Mesmerism, or System of Interactions

XVIII

"to whom I had so desired to become generally useful."

And connected to this is another word which later
indicates the execution of the former.*)
"Since only a small stretch remains for me to traverse on the
"path of my life, I know of no more important task than to consecrate
"the remainder of my days solely to the practical application
"of a remedy whose immense benefit my observations and experiences have
"taught me to recognize, so that my final work may increase
"the number of facts, and, when these have spoken more loudly
"than words for conviction, the preservation of man in the future
"may no longer be determined by uncertain medicines, as by an
"insecure game of chance."

Meanwhile, Mesmer had—according to his own words—written down
the views and considerations that had led to the discoveries and experiences.
In this way, the present work was created, from which he had taught
the principles necessary for practical application in oral lectures
in France.

*) See General Explanations on Magnetism and Somnambulism by Dr. F. A. Mesmer; or see Askläpieion, October issue 1812 p. 25.