Magic, witchcraft, animal magnetism [&c.].

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Books on Demand, 1852 - Psychology - 131 pages
 

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Page 29 - For my own part, it appears to me, that the general conclusions established by Mesmer's practice, with respect to the physical effects of the principle of Imitation and of the faculty of Imagination, (more particularly in cases where they co-operate together,) are incomparably more curious, than if he had actually...
Page 77 - In a short time he became so excited, that, without taking time to do his toilet, he rushed down-stairs in his night-dress, assuring the astonished household of the fact and insisting that the room really was quite 'full of birds, as he could testify from the evidence of his senses, for he had not only heard them, but also seen and felt them flapping their wings against him.
Page 30 - ... science : nor can I see any good reason why a physician, who admits the efficacy of the moral agents employed by Mesmer, should, in the exercise of his profession, scruple to copy whatever processes are necessary for subjecting them to his command, any more than that he should hesitate about employing a new physical agent, such as electricity or galvanism.
Page 73 - Shetland informed the physician, who gives an account of this disorder as an eyewitness, that being considerably annoyed on his first introduction into the country by these paroxysms, whereby the devotions of the church were much impeded, he obviated their repetition by assuring his parishioners that no treatment was more effectual than immersion in cold water; and as his kirk was fortunately contiguous to a freshwater lake, he gave notice that attendants should be at hand during divine service to...
Page 73 - ... first introduction into the country by these paroxysms, whereby the devotions of the church were much impeded, he obviated their repetition, by assuring his parishioners, that no treatment was more effectual than immersion in cold water, and as his kirk was fortunately contiguous to a fresh-water lake, he gave notice that attendants should be at hand, during divine service, to ensure the proper 'means of cure. The sequel need scarcely be told. The fear of being carried out of the church, and...
Page 15 - ... if any idea of what might be expected existed in the mind previously, or was suggested orally during the process, it was generally very speedily realised.
Page 77 - In the year 1686, in the months of June and July," says the honest chronicler, " many yet alive can witness, that about the Crossford Boat, two miles beneath Lanark, especially at the Mains, on the water of Clyde, many people gathered together for several afternoons, where there were showers of bonnets, hats, guns, and swords, which covered the trees and...
Page 15 - By putting leading questions, and asking her to describe what she saw from another part of the closet (where there was nothing but bare walls) she went on describing various shades of most brilliant coruscations and flame, according to the leading questions I had put for the purpose of changing the fundamental ideas. On repeating the experiments, similar results were repeatedly realised by this patient.
Page 97 - After this, he will hear celestial sounds, the songs and conversation of the celestial choirs ; he will have the perception of their touch in their passage through the air ; his taste will become refined, and he will enjoy the constant fragrance of sweet scents.
Page 97 - ... possessed of certain and unhesitating knowledge ; he is enabled to trace the progress of intellect through the senses, and the path of the animal spirit through the nerves. After this, he is able to enter a dead or a living body by the path of the senses, all the senses accompanying him, as the swarm of bees follow the queen bee; and in this body to act as though it were his own...

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