or debilitate the human system, and to diminish
or increase its pains and diseases.   Through this same
medium or agent, one person  can  exert a more or less
extended influence over others by his volition, and with
 additional means, such as a riveted look  with the eyes,
 passes, waves, touches, and grasps with the hands, &c,
 he  may extend this influence so  far as to put others
 into a state of somnambulism, called the "magnetic
 state."  While in that state the  senses of  the subject
 are entirely suspended in their operation.   His mind
 can act independently of the body, and receive impres-
 sions through  any part  of  his  own system,  through 
IN ITS INFANCY.
7
the senses of another, or direct from distant objects.
Thus he can  read without the use of his natural eyes,
can tell the thoughts of others, describe their pains and
diseases, and  perform many other mental operations
equally interesting.   All his moral and intellectual
faculties are  exceedingly active, and he can  transact
business, with the consent  of the operator, nearly as
well  generally, and  in some cases better, than  when
in the natural state.   Surgical and  dental operations
can  be performed upon him without giving him the
least pain.   Many pains and diseases may be entirely
removed from the system, and others greatly modified
by the magnetic process, and, what is equally wonder-
ful,  all the mental manifestations and  actions of the
nervous system, common to the wakeful state, can  be
brought forth from the  somnambulic person by mere
contact, and frequently without contact of the ope-
rator.
   When the  subject is restored to his natural condition,
he remembers nothing that transpired during his som-
nambulic existence, unless made to do so by the ope-
rator.
   2.  Human magnetism is a science so remarkable in
its nature, and one which gives rise to so many won-
derful phenomena, it is by  no  means astonishing that
ignorance, self-interest, and  prejudice,  with all  their
malign powers, should at once  be arrayed  against it.
Persons of  narrow  contracted views,  and  of  very
limited  information, cannot be expected at once to
enter into full belief of any wonderful discovery.  Such
persons generally hesitate in giving a favourable opi-
nion, or perhaps virulently oppose and ridicule.   Bet-
ter things, however, might reasonably be looked  for
from  those  whose  circumstances  have placed  them
within the reach  of scientific  knowledge.  But his-
tory shows  too clearly  that,  not by  the  unlettered
merely, but  by those who  boast of their high attain-
ments in knowledge, every important discovery, whe-
ther  in the  arts or  sciences, has  been  opposed in its 
8
HUMAN MAGNETISM
infancy.   The useful discovery made  by Galileo fur-
nishes a striking illustration of this fact.  Some  mar-
velled, some ridiculed, while others  vehemently op-
posed, with  a determination  to  overthrow  his whole
system  of astronomy.  Galileo himself speaks  very
humorously  of this opposition  in a letter  which he
wrote to Keplar, one of his particular  friends.  "Oh!
my dear Keplar," says he, " how I do wish that we
could have one hearty laugh.   Here, at Padua, is the
principal  professor of philosophy,  whom  I have re-
peatedly and urgently requested to look at the moon
and planets through my glass, which he pertinaciously
refuses to do.  Why are you not here?  What shouts
of laughter we should have at this glorious folly!  And
to hear the  philosopher labouring  before  the grand
duke, with logical arguments, as if with magical in-
cantations, to draw the new planets out of the skies."
"Professor Pisa,"  he says, "made  many speeches to
prove that facts are not facts."  This opposition in-
creased  against Galileo, and at length was  so  strong
that he was forced to the only alternative, recant what
he  had  published, and  bury the subject in profound
silence,  or to suffer the ignominious fate of pretenders
to miracles.  Newton,  at  a later period, as a reward
of his toils  and midnight observations, received the
calumniations of the ignorant, and  the ridicule and
contempt of the learned.   His principles were almost
unanimously rejected, and even at  a period of forty
years after his death, according to Voltaire, he had not
twenty  followers.  Harvey, for having  made the useful
discovery of the circulation of the blood, had the whole
medical faculty, with all their eloquence and zeal, arrayed
against him, to exclude him from society, as a disturber
of their peace.   He lost his practice as a physician, and
was even ridiculed by many who had previously  been
his pretended friends.  The immortal Bacon, after long
and laborious research after truth, shared a similar fate,
as a remuneration  for his important discoveries,  The 
IN ITS INFANCY.
9
 distinguished Doctors Gall and Spurzheim, were treated
 as deluded enthusiasts, or visionary aspirants after fame.
 They themselves were stigmatized with  the insulting
 epithet of " head-feelers," and the science which they
 advocated,  with the scandal  of " bumpology."   And
 many of the  distinguished  and  pious advocates of
 geology were  branded  with  infidelity, and scourged
 with all the lashes of opprobrium  that  envy, jealousy,
 prejudice and bigotry, could inflict upon them.  Such
 has been the fate of all who have advocated the princi-
 ples of any newly discovered  science.
   3. The grounds of this opposition are as unreasona-
 ble as the opposition itself.   Some oppose through an
 apprehension that their own interests will be injuriously
 affected if the discovery be true; and  rather than  sus-
 tain a small personal loss, they vehemently array their
 opposition, even though the discovery might confer
 innumerable blessings upon  millions  of the  human
 family.  Hence they stand  ready  to seize upon every
 weapon  that they can possibly wield to their own ad-
 vantage.  The least failure in  experiments, with them,
 is sufficient to annihilate fifty well established facts.  It
 has  generally been  as it was with Fulton, when  he
 launched his boat and applied  the steam, in high hope
 of stemming the current at the rate of six miles  an
 hour.   A slight breakage in the machinery caused the
 boat to stop.  This being taken for a total failure, pro-
 duced a loud burst of laughter among  the gazing mul-
 titude, and the contemptuous and self-consoling sneers
 of many whose interests were in any  way endangered
 by his success.   One single  failure in  experiments to
 illustrate an unimportant principle, often, under such
 circumstances, has more force than fifty like failures
 would have, were the persons  desirous of success. But
 an hundred  failures in attempting to remove disease by
 calomel, afford no proof against its healing properties.
  Some  oppose because they anticipate  great moral
injury from  the  discovery, if  it be true.  This objec-
tion  is made by  those who have not investigated the
                        2* 
10
HUMAN MAGNETISM
facts, and, whether it  be  offered from  conscientious
motives or not, it is too  evidently  founded in con-
tracted views of the legitimate result of truth, as well
as of true policy.  God is just as much  the  author of
nature, as of the Bible.  The two revelations, therefore,
must perfectly harmonize: and, as both are intended
for  the  happiness  of  man, no discovery of  truth in
either, can possibly have an immoral or injurious ten-
dency.  Let facts every where be facts, and no danger
is to be apprehended in discoveries of any kind.  But
if this class of objectors be conscientious, true policy
ought to prompt them at once to careful and thorough
investigation, that they might be prepared to  counter-
act the evil which they apprehend.  Every important
discovery may be employed  as an agent for evil  de-
signs, nearly, if not quite  to the  same extent that it
may be applied to good  purposes.   All  useful dis-
coveries have thus been employed, and we may expect
the  same course will be pursued until the disposition of
man be  changed.  Let these apprehenders  of evil,
therefore, instead of spending  their time in opposing,
seek a thorough knowledge of the facts, that they may
turn them to good account.
  Some object to any wonderful discovery merely be-
cause it  is mysterious.  Every  thing  in nature is a
mystery till understood, and though all natural pheno-
mena are intelligible, yet for want of sufficient under-
standing, a thousand facts come under our daily obser-
vation  which  we believe, but which to us, are per-
fectly mysterious.  Who can explain how the mind
takes cognizance of things through the senses?  How
it is that food taken into the stomach is formed into
skin, muscles, nails, hair, &c?  How the  same sub-
stance, when eaten by the quadruped, forms horns and
hoofs, and when eaten by the  bird, produces the  bill
and claws?   If, therefore, we  cannot explain the most
common phenomena around us, why get up the  cry
of  mystery when a  new discovery is made?   For
one  person to identify himself with another, so as to 
IN ITS INFANCY.
11
make his own senses common to both systems, to bring
the other's body under the control of his own will, and
to enable his spirit, with  the  rapidity of thought, to
visit places thousands of miles off, and again to return
to its old habitation to communicate the desired  infor-
mation  from  those places, are remarkable facts; but
merely  so  because we have not familiarized ourselves
with the principles upon which they depend.
   Much of the opposition to  useful sciences in  their
infancy, originates in early prejudice, or preconceived
opinions.   There is generally a dislike to give up long
cherished principles, whether right or  wrong; or to
yield opinions which are thought to be well grounded.
Any discovery, therefore, which infringes in the least
upon these principles  or opinions  is, of course, re-
jected at once; and generally, just in proportion to the
opposition felt, there is an apathy or unwillingness to
investigate the truth of the discovery: as in the time
of Galileo, when the people absolutely refused to enter
his house to see the satellites of Jupiter.  With such dis-
positions, it is difficult for their opposition to be allayed.
They call for proof,  that  they may be convinced, and
then paralyze their own senses against evidence. With
all the  bitterness of their hearts they  challenge a trial
upon themselves, and if you fail, even under  the most
unfavourable  circumstances, to restore to them an arm
that has been amputated  for  ten years, they pertina-
ciously refuse to yield the least credence, and unhesi-
tatingly attribute all the phenomena of the science to
the agency of some demoniacal spirit, merely because
they, forsooth, cannot understand  them.  A few of
this class are  honest enough, like Thomas of  old, after
he had  thrust his finger into the side of his Saviour, to
yield to the force of evidence, and acknowledge their
error;  while the majority of  them continue to cherish
their hardness of heart, and call for more proof.   Fur-
nish  them  with evidence, and  they  will brand you
with "collusion:" and it is really amusing to see with
what keenness some of these self-deemed philosophers 
12
HUMAN MAGNETISM
watch every experiment, as if their salvation depended^
upon their detecting some deception, where they have
every possible reason to believe  none was intended.
Were one fourth the time spent in careful  and candid
search after facts, that is generally spent in opposition
and ridicule, newly discovered truths would not, as is
common, have to force themselves into credence, and
the advancement of  the human intellect  would  evi-
dently be far greater  than it now is.  Such, then, has
been "the disposition of man to oppose the sciences in
their infancy; and we may naturally conclude that what
has been, will be again, and that the science of human
magnetism will meet  with much  opposition before it
shall be  universally received.   "To calumniate is the
occupation of the many, and  to be calumniated is the
privilege of  the few."
                CHAPTER  II.

 A BRIEF HISTORICAL VIEW OF HUMAN MAGNETISM.

  In  tracing the history  of human magnetism as a
science, I cannot venture far into the past, since some
of its fundamental principles have hitherto, so  far as
my knowledge  extends, been undiscovered,  and the
nature of many of its most important phenomena has
not been understood, even by those who have been
most successful  in developing them.  I shall, therefore,
attempt only to point out in brief what has been known,
taught, and practised of the science, in  different ages,
and in different parts of the world.
  1. A number of important historical facts connected
with this subject, are to be found in the  Bible; but as
I consider a scriptural view of this subject a matter of 
IN ITS INFANCY.
13
great importance, and one which requires separate con-
sideration, I shall, for the present, direct  my attention
to other sources for information.
  2. Retracing the history of man  to a period nearly
four thousand years ago, we find a faculty of medicine
in Egypt, removing  pains and  diseases  from others,
by the application of a power which they possessed,
but of the nature of which they were entirely ignorant.
By the  use  of  certain physical  operations, such as a
touch with the finger or toe, certain passes or waves
with the hand over the person or part affected, and the
like simple means, they were enabled to perform a vari-
ety of interesting cures, which they could not effect by
the application of ordinary medicines. This was carried
by them to a greater extent than it now is, in any part of
the world.   The priesthood of Egypt, also, were long
famed for their knowledge of  the healing art.  Their
deities they considered as  endued with a healing influ-
ence, and from  them they received power.  They ex-
erted the magnetic influence with great  skill  and suc-
cess.  They reduced  the  art  to a system, and  prac-
tised it with all the solemnity of a religious  rite, and
under the immediate supervision of their deities. Ac-
cording to Prosper Alpinus, they treated their patients
by certain mysterious manual operations, or imposition
of  hands, often enveloping  them  with  the  skins of
animals,  which  they deemed  sacred, and  carried them
into the consecrated shrines, and other holy places, to
be  visited  with dreams and  pretended inspirations,
which were supposed to come upon them through the
agency of Heaven: and there, too, they had imparted
to them a foresight of the results of their complaints,
and disclosed to them the medicines and mode of treat-
ment by which they were to be cured.
   3, A like faculty of medicine in Chaldea, practised the
healing art  in  the same manner, and with similar suc-
cess. The dignitaries of the temple were the  principal
members of this faculty, and performed their cure,?
with great solemnity, 
14
HUMAN MAGNETISM
  4. The Psylli, a people of Lybia, in the north-east part
of Assyria, are said to have performed great  cures by
personal contact.  They stretched  their bodies upon
those of the sick, and sometimes administered  water
impregnated with  saliva  from their own mouths; by
which  means  they effected  the recovery of many.
They were very  successful by similar means, in curing
the venomous bite of serpents.
  5.  The ancient Greeks, also, were famous  for their
mysterious practices in the curing of diseases, and for
various  other purposes.  Many of their  ceremonies
at the  cave  of Trophonius, and  at  the shrine  of
iEscuIapius, were mere exhibitions  of that power
which  we now denominate  the   magnetic  power.
They invoked and received,  in the temples of their
gods, vague and  equivocal communications respecting
the healing of  the sick, and other events, and per-
formed many wonderful cures by the magnetic prac-
tice.   The far-famed  oracles at  Delphi and  Dodona,
furnish  us  with  striking exhibitions of the wonderful
developments of this mysterious  power.  Through
dreams and visions, and the inhaling of the "prophetic
vapour that proceeded up from the earth," those who
officiated in the temples were frequently enabled to
point out  the  fates of individuals  and of nations, to
impose upon the credulity of princes and  people, and
thus  to amass to  themselves their millions of gold.
  According to Plutarch, Pyrrhus,  the king of Epirus,
a few centuries before the Christian era, practised the
magnetic art, in  removing a variety of  diseases.  Dis-
eases of the spleen he cured  by placing his hand over
the region of the viscus.  Such were  the important
cures which he effected by his mysterious practice that
he was  held in  the highest  repute among the people.
Even the touch of his great toe was generally believed
to be attended with great healing virtue.
  The Asclepiades, descendants of iEsculapius, for  a
long time practised the mysterious art of healing, which
was  attended with much success.   They revealed the 
IN ITS INFANCY.
15
secrets  to  but few, and  those few  they swore  by
iEsculapius, Hygiea, and others, not to divulge them
to strangers.   At  length, however, information upon
the subject spread over Greece, and the art was more
generally practised.
  Erasistratus  of  Stagira, who flourished  about four
hundred years before  Christ, and who immortalized
his name by  discoveries  in anatomy and the nervous
system, reduced his practice  of medicine  to the  fol-
lowing general principle:—that man inhales in respira-
tion a spiritual substance which passes from the lungs
into the arteries, where  it becomes the vital principle
of  the human  system.  As long as this spirit moves
about regularly, and in due  proportion, persons are
healthy and  strong, but when  it is impeded or made
irregular, then debility,  fevers, maladies, &c. are the
result.   He  rejected altogether cathartics, and  blood-
 letting, and  prescribed  dieting, tepid bathing, exer-
 cise, and friction with the hands.  This celebrated phy-
 sician, like many others, in his extensive observations
 erred in respect to the nature of the " vital substance,"
 but in most  respects conformed rigidly to the  true
 principles of human magnetism, and consequently was
 remarkably successful in his practice.
    6. Nor were the principles of human magnetism en-
 tirely unknown to the Romans.  They believed in the
 salutary influence of personal contact with the sick,
 and  practised, to a considerable extent, the curing of
 diseases by manual operations.  Pliny, a distinguished
 naturalist of the first century, and one of the most en-
 lightened of his age, contended for the principle that
 healing virtues were imparted from one to another by
 personal contact,  and through the medium  of the ima-
 gination.  According to  Celsus, a celebrated physician
 whose authority even Doctor Cullen, with all his pre-
 judice against ancient  authority, admits  to be  very
 good,  Asclepiades actually soothed  and  modified the
 ravings of the insane by manual operations, and when
 he continued this farther he produced "somnambulence
  bordering on lethargy."   In many cases he succeeded 
16
HUMAN MAGNETISM
in curing the  insane  merely by passes, touches, and
friction with the hands.  Asclepiades was the first to
bring the art of medicine into reputation  among  the
Romans, and, according to  Pliny, he was peculiarly
successful.   On one occasion, when passing by a fune-
ral train, he saw that the body conveyed to the funeral
pile  was not  dead.   He applied his healing powers,
and manual  operations, and soon succeeded in restoring
him  to life,  to  the great surprise  of  the by-standers.
This cure and others  of similar  character, gave him
much celebrity among the  people, and  enabled him
to make an extensive application of those means which
are now only a part of the magnetic practice  of medi-
cine.  Vespasian, a king of the first century, is said to
have been possessed of great healing properties, so that
he could remove paralysis by the touch of his imperial
hand, and restore the blind to  sight by smearing their
cheeks and eyes with  his saliva.
  7.  Caelius Aurelianus, a native of Sicca, in Numidia, a
writer of the third century, and who was a distinguished
physician, and profound scholar, prescribed friction with
the hand for pleurisy, and other diseases, and  pointed
out the particular mode in  which  it should  be per-
formed.  For  " epilepsy the head  and forehead must
be chafed, then the operator's  hand must  be carried
gently over  the neck and bosom, and at other times
the extremities of the hands and  feet of the patient
are to be grasped, that the cure may be effected by the
very act of holding the limbs."  For the hydrophobia,
he prescribed "friction" with "relaxing remedies."
  8.  Nor were the Germans, at a later period, a whit be-
hind others in the practice of the mystical arts. Thev
have long applied the mystic power in  removing  of
pains and diseases from  the  human system, in giving
prescriptions for the sick—in  communing  with their
distant friends, and the departed  spirits—and in dis-
covering hidden riches.  Nor was this confined to the
priesthood, or medical  faculty;—the power was exer-
cised by the people quite extensively.   To these facts
many of the German writers give their testimony. 
IN ITS INFANCY.
17
  9. For a number of centuries  past, the existence
of this mystic  power has been warmly advocated by
many of the learned in various  parts of Europe.  In
the fifteenth century Pomponatius, the  most noted
physician of his age, advocated the doctrine that some
had the power to cure diseases by remediate emanation
from  their bodies through personal contact with  the
diseased, also  that the  physician  could, by his  own
will, convey a valuable curative  influence through  the
imagination of the patient without contact.
  In  the sixteenth century, the talented Agrippa of
Cologne, and the  famous Paracelsus, who was an in-
defatigable  student of nature, supported, with great
warmth, the same doctrine.  At  a later  period, the
celebrated Bacon, whose  authority of itself ought to
subdue  the strongest prejudices, gave his sanction to
the reality of " animal magnetism." Van Helmet, who
was one of the most distinguished physicians of his
day, though somewhat impulsive  and eccentric, treats
the subject with much interest.   "Magnetism," says
he, " is a universal agent, and only novel in its  appli-
cation, and paradoxical  to  those  who ridicule every
thing they do not understand, and attribute to Satan
what they cannot comprehend.   We can attach to a
body the virtues we possess, communicate to it certain
properties, and  use it as the immediate means to ope-
rate salutary effects.  There exists in  man a  certain
energy  which can act beyond his  own person, accord-
ing to his own  will or imagination, and impart virtues
and  exercise a  durable influence, even on distant ob-
jects."   He also  advocated  the improvement of our
intellectual powers by somnambulism.   Unfortunately
this celebrated  physician incurred the  enmity of  a
bigoted  priesthood, and  fell  under  the ban  of  the
church,  and the  persecution of  the  inquisition, by-
curing diseases with friction, and other forms of mag-
netic operations.   Numerous  other facts might be ad-
duced, in addition to the above, were it necessary, to
show that human  magnetism is not entirely of recent
       3 
IS
HUMAN MAGNETISM
origin; that the existence of this mysterious influence
or power has been believed in, and  that the magnetic
processes  have been used  for many salutary purposes
during several thousand years.
   10. Hence, from these facts, we can see in what light
to regard the far-famed Mesmer, to whom the discovery
of the science is often attributed.   He is by no means
entitled to the honour of the discovery, although he ex-
erted the  magnetic power more  extensively and suc-
cessfully than  any other single individual  before him,
of whom  we  have any knowledge.  A brief history
of his magnetical  career may, perhaps, be interesting,
and throw farther light upon the subject under conside-
ration. He was a German by birth, and educated to the
profession of medicine; a man of more than ordinary
genius, and respectable attainments;  but from an early
age was quite  impulsive, eccentric and visionary.   His
course was bold and daring.   With well devised plans
he pursued  his way independently, and with reckless
determination, sought only to gratify his own selfish
and unprincipled ambition.   Not satisfied to follow in
the footsteps  of his father and others who had been
practising the  mystical art, in  the cure of diseases, and
attributing all  their  success to a divine agency, Mes-
mer advocated  the doctrine that  the heavenly bodies
were intimately concerned both in the production and
cure of human maladies.   "I had  maintained,"  says
he, " that  the heavenly  spheres  possessed  a  direct
power on the constituent principles of animated bodies,
particularly  on the nervous system, by the agency of an
all-pervading  fluid.  I determined  this action  by the
intention and remission of the properties of matter and
organized  bodies; such as gravity, cohesion, electricity,
and irritability.   I supported  this doctrine by various
examples of periodical revolutions:  and I named that
property  of animal matter which renders it susceptible
to the action of the celestial and earthly bodies, animal
magnetism."   In 1774, he received  from Father Hell,
who was then a professor of astronomy in an institu- 
IN ITS INFANCY.
19
tion at Vienna, a full account of the cure of rheuma-
tism which he had performed upon himself by a mag-
netic process.  This  information,  perfectly congenial
with  the views  of Mesmer, aroused  all his energies
and  gave direction to his future  course.  He imme-
diately  procured him numerous  magnets of various
sizes and forms, and operated at first gratuitously upon
all who desired  his medical aid.   He distributed  his
magnets far  and near to multitudes  of persons who
were willing to  use them, so  that  he might  carry on
his experiments  by wholesale. His fame increased and
in a few years  he became  the notorious magnetizer.
But at length, however, he brought upon himself what
he justly deserved,—the contempt of the people.  He
became a mark of ridicule, which increased to per-
secution; to  escape which, he retired from his native
country to  Switzerland, and afterwards to Suabia, in
each of which places  he made somewhat of a display.
In 1778, he  moved to Paris, where he found a more
congenial atmosphere for  his magnetic developments.
He there published an able essay  in  defence of his
doctrines, and in a  short  time   his  reputation be-
came so imposing  that he had almost  perfect control
over  the minds of the  people.   A proposition  was
made him by the  minister of the  French court to en-
dow him  with an annual pension of $5,625, and, in
hand, the additional sum of $56,250, accompanied with
the insignia of the order of St. Michael, if he would
reveal his mystical science to the medical faculty.  This
offer  he rejected without hesitation, as a pittance too
insignificant, and determined  upon prosecuting  busi-
ness upon his own account.   He selected  for the pur-
pose one of  the  most  magnificent edifices in the  most
fashionable part of the city, and furnished it with the
richest furniture that Paris could afford.  His gardens
were arranged with much taste, and beautifully orna-
mented  with  marble  walks, flowers, orange-trees, sta-
tuary, urns,  basins, and crystal fountains.   He secured
some of the  best musicians, and for aids, some of the 
20
HUMAN MAGNETISM
handsomest  youths of Paris.   These he  decorated  in
rich  costume, and robed himself in fanciful oriental
sumptuousness, to  give him an antique and command-
ing appearance.  Most of his  patients were ladies from
the most fashionable  circles, and who kept themselves
arrayed in Parisian  elegance.   With  all this array,
and with such subjects, the  results of his operations, as
might  have been  expected, were powerful.  General
excitement prevailed throughout the country, and, at
length, it was found  necessary that committees should
be officially appointed to investigate the subject.
  Accordingly, in 17S4, two  were appointed, one by
the Royal  Society of Physicians, and  another by the
Royal Academy of Sciences.   Their reports were, of
course, unfavourable, they being persons predetermined
to condemn Mesmer as guilty, and annihilate, if possi-
ble, the system which he practised.   Many facts, how-
ever, they were obliged to admit, although they could
not account for them.  But their decision, in a mea-
sure, checked the progress of the  science.  Mesmer
afterwards  became very unpopular, and  retired  again
to Switzerland, where he died in 1815.
   Another committee was afterwards appointed, which,
after the lapse of six years' investigation, reported in
some respects  quite favourable, but in general  they
fell far short of the truth.   Mesmer, in consequence of
his reckless course, brought  contempt upon the  doc-
trines which he advocated, and in ridicule, the system
which he practised was  denominated *'Mesmerism."
But he was  not the "inventor of  the processes  and
devices he  so  successfully practised,  or  the  original
author of the  doctrines he  inculcated."   He endea-
voured to  throw  around the whole subject as much
mystery as possible, and  to  palm  himself upon  the
people as a wonderful discoverer of mysteries, which
he was unwilling, for love or money, to reveal.   His
name should, therefore, never be associated with the
science, except in the light  in  which a distinguished
writer of Louisville has placed it, " a daring impostor." 
                   IN ITS INFANCY.                21

   11.  But, notwithstanding the imposition of Mesmer,
the  unfavourable  reports of the committees, and the
general contempt of the people, truth was  bound to
prevail.   The  subject was of too thrilling importance
to sink into oblivion.  It soon  merged from the com-
parative obscurity into which it fell, and in the course
of fifteen or twenty years, many of the talented be-
came its firm and  decided  advocates.  The  illustrious
Marquis de Puysegur, Doctor Wicnholt of Bremen,
Professor Rieser of  Leipsic, others at Berlin, and also
the  celebrated  Cuvier and  La Place became its firm
supporters; and a  number of journals in Germany and
France, were devoted to the cause.   The subject be-
came of such general interest that three distinct schools
were established to investigate and propagate its prin-
ciples: one by the followers of Mesmer, who adopted
his system and  exhibited the phenomena by physical
agency alone,—friction,  passes,  touches, waves, and
grasps  by the  hands.  These were called the genuine
Mesmerists.  The second school operated entirely by
faith and  volition, and were termed spiritualists.  All
ph)rsical means were rejected, or pronounced accessary
only.  By mere resolution  or  volition they operated
upon their  subjects, and  consequently could  effect
their purpose at a distance as well as in contact.  Che-
valier de Barbarin founded this school at Lyons.   He
had many partisans in France, but flourished principally
in Sweden and  Germany.   The  third school was
founded at Strasburg  by Marquis de Puysegur.  He
took the middle ground, and combined the  means  of
the other two.   The will  he regarded the  principal
agent,  but  in most cases used other means, such  as
passes, grasps, touches, friction, the eye, and any other
cause,  which would  assist in producing the desired
effect.   His disciples were guided by observation, and
called  themselves  experimentalists.   In these schools
the subject was carefully investigated, facts were dis-
covered and many important principles of the science
established.  Its advocates have been rapidly incrcas-
                         3* 
22
HUMAN MAGNETISM
 ing, a number of interesting works have  been pub-
 lished in its defence, and, at present, many eminent
 physicians, philosophers, naturalists,and indeed persons
 of all professions, in various parts of Europe and Ame-
 rica, are not only firm believers in the science,  but are
 applying it to useful purposes.
   12.  Nor is the magnetic power limited in its extent;
 it has been exerted  for various purposes  in all ages
 of the world, both  by man and  by the lower order of
 animals.
   The  American  Indians, so long  as we have any
 knowledge of their history, have used, and do still use
 it, not only for removing pains  and diseases from the
 body,  but for various other purposes.  The facility
 with which many of them  sooth  the most excruciating
 pains, by what is usually called "pow-wowing," is too
 well known to require comment.  Diseases of various
 kinds are readily driven from the  system  by them in
 the use of physical  operations alone.
   Hundreds of old men  and women  are to be  found
 throughout the country, who are quite noted for their
 power to sooth  and quiet down the  pains of  burns,
 scalds, and bruises, and to cure the tooth-ache by manual
 operations, connected, perhaps,  with  some  mystical
 signs, saying  over a certain form of  words, repeating
 scripture, or enjoining secrecy.   As useless as this ad-
 ditional set of means may be, to produce the desired
 effect, the power exerted is no other than  the  human
 magnetic power, and the results are the same.  In fact,
 every person is in the daily exercise of this power.
 The little child accidentally falls  upon  the  floor and
 bruises its head, the mother immediately runs  to  its
 relief, catches it in her arms, and instinctively rubs her
 hand over the part affected, and sooths down the pain.
 If one injures himself by a bruise, or feels pain about
his system, his  hand  involuntarily seeks to quiet the
pain by friction; and if one wishes to call into vigorous
exercise  his powers of memory, how natural it is for
hira to place his hand upon his forehead,  and  thus to 
IN ITS INFANCY.
23
excite his organs of memory.  In all our daily inter-
course we are exerting, on a limited scale, the magnetic
influence over each other.  If one wishes to excite ten-
der feelings in the breast of another, he takes him  by
the hand, and with a gentle  squeeze  or  shake, and a
mild look of the eye, without difficulty effects his object:
or if he wishes  to  move  him to any undertaking, to
restrain him from any course of conduct, or to mould
his character in any particular manner, he makes use
of certain appropriate means  through which he exerts
over him the magnetic influence.   This is  the  same
power by which we control the brute creation. To gen-
tle and tame down a wild, fractious horse, we rub the
hand over his head and neck, or gently pat him  upon
the shoulder.  To quell the ferocity of a dog, cat, lion,
or any wild animal, we stand in a commanding posture,
and look him steadily and  firmly in the eye.  He soon
quails under the magnetic power, sneaks off, and rids
us of apprehended danger.  The same power, too,  we
often see exerted, even more extensively, by the lower
animals over each other. The cat fixes her keen, pene-
trating eye steadily  upon a bird, gently waves her tail,
in anticipation of a  certain object, and soon the bird is
seen hovering around  with  hideous noise, unable to
resist the spell, and at length to fall a prey to  the de-
vouring appetite of its charmer.   The  power of the
serpent's  charm over  other  animals  is  well known.
Birds, quadrupeds, and even children  have been  made
their resistless prey, under the control of the magnetic
power.  Such we find to be the influence which every
person exerts over others more or less extensively:
and that this power, when rightly understood, may be
exerted  more  successfully, and  for many useful  pur-
poses, none but the most stupid can doubt. 
(   24  )
                CHAPTER  III.

THE DIFFERENT THEORIES WHICH HAVE BEEN ADOPT-
  ED ARE INSUFFICIENT TO ACCOUNT FOR THE HUMAN
  MAGNETIC PHENOMENA.

  The  fact that susceptibility to magnetism, and the
power to exert this  influence  over  others, are univer-
sal attributes of man, proves most positively, that these
attributes are subject to some general law of nature, that
they belong to  some  science, and that that science is
founded in truth. Such has been the belief, for a num-
ber of years past, of many of the most talented, who
have applied themselves diligently to ascertain  the prin-
ciples of the science, and who have been  led to the
adoption of a number of distinct theories  to explain
and illustrate the various interesting phenomena which
they were enabled to develope.
  Some of these  theories  I shall  now notice for the
purpose of a ready belief in the true principles of the
science.
  1. For many centuries, and until a very recent period
in the history of man, not only the  power  exerted in
the  production of the magnetic phenomena, but even
the  phenomena themselves, were invariably regarded
as the  peculiar  gifts of an  overruling  Providence.
Among the heathen  they were the gifts of  their idols;
and among the more enlightened, the blessings of Hea-
ven, bestowed upon but  few, and that for special pur-
poses.   And even at the present day many are to  be
found, among the ignorant and superstitious,  who in-
dulge in the same belief.
  2. Another view of the subject, somewhat analogous
to this, and equally erroneous, was advocated by the
Asclepiades, who practised the magnetic art among the 
IN ITS INFANCY.
25
 ancient  Greeks.  They contended  that the mystical
 knowledge was hereditary, and that parents imparted
 it to their offspring as a kind of family prerogative, or
 legacy.  Galen, in his writings, supported this opinion.
 After  this, the power was  imparted  to strangers by a
 formal initiation into  the secrets of  the  mystic art.
 Hence Aristotle, at a later period, remarks, that " the
 knowledge of mysteries was regarded, for a long time,
 as  an  attribute of the Asclepiades."  The same cus-
 tom of enjoining secrecy, was established by the Alex-
 andrian  school, partly through belief of its being essen-
 tial to the production of the phenomena, and partly to
 give character to their practice.
   3. A belief somewhat similar to the above prevailed
 in the  fifteenth  century,—that certain persons exerted
 this power over others more or less extensively, by
 "an immediate  emanation  from the body."   This
 was warmly advocated by Pomponatius and  others.
 These  views have now fallen  into  disrepute,  except
 among a few of the more superstitious.
  4. Not a few distinguished physiologists, to account
 for the magnetic phenomena, have adopted the theory
 that a  "subtle fluid is secreted, or in some way formed
 by  the brain, from the arterial blood with which that
 organ  is  copiously supplied, and, when thus .produced,
 that it is made  to pass, in  magnetizing, from one brain
 to another, according  to the different amounts of it pos-
 sessed  by different persons."  This is quite an inge-
 nious hypothesis, and well calculated to amuse, but far
 from being sufficient  to account for many of the most
 interesting phenomena of the science, and easily proved
 to be without the least foundation.  Those who adopted
 it, considered it, of course, the most  reasonable, but
 those who now advocate it, are justly chargeable with
folly.  Numerous facts might be adduced to show its
inconsistency, but I shall mention  but one, deeming
that, of itself, sufficient for the purpose.
  Having put a person into what has been denominated
the " magnetic  state," his head may be restored to its 
26
HUMAN MAGNETISM
natural condition, while all the balance of his system
remains unchanged.  In this condition, he can converse,
laugh, cry, or exercise any other faculties of the mind
without the least inconvenience, but his will has no con-
trol over any part of his body below the head.   Now
if the fluid is made to pass by the brain, why not do it
in this condition of the  person, so as to enable him to
raise the different  members of his body?  The same
fact holds  true universally with  the  person operated
upon; any part of his system  can  be taken from under
the control of his will, by the operator, and again  re-
stored in almost a moment's time, which could not be
true if  the above  hypothesis were true.  The same
fact is farther illustrated by severing the heads of some
of the lower orders of animals, as the turtle, for instance;
the body  exhibits  life for some length  of time  after-
wards: but if  this agent were  elaborated in the brain,
the body would instantaneously die.  This hypothesis,
therefore, will not answer the purpose.
   5. Others have supposed that there is a "subtle, in-
tervening aura or ether, which is in actual contact with
the brain  of each person, and whose  presence  is dis-
coverable only by its effects;" that this aura  "exists
formerly in the atmosphere;"  and that it "is univer-
sal in  the planetary system,"  Such  an aura might
serve as a medium of communication for one mind to
act upon other minds, and  account for some of the psy-
chological phenomena developed in human magnetism;
but it is utterly impossible, by this, to explain the won-
derful phenomena of magnetic attraction, paralyzation,
and many others equally interesting.  And that theory
cannot possibly be founded in truth, which fails in  the
most important part  of that for which  it was intended.
   6. The theory most  commonly adopted at present,
I believe, is, that electricity is the agent concerned in
the development of the  human magnetic  phenomena,
and that " this is excited upon the operator,  and  made to
accumulate upon the subject in greater or less quantities,
by which all the phenomena are produced*" This view 
IN ITS INFANCY.
27
of the subject clearly accounts for many of the results
of the human magnetic power;  but it is far from being
sufficient in all cases, and is directly opposed to many
important facts.
   (1.)  If the subject is filled with electricity, he is less
susceptible to the " magnetic state."
   (2.)  If  the subject be placed on an  isolated stool, it
is much more difficult to " magnetize" him.
   (3.) When a person is put into the "magnetic state,"
his senses are entirely suspended,  and his will loses
control over his system.
   In  all these cases, if the  above  theory were true,
the results would be directly the opposite.  The sub-
ject being filled with electricity would be far more sus-
ceptible to the magnetic phenomena—being placed  on
a glass stool would  require a much less quantity of the
fluid to produce the effect—the medium between the
mind and  body being increased, the  will would have
greater control over the system, and the senses would
bear impressions to the mind with greater facility and
distinctness.   These facts,  I think,  are  sufficient to
show that the theory is not correct.
   7. Another theory of a recent date has been adopted
by a respectable number, and requires some notice. Mr.
Laroy Sunderland,  of New  York, has very ably and
learnedly advocated it  in a work which  he has pub-
lished.   He advocates the principle that there is in the
human system "a distinct class of organs," which  he
denominates the "sympathetic and antipathetic nerves;"
that these being operated upon  by certain  means, "are
heightened, while the other nerves are suspended," and
give rise to the phenomena which he classes under the
head of " pathetism."   In respect to this theory, it re-
quires no great depth  of thought to  ascertain the fact
that the whole premises are assumed.   No discovery of
any such  nerves is pretended: the only evidence  to
prove their existence, is a certain class of phenomena
which are supposed to  be the results of such a nervous
system; but  all these  phenomena  may be as clearly 
2S
HUMAN MAGNETISM
and more satisfactorily accounted for upon other prin-
ciples, and that, too, without the necessity of assuming
the existence of what can  neither be proved nor dis-
proved, by observation or actual  experiments.   The
theory, therefore, for want  of better evidence to sus-
tain  it, cannot possibly stand.   But suppose such a
nervous system  to  exist, what is their  specific office?
—to form a conductor of impressions between the  mind
and the  body?—to enable the will to communicate
motion to the different members, or receive impressions
from the  external world?   These  offices are all sup-
plied without this new set of organs.  Perhaps it may
be said that "they  form a link  between  the present
system of nerves and the external world."  Still we are
left in difficulty; for we  are under the necessity of
supposing another medium between the " sympathetic
nerves" and the mind, and between the  nerves and the
external  world:  these "sympathetic  nerves"  must
come in  contact with  every object from which an im-
pression is received, or else there must be some medium
between them  and the objects through  which impres-
sions may be borne.  The said nerves,  if in existence,
must be a part of the organized body, and consequently
cannot pass out of that body into another.   But  it is
found that the agent concerned  in  the production of
the human  magnetic  phenomena,  is capable of being
transferred from  one  body to  another.   That agent
can, evidently, be no part of the organized body, but
the sympathetic  nerves are.  This theory, therefore,
fails to solve the  difficulties, and leaves us just as much
in the dark as before, in respect to the  magnetic  phe-
nomena.   Hence we are, in justice, bound to reject it,
and look for a better.
  8.  It may not be out of place here, perhaps, to notice
one other method adopted  to account for the pheno-
mena of human  magnetism.   Many are  disposed to
consider  the whole  as the  result of imagination.   In
reply to this, I would inquire, in the first place, what is
imagination?  But very few probably who are in the 
IN ITS INFANCY,
29
habit of using this word are able to give it an  intelli-
gible meaning.   There is no such  distinct faculty of
the  mind as imagination.  Philosophically considered,
imagination is the mere result of a certain condition of
a part or of the whole  of the brain, just as  obviously
so as the solution of any mathematical problem.  If this
be the meaning as used by those who attribute to it
the  magnetic results,  then they approximate some-
what towards the truth; still they leave us in doubt by
a view of the subject far too limited.  But it  is pre-
sumed that not one in  a  hundred  of them use  the
word in this sense.   The greater part of its employers
attach to it no definite  meaning, unless they imply by
it a delusion, a whim, a mental phantasm, or something
else  equally undefinable.  But if such be the case, how
can we account  for the  same results, when produced in
little children of one  and  two years of age?   How
can we account for the same or similar effects when
produced by  ar cat or a serpent upon other animals?
And how can we  explain the fact of subjects, while bu-
sily  engaged in conversation with persons in one room,
being put into the somnambulic  state by a  person in
another room, through  the  partition, and at the same
time unconscious of any such  design towards  them?
Such facts ought to be  sufficient to stop the mouths of
those who would  regard as a mere whim the most  im-
portant results ever yet effected either in the  mental
or physical economy.
  The above-mentioned theories we find insufficient to
solve the difficulties attending the  subject under con-
sideration.  Some other method, therefore, must evi-
dently be adopted to  explain  its  wonders.    To  be
told  that  " the subject is involved in mystery, as many
other subjects are,"  is a mere  country  school boy's
objection, implying nothing more than that we  are ig-
norant of its principles.   There is nothing mysterious
when perfectly known.   All the laws of  nature may
be understood.  Human magnetism is founded  upon a
law of nature: in the light of philosophic discovery it
      4 
30
HUMAN MAGNETISM
is now regarded, a science; the cry of mystery therefore
in reference to its phenomena cannot satisfy the inqui-
sitive mind:  and when we reflect for a moment upon
the practical  utility of the  science, as seen from what
it has already accomplished under the disadvantageous
circumstances which  have attended  it, we become at
once enthusiastic to ascertain  its true principles, that
we may be enabled to direct this master engine to the
promotion of human happiness.   Though not much as
yet has been  accomplished still more has been effected
than was ever before effected in the same length of time
by any other science  in  its infancy.  Every thing at
first in the arts and sciences is in a crude and imperfect
condition, and is of but little use in  comparison to its
more full and perfect state.   The art of printing, at
first, was  confined within a very limited  sphere,  and
but few could enjoy its benefits.   It struggled through
many difficulties, but at length has risen in its glory,
and is now  shedding its  benign influence over the
whole earth.   Commerce in its  infancy accomplished
but little, not daring to venture out sight of land.
For years she was impeded  in her progress by many
obstacles, but she too at length has triumphantly spread
her wings over oceans and seas, and, outstripping the
winds in her flight, now bids defiance to the fury of the
storms.  The same has been true of all the sciences in
their infancy.  After  the discovery has been  made, in
every instance, years  have elapsed before the obstacles
could be removed  that prevented its successful  appli-
cation to useful purposes.  What else, then, can be ex-
pected from  the science of human magnetism?   But in
this instance, however, the progress towards a complete
triumph has been  more rapid than in most other cases;
and far more rapid would this progress have been, had
the fundamental principles of  the science  been under-
stood.  But these principles, 1  flatter  myself in the
belief, are now discovered, and the science established
 upon an unshaken foundation.   This I shall endeavour
 clearly to show to the  understanding of the  feeblest 
              IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.             31

intellect. In view of these facts, therefore, we have no
reason to fear or doubt the ultimate triumph of human
magnetism.  It is destined to force its way into notice,
and ere long  to occupy, as it justly deserves, the first
rank among those  hitherto  discovered.  As has been
said by a bold advocate of the cause, "it is the master
element in the  philosophy  of man," being itself "an
exposition of  the true anatomy and physiology of the
brain and nervous system."  "A new and important
epoch is about to open  on us, not only in philosophy
and the treatment of the  nervous system," but in the
improvement of the moral and  intellectual faculties.
Opposition, however, we expect.  Prejudice and self-
interest are powerful antagonists when in the posses-
sion of the talented.  Astronomy, chemistry, geology,
and phrenology have been met by hosts of the  bitter-
est enemies, ridiculed, scoffed  at, and  contemned;  but
though persecuted almost to martyrdom, they have risen
in triumph, and  now,  towering aloft, eagle-like,  are
proudly waving their laurels of  victory to the chagrin
of their inveterate, but vanquished foes.  Such will be
the proud triumph  of human magnetism.
                CHAPTER IV.

    PRINCIPLES OF MAGNETISM OR  ELECTRICITY.

  Having noticed, in the preceding chapters, the his-
tory of the human magnetic phenomena, and the dif-
ferent theories adopted to explain and illustrate them,
I shall now endeavour to establish what I conceive to
be the  true principles upon which  these phenomena
depend, and which give rise to the  science of human
magnetism.  The idea of human magnetism, whether
it be an appropriate name for the science or not, would 
32
HUMAN MAGNETISM
seem to  indicate that  magnetism or electricity is the
principal agent concerned.   This I shall endeavour to
prove, by a variety of  facts, beyond  the possibility of
a reasonable doubt.  Many of the facts which I shall
adduce in support of this principle, I have ascertained
by my own observations, though they may, for aught
I know, have long since been known by others.  For
many years I  have been a close and careful  observer
of the operations of nature, and though I have arrived
at some  important conclusions  quite  the  reverse of
those to which my  mind had been previously directed
by the study of books; yet these conclusions are the
simple and uniform results of numerous experiments
which it  is not necessary  to detail,  though a few of
them I shall notice in  their proper places.   The  sub-
ject of human  magnetism I have given a thorough in-
vestigation; and having  performed a great variety of
experiments upon  a large  number  of men,  women,
and  children, I find no difficulty either in establishing
the  principles, or in illustrating the wonders of the
science.   All  appear perfectly simple, and  no more
matter of  wonder, than  hundreds  of facts  that daily
come under our observation.
   The effects of electricity are equally visible in  the
mineral, vegetable, and animal kingdoms.   Its nature,
power, and operations are as yet but partially under-
stood, though sufficiently to enable us to account for a
variety of interesting facts  which would otherwise ap-
pear wonderful and mysterious.  All  the crystalliza-
tions, petrifactions, and most of the  metallic veins in
the mineral kingdom, owe  their origin to the  moving
powers of this element.  All the mineral formations,
from the pebble to the towering mountain, are solely
indebted to this agent for their solidity, which it gives
by producing in them an affinity to  absorb carbon, the
only crystallizing property of matter.  Those beautiful
forests and landscapes, as they are sometimes denomi-
nated, composed of oxides, and often seen  in rocks
when broken  open, the  delightful moss, as it is called, 
IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.
33
sometimes formed in agates and crystals, the curling
of frost in a cold winter day, the branching of ice upon
the congealing water, and a variety of other similar
phenomena, are produced  by  the  active energies of
electricity.  It is the  same agent that carries intelli-
gence, in  the  twinkling of an  eye, from  Washington
to Baltimore,—that guides  the wave-tossed and storm-
beaten mariner to his destined haven, by giving direc-
tion to the needle, and  that lights up the heavens in
the deep darkness of midnight thunder-storms, leaping
from cloud to  cloud, darting from heaven to earth,  and
making wild  destructive sport  of  the very  elements
through  which  it  passes.   This universal  element,
which for centuries produced  consternation to multi-
tudes of  the human family, but which the genius of a
Franklin  disarmed of its terror, is the same that, on a
more extensive scale, by its attractive and repulsive
energies,  balances the  stars in the  centres  of their
systems,  that  gently turns  the planets, satellites,  and
comets upon their axes, and around their respective
suns, and that  binds together, in one grand universal
harmony, the unnumbered  systems that diversify the
empire of God.
  In  the vegetable  kingdom, electricity is that  agent
by whose plastic hand the trees, and shrubs, and  moss,
and grass all receive their  form and  direction.  It is
concerned with all the germinations, propagations,  and
amalgamations in the vegetable kingdom, and is abso-
lutely essential to the production, growth, and forma-
tion of every  variety  of vegetable substance.   Quick-
ening its energies, it bears along up the cellular tissue
from  the  earth, those particles of matter  which deck
the fields in lovely green and  roseate hues, perfumes
the air with sweet and delicious odours, and gladdens
the hearts of  millions with luxuriant and  inviting
fruits.—And again, diminishing its powers, it disrobes
the earth of its vernal loveliness, fills the  air with
autumnal  miasma, and  casts a dreary mantle  over all
animated nature.
                        4* 
34
HUMAN MAGNETISM
   But let us confine our observations to a more limited
sphere, and  notice a few general principles  which I
shall bring to bear in the investigation of the science
of human magnetism.
   1. All  material substances in the universe  possess
more or less galvanism or electricity, as really as they
possess the element of heat.  Some substances contain
it in large quantities, while in others it is so sparingly
diffused as almost to elude the observations of the most
skilful experimenter.
   2. As heat may remain in a passive state, requiring
only certain peculiar oircumstances to make it active,
so also electricity may exist in a passive or active state,
and when passive, it requires only a favourable com-
bination of circumstances to make it active.  Thus, in
the galvanic battery, the zinc and copper plates must
be placed  in a certain position to each other, and sepa-
rated by a definite liquid.   Under these circumstances
the passive  energies  of electricity may  be  easily
aroused into activity, and conduoted off at pleasure by
means of  rods.   Thus, too, in charging a battery, the
state of the  atmosphere, the temperature, and  the con-
dition and position of the instruments, all being favour-
able, electricity is readily excited  to action.   In some
substances it is more easily excited, and when excited
flows more  freely than  in  others.  Hence  some sub-
stances are said to be good and some bad conductors of
electricity.  The  best  conductors being those along
which the fluid passes most freely.
   3. Heat is favourable, and a certain warmth of tem-
perature is necessary to  the free and easy development
of electricity.  Hence, at certain times, it is more dif-
ficult to make magnets or excite electricity than at
others; and magnets are  much  stronger at one time
than at another.   It is on this account that in cold
climates there are no  thunder-storms  except in the
summer, that lightning is seldom seen in cold days, and
that eruptions of volcanoes, and large fires are usually
attended with frequent and vivid forked lightning. 
IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.
35
  4. Electricity in its active state is a fluid, and  may
be made to pass in currents of any size or quantity, not
only along substances themselves, but from one  sub-
stance to another, and that too when at great distances
from each other, and separated  by intervening objects.
The rapidity with which it thus passes from one point
to another is almost beyond calculation :
               "Nullum tempus occurret."

"A  wheel revolving with  celerity sufficient to  render
its  spokes invisible,  when  illuminated  by a  flash of
lightning, is seen for an  instant with  all its  spokes
distinct, as if it were  in a state  of absolute repose; be-
cause, however rapid  the motion may be, the light has
come  and already ceased before the wheel has  had
time to  turn through a visible space."
  5. A  current of electricity may be made to assume
any direction, either in straight,  curved or circular lines.
  Cause a current of the fluid to pass  upon a rod or
conductor, it will follow that rod in the  direction in
which it was caused to pass on, and  continue so to do,
whether the conductor be straight, curved, or circular.
The same  directions  may be given to the fluid in  its
passage  through the atmosphere without the conductor,
by means of attracting and  repelling forces of other
currents.   Hence, we can easily account for  all the
interesting phenomena of the aurora borealis.
  6. When once the  direction  of a current is estab-
lished, the substance  along which it passes becomes a
magnet, and will remain such permanently and perpe-
tually, unless its electric fluid be counteracted  by ano-
ther current stronger than itself, or made passive  by
the unfavourable circumstances in  which the magnet
is placed.  A current of the same force cannot change
it, as  may be  seen  by placing  two  magnets of equal
strength with their two positive ends together, both in
the same line of direction;  or by causing currents of
equal force to pass on at the two ends of the same rod.
These equal currents meeting,  will  bound off" together, 
36
HUMAN MAGNETISM
and seek some object for which they have a particular
affinity.  When trees, struck with lightning, are shat-
tered to  pieces, it is usually produced in  this way, by
two  antagonizing currents; the one upwards, from the
earth, and the other downwards, from a cloud.
  7. There is a tendency, however, in electricity, the
same as  in other fluids, to assume  an equilibrium so
that  the  fluid will pass from a substance  which is in
the positive  magnetic state  to one which is  in  the
negative.*  This tendency (caeteris paribus,) will be in
proportion  to the difference between the positive  and
negative.  Hence currents of the fluid may be directed
out of their course, or  destroyed by the negative con-
dition of surrounding substances.   It is on this princi-
ple that lightning rods  are constructed.
  S.  Electricity may be  made  to  pass on and  off at
any point or points of a rod or substance.  In the pro-
cess of making artificial magnets this principle is fully
illustrated.   Take a magnet and draw it over a rod or
piece of steel from end to end with friction, then raise
it and carry  it  back in a curved or circular line,  and
draw it over as before.   Continue this  process,  and
soon the rod or steel  will become a magnet, with its
current of electricity passing, in the direction in which
the magnet was drawn, on  at one end and off at  the
other.    Reverse,  now,  the  process, and make  the
passes in the opposite direction, and soon a reverse
state of the magnet will be  produced.  The electricity
will flow on and off at different ends from what it did
before.   Again, take a magnet and make the passes
from the centre  or  any point in the  rod, towards, and
off the two ends, and soon  the rod will become a mag-
net with both ends positive, and the point from which
the passes  were made the negative, or with the elec-
tric currents  passing from that point and off at the two
ends.  By  opposite passes, the two ends  may be made
negative poles, and any point  in the rod positive of
  * Positive and negative I use as relative terms, meaning a greater
or less quantity of active electricity. 
IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.
37
both  parts of the rod.  Thus, the same rod may be
made a magnet with  two positive, or  two negative
poles.   On the same principle a ring may be made a
magnet, with positive and negative poles.
  9. The natural tendency of the electric fluid of a
spherical  body is outward, in a direct line  from the
centre, and off every imaginable point of its surface.
This may be clearly illustrated by exciting electricity
upon  spherical bodies, or by passing a current of the
fluid perpendicularly upon the centre of a circular steel
plate covered with white paper upon which are strewed
some  filings.   The filings  will arrange  in lines radi-
ating from the centre towards the exterior of the plate.
Such is the fact  in  case of the earth.   Electricity has
a tendency to flow outward in lines from the  centre of
motion, and off at every point of its surface.   It is on
this account  that a rod or bar of steel, standing or
hanging for a  length of time perpendicularly to  the
earth's centre,  becomes  a  magnet.  The fluid passes
upward, and creates a current upon the rod.   The di-
rection of this current  becomes established, and makes
the rod a magnet.   For the same reason tools hanging
in the mechanic's shop are generally good magnets, as
also, frequently,  shovels and  tongs, and a variety of
articles about a  house, are  magnets.   Hence, too,
vegetables grow in that direction in preference to any
other.   And the  same principle may be farther illus-
trated by  the following interesting experiment.  Plant
seeds  in the  exterior of a wheel, and then  put it in
motion with sufficient  celerity to counteract the force
of the earth's attraction, the seeds will sprout and grow,
the roots inward, and the tops outward, in a line direct
from  the  centre  of motion.  If,  now, electricity be
made to pass on the wheel at the centre of motion, it
will flow  out  and  off in the direction  in which the
plants grow.
  10. Electricity will  pass off from points rather than
from a plain surface, and most freely from those which
are farthest from  the centre of motion.  Thus, in de- 
38
HUMAN MAGNETISM
veloping electricity upon cylinders of different forms,
wherever there is a point or part farther from the cen-
tre than any other, the fluid will pass off'that part: and
if the  cylinder be elliptical, with the equator farthest
from the centre, the electricity will flow more readily
from that part than from  any other.   Hence, in case
of the  earth, electricity flows more freely from tower-
ing mountains, than from valleys or plains; also from
tall trees, than from those which are  low.  For the
same  reason it passes more freely from  the  equator
than from any points of equal height approaching the
poles.
  11.  Two or more currents of electricity have a ten-
dency  to unite and  form one  and the  same  current.
Take two magnets and place them  near each  other,
side by side, with the positive of the one to the nega-
tive of the other—the currents of the two  passing in
opposite directions will unite, and form one continu-
ous current, flowing regularly round in the direction
of both, off the positive of the one and on to the nega-
tive of the other. This tendency of the currents to unite,
will attract the two  magnets towards each other.  If
the currents are running in the same direction, the two
magnets, if a short distance apart, will repel each other,
either  by the force of opposing currents from opposite
points, or else by reverse action in the  exterior of the
main currents.  But if the magnets are in contact, or
near together, they will attract  each other by reason of
the current's tendency to unite.  If the currents  be op-
posite, and running in the same line of direction, the
smaller will yield to the larger, and  both take the
same direction.   Hold a large  magnet to a small  one,
directly in the line of  both currents, but with the cur-
rents flowing in opposite directions, or with the posi-
tive of the one to the positive of the other, and in this
position, the  larger will  attract  the smaller  magnet,
because of the tendency of its fluid to follow  the  best
conductor,  and will  keep it in  its position  by the
force of the larger current; but the smaller current will 
IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.
39
yield to the greater, change backwards its course, and
be borne  along  by the greater, like the little rivulet
flowing into the river.  This change in the direction
of the smaller current may be temporary, during the
time the magnets are kept  in  that position, or perma-
nently, according to the difference or inequality of the
two  currents.   A very powerful current of electricity
meeting one  that is very weak or small, sometimes
will  instantaneously and permanently change the es-
tablished  direction  of the  weaker current, and conse-
quently the polarity of the  rod  or substance  along
which the current passed.  It is on this  principle that
electricity from a cloud occasionally destroys the power
of magnets, or changes  their polarity — sometimes
deadens trees and kills animals down which it passes.
   If we now combine a few  of the principles which
I  have stated, we  shall  arrive at another important
conclusion in reference to  the earth.  Electricity has
a  tendency to pass  outward  in direct lines from  the
centre of motion—to flow  more freely from  those
points the most remote—the earth being elliptical, elec-
tricity passes off more freely at the equator, and lessv
freely at each imaginary point, proceeding towards the
poles—two currents of electricity have  a tendency to
unite  into one, and the lesser to merge in the greater;
there must consequently be a tendency of electricity to
flow from the poles of the earth towards the equator.
Such  is the fact with  an elliptical cylinder, and such
appears to be the case  in reference to the earth: and on
this principle may  be accounted the fact, that if a rod
or bar of steel be placed in the line of that direction,
it will become a magnet in the same way  as one sus-
pended perpendicularly to the earth,  with the fluid
passing towards the equator.  This also accounts for
the  needle or magnet assuming the direction of that
line.  From the foregoing principles, too, we see why
 thunder and lightning are more frequent and terrific in
 mountainous regions than  elsewhere.
   12. A magnetized  body may have  its  quantity of 
40
HUMAN MAGNETISM
 electricity increased  or diminished, or  it may be en-
 tirely discharged of the active fluid, and again recharged
 at pleasure.  Take two pieces of steel, pass  one over
 the other from end to end, as above directed, in making
 a magnet, and  soon both will become magnets;  conti-
 nue the process, and their  power will be increased.—
 Reverse,  now,  the  process, and the power  will gra-
 dually diminish till neither shall have the slightest ap-
 pearance  of magnetic  power.  In  this  case  both are
 discharged  of  active electricity.   Continue this last
 process, and they will both gradually acquire magnetic
 power, and  soon become good magnets again; but they
 will  be in a reverse magnetic  state, or their polarity
 will  be opposite to what it  was at first.  The  same
 principle  is  seen illustrated in the relative position of
 magnets to the earth.   Magnets placed in either of the
 lines  of direction from the earth's centre outward, or
 from  the  poles to the equator, so  that their currents
 shall  pass in the direction of those of  the earth, will
 always remain  magnets,  and never lose their  power
 while their relative position remains unchanged.  But
 if these magnets be reversed, their currents of electri-
 city will be  in opposite directions to those of the earth,
 and as the lesser will always yield  to the greater, they
 will gradually  diminish till the  magnets have become
 discharged; and at length opposite currents will be esta-
 blished, and  the polarity of the magnets be  changed.
 But if magnets which  have points or poles off'  which
 electricity may pass,  be placed  in  any other position
 than  those above mentioned, they will  gradually lose
 their  magnetic  power and become discharged  of active
 electricity.   Hence the polarity of magnets depends  on
 their relative  position to  other magnets whose currents of
electricity are stronger than their own, while  the repulsive
and attractive powers of magnets depend on  the direction of
their currents of electricity.   Hence the stronger the cur-
rents  of electricity, the more powerful  the  repulsive
and attractive  forces.   Hence,  too, the  fallacy  of two
kinds  of electricity, "positive and negative," or "vitre-
 ous and resinous." 
IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.
41
  13. In  recharging a  magnet the  process may  be
continued  till a stronger current than it had before is
produced,  and  thus  the  magnet be made more power-
ful, provided the  magnet with which it is recharged
have itself a stronger current.
  14. A magnet, by being discharged  and recharged
frequently, acquires susceptibility to  the magnetic  in-
fluence, so that  after the operation has  been once per-
formed, the effect can be produced with less difficulty
at another time; and this susceptibility to the influence
is increased by habit.
  15. The  same  magnet may be discharged and  re-
charged easier at  one time than at  another, owing to
circumstances already stated.
  16. A magnet acquires power by using  it to charge
and discharge others.
                CHAPTER  V.


      THE PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN MAGNETISM.

  The foregoing principles of magnetism, are all that I
deem necessary to state for present purposes. We will
now direct our attention more particularly to the sub-
ject under Consideration, where, by application of these
principles, we shall not only be enabled to see striking
analogies  between the nervous  influence, electricity,
galvanism, magnetism and human magnetism, but, that
all their phenomena are produced by one and the same
agent, brought into action by different means, and ope-
rating under different circumstances.   In the animal
kingdom it is concerned in the same way and for many
of the same purposes, as  in the  mineral and vegetable
kingdoms.  Here  it is in its most active state and sel-
dom passive.  It is common  to all parts of the nervous
       5 
42
HUMAN MAGNETISM
system, the medium  of communication  between one
part and another, and that upon which all nervous action
depends.  It is concerned in respiration, digestion, se-
cretion and the circulation of the blood—the only bond
of union between the mind and the body, and the agent
that bears impressions to the mind through the medium
of the senses—it is the medium of communication be-
tween mind and mind, between one disembodied spirit
and another, and the grand rail-road upon which the
desires of intelligent beings are borne from the altar of
prayer to the throne of Omnipotence, and upon which
celestial cars descend richly freighted  with the fruits
of Paradise.
  This agent exhibiting itself in the animal  kingdom,
I denominate the human magnetic fluid, because it here
exhibits all the properties of the magnet, is directed
mostly by different means, and gives rise to many in-
teresting results which  differ widely  from any thing
developed by the  same agent in the mineral and vege-
table kingdoms.  It might perhaps with some propriety
be denominated the  nervo-magnetic fluid, or nervous
force.   This, however, would seem to confine its ope-
rations within limits too contracted for the numerous
effects which it produces.  It is  an agent common to all
animals, and many of its  manifestations  are  the same
among  the lower  orders  of animals  as  among men.
It is on this account  that  the science  has been called
((J2nimal Magnetism;" but its most interesting and use-
ful  parts  are  limited to  intelligent beings.    Here  I
shall  confine my observations, and apply the  princi-
ples already established to what  I  have  denominated
human magnetism.   In  doing this I should be gratified
could I follow in the same line of direction with those
who have advocated the cause before me.  But, yield-
ing to the stubborn influence of facts, I must -occasion-
ally take my leave of the beaten track, and endeavour
to straighten the crooked  paths of the pioneers.
   It has hitherto been believed and warmly advocated
by those who admit electricity to  be the agent con- 
IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.
43
cerned, that in transporting a person into ^"mag-
netic state," we "supercharge the system with electricity"
or in other words, the operator causes the fluid passing
from himself to accumulate upon the subject in greater
or less quantities, by which means the different phe-
nomena are exhibited.  I have already endeavoured to
show the inconsistency of this view of the subject, and
shall only  repeat, that if this fluid be a medium of
communication as above stated, and generally admitted,
then to increase the quantity would, at the same time
and to  the same extent, increase the control of the mind
over the system, strengthen the bond of union between
the mind and the body, and cause the five senses, with
greater activity, to bear impressions to the mind from
different parts of the system; all which  is directly op-
posite to truth in reference to the subject of the human-
magnetic experiments.  What  then is  that influence
which  we exert over the  subject operated upon?   Or
what do we effect when  we transport  a  person into
what is usually called the " magnetic state?"   This is
the important question which has hitherto been found
difficult to solve, and the  true answer to which clears
away all rational  doubts as to the truth of the science,
and renders its "insolvable mysteries"  perfectly sim-
ple, as well as remarkably interesting.  In reply to
this question, let us inquire what is to be effected upon
the subject on  whom we operate?  In the mineral and
vegetable  kingdoms we  have  found that electricity
naturally tends upward  in the direction of lines from
the earth's centre of motion, so that mountains, trees,
shrubs, &c. become conductors of the fluid which passes
up and off, radiating  into the surrounding  atmosphere.
The same principle holds  true in the animal kingdom.
The magnetic fluid  passes up the human system, by
natural tendency, bearing impressions  to the mind,
thence radiates into the surrounding atmosphere, or is
borne off by some other conductor, or by the  mind is
made to change its direction, and carry back the man-
dates of the will to the different members of the body. 
44
HUMAN MAGNETISM
The human system  therefore is  already charged with
the human magnetic fluid, and the mind is dependent
upon the upward  passage of this fluid  for all its im-
pressions from the body,
   1. If now  we  deprive the system of  this upward
passage of the fluid, we remove  the connecting link,
and cut off all communication between the mind and
the body.   This is what we effect in the subject of our
magnetic experiments.  Instead  of charging or "su-
percharging" his system, therefore, we discharge it of
the human  magnetic fluid. We counteract the currents
which  are flowing upward to the brain,  and that carry
impressions to the mind.   Thus  we transport the sub-
ject from the active into the passive magnetic state. We
here effect  the same that is effected in  discharging an
artificial magnet, and the  same that is often effected by
electricity passing from the cloud down the tree, or
lightning-rod, or magnet when it deprives it  of its
magnetic power.  Hence it is that we use the  down-
ward passes, waves, friction, &c, to counteract the up-
ward tendency of the magnetic current.
   2. This  discharging of the system may be effected
partially or entirely, as with an  artificial  magnet, and
all the phenomena  developed will vary  accordingly.
The fluid being slightly checked  in its upward passage,
the subject feels  drowsy or sleepy; continue the pro-
cess of discharging, and he  feels a calm  and soothing
influence stealing over him, and, at length, passes into
a  quiet and happy state  of existence,  from which he
dislikes to  be aroused.  The fluid being stopped in its
upward passage, the nerves of sensation cease to perform
their office, the mind  loses her power  to receive im-
pressions through the senses, and  consequently, wounds
inflicted upon the body have not the slightest impres-
sion upon the mind.  The link  which bound the
mind  to the animal part is cut, and she can now sit
and manifest herself through the body, or quitting her
old habitation can tower aloft, and spread herself upon
angelic wings at her pleasure.   If the process be con- 
IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.
45
tinued, the entire system will at length be discharged
of the  fluid, vital action will cease its  manifestations,
and perfect unconsciousness or the condition of trance
will  be produced.  In  this unconscious  or  dormant
condition, persons may remain  for a  long time, and
again be restored to the active energies of the natural
state.  In the same or  similar state, serpents, insects,
and certain quadrupeds  remain  a considerable part of
the winter season.
  3.  By  pursuing  the  same course adopted to dis-
charge the system, or  to put it  into  the passive mag-
netic state, it may be surcharged, or put  into the reverse
magnetic state. Thus opposite currents will be produced,
and the polarity of  the  system, for the lime being, be
changed, the  same as with  artificial magnets.   In this
state, the  mind of the subject can send impressions to
the different parts of the body, but can  receive none in
return.   But these reverse currents, however, may be
increased, till the whole system becomes paralyzed,
when the mind loses all  control over the body.  A few
sudden passes down over the subject,  will frequently
render him   perfectly rigid—sometimes  by  a single
pass  of the hand over persons in the passive magnetic
state, 1 have paralyzed  them in the act of  walking,
talking,  singing, or speaking, and  reduced their  bo-
dies  to  perfect statues;  and again, in less than half a
minute, by checking the magnetic current, caused them
to pursue that in which  they were engaged.   Thus, in
the magnetic process, a person  may he carried from
the wakeful state through every  degree of discharging
the system, until perfect insensibility or unconscious-
ness is produced; and by pursuing the same process,
he may  be carried on  through  every degree of sur-
charging  the system  until perfect paralyzation  be ef-
fected, provided the operator have sufficient  magnetic
power.   The subject, however,  cannot be surcharged
with a stronger current than that with which the ope-
rator is charged, unless by the use of extra means, such 
46
HUMAN MAGNETISM
as magnets, galvanoids, &c.—Hence, no danger is to be
apprehended under judicious management.
  4. But the process may cease at any point or degree
of the discharging or surcharging of  the system; and
the subject being  once carried to any  degree or condi-
tion,  acquires susceptibility for  that condition; so
that when he  submits to a  second trial, he  will have
stronger affinity for that degree or condition than for
any other.   The susceptibility  for  that  particular
state will  increase, and shortly become a  condition of
being or state of  existence, in which there  will be
a disposition to  remain.  Hence we  see  what is, or
rather, what may be the   " magnetic state."  Per-
sons are  usually said  to be "magnetized," when they
are carried so far as to suspend the operation of their
senses, and render their minds capable of acting  inde-
pendently of their bodies, while they have no control
over their systems, except at the option of the operator;
or, in other words, when we have deprived their sys-
tems of the upward  passage of the human magnetic
fluid,  or  put them into the passive  magnetic  state.
There may be,  however,  as we have  seen,  a  great
variety of other  states or conditions  produced in the
process of magnetizing.
   5. In putting  a person  into the passive magnetic
state, quite  a  change is frequently produced in the
circulation of the  blood.  Sometimes the  pulsation is
increased  to  a hundred  and forty  and  even fifty  a
minute.  The heart  itself  is powerless without the
magnetic fluid.  It is kept in motion  by the alternate
charging and  discharging of the different parts, and
the  muscles thus  contracting and  relaxing,  cause
the blood  to rush out to different parts of the body.
Hence as the fluid is increased or  diminished, so  is the
circulation of the blood, and the consequent beating of
the pulse.  But in the process of  discharging  the sys-
tem, the passes, waves, &c. made downward; this being
the same direction in which the fluid passes from the
brain to  the heart, while discharging the system ge- 
IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.
47
nerally counteracting  the  upward  current, the nerves
distributed to the  heart may be more highly charged,
and consequently, the pulse be more rapid, which will
continue till an equilibrium be restored,—or the circu-
lation of the blood may be  made  to cease almost en-
tirely, and the action of the  heart apparently stopped,
in the process of discharging,—or it may be made to
cease almost entirely in one  part, while it flows freely
in all other parts  of  the  system.   Highly  surcharge
any part, and  the blood in that part will  cease to flow.
Hence it is that by a shock of lightning, or one from
a powerful battery, the natural current of the magnetic
fluid to the heart is interrupted, the action of the heart
stopped, and death produced.  The circulation of the
blood, therefore, in the magnetic process, depends much
upon the magnetizer.
   6. There is also a peculiar tendency in the magnetic
fluid  to  pass  from one who is in the  active  mag-
netic state  to another who is in the  passive  state.
This tendency produces between the magnetizer and the
subject what is called magnetic attraction; and is more
or less  powerful in proportion to the susceptibility of
the subject to receive, and the power of the magnetizer
to impart the magnetic fluid.  Between the subject and
the operator there is sometimes not the slightest indica-
tion of attraction, while  in other cases it is so strong
that by holding his finger to the end of the subject's
finger a short time, he can not only raise up the  arm
of the subject, but actually draw him from his  chair,
and lead him about the room  with his arm extended,
merely  by the force of attraction.   Sometimes  the
operator, by placing his hand over  the subject's head,
can thus raise him upon  tip-toe by the same power—
placing  it one side or front or back of  his head, and
•then  withdrawing it slowly, the  head will follow.—
The  feet of the subject may be attracted in the same
way, and not by the operator merely, but by those put
in communication with the  subject.   A  magnet held
near the head of the subject, will sometimes be attracted
from its position on the same principle. 
43
HUMAN MAGNETISM
  7. Having overcome the upward tendency of the
magnetic fluid, it may be made to pass regularly round
through the magnetizer and the magnetizee, a tendency
of the fluid in that direction  be  produced, and thus a
partial or entire community or identity be established
between them.  This being effected, the senses of the
operator perform  their functions for both himself and
the subject.  What  he feels, tastes, and  smells, are
felt, tasted arid  smelt by the  subject, and that just in
proportion as the identity is more or less perfect.  The
medium of communication between the mind and body
of the operator are  made  by him, common to both
systems, thus enabling him by his will to act upon the
body of the subject, on the same principle that he acts
upon  his own.   Sometimes this community is  esta-
blished between persons in their active magnetic or
natural state. Such was the fact with the twins whose
case was presented to the Royal Academy of Medicine,
by M. Cayentre.   Every  ill  of one was  common to
both.   In 1831  both  had two molar teeth come at the
same time—in 1832 both had the bronchitis—in  1834
the ear-ache and intermittent fever; and in all these cases
the symptoms and different stages of the diseases  were
simultaneous in the  two systems.   Other cases of a
similar character are upon record.  But  seldom is the
identity so  perfect between persons in the  active  mag-
netic  state, as is frequently established  between per-
sons, one of whom  is in the active, and the other in the
passive magnetic state. Here  it is sometimes rendered
so perfect that the pulsations of the subject conform in
their beating to  those of the operator.  Hence we see
how it is that pains and diseases are transferred from
the  operator  to the subject and from  the subject to
the operator.  It  is on  the same principle that they
are transferred from  one part of the same system to
another. I have often taken a  violent headache, as well
as other pains, while removing them from others.  I
have frequently, too, transferred pains from one part of
the system  to another, and from one person to another 
IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.
49
by the magnetic medium.  In the magnetic process, the
operator may  or may not thus identify himself with
the subject.
  8. A  number  of magnetic currents may be made
to pass in different directions in the body of the  sub-
ject, which  currents  antagonizing  with each  other,
will give rise to  almost  every variety  of neuralgic
affections, taking their  character from the direction,
uniformity and momentum of said antagonizing forces.
  If we produce currents passing down the arms of the
subject  from the top of his head to  his fingers, and
then clasping  his  hands in ours, suddenly counteract
those currents by others passing down our own arms,
we  shall thus produce in the subject trembling, spasms
or convulsions according to the momentum of the two
forces.
  The same may be illustrated by letting the  subject
pick up a load stone, or the positive end of a powerful
magnet.   The subject here causes a magnetic  current
to pass  down his arm  to give him strength to  pick
up the article, that current is resisted  by an opposing
current from the load stone or magnet which produces
the effect.   The convulsions produced by the galvanic
battery are on the same principle.
   9.  The nerves  are the appropriated  conductors  of
the human magnetic fluid, and though it may be made
to pass  in other directions, yet it will follow the nerves
or pass  in the line of their direction, in preference  to
any other.   Thus  when a person is partially or entirely
discharged of the  magnetic medium, nervous action is
to the same degree more  or  less suspended.   If now
I conduct the fluid from the point of  my finger, or by
a magnet, or by any other means whatever, to any nerve
in his system, the parts to which that nerve is distri-
buted will resume their action, and the organs perform
their office  with  greater or less activity, according  to
the quantity of the fluid I cause to pass upon the nerve.
We find the same fact developed invariably when by
any means  electricity is applied in cases of suspended 
50
HUMAN MAGNETISM
nervous action.  If we cut one of the nerves of volun-
tary motion, the member to  which that nerve is distri-
buted will soon have lost  its power of action.  Cause
now a current of galvanism  to pass down that nerve,
and action is again resumed.—Sever the  nerves of in-
voluntary motion, which are distributed exclusively to
the organs of nutrition, and digestion ceases.  Cause the
fluid  to pass  upon these  nerves, and  the organs will
again perform their office  more or less actively in pro-
portion to the quantity of  the fluid.—Cut the par vaga,
which distributes itself to the organs of secretion, and
secretion will stop.  If a current  of galvanism be made
to pass down that nerve, the organs will  resume their
action.—Sever any nerve of sensation, and the part to
which it is distributed will lose its power of sensation:
and by a current of galvanism passed upon that nerve
sensation is again restored: and in all cases, if the cur-
rent of galvanism be interrupted the organ depending
on the nerve for a supply will  refuse  to perform  its
office.  The action of the organs will vary  according
to the quantity of the fluid by which they are charged.
The numerous experiments of Sir William  Philip, Sir
Charles Bell and Sir William Johnson, with rabbits and
cats, satisfactorily establish this principle.
  These and other similar facts,  prove  that  the  agent
concerned in  the production of  the human magnetic
results is no other than that for which I have contend-
ed, and that the nerves in  the human system are the
appropriated conductors of the fluid.
  Hence we see how to account  for the great activity
of the nervous temperament, and for the sluggishness
of the lymphatic;  why it is more easy to discharge
the latter than the former;—and why, in the process
of discharging, sensation  may be suspended  without
much affecting the organs  of nutrition.
   10. Thus we can very easily account for the increase
and diminution of animal  heat in  magnetizing.   The
magnetic fluid acting  through  the nervous  system,
causes the blood to pass  from the heart  into the arte- 
IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.
51
ries, thence into the veins, darkening  its colour  and
increasing  its heat during the process.   Hence  if a
nerve is cut, that part of the system to  which it is dis-
tributed cools very rapidly, commencing at the extre-
mities.  The same is effected by discharging  the  sys-
tem, or any part of it, of the magnetic  medium.   The
extremities sometimes become quite frigid in the opera-
tion, and the  whole body much reduced in its tempe-
rature.  But  when the nerves distributed to the heart
are unusually supplied with the fluid, the opposite effect
is  produced.   So, also, by  antagonizing forces  of the
magnetic fluid, the temperature may be  increased in
different parts of the system.
  A simple experiment will illustrate the same princi-
ple still farther: cause  a current of  electricity to  pass
through blood, drawn from an animal, and it will darken
its colour and increase its temperature in the same man-
ner.   Hence  we arrive at the  conclusion  that animal
heat is kept  up through the nervous  system by the
magnetic energy.
  11. By similar experiments it is found that impres-
sions are borne to and from the mind in the  direction
in  which the  magnetic  fluid passes at the  time, and in
no case against it.
   12. Different  parts of the human system may be
successfully treated without much affecting the other
parts.  When a person  is in the passive  magnetic state,
we may conduct  the  fluid at pleasure  to  any  part
of his body,  so as  to  influence that  part separately
from  any  other.  This  class  of experiments,  which
has  been  subjected to  much  ridicule  from  preju-
diced and  uninformed  opponents, who  are perpetually
crying  "collusion," at  the  development  of  every
thing which  they do  not understand, is remarkably
interesting, and all the  consequent phenomena perfect-
ly consistent with true philosophical principles.   The
subject is discharged of the magnetic medium, I  form a
conductor  by my finger, or a rod, or  something  else,
from my own system which is charged, to the nerve or 
52
HUMAN MAGNETISM
nerves distributed to the part of the  subject which I
wish  to  affect.   That  part  is, accordingly, charged,
and being charged, is called into action, while  all the
other parts  remain  discharged.  In this way, I may
produce in the subject nearly every variety of actions
and feelings common to a human being.
  Again, we may cause the same fluid that is conducted
to the nerve of one person to pass to the corresponding
parts of any number in the passive magnetic state, so
that all shall simultaneously be influenced in the same
manner.
  Many persons who are not in the passive magnetic
state may also be successfully treated in this way. An
arm, a leg, and  sometimes one entire side of a person
may be discharged,  and put into the reverse magnetic
state, while  the balance of  the system remains in its
active magnetic state.   I was informed, a  short time
since by Mrs. Day,  wife of Captain Day, United States
army, that she had  submitted  several times to human
magnetic operations, and each time her entire left side,
from head to foot, was discharged, while the other side
was not affected in the least.   Her mind had no con-
trol over that part,  nor could she feel pain  from any
wound inflicted upon it, any more than if by some  un-
known cause she had been put into a state of paralysis
hemiplegia.   As we found  in  the case of magnets, so
we find  here, the fluid is made to pass on and off at
certain points, between which a current  passes in one
direction, while, in  the balance of the system, it con-
tinues in its natural but opposite direction.   Thus any
condition of paralysis or palsy may be produced.  In
the same way the quantity of the fluid  may be  dimi-
nished in almost any part of  the body  to  any  degree
short of discharging, or it may be increased to a very
great extent, in almost any part of the system without
affecting any other part.  In  persons who have been
magnetized this may be done very easily, as well also,
as  in some  very susceptible  persons, who have  not
 been subjects of magnetic experiments. 
               IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.             53

  A person in the positive magnetic state may thus
operate with  success upon one who is in the negative;
but the greater the difference, the  more powerful, ge-
nerally, will  be  the  effect.  One who  is highly posi-
tive, holding his hand a few minutes over and near the
hand of one in the negative state, will be  enabled to
raise that hand by the attraction of his own.  Also, by
contact of his  fingers, to excite the organs of his brain,
and give rise to a variety of interesting phenomena, on
the same principle, and with nearly as much ease, as if
the said subject were in the passive magnetic state.
  By use of extra means, such as magnets, batteries,
&c, almost any person may be successfully operated
upon in  this  way, and  the effect  produced will vary
according  to  the  balance of the  magnetic force in
favour of the  operator.
   Thus, by the  simplest  of means, the operations of
that agent, which is concerned in every action and feel-
ing, may be increased or diminished in the  human sys-
tem, or any part of it at pleasure.
   13.  Having shown what is effected by the process
of  transporting a person  into  the passive  magnetic
state, it will not be difficult to understand the  nature
of  restoring him  to the  active magnetic state, or his
natural condition. All that is to be done is to recharge
the system with the magnetic medium of which it has
 been discharged.  The same as when we  wish to re-
 store the power to a magnet, which we have discharged
 of electricity.  The fluid is made to resume its natural
 direction,  which  is accomplished by means directly
 opposite to those  used to  discharge the body. Rigidity
 of the muscles, numbness, frigidity, &c,  produced in
 the process  of  magnetizing, are  removed  upon the
 same principle.
    14. As  in the case of magnets, so also in recharging
 a person, the process  may be  continued till the  fluid
 shall pass  more  freely than it did  before, provided
 the operator  possess more of the magnetic force than
     6 
54
HUMAN MAGNETISM
the one operated  upon, and  in such  case the subject
feels refreshed, invigorated, and stronger than before.
This is one principle on which the simple  process of
discharging  and recharging  the  system, is beneficial
to the sick and debilitated.
   15. Any part of the system may be recharged with
the magnetic medium while  the  balance remains dis-
charged.  Recharge  the head without the  body, and
the subject can talk, sing, laugh, &c. without the least
inconvenience, but is unconscious of pain  from any
wounds inflicted upon the body, and  is unable to  get
up, or  move a single member of the  body  below  the
head.  Then restore  or  recharge  one arm—he  has
power over that,  to lift and move  it. about, but  the
balance of the system is still beyond the  control of
his will.  He  may raise the discharged arm with that
which  is  recharged, but the moment  he lets go, the
discharged arm suddenly drops, as  if  it had been pal-
sied for years.   Recharge the other arm, and the balance
of the system still remains beyond  the control of the
subject's will.   Thus you may continue recharging, part
by part, till the whole body has resumed  its natural
strength and vigour.
   These experiments are amusing,  and, indeed, re-
markable  to those who do not understand  them, but
by no  means mysterious, when the principles of the
human magnetic medium are understood.  In  the first
place, the  whole body of the  subject is in the passive
magnetic  state, discharged  of the sole agent which
bore up impressions to the mind, then the body is par-
tially surcharged, or a downward current is produced
While, therefore, the fluid has a tendency to pass down
the whole system, by recharging the  head, a current is
made to pass upward from  the neck.  Here  then, are
currents flowing in opposite directions from the neck,
one down and the other up, and the  mind, not being
able either  to receive or send  impressions, except  in
the direction  of the currents, is thus cut off entirely
from the body.   She cannot receive impressions from 
IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.
55
the body, because the fluid is passing downward from
a point below the mind.  She cannot send impressions
to the parts of  the  body, because the fluid is passing
upward from a point above the body.  If we now re-
charge one arm, we cause a current to pass up and join
that which is flowing from the neck, and thus connect
that arm  with  the  mind, and  so on with  the  other
parts, till the mind has  resumed  her control over the
entire system.
                CHAPTER  VI.

THE POWER OF THE WILL OVER THE HUMAN MAGNETIC
                      FLUID.

  The  human magnetic fluid is, to a certain  extent,
subject  to the control of the mind.  Our Creator, by
his own will, controls this  universal  element to the
governing of his empire.  Having "made man in his
own image," he has delegated to him a portion of that
power, to enable him to regulate and control his own
system, and exercise an influence over others, and es-
pecially over the lower classes of animals.  Numerous
facts might be adduced  to  prove and  illustrate the
power of the human mind over this fluid, to retain its
natural  directions  through the  system, and its conse-
quent strength, vigour, and  activity, or to cause  it to
pass off from the system, leaving it almost destitute of
vital action;—to cause it to flow from one  part of the
system to another, to strengthen and  invigorate that
particular part, or to direct it over others, to stimulate,
control, and subdue, as occasion may require.
  1. One of the mo6t striking illustrations of the power
of the human will to discharge the system of the mag-
netic fluid now upon record,  is the case of the honour- 
56
HUMAN MAGNETISM
able  Colonel Townsend, of the British army.  For a
number of years he had suffered by an organic disease
of the kidneys, and had become much enfeebled.  He
stated to some of his friends that he possessed a singu-
lar power, by which he "could die, and come to life
again"  when he pleased.   The experiment was tried
under the most favourable circumstances, and the fact
fully tested  by Doctor Cheyne, assisted  by  Doctor
Baynard and Mr. Skirne.  Every necessary precaution
was taken by them, to prevent deception.  One placed
his finger upon the pulse, another  his hand  upon the
heart, and the  other held a mirror at his  mouth, and
occasionally all together examined  the different parts
of his body.   Colonel Townsend, as he had frequently
done before,  having composed quietly on  his  back,
caused  himself to pass gradually into a complete state
of trance, simply by effect of his own  mind.  Respi-
ration and the circulation of the blood, as to all exter-
nal signs, entirely ceased—his senses were suspended —
his face became colourless—his eyes rolled  back and
became fixed, glazed, and  ghastly—his whole system
became cold and rigid, and his  mind, ceasing to mani-
fest itself, passed into perfect unconsciousness.  In this
condition he would  sometimes remain for hours, and
then gradually return to his natural state.  Those who
examined him, were all "astonished to the last degree,"
and were unable to account for what they considered a
singular and unheard  of phenomenon.  But history
furnishes us with a variety of cases  of similar character.
Cadmus, who flourished about five hundred and twenty
years  before Christ, and who acquired considerable
celebrity as a writer, said  that  he could, by exertion of
his own will, pass into a state  of perfect insensibility.
Tertullian, a writer of the second  century, mentions a
woman, who "would  occasionally pass into an extatic
swoon," (or the passive magnetic state,) and then " pre-
dict future events, commune with  angels, discover the
most hidden  mysteries, prophesy, read the secrets of
the  heart, and  point out  remedies  when consulted by 
IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.
57
the sick'.!!"  St Stephen gives account of a young
man who would pass into a swoon, and then prescribe
for the sick.   Having remained  some time  in  that
state, he prescribed for a  disease which  he  himself
had—bathing  in  salt water—he followed it and  was
cured.   St. Austin  mentions the case of one, who, by
effort of his will, could also pass  into a state of un-
consciousness.  Burton alludes to cases of  the same
kind, and says, the celebrated Cardan boasted  that he
"could separate  himself from  his  senses  when  he
pleased."   Celsus, to whom allusion has already been
made,  makes mention  of a priest, who possessed  and
exercised the same power.   Cases of this kind would
be  far  more common, were not  persons  prevented,
through ignorance or  fear, from exercising a power
which they possess more or less extensively.
   2. The power of the will to increase the quantity of
the magnetic medium,  or to concentrate its force upon
certain organs  or parts of  the system, is  far greater
than what people  generally have  the  least idea of.
Avicenna, the most distinguished of the Arabian facul-
ty, and the first  physician  of  his day, describes the
case of one whom he examined, who " by an act of his
will, could paralyze his own limbs."  St. Austin states
the  case of a  man, who " could perspire whenever he
willed  it."   Many persons can  do the same, and  also
shed tears at their pleasure, merely by effort of the
mind,  directing and increasing the  human magnetic
fluid.  Even those most hostile to the science are forced
to admit this fact.  A physician near Baltimore, ex-
amining a lady's arm which had been paralyzed by a
magnetizer, and finding that her  pulse had ceased to beat
in that, while they were regular in the other, declared
to the audience " that  was  no proof of magnetism, be-
cause  many persons could do the same in the  wakeful
state,—there  were  cases of  the  kind upon record, well
authenticated."   He wanted « better evidence than that
to convince  him  of animal magnetism;'  though  he
« believed that persons might  be  put into  a  state  of
                         6* 
58
HUMAN MAGNETISM
coma or stupidity, so as to be partly insensible to pain,
because the medical faculty of Philadelphia  had  tho-
roughly investigated the  subject, and  had  tested  that
faet."  Mirabile dictu!  To what extent will not blind
prejudice lead a man!  But here, as is frequently the
case,  his very objection was proof of an important
principle of human magnetism.
  Nor is  it now a very singular  phenomenon for  a
person to paralyze parts  of his system.   A gentleman
who has been  for some time  lecturing, and quite  suc-
cessfully too, upon "animal magnetism," told me, not
long since, that one of  his subjects "could  paralyze
any part of himself whenever he pleased," that he had
"seen him do it," and  that  "it had shaken his  faith
very much in  the  science!"  It  is well that all  men
are not constituted alike, if they were, such important
facts as these,  instead of  leading to useful discoveries,
might be subjected  to  perpetual  burial in the thick
mists of ignorance.
  3. The  will has power to a very great extent to sup-
press pain and disease, or transfer them from  one part
of the system  to another  by the magnetic fluid.
  The celebrated Khant, who spent nearly his whole
life in the  study of the  mental faculties and powers,
assures us that he could " suppress pain by resolution of
the mind and voluntary exertion."—He was "  most
successful  in  spasmodic affection, and  especially in
cramps."   It is a well known  fact that  persons,  with
firm resolution, can easily endure  pains, which to the
timid and sensitive, would be almost excruciating.  The
truth of the matter is, the impression of pain is  upon
the mind, borne to it  by the nervous energy or  mag-
netic medium.  Without the magnetic fluid  therefore
there can be no pain—and just in proportion as this
fluid passes from the part affected to the  brain more or
less freely, so  will be the impression upon the mind, or
the intensity of the pain; and as the mind has power  to
increase or diminish the quantity of the fluid, and direct
it to different  parts of the system, it is not difficult  to 
IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.
59
see how pain may he  increased or  suppressed, and
transferred from  one part of the body to another, or
how various  diseases  may be  augmented  in their ra-
vages, or driven from the system, merely by determined
resolution of the  mind.   A striking illustration of the
power of the mind in locating pain in any part of the
system, came under my observation a few months since
in Hollidaysburg, Penn.  The case was related to me
by the Rev. Mr.  Bell; but I afterwards  had an  inter-
view with  the subject himself.   A Dutchman  of that
place had one of his arms amputated near to the shoul-
der.   Afterwards he continually complained of pain in
his wrist, hand and finger of the amputated  arm; but he
could feel no pain at the point of amputation!  Such
cases are not uncommon,
   4.  The power  of the  mind to  receive or reject men-
tal impressions, from external objects, by means of the
magnetic medium, is a very common phenomenon; but
in reality as much cause of wonder as the paralyzing of
an arm by the same means.   Every one is familiar with
the fact that when the attention, or rather when the mind
itself, is directed  to one of the senses, with determina-
tion to  receive impressions  through that sense, those
impressions are far more distinct than when the mind
is not thus attentive.  The mind sometimes, in receiving
impressions  from one direction, or through one of the
senses,  is so  intent as entirely to reject all impressions
from other directions, or through the other senses.  In
such cases the impressions received are in general re-
markably vivid:  just the same as when a considerable
current of the galvanic fluid is made to pass upon the
particular  nerve  through which the impression is re-
ceived.  This power of the mind is forcibly illustrated
with persons in the passive magnetic state.  The results
lo which  it  gives  rise  are  peculiarly interesting; but
no part of the subject appears to  be less understood, and
numerous errors, and I  might with some propriety say
blunders, have consequently been made here, calculated
to confuse and perplex the mind.  But these principles
♦ 
60
HUMAN magnetism
ought to be understood, and I shall not timidly conceal
the truth upon  these points, because of its striking at
the very root of some long since supposed to have been
established principles in mental philosophy.
   It is an important question, in what relation does the
mind stand connected with the senses.  If the mind is
dependent upon them for its impressions, then the more
interesting and important points of human magnetism
cannot be true.  In order  therefore to set this part of
the subject in its true light, I shall  point out particu-
larly the peculiar condition of the senses of the person
in the passive magnetic state.  The senses are the appro-
priated  conductors  of  the human magnetic  medium,
which bears impulses from the external world to the
brain, and thence to the mind, and also from the mind
reversely to the variousorgansof the body.  Independent
of that agent they become passive, and no impression of
pain or  pleasure, can the mind  receive through them
from the body, or the external world.   In  the magnetic
process  we interrupt this agent in its course, and turn
it  in another way, thus suspending one sense after ano-
ther, as  in the process of death, till the last has com-
pletely ceased to perform its office.   Feeling is usually
the first  to be affected.   The extremities become numb,
after which the whole body participates in the dormant
influence of retiring energy.  The eyelids usually close
very soon after the first effects are produced; but in
certain cases they continue to wink, or perhaps quiver
for some time, and  the eyes not unfrequently remain
unsettled, and occasionally open, after the power of sight
has departed.  Hearing is usually the last  to surrender,
and sometimes continues till after the subject has been
operated upon a  number of times.
   During the process also (a fact which we often wit-
ness in the  sick and dying) a part of  the senses are in-
creased  to  nearly the last, and then  suspended  of a
sudden.   This is on the same principle that some per-
sons having lost one or more of their senses, have usu-
ally greater power with the others.   The mind which 
IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.
61
 has control over the magnetic medium, increases the
 currents that flow in that direction.  Hence we see why
 some are so very sensitive to noise, and others  to un-
 pleasant smells during the magnetic process.
   But  when  perfectly in  the passive magnetic state,
 the whole  body is rendered insensible to feeling.  Ice
 or boiling lead held  in the hand, or a lancet thrust into
 any part of the body, make no impression upon the
 mind of the subject.  The eyes are shut, the pupils are
 turned  back more or less, and remain set as if dead.
 The strongest light will not affect the  pupil of the most
 sensitive, or make the least impression  upon the optic
 nerve.   Things of the most disagreeable taste, may be
 put into the mouth  without effect.  Bitter and  sweet
 are one and  the same to them.   Snuff, and even the
 gum of ammonia, may be crowded into the nose  of the
 subject, and pistols fired at his ears, and not the slightest
 sensation of smelling or hearing produced.  They are
 dead to the voices of those around them, and cannot be
 moved  by  their threats or tears or entreaties.
  But impressions may be borne to the minds of sub-
jects, either  through their senses,  or any other part
 of the body.   Thus the  touch of the  operator is in-
 stantly  felt,  and recognised by the  subject; himself
 being charged, and the subject discharged,, the fluid is
 conveyed from him to the subject's mind, where the
 impression is made.
   The  voice of the operator, when directed to them,
 they hear distinctly, but when directed to others, they
 either hear indistinctly, or not at all—the reason is ob-
 vious—when the operator directs his voice to the sub-
 ject, he causes the magnetic fluid to pass to the audito-
 ry nerve, and  thence to  his mind, but when not di-
 rected  to  him, the  fluid  may or may not pass  to his
 mind.  The same  facts hold true  with those put in
 communication with them.  These impressions may be
 borne to the subject's mind also by other means.  Thus
 a galvanic  current  passed along  the  optic nerve, pro-
 duces the  sensation of sight—applied to the auditory 
62
HUMAN MAGNETISM
nerve, produces  hearing—to  the olfactory nerve, pro-
duces smelling, and to the lingual nerve, gives rise to
the sensation of taste.  The same may be done by the
use of magnets, or  by the operator's finger directing
the fluid.
  But the mind is not dependent upon the senses for
impressions.   It may receive them through other parts
of the body, while in the passive  magnetic state, as
well as through the senses, by causing a current of the
magnetic  fluid to pass through that part to the brain—
on  the  same principle that  the impression of sound
may be borne to the mind by contact with the teeth.
  Thus some subjects will see out of the forehead, the
top or back part of  the head, the nose, chin or fingers.
Some hear  out of the back,  or stomach—some hear,
feel, taste, smell and see all from one particular part of
the body.   The reason of this is obvious on  principles
already established.   Electricity may be made to pass
in any direction, on and off at any points, and when the
direction is established, will continue the same.   Here
the magnetic fluid, is  made  to pass  from  a particular
part of the system to the  brain, conveying impressions
to the mind.  This direction becomes established, and
consequently a habit  is formed, and the points from
which the fluid passes, form  substitutes for the senses
themselves. This habit of receiving impressions from
those points will be increased, so that in a little time,
impressions conveyed through them will be as distinct
as those received through the natural senses in the
wakeful state.   The  senses  therefore may be trans-
ferred from one  part of the system to another.
  The operator may cause impressions to pass through
his own senses to the mind  of the subject, and when
the  two  bodies are  identified with  each  other, the
senses of  the operator become the common vehicles
through which  impressions  are borne  to  the minds
of  both,  and  thence to  corresponding parts  of the
two systems.   Hence, prick, pinch or cut any part
of an  operator's body, and  the impression  of  pain 
IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.
63
is made simultaneously «upon both minds, and located
the same in the two bodies.  Give the subject a hat and
tell him to put it on his own head, and he will immedi-
ately place it on the  head of the  operator, thinking it
his own.   If the operator drinks, the subject moves his
lips, swallows and  thinks himself drinking.   Hence if
the subject's throat is dry, so that he cannot talk or sing
easily, the operator drinks, and the subject's  throat is
cleared of its dryness.  If the operator eats, the subject
chews and swallows,  and thinks himself eating  the
same thing that  the operator has  in his mouth.   If he
give  to  the subject  an apple, and  himself' eat  an
orange, the impression of an orange is made  upon the
subject's mind, and he believes he  is eating such.   If
the operator eats and is satisfied, the subject is satisfied
though  he may not have  taken  a  mouthful.  If the
operator puts snuff, ammonia or any thing else to  his
own nose, the subject feels the same  sensation as  he,
and as keenly.
  The impressions thus made upon the  mind of the
subject  are usually of  the  same strength as  upon the
operator's.  Hence if the operator withstands  or braces
against the pains produced upon his body, the  sensation
will be slightly  felt by the subject.   The same is true
also in respect to the other senses.   Great care there-
fore is necessary in experiments of this kind to prevent
error.
   Here then we have a simple solution of the interest-
ing, but much ridiculed phenomena of what is usually
denominated " The Transposition of the Senses." Nor
are the phenomena of Delusion in the passive  magnetic
state any more difficult of  explanation.   They are ex-
hibited upon the same principle, and go still  farther to
illustrate the relation of the mind to the senses.  The
impressions being borne to both minds through one and
the same  vehicle, by one  and  the  same  agent,  under
the control of the operator's will,  must of course be one
and the same  in  both cases.   Whatever impression
therefore is made  upon the mind  of the operator, whe- 
64
HUMAN MAGNETISM
 ther it be  received from a reak; or imaginary object, is
 in like manner made upon the mind of the subject, and
 the consequent perception of the object also the same.
 Hence if the operator places in the hand of the subject
 something that is cold, for a thing that is hot, the sub-
 ject will receive the  impression of hot upon his mind,
 and cast  from him  the article as such.  Place in his
 hand a soft substance, telling him it is hard, and the im-
 pression of hardness is made upon his  mind.  Give him
 a stick or piece of paper, and tell him  it is an infant, he
 will nurse it as such.   Present him with a bouquet, for
 the  hand  of  a  beautiful  young lady  by the name  of
 Miss-----, and  he will go through with all the cere-
 monious  etiquette, as if it were really Miss----, and
 he in his wakeful state.  Give him walerforwineorbrandy,
 he drinks it with the belief that it is such, and receives
 the same impression  upon his mind as if  it were real.
 Give  him a poppy for a tulip, and he  smells a tulip.—
 Smell is delicious or offensive;  taste is sweet or bitter;
 hearing is pleasant or unpleasant, and  the sight is de-
 lightful or disagreeable, just  according to the impres-
 sions upon the operator's mind,or as he chooses to make
 it.   These phenomena, wonderful as they may  appear
 to  some, are perfectly  simple, upon  the principles
 which I have endeavoured  to  establish, and we here
 have positive proof by direct experiment, that the mind
 can  receive impressions by  the magnetic fluid inde-
 pendent of the senses.
   5.  A person may, through the magnetic medium, by
 the power of his mind, transfer the relation that exists
• between cause and effect, from the real to an  unreal or
 fancied cause, so  as to be effected by the unreal  or fan-
 cied cause the same as he would have been, were  the
 real cause present and  active.  Hence it is that medi-
 cines often produce the effects which  the mind  intend-
 ed them to  produce.   It is on  this  principle that Sir
 W.  Ellis, was  salivated by bread pills.  The hypo-
 chondriac is a striking illustration of  this state of the
 mind.  Very often, if persons think they see, hear, feei 
IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.
65
or smell any thing, the effect is the same  as if what
they thought had been real.  A person fancies he sees
food, and the salivary glands are excited as if he had
seen it.   Some fancy others their enemies, and the
effect on themselves is the same as if they were really
such. The timid, sensitive young lady, who fancies she
sees a ghost, robber, or a poisonous and destructive ani-
mal, is not unfrequently overcome by  fainting, convul-
sions, or  perhaps something  still worse,  when  there
is no real cause to  produce the effect.  It is on this
principle that some persons, having been put into the
passive magnetic state in  a certain  chair, a number  of
times, by sitting in the  same will soon pass into that
condition.   Hence, too, under the same circumstances,
and by the same  means to which  the  subject has been
accustomed,  he is  more  easily effected  than  under
any other circumstances, or by any other means^ On the
same principle, holding or looking at a ring or substance,
which  the subject  supposes  to be magnetized, will
sometimes produce the passive state of existence.  Also,
on the same principle, some persons have been put into
that  condition  of being, by  reading  a letter from a
magnetizer, stating that the reading of it would produce
that effect.  This power of the mind is strikingly illus-
trated by persons in the passive magnetic state.   Give
them almost  any substance  for  a certain  medicine)
making them believe that it is the said medicine, and
the effect will often be the same as if it were real.  So
also if they desire any thing, give them something else
for the thing they desired, and it satisfies them as if it
were the thing itself.   I was  once requested by a sub-
ject  to   give her  some   hot coffee to  strengthen
her.   I magnetized a glass of cold water, and told her
I had procured what she desired, but it was so hot that
it would cause her very blood to  rush into  her face.
She  drank it with as much  cautiousness  as if  it had
been boiling.   It immediately caused an unusual red-
ness in her face, and actually gave her  the physical
strength for which she desired  the coffee.
       7 
66
HUMAN MAGNETISM
  In all these cases, however, there is no proof against
the existence of the real  causes, but directly the  re-
verse.  There can be no effect where no real cause exists,
and in  cases of this kind the mind  has only transferred
the relation from the real to a fancied cause.
   6. This power to  receive or induce effects from an
unreal  or fancied cause may become a fixed habit of the
mind, so that the fancied cause shall invariably produce
the same effects as if it were the real.   This  accounts
for the singular fact,  that in some cases the same thing
invariably produces opposite effects upon different per-
sons.  Thus certain  kinds of food, peculiarly  delicious
and nutritious to some, are often offensive and  powerful
medicines to others.   Certain animals and other objects
in this way become, to some persons,  the causes of very
deleterious effects, while to others they are very agree-
able: some can scarcely endure the sight of a dog, cat,
rat, spider or snake, while others pet them with delight.
Erasmus, it is  said,  would  always tremble at  the
sight or smell  of a  fish;  Blake, the celebrated  astro-
nomer, would  become paralyzed  in his limbs at  the
sight of a live hare; Lord  Chancellor Bacon would be
thrown into a fit by an eclipse of the moon;  the phi-
losopher Boyle could never endure the sound of water
drawn from a cock; and La Mollie la Voyer received
equally unpleasant sensations from the sound  of music.
   7. By the same medium a person may induce effects
merely from a mental apprehension of the real cause.
   Thus some persons are sea-sick  at the thought of
sailing upon the  ocean.   Some have nauseous feelings
at the thought of an  emetic.   Some, having procured a
dose of medicine, lay it aside,  and are benefited by it,
the same as if they had taken it.  Sometimes the tooth-
 ache is cured by sight of the forceps.—Poverty and
 various other misfortunes, and numerous diseases, are
 brought on in this way.   In  times  of epidemics,
 some, in the very act of fleeing from danger, are over-
 taken  by disease, while the resolute and brave expose 
                IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.             67

 themselves with impunity.  The case of the  family at
 the Harlem poor house, is a striking illustration of this
 fact.   A little girl became convulsive, which returned
 by regular paroxysms: soon one of her sisters who wit-
 nessed it was taken in the same manner—then followed
 others, boys and girls, till quite a number became sub-
 jects of the same affections.  Even death itself is some-
 times  induced  in  this way.—Thus the noted crimi-
 nal died at the thought of bleeding to death, when not
 a drop of blood  was taken from his veins.  The fiction
 to the experimenters was reality to him.  Thus, too,
 died  the  young lady, who had been told by a " for-
 tune  teller "that  at a certain hour she would  be a
 ccrpse.  The warning  voice  that she  heard on her
 way home,—the image of a coffin that she saw in the
 well—the winding sheet, that was folded in her drawer,
 were all lively realities to her.   The consequent change
 in the beat of her pulse, and the colourless visage which
 she beheld as she gazed in the mirror, determined her
 fate.   The words of the old  woman  were too  true.
 The hour arrived and the spirit of the unfortunate girl
 departed.   Sometimes in this way a state analogous to
 death is produced, in which  state many persons  have
 probably been buried in the belief that they were really
 dead.   Sometimes persons are put into the pawsive
 magnetic state in the same manner.   Such was the case
 with some of Mesmer's subjects;  and yet, strange as it
 may seem, this  interesting fact increased the skepti-
 cism of his opponents, and puzzled and perplexed the
 minds of those who were appointed to investigate the
 principles which he advocated.
  8. From what we have seen of the  power of the
 mind  or will over the  human  magnetic  medium, it is
 not a startling  fact, that one person can, by his  will,
 control to a certain extent this agent in  the bodies of
others.  But however this may  appear, it is certain-
ly true, that persons have been,  and can be again, trans-
ported into the passive magnetic condition  merely by
the  will of another.   I have done it, and seen others 
68
HUMAN MAGNETISM
do it, and that, too, when the subject and operator were
at considerable distance from each other.  When per-
sons are in that state, in many cases they can be affected
by the  will  of another, nearly as well as by contact.
He can contract and expand their muscles, render their
limbs rigid, and frequently paralyze their bodies by re-
solution of his own mind.
  9. Besides this, one person may unite the power of
his  own will with that of another, and accomplish, by
the combined power of their wills,  what neither could
do  alone.  Thus, in discharging an individual of the
magnetic  medium, if  his mind,  and that of the ope-
rator, are  kept steadily fixed in  anticipation  of the
result, he can be  discharged much  easier than by the
will of  the operator alone.   And  after the subject is in
the  passive stale of existence, the two minds may unite,
and act  upon a single part of the  subject's system, di-
recting  the magnetic agent to that part, and giving it. an
unnatural  degree  of strength and activity.  The entire
strength of the two minds  may thus be concentrated
upon a single part of the subject, or  be distributed
through his whole system at pleasure.  I have enabled
subjects in this way to perform feats of strength, which
would cause the strongest skepticism to surrender.  A
muscle, under the power of one will, can support 100
lbs., which, when separated, would  be torn asunder by
the  weight of 10  lbs.   The same, under the power of
the  two wills, may be  made  to support nearly twice
that amount: and  it is not unfrequently the case, in per-
forming experiments, that one or  more of the subject's
senses is much increased or  heightened.  Thus,  taste
or feeling, for instance, is sometimes increased to an as-
tonishing  degree, so as to enable  the subject to distin-
guish what the operator himself could  not.  This is
frequently occasioned  merely by the attention of the
subject  being directed to one particular thing, to the
exclusion  of all others—and it is also sometimes occa-
sioned by the operator uniting his own  mental powers
with those of the subject;  thus acting in harmony, 
ENROBED IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.
69
by their combined mental  force, increasing  the quan-
tity of the magnetic fluid in a particular direction, they
receive, upon  the mind of  the subject, impressions  of
that acuteness or distinctness, which  neither could do
by his own  powers alone.   And  this is on  the  same
principle as  that on  which the two minds unite  in
giving strength to any part of the subject's body.
  Such, then, is the power of the mind or will over the
human  magnetic medium.   I have been more particu-
lar upon this part of the subject, in hope that I should
be able clearly to illustrate some interesting phenome-
na which have hitherto been much ridiculed: and from
the foregoing principles, we can  readily see why it is
difficult to discharge or unmagnetize a person against
his will,—why, also, it is more  difficult  to affect some
than others, when  they are willing.   The greater the
momentum of the magnetic fluid, the  more difficult it is
to counteract it.  This is true not only of persons, but of
.Magnets. We see too why it  is more difficult to discharge
the same person at one time than at another.   Circum-
stances may increase or  diminish the quantity of the
fluid to be counteracted,—the mind may  hold on to it
with greater  tenacity at one time than at another,  or
the operator himself may possess  less of  the magnetic
force, at one time than a tanother.
                CHAPTER  VII.

   THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PASSIVE MAGNETIC
                    CONDITION.
  Having, in the preceding chapters,  endeavoured to
establish the true principles of human  magnetism,—to
explain the  nature  and  operations of the  magnetic
agent, and to illustrate the  power of the  human will
                         7* 
70
HUMAN MAGNETISM
over this agent, I proceed  to  point out  some of the
methods of transporting persons into the  passive  mag-
netic  condition, and of restoring them again to  their
natural state.   But before I describe these methods, I
deem it necessary to notice  some of the circumstances
which are found to be more or less favourable to the
success of the magnetizer.
   1. Nearly all the phenomena of nature require cer-
tain peculiar circumstances for  their easy and ready
development.  This is especially true  in  human  mag-
netism.  Some persons may be successfully operated
upon by certain other persons  in almost  any situation.
But it is not so generally.   There are certain causes
which, in most cases, would very much  retard, if not
entirely prevent those results, which, differently situ-
ated, might  be easily produced.   And here I  venture
to  state, as a general rule, that a combination of  those
circumstances, which are the most favourable for natu-
ral sleep, and for experiments with the electrometer, are
  he most conducive to the  development of all human
magnetic results.
   For successful experiments, it is quite necessary that
ourselves, as well as the subjects, should have our per-
sons dry, be in a dry place, still atmosphere, and mo-
derately warm.
   The place, also, should be as quiet as possible.  Most
 subjects, owing  to  causes already stated, are exceed-
 ingly sensitive to noise while  being put  into the pas-
sive state of existence.  Whispering, laughing, spitting,
 coughing, or moving of persons, and  sometimes even      (
 the tick of  a watch, will very much  annoy them, and
 hinder the desired effect.   Continued noise, however,
 such as that of a steam-boat,  factory, or water-falls, is
 often very favourable.  Soft, agreeable, and continued
 music at a distance, is, in most cases,  conducive  to the
 desired results.
    All  intervening  objects more  or  less impede the
 effect.   Hence, thick clothing upon the subject  is not
 favourable, especially if it  be a non-conductor of elec- 
          ENROBED IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.         71

tricity.   On the same principle, non-conductors placed
under the person operated upon, will very much retard
the discharging of his system.  A person being placed
upon non-conductors, the fluid has not the same oppor-
tunity to  pass off,  and consequently it will be much
more difficult to discharge  him, than  if  differently-
situated.  Iron or steel about the subject, will also fre-
quently retard the effect.
  If the subject be a lady, one or two judicious persons
favourable to the  results, had  better be  present; in
other cases, generally, it is not so well to have persons
about, unless it  be perfectly agreeable  to all parties.
We should always avoid being surrounded by persons
who are incredulous, or opposed to the results^   Both
the operator and the subject, are affected by the  sym-
pathies  and antipathies of those around them, especially
if they are in contact; and  serious injuries sometimes
occur from the antipathies of skeptics.   In all cases let
the circumstances be such that there will be no inter-
ruption.
   As to the time for the  experiments, there is no ma-
terial difference, provided it  be when the mind is calm,
and the stomach is not loaded with food.  A little be-
fore meal-time is better than  afterwards.   The even-
ing is commonly the most favourable, there being less
noise, and less anxiety of mind than during the day.
   These circumstances are all favourable to the results,
but in public the experimenter must do the best he can,
as he will always have to put up with more or less
inconveniences.   He should, if possible, secure the
good will of his audience, so  as to have them co-operate
with him by their wills, or  at least be favourably dis-
posed to the  results.   It is better, generally, to make  a
trial upon a person  first, under the most favourable
circumstances.
   2. There are  also certain  qualifications  requisite to
make a person  successful in  the practice of human
magnetism.  Every individual possesses the magnetic
power, which he may use for the benefit of others, and 
72
HUMAN MAGNETISM
nearly every one may succeed in transporting others
into the passive magnetic  state.  But there  is a vast
difference among persons in this respect.   Some can
discharge almost any one  merely by their  own  mag-
netic force, while others can successfully operate upon
but few without extra means.
   The bilious,  nervo-bilious, sanguine, or  nervo-san-
guine temperament is better for magnetizing,  than the
lymphatic, or nervo-lymphatic.  It is generally difficult
for one person  to discharge another whose tempera-
ment is the same as that of himself, and he can operate
more powerfully and successfully upon those of oppo-
site  temperaments to his own.   The greater the con-
trariety in this respect the better.
   Health is also a necessary qualification.  No person
should attempt to experiment upon others, under ordi-
nary circumstances, unless  he enjoy good health; for,
as we have  seen, diseases  and pains may be readily
transferred from the operator to the subject, and those
diseases,  too,  which are  not usually considered conta-
gious.  Hence persons who are sick or debilitated, should
generally defer their magnetic  experiments, till  they
have first healed themselves.
   In some cases persons can be successfully treated
by physical  means  alone, but a certain  power of vo-
lition or of willing  an effect,  is very  requisite, and
the more of  it, generally, the better.  Firmness, self-
confidence, patience, perseverance, and tenderness  of
feeling, are all conducive to  the effects, and to a consi-
derable extent necessary.   From the commencement
we should continue calm, deliberate and  determined
upon the results.   All  excitement should be  allayed,
and the mind not allowed to become the least ruffled
or agitated.   Excitement of either body or  mind, and
especially of the latter, will diminish our magnetic
power, and very frequently do  serious  injuries to the
subject.
   Purity of  motives is also  very necessary.   A desire
to do good gives determination of purpose, and conse- 
ENROBED IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.
73
 quent success, while evil  motives beget fear, want  of
 self-confidence, agitation of mind, and excitement  of
 the nervous system, all  which are detrimental  to the
 production of human magnetic results.
   As to the age best adapted to magnetic experiments,
 the same principle holds true here  as  in  other cases
 where physical and mental power  are  required.   In
 the youth and the aged this power is soonest exhausted,
 and generally their magnetic  forces are sufficient only
 for  the  purposes of their  own  systems.   Hence the
 vigour of manhood  is best, when a person  can endure
 the greatest fatigue  of body and mind.  This is espe-
 cially true when attempting to effect cures upon the
 sick.  For the same reasons, the male sex  are usually
 more successful  than the female, though many  of the
 latter are powerful and skilful operators.
   Ability  to adapt oneself to the condition and views
 of the subject, is in all cases beneficial.  By this  means
 a variety of circumstances will join in to assist in pro-
 ducing the result.  Aptness for the work is also  neces-
 sary here as in other cases; though  skill in applying
 the  magnetic power is  acquired by practice, on the
 same principle that a mechanic  acquires skill  in the
 particular branch to  which he devotes his attention.
   Faith  is  beneficial, but not absolutely necessary  in
 producing  the passive state of existence.  Some  of the
 greatest  skeptics  in the science, have  succeeded  in
 transporting persons into the passive magnetic state,
 and thereby been convinced of its  truth.  My own
 experience will testify to this fact.  But still, whatever
 a man firmly believes he can do, he will undertake
 with determination, and  be likely to accomplish;  while,
 if he doubts the reality of the very thing for which he
 labours, he will  not  be likely to put forth much effort,
 either physical or mental.   And, in  the present case,
mental effort is one of the principal means used in pro-
 ducing the effect.  Hence, it is very necessary that we
should have faith in the science.
   Nor is this all: no person should ever undertake  to 
74
HUMAN MAGNETISM
perform magnetic  experiments upon others, unless he
first knows what he is going to undertake.  One  pro-
foundly ignorant of this, and almost every other sub-
ject, having witnessed  the  process, peradventure,  in
attempting  the  same,  may succeed  in  transporting a
person into the  passive magnetic condition, where  he
may perform with him  a variety of interesting experi-
ments, and  again safely restore him to his active  mag-
netic state!  So may a  person  ignorant of the proper-
ties of  medicine enter the  apothecary shop,  deal out
drugs to a patient, and chance effect a cure!   But who
that knows the danger in  either  case,  is  willing to
trust himself with a quack?   It would be difficult to
tell in which case  there would be the greater risk. Let
an individual, then, before  he attempts to experiment
upon others, first become acquainted with the  nature of
the magnetic agent.   In addition to this, if he would be
a successful magnetizer, he must acquaint himself tho-
roughly with the nervous system.   The  nerves  being
the appropriated conductors of the fluid, it is  very im-
portant  to understand their  situation, direction, and
respective  functions.   And again, if he wishes to per-
form experiments in  phreno-magnetism, or  to  apply
 the magnetic power to the cure of mental diseases, he
 must become  well  versed  in  phrenology.   A know-
 ledge of these branches is indispensable; for without it
 a person with innocent intentions, may produce serious
 injuries to  the nervous system, permanent  mental  de-
 rangement, and even  death itself,  or something  tanta-
 mount  to it.  if a single gush of the  electric fluid, in
 its passage from the cloud to the earth, can shatter into
 splinters the stubborn oak, what disastrous consequences
 may not the same agent produce, when antagonizing its
 forces upon a delicate " harp of a thousand strings?"
    It is necessary, too, that  the balance of  the human
 magnetic  power  be in favour of  the operator.  The
 upward tendency of the fluid must be counteracted by
 a stronger force than itself, or  else no effect will be pro-
 duced.  We should, therefore, possess more of the fluid 
          ENROBED IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.        75

than the subject, if we make use of physical  means
alone.  But if we combine physical and mental means,
and the subject do not oppose with his mind, we  may
succeed with less quantity than that of the subject.
For, in this case, the magnetic agent of the subject, to a
considerable extent, yields to  the  control of our  will.
If the subject oppose his mental effort, or is unwilling
to be put into the passive state, it will require a strong
mental  effort, and a large quantity of the fluid, or in
other words, it will take a strong magnetic force to pro-
duce the desired effect.   But if the subject  surrender,
and  at  the same time possess a small quantity of the
fluid, while the one who operates has a large quantity,
and  strong powers of volition, then  there will be  no
difficulty in producing the effect in a few minutes.
   A person, by frequently exerting his magnetic power
over others, will increase its momentum, so that  after
a while he will be able to succeed with some whom at
first he could not effect;  and a pass of his hand over a
subject will  be forcibly felt, and  easily distinguished
from those of persons  who  are unaccustomed to  mag-
netizing.  This is  in part to be attributed to acquired
skill in applying his magnetic power, but only in  part;
for by using himself as a magnet to operate upon others,
he actually increases  his magnetic force, the same as
the power of  an artificial magnet is increased by  using
it to make other magnets.       #
   3. There are certain conditions, also,  which render
persons more or less susceptible to the magnetic  influ-
ence.  Every person may be made a subject for suc-
cessful development of magnetic states; though  there
is a great difference in the time and effort necessary
to produce  these  states  in  different  persons.  Some,
the first attempt may be put into the passive magnetic
state in two  minutes or  less, while others may  require
fifty trials of an  hour each.   This difference in  the
susceptibility of  persons  to  the magnetic influence,
is the  same   that we witness  in  man}' other  cases.
Some  can never expose themselves to  slight changes 
76
HUMAN MAGNETISM
of the  weather without  sickness, while others  can
endure almost any exposure, and not suffer from it the
slightest inconvenience.   Some are very difficult to
be affected  by medicine, while  in  others,  the  very
smell, and sometimes the mere thought of it will pro-
duce powerful  results.  Hence, in medicine  it has be-
come a maxim, " that every thing depends on the idio-
syncracy of the patient;"  or the  peculiar condition of
different individuals, which makes the same remedy
act differently on different persons.
   In respect  to the  susceptibility of persons to the
magnetic  power, their temperaments make an impor-
tant  difference.   The  sanguine,  bilio-sanguine,  and
highly  nervous, are usually difficult subjects  to  dis-
charge, unless the}' are considerably  debilitated.  The
lymphatic, nervo-lymphatic, and  bilio-lymphatic tem-
peraments are generally discharged without difficulty.
But  there are  a variety of circumstances which may
render  persons of  the strongest temperaments  even
more susceptible than  many whose temperaments are
of the lymphatic composition.
   The age of persons makes quite a difference  in their
susceptibility to the magnetic influence.  Infants and
very old persons  are easily affected, but  not  readily
 transported into the  passive state of being.   This is
owing, probably,  to the difficulty  in  keeping their
minds  calm and  composed.   Although I have  suc-
ceeded with a number under two years of age, and a
few  over forty-five.  In the prime of life there is more
of the magnetic force than at  any other age, and  con-
sequently greater power is required to discharge  the
 system.  From the age of ten to  twenty-five, persons
 are  generally more susceptible to the magnetic influ-
 ence, than at any other period of life.   In this period,
 the  mind is more calm and free from cares and anxieties.
 Persons have less  fear of consequences, and greater dis-
 position to  yield to the influence.   For the same rea-
 sons, women are usually more easily affected than men.
 Young ladies who are free from cares, of quiet habits, 
ENROBED IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.        77
and accustomed to but little bodily exercise, are com-
monly very susceptible.  And  generally young per-
sons of amiable, mild, and quiet dispositions, and free
from mental anxiety, most readily yield their magnetic
power.
  The  peculiar  state of the subject's  health renders
him more or less susceptible to  the influence.  There
is no difficulty in succeeding with  persons  of perfect
health,  but generally sickness  and debility,  (caeteris
paribus,) are favourable circumstances.   Persons who
are very much reduced by disease, however, are some-
times difficult to affect, owing to pain of body or rest-
lessness of mind.  Bodily pain is frequently a great
obstacle, but not insurmountable.  I recently succeeded,
the first time,  in putting a lady into the passive state,
in less than two minutes, who, at the time, was in  al-
most excruciating bodily pain.
  Restlessness of mind is a still greater obstacle to be
overcome.  The patient, if possible, should be  divested
of all excitement, be perfectly submissive to the influ-
ence, and unconcerned about the result, or the means
used to produce it.   Much anxiety to  be put into the
passive magnetic state, also, produces impatience, which
may very  much  hinder the desired effect, if  not pre-
vent it  altogether.   Hence,  previous to the first trial
upon a  person, his mind should be prepared.   I have
sometimes been  obliged to  stop in the  midst of the
magnetic  process, and request the subjects  to  allay
their anxiety and be passive.  Roving of the thoughts,
is, in like manner, unfavourable.  For this reason, idiots,
or those labouring  under  great mental derangement,
are not so  easily affected as others.
   Faith, or belief of the subject in the truth of  the
 science, is not indispensable, though favourable to  the
 results. I have  discharged of the magnetic medium a
 number of profound skeptics, who challenged me for a
 trial, and  some of  them  would not have  believed  it
then, had  I not recharged  their  heads without their
bodies, and challenged them to get up if they could.
        8 
78
HUMAN MAGNETISM
  4. But few persons, however, go perfectly into the
passive magnetic state, the first trial.  Hence patience
and perseverance are requisite to both parties.  The
time of  continuing  the process should vary according
to circumstances.  In no case should it  be so long as
to weary out the patient.  If but little effect  is pro-
duced within a half hour, or at least three quarters of
an hour, it is  better,  usually, to  stop, and try again
after a few  hours, or on the next day.  If the repetition
be the same hour of the day and under the  same cir-
cumstances, it will  generally be more favourable than
otherwise.  Some advancement will be made each trial,
and the susceptibility of the subject will be increased each
succeeding time, on the  same principle that  a magnet
acquires  susceptibility to the condition of a magnet, by
the process of charging and discharging it.  Owing to
certain circumstances, however, there may not be so
sensible an effect produced the second or third time as
the first.  No person's condition is uniform and steady.
A delicate  constitution varies nearly every hour, and
at every  change of the atmosphere; the quantity of the
magnetic fluid is greater, and passes more freely at one
time than at another; consequently,.the effort required
to discharge a person will be different at different times.
   A person having been once discharged of  the mag-
netic  medium,  can  be  more  easily affected under the
same  circumstances at another trial, and  if it  be fre-
quently  repeated, the time  required  to  produce the
effect vvill  continue to shorten, till, by a wave  of the
hand, a look, and  sometimes by a mere  effort  of the
will,  the said  person  can, almost  instantaneously, he
put into  the passive magnetic condition.
   If  it,should  so happen, after repeated trials under
favourable  circumstances, that we fail to  produce any
effect upon a .certain  person, we should not  be dis-
couraged, and  give up the work  in despair, but hand
the subject over to one  possessed of greater magnetic
force, and  try another,.   Physicians do not effect cures
in every case;  and ^sometimes they fail in producing
the slightest effect upon their patients. 
            ENROBED IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.         79

    5.  I  come  now to speak more particularly of the
  processof discharging persons of the magnetic medium.
  As we have already seen, the tendency of the fluid is
  upward.   To  discharge a person, therefore, we  must
  counteract this upward tendency.   This may be done in
  a variety of ways, and we may adopt either, as our judg-
  ment shall dictate, under the existing circumstances.
    In many cases we may succeed with persons  by
  mental  effort alone,  their  minds  eo-operating  with
  ours.   The  subject, placing himself  in  some  easy
  position, is directed to look the  operator in the eye,
  or at some object across the room, or upon the floor,
  steadily, in anticipation  of  the result, while the ope-
  rator himself fixes his  eyes upon those  of the  sub-
  ject, and wills  the effect, which  he wishes  to produce.
  In this  process, probably as much is effected by the
  subject  as  by  the operator, and, in many cases, even
  more.   But few are so yielding of the fluid, as to be
 discharged  solely by the will of another, until they have
 been first discharged  by the use of additional means;
 though there are some cases  of the kind.   In these in-
 stances we bring our  will to  bear  upon what we wish
 to  accomplish, in -the same manner  as we will  any
 thing else, which  we desire and intend to have.   By a
 strong determination of the mind, in this way, we may
 frequently effect our object  some  distance  off, and at
 our first trial.                                    .  .
   Sometimes  persons may be readily  affected, by  lay-
 ing their hands in their laps, palms down, and arms
 extended, while the magnetizer places his hands upon
 theirs, produces a  quivering motion in the direction of
 their arms, looking and willing as above directed.
  The manipulating processes, however, are generally
 the most successful.   The subject seats himself, (or iri
 case of sickness reclines,) in a comfortable  position,—
directs his eyes steadily to some object on the floor,
across the room, to the eyes of the operator, or to some
part of his  person,—a little elevated  or depressed is
better, with  his hands in his iapancf  his mind patiently

                                    4
V 
80
HUMAN MAGNETISM
fixed upon thecertainty of theresult The operator takes
his position facing the subject, standing or sitting, a
little elevated above  him, lays his hands upon those of
the subject, or holds  his wrists, with his thumb lightly
pressing upon  his  pulse, or what is better, takes hold
of his thumbs, so as to have the balls of the two come
together, to equalize their temperatures.  In this posi-
tion, with his eyes fixed upon those of the subject, and
his mind bent upon the effect which he wishes to pro-
duce, he may continue until he has effected his object:
Or after a few minutes he  may raise  his hands, and
from the top of the  subject's head, make a few passes
down over  his face,  as far as his waist or lower, as he
chooses, then  off, widening their distance,  and in a
curved  or circular line, raise them to  the top  of the
head, and again pass them down as  before.  If he
chooses he may carry both hands down, and out to the
right or left of himself; or in their upward passage he
may turn both inward  towards himself.  In the lat-
ter case he will  identify more  perfectly the  two  sys-
tems.   All the manipulations should  be in curved or
circular lines,  and the  wrists  and elbows should be
limber,  so as  to  revolve easily.  When  making the
downward passes, the fingers should be loosely extended,
and the ends off which the fluid passes, should be car-
ried near to  the subject; but when making the upward
passes, they should be turned the other way, and carried
farther from the subject.  These manipulations he may
continue till he has effected his object, or a part of the
time he may hold one  hand as at first, and with  the
other make  his passes, occasionally laying it  gently on
the forehead a moment  or two, then  down and round
as  before.   Either  of  these   methods may be  con-
tinued  or varied  at  pleasure.  It is  not  necessary
to touch the  subject with  the  hand or hands  in  the
passes, but the nearer the ends of the fingers are carried
to the face of the person in the downward passes, the
better.  Passes sloicly made are usually most effectual,
as those which are quick create currents of air, which
are unfavourable. 
           ENROBED IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.        31

   Sometimes both hands pressed lightly upon the head,
or upon the extremities of the shoulders, in the down-
ward passes, or light friction  along down the inside of
the arms to the hands and off, or from the back part of
the head along front and down as far as the eye-brows,
or from the top down over the temples, and the balance
of the way without friction, vvill often facilitate the re-
sult.  Sometimes,  in  the downward  passes, gently
grasping the arms or hands, pressing the fingers upon
the pit  of the  stomach, or holding them to the eye;-
for a  moment or two, will accelerate the effect.  The
operator, if he chooses, may sit by the side of the sub-
ject, hold one or both of his hands  awhile, and then
with  one make his passes; or standing by his side,  lay
one hand on the top of his head, and the other on  his
forehead, and occasionally pass one downward over  the
face and person, as above staled;—or let  the subject's
head  lean back and  rest in one of his hands, and with
the other make the passes, occasionally laying it on  his
forehead: or he  may stand in front, and gently wave
or pass one or both hands downward,  as above directed.
In this way some persons can be discharged at a dis-
tance.  If, during the process, the arms of the subject
become rigid, as they sometimes do,  the passes should
be made over the face and body.
   The foregoing are  some  of the  simple methods
which we may continue, or change from one to another,
at our pleasure.  But generally it is  better to use one
set of means invariably, for the same person.
   Persons may be discharged  of the magnetic medium,
by  means  of a magnetic machine, a galvanoid,  large
magnets, or by pressing the fingers upon certain organs
of the brain; but  by  these  ways  there  is  greater
liability to  do injury, and the above named methods
had better  be adopted.  Small  magnets, however, if
used  cautiously and skilfully, will often  be great  as-
sistants.  The subject  may lay them  upon his breast,
or in  his lap, or hold them in  his hands, or let one end
rest upon the floor, and the other against his knees, or
                         S* 
82
HUMAN MAGNETISM
in his hands;—and  in  every case let  the point off
which the fluid passes  be downwards;—or the  ope-
rator  may hold them  in  his  hands while  making his
passes, or perpendicularly  over the  subject's  head, a
little  above, with the positive  points next to the subject.
The opposite position of the magnets  will retard, or
prevent discharging a person.   Sometimes, if the ope-
rator  magnetize any substance, and let the  subject hold
it, it  will facilitate the  results, or produce the  effect
alone.
  After the  relation  is  perfectly established between
the two parties, the one  can  discharge the other at a
distance  from  him with the  greatest ease, often with-
out his being sensible of the intention, and in  some
cases  contrary to  his  wishes.    Dr. Nott, president
of Union College, tried the experiment upon a young
lady,  who was engaged  in conversation with another
gentleman, and ignorant of the Doctor's intentions; in
another room,  with  the  door shut between them, the
Doctor, in less than  five minutes, put her  into  the
passive magnetic  state.    This has  frequently  been
done, and may be done  again;  and that too, not only
when the subject  is  in another part  of  the  house, but
when in another part of the city or district of  country
from  that of  the operator.  The subject, also, may dis-
charge himself by means of magnets, and in some cases
by his vvill, as we have seen.
   6.  Thus far, in the process of discharging persons of
the magnetic medium, I have spoken of the methods
to be used with  individuals  only: but the magnetic
power may be successfully exerted upon a large num-
ber at one and the same time.
   The experimenter may exercise his power upon a
whole audience while standing, or  sitting at a  short
distance from them.   He directs them to look steadily
at  him, or at some  object 'which he points  out, and
continue  their attention to  the article named, with
calmness and willingness of mind, anticipating success.
He being a little elevated in position, fixes his eyes 
ENROBED IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.        83
 upon them, and with determination of mind, wills what
 he wishes to effect.  Thus continuing twenty or thirty
 minutes, under favourable circumstances, some one or
 mure will, most likely, be seriously affected, and  per-
 haps some ten, fifteen or more, be transported into the
 passive state; or, in connexion with his power of voli-
 tion, he may make a few passes or waves with one or
 both hands over the audience generally, or in the direc-
 tion of some individuals, whom  he may think  quite
 susceptible to the influence.   This method should  not
 be resorted to, unless under the most favourable circum-
 stances.
   The  operator will meet with more general success,
 if he select some  dozen or more, and form a magnetic
 line.  Let them  be seated  in a  line, and give  them
 directions as above stated.  Place a long rod, or large
 wire in their laps, and have them all clasp it  with both
 hands;  if the rod  is a magnet, it will  be better than
 otherwise.   While thus sitting, he  may lay his  hand
 upon the hand or forehead of one of them a few minutes,
 and  then make passes over them from the top of their
 heads to the rod,  and  off towards  the  positive  pole,
 willing the effect which he  wishes to produce.  This
 is often a very successful method.
   Another method is the magnetic ring.  This I have
 found  very seldom  to  fail under favourable circum-
 stances.  Let any  number sit down  in a ring or circle,
 clasping each other's hands or thumbs, so as to  have
 the inside or balls come together, and all look steadily
 at some place upon the floor.  The operator, stand-
 ing  in  the circle, holds one of their hands in his, a
 few  minutes, then  makes passes over them  from one
 to another around  the  ring, with one or both iiands,
 occasionally laying his hand upon  the forehead of some
of them, as in the previous case.   Great care should be
taken in making the downward passes  over one, not
to make upward passes over others behind. As soon as
some are affected, he may direct his attention  more par-
ticularly to them, and in the course of thirty or  forty 
81
HUMAN MAGNETISM
minutes, or as soon as he  has  effected his object on a
sufficient number, he  may disconnect their hands from
the ring,  make  a  few passes over them, and  let the
others silently withdraw.
  In forming the ring, all skeptics, and  those  opposed
to the  effects, should be kept out, as also those  who are
disposed to laugh, be  restless, or  inattentive.   Atten-
tion to this rule may prevent a perfect  failure.  If
the magnetizer  direct certain persons in the ring to
join their volition with his, the effect, generally, will
be more powerful.
  A magnetic chain is still  more effectual, and is cer-
tain to succeed, unless under very unfavourable  cir-
cumstances.  This is formed in the following  manner.
Let some  ten, twenty, or  more, select  their subjects,
each one for himself;—all sit down, so that a connected
chain may be formed,—the  operators at the right side
of  their subjects,  (unless  they are  left-handed,)—all
join hand-*, as  in forming a ring, with the  superinten-
dent inside.  Thus seated, the  subjects are directed,
the same as in other cases, each operator to bring his
volition to bear upon  his  own  subject,—the superin-
tendent puts himself in communication with them by
holding his hand upon one  of their hands or foreheads
a few minutes,  and then with a rod, magnet, or his
fingers, directed  in a line  somewhere about the waist,
passes  round the chain several times, carrying the point
near their bodies.  He thus  produces a magnetic cur-
rent passing round from one to another, and establishes
its direction in that line.   He then makes passes over
any of the subjects he pleases, carrying his hand from
the top  of the  head  down to the  circular  current
whicl he  had produced, and then bearing them a few
in'ches in the  direction of  that line.  This he  may
continue for some  ten minutes, applying  his power
in different parts of the chain.  Then all the operators,
still holding on with their  left, carefully loosen their
right  hands, and with them make  passes over their
own subjects, the same as the superintendent had done. 
ENROBED IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.
85
 This being continued a few minutes, all  carefully join
 hands as at first, and the superintendent proceeds with
 his passes for a few minutes, then each  one carefully
 disconnects himself from the chain, and proceeds as in
 individual cases.  This  may be continued a longer or
 shorter time as circumstances  shall dictate.  Some in
 the. chain will  perhaps be in  the passive condition in a
 few minutes, and with  them it is necessary only to
 make occasional passes to keep them in that state.   In
 the magnetic chain a large number can be tried at once,
 and some be  affected who.  could not be alone.  So
 powerful  is the magnetic current  sometinfes passing
 around the chain, that distinct shocks will be felt in
 their hands and wrists.
   There  is one other method  that 1 have found very
 convenient in  difficult cases, which  is the magnetic
 battery.  Select three or four good magnetizers, of dif-
 ferent temperaments, and let them all join in a circle
 with  the  subject, and concentrate  upon him the com-
 bined force of their magnetic  powers.  In  this way
 they can accomplish much more than  either could do
 alone.  But they  must be united upon the one effect
 which they wish to  produce, if they would cause  the
 stubborn oak to yield.
   We  can generally tell when we  have carried  the
 process of discharging sufficiently far for the purposes
 which we desire.   The  subjects, if  inquired of judi-
 ciously, in most cases, can inform us in what condition
 they  are, or to what degree  they are carried.  Some-
 times, however, they are unable to speak, when thus
 inquired of, their wills having no control over the lin-
 gual  nerves.  In  such cases we should  make two or
 three passes with the thumbs or  two  fingers, from
 the centre of the  lips and neck outward; and partial-
 ly charge the  tongue, by touching  it with the finger.
 Asking them a few questions, in respect to their senses,
 will enable us  generally to decide.  When these  are
all suspended, as we have seen, the natural tendency of
the magnetic  currents is entirely counteracted.  In 
SS
HUMAN magnetism
the passive magnetic existence we may have the sub-
jects remain, if we choose.  For the purposes of health,
and  even for experiments generally, it is not best to
carry them farther.  And we should bear in  mind, that
the fluid has a tendency to accumulate, and  resume its
natural direction, and the subjects to " wake up."
  This tendency is  very different with different per-
sons.   Some will arouse in a few minutes,  and others
in a few  hours.  Hence, to prevent this, and keep the
subjects  perfectly in the passive magnetic state, occa-
sional  passes over  them are generally  found  necessary.
For want of this, frequent failures have been made  by
•magnet izers.
  2. When  we have  transported a  person into  the
passive state of being, new  relations are establithed,
and  additional and weighty responsibilities  rest upon
us.   By  mismanagement,  or unskilful  treatment,  all
our experiments vvill be rendered more or less imper-
fect, and, as we have seen, serious injuries may result
to the  subjects, physically, intellectually, and morally.
A few suggestions, therefore, in reference to  the ma-
nagement of the subjects,  may not here be considered
out of place.
  In   cases  where  persons  submit  to the  magnetic
process fur the sake  of experiments, or to illustrate the
principles of the science, nothing should be  attempted
which is disagreeable to them, or contrary to what they
have  previously directed.
  Seldom should many experiments be attempted upon
persons  the  first time they  are put  into the passive
magnetic condition.   They are then introduced  into a
new state of existence, and in that state are but chil-
dren; some of them  merely infants, quite unconscious,
and not sensible of ever having lived in any other con-
dition.  The second or third time we may enter upon
a course of experiments, beginning with some of the
more simple, and afterwards proceeding to  others of a
more  interesting and important  character.   This rule
should be carefully observed, if we are going to expe-
riment in public. 
ENROBED IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.
S7
   Skeptics, and those who are offensive to the sub-
jects, or opposed to the results, should not be allowed
to participate in the experiments, and seldom should
have any thing to do with the subjects.   For the pur-
pose of illustrating the importance of this precaution,
suppose an experimenter, in order to convince me or
others of the truth of the science, shall allow me to take
the  hand of  his subject in mine, feel  his pulse,  press
and  bend  his rigid arm, lay  my hand upon his  fore-
head, &c, or, as is very customary, he shall appoint me
"a committee to examine his subject;"  now, I being
offensive to the subject, or a skeptic, what must be the
legitimate consequence?  If I am offensive to the subject,
every psychological experiment, or such as are connected
with the mind of the subject, must of course be more or
less imperfect.   The subject vvill refuse to perform what
I desire, or if he performs, will do it imperfectly, as his
natural disposition shall  prompt him under  such cir-
cumstances.  If I am skeptical, or opposed  to the re-
sults, and am thus allowed to come in contact with the
subject, I can cause most, if  not all  the  physiological
experiments, or such as are performed  upon the body,
to be total failures.  The subject being discharged of the
magnetic medium, while I am  charged, in many  cases
immediately, and generally  in  a  few minutes, I can
establish a communication between  myself and  him,
so as to have nearly as much control  over his  system
as the  magnetizer himself.  Hence, in examining the
arm, leg or body, I find it, (or rather make it) and thus
show it to the audience, not quite so rigid  as he sup-
posed, and in reality had made it.  This  may be  done
without any intention on my part, simply from the fact
that  the fluid passes from my body to  that of the sub-
ject,  and produces results opposite to those effected by
the magnetizer.   But  if I choose to produce failures, I
will  do it more successfully, by exerting all my magnet-
ic force to counteract  his.  Hence the inconsistency
of appointing a prejudiced committee to try the expe-
riments, and  test the truth of the science for a whole 
88
HUMAN MAGNETISM
audience, or perhaps community.   It is better for the
magnetizer to manage his own subjects, and let skeptics
be convinced in some other way.
  If  a  subject  is discharged in  a ring,  chain, or
battery, he is more or less in communication with all
connected, and consequently more or less influenced
by them.  All therefore should keep calm and composed.
Should any become  frightened, the subject will be af-
fected by  it, perhaps thrown into convulsions, or some
other state equally bad.  Hence no person should be
admitted into the ring or chain, who is liable to become
frightened at any thing which he might witness.  Care
should also be taken that they do not wake the subject,
as they may very  easily do.   Sometimes, by a part of
them laughing,  a  subject  through sympathy  will be
aroused to his active energies.  All  therefore should
be calm and sedate.
  In  experiments  with the subjects, let every" thing
be done deliberately.  Always give them sufficient time,
and never weary them by  too long continuance.
  Always treat  them as rational beings.  Motives are
to be resorted to, the same as if they were in the active
magnetic or wakeful state, to  get them to do any thing
which depends at  all upon themselves.  Their disposi-
tion  being the same, it is useless to  expect  success in
experiments upon any other principles.  We should
never presume, that, because we have gained new and
perhaps additional control over them, we can by this
means  force  them  into  measures  contrary  to  their
natural  dispositions.  Nor should we injure, or allow
them to be injured, by overloading their stomachs  with
food, and  other things, as if they were mere freight
packets, into which  every thing might be  jammed
with impunity, or  allow  their, flesh to be  pricked,
pinched, and cut, as if they were invulnerable to inju-
ries.  While in the passive state, they are insensible to
the pain or injury;  but when restored again to  their
active condition, the consequences of such ill treatment
will be nearly if  not quite  equal  to what they would 
          ENROBED IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.        89

have been, had the injuries been inflicted while in the
wakeful condition.
  In all cases of rigidity, whether in the entire body or
any part of it, occasioned either in the process of dis-
charging,or intentionally, after the subject is discharged,
we  may easily remove it by passes opposite to those
which  produced it.   One or two  slow passes, with  a
little friction, up the arm or part of  the person made
rigid, will generally produce the  effect.  We should
be careful, however, not to carry the passes up over the
face or head, unless for  the purpose of waking, or re-
storing  him.   The  rigidity is caused  by changing the
polarity of the parts  affected.  Care should  be taken
therefore to counteract, and no more than counteract
those currents, that the subject  be left in what I have
denominated the passive magnetic  state.
  Sometimes, when requested, the subjects are unable
to walk, or even to stand.  This may be owing to their
having become rigid in the process of discharging; if so,
it may be removed, as I have above stated.  But more
commonly it  is occasioned by producing a point off
which the fluid passes from the system, leaving all be-
low that point still in the natural state.  In such cases,
the mandates of the will cannot be sent below  that point,
because that  would  be  sending impressions against a
magnetic current, which  is impossible.   That current
must  be counteracted, which may be  easily done by
making a few  passes down  as far as the feet, and off.
  When persons are magnetized for removing pains,
or diseases, they should never be troubled with expe-
riments, or  wearied  with  unnecessary questions.  If
rightly  managed, they will be able  to describe their
case without difficulty or injury to themselves.   They
should not be put in  communication with others who
have pains or  diseases, because  their own are enough
for their native energies  to remove, without  the addi-
tion of others.   They can tell, too, how long it will be
best  for them to remain in that condition, and when
they should be treated again.  After a few times, they
       9 
90              HUMAN MAGNETISM
will also be able to point out the progress of their  im-
provement, and predict the  time of their restoration,
as also, in many cases, to prescribe for their cure.  They
should be questioned with sincerity, as if their state-
ments were solely to be relied on.  And if any other
course is taken than that which they have pointed  out,
or to which they have given  their consent, it should not
be made known to them.  Sometimes, especially in cases
of children, it may  be necessary for us to exercise
our own judgment,  as to the  time  of  sleep, or  the
prescriptions, if any.   A number of  hours every  day
will not injure a person, if properly managed.   In all
cases restore the  subjects to their wakeful  state when       /
they request it, unless  by easy persuasion, they can be
prevailed on to continue longer in the passive state.
  3. I will  now point out  briefly a few directions to
be observed in restoring the subjects to their natural
condition.  Generally  it requires  but  little time  and
effort to recharge the system.
  Immediately before  it is done, the subject should be
apprized of the intention, that he may not be too much
surprised, when  first  coming to the  exercise of his
natural senses.   Should he be unwilling to be restored,
as is frequently the case, persuade him to it, or let  him
remain awhile.  If, when we  are about  to restore the
subject, we tell him to wake up, we shall find it much
easier for ourselves: for then, he will exert his own  will
in connexion with ours.  In many cases the subject's
will is sufficient,  if he is told  some time previous, to
wake at  a certain time.
  We should  also remove all  excitement from  the
room, and have surrounding circumstances nearly the
same, if  possible, as when we commenced.   It is quite
unpleasant for one who has submitted to a trial,  in a
quiet room, with two  or three  friends present, to be
restored to his natural senses  in the  midst of a multi-
tude  of loud laughing  spectators.   This  should be
guarded against.  If persons are admitted after the  sub-
ject is in the passive  state, they should leave  before 
ENROBED IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.
91
he is restored, unless their presence is very agreeable
to him.
  The system should also be regulated, before  any at-
tempt is made to recharge it.   If the polarity of any
part is changed, remove the reverse action of the fluid;
if antagonizing currents have been produced, regulate
them; and if any organ or organs of the  brain are ex-
cited by currents, opposite to the natural direction of
the fluid, allay that excitement, and have the whole sys-
tem in the passive state, calm and composed.
.  To recharge or restore one to his  natural condition,
in general, we should adopt means directly opposite
to those used in discharging him.  The  best and most
common  method  however  is,  by  "reversing  the
passes."  With the  palms  upwards  and the fingers
near the subject, let the hands be carried  from the feet
upward to the top of his head and off, then round  in a
circular or curved line, and up again, and off as before.
A very  few such passes  will generally recharge, or
wake up  the subject.  They should be carried some-
what quicker than the  passes in discharging.  Some
of them  may  commence midway the  person,  or a
little below his head.  Sometimes placing the balls of
the thumbs under or over the eyes, and carrying them
a little up and outward with friction, or placing the
palms of the hands on the sides of the head, or on the
forehead, then carrying them up and out quickly, or
quick passes made up over the frontal regions, or slight
friction along the arms from the fingers  upwards, or
laying one hand over the back part of  the head, and
with  the  other making passes up over  the face  and
temples, and occasionally from down towards the feet,—
either, vvill facilitate the recharging of  the system, and
often be sufficient of itself.   If any part of the body
has become rigid,or frigid, make the upward passes with
friction, clasp that part with one or both  hands, bend
it a  little, and breathe upon it along upward, as if
making a pass with the  mouth.  To restore one  part
of the body at a time, the passes should be made from
below that part upward, and then off as in other cases. 
92
HUMAN MAGNETISM
  Magnets  may be successfully used  in  recharging
persons, their position being opposite to that in dis-
charging, or such as to cause the fluid to pass up the
system.  These of themselves are frequently sufficient
for the purpose.
  Care should be taken that the whole  system be re-
stored  to  its. active magnetic condition, and all  numb-
ness, stiffness, and unpleasant  feeling removed, which
may in all cases be ascertained by asking the  subject.
When  a number of persons are  put into  the passive
state together, recharging one will usually recharge all
at the same time.
  Generally there is little or no difficulty in restoring
subjects, unless perhaps in cases of some who have been
experimented upon by unskilful persons,or by some who
have become frightened.   In such  instances, however,
under  proper management, no danger need be appre-
hended.  Allow no person who is frightened to be pre-
sent, and the farther they are removed the better.  Let
a skilful, judicious magnetizer put himself in commu-
nication with the subject, by holding his hand, or laying
his own on  the subject's forehead,—then make a few
passes downward, as in the process of discharging, and
if possible, get him to converse,—after which he may
proceed to restore him, as in ordinary cases.  If, how-
ever, he should find difficulty in  restoring him, let
him  keep calm, and rest awhile—fear  would only in-
crease  the difficulty.
  Persons highly susceptible, who fall into the passive
magnetic condition voluntarily, may be  prevented by
putting them into that state, and then directing them
particularly not to  fall  into it again.  Get them  to
promise that they will  not; then  restore them, and
whether they remember it or  not, the direction will
generally  be  obeyed.
  4. When "subjects are restored to their wakeful con-
dition, the sudden transition generally produces in them
considerable surprise.
  If they wake of themselves, they commonly attribute 
ENROBED IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.        93
 their waking to the first impression made upon the
 mind through the senses.  If snuff, for instance, has been
 put into  their nose, and, on  being restored, the mind
 first receives an  impression from that, they will attri-
 bute  their waking to the snuff; and  so  generally, the
 first impression they receive through the senses, is con-
 sidered by them, the cause of their waking.
   When  restored, they seldom remember what trans-
 pired during their passive magnetic existence.  Some-
 times  they have a faint recollection of certain things:
 but this is owing to  their having  been  only partially
 discharged, when those things occurred.  They may be
 made to recollect any part, or all that occurred, by ex-
 citing the organs of memory, and directing them to re-
 collect what has transpired, and sometimes by directing
 them merely.
   When  they are in the passive magnetic condition,
 they  generally  have a distinct recollection  of every
 thing that has previously occurred in that state; unless
 it be certain things done  under the excitement of the
 phrenological  organs, in which cases they seldom re-
 member any thing,  until under the same  excitement
 again.
   The above  named facts and directions, I  have consi-
 dered necessary to be known and observed, by all who
 would  be  practical  magnetists, and  therefore have
 been particular in detailing them.   That  evil conse-
 quences may result to the subject, who submits to fre-
 quent magnetic experiments, 1 know full well from the
 nature of  the agent concerned; and that  some injuries
 may have been produced by magnetizers, is very pro-
 bable;  for, as I have  already stated, nearly  every vari-
 ety of neuralgic affections, may be produced in the pro-
 cess of discharging and surcharging, and  by creating
and establishing  antagonizing currents in the system.
If, for instance, in my experiments I become alarmed or
excited, that state of mind is communicated  instantane-
ously to the subjftr, and he, being in a condition pecu-
liarly susceptible to effects by mental apprehension, 
94              HUMAN MAGNETISM
may, by his own mind, bring upon himself convulsions.
or epilepsy, or catalepsy, or he may pass into a state
from which I might be unable  readily to restore him:
or while in a calm state of mind, 1 might produce  the
same, or even more disastrous consequences, if  I were
ignorant of. the agent concerned in human magnetism.
These  injurious effects, however, are  to be attributed
not to any evil tendency which the science may have,
but to the bad management of those who tamper with
it.  Under skilful management there is no danger.  But
even if there were  evil effects sometimes  produced
under the most careful  treatment, it would be no more
than what we might reasonably expect.  In  the prac-
tice of medicine, and in the application of steam, great
evils frequently occur, and we  reject  neither the one
nor  the other, but endeavour  to  become acquainted
with the peculiar causes which produced the evil.  Let
us pursue  the  same course  in the present  case:  for
human magnetism is a  science, established  in  truth,
and destined to be universally received.
  In the preceding pages I  have endeavoured, and I
think successfully, to do something towards establishing
the true principles of human magnetism.   I have con-
formed as much as possible to the views of others, who
have advocated the cause; but in many respects, fol-
lowing the dictates of truth, I have been obliged to
pursue an independent course,  and cut my way alone
through a wild untrodden forest.
 "Yet must he brook tbe idle jest, the cold and doubting sneer.'
  In whatever light the view  which I have  taken of
the  subject may appear to others, it  is certainly the
only correct one that can  be taken.  We here find the
human  system charged with  the magnetic fluid,  which
passes upwards, and bears impressions to the mind—
thence  it  is conducted off, or  radiated  into  the sur-
rounding atmosphere, or under the control of the mind,
is distributed through the nervous 'System, to enable
the different organs of the body, in perfect harmony. 
           ENROBED IN ITS TRUE PANOPLY.        95

 to perform  their respective  functions;—to the mus-
 cles, it gives rise to  muscular action,—to the  organs
 of nutrition, it  produces  respiration, circulation, and
 digestion,—to  the organs  of  thought, it gives rise to
 mental manifestations; and in proportion as the fluid
 passes more or less freely, and regularly, so vvill be all
 the impressions upon the mind  through the senses,
 the impressions of the mind upon the  body, and the
 manifestations  of the moral and intellectual faculties.
 The mind not  being able to receive, or send  forth
 impressions  without  this  fluid, or in any way, except
 in the direction of its currents, if I discharge a person
 of the upward  passage of said fluid, I at once suspend
 the action of  his senses, and  deprive his will  of its
 power to  control his system.  Having thus far pro-
 ceeded, the  fluid  with which  I am  charged, is made
 to pass,  by  my  finger, or some other  means, .to the
 whole or  any  part of the discharged body, which is
 thus brought under the  control of my will, so  that I
 act upon it through the same medium, and in the same
 manner that  I act upon the different  parts of my own
 body.   His  senses being suspended, I cause the fluid
 that carries  impressions  through my  senses to  my
 mind, to pass thence  directly  to his mind.   Thus the
 two minds receive impressions by one and  the same
 medium, through my senses; and there being no back-
 ward or reverse currents  of  the fluid, no impression,
 of course, can *e received  through his senses upon my
 mind.  So that the singular phenomenon of the opera-
 tor's senses being common to both himself and the sub-
ject, while no impressions are  borne through the senses
 of the subject, either to his own mind or that of the ope-
 rator, is easily accounted for, and not difficult to be un-
 derstood.  The  phenomenaof deluding,or deceiving the
 subject through the operator's senses, and the describing
 the paips of others by the subject, are also perfectly phi-
 losophicfi.  Tife^va minds, through the same senses,
 by the same meart&n. receive the same impressions, and
 by the same poVerbear them again  to corresponding 
96              HUMAN MAGNETISM.
parts of the two systems.  In exciting the sympathetic
points of the body, we cause the fluid in like manner to
pass to those  points, and all other parts sympathizing
with them, or to all  parts to which are conductors of
the fluid from the points touched.   All the wonders of
phreno-magnetism, clairvoyance, mental transfer, men-
tal  sympathy, and other branches  of the science,  are
easily and satisfactorily accounted for upon these prin-
ciples.  And what, perhaps, to many, is still more  in-
teresting and important,  the  true agent concerned,
mediately or  immediately,  in  the  production of all
physical and  mental  diseases, is evidently found  here;
and consequently the true scientific method of treating
diseases.  Upon these points, however, I vvill not now
comment, as I intend to treat  them separately hereaf-
ter, as well also  as  the application of the science to
useful purposes; provided  no other more competent to
the undertaking shall  supersede the  necessity.  Having
now swelled  this essay to >as large a compass as I in-
tended, I will submit it to an inquiring community, and
especially to  those fond of scientific investigations:—
not to call forth criticism, for it has been hastily writ-
ten and I have not had time to revise it,—nor to chal-
lenge unnecessary discussion, but for useful  purposes;
hoping, whether I should or should not appear  before the
public again in this mariner, that this "infant magnetism
enrobed°in its true panoply,"  may, of itself awaken  a
new interest  upon the subject;- that those ^icrvv  in  the
field, combating the  deep-rboted prejudices of serfccon-
ceited and would-be  philosophers;,may take  fresh cou-
rage; that others, able and talented^nfay be excited bold-
ly and  independently to  advocate  the true  principles
of the science, and that the sun which has already risen
above the horizon, shall continue to increase in  splen-
dour, dissipating the thick  mists of ignorance, super-
stition, and fanaticism, till it shall  hav6 arrived at its
meridian glory," andrall the  human fjflflfr s^tl delight
to  bask in its. illuminating,\hdpith^i*gMnd  heart-
cheering radiance.          < '•■„— ■,
                     THE  E NT).