AN 
ESSAY 
'0*J 
“OR 
M E S M E It I S M . 
E. A. CRENSltAW, M. D. 
yOrkvillE, s. &. 
AT THE CHRONICLE OFFICE 
IS 57 PREFACE. 
This Essay on Animal Magnetism, or, Mesmerism, was first published 
im numbers, in the “ York District Chronicle,” and thence was thrown in- 
to the present form, in order that it may have a more extended circulation, 
and a more perfect state of preservation. 
e. a. a 
AJIOIAL MACJAETISM ; OR, MESMERISM. 
NO. I. 
hibited before their own eyes, or explain it away by 
calling it a trick, a fraud, a phantom of the brain, 
when their own explanation creates a greater myste- 
ry than is the thing denied. 
Mesmeric sleep-waking is an induced state, the 
essence of which is something else than an imagina- 
tion of the mind of the slcep-waker. It may take 
place by an all-absorbing thought, and self-dedica- 
tion in a perfect state of passivity of mind and body 
both, without the aid of a second person, and it may 
be induced by one person acting on another. 
The following is the most usual, and most ap- 
proved method of induction into the mesmeric state, 
practiced by maguctizers, viz: Let the patient be 
seated in the easiest possible position, and place 
yourself on a seat a little higher than his, directly 
before him (or by the side will do) so that the ex- 
tremities may come in contact; now direct the pa- 
tient to make an entire giving up of himself to what- 
ever influence may be thus brought to bear upon 
him,—to think on nothing, to care for uothing, to 
watch nothing for the effects to be produced ; in 
short, he must come into a state of entire passivity. 
Let all fear be banished, all hope of success should 
be indulged. 
Have self-passion, and confidence in success; now 
take hold on each of the thumbs of the patient, be- 
tween your fingers and your thumbs, so that the in- 
side of your thumb may touch the inside of his. 
Remain in this position about five minutes, more or 
less, or until you feel his thumbs to be at the same 
temperature with your own. This being done, di- 
rect the patient to make a steady gaze in your eye, 
whilst you also make a steady gaze in his, and con- 
tinue in profound silence and stillness some minutes 
more. Now withdraw your hands slowly, as if 
stealing them away, removing them to the right and 
left, and waving them, so that the inside surface may 
be turned outward; and raise them in this way to 
the patient’s head, and place them there a minute or 
two. Now draw your hands slowly down to, and 
That one living human being, in a state of passivi- 
ty of mind and body, may be variously impressed 
and influenced, and be put into the mesmeric sleep 
by another living human being, when in a state of 
activity, is a fact which is beyond the reach of suc- 
cessful contradiction; and that this influence can be 
exerted by means of the human eye, and human hand, 
through a mesmeric medium, is a fact equally unde- 
niable as the first. 
Unfortunately, through human ignorance, this 
influence has too often been ascribed to supernatu- 
ral origin—to good or evil spirits as the case may 
be—when it ought to be accounted for only by obe- 
dience to natural law, and not to a miraculous pow- 
er—to angel, devil, or spirit. 
AVithout elucidating this subject farther, for the 
present, I propose only here to record some theories 
and some facts, and none but familiar and well at- 
tested facts, capable of being repeated at any time 
upon impressible persons, to the satisfaction of all 
who can believe on competent testimony. What 
we see, feel, hear, taste, and smell, we are said to 
know, because we can have no higher evidence of 
the existence of a thing than that of our senses. 
What w'e credit on competent testimony, or good 
authority, we are said to believe. An opinion is the 
persuasion of the mind, based on probability. Sus- 
picion is an imagination of the mind, without proof 
of the thing imagined. All these gradations, or 
persuasions of the mind, is to be found among men, 
in many matters; but, some persons are to be found 
who seem incapable of belief of a matter of fact, al- 
though it be well supported by many creditable wit- 
nesses, simply because they imagine that it contra- 
dicts, or, is discordant with their own experience ; 
such as these are hopeless cases; facts and argu- : 
ments are lost upon them ; they have pre-judged 1 
the cases, and have decided against all the evidence 
of which the thing is capable. These persons often i 
will disbelieve a matter of fact, even when it is ex- i 4 
them on., the shoulders a-minute, or two, then 
slowly draw; them, along the whole, extent of the 
arms to, and beyond the points of IpMhigers, lightly 
touching all the- w;ay. Ifppeat, this pass many times, 
(looking all tbp-wjnle), always turning your hands 
outwards, and sleeping them off a little.way from, 
the patient before raising them again. Now place 
them on the head again some few seconds; bring 
them slowly dpwn in. front of- tiny face, aj?a distance 
of an inch or two, as far as the pit of the stomach, 
where latfhein roaiain about two.minutes, more on 
less ; then passing.yoiu- tjiurpbs along the pit of the 
stomach, and the fingers down the sides, descending 
slowly down along the kqges, qr feet, if convenient. 
Repeat thesQ.'pajSseB durjflg thg.greater part of the 
time of sitting. 
Often it is useful to place one, or both the hands 
behind thv.dfcSgeuduig.sl^v4: 
the spine, argl.lpjVv the knees and' feet; to be re- 
peated many tiqips. ifcifs per- 
haps not always usefubto, plac.e the hands.-upon,thq. 
head, but the passes may be made only along the 
arms, beginning at the or along the budy>, 
beginning at the stomach. 
When you wish to close the sitting, be careful in 
the passes to carry your hands quite beyond the 
knees qr l’ggt of tfie . patiynt, shaking your fingers 
every time,. Finally, passes transverse- 
ly before the face,, agd also before the the breast, at 
a distance of three or fpqr inches. These passes are 
to be rpade by. presenting the two,hands together, 
back to,back, then, by briskly drawing them from 
each othpg. The magnetizing,passes are always to 
be madiy tfoirwicm-cfc, from thehejad towards the feet. 
In order tq.frge, tbft-kend, it is.proper to close.the 
sitting with several, passes ffory the knees to the 
ends of tke„ feed. 
In order to cfr-mngne,tize, or awaken a sleep-teething 
subject, let passes be made w ith the hands upt earth, 
over the arms, and before the face, with the intention 
to awaken, to be continued until awakening takes 
place, which usually is very soonbut- be careful 
never to become agitated, if the awakening be not 
as soon accomplished as was expeotcM, or desired, it- 
will take place in due time. 
It is impossible to-sav how. bng a time may be - 
required in', any- given case, to produce-the sleeping 
state; this* may take place atitlre first sitting, and in 
a few minutes, but it may not-be until many efforts : 
twenty-seven is the most wlRch I have krm.wn. Tire 
sittings shonidbe pre-appointed. daily, mid'at an 
appointed hour, and every security should be-made 
against the charges of interuption during the sit- 
tings. One or-tyyp friends may- be property allowed' 
to he present on,t|vose occasions. After a'commu- 
nication has beeiyowe established between the par- 
ties, the patient- usually becomas more and'more- 
easily impressed, and'ascend usually higher in the 
tjegrec of sleep, until many pass into the stale of 
independent ciairnot/anre. 
Persons for whom Animal Magnetism, or Mesme- 
rism, is best adapted, are those who are in had 
heajfh; but some persons in fine health arc very 
ipipre.ssilde to this inflycnee. and hence fine 
voyanfs;-whilst those whey,arc very impressible, and 
good clairvoyants in thyir sicknesses, arc non-im- 
pressiblft cgi a rest ora t ion, 111. In this incon- 
t'UincLi of impossibility, ou,jth;e,.i>tmfb,( 1 he patient, or 
the activity of the magnetizer, is found! a differenoa- 
in the laws which preside over this, and nmtalic- 
magnetism; animal magnetism is variable in -dffe- 
rent persons, and in the same-persons at different 
times, whilst metplie magnetism is constant in its 
results when applied! to substances capable of re- 
ceiving. and retaining it; this matter, however, of 
animal magnetism, may be properly regarded as in 
ifs infancy, iu. the matter of our knowledge- of its 
governing laws, and hence the various, and varying 
results found in,the practice of it from a non-induc- 
tion,to a perfect induction in the different,and dif- 
fering cases : yet in none is it- to be- regarded as -su- 
pQr.uul4V.nl;. or ev.ein up mysterious in, the proper- 
sense. 
It is found, that currents of electricity when brought* 
to,bear on soft iron, will constitute it a magnet of 
varying powers, so long as these currents flow; butK 
so soon as the cmetical currents cease, the magnetic 
property of the iron algo ceases;. this, however, is, 
constant! in.its results.. 
Again : It is found, that when a metalio magnet? 
it applied to apiece of soft iron, tfiis iron becomes sv 
magnet also, and retains the magnetism after the- 
communicating magnet has been removed. It is 
found also ; that hard iron or steel is slower in re- 
ceiving imignctisiH. from, a metalic magnet: but,, 
when once it is inducted, it retains it.a.much longer 
time than does the stoft iron. 
Again: The mode of" application- ,/f* a metalie- 
magnet to a piece of iron, in order to unhid it. and] 
give it the required polarity, affords frets, although 
constant, are as inexplicable as are the effects, and: 
the manipulations in animal* magnetism: but, now 
since we have become familiar with the facts, and: 
can explain the polarity of the of the mariner’s com- 
pass needle, by the earth’s magnetism, we no longer 
regard the magnet as a divine power, or as having 
a souk as the ancients did ; yet this is as much a 
mystery even at, this day, as are the seeming won-, 
ders of Apipaal Magnetism, or Mesmerism.. 
II. 
Atnqog the welt established facts in Atiirnal'Miig-. 
• netisin, or,.Mesmerism, are the following, viz,: There• 
is every gradation ;<>t'-itiflucnoe exerted'by the mag- 
ligtizer on the subject; from won-induction, to a />rr- 
feet induction, and passing*on to independent elaitv 
voyanCe, and ext ary. There arc reckoned xi.r degrees, 
in the mesmeric sleep, and each degree is reckoned; 
to have sir minor parts, making in all thirty-xi-r. 
In the fifxt degree of the magnetic sleep, there is 
1 in the brain,ofthe sloep-wnker-. light xui tjeaeri*. of a 
nnlq blue, color; the subject has more-pv less of the- 
intellectual faculties possessed as when awske; and 
is more - or less suscept ible to external inHuences In 
means of touch, smell; taste, etc. In the xo&md de- 
gree of this sleep., the light- in the brain- i-3 a little 
stronger, and' a little, deeper- blue-color.-, ill this 
state, there,-is more or less of paralysis of "tile mus- 
cles. and insensibility iu the skin : the natural sight 
ofthe eves is lost, the-hen ring is impaired; and mus- 
cular'attraction is established. In the tlnnl degree, 
'the sleeper is under flic magnetic influence: the 
light in the brain is a clear sky-blue color ; they sec 
objects in a straight, or direct line, bv means ofthe 
magnetic medium in space: but. do not jee, cg.(Ut 5 
pn-heH-ivelY, as m the- natural tali'- ]u this 
-luge, sympathy is established between the parties. 
I'll ilit' fourth degree of this sleep, tin* light in the 
hriiin is stronger, and extends wider than hereto- 
fore. Persons who have- moral organs largely de- 
veloped. are disposed, to.see imniateiiivi, or spiritual, 
objects; as angels, spirits, etc-.;- and1 in this, stage:. ■ 
tihe mind of the-cliiirvoyant soars fun above that of 
his magnctiV.fr, atwli is independent ®t’h!m. This is 
independent ('lnirvotjtneo. In the fifth degree,.the 
light in the hrain-is stiiliinore intense,, and clairvoy- 
ants in this stage are less disposed to view natural, 
external, or material objects. an<l are disposed to 
remain asleep, if left to thein-owu choice, and are 
disposed to. ncinuini in this owilted state. In the- 
sixth degree of this sleep, i>the-UKtanv; the tenden- 
sty. of going into which is fnwgllii \wit*L hazard; and 
(tveti danger of the loss of life is thought to lie in- 
curred thereby, because of the exceeding brightness 
of tih<-light in the sleeper’s brain. 
These-degrees show circles of 'light-, in a conical1 
form, with degrees-oflbss llgllt'in spiral circles, be- 
tween the perfect circles and is continuous, ending 
iii the top of the brain, as by a diso-of the niost- in- 
tense light. This light radiates from-the dise to the 
base of the cone, at the bottom-of tho-brain. he the 
tjiird degree of this light, clairvoyants see, and1 de- 
scribe objects very well, when they ait- otherwise 
placed1 under favorable circumstances : otherwise, 
riicy are subject to errors in this, as well-as in the 
second and' tie* ft degrees. Persons, in this degree, will 
tell how often they must be mesmerized, be- 
fore they may ascend to higher degrees of light 
nor should we attempt in, ordinary cases, to raise- 
diem hoyond'the fifth degrea-of light, for here they 
■ ■ee sights enough to satisfy I’m .ravings of the most: 
n.unvelons of men. lir-re it seoms> as if an artificial. 
V added to the natural)organization, of the brain, in 
which the-oiTgaiiizntiim of the greatipolvt iu the centre 
of the brain is reflected upon the s-tirthce: 
The polos of alii tho other organs- of the human 
body (for they all have, poles) are organized in a 
like manner, as those oft the braim;. they have cir- 
des of light., at right angles with, their radiation; 
henea-some clairvoyants sec through those of the 
stomach) ur> tinge re. 
The uninitiated'in the mesmeric phocnomina* are 
confounded, anibstand aghast, when they are told 
that mesmeric clairvoyants do see in utter darkness, 
without ono-ray of external light, and without the 
uso-of their natural eyes ; and if thevoven be orced. 
by ocular demom-ia'iitibii'to adloit the-fitch.tlin-y are 
disposedUoiexplaiiu it by asortidi.g> it to-tlic--*M/'w- 
naturnlj. Nona-levany ja-rso* close his exes, mxtlude- 
all e.xte’.ti-vLlig'nt; tfJen |>ress his fimgoi*s on bis eye- 
balls. and converge-tlienn to the nose, and hm will- 
see witbiltis cwos fast shut. ninny concentric rings of 
light; even tiie borm blind man e.au we this light, 
uid this.is-.tlie magnetic light, elicited from the two 
poles of'opposite denominations, (positive-and nega- 
tive) which belong todlic ehrystaline lens; and is the 
same kind'of iiglit as that by which niesmerw clair- 
voyants ,i'V. Let it be no longer therefore regarded 
as a mini ole. performed above, nature's law. by super- 
natural agency good or evil, when it is made a mat- 
ter of ocular demonstration to all mom licit mesme- 
rized sleepers w, and know persons, and things. 
Ip 'he third and higher decrees 4>f this .-lcep,.uw.s.. 
merized persons are able fo see into. Mai through 
every part of the human body, as we do through iro 
or glass, a.ud discover (if any) I lie most latent forms 
of disease therein, and describe it with the utmost, 
accuracy, when tike-patient is before him. Nor is 
this all. tflairvoyaats-cun sec. and examine patients 
'it great distances tram, tliung and report, whilst in 
trial sleep} whatever they may have to eommmiteate 
toi the magnetizer. 
These also sec the eountiy, towns, etc., through 
which they pass from one place to-another;: they 
feel the temperature-of tiie different climates,. they 
hear the sounds, and smell the odors, etc., which-.fall 
out iiiitileir way, jiist as they exist in every place. 
Of the magnetic- forum-of patient* at- a distance, (fop- 
distance may hereby be annihilated) may be brought 
before the cihifvoyant, and they dm,so appear, with 
the-forme of disease under which they labor; these 
are thus examined, and described a-s if personally 
present. Or.;.if there*be any person present, who* 
has been at the Home of a patient at a distance, and 
is personally acquainted with-the patient, such per- 
son* oan be put in communication with the clairvoy- 
ant, who can conduct the examination of the patient. 
This may be-ne.peatcd from-, timu- to time, in order 
certainly to hiiofv the progress- of, a case,, or. the 
changes for better, or for worse-.. « 
Tjlm-sc sleepers- can *tv» matters, and: things, per- 
sons,.and places, through solid’walls, cnnasoinunt?,. 
and'envelopes, as we do through the most.transpa- 
rent glass. Writing on pa par, enclosed betwuuntwo 
thick cards, and all folded up in a sheet of deep blue 
pajur, may be, and has been rotid by mesmerized, 
persons : ivrnl once by a mesmerized born blind per- 
son: Also,. writing on pstper carefully folded up, 
and.covered1 with three thicknesses of paper,. bass 
been, and can be read by blindfolded mesmerized 
persons. The printed linos of books have been read: 
by mesmerized persons, blindfolded,, both when the- 
books were open, and closed.;, the printing may he- 
rein! through the outer lids. Those clairvoyants 
have-recognized persons inside houses., hundreds of 
yards distant from them ; even born bii-ud clairvoy- 
ants have done this: they sec places, as well as per— 
sons,.atiany dis&uiaa, and describe them well. Tliev- 
sce-their magnefizeiviJ ways, and know perfect IN; aid 
he-says, and does. 
The principal remaining, jdux'noinihiu inAIesme- 
risuigof which I shall speak, way bo divided, into* 
two cln :»fis.. viz : physical,, and mournl,; and tfms-j* 
arc lnaiiifestod by the-ai-tmdiemiditine . uni.faith ef 
patients, on tl;c one hand, and by tlfo. eucru'v.. tin* 
moral, ami physical clmra-Atcnof.thc lnaguetizer. otA 
tike other. 
list. I’hysie;*! elfeets. W-Ww a person is under.- 
the influence of mesmerism. there gnia-,i i*ly fs 
slight pricking.and winking of the eye-lids inP- 
eireased, or-diminished rapidity of the pulse; altera- 
tion in the-temperature of the body, flushing,, orv 
jialeness of face, change of- countenance., yawaiim- 
disinclination to motion: calm delight, *juiu«e it..*, 
breathing, often slower: there is often, an imsisti-- 
ble desire to close the cy--* t.i.slcap ;.tl:-.> head falls 
or is erect; eye-halls rrfl tn. ami fro,, or bceonn ■ 
fixed: if spoken to, lie may, or may not. answer ■ if' 
aroused: he seems astonished; sometimes poos into* 
a cataleptic state. The -deep differ.' from nafara’: 
sleep, and is more or !e-i profound Som£;u. 6 
thus sloe}) thd skin is Very sensitive, but often is in- 
sensible to all things; the senses of smell, taste, 
hearing, sight, and feeling, may all be lost. He will 
move, talk, etc., when the magnetizer desires him, 
but not for another person, except he be put in com- 
munication With that other person. When in the 
clairvoyant state, he is conscious of every act, and 
even the thoughts, feelings, and intentions of his 
magnetizer ; and will hear the slightest noise of the 
magnetizer, but of none others. He tastes, smells, 
feels, sees, hears what the magnetizer does. Can- 
not usually be aroused by others, but is easily 
aroused by his magnetizer. Severe surgical opera- 
tion, and the extraction of teeth may be performed 
Without pain, but with the knowledge of the pa- 
tient. 
Some persons are capable of being magnetized 
powerfully, whilst others yield with difficulty. One 
part of the body may he left at rest, and another be 
put in motion. Often there is a magnetic muscular 
attraction. An alarm in the magnetizer by his own 
act, is distressing to the patient. 
2d. Mental Phoenominm. When there is a 
induction, however complete, the patient preserves 
the moral sense—the perception of moral good, and 
evil; the reason, judgment, will, reflection', and un- 
derstanding. He quickly perceives the designs of 
(the magnetizer, retains the virtuous, or vicious pro- 
pensities he had in the waking state. The patient 
knows the will of the magnetizer. The intellectual 
faculties are exalted, and some liold, that the moral 
feelings are exalted also in this state. The magne- 
tizer has a measure of control over the will of the 
subject, in things which appertain to the patient’s 
benefit, or in things indifferent; that is, things which 
.are not forbidden, nor commanded of God. They 
.can, and do see, and know, the presence of disease 
in themselves, and in others submitted to them for 
■ examination; and intuitively Jenow the proper treat- 
ment; even the causes of deafness, blindness, etc., 
.are seen and known to them. The subject is apt to 
look at nothing, unless his attention is directed to 
it. He is submissive to the will of his magnetizer, 
in a greater or less degree, in all things which he 
perceives cannot injure himself, and in all which 
does not oppose his own ideas of truth and justice, 
•right, and wrong. He remembers things forgotton 
in the waking state. Some have presentiments of 
what is future, which, however, may be in several 
erroneous, and limited in extent. He 
■expresses himself freely, and in connected speech, 
and is often vain, lie becomes.more accurate by 
degrees, wnen guided by discretion ; but, when illy 
..directed, his knowledge of futurity goes astrav in 
..many things. When in the waking state, he reeol- 
Heets nothing (unless requested to do so) of all the 
sensations., and ideas he had in the sleeping state. 
No obstacle bounds the vision of the sleeper; he can 
from any part of the head, stomach, or fingers. 
He intuitively knows what is right and wrong; truth 
: and falsehood ; and some there are, who can tell the 
■truth of whatever thing to which their attention is 
directed. Some have discovered the most secret 
thefts in others, indeed they seem to he in commn- 
■nication with nature ns it is. 
SO. III. 
Besides the various phcenomina- in Animal Mag- 
netism, or Mesmerism, which commends it to the 
study of the mental philosophers, in enlarging the 
bounds of knowledge, in the study of the human 
miud, it commends itself also to the world, and to 
physicians in particular, as an indispensil.de agent, 
or means in the successful treatment of the maladies 
of man; which is indeed its proper province, and 
not that of making revelations from the spirits of other 
worlds. In its application to Surgery, Dentistry, 
and practical Medicine, it promises great, and im- 
portant benefits, and threatens none of the evil con- 
sequences, incident to the most potent medicinal 
agents in common use. 
Mesmer himself was a practising physician, and 
in his later life he used almost exclusively the agent 
now called Mesmerism, for the relief of the sick. In 
his own last illness, he submitted to this practice 
himself, from which he received great relief. 
I’uyseger, the companion and disciple of Mesmer, 
■ introduced the practice of Mesmerism into France 
and Germany, through the instrumentality of Lava- 
ter, and in these countries, as well as in Switzer- 
land, the Mesmeric treatment has prevailed, more or 
less, for the last half century. 
In Russia, of later years, the subject of Mesme- 
rism, as applied for the relief of sicknesses, has been 
brought under investigation ; a competent commit- 
tee was appointed by the Emperor, to decide upon 
its claims as a remedial agent; it was by this com- 
mittee declared to be “a most important agent.” 
Dr. Forbes says of Mesmerism : “Having, however, 
fully admitted the high probability of some of Dr. 
Esdail’s statements, concerning the painless char- 
acter of the surgical operations; and being indeed 
from many circumstances well convinced, that great 
depression of outward sensibility is not its, temporary 
abolition,and will in such constitutions result from the 
mesmeric art; we will now proceed to the conside- 
ration, of what we deem to be the reasonable corol- 
lary from this admission on our part. We conceive 
then, that the evidence, attesting the fact of certain 
abnormal states being induced by Mesmerism, is 
now of such a character, that it can no longer be 
philosophically disregarded by tlhc members of our 
profession; but, that they arc bound to meet it, 
in the only way in which alleged facts can be satis- 
factorily verified, or confuted, viz: by observa- 
tion, and experiment.” “If experience like that 
which Dr. Esdail relates to me. be but true in one 
tenth, nay, in one hundredth ofits particulars, we 
hold that a case is made out, demanding searching 
enquiry.” “Of oue thing let us rest assured, not 
only the public, but the more sober, thinking part 
of the profession, will ere long hold those at a dis- 
advantage, who in opposition to facts apparently 
well authenticated, can, or will but adduce mere un- 
supported argument, or ridicule.” 
“There would appear to be two conditions, at- 
taching to every novel practice in medicine, inde- 
pendently of the authority by which it comes re- 
commended, that should influence its title to a fair 
trial; first, the extent of the anticipated benefit; sec- 
ond, the danger of possible mischief attending its em- 
ployment,” * * “According to all the evidence 
that exists upon this subject, mischief very rarely 7 
follows the practice of Mesmerism in the event of 
success, or failure.” Here, lie quotes Dr. Esdail as 
saying “1 beg to state that I have seen no bad con- 
sequences whatever ensue, from persons being ope- 
rated on in the mesmeric trance.” “If a single prac- 
titioner of any eminence, recommend some novel, 
and heroic treatment in serious disease, multitudes 
are ready to' try it, however perilous to- the patient 
the trial a prtori may appear.” 
Dr. Dunglison says: “Animal Magnetism as it 
has been termed:, exerts an anodyne influence.” “In 
highly impressible persons, more, or less prolonged 
impression made upon the senses,,—as by the opera- 
tor looking steadily in the1 eyes of the patient, hold- 
ing the thumbs, and hands at the same time ; or ma- 
king passes in front of the patient,, will insure an 
hysteric, or hysteroid condition ;• in which, the pa- 
tient may fall1 into what is called magnetic sleep.” 
“During the existence of this sleep, the patient may 
be insensible to certain irritants; yet extremely 
alive to others, so that operations—as the extraction 
of teeth, and even some of a more serious character 
may be performed, without eliciting the ordinary 
evidence of feeling. In cases of delerium tremens, ac- 
companied by watchfulness, in which the whole ner- 
vous system is extremely impressible, sleep may be 
at times induced, by the employment of this agency, 
which had resisted the ordinary anodynes,” etc. 
The memmorable French Commissioners, report 
on Animal Magnetism, or Mesmerism, the following: 
viz : “Considered as an agent of physiological phee- 
nomina, or, therapeutical means, Magnetism ought 
to find a place within the sphere of medical knowl- 
edge,” etc. 
Dr. Sherwood says of Animal Magnetism, or Mes- 
merism : “As physicians are often assumed to know 
everything, on every subject, and have rarely time, 
©r inclination to contradict so flattering an assump- 
tion, they should at least, not onliy have a general 
knowledge of the exact sciences; but, a particular 
knowledge of that of their profession: including every 
thing that may enable them to cure their patients in a 
speedy, safe, and satisfactory manner. These con- 
siderations, have induced me to investigate the pre- 
tensions of Animal Magnetism, as a’ means of in- 
creasing our knowledge, and as a therapeutical 
agent; and I have become perfectly satisfied of its, 
great importace for these purposes, and I com- 
mend it to the attention of young men in the pro- 
fession.” 
The well known, and beneficent J. P. F. Deleuze, 
practiced Animal Magnetism, or Mesmerism as a 
curative agent in disease, for near half a century ; 
and his biographer says, “ Mr. Deleuze neglected no 
opportunity to multiply, and observe facts ; reliev- 
ing, and curing a great number of persons.” In 
his seventh chapter in “Instructions in Animal Mag- 
netism,” he- lays down the application’ of Magne- 
tism to disease, and its connection with’ Medicine, 
where he teaches throughout, its adptation to acute, 
and chronic forms of disease, together with rules 
for application of it in practice. Here also, he has 
given a category of many forms of disease, in 
which it has been found successful, with and with- 
out the use of medicine. 
Mr. C. H. Townsend, in his “ Fact in Mesmerism,” 
Bets Mesmerism forth as a remidial agent in the 
treatment of disease, of inestimable value. He 
had often observed its power, in that many-headed, 
and distressing form of disease called Dyspepsia. 
He speaks of “ the effects of the mesmeric sleep, on 
the digestive organs, as reparitory, and indicative 
of increased power and gives cases *>f cure, where 
“ mesmerism alone cured paralysis, and spinal com- 
plaint, after all other means had been tried in vain..’ ’ 
It would be tedious, even to enumerate the case of 
cure, contained in his work, among which promin- 
ently stands, the cure of tuberculous consumption 
of two sisters, and some eases of blindness. 
J. Stanly Grimes also, in his work, entitled 
“ Phylosophy of Mesmerism, and Phrenology a- 
bounds in cases of cure, of many otherwise intrac- 
table forms of disease, too tedious to be mentioned 
here. 
I will here record, that In the use of mesmerism, 
all the various operations required in Dentistry to 
be performed on the teeth, which are usually very 
disagreeable, and painful to the subject, may be 
performed with ease. In this sleep, teeth maj' be 
extracted, filed, equalized, drilled, pluged, scraped1,, 
and the gums maybe scarified, without pain ; whilst 
the subject is perfectly conscious of what is being: 
done, sanctions it, and accommodates himself in* 
position &c, for the ease, and convenience of the- 
operator. 
In all the cases, the patient may be awakned at 
the pleasure of the Magnetizer, or the the sleep 
will terminate of itself in due time ; when it will be’ 
found, that no miscliievious effects will follow, as is 
sometimes the cases in the use of Chloroforme, Ae- 
ther, Opium &c. 
Nor is it alone in surgery, dentistry, and the prac- 
tice of medicine, that Mesmerism is found available 
for good, to the children of men. Persons adicted 
to bad habits have often been cured of them also* 
and have found it difficult to return to the accus- 
tomed vice. The weakly person also, partakes Oi 
the state of fine-health of his habitual magnetisen 
I do not mean to say however, that Animal. Magnet- 
ism will certainly, and speedily cure all the cases of 
sickness, and bad habits,. to> which: in may be ap- 
plied ; but, I do mean to say, that in. my own ex- 
perience, as well as in other well authenticated 
cases, Animal Magnetism* or Mesmerism will render 
none more intractable, and will greatly aid, in the- 
medical treatment already in progress; and will 
often perform cures, and give relief alone, where 
medicines have availed nothing. 
Whenever the magnetic treatment is seriousljr ap- 
plied, it should not be interrupted, nor discontinued,, 
until a crisis is produced. The physiciam should be 
kind, and courteous toword his patient ; but, firm, 
in all his requirements. He should have his ses- 
sions preappointed, as to> the day, and hour ; and! 
be punctual to attend to them, and conduct these’ 
sessions, as already pointed out in a former num- 
ber of this article: 
If the patient be unable to be out of bed*, the- 
physician should take his station near the sick-bed, 
in the most convenient manner ; and take hold on 
the thumbs of the patient, a few minutes; having, 
the head of the patient towards the North; then 
make several passes along the arms, and back if 
convenient, how, place one handover the stomach 
a few minutes ; then with both hands, make many 
long passes along the whole person, gently toughing. 8 
the 1 o' hi ft Mien do the s une thing, a few inches 
from the cl itliing. Now, touch the person of the 
sick with one hand, and make passes with the other 
■from the head, or the affected part, down-ward, for 
several minuted. Finish the session, by passes 
along, and over the lower extremeties, and trans- 
verse passes before the head, breast, and stonach 
'in order to establish a communication between the 
parties. 
After a ronimunicatmn is the patient 
should have a north and south position as before ; and 
'the physician should take liis station at the south, 
■or foot-end of the bed, and facing to the patient, 
ami make long passes with his hands, from towards 
the patients head to feet, at that distance ; ■and 
waving off the hands at each pass before returning ; 
having regard in all the cases, to the situation of the 
diseased organs, and their maynelicpoles ; for iJ is 
on these poles (hat the operator acts, in his manipu- 
lations, in which touching is not always necessary-. 
Now carry the magnetic action to the suffering 
part in cases of local pains, by presenting the 'col- 
lected lingers of one hand to the affected part. In 
all cases of head-ache, attended with full ties of the 
head, the forehead hot, and feet cold ; passes must 
be made from the head, down-ward bo tire feet; when 
the equilebrium is established, the action of mes- 
merism ceases ns it were spontaneously. -Vs a 
general rule of action, the physician should accumu- 
late, and convent rate the magneticaetion upon live suf- 
fering part, by placing bis hand, or lingers there, for 
a shorter or longer time; then drawoff this accu- 
mulated magnetic action, towards the extremeties, 
with the attention, and intention of doing good. 
The philosophyofthese prescribed manipulations, 
and states of mind, need not here be given ; suffice 
it to say, that magnetism has its laws, by which 
it is governed, ft is a matter of fact, that the me- 
talie magnet must be rightly applied, to the mefalic 
compass neeffle; and that too, not -without some 
seeming, unmeaning ceremony or, the needle other- 
wise treated, will not have true polarity; indeed, the 
magnetism of a polarized needle will be reversed, 
or destroyed altogether, by the wrong application of 
the metalic magnet; and maybe restored only by 
correcting this error. Obedience therefore, to the 
laws of Animal Magnetism, or Mesmerism, only will 
give success. These magnetisms are similar though 
not identical. 
produce much hurt. anil even loss o*f’ k!‘:,Jv : ufnl fhfi 
histories of the practices of till the sckxyols of Phy- 
sic ifuruish sail examples in support of this allega* 
tiou : nevertheless, these "S’ays; and means of resto 
rin”- health arc not to be repudiated in the praetice 
of medicine because of ■these facts ; but, as Dr. 
Foam.s says, two things should be considered; ‘[first•, 
the extent of tlie anticipated benefit; eccmtcl, the dan- 
ger of possible mischief attending the employment’ 
of a remedy. 
It lias been affirmed by some [vetsons to Ufae preju- 
dice, and scandalizing of -Mesmerism, that In tlio 
mesmeric sleep the subject has no will of his or her 
■own ; but lias thcuyll of the magnetiser only;” and 
that “ the subject in this sleep, will assent to any 
proposal coming to him. or her,from the magneti- 
zer.' It has been further affirmed, that “ A female 
when in the Mesmeric -steep, m*vv be induced by her 
magnetizer to submit to his will,—to do an immoral 
action, although she he opposed so to do in the wa- 
kiriy state.'’ In other words, the sentiment sought 
to be established by facts, or good authority is. that 
a female patiewt when in the Mesmeric sleep, in. any 
degree of this sleep, is 'devoid of will, and of the pow- 
er to will at all, and has only the will of the magnet* 
izer substituted for her own will; and that of conse- 
quence, she unavoidably must assent to any propo- 
sal whatever coming to her from her magnetizer ; 
and that she of nocas&ity must, for want of power to 
will the contrary.—must, and certainly will if desi- 
red, be induced by her magnetizer to submit to his 
will even iu gross actions of immorality, although 
she be opposed to do so in her waking state ; and 
thus make it possible, that the magnetizer may bo 
guilty of a fraud—a rape oil her iu the Mesmeric 
sleep. 
To all this 1 answer. The allegations and affirm- 
ations here made is disputed ground, and that which 
is here taken for the thing as granted, is the very 
thing which remains to be proved. Wluit is possible 
T do not know, what is impossible f can not tell; on- 
ly this i know, viz :—theory unsupported by facts is 
of no authority. 
Let us now hear Dr. Eeiuotsox’s theory, as based 
on his facts in Mesmerism. Dr. El not son was a 
distinguished Physician of England, and was among 
the first of the English physicians w ho treated pa- 
tients with Mesmerism, lie says, “I have made ex- 
periments iu Mesmerism daily, (except the two 
months which I travel in every year) for five vvars 
carefully, with no other design than that of truth, 
and in the utmost variety of cases; and I have never 
once discovered the influence of my will. I have 
never produced any effect by willing. I have never 
seen reason to believe, that I have heightened the 
effects of mv processes by exerting the strongest will, 
and 1 have made innumerable comparative experi- 
ments upon this point.” * * * “I have alwavs 
failed, however much I willed.” 
We will next hear the Rev. C. If. Tow.vsenP, A. 
M. late of Trinity Hall, Cambridge. Mr. Townsend 
spent ninny years in making experiments in Mesme- 
rism: he was an acute observer, ana a good Philoso- 
pher. Ilis facts conducted him to the following the- 
ory. viz:—Mesmerized patients act upon real im- 
pressions, and in perfect conformity to external cir- 
cumstances. They retain all their sense of locality, 
all their cognition of time, and their knowledge of 
XO. III. 
It’is sometimes argued by the uninformed, preju- 
diced, and ill-designing, that Animal Magnetism, or 
Mesmerism, “In the hands of evil persons, may be 
perverted unto evil ends in the practice of medicine.” 
To this 1 answer. What is possible I can not tell, 
what is impossible I can not tell: this much I can 
say with confidence, the history of the treatment of 
disease by Mesmerism furnish no recorded facts 
which have fallen into my way, to warrant such a 
theory; but, an abundance of recorded facts are fur- 
nished to dis-prove the allegation. Again. In all 
the systems of practical medicine, viz :—the Allopa- 
thic, the Homeopathic, the Hydropathic, all the Phy- 
fcologicals, ke. &<•. use medicines and processes 
Uhicdi when abused, or mis-used, are capable even in 
Mjc hands of the most enlightened practitioners, to 9 
portions who may bo around them.’1 * * # 
“Seperated from the usual action of tho senses,the 
mind appears to gain juster notions, and to have 
quite a new sense of spiritual things, and to be lift- 
ed nearer to the fountain of all good, and of all 
truth. Sincerity is their especial characteristic ; 
they can not feign, nor flatter; they seem to be taken 
out of common life, with all its heartless forms, and 
plausible conventions.” * * * “In the Mesme- 
ric state, the mind’s sensibility is exalted and refined," 
&c. * * * “yet this increased sensibility is re- 
gulated by considerable self-control," &c. * * * 
“ This subject said, “ Do not mind, sir, I will control 
myself,” which she did accordingly, &c. * * * 
“ A state of mind so simple, so religious, so tender, 
yet so pure, is in itself a refutation of the charge of 
immorality, Avhich they who lack the charity, which 
hopes and believes the best, havo attempted to bring 
against Mesmerism.” * * * “If to this bo ad- 
ded the absolute deadness of corporeal sensation, 
which I have shewn to accompany sleep-walking, 
there will be a manifest absurdity in the supposition, 
that it is a mere voluptuous juggle, an affair of tho 
senses, and of sexual feeling.” * * 
“ Tho attraction toward the Mcsmcrizcr [says he] 
testified by the patient, is of a nature totally dssttnet 
from the promptings of passion.” * * “ Besides, 
several circumstances prove how remote from sexual 
feeling is the one in question; it is exhibited by eve 
ry Mesmerized person, witnout respect of ago, sex,or 
character [the subject said to another lady] “ You 
know, dear lady, how much I love you, and tho'feel- 
ingl have for my Mcsmerizer is sincere respect. That 
which keeps me near to him, is quite different from 
any affection,” &c. 
Mr. Townsend proceeds to say, “ But it may still 
be objected, that the Mesmerizer, if so disposed, may ; 
make a wrong use of the influence which ho posseses i 
over the patient.” On this point Mr. Townsend seems « 
to havo had no facts whence to deduce a theory, and 
in the absence of all proof for or against the objec- < 
tion, he wisely answers by saying, “Possibly”—And t 
even admitting the possibility of the abuse of t 
influence in Mesmerism by ill-designing per- t 
sons, he hesitates not to say, “ the fault rests with < 
mesmeric patients themselves,” aud not in the mag- ] 
netizer. i 
He further says of Mesmerism. “It not only tends < 
naturally to elevate the mind above sensual desires i 
aud material objects for the time being, but even af- J 
tor its immediate influence has passed away.” * * ( 
“It might win [says he] persons from bad habits, by i 
rendering them averse to the sins which most easily 
beset them.” * * * “ The increased sincerity c 
which persons manifest in the Mesmeric state, would c 
alono pronounce it the parent of quickened reason, f 
They perceive all the irrationality of falsehood,” &c. r 
From Mr. Townsend’s own interpretation of his l 
facts, and from his own arguments, he teaches, that c 
in tho Mesmeric state, the will of the patient is partly r 
active, and partly passive; or, partly free, and partly t 
controlled by tho will of tho Mesmerizer; their being r 
every possible shade in the degrees of this state, f 
from non-induction, to a perfect induction, advan- h 
cing into independent clairvoyance, there is ofcourse t 
corresponding differences of freedom, and control ; n 
no decisions therefore can be had, as a fixed state for fi 
all the cases; therefore, he has laid down his rule of 
the measure of iroodom, or control, in each and eve- 
ry case, by saying, “ A sleep, during which a person 
is made to act by another, demonstrates a will swayed 
by that other, in the precise proportion as the obedi- 
ence is prompt and absolute." 
In any given case, therefore, of a Mesmeric sleep, 
the measure of the freedom, or of the control of tho 
sleeper's will, is only to be known by an experiment 
on the part of the magnetizer. If the sleeper fail to 
obey the will of the magnetizer, it is evidence that 
the sleeper’s will is free; if the sleeper obey in soma 
measure the will of the magnetizer, it is evidence 
that the will of the sleeper is in somo degree under 
the control ofthe willofthe magnetizer. If the obe- 
dience be prompt, and absolute, (not relative) in all 
things, then it would be in evidence, that the sleeper’s 
will is supplanted by tho will of tho magnetizer. But, 
according to tho facts, and the theory of Mr. Town- 
send, tho moral sense remain3 unimpaired in the 
sleeper; and there is then an elevated state of mind, 
above what is base and sensual, and “ considerable 
self-control” is found in his cases. 
NO. V. 
Lot u3 notv hear the theory of J. P. F. Deleuze, to 
tvhich his facts conducted him. Deleuze was a very 
extensive experimenter in Animal Magnetism, or 
Mesmerism ; he practised it nearly half a century, 
and on all sorts of subjects. It was a sort of busi- 
ness of his life. Ho says of Mesmerism, “Iknow 
that one may sometimes, by the confidence of a 
sommambulist, [mesmerist] succeed to combine with 
him in the means of correcting his faults, and of ren- 
dering his conduct more regular, to break off dange- 
rous associations ; and in fine, to apply to his ordi- 
nary state the elevated moral sensibility which he 
exhibits in somnambulism” [mesmerism.] 
Again he says. “ The absolete insensibity of the 
organs of sense, and of motion, united to tho exal- 
tation of sentiment and thought, is sometimes a 
symptom that life Is drawing towards the brain, and 
the epigastrium. The spirit seems to disengage its- 
elf from tho organs, and tho somnambulist [mes- 
merist] becomes independent of the will of the mag- 
netizer." “ This state, to which the name of ecstacy 
or magnetic exaltation has been given, and which 
many German authors have considered as tho 
most elevated state of magnetism, is exceedingly 
dangerous,” to the patient, because of the exceed- 
ing brightness of the lighted brain. 
Deleuze also says, “ what has been related of the 
dependence which somnambulists (mesmeric sleep- 
ers) have upon their magnetizer3, ha3 given rise to ill- 
founded prejudices against somnambulism [mesme- 
rism.] But this dependence “ say3 he” is only re- 
lative, it has necessary limits, and can not have the 
consequences which somo have dreaded. Tho som- 
nambulist [sleep-waker] preserves his reason, and 
the use of his will. When he perceives that the 
magnetizer designs his benefit, he yields to him, and 
fortified by him, he determines to vanquish a bad 
habit—to resist an inclination, or an injurious phan- 
tasy—to take a medicine to which he feels a repug- 
nance, and which ho had judged necessary. He pro- 
fits by the ascendancy of the latter to work for him- 10 
jou, and to pat himself in an advantageous position, < 
which may be continued in his waking state.” ] 
“ Sometimes the patient obeys the order of his ( 
magnetizer in things that are indifferent, because < 
his desire of satisfying him predominates over the 1 
reluctance which be experiences; but, the magneti- i 
zer can not obtain from him the revelations of a se- i 
cret which it is his duty, or his interest to conceal;— i 
northings essentially contrary to the principles of ' 
honesty to which he is attached in his waking state. 
A reprehensible act of volition, would cause him to 1 
revolt, and throw him into convulsions. The expe- 
riments which have been made, to shew that one 
could make somnambulists (sleep-wakers) obey his ' 
will, have always been experiments of mere curiosi- 
ty, without any moral danger” connected with them. ' 
Deleuze further says: “In many works on magne-. 
tism, somnambulism (mesmerism,) has been repre- 
sented as a state of purity, in which man is superior 
to the passions, and would reject the slightest tho’t 
which would wound decency, or the moral-sense. 
Those who have sustained this thesis are supported 
by some facts ; but, the principle when generalized 
is absolutely false. Many somnambulists (sleep- 
wakers) preserve the passions and inclinations which 
they had in the waking state. There are some who 
are of angelic purity, and these would go into con- 
vulsions, if the magnetizer had a thought injurious 
to modesty. Some may be found who preserve in 
somnambulism, (mesmerism) the depravity which 
they display in their ordinary state. There are some 
of them who calculate their own interest, and profit 
by what is told them, to procure some advantage. 
Vanity and jealousy are sentiments very common 
Among them.” 
Here Deleuze is very expli cit, and speaks directly 
to the point at issue; his facts conducted him to the 
theory, that the mesmerized person in every stage of 
this sleep has a will of his, or her own ; that such 
sleepers are in a good degree independent of the will 
of the mesmerizer, insomuch, that they yield only in 
things indifferent, that is, things neither commanded, 
nor forbidden of God,—and in cases where the good 
of themselves is contemplated by the mesmerizer— 
and when his will accords with his, or her own will 
in the waking state. And ho holds, that in no case 
will a mesmerized person divulge a secret, which he 
or she would withhold from the mesmerizer in the 
waking state. It is perfectly made out by Deleuze 
alone, that the mesmerized person has a will of his 
or her own—and can do contrary to the will of the 
mesmerizer,—and that such sleepers will refuse to 
comply with the will of the mesmerizer in things, 
or proposals to which they are opposed, or disincli- 
ned in the waking state. And in the cases where 
such yield to the wishes of the mesmerizer they are 
so disposed in the waking state, or conceiva that 
their compliance is for their benefit. And that any 
attempt, or even the secret wish on the part of the 
mesmerizer to violate purity or modesty, would throw 
very many females into convulsions. 
We will now hear the sentiments of Mr. J. Stanly 
Grimes, on the influence which the will of an Oper- 
ator has over the will of a subject in the mesmeric 
sleep. Mr. Grimes was confessedly a philosopher 
and had a pretty extensive range of experience in 
mesmerism. His facts led him to the following the- 
ory, viz:—“When the inductive process has been com- 
pletely successful,—when many of the organs of the 
Operator have communicated their motions to the 
corresponding organs of the subject, and have estab- 
lished such a connection, that a movement of the 
Operator is immediately followed by a similar move- 
ment of the subject; and a feeling of the operator’s 
mind is followed by a similar feeling in the minds of 
the subject; this is sympathy.” “ I have found,” 
(says he,) “that by my will I could produce certain 
effects ; but, I have not found these effects increased, 
by increasing the energy of my efforts, &c.” 
Here it is plain, that gradations in the measure of 
control of the will of the patient, by the will of 
the operator is taught by Mr. Grimes; the same as 
is taught by Mr. Townsend, and measured by the 
same rule from a non-inductiou, to a perfect induc- 
tion, according to the number of the organs of the 
brain in the subject, inducted by the same organs of 
the operator, whether none, few, many, or all. And 
this sum of induction if any, is only to be known to 
the operator by experiment,—by the effects produ- 
ced,—by the character of the obedience rendered by 
the subject to the operator. Nor did Mr. Grimes 
find in his cases, that by the power of his will, he 
could produce any required motion and feeling; but, 
only “certain” ones ; nor was he able to increase the 
effects produced by his “increasing the energy of his 
efforts.” 
I will next offer a few words from Dr. Sherwood, 
who was a practical man in mesmerism, and a man 
of extensive experience and research in the matter. 
On an occasion when he employed a female in the 
clairvoyant state of mesmerism, in examining the 
internal organs of the human body, he put certain 
questions to her in regard to the matter of inspec- 
tion by her. He says “ she at first declined to an- 
swer from a sense of modesty.” “ She at last con- 
sented to answer me, on condition-1 w'ould not allow 
tho other gentlemen to hear any thing she said. I 
promised to comply with her request,” “she then,” 
&c. 
Here two things are prominent to view, viz:—1. 
This subject retained in her sleeping state the sense 
of female modesty in conversation she had in her wa- 
king state. 2. She then had the power of her own 
will to grant, or to refuse the answers required by 
her operator. Here is independence of will in tho 
case. 
I will now bring in review before my readers, the 
theory to which M. Passavant was conducted by his 
facts in mesmerism. M. Passavant, after citing in 
support of his opinions several remarkable facts, 
thus expresses himself on Mesmerism: “ Exterior 
agents may in spite of ourselves carry disorder into 
our physical organization ; but, our moral con3titu- 
, tion depends only upon our will. Thus, so long as 
a man (in the mesmeric sleep) wills to be free, ho 
remains so in somnambulism, (mesmerism,) as much 
as in the ordinary state. One might wound, or kill, 
but can not demoralize a human being (in the mes- 
meric sleep) without his consent.” 
We will next hear the theory to which the facts 
of Dr. J. P. Webster conducted him. Dr. Webster 
says, “I have been practicing mesmerism for many 
year J. I have made more experiments in mesmerism 
ihan Grimes and Townsend both. The subject when 11 
of the mesmeric sleep, is to a certain extent under 
the control of the will of the mesraerizer. Different 
subjects vary in impressibility. A limited control 
may be in some cases exercised over the will of the 
subject. There are different stages in the mesmeric 
sleep. I recognize six or seven degrees in the mes- 
meric sleep. If a subject when mesmerized, refuse 
to assent to a proposition made by the mesmerizer 
in one stage, he might refuse in either stage. The 
extent of influence, or the measure of control over 
the will of the subject, can be ascertained only by 
experiment in any case. The patient may sometimes 
awaken without the aid of the mesmerizer. Patients 
have wills of their own in all stages of the mesmeric 
sleep. Mesmerism elevates the moral feelings, and 
intellectual faculties in the subject—the tendency is 
such.” 
“I think the subject can not be controlled by the 
will of the mesmerizer, to do moral evil. A mesme- 
rized female has the same power of her will to resist 
encroachments made on her by her operator, as 
when she is awake. Physical resistance cun be made 
by her against efforts to enforce her, by her act and 
speech. If an immoral proposition be made to a fe- 
male in the mesmeric sleep by her operator, it could 
be repelled by words. If an act of encroachment 
by an operator be made to a female patient, the pa- 
tient might arouse from sleep. Such an attempt as 
rape on his part, would certainly arouse her, and pro- 
bably she would go into convulsions. I have no 
doubt, but that a mesmerized person has a ivill of his 
or her own. 
Mesmerism exalts and refines the moral feelings 
in the subject. I have never known of any immoral 
use being made of mesmerism with a female. I do 
not say, that subjects are not conscious of what is 
being done to them at the time ; I do say, they do 
not recollect it when awakened. My own opinion 
is, that patients arc conscious of acts when being 
performed on them. When I have touched the 
head on the organ of Amativeness, some subjects 
have Fhown a disposition to sexual love; but, 1 
have found this shewing to depend on the character 
of the persons when awake. When I have done the 
same thing on others, I have been always repulsed. 
I believe, that a mesmerized female can not be indu- 
ced by the will of the operator, to do an immoral ac- 
tion, tc which she has an aversion in her waking 
state.” 
I will now offer the theory to which M. de Puyse- 
gur was conducted by his facts in mesmerism.— 
Puysegur was the companion and disciple of the cel- 
ebrated Mesmer, and was the first experimenter in 
mesmerism, who discovered clairvoyance in mesmer- 
ized persons. He practiced mesmerism very exten- 
sively as a sort of profession, and in this way he 
treated all manner of sicknesses. He says : “ All 
my patients declared to me, that they preserved in 
that state (mesmeric sleep) their judgment, and 
their reason ;—that they perceived very quickly the 
designs of the magnetizer, and that these (if evil) 
could readily cause them to awake.” 
To this I will add the theory to which M. Faissac 
was conducted by his facts in mesmerism. Faissac 
was also an extensive practitioner in mesmerism, 
and an author of high merit. He says, when re- 
marking on the theory of Puys:gur, <;My somnambu- 
lists (mesmeric patients) told me exactly the same 
things.” “If then,” (says he) “some instances of a 
contrary nature be thrown out against us, magnet- 
ism (mesmerism) has been the pretext, and not the 
cause of the disorders,” &c. 
NO. VI. 
I will close the present inquiry, concerning the 
activity and passivity ; or, the freedom and control 
of the sleepers will, by reporting some reinvent facts 
which took place in a very notable case of mesmer- 
ic sleeping, known to the writer of this essay.— 
The subject of this mesmeric sleep was a sickly, 
and sick, married female. She was put into this 
sleep by her attendant physician,when sitting in her 
chair, as a remidial agent, or as a part and parcel 
of the treatment of her case of sickness, and at 
eight to nine o’clock at night; she had Asthma, 
complicated with Enteritis,Leucorrhea,andProlapsus 
Uteri. During this mesmeric sleep, this patient 
possessed the physical control over here person.— 
She had the power to sit alone in her chair, to stand 
alone, to walk alone, and to talk. She had the pow- 
er to receive into her own hands, and to return 
whatever was given her, such as medicines, vessels 
of water, tobacco pipe &c. She did swallow medi- 
cine, and water, and smoked her pipe,and she arose 
in bed to the sitting posture on each of these occas- 
ions, and then laid down again. 
She felt, and complained of the soreness-of a blis- 
ter, which had been drawn on the abdomen two 
days before; she felt, and complained of internal 
soreness in various parts of her person. She heard 
the voice of her magnetizer when he spoke to her, 
the blowing of the wind, the falling of rain, the 
beating, winding, and striking of the clock, the 
barking of dogs, and crowing of the fowls. She 
tasted the natural savors of her medicines, water, 
and tobacco smoke. 
This sleeper had a recollection of the past, a 
knowledge of present time, and of the persons pres- 
ent, and anticipations of the future time. She ar- 
rived correctly at several conclusions by a course of 
reasoning on some existing facts. When she was 
silent, she had all the apearance, peculiar respira- 
tion, and position of a person in a tranquil, and 
natural sleep ; her eyes were always closed. 
This sleeping patient assented to receive, and to do 
such things as her magnetizer proposed to her, 
which she preeeived was intended by him for her 
benefit in her sickness. She conversed freely with 
her magnetizer in an audible voice, on various mat- 
ters, and in a train of connected speech; she reported 
to him the history of her sickness for the twelve 
previous years, and her narrative in this, was sanc- 
tioned by her husband as. correctly told. 
This patient when in this mesmeric sleep resisted 
the will of her magnetizer, and refused compliance 
to hi3 will in three particulars, viz :— 
1st. At her going to bed about ten o’clock P. M. 
she was about to get in bed having on all her ordi- 
nary wearing clothes, when her magnetizer in an 
audible voice, expressed his will to her, that she 
would put off her outer heavy dress ; she however 
refused compliance with his will in this matter.— 
Her magnetizer now insisted on her compliance, and 12 
gave tu her his reasons for this request., viz—1, Be- 
cause of the warmth of the room, aud warmth of 
bed, and the presence of considerable fever in her 
person. 2. Because of the inconvenience to her 
nurse, super-induced by excess of clothing in deal- 
ing with said blister. 
To this she answered, “ I am used to sleeping 
with my clothes all on when sitting, and sleeping 
so much on a chair, when I can not lie in bed.— 
My clothes will not hinder me from sleeping now in 
bed. I had to be often up on last night, and if it be 
wuth me to-night as it wras last night, I will have to 
be often up to-night, and if so, I had rather keep on 
.nil my clothes.” She kept on all her clothes. 
2nd. This sleeping patient failed of silence. Af- 
ter this patient had lain down in bed, she talked 
much to her magnetizer ; insomuch that he became 
wearied with it, he then expressed his will to her in 
an audible voice, that she would be silent, and com- 
pose herself to rest; she however his will in 
this matter also, and continued talking;, he now 
insisted on her silence, but she continued talking for 
a long time afterwards, and until she ceased of her 
own accord. 
3d. This sleeping patient refused to make a 
clairvoyant visit. During this mesmeric sleep, this 
patient made several clairvoyant visits with 
her magnetizer to several places; hejnow expressed 
his will to her in an audible voice, that she would 
make with him a clairvoyant visit to the house of a 
certain neighbour, she resisted his will in this mat- 
ter also ; she refused her assent to make this pro- 
posed visit at all, and gave to him her reasons for 
her refusal, viz : she said, “land the people are not 
very friendly, I don’t like them, I never do go there 
and I don't want to go there now.” Here her 
magnetizer endeavoured to reconcilel her mind to 
make the proposed clairvoyant visit; but, she still 
refused, and did not make it. Note. In a clairvoy- 
ant travel, there is no moveing of the body, this re- 
mains in the same place it was before ; the travel is 
an ideal, immaginary, or fancied one. 
About eleven o’clock at night, the husband laid 
down in bed to sleep along with his wife, this sleep- 
ing patient; and at his reqnest, her magnetizer be- 
came her nurse pro tern. None other than the light 
of a burning wood fire was in the house, aud near 
this stood the patients bed. 
lie laid and seemed to sleep until three o’clock, 
when he arose from bed, and had some conversation 
with her magetizer about the re-dressing of her 
blister &c; he remained up a little season, and then 
returned to bed, and soon seemed to fall on sleep. 
About, or after four o’clock, this sleeping patient 
called her nurse or magnetizer to her bed-side, and 
said to him, “this thing (blister) hurts me inightly.” 
She now had slided off her pillows, and was awk- 
wardly lying closely up against her husband, her 
magnetizer now by her permission, assisted her as 
nurse to regain her proper and more comfortable 
position; he supported her with one hand, whilst 
with the other he re-adjusted her several pillows for 
head and shoulders, and laid her down. Whilst 
thus engaged in rendering service as her nurse, her 
husband stirred in bed, and seemed to awake ; and 
no doubt “saw” (for a dim fire-light lighted the 
room) her magnetizer, but indistinctly perhaps,whilst 
thus engaged. Note. This is it which afterward B 
was misnamed “Assault and Battery,&c,”—“Rape. 
Whilst her nurse or magnetizer was yet stand- 
ing on the floor, at the bed-side, this husband 
arose from bed, passed out the house, was ab- 
sent three to five minutes of time, returned, 
and found this magnetizer setting at the fire- 
place, and smoking a tobacco-pipe. He pass- 
ed on across the room, returned to bed, and 
for aught which is known did fall to sleep. 
On the next morning, this mesmeric, sleep 
ing patient expressed her independent will to 
her magnetizer thus, “Doctor ! (said she) I 
am tired lying hero asleep, I want you to wake 
mo up.” Her magnetizer now accordingly 
awakened her, it was now just seven o’clock, 
A. M. she now found herself lying in her own 
bed, at her husbands side, where she had lain 
and slept all night, she now conversed freely 
with her magnetizer of her sick condition, and 
expressed her hopes of the recovery of her 
health, she expressed her satisfaction with her 
night of sleep, and a wish that she could be 
put in the mesmeric sleep on every night for 
some time to come. Among other things she 
remarked that she had not dreamed, and recol- 
lected nothing after going into sleep, until sho 
was awakened on that morning. Her hus- 
band now was still in bed. and seemed asleep. 
An hour or two after breakfast had been 
eaten, her physician and magnetizer prepared 
some medicine in the presence of this patient, 
and by her sanction, for her future use; which 
medicines were received from his hand by her 
husband, together with special directions given 
for their use. After some time had been spent 
in conversation with this patient and her hus- 
band, this physician prepared to leave for home; 
when this patient in the presence of her hus- 
band consulted him on some matters relating to 
her state of health, and invited his return in 
his professional capacity, and he promised to 
return. This physician now took his leave 
for home, by a formal and friendly farewell, 
in the taking of the hands by turns of loth 
these parties, and left for home near ten o’clock 
A. M. having had no sir/n of any dissatisfac- 
tion on their part with himself in his demean- 
or. All was peaceful. 
Two days after this, the husband of this pa- 
tient appeared before a civil magistrate, and 
solemnly deposed on oath, that he “saw (this 
magnetizer) in his efforts to have carnal con- 
nexion with his wife, when she was in this mes- 
meric sleep and when “he (the husband) 
was lying in the same bed with her.” The 13 
render bore no doubt is surprised to loam, that 
this husband gave no look, said no word, and 
performed no act on the alleged occasion sig- 
nificant even of his suspicion, much less of his 
belief, or knowledge of the alledgcd offence, 
nevertheless, hereupon he instituted a charge 
at law against this physician for an “Assault 
and battery, with an intent to commit a rape’- 
ou the person of his wife, when she was in this 
mesmeric sleep. On the same day this hus- 
band said, “my wife knows nothing of what 
occurred, and she can testify to nothing &c,” 
therefore it was unnecessary to bind her over 
to appear in Court, as witness in this case. 
Four days after this, this female patient 
herself appeared before a civil magistrate, and 
solemnly deposed on oath, that her physician 
did put her in the mesmeric sleep, and that 
whilst she was in this mesmeric sleep, “she is 
satisfied, she is perfectly certain, that (her 
magnetizer) did have carnal intercourse with 
her, a very short time before she was awaken- 
ed on that morning, without her consent,— 
against her consent.” 
Hereupon, a charge at law was now institu- 
ted against her magnetizer and physician for a 
llape, alledged to have been by him committed 
on the person of this female patient, when she 
was in this mesmeric sleep, without the use of 
physical force, nor any force pretended. The 
lesser alledged offence was now merged in the 
greater charge of llape. 
The reader will observe, that this female 
patient had demeaned herself in a friendly 
manner towards her magnetizer, during his 
stay on the said morning, and made him a wel- 
come guest; no resentment then was shown 
towards him as an offender by either party, he 
was continued as her physician for the present, 
and the future, by the action of both those 
parties, and their parting was indicative of 
peace and friendship. Besides, four days be- 
fore this patient swore to this alledged Rape, 
she was by her husband held to be incompe- 
tent to become his witness in his “Assault and 
battery &c” case; nor, had she hitherto pre- 
tended to a knowledge of this alledgcd rape, 
ller magnetizer and physician denied the 
charges both, and pleaded not guilty to these 
both when merged in one. The case was tried 
and issued before the proper tribunal of pub- 
lic justice, where a verdict of “not guilty ” 
was rendered by the jury. 
From the consideration of the foregoing ac- 
count of mesmeric sleeping, we are irrcsitably 
oonductcd to the following oonolusioik. 1. In 
the mesmeric sleep, there aro Home patient* 
in whom the influence of the magnetizers will 
can not be discerned. 2. In some, the will 
is partly active, and partly passive ; or partly 
free, aud partly controlled, as in the natural- 
ly waking state, when motive and argument 
is addressed to the understanding. The which 
influence, is only to be known by experiment; 
and the sum of which is only to bo measured 
by the prompt, or tardy absolute, or relativo 
quality of the obedience (if any) rendered by 
the sleeper, to will of the magnetizer. 3. In 
this sleep, the patient has the freedom of will, 
so long as ho or she wills to be free, as much 
so, as in the naturally waking state; and can 
not be demoralized without his or her consent. 
4. In this sleep, there is a rise in man's na- 
ture, and the minds of some remain elevated 
above'what is base and sensual;whilst the minds 
of others remain at the same moral measure 
possessed in the ordinary state. 5. There are 
various degrees in this sleep, and in some in- 
stances, patients pass into the state of testacy, 
or exaltation, and become entirely from the 
mind of the magnetizer, after having been in 
some measure under his influence. 6. In all 
the cases of the mesmeric sleep, the sleeper 
possesses the moral sense unimpaired ; or has 
a conscience of moral right, and rong, as in the 
naturally waking state : perception is awake, 
the will operates, and he possesses his judg- 
ment, reflection, memory, and the understand- 
ing. 7. In this sleep female patients can not 
be induced by the will of their magnetizer, 
to do an immoral action, to whioh they have 
aversion in the naturally waking state. 8. And 
in case of any allegation made that the con- 
trary has been done, mesmerism is made the 
pretext, hut is not the cause of the evil. 9. 
Mesmerio, sleeping patients, possess the pow- 
er of will,to resist their magnetizer* s will in in- 
different things; they have the power of will 
to resist the magnetizers will in moral matters 
also. 10. In all the cases wherein the mesmer- 
ic sleeper has the power of will, to resist the 
magnetizers will in one, or two, or three parti- 
culars, he or she has the power of will, to re- 
sist the magnetizer’s will in a fourth particu- 
lars also. 11. In all the cases wherein tho 
mesmeric sleeper has the physical power to 
manifest resistance to the magnetizers will, 
by word, or act, in any one, or two, or threo 
particulars; he or she has the same power to 
manifest resistance to the magnetizers will by 14 
word, or art, in any fourth particular whatev- 
er. 12. To affirm for fact, what is in itself 
incapable of proof, is folly in extreme; and to ' 
alledge that a female patient, when in the mes- 
meric sleep, may be, or has been ravished by 
her magnetizer, without the use of physical 
force ; or, whom no physical force is pretend- 
ed to have been used, is ridiculous farce, su- 
perlative humbuggery, and utter nonsense. 
It no doubt seems wonderous strange to the 
reader, that a charge at law should have been 
made at all,by the husband if said mesmerized 
patient, against her magnetizer and physician, 
for “ Assault and Battery, with intent to commit a 
rape," on the person of his sick, and sleeping wife : 
but it is more wonderous still, that when he 
found that on this charge, this physician would give 
a bond and security for his appearance before the 
ensuing Court, he obej-ed the evil advices of some 
professed friends to “ go home, and tell his wife, 
that on his oath for “ Assault and Battery's," said 
physician could not be imprisoned, and tell her that 
she must swear a rape in order to his imprisonment,” 
notwithstanding it had been declared already, that 
“ she knows nothing of what occurred, and can tes- 
tify to nothing,” &c. But, both these wonders cease, 
when it is found that five days after this, said patient 
obeyed the mandate of her husband, viz : that “ she 
must swear a rape against said physician, in order 
that he may be imprisoned” although she had not 
a particle of knowledge on the matter. She un- 
equivocally swore to rape. 
The civil law thus defines the alledgcd offence. 
“ Rape is the carnal knowledge of a female, forcibly, 
and against her will.” Hence it i3 seen, that in or- 
der to perpetrate said offence, there must be had a 
“ carnal knowledge” of a female ; this carnal know- 
ledge must be had “ forcibly;” or, “ against her 
will;” and the which the law requires to fie proved 
against the accused by competent witnesses, before 
a proper tribunal, in order to conviction of the al- 
Jedged offender. It has been well said by a notable 
English judge that, “ Rape is a charge easy to make, 
bard to prove, and harder to disprove.” In this 
case, the vantage ground was all with the Prosecu- 
tors, this physician was unable even to pretend an 
alibi. The strength of his cause grew alone out of 
the weakness of the Prosecutors cause. 
Truth is one, and error is manifold. It so turned 
out in Court, that said “ carnal knowledge” failed of 
proof; “ force” was not pretended, nor attempted to 
be proved by the Prosecutor; and according to the 
above cited authorities on Mesmerism, it is impos- 
sible for a Magnetizer to perpetrate a “ Rape” on 
the person of his female patient, without use of force 
applied. This patient had the power of will to— 
choose, and to refuse; she had the power of speech, 
and of loco-motion. To insist therefore, that 
in this case coition between these parties was then 
and there had, is the same thing as to affirm, that 
said “carnal knowledge” was had by the.consent of 
parties—without the use of force ; there is no alter- 
native. Yet, this is not the truth ; nor is it desirable, 
nor honorable to the parties to be so made out. 
Now the truth is, no “ carnal knowledge” was 
then and there had between the parties, neither for- 
cibly, nor against said patient’s will; and this is the 
reason why a Rape was then incapable of proof.— 
It follows therefore, that the whole charge was a 
mistake, an error ; and all the ways and means em- 
ployed in the attempt to give support to said charge 
were false ; and all these had origin in a misappre- 
hension of the truth ; or they were all fabricated 
falsehoods made for evil ends. 
NO. VII. 
It is a grave question with some persons 
whether the mesmeric sleep and its phoenomna 
is a matter-of-fact ? It is said by this class 
of objectors to mesmerism, that “ the whole of 
the phoenomina of that state is in non-con- 
formity with the experience of men ; and 
therefore, is a thing not to be believed.” 
In answer to this objection I have to say. 
If this is in fact the case—if the whole of 
the mesmeric sleep and its phoenomina is in 
fact in non-conformity with the experience of 
men, then it is indeed a thing not to be be- 
lieved, unless it is allowed to be a miracle. 
But I ask, under what circumstances is it, 
that men believe that they comprehend any 
thing at all ? Is it not in faith in a tradition—- 
our own personal experience—and our ideas 
of an adequate cause for an effect ? 
The ghost and hob-goblin stories &c., which 
we learn in infancy, our religious prejudices 
&c., are founded on tradition handed down to 
us, and we believe without other evidence 
than a bare assertion. What we have ex- 
perienced in ourselves, we easily can believe 
on the evidence of the personal experience of 
others. What we ourselves are capable to do, 
we easily believe can be done by others, 
whether the actions be simple, or complex, 
right, or wrong &c. Whenever we can con- 
ceive in our own minds of au adequate cause 
(however futile it may be,) for an effect how- 
ever wonderous, we are satisfied with our knowl- 
edge of it; but when we fail to find in our 
own conceptions a sufficient cause for au effect 
we are dissatisfied, and are prone to ascribe it 
to a super-natural cause, or the direct interpo- 
sition of God, Angel, Devil or Spirit. A 
good writer says. “ In the the darker ages 
[when ignorance and superstition prevailed] 
the learned were deemed wizzards, and 
the man of science has been supposed to have 
signed a contract with Satan.” 
We have not been educated in the belief of 
metamerism, but we have been taught to be- 
lieve in “ natural somnambulism ;” or walking 15 
&c., in the natural sleep, which persdns do 
perform feats of various sorts when fast asleep 
and read, compose, write, and solve mathe- 
matical problems &c., difficult of solution when 
in the waking state. Medical books are full 
of these cases, and we all easily believe them 
on tradition only. Few however have believed 
in the mesmeric plioenomina on a less evidence 
than occular demonstration ; men require that 
they see it with the natural eyes in order to 
believe, and even then they often times deny 
that which they do behold, and charge collu- 
sion, trickery, fraud, simply because they do 
not conceive a natural, adequate cause in the 
production of results which they behold.— 
And when compelled by force of facts to 
yield, many are prone to ascribe the effects 
they see to the agency of the Devil, and in- 
fernal Spirits, rather than to no cause at all. 
How unphilosophical ! How unchristian-like 
is this ! and argues a tendency, or relapse, into 
Egyptian moral night, and a disposition to re- 
enter the Sybil’s cave, or to lend a listening 
ear to the Delphian oracle. 
What then is the philosophy of mesmerism? 
To what cause is its plioenomina to be as- 
scribed ? I answer. To solve this question, 
is to dive deeply, into the philosophy of the 
human mind, and in natural science too; it is 
no u child’s play,” it is so to arrange the facts, 
as to deduce a true theory therefrom ; it is to 
reason from the seen to the unseen; it is to 
prove the being of a thing by the effects pro- 
duced. The mesmeric sleep is an induced 
state, self-induced it may be, or by the agency 
of an other person. The instrumentality used 
is the human eye, the human hand, and the 
human will. 
Here it may be asked. Is it not performed 
solely by the imagination of the patient ? I 
answer, no. The imagination is found to be 
insufficient causation for the production of the 
mesmeric phoenomina. Again. It may be 
asked. Is it not performed solely by emen- 
ations of a material substance from the eye, 
or hands, or person of the agent by projection, 
and this received into the person of the pati- 
ent ? I answer, no. This too is insufficient 
causation for the production of the mesmeric 
phoenomina. To what then is it to be ascribed 
as a sufficient cause ? I answer ; to passivity, 
and activity. That is to say. The subject 
must be found, or place himself in a passive 
state of mind and body both—a mood of 
aJ3wiss meditation”—a wise passivenesc ; he 
should think on nothing, care for nothing, 
and make a self-dedication—a self-abandoning 
to be acted on. 
Mind, matter, and motion comprehends the 
universe of God, there is naught else on earth. 
Thus circumstanced, the magnetizer when in 
action does call up all his native energy, will, 
and determination of purpose, and brings it to 
bear by his attention on the patient when in 
this passive state, assisted by his own eyes, 
and hands, with or without the imagination 
of his patient. Mind can move matter only 
through a medium. The magnetiser’s mind 
by thought agitates, or moves his own brain j 
this motion in his brain cannot exist alone an 
isolated motion, but commucations its motions 
to all contiguous, unisolated brains, and es- 
pecially is directed by the agents eyes, hands, 
and silent will towards, and unto the passive 
patient’s brain, by means of an all-pervading, 
undulatory, ethcrial, or elastic medium in 
space; and induces mesmeric sleep, by re- 
moving the barriers there, which hitherto had 
isolated one or more organs of the patients 
brain from the force of others. And every 
obedience (if any) which is the offspring of 
the agents will, is thus referable to its origin; 
whilst indepent thought in the patient agitates 
his own brain, and this motion in his own 
brain, directed by his own will, produces in 
himself his independent and adverse motions 
and decisions. And the mesmeric sleep &c., 
is more or less perfectly done, according to an 
invariable proportion between the mesmeric 
force of the agent, and that of the patient.— 
Could that proportion once be assertained, this 
would reduce mesmerism to a law, and cer- 
tainty ; regarding at the same time, the varied 
characters and temperments of the patients. 
Thus is the mesmeric sleep, and its phee- 
nomina accounted for on natural principles.— 
Thus the seemingly mysterious, and so-called 
miraculous effects witnessed in the messmeric 
sleep, are but obedience to natural law, or- 
dained of God; and is as determinate in re- 
sults as are th e laws which govern in Grava- 
tion, Electricity, Metalic Magnetism, Chemi- 
cal affinity &c. Thus we dispense at once 
with Devil, Angel, Spirit, and all super-natu- 
ral agency in mesmerism. God alone presides 
in Annimal Magnetism j or Mesmerism. 
THE END