Animal electricity and magnetism demonstrated, by the laws of nature, with new ideas upon matter and motion. By the Reverend Doctor Bell, member of the Philosophical, Harmonic Society at Paris, fellow correspondent to M. le Court de Geblin's museum. ; To which is prefixed, an introductory discourse on the laws of motion, in which are explained, animal electricity and magnetism, both natural and artificial.

Animal Electricity and Magnetism DEMONSTRATED. PART II.

THERE is an universal fluid, which fills all space. Eve∣very body is endowed with a certain quantity of elec∣tric fluid. There exists an attraction or sympathy, and anti∣pathy between animated bodies. The universal currents of the universal fluid, are the cause and existence of bodies. One may accelerate those currents in a body, and produce Crises and Somnambulism; which is done by acting reciprocal∣ly upon one another, by increasing the currents going across their interstices or pores: in consequence of the absolute will of the operator.

As there exists a general, and reciprocal gravitation of all celestial bodies towards each other; so there exists a particu∣lar and reciprocal gravitation of the constituent parts of the Earth towards the whole, and of that whole towards each of its parts.

That reciprocal action of all those bodies is operated by an imperceptible vapour, flowing in and out, as you see in a Loadstone, or artincial Magnet, forming an outside atmos∣phere: It also produces currents, in a more or less direct manner, according to the analogy of bodies. That body, which can act most effectuall; on a sickly man, is one, who is in a good state of health, and of a similar constitution. The power of man in a good state of health will then be greater, in consequence of the other's weakness; who re∣ceives more than he gives. It will increase the circulation, and produce beneficial effects.

The respective position of two beings, acting on one ano∣ther, is not indifferent. To judge what that position should be, we ought to consider each being as a whole, compounded of different parts; of which each possesses a form, or particu∣lar tonical movement. It is, of course, by that mean easily understood, that two beings have over each other the greatest influence possible, when they are so placed that their analo∣gous parts act, on one another, in the most harmonical man∣ner. It is necessary that the person who submits to be treated is willing, as well as that the operator's mind must be absolute, and think of nothing but the different sensations he then seels. Credite, and V••lete.

Therefore, in order that two persons may act on each other in the strongest manner possible, they must be placed opposite each other. From north to south is the best. You may treat in other directions, according to your idea and circumstances. In that opposite position your atmospheres are joining; and you may be considered as forming but one whole, acting in an harmonic manner. When man suffers, all the action of life is directed towards him, in order to destroy the cause of suffering; likewise, when two persons are acting on each other, the whole power of that union acts on the disordered parts, with a force proportioned to the increase of the mass. It may, therefore, be in general asserted, that the action of Animal Electricity and Magnetism, &c. increases in proporti∣on to the masses.

It is possible to direct the action of Animal Electricity and Magnetism, &c. more particularly on any individual part, by fixing your idea, and directing the fluid upon the part affect∣ed. Our arms may be considered as conductors to the animal fluid, and serve to attract or repel, according to our will, and establish a kind of continuity between bodies. It follows, from what has been said on the most advantageous position of two beings, acting on each other in order to maintain the har∣many of the whole; that one ought to touch the right part with the left arm, and the right foot in contact with the left, &c. In that position you are in affinity with your patient; your two atmospheres are joined: It shows the opposition of poles in the human body, which are nearly the same as those which may be observed in the Loadstone, or Artificial Mag∣net.

Paracelsus, as well as many other anatomists, have admit∣ted poles in man. Mr. George Adams, in his Treatise on

Magnetism, justly says,

In some future period it may be discovered, that most bodies are possessed of a polarity, as well as one direction relative to the various affinity of the elements of which they are compounded.

The better 〈◊〉〈◊〉 conceive the poles of the human body, we ought to con••••∣der man as divided into two parts, by a line drawn from the top to the pubis. All the joints of the left part may be considered as poles, opposite to those corresponding there∣with. The fluid passes out more sensibly, and in greater a∣bundance from the extremities; as those extremities are consi∣dered as poles opposite to the right, and are the best conduct∣ors of the animal fluid.

You may give polarity to animate and inanimate bodies; that is to say, to increase an action to a degree which they had not before, only by a friction, very nearly resembling that which you give to a piece of steel, before it becomes a Magnet; except that it will not be so palpable. You may also change the poles in the human body, pretty nearly the same as you change those of a Magnet. You may also strengthen or increase the action of Animal Electricity and Magnetism, by animate and inanimate bodies, as you increase the action of an artificial Magnet, by adding more Magnets; provided the poles are contrary: Therefore, every thing is filled in the Universe by means of an universal fluid, in which all bodies are immersed; and, consequently, all beings touch one another, in consequence of the continual circulation by which the currents of the magnetic fluid flow out and pass in. In consequence of this, you may affect a person at a distance; provided he be of a weak habit of body, and has been in a crisis before you put the column of air into vibration, which exists between the person you treat and yourself: That will affect him, as is seen at a concert in Westminster Abbey, or other places.

In order to be in affinity or harmony with your patients you must touch him by the hand. As there is a circulation which forms itself between you and him, and tends to an equilibrium, it is generally, by that mean, easier to take your patient out of his crisis.

You next hold up both your hands parallel to the bead, and bring them gently down as far as the pubis: You may follow the direction of the nerves. Then six you hands upon the diaphragm or stomach, where lies the greatest abundance of nerves. You may put your thumbs upon the plexus, and

put the nerves in motion. You may also six one hand upon the stomach, and draw the other towards you: By that mean you attract, or repel at pleasure. There are various ways of manipulation, which the operator makes use of according to circumstances. If you wish to procure sleep, soon change your position; get either to the right or left side of your patient. In that position, you six one of your hands before the head, and the other, behind. Keep them there, with all your might, till you seel some heat in the palms. If the person is not inclined to sleep, you must charge the head in different direc∣tions, by shutting your hands, as if you were boxing; then you open them quick; and this you repeat often. The per∣son then seels a drowsiness. You must keep your hands in opposition, as before. By those means the animal fluid gets into the absorbent vessels; acts also upon the nerves; which stimulates the body, and produces a crisis. If you see the pa∣tient too much agitated, get opposite to him, and bring both your hands downwards, from head to foot, or, as if you were to fan a person; and, getting backwards, it will compose him.

Then you seek for the cause and place of the illness; or, you hold the person's hand, and ask him where he seels pain; as it is increased by treating. If he does not answer your questions properly, it is a sign he is not in a perfect state of Somnambulism. You must keep him asleep longer, without speaking to him.

You then seek for the seat of the disease, by extending your hands at a little distance from his body, beginning from head to foot. If your sensations are good, you may, with a little attention, seel within yourself, pains, in the same part in which the patient is affected: Or you may seel, at the ends of your fingers, a heat, if it is an inflamation, or ob∣struction. If you feel a coldness, it is in the lymphatic ves∣sels. If billious, you seel a numbness; and many other ways, which different constitutions seel.

Either of these circumstances will inform you where the disease lies: But, by touching, which is the surest way, you soon become certain of the seat and cause of the disease; which sometimes lies in the side opposite to the pain, particu∣larly in nervous affections, &c.

You may touch, if you like, the cause of the disease, or charge it, as you do the head: by those means you keep up the symptomatical pain, till you have rendered it critical;

you second the effort of Nature against the cause of the dis∣ease, and act like a stimulus; which will produce a salutary crisis, by putting the whole frame in action; which will re∣move any disease proceeding from obstruction, &c. After this the patient finds himself composed, and the cause of the disorder diminished.

When the patient is asleep, you ask him if it is time to take him out of it. If he answer, Yes; draw your hands towards his head, down to the feet, and rub the eyes with your thumbs several times; and wave your hands, as if fan∣ning a person who is too hot. You get, by degrees, back∣wards, till he is recovered.

The cause of most part of diseases is an irritability, or sever dibility, or obstruction. By the flowness or abolition of moti∣on is produced an obstruction or debility, and by its accelertion, an irritability, in••la••ation, and sever.

The seat of those diseases is generally in the viscera; as, the intestines, the spleen, the liver, the epiploon, mesentery, the loins, &c. In women, the stomach, the womb, &c. These aberra∣tions or obstructions are an impediment in the circulation of one part, which presses on the blood or lymphatic vessels, and on the nerves; which produces those spasms, because the flu∣id circulates slowly. For that reason, those persons are the soonest affected, and put into a crisis, when they are labouring under those maladies. If those vessels press upon the root of a nerve, the motion and sensibility of the corresponding parts are quite suppressed; as in an apoplexy, palsy, &c. There are no better conductors for the animal fluid, than the nerves; as they are spread all over the body. They abound more par∣ticularly in the diaphragm, stomatical and ombelical plexus; where lie the roots of the nerves, which extend their branches (as a tree does its branches and roots in the Earth) all over the body.

Many philosophers have thought, that in them the soul lies. It is through them that the Somnambules see in the dark, when their eyes are shut. When you treat a person, you must fol∣low, as much as possible, the direction of the nerves. You may treat at a small distance, and fix your hand upon the part affected; and, by motion, you put the column of air (existing between you and the patient) into vibration; which will cause an irritation, and produce a crisis.

Many professors make use of conductors, either glass, steel, silver, or gold, about eight inches long. They have a good

effect in some cases. All this proceeds from the idea of the operator. Mr. Mesmer tells us,

When you make use o•• conductors, you must magnetise from right to right;

that is, the poles are changed. I have repeatedly produced the same effect, by treating from left to left; except when I have put a person into sleep, without a conductor. If, while a∣sleep, I magnetised them from right to right, some have gone into a crisis; others have awaked. If you touch the forehead with your right hand, you must put your left in opposition behind; and in the same manner to any other part of the bo∣dy; because there is a reaction of fluid, from one pole to the other. like a Magnet. As Dr. Mesmer represents the human body as a Magnet; if you establish the north to the right the left becomes the fourth, and the middle, like the equator which is without predominant action. I repeat it; It is most advantageous to be opposite the person you want to treat, it order to cure him effectually.

Curing consists in reestablishing the disturbed harmony. The general remedy is the application of the animal fluid, which serves to reestablish the equilibrium which is lost in some part of the body.

As there is but one disease, there is but one remedy. If motion is diminished, it ought to be increased: If there is too great irritability, it ought to be decreased. As it is on solid bodies that this fluid operates, particularly on our viscera, in order to rectify them; as they are destin∣ed, by Nature, to prepare, to dissolve, and assimulate ou•• humours; they should be brought to their equilibrium, by any means whatever; either by employing internal or ex∣ternal remedies: But we ought to be very cautious how we administer them, except such as the patients will order for themselves, or prescribe for others; which are generally very simple.

There are few remedies, taken internally, which are good; because, when received into the stomach and the first passages, they experience the same elaboration as our aliments; the parts of which, analogous to our humours, are assimulated there by chylification; and the heterogeneous particles are ex∣pelled by the means of excretions. Those remedies, which may be given, will often prove to have effects contrary 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the intentions of the prescriber; because most of them a very aqueous, stimulate too much, and will increase irritati∣on, spasms, &c. and produce effects discordant to the harm••∣ny

of the parts; which ought to be established, and restor∣ed to their proper equilibrium.

If treating is not sufficient to produce vomiting, in the case of a person who has too much putridity, or abundance of bile which has been too long standing; then a gentle eme∣tic is to be given; or magnesia, if there is too much acid. If alkali is predominant, order a solution of soluble tartar, or other acid which you think will agree with your patient. In case of a violent cholic and costiveness, or sore throat, in∣jections are the best.

These are the general remedies which ought to be admini∣stred to the patients; as I am sure that all those preparations of minerals, &c. which we see in an apothecary's shop, were never intended by Nature for the human body. Modern phy∣sicians have, from an interrested view, neglected the know∣ledge of the vegetable kingdom, more adapted by Providence for the human body.

The diet of the patient is whatever Nature points out to him. She dictates what every man ought to follow; because she seldom deceives us in our manner of living. It is not what we eat, nor the quantity, which does good: It is what we digest.

Animals, by instinct, will never touch any thing, but what Nature has dictated to them. In this, their instinct is far su∣perior to our reason.

Spirituous liquors are forbidden; strong, green tea, with∣out milk; coffee; hot aliments, and the use of snuff; be∣cause it irritates the pituirary membranes in the throat, the stomach, and the head; and will produce crispation, and irri∣tation.

The usual drink may be, water with a bit of toast in it; wine and water, or good, rich wine; old smallbeer; good porter; lemonade, or different syrups: All these may be or∣dered, according to the case of the patient.

The eating may be, good broth, either of beef, mutton, or veal; chicken, boiled; and roasted meat. Avoid any salt or fat meat. Make use of any fallads, good, ripe fruits, &c.

Gentle exercise in an open air, either riding or walking; and cold or warm baths are most excellent. The drinking of some mineral waters is good.

In fact, a good observer (though not a phytician) may cure more people than a man of the faculty; because a doctor ne∣ver

〈◊〉〈◊〉 without an apothecary: They all go together, hand in hand, and do more harm than good.

If you have but one patient, and cannot move him out o••∣bed, gather round him as many healthy persons as you can: Make them rub their hands well; then make them hold one another, and communicate to the patient. This is what I call, Forming a chain. By that you communicate to him the animal fluid, which will vivify him, if he is too much debi∣litated. You may seat him upon an insulated stool, as when you electrify a person. You may seat him upon a chair, and make a healthy person sit upon the same chair; back to back. You may magnetise a tree in a garden: You may have one in your room, or a small reservoir. There are various ways, which depend upon the idea of the magnetiser.

There are several ways of treating and curing. For that effect, much attention and prudence is required; and an ho∣nest man, willing to do good to his fellowereatures who la∣bour under any infirmities, will never treat his patients in public, nor make them walk in their sleep, or do many other things. These things may convince many incredulous people of the effects; but cannot do good to the patient. I will say also, that a person cannot treat more than two or three pati∣ents in a day, to do them justice; and those who do treat more, seldom cure by magnetising alone. The patients may fancy they have been cured; but, if they had not been so treated, they might also have been well. As their treatments are long, Nature operates and is a better doctress.

There are some who will firmly assure you, that they have cured people at the distance of two or three hundred miles off, without ever having seen the patients, or putting them into crises. I will answer them. They are either fools or mad∣men. Their imaginations being heated with this idea, they are like visionaries.

I knew an ingenious physician, who saw every body with the yellow jaundice; and another, who thought every body had a virus in the blood, and treated all his patients, as hav∣ing a gallicus morbis; and another, who pretended to cure every body, only by looking at them: All these are some de∣grees of insanity.

I knew several persons, who supposed I had been treating them after I had left their houses. They fell asleep, some twenty miles off; and they have related this, as a fact, to se∣veral of their friends; while I was amusing myself, and ne∣ver

thought of them. And suppose I had been treating them, and they, by chance, had fallen asleep, I could not, with pro∣priety, relate the story as a fact; because, to hold good, it must be often repeated.

I never rest my judgement upon a single experiment. In experimental philosophy facts are stubborn, and no one can contradict them when repeated.

Now I shall explain the Manner of treating and curing, ef∣fectually, on reasonable Principles, each Complaint, particu∣larly.

IF you have a patient who has a headach; you seat him in a chair, the back towards the north, or otherwise; you sit opposite to him; you put yourself in affinity with him, as I have before observed; you draw the general cur∣rent, following the direction of the nerves; you hold your hands the same as if you were to hold a pen; and you seek for the cause of the pain, which may be in different parts. Perhaps the patient will tell you, if you cannot find it. If it is a Hemicrania, which is owing to the foulness of the sto∣••ach, you fix your eyes upon your left hand, which you di∣rect towards the stomach with your right hand, and do the same as if you were to turn a pancacke. This you repeat se∣veral times; which stirs the atmosphere, relaxes the stomach, and makes him vomit. You may give a little warm water to promote your operation. You may also treat the head, by drawing the fluid downwards. If the pain has been of long standing, you may order a vomit, or a gentle purge; treat him every day; and afterward order bitters to strengthen the stomach.

There are different headachs; as, the Cephalagia, when the head is affected slightly in one part. Cephaloea is when the whole head is affected: One side only is called, Hemicrania; and a small spot affected is called, Clavis Histericus.

These various headachs arise from different causes. If it proceeds from obstructions, a Crisis is very salutary; as it puts the whole body into motion, and will remove the cause.

Treating the part which you think affected is very necessary. You do this with one hand or both, by drawing your hands towards you several times, as before. To treat the head, you may apply your hands upon the temples, and put your thumbs upon the frontal Sinus; which will often remove it.

DEAFNESS.

IF the want of hearing proceed from a fault in the struc∣ture of the ear, there is no cure. If it proceed from cold, sever, hard wax, or dryness, you may magnetise ac∣cording to my principles. You keep yourself within a yard or two, according as you feel a reaction. [Vide the first part.] You then fix you left hand toward the ear, and move your right, open, and bring it towards the left hand; and do the same as if you were to clap your hands. By that mean you put the air into vibration; and, guided by your left hand as a conductor, you apply the palm of the hand upon the ear; or you may put your thumb in the ear, and, with your other finger, as you hold a pinch of snuff, press the thumb toward the ear; by which you accelerate the fluid into it. You may make use of a conductor, either glass or artificial magnet, and put it into the ear, and press, with two fingers, from the basis towards the ear. You may magnetise the head, by drawing the fluid towards you.

All these means you are to make use of, according to your sensations and judgment.

Sometimes an injection, made of Castile soap, warm bran∣dy and water, will assist your operation.

Of the Toothach.

THIS violent, though not dangerous disease proceeds from rheumatism, obstructed perspiration, inflamation, &c. This being the case, you treat according to my rules. If there be inflamation, you draw the fluid from the head; you touch the temples, the frontal sinus, the top of the head, the articula∣tion of the jaws, and under the chin. You may touch the tooth with your index and thumb: But sure way, is to get an ar∣tificial Magnet, and, as your patient's face is toward the south, apply the south pole upon the tooth, touch the next teeth, and draw the fluid downwards; which will perform a cure.

Diseases of the Eyes.

THERE is nothing so difficult, as to cure those diseases; and none of our organs is more subject to be affected, than the sight, or from so many causes. When they proceed

from obstructions in the customary evacuations, you must magnetise according to my rules. You treat the cause, also the eyes, by fixing your thumbs opposite; with the index you press the sluid into the eyes; you move your thumb opposite to you, and may rub the eyes gently; and drop magnetised water into them with a quill. This you do three or four times a day; and order a little lemonade or syrup to your patient.

The Gutta S••rena, Opthalmia, Cataract, Specks on the Eyes, and Fistula Lacrymalis, are very difficult and almost incurable.

I have heard many magnetisers boasting of the cures they had made of these diseases. I have had more practice, in that way, than many of them; and confess, candidly, I have made but few.

I shall explain the best manner of treating. You must first know the cause which you treat; afterwards, applying your thumbs gently on the eyes, you rub them often. You then fix your thumb, with the next finger, at a distance from the eye. But I have bad success, in some cases of this kind, by making use of an artificial Magnet, fixing it at the distance of half an inch from the eye: It has, by that mean, remov∣ed Spots, and Gutta Serena, proceeding from the compression of the nerves by superfluous humours. I have dropped mag∣netised water, three or four times a day, with success.

A proper regimen is necessary, and some internal and ex∣ternal applications.

Of the Epilepsy and hysterical Affections.

THOSE diseases are the opprebriam of the faculty, with many others; as they cannot be cured by internal me∣dicines, except when proceeding from obstructions, worms, or affection of the mind, &c.

In those cases you treat according to the rules; then you touch the head on the top. Applying your thumb on the root of the nose, you endeavour to dissolve the obstructions which may be the cause. Apply your hand upon the Dia∣phragm, and endeavour to put the nerves in motion. You may treat at a distance also; but try to produce a Crisis.

Drs. Andrey, and Towret, at Paris, have cured several epi∣leptics by applying artificial Magnets round the head; or, like a horseshoe, applied upon the top of the head. When they are in a sit, apply a Magnet in each hand; which will

soon recover them. I have brought some to, by applying a key in their hands. They are very good in spasms, faintings, and cramps; which cease instantly upon applying a magnet to the soals of the feet.

Of the Scrophula, called the King's Evil.

THIS disease is a disgrace to physic. Some persons have had the gift of curing by touching. I have seen, in London, two persons who had been touched by a man, after he was hanged. They were relieved; but I really believe it was the force of imagination. Being frightened, by the dead man, made such a revolution in the blood, that it removed the obstruction in the glands. You may touch your patient in those parts, and draw the effluvia, in order to resolve the glands.

If there be an ulcer, order the patient to bathe the part with magnetised water, and keep a bit of rag upon it.

Seabathing, decoction of celery and hemloc juice may be tried, besides treating.

Sore throat, or any inflamation, is to be treated by draw∣ing the fluid out of the part; either by putting yourself in opposition, or by standing on one side, and putting one hand behind the neck, and the other before.

Of the Palsy.

WHEN the palsy happens to an old person, or has been of long standing, it is seldom cured; but, if it happen to a middling age, and one side only be struck, called an Hemiplegia, a cure will be effected, by being treated soon after. You may magnetise your patient opposite, as usual. After you turn the side affected towards the north, you treat the opposite side; in which the cause is supposed to lie. You may touch with one ha•••• along the backbone, or within an ••••ch of it, along the great Intercostal, by applying your right hand upon the stomach. You treat him about two hours. If you can put him into a Crisis, which is very easy you may ex∣pect to cure him.

You make him lift up his bad arm, or have somebody to support it. You put a conductor into his hand, to attract the universal fluid. You may insulate him, and turn the part affected towards the north. Tie a silk string to the ceiling;

at the end of it have a strong, compounded Magnet; the north pole parallel to the hand. To the other hand tie, like∣wise, another string; at the end of which place a large piece of iron, whose surface is larger than the Magnet. Have an electrical machine; connect the chain to the patient; and make him stretch his arms. Then touch the Magnet and the piece of iron together, or one after another to the extremities of the hands: It will cure him. I have cured a number that way.

"But (say many) this does not belong to Animal Mag∣netism." Has not a magnetiser a right to cure his patients as soon as possible; and to employ every mean his mind suggests to him? It is not so among the faculty: They must cure or kill, secundam artem, according to art.

A general vomit or purge is often necessary. The diet must be good.

If the tongue is affected, put a conductor upon it or an artificial Magnet, such as you make use of for the teeth; and press the fluid, from the basis towards the point, on the tongue.

Sometimes a little gargarism is useful. Electricity, and the cold bath are very good.

RHEUMATISM.

NOTHING is more common, in this country, than that disease, on account of the dampness and changeablenes•• of the weather; which absorbs and prevents the electric and magnetic fluid from flying off of particular parts, especially the feet; whence there flies out a greater a••undance of fluid, than from any other part of the body. It is for that reason dogs will follow our tracks.

There are very obstinate rhuematisms, which proceed from different causes, and are difficult to cure. The method of curing this disease, is magnetising the patient in opposition. Try to promote perspiration, by putting him into a Crisis.

If the rbuematism be in a particular part of the body, you must treat the part affected; either by touching, or rubbing, which is the best. You may use an artificial Magnet, in the form of a horseshoe.

If the rhuematism be in the head, you apply it upon the top of it. If it be in the face and teeth, apply it on the tem∣ples. If it be in the hip, apply it above the knee, with the

poles up. If in the knees, apply it on the tarsus, with the poles up. If it be in the shoulders, you place it on the hume∣rus of the arm bone, &c. Electricity, hot and cold bath, earthbathing, according to Dr Grahim's principles, &c. &c.

Some internal and external applications will assist the ope∣ration.

Consumption or Decay.

THIS disease, so common in America, is difficult to cure. It proceeds from want of the animal fluid in the body, which wa••les it to nothing; therefore, it is necessary that the person who treats be very strong and healthy. His patient is like a child at the breast, pumping his animal juice, which may hurt him very much; like a child who sleeps with an old and unhealthy person: Therefore, I would advise you to treat as few as possible.

Riding a young horse without a saddle, a cow, a bull••e, or to be among cattle is very good: Also, to sleep in a sta∣ble, by communicating a rope from the bed to the cattle, which serves as a conductor to the animal fluid.

Diseases in the Stomach,

SO common among women in this country, proceed from that pernicious custom of wearing stays: Not only that, but they must have a piece of wood, two or three inches broad, and proportionably thick in them, called a busk; which occasions so many diseases. They should be loose round the body. You treat the stomach by throwing the flu∣id into it. Crises are not good for it.

Flatulency, or Wind in the Stoma••h and Bowels, arises from want of tone in those parts. It is to be treated upwards, which will make the patient break wind, and produce a Crisis; which is the best. After the Crisis, you must treat the stomach downwards, in order to settle it. You may or∣der carminatives.

Bile on the Stomach is treated upwards; also to make the patient vomit; and Crises are good for it. A glass of mag∣netised water, afterward, will settle the stomach.

In all sorts of Inflamations of the Lungs, Liver, &c. you treat towards you, and avoid the Crises; as well as when those parts are ulcerated.

In the Stene and Gravel, you treat; throw a quantity of fluid, and produce Crises: It will promote evacuation, which may do service to the patient.

I knew a gentleman, in London, just come from school, who told me he had dissolved, in a little time, a stone in the bladder, of about four ounces, by magnetising only. I ad∣vised him to treat the London Monument, and carry it into St. George's Fields; for which he would be entitled to five hundred pounds reward.

In external swellings, or ulcers, draw towards you, and bathe with magnetised water.

Women Pregnant, and in Labour, may be treated without a Crists. I have magnetised women in labour, and put them asleep, while the Acou••heur was performing his duty. They did not recollect the operation, and were surprised to find themselves delivered.

I have put a man asleep, who had an Hydrocel. The sur∣geon performed the operation; but the patient never recollect∣ed any thing of it.

Relaxation, and the blood flowing from a cut may be stop∣ped, by fixing your thumb, and pressing the forefinger over the part.

Fevers, of every kind, may be cured by Crises. It is dur∣ing that time Nature endeavours to get rid of what disturbs her; either by perspiration, vomiting, &. Those people are the best Somnambulists, as I shall explain hereafter.

It is very easy to perceive, by the method I have taken to explain the treating of the foregoing disorders, that an ingeni∣ous magnetiser may treat all others; as it would require a vo∣lume to explain them.

Of nervous Diseases.

IT is in those diseases that Magnetism acts more forcibly. By putting the whole nervous system in motion, it ope∣rates Crises, as well as Somnambulism, and offers to the atten∣tive eye a vest field of observation.

There is as great a variety in those diseases, as there are combinations between all possible numbers. Different organs may be affected, and distinctly from others.

In some persons the extension of sight is so great, that it seems as if they made use of a Microscope. Some of them cas se••, in the dark, the Animal Fluid flying in all directi∣ons;

which appears luminous: To others the skin appears like a sieve, and they see the gross humours, or perspiration as large as small shot; and by rubbing the hands they see sparkles of fire coming out.

Mr. Boyle mentions a person, who, after getting half sud∣dled with claret (which I suppose relaxed the stomach, and his nervous system) when he walked in the night, could see to read moderate print: Another, who could, in the night, distinguish colours.

Grimaldi tells us, that,

Some women can, by their eyes alone, distinguish between eggs laid by black hens, and those, by white ones.

This single fact will lead to many things, which I shall relate about Somnambules.

We must not attribute to whin, all the singularities which we observe among people affected in the nerves: They pro∣ceed from as real a cause, as that which determines the most reasonable man.

I knew a gentleman, in London, who shook his head and arm every inslant, like a perpetual motion. A lady, whom I treated, when in his company, had the same involuntary af∣fection. A gentleman, in Cork, when in company, would often pronounce Peter; and the same word during a week; Then he would pronounce a bad one, during another week; and could not help it.

There are different methods of treating those diseases; ei∣ther with or without Crises. Such people are the best Som∣nambules. If a person is irritable, you treat gently, in oppo∣sition, by drawing a certain quantity of fluid from him: If, on the contrary, you throw the fluid towards him, you may put him into a gentle Crisis. If the patient has a trembling of the limbs, like the head, you treat that part. If you cannot succeed by treating, apply a magnetic bandean round the head: It will stop it instantly. For trembling of the hands, apply magnetic bracelets.

To magnetise, or treat a person at a distance is not impossi∣ble. The manners which several professors make use of are different. There are quacks in that art, who pretend to have sound it out before Dr. Mesmer; but, that none of them dreampt of it, is well known.

The faculty of our soul, thought, or idea can perceive, con∣template, and unite itself to any object, present, distant, vi∣sible, or invisible. That it has action upon matter, is well demonstrated. It acts immediately upon the vivifying elec∣tric

and magnetic fluid; and, by its will, determines it to be directed upon such and such parts. We know that our souls act upon our bodies, and force any part of them to move in any direction, according to our wills. This being the case, we may reasonably believe, that they may act as well upon merely organical Matter, as upon animated Bodies.

The thought or soul goes to any distance. No obstacles can resist it. It arrives and unites itself, by a sympathetic power, to any object it wishes, without a master of ceremo∣nies. Neither the size of the body, its strength, or figure impede: All give way; and the union is made in an instant. The will, and the will only is the cause of it; because it di∣rects the fluid towards the diseases, and affected visc••••••. by fixing them in your imagination as much is possible; and, by that mean, it will force the magnetic fluid to touch and to penetreat, to a great distance, any bodies to which the soul is willing to unite herself, and to reestablish the animal eco∣nomy; of which she is the indistructible principle.

These reflections how the possibility, and the mean made use of, to treat a person at a distance; of which experience will prove the reality: And an ingenious mind may make many curious experiments and, by repeated trials, receive full conviction.

To treat a person at a dista••••, from one house to another, is possible; provided you have seen the person before, and put him in a Crisis. You ••o this in the following manner, viz. Know where the person is, fix the hour by your watch, and have some friends with him, to divert him. You must be alone, in a room, ••o avoid any noise, or any thing that might distract the attention of your mind. In that position, you paint the person in your imagination: you represent, in your idea, the part which you suppose affected; and you treat is the same manner, as if the patient were before you. That sympathy of body and mind, which exists between you and him, will produce a Crisis and Somnambulism. This pheno∣menon is very interesting.

You may also, from the same principles, treat a person, in the same room, without his or her knowledge; by fix∣ing your mind and your eyes upon the part affected, or upon the heart, stomach, &c. and produce Crise, and Som∣nambulism.

DROPSY.

THERE are different sorts of this disease, according to the parts which are affected. I shall treat of the man∣ner of curing the Ascite; which is, when there is a collection of water in the belly, proceeding from obstructions, living too low, and sometimes from drinking spirits, or cold water, when the body is hot. You treat the patient in opposition; you fix your hands upon the part, either at a distance, or by applying them upon the belly; and you try to produce a Crisis, which is the quickest way. You may apply a mag∣netised bellglass on the belly, when the patient is in bed; the same on the legs, if they are swelled; and various accessaries, according to your fancy.

Dropsies of the brain, of the breast, and of the legs are treated by extracting the fluid, and promoting circulation and perspiration.

Of the Asthma,

WHICH is a discuse of the longs but very seldom cur∣ed, when i•• proceeds from a bad formation of the breast, or is hereditary.

If it comes from obstructions, treat the lungs, and put the patient into Crises, to promote circulation: But, if the asthma proceeds from another cause; as, violent passions of the mind, or is humoral or nervous, and the patient spit a great deal; treat the stomach upwards, to promote expectoration. If the patient cough much at night, give him a glass of magnetised water, going to bed, and another in the morning. Moderate exercise, in a gentle air, is very useful.

APOPLEXY.

THIS sudden loss of the senses may be cured by applying immediately, and with proper care. The cause is, an effusion of the blood, or a collection of watry humours. There are two sorts, a sanguine and ser us apoplexy. It is generally towards the brain that the cause lies; because the blood does not return from the head.

That being the case, you magnetise the patient, either in bed or up. If he be in bed, you stay at his feet, and mag∣netise

the head downwards. You may get at the right side, and magnetise as before. You touch his head, one hand be∣••ind and the other before, bringing them downwards. You must raise his head high.

If it be a sanguine apoplexy, and you see no change, you may order bleeding, or put the feet in warm flannel. Let the patient have free air, and treat him four hours a day.

NIGHTMARE.

THIS disagreeable disease puts the patient into the great∣est torture during his sleep. He often feels a weight upon his stomach, like a man, cats, or dogs, &c. He en∣deavours to cry aloud and fancies himself going to be drowned, or killed. It proceeds from a weak stomach, ner∣vous affections, &c.

I have attended a patient, who used bleeding every year, in May. During March and April he was always so: but as soon as he was bled, the pain left him. They are a kind of Somnambules.

You treat the stomach, by throwing a qua••••••ty of fluid, in order to strengthen it: Also, treat the head downwards. A glass of magnetised water, going to bed, is very good.

Of Sensations, considered as a sixth Sense.

THERE are as many sensations, as there are possible dif∣ferences between proportions.

In all sensations we must consider three things: The cause producing the impression; the nature and disposition of the organs receiving it; and the sensations which have preceded it. It is by the combination of those affinities, that the or∣gans of our senses may be magnefied or increased to such a degree, as to become, for every object which they present to ••s, what telescopes and microscopes are to the sight; conse∣quently, our sensations are the result of all the effects which objects make on our organs.

Our senses can only draw us more or less near to the know∣ledge of objects, and their nature, by a constant use and seri∣ous application, in order to attain to their reality.

We have a great number of small organs, proper to receive sensations; but the habi•• we are in of using some particula•• organs only, absorb the rest. Blind people have different

s••••••tions from us: They will perceive a wall, or other bo∣dy, before they touch it. There is no doubt but we are en∣dowed with an internal sense, which is in affinity with the Universe, and is considered as an extension of sight. It is by those means one may comprehend the possibility of finding the disease of another; of foresights, predictions, and the phe∣nomenon of Somnambules, and Sybils, &c.

As it is possible to be affected in such a manner, as to have the idea of a body at an immense distance, in the same man∣ner as we see the stars; the impression of which is transmitted to us in a right line; the succession and continuity of a coex∣isting matter between them and our organs, bounded by the nature of their form: Why should it not be possible, by the mean of an inward organ, by which we are in contact with the whole Universe, for us to be affected by beings, the successive motion of which is propagated to us in curve or oblique lines, in any direction? And why should we not be affected by the connection of beings which succeed one another?

I was acquainted with Monsieur de Botinan, who had a place under government in the island of St. Helena. During twenty years he made a particular study of a sense unknown to us. He could perceive a fleet, or a single ship, two or three hundred miles off. Last war he described M. de Suf∣frein's fleet; the number of ships; and those which had pass∣ed by, and did not touch at the island. He could do more. At sea, he could tell the distance he was off land; which has been proved, by repeated experiments in the Channel. I can∣not say, this is certain; but I have seen the Certificates, grant∣ed him by the governor and principal people of the island; and the petition and recommendation to the Minister, who granted him eighteen hundred livres, per annum.

The famous Bleton, called the Sourcier, or Spring finder, whenever he walked upon ground where there was a vein of water, felt, within himself, a certain sensation which gave him notice thereof. I knew another countryman, who shook whereever there was water; in consequence of the elementa∣ry, electric, or magnetic fire passing through the pores of the Earth; which gave him that sensation.

Of the Crises.

THE Crises are an effort of Nature against the disorder, endeavouring to dissipate the obstacles which are in the circulation, and to restore harmony or equilibrium to all parts of the body. Few diseases can be cured without a Crisis, par∣ticularly when they proceed from obstructions, &c.

There are two sorts of Crises. The natural, which is at∣tributed to Nature alone, gets rid of what offends her, by an increase of movement, producing vomitting, motion, perspira∣tion, &c. These are the most salutary, as Nature acts silent∣ly, without violence, and expels the obstacles which impede circulation; by moving gently the molecules which form those impediments, and go off by perspiration, &c.

The forced, is sometimes salutary in obstructions, windy, and bilious complaints. These are produced, when Nature is insuf∣ficient to expel what offends her. The use of Animal Elec∣tricity and Magnetism puts the whole body in action, and, in conjunction with her, acts efficiously on the patient, who receives benefit and ease; particularly if it has produced eva∣cuations, &c. There are various means of producing them, according to the subject, and the cause of his disease. Some say there are six degrees of Crises. I say there are as many, as there are different constitutions to treat. Some, will also call it luminous Crisis, from that new sect called the Illuminated. All these are imaginary.

Suppose you have a patient on whom you would wish to produce a gentle Crisis; you must put yourself in affinity; then put one hand behind the head, and the other before, till the person is asleep. If he be agitated, calm him, by drawing the fluid downwards from the head. If you treat the cause by touching, it will increase the pain. If you put your thumb upon the frontal sinus, he will fall into a Crisis. You may magnetise your watch, and show him the time of day, he will go into it. Magnetise a flower, and give him a smell, he will fall in. Magnetise a harpsicord, as soon as you play on it he will go in. Magnetise a person between you and the patient, which will put him in. Magnetise a pond, make the patient stand on the side opposite to you, and hold a stick in his hand to touch the water; you must also touch the water with your magnetised conductor: the person will go into a Crisis immediately. Have somebody behind him, to

prevent his falling into the water: it is the best conductor of animal fluid. Make a person read, be behind him, and magnetise the lines as he reads, he will go in. Place the pa∣tient behind you, opposite a lookingglass, that you may see him, and magnetise, with a conductor, the figure in the glass. The reaction of the fluid will produce a Crisis. Magnetise a tree in a walk, as soon as the patient comes near it, he will fall into a Crisis. A person may be put in a Crisis, through a door, from one room to another; and in fact, an ingenious observer may, by what I have related, make a great many curious expe∣riments; provided he has proper subjects.

Of Somnambulism.

IN my little essay on Somnambulism, I have said, that it was a state between sleeping and waking, partaking of both. The patient is a Somnambule, when he can do the same as if he were awake. These natural Somnambules, who get up at night, and do many wonderful things, are well demonstrated. They are diseases, and may be cured by treating. The magnetic Som∣nambules, are those, whom art has found out a mean of obsor∣bing or suspending some of the external senses of for a while; and the patient eats, and drinks; goes up and down; plays upon the harpsicord; and does many things which you desire him; provided he be willing. The first I saw was at the Mar∣quis de Puysegur's, in the year 1784: and all those who pre∣tended to it, in this country before, were impostors, and none of them had yet dreamt of it; and for all this, we are indebt∣ed to Dr. Mesmer. Whenever any person has a real Somnambule, which is very easy, by care he has a treasure. They are call∣ed by us, Malades Medecins; or sick Physicians. These beings see in the dark, and go through an external atmosphere, the same as a glow worm. They have, besides, an internal atmos∣phere, which they make use of to perceive objects present, dis∣tant, visible, and invisible. I have had several who related to me, what they could perceive. All of them differ, in ma∣ny respects, according to their constitutions. One must not always depend upon what they say, on account of their differ∣ing sometimes. You may make them move in any direction, by your will alone; or by moving your conductor any way up∣on the floor, they will follow its directions. You may make them play on any instrument they can; they will read, write,

and work: all these they will do better than if awake. Being deprived of their other faculties, they become stronger. No physician can tell the disease of a person better than a real Som∣nambule. They seldom fail to tell unknown persons their dis∣eases, and prescribe for them.

At a future time, when the Science is better established, I shall publish a full account of the theory of Somnambulism.

Some will accuse me of having said too much; but those who know me personally, will never accuse me of relating any thing which I cannot demonstrate; and those who repeat these mar∣vellous narrations, hurt themselves and the science, in the eyes of really learned men. Those stories, like traditions, which are handed down from generation to generation, and become improbable; like antiquity, lose their former lustre. I would advise my pupils to try those experiments I have shewn them first, and try the others afterward.

To make an electric, or magnetical Apparatus.

I SHALL not give you a full account of the Apparatus of our society in Paris. It is more like a grove. Mine, which I had in London, and Dublin, is a large oak tub, eight feet in diameter, well pitched in the inside, about an inch thick, (that belonging to our society, has lookingglasses all round it), in∣sulated upon four glass feet, bottles of water well corked; you magnetise the bottles, and lay them down, the neck of one in the bottom of the other all round; so that the last comes to the centre. You may fill up the space with broken bottles, or vi∣trifiable matter, brimstone, or resinous matter, minerals, &c. Fill it up all but six inches; put some loadstones and artificial magnets in different directions; then cover the whole, to the edge, with fine, dry, river sand—put the lead over; place in the middle a polished iron bar about eight feet high, with sprigs to it, to attract the universal fluid which concentres itself in the reservoir. At the far corner place an Arbor Vitoe in a box; and place under it a strong magnet; the north pole upwards; the south pole is fixed in a hole upon the cover; by that mean you increase the motion of the tree, and, becoming vegetalised, it will grow without water. You make holes all round about, eighteen inches distant, put iron or brass conductors behind, so as to touch the patients who come next to it. Connect a chain of an electric machine; insulate your patients, and make them hold hands; it will increase the action in them. You may treat

them in that manner; you will the sooner put them into Crises▪ I have had all my patients, round my reservoir, in a Crisis at a time. I could not attend them. You may have a tree in a box, upon insulated feet; have a small box, filled with vitrisi∣able matter, and fill it with water; you may make use of a large bottle, filled with water only, and connect a chain to it. All this apparatus may be made differently, according to your idea.

To magnetise a tree, you must stand facing the north; you must have a conductor, which you have magnetised. You must point it from the top of the highest branches to the roots; do the same from the other branches. If the tree is so large that you cannot see the branches on the other side, change your po∣sition, from south to north, and do the same. Then approach the tree, clasp your hands round it, and stay 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that position five minutes: your tree becomes magnetised. Any patient, who has been in a Crisis, or Somnambulism, will distinguish it. Some will go into a Crisis as soon as they come near it; others, if they are in Somnambulism, will discover it among the rest.

You may magnetise a myrtle, or any other shrub: it will appear luminous in the dark. You may magnetise a flower, by putting your thumbs in the middle, and establishing an equa∣tor; then, drawing your thumbs to the extremities, you press your thumb with the next finger, and you throw the fluid upon the flower. It will appear luminous in the dark. By giving it to a person to smell, who has been in a Crisis before, he will go into one again.

To magnetise a conductor or a cane, put your hands in the middle of it; slide your hands to the extremities; your thumbs at the top, and rub the extremities with them. By these means you will impregnate it with an electrical fluid, that seems lu∣minous in the dark, and as sulphurous as the electric rubbing.

To magnetise a shilling, or a guinea, put your thumbs in the middle, and draw them to the extremities: it will appear as a ball of fire. A watch is magnetised in the same manner, by drawing your two thumbs at the top, and your index under it. Establish an equator, and draw your fingers to the two poles. By shewing it to a person who has already been in a Crisis, he will fall into one again. They can tell you what o'clock it is in the dark. If asleep, they can tell you the same, by shewing a watch.

To magnetise a harpsicord, fix your hands spread on the middle, and draw them towards the extremities: then rub the

end you touch the strings with, one after another, in the same manner. By that mean you will impregnate it with an electric fluid. As soon as a person plays upon the harpsicord, make your patient touch it with his hand or finger: he will fall into a Crisis immediately.

To magnetise a room, or a bed is the same. Set it to the north, facing the south; point your conductor up to the ceiling; bring it down towards you. Point it to the west and east, and bring it also to your feet: the room will appear all luminons, and the bed also.

A pond may be magnetised in the same manner. By point∣ing your conductor over the surface of the water, from the car∣dinal points. Touch the water with it, and make your pati∣ent do the same. He will have a shock in falling in, and it may be of service to him.

From these few experiments it is easy to conceive, that any inanimate body may be electrified, or magnetised, which you please to call it. I have lately received information from Lon∣don and Paris, that a person may kill a dog, a horse, or a man; by fixing his eyes upon the heart, it will stop the circu∣lation, and kill them in an instant. My correspondant, who has as little saith as myself in these stories, informs me, "That in a bustle in the place Louis XV. an hussar came full gallop towards him, sword in hand: he treated the man and horse, but could not stop him. Having his gun loaded, he killed the man, and thrust the bayonet into the breast of the horse. He treated them both effectually." Others pretend to sink a ship at sea. This would be a good thing for an admiral! All those pretended experiments do no honour to those who relate them.

To treat one's self is as easy as to make our arms, feet, and other parts of the body, move in any direction we please. You may make yourself sick in your stomach by your absolute will, as well as to cause motion, perspiration, &c.

I shall now take leave of my pupils, and beg of them never to relate any thing but what they have repeated often; and hope, they will excuse my English, as I have not employed any clerks.