An History of Magic, Witchcraft, and Animal Magnetism, Vol. 1

uses in the economy of nature, could be discovered by philosophers? And how many similar facts may still await a satisfactory analysis and explanation?

In the meantime, the opponents of Animal Magnetism—and these were a very numerous class—found it more convenient to deny the facts altogether than to submit to the necessary labor of investigation; and in adopting this course, they were sure to have all the weak, the lazy, the timid, the ignorant, and the incompetent on their side. Besides, they might probably have heard a great deal about supernatural powers, fascinations, enchantments, divinations, magic, witchcraft, sorcery—and, perhaps, thousands of ridiculous stories intended to alienate all sober persons from the serious examinations of phenomena which, without due investigation, must have appeared very marvelous and utterly incredible; and, consequently, a fair subject for skepticism. Moreover, there is always a multitude of individuals, even among the better educated classes, who, being themselves incapable of conducting a new and serious investigation or unwilling to undertake the task, are content to await the decision of those who are accustomed to guide the opinion of the public in such matters before they consent to support new and unaccredited doctrines. But, in this par-