The mesmerist's manual of phenomena and practice : with directions for applying mesmerism to the cure of diseases, and the methods of producing mesmeric phenomena. Intended for domestic use and the instruction of beginners

Preface

In presenting this little Manual to the public, I seek to offer something which may be useful to those who desire a knowledge of the subject. I do not, for a moment, presume to say that I can teach that which is not already known. I claim nothing as a discoverer, — I am merely a retailer of other men’s discoveries. That which a man learns from others and then reduces to practical experiment, verifying and understanding by personal observation, he makes his own, — and may again teach or set it forth without being charged as a mere plagiarist. Mesmerism was well understood and practised, even in this country, before I was bom ; all relating to it which I now know and can tell has been already ascertained ; it is therefore not personally a fault — that I cannot teach anything not previously known. The information which I try to give in the following pages I know to be truth ; the reader will judge if it be given plainly or obscurely ; I can only hope for a favourable verdict if found worthy of it. I make no pretension to elegance of composition, seek not to produce a literary work, but am content if it befound plain and practical, and consequently useful. If I am charged with twice telling or repeating the same thing too often — be it so ; I would rather tell too well than be obscure, or not tell plainly enough that which it is important the learner should clearly apprehend.

I hope I have not omitted quotation marks where I have quoted from others. I have too active an organ of Self-esteem to be a mere copyist ; when giving the result of others’ thoughts

PREFACE.

their words may have unwittingly been used, and to this extent a plagiarism committed. I am not conscious that it is so, and plead not guilty of a wilful purpose and intent.

If any reader finds I have written too much he can put down the hook ; if some think I have not told enough I refer them to the works of Sandby, Townshend, Teste, Deleuze, and others, which may be obtained at Bailliere’s, the publisher.

In various numbers of the Zoist are papers by Dr. Elliotson containing most valuable information of a practical kind, and any question as to the utility of mesmerism as an agent for curing diseases will be quite set at rest by a perusal of that periodical.

The necessity of doing justice to my subject has compelled me to state much which the uninformed reader will scarcely accept as credible ; it is not easy to believe seeming impossibilities ; but the reader must know that things which were deemed absurd and impossible by the past generation are the established truths of the present one. The natural tendency of human intelligence is to progression ; to refuse the truth because it is not miderstood is to finite all improvement. Let the reader reflect on this, and grant me that credence which in like circumstances he would solicit from another. The majority of mesmerists have commenced by doubting, have next proceeded to experimental investigation, and believe from the rational evidence afforded by their personal experience. Reader ! if you would be convinced of the truth of mesmerism and its phenomena you have but to follow this example. Truth wall not be won unless courted.

G. II. Barth.

7, Eversholt /Street ,

Morning ton Crescent.

Contents

PAGE.

Introduction I

Mesmerism, — what ? 2