An Introduction to the Study of Animal Magnetism

most distinguished medical professors in this city—Professors Elliotson and Mayo—have also recently convinced themselves of the reality of the magnetic influence. In addition to these authorities, I may also appeal to the Report of the Commission of the French Academy, which, after a very formal and deliberate investigation, recorded facts in support of animal magnetism, the details of which cannot, I believe, be in any way refuted. Hence, if reference to authority fails to command conviction in its favor, at least it should induce those who have not yet studied the science to suspend their judgment until they have investigated it.

Again: The appeal to personal observation is open to every inquirer. It is obvious that this can be obtained only by attending the séances original: French term for "sessions" or "meetings." of any professor of animal magnetism, whether at the North London Hospital, or at my own apartments, where I shall always be happy to afford men of science and literature every facility for the examination of magnetical phenomena. Here, however, I would caution those who attend such demonstrations not to form an opinion too hastily; let them, in particular, beware how they attach importance to negative evidence. It is not claimed by magnetizers that all individuals are equally susceptible to the magnetic influence; the best magnetizers will occasionally fail to induce any visible effects;