EDITOR'S PREFACE.

...to some extent at least, the goal of the author. He clearly wants the British public to have every opportunity to get information about this mocked science original: "derided science"—a science for which he is such a strong supporter, and with good reason.

It might be unwise to guess how this book will be received in this country. However, I cannot help but hope that the author’s clear honesty and his willingness to accept help—even from his opponents—in detecting whether Mesmerism A 19th-century practice, a precursor to hypnosis, involving the supposed transfer of "animal magnetism" to heal patients is a fraud original: "imposture" will win over even the most skeptical original: "conciliate the most incredulous". I hope it encourages them to calmly examine the many facts gathered by a man who has never been suspected of being either a villain original: "knave" or a fool. Everyone has an interest in ensuring that those presenting original: "propounders" these strange facts and theories about Mesmerism are given a fair hearing.

We must keep in mind that this power can be used for evil as well as for good. If we stubbornly refuse to even look into the subject, we leave ourselves defenseless against the abuse of a force that could be twisted for the most wicked original: "nefarious" purposes. This might not seem like an imaginary danger to those who carefully read the author's comments on the unusual trial involving the kidnapping original: "abduction" of a boy. This case, supported by the general belief in India that even more disgusting original: "detestable" crimes are common, may lead the public to realize that Mesmerism is a terrifying tool in the hands of a villain—and we have good reason to believe it is. Surely our lawmakers original: "legislators"—who spend long nights perfecting laws original: "bills of pains and penalties" to punish those who steal pet poodles and other dogs—will see it as their duty to make the practice of Mesmerism illegal original: "penal", except when performed by properly trained medical doctors. If my brother's book does nothing...