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Pasley, a Project Gutenberg eBook. - </title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/phil_mesmer_cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1,h2 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; -} - - h3 {display: inline; - font-style: italic; - font-weight: normal;} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -.p-h3 {display: inline;} -.div-h3 {margin-top: 2em;} -.ph2 {font-size: 1.5em; - font-weight: bold; - text-align: center;} -.ptitle {margin-top: 4em;} -.not-mobile {display: inline;} -.mobile {display: none;} -@media handheld -{ - .ptitle {margin-top: 2em;} - .not-mobile {display: none;} - .mobile {display: inline;} -} -.p2 {margin-top: 2em;} -.pad2 {padding-left: 2em;} -.author {font-size: 1.75em;} -.size1p25 {font-size: 1.25em;} -.sizep5 {font-size: .5em;} - -hr.tb {width: 45%; - clear: both; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 27.5%; - margin-right: 27.5%;} -hr.chap {width: 65%; - clear: both; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 17.5%; - margin-right: 17.5%;} -hr.r5 {width: 5%; - clear: both; - margin-left: 47.5%; - margin-right: 47.5%; - margin-top: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em;} - -div.chap {page-break-before: always; - page-break-after: always;} - -table { - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; -} - - .tdr {text-align: right;} - .toc2 {padding-left: 1em;} - .tntop {padding-top: 1em;} - .vtop {vertical-align: top;} - -.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - font-style: normal; -} /* page numbers */ - -.bbox {border: solid 2px;} - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - -/* Transcriber's notes */ -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - padding:0.5em; - margin-bottom:5em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; } -.correction { text-decoration: none; - border-bottom: thin dotted gray;} - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Philosophy Which Shows the Physiology -of Mesmerism and Explains the Phenomenon of Clairvoyance, by T. H. Pasley - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Philosophy Which Shows the Physiology of Mesmerism and Explains the Phenomenon of Clairvoyance - -Author: T. H. Pasley - -Release Date: October 10, 2015 [EBook #50170] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PHYSIOLOGY OF MESMERISM *** - - - - -Produced by Emmanuel Ackerman and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="chap"> -<h1 class="p2">THE PHILOSOPHY<br /><br /> - -<span class="sizep5">WHICH SHOWS THE</span><br /><br /> - -PHYSIOLOGY OF MESMERISM,<br /><br /> - -<span class="sizep5">AND EXPLAINS THE</span><br /><br /> - -PHENOMENON OF CLAIRVOYANCE.<br /><br /></h1> - -<p class="center ptitle">BY<br /> - -<span class="author">T. H. PASLEY.</span></p> - -<p class="center ptitle">To form a just opinion of a novel mode of philosophising, we should study -the subject, and not condemn without being able to prove it erroneous.</p> - -<p class="center">He is not an Esculapian who is unacquainted with the Philosophy of the -Animal Economy.</p> - -<p class="center size1p25 ptitle">LONDON:<br /> -LONGMAN, BROWN, GREEN, AND LONGMANS.</p> -<hr class="r5" /> -<p class="center size1p25">1848. -</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="center"> -TYLER & REED,<br /> -PRINTERS,<br /> -BOLT-COURT, FLEET STREET.<br /> -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii"></a> - -<h2><a name="DEDICATION" id="DEDICATION"></a>DEDICATION.</h2> - - -<p>The following trite sketch of the Philosophy of -Nature, dedicates itself to the most noble Champions -of Mesmerism, Doctor <span class="smcap">Elliotson</span> and Doctor -<span class="smcap">Ashburner</span> of London, and Doctor <span class="smcap">Esdaile</span> of -Calcutta, in compliment and grateful acknowledgment -for having rescued from the fangs of ignorance, -envy, and self-conceit, the science of health and -knowledge—the science of Mesmerism, which unfolds -the hitherto unknown wonders of the Animal -system; and will unfold the wonders of the entire -universe, when the telescope and microscope are -familiarly used by the Clairvoyant.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> - -<a name="Page_v" id="Page_v"></a> - -<h2><a name="ADVERTISEMENT" id="ADVERTISEMENT"></a>ADVERTISEMENT.</h2> - - -<p>It is not the intention of the present work, that -what is herein described should be received as the -philosophy of Nature according to the precision -of Nature; but, through exemplification, on principles -deduced from the Natural Inertia of Matter, -to point out the mode by which the philosophy, -which should govern all illustration of physical -phenomena, is discoverable,—the Philosophy of -Mechanical Nature.</p> - - -<p class="pad2"><span class="smcap">Jersey</span>, <i>July 1, 1848</i>.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> - -<a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii"></a> -<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>CONTENTS.</h2> - -<table id="ToC" summary="Table of Contents"> -<tr><td></td><td class="tdr">PAGE</td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#DEDICATION">DEDICATION</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_iii">iii</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#ADVERTISEMENT">ADVERTISEMENT</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_v">v</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#CONTENTS">TABLE OF CONTENTS</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_vii">vii</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#PHILOSOPHY_OF_MESMERISM"><span class="correction" title="Inserted by transcriber.">MESMERISM AND ESTABLISHED PHILOSOPHY</span></a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#ATTRACTION">ATTRACTION</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#EXPERIMENTAL_PHILOSOPHY">PHILOSOPHY, EXPERIMENTAL</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_13">13</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#PHYSIOLOGY_AND_FUNCTION_OF_THE_SENSES">PHYSIOLOGY AND FUNCTION OF THE SENSES</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_15">15</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#MATTER">MATTER</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_23">23</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#MOTION">MOTION</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_24">24</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#THE_MEDIUM_OF_SPACE">MEDIUM OF SPACE</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#MINUS-PRESSURE_MATTER">MINUS-PRESSURE MATTER</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_31">31</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#FIRE">FIRE</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_34">34</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#THE_MEDIUM_OF_FIRE">MEDIUM OF FIRE</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#EXPANSION">EXPANSION</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_39">39</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#OXYGEN_AIR">OXYGEN AIR</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_41">41</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#THE_USE_OF_OXYGEN_IN_PROMOTING_COMBUSTION"><span class="correction" title="In the original book: ----, ITS USE IN COMBUSTION">THE USE OF OXYGEN IN PROMOTING COMBUSTION</span></a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#COMBUSTION">COMBUSTION</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_43">43</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#WATER">WATER</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_47">47</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#SOLVENCY">SOLVENCY</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_53">53</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="toc2"><a href="#GASTRIC_SOLVENCY">GASTRIC SOLVENCY</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_54">54</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#USE_OF_THE_INSPIRED_OXYGEN_WITHIN_THE_SYSTEM"><span class="correction" title="In the original book: USE OF OXYGEN IN RESPIRATION">USE OF THE INSPIRED OXYGEN WITHIN THE SYSTEM</span></a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_56">56</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="toc2"><a href="#SPLEEN">SPLEEN, ITS USE</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_59">59</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="toc2"><a href="#DIAPHRAGM">DIAPHRAGM, HOW RAISED</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_60">60</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#CORRELATIVE_ELEMENTS">CORRELATIVE ELEMENTS</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_61">61</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#MAGNETISM">MAGNETISM</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_62">62</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#NATURAL_SLEEP"><span class="correction" title="In the original book: SLEEP, NATURAL">NATURAL SLEEP</span></a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_65">65</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="toc2"><a href="#COMATOSE_FLOW"><span class="correction" title="Entry out of order in original book.">COMATOSE FLOW</span></a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_66">66</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="toc2"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii"></a>[Pg viii]</span><a href="#MESMERIC_SLEEP"><span class="correction" title="In the original book: ----, MESMERIC; and the entry was out of order.">MESMERIC SLEEP</span></a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_68">68</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#VISION">VISION</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_70">70</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#TRANSPARENCY"><span class="correction" title="In the original book: TRANSPARENCY AND OPACITY">TRANSPARENCY</span></a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_77">77</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#OPACITY"><span class="correction" title="In the original book: TRANSPARENCY AND OPACITY">OPACITY</span></a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_77">77</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#THE_NERVOUS_FLUID">THE NERVOUS FLUID</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_78">78</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#CLAIRVOYANCE">CLAIRVOYANCE</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_81">81</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="toc2"><a href="#LONG_VISION">LONG VISION</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_82">82</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="toc2"><a href="#OPAQUE_VISION">OPAQUE VISION</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_83">83</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#RIGIDITY">RIGIDITY</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_86">86</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#PAIN">PAIN</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_86">86</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="toc2"><a href="#CURATIVE_MESMERISM"><span class="correction" title="Entry out of order in the original book.">MESMERISM, CURATIVE</span></a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_87">87</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="toc2"><a href="#ETHERS"><span class="correction" title="Entry out of order in the original book.">ETHERS</span></a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_87">87</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#REPORT">REPORT</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_88">88</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#VOLUNTARY_DE-ELECTRISATION">VOLUNTARY DE-ELECTRISATION</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_91">91</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="toc2"><a href="#WILL">WILL, THE NATURE AND POWER OF</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_92">92</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#APPLICATION_OF_MESMERISM">APPLICATION OF MESMERISM</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_95">95</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#CONTINUOUS_MOTION">CONTINUOUS MOTION</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_97">97</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="toc2"><a href="#ASCENDING_AND_DESCENDING_MOTION">ASCENDING AND DESCENDING MOTION</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_99">99</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="toc2"><a href="#CENTRIPETAL_FLOW">CENTRIPETAL FLOW</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_99">99</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#FORMATION_OF_A_PLANET">FORMATION OF A PLANET</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_100">100</a></td></tr> -<tr><td class="toc2"><a href="#COMET">—— AND USE OF A COMET</a></td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_103">103</a></td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#TN">TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE</a></td><td></td></tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<a name="Page_1" id="Page_1"></a> - - -<p class="ph2"><a name="PHILOSOPHY" id="PHILOSOPHY"></a>PHILOSOPHY,<br /> - -ETC., ETC.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="PHILOSOPHY_OF_MESMERISM" id="PHILOSOPHY_OF_MESMERISM"></a>MESMERISM AND ESTABLISHED PHILOSOPHY.</h2> - - -<p>Long as clairvoyance has remained the riddle, jest -and wonder of the world, it is questioned by none -why the established philosophy of this superiorly -enlightened age is incompetent to account -for this or any other mesmerically produced phenomenon, -or afford the least glimmer of light by -which it were possible to arrive at the physiology. -Why the philosophy of Aristotle, Bacon, Newton, -Des Cartes, Davy, Liebig—honoured names, and -most justly, as the ancient and modern fathers in -science—can afford no scintillation whereby to lessen -the obscurity in which this most interesting subject -is involved, should appear strange and unaccountable -to all lovers of philosophy. By Professors the -question should be answered. To consider it unworthy -of being looked into, would be a tacit confession -that Professors are indifferent to the natural -truth; which proves all such to be but half reasoners, -and not philosophers, notwithstanding all their -mathematical learning and experimental experience.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2"></a>[Pg 2]</span></p> - -<p>It should have been questioned long since, whether -the philosophy be not untrue which leaves all -mankind in the dark, in a mere physical case, however -mysterious the psychological result, the effect -of manual application, and in the power of almost -every person to produce. The mesmerising operation -and effect includes nothing of necromancy or -trick; is openly performed, and produced mechanically; -and although the passes make a living being -appear as if in a novel state of existence, the immediate -effect, polarisation of the extremities of the -body, is the same precisely as is effected on the iron -bar when passed along the poles of a loadstone. -This, and numerous other physical phenomena, -which to the present day remain unexplained, and -as if inexplicable, afford much reason for at least -the conjecture, that modern philosophy is not the -philosophy of physical nature; which, if not, it -must be false and misleading, inasmuch as there -can be but one philosophy, by reason of there being -but one species of matter throughout all nature, -and but one cause of action,—<i>the general pressure</i>. -From which it follows, that as the philosophy of -nature is that of matter universally, there can be -no physical phenomenon which it does not explain. -Therefore, the phenomena which modern philosophy -has neither laws nor rules competent to -explain, are so many proofs that the established -philosophy of the age is false philosophy; which is -provable throughout all its particulars, however -rash and adventurous may appear the announcement. -Besides, at the present day, there are several<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3"></a>[Pg 3]</span> -different philosophies maintained; every profession -has its own; which is proof of the strongest nature -that not one is true, dissent from the truly natural -being impossible, so universally is it applicable. -Eventually it will be admitted that the philosophy -of the nineteenth century is founded on the crude -ideas of the imperfectly learned in the earliest days -of science, ever since adopted, and never investigated, -instead of being deduced solely from the -<span class="smcap">inert nature of matter</span>, the only true basis. On -modern philosophy, Davy makes the shrewd remark, -that "it is no better than a mere compilation -of isolated facts and circumstances, differently accounted -for, and leading to no general theory:" -such is not the philosophy of nature.</p> - -<p>That matter is <i>inert</i>, is made manifest in there -being nothing whatever throughout the whole of -inanimate nature which can act or move of itself. -Matter does nothing, cannot act; it is the passive -patient of the general pressure, which alone can -act; and pressure is universal, because of matter -being <i>inert</i>. Matter is not only <i>inert</i>, but <i>unalterable</i>; -on which principles the constancy of the -order and laws of nature depend. Inert, unalterable -matter can suffer no change but of a local nature—change -of place, which implies motion, for which -there is no analogous cause but impulsive pressure. -These unquestionable physical truisms are stated -in advance, from being intimately connected with -every physical change, in order to serve as a -standard of comparison from which to form an opinion -while canvassing the principles and laws by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4"></a>[Pg 4]</span> -which the scientific world has been for centuries -not only governed, but misled.</p> - -<p>Newton admits the <i>principle</i> of <i>inertia</i>, but considers -it an innate <i>passive</i> power, which <i>enables</i> a -body to resist against being moved; and when in -motion, enables it <i>to resist</i> that which would put it -out of motion. <i>Inertia</i>, a passive power, is as death, -being passive animation; and <i>inertia enabling</i> a -body to <i>act</i> against force, is nothing short of <i>active -inertia</i>, or <i>vis inertiæ</i>, which means the force of -inability. This monstrous perversion of a natural -fundamental principle, and by such high authority, -pervades the whole of the established philosophy. -It makes the planets, which are but clumps of -deadly inert matter, gravitate themselves through -space; and makes <i>inert</i> atoms competent to perform -attraction on each other wherever they exist. A -more absurd article of <i>belief</i> has no place in the -Athanasian code of mind-perverting dogmas; yet -admitted as true by the most eminently talented -and highly learned of the present age. While such -inconsistent principles of common-place use are -gravely defended, the <i>known facts</i> of mesmerism -are obstinately and ignorantly denied; and only -because of not being understood; that, were it not -for the good sense and philanthropic perseverance -of the enlightened, noble-minded Elliotsons, Ashburners, -and Esdailes, of the British empire—honourable, -heroic champions and victors in the -cause of truth, humanity and science, in despite of -the self-conceit which affects the knowledge of the -limits of possibility; that, were it not for the magna<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5"></a>[Pg 5]</span>nimity -of those superiors belonging to the learned -profession, this heaven-bestowed boon, carrying -healing on the wing to suffering humanity, would -have been contemptuously received, ungratefully -acknowledged, and long since consigned to the rubbish -of oblivion. Yet all have claim to the common -apology, <i>false scientific education</i>, excepting those -who have assented to what they have seen with -wonder, and afterwards denied their admission.</p> - -<p>The established philosophy cannot account for -the boy's marble going farther through the air than -the fullest extent of the impelling thumb. The -proposition may appear trifling and insignificant, -yet is it worthy the consideration of the Chair of -Knowledge, from which it has never been explained -nor there understood, as involving the cause of -planetary motion; for, <i>in all nature there are not two -causes of motion</i>. That the marble "<i>partakes</i>" of -the <i>force</i>, and "partakes" of the <i>motion</i> of that by -which it is impelled, is an absurd idea; the force -and motion of a body were not, and cannot become, -the force and motion of any other body.</p> - -<p>The established philosophy cannot account for -the splinters of a stone having motion out of the -direction of impulse, nor for having motion in every -direction but that of the stone-breaker's impelling -hammer, which appears at variance with the natural, -immutable dynamic law, which says, that <i>as a body -cannot move itself</i>, so must it have motion in the -direction only of that by which it is being moved. -Neither is there any philosophy extant, which explains -why the stone at Texteth of one hundred<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6"></a>[Pg 6]</span> -tons should rise, as if of itself, six inches in the air, -under which the quarrymen could have shoved a -hand and withdrawn it safely, before the immense -mass fell crushingly on the former bed.</p> - -<p>On the other hand, what the established philosophy -undertakes to explain, it explains erroneously. -Beside maintaining the transfer of a local -casualty, in accounting for continuous motion, it -teaches that the power of steam consists in heat, -and that cold congeals water: whereas heat and -cold have no physical existence; each is a sensation, -anything similar to which it is impossible for either -fire or water to possess. So that to the present -day the power of steam, the cause of combustion -and of congelation has in each instance remained -unknown.</p> - -<p>So simple is nature, so few her laws, that were -any one of her phenomena known throughout all -its bearings, it would be found that the knowledge -includes the philosophy of the whole of matter. -Of this Aristotle was aware when announcing, that -he who is unacquainted with motion, is ignorant of -all things in true philosophy. Motion being the -<i>only effect</i> producible on <i>inert, unalterable matter</i>, -the knowledge of the phenomenon includes that of -all effect. The substance of all things being of the -same species, and the power of Nature consisting in -universal pressure, the formations in general nature -and in the laboratory of art can have but the same -principles, laws, theory, and philosophy. Paul may -plant and Apollos water; nature germinates, the -weather or climate grows and fructifies. The chy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7"></a>[Pg 7]</span>mist's -fire does not burn itself; in the absence of -air and its pressure there is no combustion; neither -is there growth, respiration, nor life.</p> - -<p>According to the philosophy of the astronomer, -the earth has projectile motion, from "impulse -once impressed, at the beginning, and not since -renewed;" which is effect six thousand times, at -least, greater than the cause. Then, again, as -motion must be in the direction of impulse and -cease out of that direction, the earth, from "impulse -once impressed," goes round the sun without -being impelled; or of its own accord, and should be -centripetally attracted to the sun, if solar attraction -were possible. It needs no mathematical calculation -to prove, that, from such philosophy being -wholly independent of all consideration of natural -cause, it is untrue, and at variance with common -sense.</p> - -<p>The philosophy of the chymist is of every-day -make. It assumes different species of matter; chymical -matter and matter not chymical; attractions -innumerable, such as chymical, electric, galvanic, -capillary, and attraction of cohesion; likewise magnetic -forces, chymical affinities, and affections of -matter—"while as yet there is none of them"—matter -being <i>inert</i> naturally. To mechanical nature -the entire is useless and foreign, and their value -lies solely in being terms of professional application -in the highly important chymical art; but to the -discovery of true philosophy they are an insurmountable -obstacle. How chymical matter differs -from the common matter of the world, no chymist<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8"></a>[Pg 8]</span> -can say or conceive; nor is there any difference in -the substance and nature of inert matter: as well -might it be maintained that motion is not always -mechanical, but sometimes chymical. The true philosophy -of chymistry is dynamic, the basis inertia, -the laws those of quantity and relative position.</p> - -<p>The philosophy of the anatomist and physiologist -is semi-natural, semi-spiritual, mechanical and vital. -Life, throughout all belonging to the frame, does -not suffice; the heart and blood have each an imputed, -distinct, living principle; the nerves are -sensitive, the muscles irritable; the flesh has its -susceptibility, according to the modern physiology. -The sainted health-preserver shudders at the irreligious -notion of the economy being philosophised -on at all; more especially according to the laws of -hydrostatics; it being "impious beyond measure" to -reason on the work of God's own hand, formed -after his own image and likeness, (malformations -excepted,) as on human mechanism. Yet, where -are any of these vitalities and living principles -when respiration is suddenly stopped? Verily, -these professionals endow, most gratuitously, the -animal frame with as many vitalities and living -principles as the lives bestowed on the tailor's—so -much the more unfortunate—cat. As every organ -of the body is inert; no organ, of itself, performs the -function; every function is mechanically performed, -and every effect analogous to impulsive pressure, -whether consisting in formation, intermixture, or -dissolution, all depend on elementary local change. -The contrary is not in the power of the anatomist<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9"></a>[Pg 9]</span> -and physiologist to prove of inert, unalterable, -atomic substance; nor should more causes be assumed -than what are natural, common, sufficient, -and analogous to effects. Spiritual principles for -mechanical purposes are as little requisite for -animal organism as for the steam-engine, or the -performances of a watch.</p> - -<p>The last on the list of professional philosophies is -that of the Therapeutist; the least misleading, from -being the most concise. The word <span class="smcap">action</span> includes -the whole. There is no inquiry to which the word -<i>action</i> is not the deeply-learned significant reply; -being indefinite, it stands for a dead-stop silencer. -The doctor knows best—with much room for -knowing better. The doctor knows, and assures -from his own certain knowledge, that the <i>action</i> of -the dose on the stomach upheaves the sac; but -rather than be thought positive, allows that the effect -may be from the <i>action</i> of the stomach on the dose. -The good easy man of M.D. celebrity, or mediocrity, -has to learn, that the dose is as <i>inert</i> as when in the -tea-cup, and the stomach as <i>inert</i> as when it has -arrived at the predicted destiny, the dissecting table. -Again, the <i>action</i> of the pain prevents the <i>action</i> of -the physic, otherwise the cure would have been -immediate. Such philosophy is harmless, if so to -the patient; from its insignificance it corrupts -neither pathology, osteology, nor dynamics. Not so -the learning, published on high surgical authority, -to enlighten ward-walking noviciates—that "pain -may exist in the <i>flesh</i> and bones without being felt, -owing to the <i>insensible</i> sensibility of the part," which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10"></a>[Pg 10]</span> -amounts to an excruciating, painless <span class="correction" title="In the original book: toothach">toothache</span>, and, -the being unconscious of excited consciousness. -Pain is not in the diseased or wounded part, being -the consequence of cerebral excitement; pain is one -of the objects of perception belonging to the scenery -of the sensorium, from which it cannot migrate. -The disorganised part is but the apparent place of -pain; and wisely such, or else all remedial applications -would be to the brain. As to the dose and -stomach <i>action</i>, it stands corrected by the diagnosis; -the stomach is lifted in consequence of the equilibrium -of pressure being destroyed by means of the -dose, notwithstanding its additional weight, within -the stomach. Chymical action of the dose and self-lifting -muscles are all of Esculapian surmise. The -faculty should cease to identify feeling, pain, sensation, -with organic ailments and disorganization of -the flesh.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> - -<h2><a name="ATTRACTION" id="ATTRACTION"></a>ATTRACTION.</h2> - - -<p>Attraction is the all-pervading, all-perverting sin -of the established philosophy, the scape-goat, on -which the blunders of illustration are heaped. Newtonians -endow every atom of matter with not only -an attracting property, but another, as if to neutralise -it—repulsion, which renders both useless; as if -to make matter both active and inert, naturally, and -as if Nature were planned on principles of complexity, -from having double the number of powers -the universe is possessed of atoms. One steam -power would suffice for the whole of England, all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11"></a>[Pg 11]</span> -appendages being feasible. How is solidity either -maintainable or attainable, while attracting atoms -are repelling atoms? The free, uncombined condition -of the atoms of the atmosphere, as well as their -<i>inertia</i>, proclaim their inability to attract each other; -and the mere crack in a pane of glass, that between -bodies there is no attraction. While it is left to be -conceived by the so-taught rising generation, that -the atoms of a bar of iron are busily employed in -attracting one another, and as busily in repelling -each other at the same time; and that the same -atoms are inert, the long-denounced aspersion -stands good, that there is no absurdity, however -great, into which philosophers have not fallen; -which is removable only by Philosophers, Professors -and Teachers coalescing to reform the erroneous -doctrines universally promulgated, which cannot -stand the test of rational investigation, and for -which, as National Instructors, they are morally -responsible.</p> - -<p>Terrestrial attraction, attenuated on arriving at -the moon, and there sufficiently strong to prevent -the satellite having tangential flight, should be at -the surface of the globe at least two-hundred-and-forty-thousand -times stronger; yet here a puff of the -breath drives the dust into the air, and the smallest -winged insect is not restrained by the attraction of -the enormous magnet the earth is considered, from -escaping off the surface of the globe. There is philosophy -in mists, as well as "sermons in stones." -Rain should come down from above the clouds, -if terrestrial attraction hold fast the moon: mists<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12"></a>[Pg 12]</span> -and exhalations, by quitting the earth, solve the problem; -but we are ignorant of the philosophy, ways, -and expressions of simple nature; hence, ours is -foreign philosophy.</p> - -<p>In attributing the fall of bodies to the ground to -attraction, it is overlooked that the earth's greater -attraction has to be exceeded by the minor muscular, -or explosive force, which caused the ascent. -The foregoing plain facts, although demonstrations -to the contrary are on record in the royalized -<span class="smcap">Transactions</span>, but without reference to the inability -of inert matter to attract, are certain proof that -attraction is founded on a guess-work basis. Hence, -that all learning is not knowledge is a moral certainty; -and that the nature of cause is not to be -arrived at by demonstrating the properties of lines -and angles, time has sufficiently proved.</p> - -<p>Had the fall of Newton's apple been an effect of -terrestrial attraction, there should have been some -stronger attraction from somewhere above the tree, -to make the juices of which the apple was formed -ascend from the ground, and capillary cannot be -said to be stronger than terrestrial attraction. There -is nothing but puzzle, contradiction, and inconsistency, -in human opinion, where the natural truth is -unknown. Oh! apples, apples, why for discord -sent? the first cut short eternal life on earth; another -turned "heaven-born reason" to inventing -dreams;—that heaven-born reason which tells us -every day of its yesterday's mistakes.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13"></a>[Pg 13]</span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="EXPERIMENTAL_PHILOSOPHY" id="EXPERIMENTAL_PHILOSOPHY"></a>EXPERIMENTAL PHILOSOPHY.</h2> - - -<p>The Baconian precept, to "torture Nature out of -her secrets," has been, and ever must be, abortive -of the good intended. Nature is performing freely -and openly every hour, without making us wiser, -and as little while she is operating in our own -experiments. Her language, of which <i>inertia</i> and -<i>pressure</i> are the alpha and omega, is not studied; -nor does it mislead or flatter like our own. Experiments -innumerable have been performed; the <i>experimentum -crucis</i> resorted to; the screw applied to -the utmost pinch, without either confession or concealment -on Nature's part. Hence, the experimenter -is left to make his own philosophy of the case, of -which the next operator makes a different; and all -are falsely interpreted that violate the principle of -inertia, which all do. Aristotle, Bacon, Newton, -Black, Reid, Davy, Des Cartes, experimented -indefatigably under the most favourable auspices,—exalted -talent, and the institutions of the world at -command; but all on false principles; yet Nature, -tortured or not, left them to their own mis-interpretations. -Aristotle, true in his opinion of motion, -was himself ignorant of the cause of continuous -motion, or all would not be so at present. Bacon -recommended experiment, without teaching the -natural mode of interpretation. Newton spent his -valuable time, to the world's great loss, in experimenting -on light, in ascertaining and describing its -properties, as if there were material light; instead -of which, light is a mere sensible effect; hence, a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14"></a>[Pg 14]</span> -physical nonentity. Black and Reid called to their -assistance all the powers of numbers, to ascertain -and prove the quantity of heat in the animal system, -and of cold in ice; but could not torture Nature out -of the information, that heat and cold do not belong -to matter or bodies, as a knowledge of the function -of the senses could have informed them. Davy -travelled to Skehallean to find from the size of the -hill, a ratio of attraction, whence to calculate -the quantity of attraction in the entire globe of -the earth: at home, correctly sought, he would -have found, without numerical assistance and the -pendulum, that the amount is zero. The deflection -of the pendulum was caused by the pressure on one -side of the bulb being greater than on the side -facing the hill; which, from varying hourly with -the sun's altitude, should have told him that the -deflection is a mere weather-deviating circumstance.</p> - -<p>On the other hand, who perceives the natural -truths elicited by even his own experiments! That -truly great philosopher, Priestly, remained ignorant -that his own experiments on blood and air brought -to light the principle on which the blood is arterialized, -without coming in contact with the air in the -lungs; of which experiments the faculty are reprehensibly -ignorant at present; also the principle of -congelation without cold. It is a general error that -men must be philosophers because they are mathematicians -and first-rate experimenters, yet do not -know what keeps the blood in motion, nor how -water becomes ice.</p> - -<p>What experiment was ever so absurdly illustrated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15"></a>[Pg 15]</span> -as that of ice formed in the midst of fire; which is -explained by, "evaporation generating cold in a -red-hot crucible," and while maintaining that cold -is only the absence of heat. The <i>rationale</i> is: the -oxygen of water is the hindrance to congelation, -which the evaporation carries off, and the remaining -elements of the water are compressed into ice. -What are the elementary constituents of water, has -yet to be learned. Misled by false-directing philosophy, -the analysis of a rotten potato, in quest of -the cause of the vegetable epidemic, is as wise as -were the same scientific procedure taken on the -contents of a pustule to discover the cause of the -small pox: the result in both cases must be a -complete new formation; and in the former, the -result could be no preventive information whatever -to the planter. To convince planters and -remove all timidity, every garden owner should -plant an experimental patch with potato <i>peelings</i>, -each having an eye; the crop is certain and good, -and supplies the cottager with the next year's seed -at no expense. The <i>cutting</i> for seed may be of -exhausted vegetating power, while the peeling of -even the same potato may be as sound as ever. The -badly grown potatoes of the previous crop caused -those of the following to be of imperfect growth and -perishable: hence the general potato-rot.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="PHYSIOLOGY_AND_FUNCTION_OF_THE_SENSES" id="PHYSIOLOGY_AND_FUNCTION_OF_THE_SENSES"></a>PHYSIOLOGY AND FUNCTION OF THE SENSES.</h2> - - -<p>By the popular expression, "Evidence of the -Senses," is universally understood, the perception, -or seeing external bodies by the organs of sense:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16"></a>[Pg 16]</span> -yet externals are invisible and the senses insentient. -This mistake, common among the fathers of every -age, has corrupted the prevalent false philosophy -tenfold.</p> - -<p>The eye is not possessed of sight; neither is -colour a property of matter, or it must be indestructible -by fire and every other means. The -senses should be considered as but mechanical -agents for exciting the brain; by which means it is -we have our knowledge, the particulars of the whole -of which are mental, confined to the brain, and -consist, solely, in the cerebral excited scenery of -the sensorium. We have no other kind or means -of acquiring knowledge, that is, mental information. -By the mere organs of sense we know -nothing. The knowledge we have by means of the -senses exciting the brain, consists in sensations or -sensible effects, and, <i>we know nothing but our knowledge</i>, -whatever may be thought of externals being -objects and immediate objects of our knowledge.</p> - -<p>In describing what we know, it is imagined the -description is of external bodies, their appearance, -qualities, and properties; which, however harmless -the mistake throughout busy-life affairs,—as all -abide, judge, and are directed by the same kind of -evidence,—not so is it in philosophy, which is a -description of nature's own mode of procedure; -and although it is impossible to describe invisible -things, as they are really, they should not be philosophised -and reasoned on, <i>as they are not</i>; they are -not according to what we know, and can have no -resemblance in any manner to sensations, which are<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17"></a>[Pg 17]</span> -all we know by means of them. Instead of knowing -by the senses what bodies are, we know only -what they <i>are not</i>; modern philosophy is regardless, -totally heedless of this most instructive -most pointedly directing information, instead of -making the just allowance for mental appearances, -it materializes every sensation, and imputes the -whole to the bodies outside of our own, of which all -we can possibly know is but inferential knowledge: -it considers our sensations as being qualities of -bodies or properties of matter, and maintains that -some are physical causes by which certain physical -effects are produced. Such may be considered -some of the principal reasons why <i>clairvoyance</i> is -unintelligible to all the most learned; and so must -it ever remain, or until a truer philosophy arises -and rescues the great subject from the darkness and -errors of a perverting philosophy, the whole of -which has to be abandoned before the mind is fitted -for the reception of natural truths. We must cease -to identify sensations with their unseen, unknown, -and but <i>promoting</i>, material causes. In proof of -the foregoing, a short review of the senses, their -physiology, function, result of the function and use -of the result, must prove satisfactory and convincing.</p> - -<p>The <i>physiology</i> of a sense, consists in an external -organ,—as the eye or ear, its nerves of sensation -which spread through the brain, and, the nervous -fluid. To each of the senses there belongs a distinct -cerebral organ, which, if deducted, leaves -nothing to constitute the physiology, but the exter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18"></a>[Pg 18]</span>nal -organ, the nerves, and nervous fluid; such may -be considered the physiology of all the senses, so -far as the exciting mental perception is concerned.</p> - -<p>The <i>function of a sense</i> is, to act on and excite -the cerebral organ, when the nervous fluid is put -into an acting state through external circumstances.</p> - -<p>The <i>result of the function</i>, is a sensation, of which -we have immediate cognizance, by reason of a sensation -being <i>a recent change in consciousness</i>. The -nervous fluid, not the tubular nervous <i>striæ</i>, is that -by which the brain is excited.</p> - -<p>The <i>use of the sensation</i> is manifold. Emanating -from the wonderful Economy, is the law, that, <i>the -sensation which an external body promotes, shall, to -ourself, seem to belong to that body</i>.</p> - -<p>The law is imperative. The sensation being apparently -at, and belonging to, the external object or -body, it is imagined the body is visible, seen by the -eyes, and of the colour, flavour, or odour known by -the sensation. The apparent place of the sensation -directs to where the body is situated.</p> - -<p>No person thinks, when a rose promotes the -sensation of colour, that the object perceived is -within himself: without the sensation there is no -perception of red, and with it, nothing is perceived -or seen of colour or of the flower; so that, were the -object coloured or not, it is to the spectator invisible; -and as the sensation would be useless were -the object coloured and seen, it is obvious that the -flower is uncoloured, therefore is not seen: the seeing -an uncoloured object is a physical absurdity. -So is it with all sensations; they constitute the only<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19"></a>[Pg 19]</span> -objects of perception with which we are acquainted; -and, such as they are in any respect, the outward -objects are in no respect. Sound is a sensation; a -sense has been provided that we should have knowledge -of sound; there is nothing of sound or noise -in the air; the function of the sense is not to hear, -but excite the auditory cerebral organ, and the sensation, -in which alone sound consists, <i>seems</i> to be -outside of us, and <i>seems</i> to come from a bell, but -which has nothing of the kind to part with; yet it -is imagined that sound enters the ear. Thus is it -supposed that the sensation externally exists, and is -sound heard by the ear. The philosopher so instructed, -calculates the velocity of the physical nonentity -sound.</p> - -<p>Luminousness, light, colour, sound, heat, cold, -flavour, odour, are sensations,—each of the entire is -traceable from the function of the senses to the sensorium: -deduct these, there is nothing perceived or -to perceive; by means of the senses, respectively, -we have knowledge of each,—and by the senses exciting -the brain are the whole produced, as sensible -effects. Outward bodies can have nothing the same -or similar to sensible effects; and therefore nothing -of the whole belongs to matter or bodies, or to physical -philosophy. To mechanical nature the whole -would be useless; to sensitive beings only are they -useful; to us they are substitutes for Nature's deficiency -in these respects; and the whole present a -convincing proof of the wise, the strict economy of -the Great Architect in his works.</p> - -<p>The objection is unfounded, that the external<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20"></a>[Pg 20]</span> -object should be like the sensation, in order to produce -such sensation. But where is there sound in -musical string or in the metal of a bell to promote -the sensation; or yellow in the snowdrop to -promote the sensation of yellow, when the eyes are -jaundiced or a stained lens is before them: the sensation -of pain is not the effect of pain; it and pain -are one. That which in health promotes the sensation -known as sweet, promotes that of bitter in sickness; -the object is the same, the sensation changeable. -In reason it cannot be said that fire is like the -sensation, or the latter should be burning hot in the -brain, where it is excited; neither is any material -thing outside of us like a sensation of the brain; nor -does the sensation inform us of anything but itself, -excepting that it has a remote external cause. The -common show-box exhibits the same landscape picture -under the different aspects of summer, autumn, -winter, and spring, according to the stained lens -before the eyes; the picture has not all these colours, -nor any, it is a mere black and white print, in which -the stained lenses make no alteration. Nothing can -be like a sensation but a sensation.</p> - -<p>That the objects we perceive and their remote -cause are distinct things, is proved by the perception -being that of a coin of the half-crown size, -when the eyes are directed to a shilling and a -convex lens before the face; if the lens be red, -yellow, or blue, so is the perceived object, which is -not the white shilling. We are invisible to each -other; what is imagined to be a man's appearance, -may be described as, various sensations of different<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21"></a>[Pg 21]</span> -colours symmetrically arranged, and constituting a -single optically-excited mental effect. Neither is it -the likeness of the sitter that the canvass exhibits, -but the excited perception within the sensorium of -the limner; for the renewal of which it is that he -directs his eyes so frequently to the sitter's face, -which is invisible to the limner, although he feels -certain that he sees every feature.</p> - -<p>Those who imagine the eye-balls look and see, -and that externals and the perceptions they promote -are the same, should, upon reflection, attribute -sight to their spectacles; for, as sight is nothing -bettered when the glasses are removed, so should -the temporary improvement be referred to the -spectacles having sight as well as the eyes.</p> - -<p>In consequence of all mankind being similarly -organised, that which seems coloured, sonorous, -hot, acid, or aromatic to one person, is so to every -one else with sane eyes and senses; by which -unanimity of opinion, in these respects, prevails -throughout the great family of man, in the worldly -concerns of active life, and the social compact is -maintained indissoluble.</p> - -<p>The all-wise, benevolent dispensation of the -senses, by which man's existence is supplied with -enjoyments not in all nature otherwise to bestow; -and his intellectual faculties provided with means -of contemplating the attributes of his Maker -through his knowledge, such as it is, of the creation, -which makes known to us not only God's regard for -his creatures, but his supreme omniscience in the -economy made manifest throughout all his works.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22"></a>[Pg 22]</span> -Were bodies coloured as we imagine, there should -be an element of each red, yellow, and blue atoms; -elements of sound, heat, and cold; elements of -flavour and odour innumerable: whereas, by the -substitution of sensations, matter without any such -qualities, or any whatever, excepting that of being -everlasting, is made subservient to the formation of -a universe of worlds, teeming with beauty, harmony, -and wonders; all contributing to the comfort, -enjoyment, happiness, edification, and future -hope of its sojourning inhabitants.</p> - -<p>Now, when from the established philosophy we -deduct gravitation, attraction and repulsion, which -are as foreign to inert matter as vitality to the dead,—the -host of chymicals, so repugnant to the principle -of <i>inertia</i>,—the imaginary living principles, -erroneously imputed to the mechanical organs of -the animal system,—the sensations of luminousness, -light, colour, sound, heat, cold, acidity, and of -flavours and odours,—when the entire of these unphysical, -mere nominals, are deducted from modern -philosophy, there remains nothing whatever to produce -action, physical change, or motion, excepting -<i>pressure</i>, which has been always looked upon as a -mere adjunct to the imagined numerous powers of -nature. When common sense has rejected the whole, -then will the philosophy of the Fathers be valued -by the world, as would be a garment with more -holes than threads.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23"></a>[Pg 23]</span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="MATTER" id="MATTER"></a>MATTER</h2> - - -<p>As a general term, <i>matter</i>, means substance; with -scientific precision, the term is confined to the elementary -state, in contradistinction to the term <i>body</i>, -applied to matter consolidated into solids and fluids.</p> - -<p>Matter consists of atoms, which are hard, opaque, -<i>unalterable</i>, of homogeneous substance, of the spheric -shape, and naturally <i>inert</i>, therefore of inactive -essence; being <i>inert</i>, various species of substance -would be useless. The spherical shape admits immediate -atomic contact, and leaves interstices uniformly -throughout all bodies. There cannot be -either communication or alteration of the essence -of inert matter; and what the essence of unalterable -matter may be, is impossible, and would be useless, -to know.</p> - -<p>An element is any volume of atoms of the same -size. There is no difference between elements but -in the size of their atoms.</p> - -<p>Every element is a rarer medium to every other -element of larger atoms; the minor is as a partial -vacuum to the major, which involves the principle -of <i>inequality</i>, on which motion depends.</p> - -<p>Correlative elements are any two, the atoms of -one of which are fitted for the interstices of the -other, and for no other interstices. Such elements -will naturally be together. On the correlative principle -magnetism depends.</p> - -<p>All bodies consist of several elements; there is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24"></a>[Pg 24]</span> -nothing simple, but an element. Bodies are -divisible, matter is not.</p> - -<p>All bodies include a portion of <i>elementary</i> or -<i>electric</i> matter, which is removed without injury to -their general texture.</p> - -<p>Matter can suffer no change but change of place.</p> - -<p>Weight is an accident of matter, the effect of -motion: all <i>effect</i> consists in motion; there is no -result until effect has ended in rest.</p> - -<p>Rest being natural to inert matter, is no effect, -has no cause.</p> - -<p><i>There is no power but impulsive pressure</i>; nor is -there any effect whatever attributable to <i>inertia</i>.</p> - -<p>The fundamental principle of <i>inertia</i> is that only -from which the philosophy of nature is deducible: -all philosophy is false which is not consistent -throughout with this universal, all-directing principle.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—The terms <i>electric</i> and <i>elementary</i> are of -the same signification, which is, <i>highly rare</i>: quality -and power to act are wholly out of the question -with the inert atoms of the elements of bodies and -matter.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="MOTION" id="MOTION"></a>MOTION.</h2> - - -<p>Motion admits of no definition, from being but a -local casuality of transitory endurance; motion is -the same in all things, from an atom to a planet, -against which all difference in velocity and direction -makes no <span class="correction" title="In the original book: exeption">exception</span>.</p> - -<p>Impulsive pressure is the only cause analogous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25"></a>[Pg 25]</span> -to the mechanical effect motion; pressure is universal -because matter is inert.</p> - -<p>Motion is not natural to <i>inert</i> matter: the term -is expressive of the local condition of a body, while -the body is prevented remaining where it is, and -while the body is being passed through contiguous -portions of space.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">There is no cause of motion but physical -impulse.</span></p> - -<p>As effect and cause are necessarily equal, so is -motion the measure of impulse, in time. Therefore -as long as a body is in motion it is being impelled, -however insensible the impelling cause. Motion -must be in the direction of impulse; for, as a body -cannot move itself, and is the passive patient of -impulse, so must its direction be the same as that -of impulse; therefore when the direction of motion -is changed, it must be by a novel impulse in the -novel direction.</p> - -<p>From all matter being in motion, and all effect -consisting in motion, and because like effects everywhere -are attributable to the like or same cause, -so must there be a cause of motion as universal as -matter; rather than that there should be a distinct -impelling cause for every individual motion following -after the body, to put and keep it in motion. -In all philosophic research the golden rule of nature -should be held in mind, which prescribes "the -shortest mode and fewest materials:" <i>to mistake on -the side of simplicity is more wise than censurable -in the search after natural physical truths</i>.</p> - -<p>A universal cause of motion, it would seem, can<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26"></a>[Pg 26]</span> -be no other than a universal medium, a medium of -pressure, one occupying the regions of planetary -space, competent to keep the planets in interminable -motion and effect all terrestrial minor motion: -only by such means is it conceivable how the earth -can be under endless, ever-varying impulse, productive -of ever-changing direction. When impulsively -pressed into motion by such a medium, the -direction of a planet must be orbicular, on account -of the pressure on the solar side being always less -than on the opposite, by which the projectile direction -is diverted from rectilinear to curvilinear.</p> - -<p>Newton imagined that a medium, and however -rare, occupying the regions of space, must retard, -in time destroy, and eventually require the hand of -Deity to restore the primeval order of planetary -motion: no very bright idea of the great mathematician, -considering the Omniscience of the Projector -of a <i>self-going</i>, <i>self-regulating</i> Universe. Whereas -a medium as dense as molten gold, could produce -no such disorder as long as impulse is greater than -resistance; which the long-continuance and order of -planetary motion strongly seem to indicate is the -case. Were there no medium in space, the planets -must be at rest; one could not possibly affect -another but by its shadow: Uranus being agitated by -the greatly remote presence of Neptune, is proof of -there being a connecting medium between. Gravitation -is supposed to move the body possessed of -the property, forwards,—why not every way?—to -the sun or towards some neighbouring planet, -but not to send that body or planet an agitating<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27"></a>[Pg 27]</span> -warning of its presence. How is gravitation within -one planet to keep another in a state of agitation; -which agitation being motion—a mechanical effect—is -proof of there being a medium by which mediate -connection is maintained between the two, Uranus -and Neptune. Without a planetary medium there -could be no <i>system</i> of planets. Suppose the existence -of such a medium, then its sudden removal,—must -not every subordinate system, which makes -part of the universal system, become disjointed the -same instant? Besides, from the laws of vision, -rather of optics, there is equal proof that space -contains a medium. There is no light to come from -a star to the eye; there is nothing of sight belonging -to the eye-balls; and there must be something -between a star and the sense to connect the star -with the sense; or how is the sense or brain to be -so affected by the star, as that the perception or -sensation shall be always the same when the eye-ball -lenses are directed to the same star; and only -by a universal medium can all the stars of the -hemisphere be in connection with the eye at the -same time, or the time of a few winks of the eye. -Therefore until it is proved that constant planetary -motion can be without constant and equal corresponding -impulse, as to direction; and that a star -can affect the sense of itself, immediately or with -nothing between, all denial of planetary space being -occupied by a medium of pressure, is utterly untenable.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28"></a>[Pg 28]</span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="THE_MEDIUM_OF_SPACE" id="THE_MEDIUM_OF_SPACE"></a>THE MEDIUM OF SPACE.</h2> - - -<p>Pressure being obviously the cause of planetary -motion, so is it of all terrestrial motion. To produce -atomic motion and transfer generally, it is -necessary, only, that the atoms of the medium of -space should be of less size than the minutest -interstices in bodies.</p> - -<p>A universal medium must be of universal service, -(as would be conceived, were the universe -involved in a medium of water,) to be in accordance -with nature's economy: to keep the planets -and matter in motion, to retain atoms together, -and effect their separation occasionally, include the -whole of action required by its service; more in -this respect it cannot effect; nor is the common -general procedure otherwise effected. Therefore -in pressure, by the medium of space, consists the -<span class="smcap">primum mobile</span>: the beginning and end of all -physical cause of action and of all physical effect.</p> - -<p>Pressure is nothing assumed, hypothetic, or unproven, -like attraction and gravitation,—the justly -dethroned imbecile usurpers of the imperial chair -of philosophy for ages past.</p> - -<p>On barometric evidence alone, that pressure -exists all round the globe is fully proved; and -that it is indispensable to the maintenance of the -existing general order, all must readily grant who -reflect for an instant on the fatal consequences which -the cessation of the general pressure, for only a few -minutes, must cause. Hence it is no immediate<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29"></a>[Pg 29]</span> -question how the general pressure originated, how -maintained, what the confining boundaries or <i>point -d'appui</i>. Most likely it is the consequence of the -motion of the planets themselves, surging through -the ocean of space. As every performance of -nature has some ulterior object in view, it is probable -that the effect of the motion of a planet on -the medium of space is tributary to the motion of -another planet, and that the motion of the whole -is a means of preventing the cessation of motion -of any of the parts. Most likely the medium of -space was not in a state of pressure at first; that -planetary motion, however commenced, effected -the state of pressure necessary for its continuance, -and which would be useless beyond the precincts of -planetary evolution: where pressure is not needed, -of a certainty there is none. Hence the conclusion -is warrantable, that the general pressure, however -commenced, is maintained by not only the motion -of the planets individually but in systems, through -the ocean of space.</p> - -<p>The earth may be said to swim through the -medium of space, and to be soaked with it as a -submerged sponge is with water, and the portion -within the globe of the earth, is continuous with the -like medium in space generally. By which all parts -of the interior of the globe are under the general -pressure equally as the surface, and all terrestrial -bodies subject to its vicissitudes.</p> - -<p>By such means, only, is the great earthquake to -be accounted for on dynamic principles. Far as the -subterraneous grumbling extends, the physical cause<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30"></a>[Pg 30]</span> -must be present, and in a state of force equal to -the awful result. No pent-up air suddenly set free, -or suddenly exploded gas,—both naturally forceless,—subject -to attenuation and obstruction in the -passage from the source—is competent to burst -the globe and hurl whole cities into the engulfing -chasm: nor is fire any assistant, judging from the -absence of flame, smoke, cinders, and ashes. Dreadful -as is the catastrophe, it is but a natural casuality -and in perfect accordance with the laws of matter. -An extraordinary rushing into the body of the -earth of medium of space, preceded by an equal -efflux of elementary matter atmospherically induced, -are the cause and promoting means of the extraordinary, -terrific phenomenon.</p> - -<p>All things being under the general pressure, and -elementary atoms of all sizes everywhere present, -the interstices of bodies cannot remain empty. From -all interstices being formed by spherical atoms, and -the atoms of the medium of space the smallest, there -are always interstitial spaces for medium of space -to enter, pass through or remain within, and which -<i>is not insulated</i>, but continuous with the outward -source. Thus, has the medium of space access to -every atom, and by the pressure from without, is enabled -to act <i>centrifugally</i> within the body, as a kind -of back-spring against each and the whole of its -constituent atoms, to produce expansion, dissolution, -and elementary dispersion according to the medium -or circumstances in which the body may be placed. -These general principles admit of repetition, in -order, that, by repeated showing, to prove their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31"></a>[Pg 31]</span> -validity, against others more generally known and -adopted, although unfounded in nature, sense, or -reason.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="MINUS-PRESSURE_MATTER" id="MINUS-PRESSURE_MATTER"></a>MINUS-PRESSURE MATTER.</h2> - - -<p>Taking the maximum of pressure as a fixed -quantity, or, as not being subject to increase, and -assuming the degree to be not less than equal to -the tenacity of steel, there must of necessity be -means of mitigating the maximum, so that in the -scale of descent every degree of force should be -attainable; and more, to keep the equilibrium in a -state of disturbance, without which all things must -be, and remain in the rest of death. Were there no -minus-pressure means, the solid, or perhaps aëriform -state of matter would exist everywhere, and of -motion there could be none. Such means for promoting -motion are amply supplied, and without -any addition of matter to the measured quantity -sufficient for the formation of bodies and service of -nature generally, in the elements themselves, of -matter.</p> - -<p>As the body which is involved in a medium of air -is under less pressure than in a medium of water, -and still less within a medium of elementary matter, -so is elementary matter, and the elements generally, -the natural means of mitigating the maximum of -pressure on and within bodies. All bodies within and -on the surface of the earth, possess removable elementary -matter, which prevents superficial contact, -and excludes medium of space proportionally from -their interior; and because the medium of space is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32"></a>[Pg 32]</span> -the cause of pressure, in being thus rendered discontinuous, -so is its force, as it were, intercepted -or lessened. For instance, a polished needle floats -on water, but when wetted or smoked is precipitated, -from having its electric or minus-pressure -atmosphere removed; from which it is obvious that -with the minus-pressure atmosphere, the needle is -under less pressure than when without it; and the -same atmosphere it is which makes the bed in the -water so much larger every way than the needle.</p> - -<p>The minus-pressure principle is well exemplified -in the rise of water within a tube over which fire is -situated. When the fire is removed, the water falls. -The fire must be in the state of combustion—mere -ignition does not answer. The elements forced out -of the combustible, as combustion proceeds, cover -the orifice of the tube, and intercept the general -pressure, notwithstanding they are under the general -pressure. By such minus-pressure means is the -equilibrium destroyed, and by the unaltered pressure -on the water outside the lower orifice of the tube, -the water is forced upwards. So is it that the water -of the sea is raised to the minus-pressure, elementary -matter descending from a cloud in the shape -of an inverted cone, and known as the water-spout. -Astronomers can best say whether the sun -and moon be not minus-pressure means in promoting -the rise of the ocean, productive of the -tides; a miniature representation of which is effected -by holding a charged jar over a surface of water, to -which the water rises in a small cone,—which cone -follows every motion of the jar, and falls when the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33"></a>[Pg 33]</span> -jar is discharged. Capillary ascent is promoted by -the interposed minus-pressure electric matter which -fills the caliber of the tube: the same matter prevents -the horizontal flow of water through such -tubes; but when the tubes are de-electrised, the -flow is free and constant: boiling water, or fire de-electrises -all such tubes. The electric matter on a -bar of iron is a hinderance to water running down, -but when removed by means of fire, the water runs -down the bar freely. The atmosphere is a minus-pressure -medium to the earth, and on the general -principle that <i>interposed elementary matter renders -discontinuous</i> the medium of pressure, which is the -medium of space.</p> - -<p>Minus-pressure means exist in other than the -elementary form, as in blotting-paper, candle-wick, -pledgets of lint. Within the cupping-glass, which -is empty of air only, it is the minus-pressure matter -obtained from flame which promotes the rise of blister. -Within the vessels of the vascular system, as -mucilaginous lining, minus-pressure matter assists -the circulation of fluids, on the foregoing capillary -principle. The slime on deep-water fish, seems -provided to lessen the pressure of the water on the -inhabitants of those seas. Minus-pressure matter -on one side only of a body, destroys the equilibrium, -and promotes the motion of the body; and generally, -the partial action, implied by motion, of the medium -of space on bodies or their parts, is promoted by -interposed minus-pressure matter in every instance -of physical change. Only in minus-pressure means, -which serve as a partial vacuum in some cases, to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34"></a>[Pg 34]</span> -disturb the equilibrium of pressure, is motion, or -change of place of the elements of bodies, or of -bodies themselves promoted: without such means -there is nothing to promote the blowing of a -wind, or to put the medium of space into action. -Cause being given, the <i>General Pressure</i> in the production -of every physical effect, the sole province of -philosophy consists in tracing out the minus-pressure -means which promote the occasional and partial -action of the medium of pressure.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="FIRE" id="FIRE"></a>FIRE.</h2> - - -<p>Fire is not hot, although it burns the flesh and -promotes pain. Matter, which is unalterable, cannot -be made hot or cold, neither is there anything -to make it so. If a limb be made rigid, or the -nerves of sensation be removed, or the function of -the nervous fluid be obstructed, the limb may be -burned off unconsciously. Heat is a sensation -effected through excitement of the brain; out of -the brain there is neither excitement nor heat. The -fire does not excite the brain, but the nervous fluid; -and although the sensation is not hot, it is imagined -that the cause must be hot, which is false reasoning. -The chymist finds heat creviced in all things, even -those which he admits are destroyed by heat—gunpowder -and ice. How can flame be hot, when -just obtained from the gases of decomposed ice -water? or, if hot, <i>sui generis</i>, it must have been hot -frozen flame in the original ice.</p> - -<p>Modern philosophy adopts different kinds of -heat,—<i>animal, culinary, and latent heat</i>. The first<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35"></a>[Pg 35]</span> -is our own feeling excited by means of fire in the -sensitive centre, the brain; also by exercise and -disease, in the absence of fire. How is the spark -from the flint or from the steel to saturate a bushel -of coal with heat? How, again, does "heat come to -an equilibrium in all surrounding bodies," when some -portion of the coal may be black cold, and others -red hot—using the popular terms—in the fire-place, -at the same time, and while the air in the chamber -is indexing zero? <i>Latent heat</i> is of the philosopher's -own peculiar making; and on the "<i>great discovery</i>" -the most unbounded praise is still bestowed. Latent -heat, "which all bodies possess without being -heated," which, "heats nothing," and is not hot, is -cold heat, and should be nomenclatured such, or, -absurd heat. Are not Instructors less than half-reasoners -and unnatural philosophers, who abide -by and teach such consummate nonsense: on a -par with which is the discovery of "latent dark -light"—"of black being formed by the intermixture -of two luminous rays at the point of intersection -in the spectrum," which is the same as -feelable darkness; after which, there only remains for -"<i>new discovery</i>," latent sound, for inking on, thence -vibrating from, a sheet of music-paper; and latent -motion, to keep a stone at rest, the quantity of -motion in the world having been already ascertained -arithmetically to a fraction; the last-day discovery, -the quantity of right reason, is the small remaining -trifle to be discovered. Radiation of heat and cold -by fire and ice, being inconsistent with the <i>inertia</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36"></a>[Pg 36]</span> -of <i>matter</i>, is an erroneous and greatly-misleading -assumption, although proved through the nicest -experiments, according to the experimenter's ideas.</p> - -<p>Instead of fire communicating anything to bodies, -<i>fire promotes loss to everything</i> in its neighbourhood. -The bars of stoves, iron pokers, steam-boilers; all -culinary vessels; coal, wood, candles, paper, linen, -all suffer loss by means of fire; cinders, charcoal, -tinder, are but remains: to which it is no exception -that some bodies acquire substance and weight in -becoming oxydes; because, previous to acquiring -oxygen from the air, they must have lost elementary -matter to the fire to make spaces for the oxygen -to enter, otherwise the open air should oxydize -equally, in the absence of fire.</p> - -<p>The loss, or matter of loss which fire promotes -to fluids, appears as air-beads on the sides and -bottom within the vessel on the fire, before the -water comes to ebullition: these beads cannot be -made to rise in the water by any manner of agitation, -which is proof they have not come from the -fire, and through the rigid bottom, or ascent and -escape are inevitable. When the bottom has been -sufficiently de-electrised by the fire, they are pressed -through it to the fire; or if the vessel be removed -and placed on the ground, they become dispersed -through the water insensibly. The like spherules -collect on an egg while boiling, which cannot be -anything issued from the fire to the surface of the -water, then precipitated on the egg. On the bottom -of a glass-retort suspended over a lamp, the like<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37"></a>[Pg 37]</span> -spherules collect, from which it is supposed that -water never touches the bottom of any containing -vessel; it must touch that which it wets.</p> - -<p>That air suffers loss to fire, is made evident by -the air being deprived of, or losing its oxygen during -combustion; and from both fire and flame becoming -extinguished in a limited quantity of respirable air, -in consequence of having lost its oxygen to the -combustible, while in the state of fire.</p> - -<p>Solids, as polished metals and glass, when they -experience no change of weight, lose to the fire -imponderable elementary matter only. So is it when -the hand is presented to the fire, it loses electric -matter, and the loss it suffers promotes the sensation -of heat: when the hand afterwards touches a -body, supposed to be cold, it acquires elementary -matter from that which is touched. In every -instance the body, solid or fluid, supposed to be -<i>heating</i>, is losing elementary matter; and that which -is said to be <i>cooling</i>, is acquiring the like matter; -the hand <i>loses</i> to the former and <i>receives</i> from the -latter electric matter.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="THE_MEDIUM_OF_FIRE" id="THE_MEDIUM_OF_FIRE"></a>THE MEDIUM OF FIRE.</h2> - - -<p>A peculiar medium is formed within a fire, towards -the composition of which the fuel contributes -more or less of its elements; which is made manifest -in a piece of wood or paper when held within the fire, -being brought to the state of combustion, and without -touching the fuel, (heat, be it remembered, is no -more physical than shadow.) The like medium is -formed from the elements contributed by flame, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38"></a>[Pg 38]</span> -whatever of elementary matter the atmosphere may -contribute beside. High above the flame of a lamp -combustion and fusion are effected the same as -within, or in contact with the flame. Between the -cupped hands this medium is receivable, and may -be carried from the flame of a candle to the wick of -a different candle just blown out, which it re-illumines. -There being little or none of the medium -of fire attendant on a detached ignited body, favours -the conjecture that the fuel during combustion -contributes somewhat of its elements towards the -formation of the medium of fire. Hence, although -not included in the nomenclature of chymistry or -any other, the medium of fire should have place on -the list of realities.</p> - -<p>As all bodies include more or less of free elementary -matter, which excludes its equal in volume of -the medium of space, so to admit medium of space -in order to cause change in the constitution of a -body, the body must undergo previous de-electrisation: -the law is general.</p> - -<p>The medium of space being the expanding and -decomposing cause, by means of its centrifugal -pressure within bodies, to prevent its being in -excess and effecting such changes spontaneously, -productive of the decomposition of all things, all -bodies are protected or retained in their present -condition by the electric matter within them, which -excludes the decomposing cause.</p> - -<p>Within the medium of fire all kinds of bodies -become de-electrised; all suffer loss of electric -matter, which is succeeded by influent medium of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39"></a>[Pg 39]</span> -space, the centrifugal pressure of which affects the -several changes to which bodies are liable previous -to ultimate dissolution into the elementary state. -In promoting the de-electrisation of every kind of -body, and to the extreme, which no other individual -medium or menstruum can effect, consists the universal -utility of the medium of fire.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="EXPANSION" id="EXPANSION"></a>EXPANSION.</h2> - - -<p>The theory of expansion is of easy comprehension; -it consists in previous de-electrisation, succeeded -by influent medium of space, which, by -acting with centrifugal pressure, produces the phenomenon -of expansion. The general pressure is -the expanding cause, by reason of the portion of -medium of space within all bodies being continuous -with the medium of pressure in general space.</p> - -<p>A bar of iron placed within the medium of fire -suffers de-electrisation; then acquires medium of -space, by which the bar is expanded. When taken -from the fire, it acquires electric matter similar to -that of which it had suffered loss, which displaces -the expanding medium, and now becomes contracted -by external pressure. The olden philosophy has no -contracting cause, the imputed attraction having -been destroyed by the imputed heat of the fire, as -the same philosophy states of the imputed attraction -of magnets being destroyed by the heat of fire, -which leaves the bar to contract itself.</p> - -<p>A piece of lead on the fire becomes de-electrised -and expanded. The portion of medium of space it -has acquired separates the atoms of the lead by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40"></a>[Pg 40]</span> -which the state of solidity is subverted; it remains -as one of the constituents of the lead, and is as a -menstruum to the metal, and the atoms of the metal -may be said to swim in it as the globules of blood in -the serum. Further de-electrisation and additional -increments of medium of space are productive of -complete dispersion of the atoms of the metal, and -of a kind of efflorescent result, which is a subsequent -formation. The air in a corked bottle before the -fire loses electric matter to the medium of fire; -and by the medium of space which enters the -vacated interstices, the cork is exploded. In the -partially exhausted air-pump receiver, that decrease -in the quantity of air should increase the expansive -power of the remainder, and that the atoms should -fly asunder with exploding force, is most unreasonable -and impossible. The physical fact is, -the more the air is reduced, the greater is the -quantity of influent medium of space, consequently -of expanding and exploding force. In the condensing -of air, as is the expression, by the piston of the -syringe, the quantity is reduced from being forced -out through the pores of the syringe; and pressure -on the bottom of the piston springs it up when the -depressing power is removed. Under the general -pressure the atoms of air must be in contact; and -the volume being reduced, implies reduction of -quantity: hard unalterable atoms are incompressible -beyond contact; and as to their being elastic, it -is physically impossible; medium of space being -forced out and re-entering, is what makes the air -be considered elastic. Let the syringe be worked<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41"></a>[Pg 41]</span> -under water, and the matter displaced appears escaping -as air-bubbles, and as air-beads on the outside -of the syringe.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="OXYGEN_AIR" id="OXYGEN_AIR"></a>OXYGEN AIR.</h2> - - -<p>All airs are compounds. Medium of space is -the most voluminous constituent of every <span class="correction" title="In the original book: acriform">aëriform</span> -body, which accounts for an air or gas and steam -being of so much greater volume than that from -which it had been obtained; steam has fifteen hundred -times the volume of the water it was produced -from.</p> - -<p>Oxygen air is decomposed in converting it with -hydrogen to water: there is no oxygen or hydrogen -air in water; their <i>elements</i> are the constituents of -water. Oxygen is decomposed by respiration; -when inspired, it is not expired, but nitrogen, which -must have been one of its constituents, and from -there being nothing to constitute the expiration but -the previous inspiration the proposition is proved.</p> - -<p>The constituents of oxygen are—nitrogen, <i>a -highly rare imponderable element</i> and medium of -space. The first is the most ponderable element of -nitrogen air; its atoms are the largest of all others -of the elements of matter, and, it may be said, they -constitute the substance of the framework of all -ponderable or gross formations. Davy says, "the -properties of nitrogen are altogether negative;" -the same applies to every other kind of air, all -being constituted of <i>inert</i> atomic substance, consequently -of inactive essence; and all being alike in -every respect but in the size of their atoms. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42"></a>[Pg 42]</span> -imponderable element being highly evanescent, is -never found alone, and is always connected with -nitrogen; hence simple nitrogen is obtainable only -from bodies, or by deoxygenating atmospheric air. -Atmospheric air is nitrogen, plus the imponderable -element; and when the nitrogen is saturated with -the same element, the air is oxygen: hence, whichever -is inspired, nitrogen is expired.</p> - -<p>From nitrogen being evolved copiously from -water in vacuo, and from ice being convertible to -nitrogen, according to Priestley, so is nitrogen a constituent -of water, also of the gases into which water -is decomposable; but as it cannot belong to the -hydrogen, owing to its superior levity, it must to -the oxygen; which is confirmation of the above, -that nitrogen is a constituent of oxygen air or gas.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="THE_USE_OF_OXYGEN_IN_PROMOTING_COMBUSTION" id="THE_USE_OF_OXYGEN_IN_PROMOTING_COMBUSTION"></a>THE USE OF OXYGEN IN PROMOTING COMBUSTION.</h2> - - -<p>How oxygen supports combustion no Elementary -Treatise explains; but leaves it to be imagined, that -oxygen is somewhat of a burnable nature, or that it -generates heat when blown into a fire. The fact is, -it supports combustion only mechanically. The -centrifugal pressure, by the medium of space, decomposes -the fuel; electric matter, entering the -ignited fuel, displaces medium of space, and the fire -goes out; oxygen prevents the entrance of electric -matter, and permits the medium of space to enter -the fuel freely, the pressure from without gives centrifugal -force. In this <span class="correction" title="In the original book: two-fold">twofold</span> manner of service -oxygen promotes the continuance of the kind of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43"></a>[Pg 43]</span> -decomposition known as combustion. A live coal -is greatly <i>deficient</i> of electric matter; when just -fallen from the fire it is said to be red and hot, -after a few minutes black and cold; all of which are -but mental effects. On the hearth the coal acquires -electric matter from the air, which displaces medium -of space, and becomes extinguished; so would the -fire were there no oxygen in the surrounding air. -Hence it would seem, that the interstices of oxygen -are too diminutive for electric matter to enter, but -are sufficiently large for those of the medium of -space to pass through, thence into the fuel. Should -the utility of the nitrogen of oxygen in combustion -be questioned, because nitrogen alone puts an end -to the combustion of a candle; it may be answered, -that, as the imponderable element of oxygen air, -from being highly evanescent, is not obtainable -without the nitrogen, and as by the service of both -together combustion is increased, so may both be -considered supporters of combustion; the grosser -element serving as a carrier to the minor, and, as it -were, giving it momentum sufficient to penetrate -beyond the surface of the half-decomposed, or previously -ignited fuel.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="COMBUSTION" id="COMBUSTION"></a>COMBUSTION.</h2> - - -<p>A piece of wood, like everything else when placed -within the medium of fire, suffers de-electrisation -and <span class="correction" title="In the original book: acquiries">acquires</span> medium of space: this twofold procedure -continuing, the wood becomes split or burst -asunder, and its elements gradually forced out by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44"></a>[Pg 44]</span> -the centrifugal pressure; some of which are precipitated, -some contribute to the medium of fire, -others are recombined differently and exist for a -short space of time as flame, and others, with matter -from the air, form soot. Such is the most rational -theory of combustion, consistent with the <i>inertia</i> of -matter and the absence of heat.</p> - -<p>Friction rubs away electric matter, percussion -forces it out, combustion and ignition follow, and -without being promoted by either heat or fire. The -kindling matter of a coal-laid fire requires the -de-electrising spark at first, and the de-electrised -kindling de-electrises the coal; the wood fire, effected -by means of friction, is independent of even the -spark of fire for its commencement, from having -been otherwise de-electrised at first. Within the -fire, one part de-electrises another, and the centrifugal -pressure decomposes the whole.</p> - -<p>Animal combustion is consequent on the internal -organs and flesh being de-electrised, the stomach -first, by means of spirituous liquors, which, like fire -in so doing, promote the sensation of heat. The -stomach and adjacent organs, from being thus de-electrised, -are prepared to receive the decomposing -medium; and from oxygen, to exclude electric matter, -being absent, the flesh is brought to the state of -smothered combustion and charred: it may now be -considered in the light of a <i>mortuum caput</i>.</p> - -<p>The spontaneous combustion of greasy clothes, -damp hay and other things, is promoted by the -limited quantity of air in which such articles are -confined. To the hand the air seems warm before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45"></a>[Pg 45]</span> -combustion has commenced, which indicates deficiency -of electric matter, but which, in time, the air -acquires from greasy clothes, and from damp hay, -the removal of which is succeeded by the destroying -medium, by which the elements of the combustible -become separated, set free, and dispersed.</p> - -<p>In summer, when the atmosphere is greatly deficient -of what may be termed winter electric matter, -all woodwork is in a desiccated condition; and the -slight friction of limb against limb is sufficient to -make space for medium of space to enter in excess, -and convert to fire, tree after tree, the whole of a -forest.</p> - -<p>The combustion of a candle is well worthy the -philosopher's attention. The candle while burning, -comprises a series of the simplest operations, and -far beyond the powers of art to effect or otherwise -imitate; yet from indifference to the familiar, and -the paucity of skill required in the construction, -there is nothing less noticed with philosophic -acumen. The mechanism and materials to be -wrought are the same; which consist in a slender, -compact, portable cylinder of tallow, within which -is included an equal length of wick. The various -operations of de-electrising, fluidifying, and gas-making, -are performed in silent, regular succession, -unretarded by friction and unincumbered with containing -vessels, Nature furnishes the power. The -wick answers the purpose of service-pipes, through -which the half-wrought materials are conveyed in a -gaseous form to the refining fire, within which they -remain as in a gasometer of supply, to be gradually<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46"></a>[Pg 46]</span> -diffused through the surrounding flame, and there -receive the finishing lustrous polish. The new -formation is now a refinery to the work in progress, -and is curiously situated over the materials where -only it could serve the numerous requisite purposes. -Nor does the gradual consumption of the -machinery derange the order of operation, work and -wear being carried on simultaneously to the end. -The many-coloured tissue wrought, of starlight -shine and of expanded base, is tastefully tapered as -if to please in appearance, as well as lighten our -darkness. Thus by natural means, operating on -almost uncostly materials, mankind are supplied -with that by which darkness is turned to day—the -candle flame.</p> - -<p>All combustion is on the same principle, previous -de-electrisation the commencement, and, by the -same cause continued, the centrifugal pressure, -which is on the increase from being derived from -the general pressure. Flame, or the electric spark, -de-electrises the gases, oxygen and hydrogen, before -their conversion to water takes place; compression -effects the same. The inflammable air in mines -becomes exploded from the de-electrising consequence -of flame, when inadvertently exposed; and -at times the de-electrisation is effected by the -atmosphere, as in spontaneous combustion. The -mine explosion, promoted by the atmosphere, is a -case of spontaneous detonation, if not combustion, -which, from sad experience taught, should be anticipated -by the application of a rocket fired by a -train. The foul air should be got rid of timely, not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47"></a>[Pg 47]</span> -left to accumulate, and the weather dictates when. -"The Davy" may be said to insulate the flame of -the lamp from the electric matter of the air within -the mine. The flame, when exposed, de-electrises -the foul air, and in fluent medium of space causes -the explosion.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="WATER" id="WATER"></a>WATER.</h2> - - -<p>Water is the most compound of fluids, although -when pure it promotes little or no sensation, which -is owing to the certain proportion of its elements -to each other. It seems to have, as constituents, -a portion of each of the general elements; of which, -when any are in excess or deficiency, the fluid -differs from common pure water, but still is an -aqueous fluid. All aqueous fluids which differ -from pure water, do so from elementary disproportion -in their constitution. Ancient philosophers -considered water the parent of all things, because -it contributes matter of substance and increase, they -said, to all kinds of bodies, and because there is -nothing elementary belonging to bodies which is -not obtainable, by one means or other, from water -or its productions. It contributes increase to the -whole of the vegetable kingdom, and through vegetable -matter to the increase of animal flesh. From -the vegetable world are obtainable, by means of art, -earths, metals, salts, acids, alkalies, even flame; -the primitives of which are of the same kind as the -initials of water; also of the atmosphere, which is -convertible to water, but is not water, by reason of -not only elementary disproportion, but the enor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48"></a>[Pg 48]</span>mous -excess of medium of space in which its -elements are involved.</p> - -<p>The constitution of water being unknown, and -supposed to consist of only the gases, hydropathy -is condemned, like mesmerism, through the ignorance -and intolerance of professionals, themselves -falsely educated at best. As alimentary, water is -the most wholesome drink under heaven; as medicinal, -far beyond comparison with extracts from -metals and minerals, from which deduct the water, -the remainder kills. The hydropathic perspiration -cleanses the flesh from head to foot; physic, the -intestines and stomach only. Water is the elixir of -both body and mind; witness the persons who are -teetotallers. A patient declared to the present -writer, he would rather have run naked into the -street, were he not bound up by the wet sheets, -than endure the fog and stench from his body by -the cold water perspiration. Yet doctors insist -that hydropathy is not medicinal or curative, or -why not adopt the practice?</p> - -<p>Water is formed by detonating the gases, oxygen -and hydrogen, by which their <i>elements</i> become -combined in the form of water; which is the only -formative mode pursued in the laboratory of art; -whereas, in that of nature, it is variously formed: -the number of elements determines the number of -modes. Suppose six the number of the natural -elements, then any five and the remaining one, any -four and the remaining two, or any three and the -other three, met and compressed within the atmosphere, -the product is water. On the meeting of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49"></a>[Pg 49]</span> -certain clouds, where <i>the gases</i> could not have -equal elevation, water is formed; and on walls -and wainscots, under cover, in humid weather, it is -formed from the electric matter on their surface -and the complement of elements contributed by the -atmosphere: the same walls, in the same weather, -would have no water, if kept de-electrised by -stoves. It is formed similarly on furs, woollens, -and the spider's web, all of which are retainers of -electric matter; and on the leaves of plants as <i>dew</i>, -but on the side only which is covered with the like -electric matter. Dew-water is neither a precipitation -nor exhalation, but a formation on that where -it is found.</p> - -<p>Water is formed on glass and metallic vessels, -however closely covered, as long and no longer than -the included water gives out electric matter through -the pores of the vessel. In the air of the tropics, -the dew or water running down the outside of -covered and uncovered vessels, cannot be considered -humidity of the air condensed by cold. In proof -of the foregoing, the hitherto unexplained experiment -is opportune.</p> - -<p>A plate of glass, covered on one side with tin -foil, has much dew on the naked side when uppermost, -and none, when the covered side is uppermost, -of equal dewy nights. The foil acquires -electric matter from the ground, which the glass or -naked upper side receives and retains; but when -the naked side is next the ground, the portion of -electric matter it acquires is conducted off by the -foil at top; and as where there is no electric matter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50"></a>[Pg 50]</span> -there is no dew, the upper coated side is dry, and -under circumstances which would have left much -dew on the glass side if uppermost.</p> - -<p>Within the animal system various aqueous fluids -and humidities are formed, and, as in the former -instances, without oxygen and hydrogen being -present; namely, hydrocephalus, the stomach juices, -liquor pericardium, water of blister, milk, tears: to -these add the juices of fruit, the chymists' aqueous -fluids, together with the variety of formative modes, -and the complex constitution of water remains -unquestionable. Lavoisier's experiments proved -the same, by the endless variety in the residue and -product, from decomposing and recomposing the -same water several times. Davy states, that, -when experimenting on different substances, water -frequently appeared, when there was nothing sensibly -present to which it could be attributed, if not to -nitrogen, which disappeared simultaneously with -the water appearing: electric matter is everywhere -present, although not sensibly discoverable.</p> - -<p>From which it is obvious that the alchymists -of old mistook the road to <i>El Dorado</i>. Instead of -aiming at turning the grosser metals into gold, they -should have alchymised on water, taking its elements -as the money-changer does those of the numeration -table, and by the rules of transposition made the -valueless stand in the place of most value.</p> - -<p>Water in the boiler loses electric matter to the -fire beneath, and is expanded by influent medium -of space; the excess of the latter throws out the -elements of the superior stratum, which, with an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51"></a>[Pg 51]</span> -enormous influx of medium of space, are the -constituents of steam and the power of steam. -The so-acquired medium of space, by the pressure -from without which it is under, is the cause of the -elasticity and force of steam. Steam is not water, nor -is it ever condensed by "cold." It consists in the -elements of water, less that which the water lost to -the fire: both, with a reduced or proportional -quantity of medium of space, make the original stratum -of water. What but electric matter can steam -receive from the pipes it may be passed through, -and is discharged from as water? Insulated, -"centrifugally repellant heat," without fulcrum, is -a most inconsiderable substitute for <i>the pressure of -nature</i> by the all-pervading medium of space, and but -a shadowy substitute in accounting for the powerful -effects of steam. There is no repellant force in the -flame of a candle; and what but influent medium -of space can make a pint of water fill and overflow -a quart vessel.</p> - -<p>Water loses its fluidity and is made solid or -congealed, upon losing the imponderable oxygenating -element. Priestley through his experiments made -the discovery, that, "air, purer than atmospheric, is -given out by water at the instant of congelation,"—which -must be oxygen air. From which we learn, -that oxygen is the natural hinderance against the -waters of the globe being solid; with which experimental -practice and experience agree, it being well -known that oxygen added to a freezing solution, -retards congelation; and that, to facilitate the -freezing of water, a smart tap is given to the side<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52"></a>[Pg 52]</span> -of the vessel, hitherto unknown why, but seems as -if to shake out the oxygen. The following observed -circumstances exhibit the congelation of water -throughout all its stages. The air in a chamber being -favourable for the reception of oxygen from water, -the water in a cylindrical earthen pitcher became -frozen; a plate of ice was formed, which equalled -the area of the vessel, and firmly fixed to the sides -one full inch higher than the water had been at -first. The bottom of the vessel was blown out, the -sides remained whole, and the ice not broken or -moved.</p> - -<p>The circumstances of the case admits of the -following illustration. Medium of space, by its -pressure, forced out the oxygen; additional increments -of the same medium entered, collapsed the -elements of the deoxydated stratum of water, and so -forcibly expanded the rest of the water as to make -it explode the bottom of the vessel, all at the same -instant. As all excess of medium of space retired -from the water, the latter sunk to the original -height; and had not the water escaped, it would -have been an inch separate from the plate of ice. -A river thus frozen, flows freely beneath the ice -from the same circumstances. The bomb-shell at -Hudson Bay was exploded by the expanded water, -not by the newly-formed ice; or else the sides, not -the bottom of the earthen vessel, would have been -exploded.</p> - -<p>Ice is deoxygenated water, and abounds with -electric matter, hence it floats; and ice-water is -at the minimum of density from being deficient of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53"></a>[Pg 53]</span> -oxygen. Ice, in a Florence flask, hung over a lamp, -yields abundance of electric matter, towards the -formation of lamp-black on the outside of the -bottom of the flask, which, to the miniature painter -may be preferable, from being the freest of grit. In -all cases of combustion, the elements of lamp-black -are present; so that, in combustion of the diamond, -the same kind of soot being formed, affords no -information of the constituents of this highly-prized -crystal. With more reason than that of pure -carbon, (which is but another name for the electric -matter which is the principal constituent of ice, -and lamp-black) being the base of diamond, it may -be assumed, that, diamond is a crystalized oxyde of -water. The electrician's opposite characteristics of -the two, diamond and ice, accord with the suggestion.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="SOLVENCY" id="SOLVENCY"></a>SOLVENCY.</h2> - - -<p>The menstruum is supposed to <i>act</i> by "chymical -attraction," from having "chymical affinity" on the -involved "chymical solid," which enables it to -draw out the elementary atoms of the solid: -whereas the <i>inert</i> menstruum does nothing; it is but -an interstitial recipient for the atoms to be forced -into, as they become centrifugally forced out of the -solid. And because the atoms of a body are of -different sizes, some make novel interstices, and -thus expedite the dissolution. Only by increasing -the number and kind of interstices, can diluting a -menstruum with water increase what is imagined -to be its solvency. Neither chymical properties, -nor chymical strength of a fluid, if it had any such,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54"></a>[Pg 54]</span> -could be increased by dilution, and the stronger -should dissolve that which the weaker is said to -dissolve. The contrary supposes that the force -which breaks a stone is too strong to break a nutshell. -Mechanical dissolution by the centrifugal -pressure is independent of <i>chymicalities</i>.</p> - -<div class="div-h3"> -<h3><a name="GASTRIC_SOLVENCY" id="GASTRIC_SOLVENCY"></a>Gastric solution</h3> -<p class="p-h3"> is effected similarly: the juice -has none of the chymical properties of Liebig, nor -does ingestion stand in need of the living principle -of Coombe; the former are imaginary, the latter is -denied from gastric solution taking place in a tea-cup. -The gastric juice is an interstitial receiver of the -elements of the pulp, when forced out by the centrifugal -pressure into the gastric menstruum, as those -of soap into water. The pulp and its <i>striæ</i> are -disunited, mechanically decomposed, not abraded: -some of its elements escape into the air within the -stomach, which, by disturbing the equilibrium -within, promote irregularity of pressure on the -outside of the sac, which causes the <i>pliæ</i> to be in -the peristaltic motion, supposed to be caused by -the stomach stimulating itself. The same circumstances -take place within and without the intestines. -The whole process of digestion is dynamic, -in which the only stimulant is pressure.</p> -</div> - -<p>Of the various conjectures on the origin of the -gastric juice, there cannot be any more unreasonable -than that which considers it a fluid <i>sui generis</i>, -and as having origin out of the stomach. All fluids -are compounds; and those belonging to the body -may be said to be formed out of, or by commixture -with others. To suppose for an instant, that a fluid,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55"></a>[Pg 55]</span> -which is <i>destructive of all flesh</i>, should have existence -out of the stomach, and remain harmless in -some <i>fleshy</i> vessel as long as the stomach is empty -of food, or until food is required to "stimulate" its -flow from without through the <i>papillæ</i> of the villous -lining into the stomach, is a most strange physiologic -oversight. Why not rather conclude at once, -that the flesh-destroying juice exists only where it is -required and for immediate service, and where only -there are preventive means, the peristaltic motion, -against it proving injurious to the flesh of the stomach; -and to the vessels of secretion it would be injurious, -hence, not as the juice but chyme it is passed -out of the stomach into the system. Under such -circumstances, the suggestion is nothing unreasonable, -that, <i>there is no gastric juice out of the stomach, -nor within, but while there is food present -to contribute one or more of its elements to the -other juices, including the saliva, towards effecting -its completion as a fit interstitial gastric menstruum, -for receiving the elementary constituents of the -pulp under mechanical decomposition by the centripetally -disuniting pressure of the medium of -space</i>. Like the all de-electrising medium of fire, -which exists only where and while it is being -formed, the gastric juice should be looked upon as if -<i>designed to be of difficult formation</i>; made more so -by depending on the food for its completion, which is -not a matter of "observation" within the stomach, -or in the <span class="correction" title="In the original book: teacup">tea-cup</span>: neither is the perfect juice, which -may be sponged or syringed from the bottom of the -stomach, any proof that as such precisely it came<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56"></a>[Pg 56]</span> -from the <i>papillæ</i>, as some suppose. As to the -papillary flow being <i>stimulated</i> by the food, with as -bad philosophy it might be said, charmed; or that -clockwork is <i>stimulated</i> by the weights. The flow -is promoted by the pulp, as were the latter a piece -of sponge. And that the papillary flow is but a -constituent, not the flesh-destroying juice, in promoting -ingestion, is evident from the hunger pain it -promotes while harmlessly accumulating out of the -stomach, indicating the stomach being empty; and -the relief experienced at its source when discharged -into the stomach, it is, which has given rise to -the idea, that certain organs <i>sympathise</i> with the -stomach.</p> - -<p>Such metaphorical expressions may pass for the -poetry of pathology, but hitherto have stood in the -way of deep research. Ingestion is expedited by -sleep, in consequence of the accumulation of <span class="correction" title="In the original book: minus pressure-matter">minus-pressure -matter</span> in the gastric region and stomach -at the time; and sleep is promoted by imperfect -mastication causing a deficiency of saliva in the -stomach which is compensated by <span class="correction" title="In the original book: minus pressure-matter">minus-pressure matter</span> -of the thus provoked comatose flow. The -pollparrot masticates but little, if at all, and sleeps -regularly after breakfast.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="USE_OF_THE_INSPIRED_OXYGEN_WITHIN_THE_SYSTEM" id="USE_OF_THE_INSPIRED_OXYGEN_WITHIN_THE_SYSTEM"></a>USE OF THE INSPIRED OXYGEN WITHIN THE SYSTEM.</h2> - - -<p>There is none of the inspired oxygen returned to -the lungs by the circulation. What becomes of it, -or what its use within the system, has not been -written for our learning. It is not retained in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57"></a>[Pg 57]</span> -blood, nor is it animalised; nothing yields less -oxygen than animal matter. To convey "carbon" -out of the system, and somehow purify the blood, is -the supposed service; but if so, should it not be -included in every expiration and of the inspiration -quantity? but which is not the case.</p> - -<p>Harvey proved that the blood circulates, but left -undiscovered what keeps in motion the <i>inert</i> fluid, -except the systole, which the <i>inert</i> heart cannot -effect on itself. No organ can do anything of itself, -the whole being composed of inert substance, and -nothing else; even the life of the body, whatever it -may be, leaves the function of every organ, not -excepting that of the brain, dependent on the -general pressure.</p> - -<p>By the general pressure the air is forced into, -but not through or beyond the lungs which it -inflates, and inflates nothing else. Within the -blood-vessels it would prove fatal; and although -from it the blood derives that by which it becomes -arterialised, yet the blood and air do not come in -contact, extravasation and pulmonary rupture must -happen, did the lungs permit the blood and air -coming together, or in immediate contact. Of the -air of an inspiration, the oxygenating imponderable -element only can permeate the pulmonary tissue. -This element it is which imponderably arterialises -the blood; the nitrogen of the inspiration constitutes -the immediate succeeding exspiration.</p> - -<p>The oxygenating element promotes the circulation -on the same principle that it promotes combustion; -its diminutive interstices exclude electric<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58"></a>[Pg 58]</span> -matter, which coagulates, and admits the propelling -force, medium of space, which is the only cause of -motion, to enter the blood. The oxygenated blood -being propelled, or pressed, by the medium of space -it includes, from the lungs into the ventricle, the -collapse, or systole, takes place, and the blood is -forced out of the ventricle, through the auricle, into -the aorta, thence through the several branches of -the arterial system, to and through the capillaries, -into the veins. Thus, from the medium of space -within the blood being continuous with the medium -of space generally, it is manifest that the blood is -circulated not by the systole, but by the general -pressure. To produce the systole, there is nothing -but the normal pressure on the outside surface of -the heart; nor, to lessen the normal pressure on -the parietes of the ventricle, is there anything but -the arterialising, <span class="correction" title="In the original book: minus pressure">minus-pressure</span>, imponderable -element of the blood just received into the -ventricle.</p> - -<p>Throughout the entire of the arterial flow, the -blood is losing the arterialising <span class="correction" title="In the original book: minus pressure">minus-pressure</span> -matter to the different organs, as the means by -which the functional action of each is promoted. -Without such means, there is nothing to disturb -the equilibrium of pressure on an organ to produce -organic motion, action, or function. Hence, it -appears, that the use of the inspired oxygen consists -in promoting the circulation of the blood and -the functional motion or action of the different -organs within the frame.</p> - -<p>Before entering the veins the blood is fully<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59"></a>[Pg 59]</span> -deoxygenated; within them it acquires gradually -electric matter, productive of the livid or coagulating -appearance; at the same time the blood-propelling -medium is lessening in quantity; but which -is compensated in the mucilaginous lining of the -veins, which assists the venous flow on the <span class="correction" title="In the original book: minus pressure">minus-pressure</span> -capillary principle; capillary attraction -would collapse the vessels. The electric matter -collected by the venous blood is got rid of in the -lungs, and expired with the nitrogen and a remnant -of the oxygenating element of the last inspiration; -hence the small portion of carbonic acid gas -obtained from the expiration.</p> - -<p>After all organic service, the arterialising minus-pressure -matter is insensibly transpired, which is -inferable from the supply being continued through -respiration; which, although constant, yet, from -being intermitting, might, perhaps, cause corresponding -stoppings in the round of organic -action; hence it would seem that, against such -intervals or interruptions taking place, the liver -has been designed to collect for casual distribution -a portion of the same minus-pressure matter. The -great surface of the liver may stand comparison -with the plate, or cylinder, of the electrifying -machine, and the organs as jars which receive -electric matter from it, as each stands in need.</p> - -<div class="div-h3"> -<h3><a name="SPLEEN" id="SPLEEN"></a><span class="correction" title="Inserted from the Table of Contents.">Use of the Spleen.</span></h3> -<p class="p-h3">— -The <span class="smcap">spleen</span>, from being an organ common to -the human frame, must have an allotted service to -supply; although considered useless by some, to all -of unknown utility, it may be <i>a lateral channel of -arterial blood direct from the heart, to supply the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60"></a>[Pg 60]</span> -vessels lying in a portion of the body not traversed -by the arteries belonging to the great arterial system</i>; -those of the diaphragm first; thence through the -umbilical cord to the fetus, in which the circulation -is indispensable, from being the only means of -conveying and dispersing throughout the body, in -the absence of respiration, the minus-pressure -matter which the organism of the fetus requires to -promote the several functions, without which life -would become extinct if commenced. In this -supply of motion promoting elementary matter, -consists all that can be considered <i>aeration</i> of the -blood, and all that the blood of both the fetus and -the <i>adult</i> requires, or can possibly receive. In the -chirping chick, while within the yet unbroken shell, -aeration is <i>prevented</i> by incubation of the mother -bird; but the arterialising elementary matter is -amply provided within the larger, apparently -empty, end of the shell. To keep out electric -matter, which would exclude the blood-moving -medium, is the object of the hen sitting on the -eggs, and oven-hatching is effected on the same -principle.</p> -</div> - -<div class="div-h3"> -<h3><a name="DIAPHRAGM" id="DIAPHRAGM"></a><span class="correction" title="Inserted from the Table of Contents.">How the Diaphragm Is Raised.</span></h3> -<p class="p-h3">— -The <i>diaphragm</i> cannot rise of itself, and has no -self-acting, self-lifting nerves or muscles, all flesh -being composed of <i>inert</i> atoms. The rise is proof -positive that pressure is greater on the posterior -than anterior surface of the membrane, and the -unchanged normal pressure beneath indicates reduced -pressure above; the latter is promoted by -minus-pressure matter imparted by the splenic -blood to the diaphragm, while passing through the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61"></a>[Pg 61]</span> -vessels of the diaphragm. This arterialising matter -being highly evanescent, escapes from the diaphragm -and upwards, and during the escape mitigates -the pressure, intercepts it in some degree -from the superior surface; then, by the normal -pressure beneath, the rise of the diaphragm is -effected. As the escape, or separation, is becoming -complete, the equilibrium is being restored, and the -diaphragm depressed to the normal level. If this -be not the rationale of diaphragmatic motion, it -will be little improved by the substitution of -muscular energy, leverage, or muscular vitality, -while leaving out <i>muscular inertia</i>, which should -not be omitted, but included, in accounting for -every muscular action and motion.</p> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="CORRELATIVE_ELEMENTS" id="CORRELATIVE_ELEMENTS"></a>CORRELATIVE ELEMENTS.</h2> - - -<p>Any pair of the general elements, the interstices -of one of which are the only interstices for receiving -and retaining the atoms of the other, or that -can be occupied by the atoms of any other of the -general elements, such elements are correlatives.</p> - -<p>Elementary co-relation is conspicuous in the -opposite polarities of the loadstone, magnet, and -crystals, and all bodies subject to polarization, which -includes the animal frame. Similar co-relation is -evinced between the galvanic fluids, those of the -pile, and those named electricity; likewise between -oxygen and hydrogen, the oxygenating element and -nitrogen, acids and alkalies and all mutually neutralizing -substances. Still it is not meant that all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62"></a>[Pg 62]</span> -the general elements are so paired; doubtless, there -are several ratios of size between the atoms of the -different elements, for the purpose of multiplying -variety among formations, the substance of which -is of the same species throughout. Possibly the -correlative principle gave rise to the ideal scale of -<i>chymical affinities</i>, subsequently refined to <i>affections -of matter</i>. Naturally, correlative elements will be -found together, as are nitrogen and the imponderable -element; also the magnetic fluids common to -iron.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="MAGNETISM" id="MAGNETISM"></a>MAGNETISM.</h2> - - -<p>Were attraction a property of the atomic substance -of the loadstone, it could be neither transferable, -receivable, nor liable to be destroyed by fire. -A magnet is a work of art, the substance is inert, -it can no more attract than think. Magnetism is an -accident of matter; it consists in the correlatives of -an iron bar having become separated, and drawn -one to each end of the bar: separation and -transition to the extremities of the bar, are what the -rubbing on the poles of the loadstone effects.</p> - -<p>Two paving-stones hanging a short distance asunder -and touched by nothing but the tranquil air, -remain at rest; but should attract each other -had "every atom in creation" the property. Were a -vacuum, partial vacuum or air much rarer than -atmospheric, now placed between the suspended -stones, each would be in motion towards the other -the same instant. Here both <i>causes</i>, the general -pressure, and the minus-pressure, or motion <i>pro<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63"></a>[Pg 63]</span>moting</i> -means, are given; the latter are sensibly -present, and the absence of attraction is as evident -as the inutility of anything of the kind to effect the -mutual approach of the two bodies. Not so is the -approach of two magnets understood, because the -intermediate minus-pressure means <i>present</i> are not -sensible. That iron magnets do not move together -by attraction, or that attraction is not the cause of -the phenomena imputed to it, is proved in the case -of iron-filings dropping from a bar, when the connection -of the bar with the galvanic battery is -broken; and it will not be contended that the galvanic -current is attraction.</p> - -<p>In order to arrive at a knowledge of wherein -consists the means which subvert the equilibrium -between two suspended magnets, reference has to -be made to the artizan's mode of operating in converting -the unmagnetised bar to a magnet. He -holds the bar in the middle, and draws one half -along the pole of a loadstone; then draws the other -half along the other pole, and after a few such -alternate <i>rubbings</i> against the poles, the bar is a -polarized magnet. From which it was formerly -supposed, that iron contains a magnetic fluid which -the loadstone rubbings divide, and draw half to -each end of the bar. But were such the fact, the -ends or poles should be <i>equals</i>, whereas they are -magnetic opposites. Now, with more reason, it is -considered that iron includes two different, removable -elements, (correlatives,) which, by the manipulation -on the loadstone, are drawn one to each end -of the bar, and there remain as polar atmospheres,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64"></a>[Pg 64]</span> -and constitute what are termed the polarities, or -opposite polarities of the bar; the latter opinion is -somewhat confirmed by the corresponding manner -in which iron filings, while being scattered on a -sheet of paper, become arranged round the poles of -a magnet lying under the paper.</p> - -<p>The magnetic relation, which the polar atmospheres -of any iron magnet bear to those of every -iron magnet, being the same as exists between the -polar atmospheres of every individual magnet, -makes manifest, that a certain pair of correlative -elements is common to all magnetisable iron; but -without concluding that, by the same kind of correlatives, -the polarities are produced in bodies not -ferruginous, which, if the physical fact, so may the -animal correlatives be different in some instances. -From which it follows, that no one mesmeriser can -affect mesmerically every person, nor any one person -be so affected by all mesmerisers. Neither are all persons -"nervous" alike, which should moderate the war -cry against mesmerism generally because of failure -in some cases; and should awaken the philosophic -mesmeriser, willing to make perfect the science, to -investigate the cause of exceptions and difficulties.</p> - -<p>Now, as respects the interposed minus-pressure -means or matter, which, by destroying the equilibrium, -promote the approaching motion of two suspended -magnets; there is nothing whatever to refer -to, but the magnets themselves, that is, their polar -atmospheres, which, together or facing one another, -make a rare or minus-pressure medium between the -proximate ends, into which both magnets are moved<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65"></a>[Pg 65]</span> -by the greater pressure on their remotest ends. It -lies with the previously-instructed patient, while -clairvoyant, through questioning by the mesmeriser, -to make close observation, and report all -circumstances respecting the magnetic lights; also, -those attached to and proceeding from the mesmeriser, -towards elucidating this most of all recondite -subjects—magnetism, in the philosophy of -physics. The mesmeriser should hold in mind, -that, probably the air between the facing ends of -two magnets is magnetically affected, that is, made -a magnet in the series by the other two; which -seems to be the case when the patient is magnetised -at a distance from the mesmeriser by means of the -pointed finger, and by the <i>effect</i> of will at a much -greater distance.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="NATURAL_SLEEP" id="NATURAL_SLEEP"></a>NATURAL SLEEP.</h2> - - -<p>That sleep is not at the command of will is certain, -or why undergo the tedium of a restless night? -Before the state of sleep can obtain, the body has -to experience an <i>electro-physico</i> change, by which -the extremities are left polarised and the body an -animal or living magnet. That the extremities are -polarised during sleep, is admitted by all physiologists; -for the effecting of which there must be a -pair of correlative elements concerned. While the -elementary transfer, productive of the polarities, is -taking place, so is drowsiness; when sleep has -obtained, the natural magnetising procedure has -terminated; hence from the degree of polarity, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66"></a>[Pg 66]</span> -mesmeriser can determine the stage to which the -patient has been brought between the comatose and -clairvoyant states, and know the capability of his -patient for being made clairvoyant or not; this -polar index should be well noticed.</p> - -<div class="div-h3"> -<h3><a name="COMATOSE_FLOW" id="COMATOSE_FLOW"></a><span class="correction" title="Inserted from the Table of Contents.">Comatose Flow.</span></h3> -<p class="p-h3">— -It must have been observed by many persons -while dozing and the body in a sitting or leaning -posture, that an agreeable warm glow arises in the -chest, which increases while passing sensibly through -the pectoral towards the gastric region, and which -terminates, insensibly, in the consummation of -sleep; from the feet upwards a similar, but less -perceptible, flow takes place. Of this twofold -<i>comatose flow</i>, the immediate consequence is polarisation -of the extremities; sleep is a remote, but not -the remotest consequence, when effects similar to -those by the flow are mesmerically effected. Thus -it appears that the theory of sleep and magnetism -is the same. The magnetising procedure, however, -has this difference; the magnetic correlatives are -drawn from the middle to and out of the extremities -of the bar; those of the body of the patient -recede from the extremities to the central region, -leaving one, the correlative of the other, at each -extremity, in both cases.</p> -</div> - -<p>The foregoing theory of sleep is described from -immediate personal observation. While leaning -over a table, the doze heavy, the comatose flow -distinctly felt in its agreeable downward progress -through the chest, when, just at the instant of forgetfulness, -the violent slam of a door drove away -all chance of sleep under the following circum<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67"></a>[Pg 67]</span>stances: -a sensible and sudden revulsion upwards, -a few seconds of giddiness, and a smart painful -stroke on the stomach took place, all in quick succession; -which may be accounted for thus: the slam -prevented the correlative fluids from the opposite -extremities meeting centrally; each gushed irregularly -back, and depolarized its extremity, the -suddenness of which caused the giddiness. The -stroke is the true electric shock, inflicted by the -medium of space suddenly rushing or falling on the -stomach, from which the matter of the comatose -flow had been as suddenly displaced. Taking all -circumstances into consideration, it is manifest that -the state of sleep is the result of a natural magnetizing -operation.</p> - -<p>Before the fire, while reading, the superior extremity -loses electric matter to the fire, which leaves -it polarized and promotes the comatose flow. -The lower extremity becomes polarized simultaneously -with the upper as a correlative consequence. -Sleep is supposed to be expedited by heat; hence -the afternoon's nap is seconded by a silk handkerchief -thrown over the head, but which is only a -hindrance to electric matter, similar to that of the -comatose flow entering from the air and depolarizing -the extremity. The handkerchief, from being -a non-conductor, only prevents the coming sleep -being retarded; it could neither generate nor -multiply heat.</p> - -<p>Naturally it might be questioned, why the body -should become somnolent daily; and, by what means -the comatose flow is naturally effected;—of itself<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68"></a>[Pg 68]</span> -it could not take place. The languor removed, and -renovation of muscular strength through sleep, -may satisfy in the first instance. Next, it would -seem, that, as the functions of the several organs -depend on the presence of minus-pressure matter -for unequalising the pressure on each organ, so must -there be waste, loss, and daily deficit of minus-pressure -matter; which, from being made good by -means of sleep, leaves it inferable, that the daily -quantity derived from respiration may be little -more than sufficient for the continuance of animation -under the minimum of bodily exercise; but as -man is necessitated to follow laborious avocations, -so is it designed, that the loss by service and waste -shall be the means whereby the necessary re-supply -is to be furnished. The loss leaves the extremities -polarized; and as greater waste towards total -exhaustion approaches, the matter of the comatose -flow becomes needed and is employed in prolonging -the functions of the different organs, and before -exhaustion is complete the body is in the state of -sleep; during which, from every inspiration being -far more lengthy than ordinary, the body is resupplied -to repletion with the respirable minus-pressure -matter, by which the extremities are -depolarized, and the sleeper is awake, refreshed and -invigorated. From which it may be said, that a -man toils himself to sleep, and sleeps himself -awake; and that, not "balmy sleep," but respiration, -is "tired Nature's sweet restorer."</p> - -<div class="div-h3"> -<h3><a name="MESMERIC_SLEEP" id="MESMERIC_SLEEP"></a>Mesmeric sleep</h3> -<p class="p-h3"> may be considered forced sleep. -It is effected with little or no comatose flow, which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69"></a>[Pg 69]</span> -renders replenishing by long breathing unnecessary; -and the patient, on being awakened by demagnetising -the extremities, is rather debilitated than -refreshed.</p> -</div> - -<p>Every finger of the mesmeriser is a magnet to -the magnetic correlatives within the extremities of -the patient; and the passes polarize after the -manner of the comatose flow in the case of natural -sleep. From there being no mesmerically-effected -comatose flow, there is reason to infer, that <i>the contents -of the nerves of sensation only are what the -passes polarize</i> and what only are polarized in -natural sleep, although expressed by the word, -<i>extremities</i>.</p> - -<p>Repetition of the passes separates, or de-electrises -more completely the nerves of the extremities, than -for the production of natural sleep is requisite. -Hence it may be said, that the body of the <i>mesmerised</i> -patient is in magnetic advance, and hence -the series of surprising consequences which bring -to light more and more the wonders of the -economy.</p> - -<p>The passes should be conducted on magnetising -principles; that is, from the extremities to the -gastric region to bring on somnolency, and from -the same region to the head and feet or extremes -to awaken; from head to foot is unscientific, and -might be prejudicial; the central region of the body -should be considered <i>the mesmeric insuperable line</i>. -Cross passes having been found efficient are not -anomalous, by reason of the nerves and branches -lying in all directions.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70"></a>[Pg 70]</span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="VISION" id="VISION"></a>VISION.</h2> - - -<p>According to the popular opinion, which governs -the philosopher, and with which the established -philosophy agrees, vision is an act performed by the -eye, which is said to be endowed with the faculty -of sight, by which it is enabled to look into, -through space, and see external bodies made visible -when covered with solar or day light; nothing of -which is true. The eyeball is not possessed of -sight; to see is not the function of the sense; -externals are not visible; there is no material light; -light is a sensible or mental effect consequent on -the chromatic organ of the brain being excited by -the fluid of the optic nerve. All we know by means -of the optic sense, consists in the sensation of light -or coloured light, accompanied with the idea of -form. The object which promotes the sensation -being, seemingly, the place of the sensation, all -imagine the sensation is the colour of the object to -which the eye is directed, and hence, that the object -or body is seen by the eyes. These general mistakes -are made evident and stand corrected by reference -to the sense itself, its physiology and function, as -previously stated and advised.</p> - -<p>The medium of space is the visual medium; not, -however, for looking through, as is supposed, but -by reason of it forming the link or intermediate -means by which the object is connected with the -sense. Now, as the medium of space is present -everywhere, and as it promotes visual or optic perception, -the question naturally arises, why do we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71"></a>[Pg 71]</span> -not see in the night as well as day, in all places and -at all times; in a word, why do we not see in the -dark? The clairvoyant does "see" in the dark.</p> - -<p>The nervous fluid excites the sensation of colour; -the medium of space connects mediately the object -with the nervous fluid, which fluid acts on -the optic cerebral organ by pressure and degrees of -pressure. The nervous fluid, nor anything else, acts -essentially, that is, by means of properties and -qualities; and its acting on the brain is caused by -external agency, the fluid itself being <i>inert</i>. It may -well be supposed that the exquisite construction of -the brain, from being competent to produce psychologic -effects, although excited by material agency, -requires but the most simple means, such as a -simple impulse or impression, to be actuated into -excitement; and as the portion or line of the -medium of space which is continuous from the -external object, through the pupil, to the nervous -fluid within the retina, is that which puts the -nervous fluid into functional action on the brain, it -is fairly assumable that only by pressure, degrees, -and changes of pressure, the nervous fluid can -by possibility act on and excite the brain; which -equally applies to the nervous fluid of all the senses. -Taking, then, the maximum of optic pressure as -productive of no sensation; so, from there being no -object to perceive, it is imagined we are surrounded -with darkness; and taking the minimum as exciting -the sensation recognised as luminous, light, or -white, to intermediate degrees of cerebral pressure -are to be attributed the sensations of red, yellow,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72"></a>[Pg 72]</span> -blue and of colours generally. According to these -terms of the colorific scale, all optically-excited -perceptions are consequent on the cerebral pressure -being in degrees on the scale of descent from the -maximum.</p> - -<p>For the reduction of optic pressure, there are -different minus-pressure means, namely, the sun, -flame, electricity, phosphoric substances; and the -daily electric matter, which is constant in the atmosphere -at the eastern hemisphere of the globe, and -which keeps pace with the sun; because the rarest -elements of the atmosphere will be in greater quantity -on the side facing the sun. As this daily -electric matter emerges before the sun is above the -<span class="correction" title="In the original book: horiozn">horizon</span>, the general optic pressure excites the sensation -supposed to be the light of day-break; and -while following, after sunset, the sensation is known -as twilight. Any such minus-pressure matter lying -in the visual direction, shortens the visual line, and -intercepts the continuity of that line of the medium -of space which makes one with the axis of the eye, -and thus effects the reduction of optic pressure.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—The terms here made use of, from being -unknown in the olden philosophy, need explanation.—<i>Axis -line</i>: that line of the medium of space -which is as the axis of the eye produced to, and -terminated by the external object. <i>Visual line</i>, the -same. <i>Visual continuity</i>; the line which is continuous -<i>angularly</i> with the termination of the axis -line. From the termination of this <i>continuous</i> line, -there may be another angular continuity or <i>line</i>, as -from mirror to mirror. All lines continuous from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73"></a>[Pg 73]</span> -the axis line and terminated by <i>the object</i> supposed -to be seen, and however irregular, are <i>lines</i> -of <i>vision</i>: the angular point, <i>the point of</i> (first, -second, or third) <i>continuity</i>. The reader should -make a diagram for each case as he proceeds.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Within the window-closed room, a lighted candle -is supposed to fill the entire space with light -radiated from the flame: the perception is named -light, and is thus wise excited. When the axis line is -terminated by the flame, the pressure on the nervous -fluid is lessened to the degree which promotes the -sensation of luminousness, which seems to be the -physical appearance of the flame itself. Again; -when, in the same room, the eye is directed to a -mirror the like perception is excited, because the -visual line is continuous from the point of continuity, -or termination of the axis line, to the flame as -before. When the axis line is terminated by a piece -of furniture, the point of continuity being imperfect -and the visual continuity thence to the flame -irregular or indirect, the optic pressure on the -brain by the axis line excites the sensation of -colour, which is imputed to the object, chair, or -table.</p> - -<p>In the celebrated <span class="smcap">Optics</span>, the visual lines are -mistaken for rays of light radiated from the flame, -and reflected from the other objects; which rays are -supposed to enter the eye, and (as if possessed of -intelligence) arrange themselves on the back of the -eye or on the retina, in the precise form, but of a -different size, of the object to which the eyes are -directed, as the means by which externals are seen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74"></a>[Pg 74]</span> -before the face. In cases wherein the visual line -is indirect, as when lying through media of unequal -density, the supposed rays are said to be refracted: -and, because the curtained iris excludes the visual -medium, except through the pinhole pupil, thence -along the axis through the lenses of the eyeball, the -<i>optics</i> inculcate, that the eye has been formed to -see only in straight lines. Finally, by Dr. Reed it -is taught, that the use of the sensation and of the -image on the <i>back</i> of the eye, is to make the external -object <i>opposite the face</i> be seen; all which has to be -rejected and forgotten in being guided by the natural, -real function of the sense, against which there is no -appeal. There are no rays concerned; the medium -of vision is quiescent; there can be neither -radiation, reflection, nor refraction effected by passive -inert bodies; there is no image on any part of -the eye or retina; and externals could not be made -visible, or seen by their images. Such absurdities, -all of which are maintained in modern philosophy, -have prevented, more than any thing else, the science -and phenomena of Mesmerism being understood.</p> - -<p>According to the interstitial composition of the -surface of a body, so is the point of visual continuity -at or beneath the surface; which determines -the degree of pressure on the axis line; which determines -what shall be the resulting sensation, or apparent -colour of the surface of the object to which the -pupil of the eyeball is directed. Through a pane -of glass, or through the clear atmosphere, the axis -line may be said to be uninterruptedly continuous, -and the perception is as if the glass were away.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75"></a>[Pg 75]</span> -Through an ignited sheet of iron the visual continuity -is imperfect, and may be said to be continuous -only halfway through the sheet. An ignited bar, -at first, is said to be brown, then ignited to redness: -colours are sensations. Within the bar the axis -line is continuous in zig-zag order, which causes -the optic pressure to excite the sensation of red: it -is a prismatic case. The <i>spectra</i>, by means of the -prism, are only in the sensorium; the skreen itself -is unseen. When the direct axis line terminates at -the apparent red on the skreen, the continuity -thence is maintained through some particular part -of the prism; when terminated by the yellow, -through a different part; when by the blue, through -another different part; and through each part the -continuity is somewhat curvilinear, hence the pressures -and perceptions are different. Through the air, -when the perception is of the many-coloured rainbow, -the visual continuity is as through the prism: -there is no coloured bow out of the sensorium.</p> - -<p>Where there are no minus-pressure means for -lessening the optic pressure, as in mines, caves, and -window-closed rooms, there can be no perceptions -of light and colour. From the sensation ceasing -the same instant the last window-shutter is closed, -it would seem, that, the <i>daily</i> minus-pressure matter -is in constant flow eastward through the globe. -The rheumatic sufferer fears sun-down, as if the -daily matter enters and protects the nerves from -the nightly. The meteorologist has to resolve the -problem for the philosopher in tracing the magnetic -meridian.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76"></a>[Pg 76]</span></p> - -<p>The objection is unfounded against pressure being -the cerebral exciting cause. It is objected, that, from -two stars equally distant, one considered red, the -other blue, the pressure cannot be changed along the -visual lines in the small space of time the eye takes -to direct itself from one to the other star. There -is no changing of pressure on either line. The -existing pressure on the sense by each is different, -and what it is, depends on the constitution of the -external object, as in every other instance, and just -as on that of the ignited bar already stated. The -imputed colours of the stars being different, so is -the continuity of axis line beneath the surface of the -atmosphere of each star, also the degree of pressure -and the sensitive result.</p> - -<p>Neither is it maintainable that the medium of space -cannot be the medium of vision, because "from -being all-pervading, it should excite vision through -all kinds of bodies, as through a block of rock crystal, -but does not through so thin a substance as a leaf of -blotting-paper." By clairvoyance it is proved that -the visual continuity is maintained through stone -walls; and by reason of the <i>visual and auditory</i> -medium being the same, that is, medium of space, -the "hearing" through stone walls, makes the -"seeing" possible. The bell must be connected mediately -with the auditory sense, as is the object with -the visual sense; and through stone walls there is -nothing continuous but the medium of space. Sound -is no more a transmissible object than colour; -neither belongs to the external object. In all such -cases of sensations which are different, although the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77"></a>[Pg 77]</span> -promoting means are the same for all the senses, -that the organs of sense may not be equally susceptible, -or capable of being put into functional -service by the same degree of cerebral pressure, -should be held in mind, or else it might be asked -why all the senses are not excited at the same time.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="TRANSPARENCY" id="TRANSPARENCY"></a>TRANSPARENCY.</h2> - - -<p>A transparent body, is one through which the -visual line is uninterruptedly continuous from an -object to the sense. The materials for glass-making -are opaque, and the natural opacity of their elementary -atoms is unalterable. Hence in some novel -arrangement of the atoms towards promoting the -direct continuity of the medium of space through -them, consists the object of vitrifying and principle -of transparency.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="OPACITY" id="OPACITY"></a>OPACITY.</h2> - - -<p>The principal obstacle to transparency is interposed -electric matter. In the earliest stages of -glass-making an immense volume of electric matter -is got rid of by means of the furnace fire, which -becomes sooty smoke while ascending and passing -through the furnace funnel; and to prevent all -return of the like, it is, that solid oxygen is added -to the materials when fused, the interstices of -which, in the vitrified mass, secure the direct continuity -of the visual medium. Priestley made black -wax and brass filings transparent, by only removing -all interposed electric matter. The body of a living<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78"></a>[Pg 78]</span> -man, by being de-electrised, has been made transparent. -In these instances the transparency is of -short continuance, and the opacity is restored by -returning electric matter. Fire, in de-electrising -gems and crystals, destroys all partial opacity. -The clearest water is made cloudy on receiving -the charge from the electrifying jar; by uncustomary -electric matter, the atmosphere is made -foggy, and is transparent again when the electric -matter becomes a constituent of rain-water. These -instances show, that, electric matter lying in the -way of the medium of space and vision, interrupts -its regular continuity, consequently, its direct -pressure; yet not wholly,—clairvoyance and sound -make manifest that the continuity is maintained -through the most opaque bodies. The principle -bears strongly on the physiology of clairvoyance.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="THE_NERVOUS_FLUID" id="THE_NERVOUS_FLUID"></a>THE NERVOUS FLUID.</h2> - - -<p>Were there a distinct fluid belonging to the -nerves of sensation, and insulated, it could not be -affected by external circumstances, nor its cerebral -excitement be productive in the least of any knowledge, -relative or inferential of external bodies. Were -the fluid not insulated, it should be subject to waste -like the lachrymal fluid, and must excite the brain -differently at different times, even under equal -circumstances; which must make it impossible to -identify the same body after its removal out of the -axis-of-vision direction.</p> - -<p>A distinct fluid, not insulated, has to be in con<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79"></a>[Pg 79]</span>tact -with the line of medium of space which the external -object terminates, which adds to the difficulty -of waste, in the possibility of the nerves becoming -flooded with an abnormal fluid, medium of space. -Much more likely is it, that, <i>the cerebral exciting -fluid, of the nerves generally, consists in medium of -space</i>, received from without through the cuticular -insertions and orifices of the nerves as streamlets -from the great ocean of space, subject to neither -ebb nor flow, and liable to change of pressure -occasioned by external agency. According to this -idea, the object and brain are the terms of the -visual line; and medium of space, continuous from -the object through the nerves to the brain, is the -connecting link.</p> - -<p>Further; although medium of space is the nervous -fluid and immediate cerebral exciting cause, -(which entitles it to be named the <span class="smcap">true</span> <i>nervous -fluid</i>,) there are strong grounds for concluding -that, with the true fluid, the nerves include a pair -of correlative elements. Because of the mesmeric -effected polarities being without the comatose flow, -which leaves nothing to look to for the polarizing -means but the contents of the nerves. Next, as -clairvoyance is a cerebral effect, something connected -with the nervous fluid must be concerned in -its production, or why not clairvoyance take place -without the magnetic passes. Finally, the true -fluid, or any single fluid, is incapable of being -polarized; and the true fluid might be rendered -immovable at times, were there no electric or minus-pressure -matter within the nerves, also to prevent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80"></a>[Pg 80]</span> -its increase, and to retain the normal quantity of the -true fluid. All extremes being prevented, and the -polarities of the extremities productive of increased -lucidity, are consistent with idea of the nerves including -magnetising correlatives, which, beside, serve -as an elastic break against the fluid exciting the -brain indistinctly, irregularly, or exquisitely; and -only, as it were, muffled, to prevent the sensibility -of the cerebral organs being worn out prematurely.</p> - -<p>Another object may be attained by the included -electric correlatives, namely, restricting the exciting -pressure to certain degrees, so that the sensation -shall be defined and directing, but otherwise useless -and misleading. Another may be, that of regulating -the degrees of pressure on such a scale, as that, -by the same senses, sensations shall be excited as -different from each other as those of red, yellow, -and blue by the optic sense, heat and cold by the -feeling sense, sweet and bitter by the gustory sense. -To which the conjecture may be added, for the -purpose of anatomic and physiologic inquiry, that, -as not even an elementary interstice is without -design, so may the orifices of the retina be of regulated -diameters, to ensure such definite degrees of -pressure on the brain as shall excite the sensations -recognised as primitive colours.</p> - -<p>On the principle that the nervous fluid is derived -from without, the question is decided as to the -cuticular termination of the nerves, which is objected -to by some, in consequence of a few of the -nerves being observed to have "inward bending." -And is it not a matter of common observation, that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81"></a>[Pg 81]</span> -"feeling is most sensible at the tips of the -fingers" or apparent place of the sensation.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="CLAIRVOYANCE" id="CLAIRVOYANCE"></a>CLAIRVOYANCE.</h2> - - -<p>All mesmerically-produced phenomena are the -consequence of the passes. The immediate effect of -the passes is de-electrisation of the nerves, that is, -of their contents, which leaves them polarised (as is -the case in natural sleep), but more intensely than is -effected by the comatose flow. In the ordinary condition, -the contents of the nerves may be likened to -milky water in a barometer tube; in natural sleep, -to the same, with a less degree of milkiness—the -latter subsiding from the ends to the middle portion -of the water; and in the clairvoyant condition of -the nerves, to the milkiness having so completely -subsided as to leave the water above and below the -middle of the tube transparent. In the ordinary -condition, the nervous fluid is clogged, as it were, -with intermixed electric matter, which, by marring -the regular continuity of the fluid from without to -the brain, reduces in some degree the exciting -pressure on the brain, which prevents the function -of the fluid being employed to its utmost. In this -encumbered state, the fluid may be said to act on -the brain, as the clapper when muffled on a bell. -Still the excited pressure is sufficiently strong, and -the mental result sufficiently distinct for all human -purposes. When to the clairvoyant degree the -nerves have been denuded of impeding electric -matter, the nervous fluid is enabled to act on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82"></a>[Pg 82]</span> -brain as if unmuffled; and as its continuity from -the orifices of the retina through space is not in any -manner altered, so, to the altered electric condition, -mesmerically effected, on the contents of the nerves -between their orifices and the brain, we must attribute -all mesmerically produced phenomena; and -without supposing that the brain is quickened -into a higher degree of sensibility, or that any one -of its various organs has acquired some exalted -degree of psychologic ability.</p> - -<p>That <i>long vision</i> and <i>opaque vision</i> should be consequences -of cleansing, as it were, the nerves of -intercepting minus-pressure matter, is nothing surprising, -it is as removing dust from the window to -better our vision: the physiology is traceable, and -the psychology not more incomprehensible than its -hourly occurrence in a minor degree, to which, as -sensible effects, we are indebted for all we know, -and by which we abide, without inquiry into their -nature or origin; so perfect is the design of Nature -in our make for supplying all that is requisite to -the comfort and enjoyment of man in his present -state of existence.</p> - -<div class="div-h3"> -<h3><a name="LONG_VISION" id="LONG_VISION"></a>Long vision</h3> -<p class="p-h3">, during the clairvoyant state, or the -recognition of objects greatly remote by the sensation -each promotes, has its wonder much more in -the <i>nature of the medium of space</i> than in the -familiar mental effect. The optically promoted sensation -is proof that the external object, were it at -the antipodes, is in mediate connection with not -only the nervous fluid of the retina, but the brain. -Long and ordinary vision have the same theory: in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83"></a>[Pg 83]</span> -both states the same chromatic cerebral organ is -excited by the nervous fluid; in both the nervous fluid -is continuous from the brain to the external body; -and in both the object perceived is the sensation of -colour. That the eye-ball lenses are concerned in -long and opaque, as in short vision, however in the -two former, the eyes may be bandaged (to satisfy -the desire of spectators, otherwise useless, if not -worse,) is obvious, from the knowledge of form being -connected with the sensation, as in every instance -of optically-excited perception.</p> -</div> - -<p>By the passes, the nervous fluid is freed from the -visual intercepting electric matter; which matter, -like the colouring matter in stained glass, renders -the continuity of the visual medium or fluid within -the optic nerve impaired.</p> - -<p>To account for the phenomenon of much longer -than ordinary vision, there is nothing in the mesmeric -case to effect the difference, or refer to, but -the de-electrised condition of the nervous fluid. -From which it would seem that the visual line from -the most remote object, is always as continuous to -the brain as from one within arm's length before -the face; and that the degree of cerebral exciting -pressure on the longer line is rendered equally efficacious, -<i>now</i>, that the electric impediment has been -removed from the nervous fluid; hence, that the -normal intermixed quantity of electric matter with -the nervous fluid prevents us being clairvoyant at -all times, is reasonable to conclude.</p> - -<div class="div-h3"> -<h3><a name="OPAQUE_VISION" id="OPAQUE_VISION"></a>Opaque vision</h3> -<p class="p-h3">, or the "seeing through opaque -bodies," is not the absurdity so generally imagined<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84"></a>[Pg 84]</span> -when judged and reasoned on according to the true -principles of visual perception: the facts of clairvoyance -place the absurdity on the denier.</p> -</div> - -<p>As the medium of space furnishes all the nerves -with the true and only cerebral exciting fluid, which -is necessarily all-pervading, and proved to be so by -the auditory sense, or "hearing through stone -walls," the possibility of seeing through such bodies -is made manifest, and <i>clairvoyantly</i>, has been -proved. Misled by the idea that the eye-balls look -through solid glass, yet cannot look through a stone, -to doubt and deny is pardonable; yet nothing else -is requisite, than that the visual medium shall be -continuous from the object to the brain, no matter -how many opaque objects lie between, for the perception -being excited, and promoted by the remote -object: the object perceived is the sensation of this or -that colour, as in transparent vision. It is no ordinary -circumstance, that of "seeing through opaque -bodies;" neither is it an ordinary circumstance, the -extreme de-electrised condition of the nervous -fluid, <i>on which the extra-ordinary of the phenomenon -depends</i>. In removing the partial opacity of a -crystal by means of fire, the hindrance to the visual -continuity, electric matter, is displaced; but as no -such electric displacement from a stone wall is -effected or practicable, while to the clairvoyant the -continuity is as were there no electric impediment -in the wall, is proof additional that the medium of -space, the common cerebral exciting cause, pervades -all things, the human body included, and -hence the being in <i>Report</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85"></a>[Pg 85]</span></p> - -<p>Now that mesmeric practice and proof have stifled -all open opposition, by the influential ignorant, to -the surprising truths of the science, that all persons -cannot be mesmerised to the clairvoyant stage, is in -nowise prejudicial to mesmerism, or to the <span class="smcap">science -of the economy</span> being intimately connected with -medical practice; neither are occasional failures by -the clairvoyant, especially in trial tests, some of -which exhibit samples of complicated confusion, as -if for the purpose of suppression, instead of laudably -exalting the all-important science of mesmerism. -Had the very liberal offer of a hundred -pounds been under less complicated conditions, -the bank-note most certainly would have been -deciphered and changed hands. Had the note been -spread open, while enclosed between two plates of -sheet-iron, and then read by the clairvoyant, the -test would have been sufficient to convince the -most steady, sturdy, staunch unbeliever, and the -<i>dénouement</i> affirmative to every dispassionate observer. -But from being folded line upon line, letter -on letter, at least three deep, the misarrangement -destroyed most effectually all reading order. A -Newtonian would say, that, "the commixed rays -proceeding from the several overlaid typographic -characters, and from the lines placed tier over -tier, could never form the image of even a single -letter on the retina, with anything resembling -legible clearness;" therefore the trial must fail -most inevitably.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86"></a>[Pg 86]</span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="RIGIDITY" id="RIGIDITY"></a>RIGIDITY.</h2> - - -<p>None deny that rigidity of the limbs can be -effected mesmerically; but all mistake who impute -the phenomenon to muscular ability, irritability, or -energy. All flesh is <i>inert</i>; all muscular fibrine is -flexible, bends from its own weight when held -horizontally, and over it the will has neither power -nor influence. Then, how is a muscle or nerve to -stiffen itself, and where is the mechanical arrangement -within for such purpose? The power is -derived from without, and consists in medium of -space. The de-electrising passes make entrance-room -for influent medium of space, which is the -cause of the limbs becoming rigid. As in Bramah's -pump, water serves the purpose of an iron piston, -so, within the nerves and muscles, medium of space -in excess and under the general pressure, is an -equally rigid piston, and the cause of all muscular -strength and of rigidity. The depolarizing passes -bring back electric matter, which displaces all -excess of medium of space, and with it the physical -cause of rigidity.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="PAIN" id="PAIN"></a>PAIN.</h2> - - -<p>Pain is not removed but prevented by means of -the passes. It is not excited in the mesmerised -patient during severe surgical operations, because -the movements of the brain, as is said of a watch -with the finger on a wheel, are stopped.</p> - -<p>General insensibility being effected by pressure<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87"></a>[Pg 87]</span> -of the surgeon's finger on the brain of a fractured -skull, so is it mesmerically effected by the nervous -fluid, which has suffered increase as the nerves have -been de-electrised by the passes.</p> - -<div class="div-h3"> -<h3><a name="CURATIVE_MESMERISM" id="CURATIVE_MESMERISM"></a><span class="correction" title="Inserted from the Table of Contents.">Curative Mesmerism.</span></h3> -<p class="p-h3">— -The curative principle of mesmerism seems to -consist in correcting occasional irregularities in the -<i>electric circulation</i>. By the passes, electric matter -in excess is removed, which, from being noxious to -the part, might contribute to the formation of mucus -to become concrete, or otherwise injurious to the -flesh: or, the passes may transfer the excess to -supply deficiency elsewhere,—as in the case of gout, -a disease of the sufferer's own making, from excess -of de-electrising food and drink, which uncoats and -unlines the nerves, and thus leaves the nervous fluid, -from casual circumstances, to almost lacerate the -brain. Stomach coating aliment, not denuding -physic, is the cure: as electric matter may become -a constituent of the humidities of the different -organs, so may it of the serous fluid, which is -indispensable to wholesome flesh. In all such cases -mesmerism is curative.</p> -</div> - -<div class="div-h3"> -<h3><a name="ETHERS" id="ETHERS"></a><span class="correction" title="Inserted from the Table of Contents.">Ethers.</span></h3> -<p class="p-h3">— -From inhaled <i>ethers</i>, producing insensibility without -rigidity, it would seem that they contribute a kind -of electric matter to the interior of the nerves, but -which, from being uncongenial, is happily soon displaced. -All excess being the more prejudicial, the -quicker the displacement the better. Any ether -imparted to the fluids of the nerves, may effect reduction -in the quantity of the true fluid through the -cuticle orifices; or make breaks in what is left, -so as to leave the nervous fluid incompetent to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88"></a>[Pg 88]</span> -produce excitement of the brain; hence the insensibility -of the patient, if that can be considered -insensibility, when there is nothing of pain of which -to be insensible.</p> -</div> - -<p>Etherising by external application, but which -may not amount to mesmerizing, is nothing new. -A Dublin apothecary, sixty years since, cured the -poor daily of nervous complaints, headaches especially, -by pressing a folded handkerchief on the -forehead, taken from a wide-mouth jar, concealed -with professional delicacy, behind the counter, but -long since discontinued; the learned in the laws of -life and living, considering that short-hand work is -a forbidden practice,—that something newest in the -last <i>Pharmacopœia</i> is better than the best, for all -parties. Tobacco-smoking brings on a degree of -insensibility, and mesmerically conduces to sleep, -which exertion frustrates. The smoke of the fire -in London stayed the plague in the year 1666. -The subject is worthy of consideration by the mesmerizing -physician, in case of epidemics especially.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="REPORT" id="REPORT"></a>REPORT.</h2> - - -<p>The being in report one with another, the mesmerised -with the mesmeriser, is proved possible, -and from being effected by the passes is proved -also to be natural,—not satanic or supernatural, the -weakest of all ideas. Within Nature there can be -nothing supernatural; nor out of Nature, or of the -other worlds, anything in the power of living man or -poor human nature to command or imitate. How<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89"></a>[Pg 89]</span>ever, -as believers are not reasoners, except in the -arithmetic of funds, to the reformer <i>Time</i>, must be -left the conversion to Reason.</p> - -<p>Throughout the whole of Nature there is nothing -insulated, not even an atom. Involved in a universal -medium of pressure, all things must be in contact, -mediate or immediate. The atmosphere is a -universal connecting link. As by the sea the most -distantly-situated islands are in mediate connection, -so are all mankind by means of the atmosphere. -Still this atmospheric connection is limited to margin -with margin, surface with surface. By the all-pervading -medium of space, the interior of all living -beings is in mediate connection, equally as the interior -of submerged sponges by the water. As -"light" would pervade and connect our bodies -were they glass, so does the medium of space. But -were mankind so left, it is difficult to conceive how -the organic functions could possibly take place, and -impossible to say how personal individuality could -be, as at present, an independent animal privilege.</p> - -<p>Although the medium of space is continuous -through all bodies, the regular continuity is impaired -by the elements of the atmosphere between -each. The atmosphere not only protects all living -bodies against the maximum and all excess of pressure, -but in some considerable degree insulates the -bodies of persons from each other, just as fog and -small snow intercept the visual continuity and would -render "rays of light" interruptedly continuous; so -do the intermixed atoms of the atmosphere the regular -continuity of the medium of space between<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90"></a>[Pg 90]</span> -person and person, as respects surfaces. Within the -body, insulation is still more complete: here, electric -matter and air abound to the exclusion of all -excess of medium of space; by which the different -organs remain, in a manner disconnected, or so far, -as that the functional action of each organ has its -distinct period, instead of the action of the whole -being simultaneously performed. Beside these -means and degrees of insulation, the non-conducting -coating and lining of the nerves insulate more completely -their elementary contents, by which the -nerves are not only tubes of separation but insulation, -and are direct conducting channels of the -nervous fluid through the body from its external -source to the brain.</p> - -<p>Although man is thus isolated from man, the -isolating means do not prevent the medium of -space being continuous through all, and from one -to another; which is manifested by the clairvoyant, -who has the like of the sensation excited in the -brain of the mesmeriser repeated or excited in his -own brain; as when the mesmeriser masticates and -the sensation of the same flavour is known by the -mesmerised. The sensation is nothing transferable; -taste is not by the tongue; hence, by the sensation -being excited in succession in the brain of each -person, is the only conceivable mode, in reason, -why the second should know what the first is masticating. -The nervous fluid of the two may be -supposed to be derived from the medium of space -between them; then, by the medium of space lying -between, the nervous fluids of the two are rendered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91"></a>[Pg 91]</span> -continuous one with the other, and is so at all -times, but only when the nervous fluid is mesmerically -de-electrised is it productive of clairvoyant -perceptions. Community of sensation, or the <i>same</i> -sensation being perceived by different persons, is an -impossibility. The first sensation is only where it -has been excited, in the brain of the mesmeriser; and -supposing the matter of the nervous fluid continuous -direct from his brain to that of the patient, in it, -what has the latter to perceive?—nothing; neither -is perception separable in idea from the result of -cerebral excitement. It is to be hoped that the -desultory ideas here advanced may tend to a better -knowledge on this singular mesmeric discovery. -Even the foregoing may be objected to with apparent -reason, on consideration of what is termed "community -of thought," wherein there is no previous -sensation to be repeated. To account for which -requires more cerebral information than has as yet -been brought to light; when satisfactorily known it -may show, whether or not community in dreaming -may be effected. Report would be impossible were -there not intimate connection of brain with brain.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="VOLUNTARY_DE-ELECTRISATION" id="VOLUNTARY_DE-ELECTRISATION"></a>VOLUNTARY DE-ELECTRISATION.</h2> - - -<p>Every motion of the limbs being effected by pressure, -to promote the local change minus-pressure -matter has to be displaced. That the assent of will -is indispensable is evident, inasmuch as there is no -<i>ordinary</i> limb motion, if not previously assented -to by the will. Yet will is no mechanical power,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92"></a>[Pg 92]</span> -nor anything having a distinct existence. Will -seems to be, the mutual accordance of the cerebral -organs to act together so as to effect, or rather -assist, the accomplishing of a present intention. The -act may be likened to that of suction, voluntarily performed -by the brain to de-electrise itself, in order to -make room for and receive that which lies in the -way of the desired object being effected. The voluntary -act by the brain cannot be on anything far -away, or not in contact with the brain, and that -which is acted on must be continuous to the place of -the removable impediment. If, then, the brain does -de-electrise itself, and that by so doing it receives -electric matter from the nerves which are continuous -from the limb to the brain, such removal of -electric matter is effected within the nerves of the -limb, as makes space for medium of space to enter -in the requisite quantity to move the limb according -to the required velocity. It is not to be overlooked, -that, previous to the self de-electrisation of -the brain, thought may be concerned in promoting -the cerebral de-electrising act. So far as the foregoing -may be true, the like circumstances take place -when the mesmeriser wills into report with himself -the far-off patient, the electric matter in the space -between being affected with as much facility, as the -transfer of similar matter from the trough to the -utmost extent of the galvanic wire, which may be -considered instantaneous, considering the hundreds -of miles distance between.</p> - -<div class="div-h3"> -<h3><a name="WILL" id="WILL"></a><span class="correction" title="Inserted from the Table of Contents.">The Nature and Power of Will.</span></h3> -<p class="p-h3">— -The power of effecting, voluntarily, the transfer of -electric matter from one part of the interior of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93"></a>[Pg 93]</span> -body to a different, seems to belong, in some necessary -degree, to all bodies possessed of life. The -object is to make space for medium of space to -enter, and by its pressure to put the animal in a -state of locomotion. The snake, worm, and snail -do so to be pressed onward along the ground; the -oyster, to have the shells firmly collapsed; the limpit, -to be pressed against the rock; and each, cerebrally -wills the replacement of electric matter to displace -the cause of pressure, medium of space, for the -grovelling reptile to be at rest—the oyster, that the -shells may be opened; the limpit, when willing to -fall into the water. The fly, lizard, and walrus, so -de-electrise the body, as to reverse the direction of -what is supposed to be their natural weight, by -which means each becomes pressed upwards, and -walks with the back downwards—which, to be consistent -with the established philosophy, should be -considered <i>repellent gravitation</i>. The goat voluntarily -de-electrises his body to have it pressed with -double force against the slippery rock; the lynx, to -have mesmeric long vision; the cat, to have opaque -vision, or "see through the dark;" the fire-fly, to -effect reduction of the optic pressure productive of -sensations of colour. The carrier-pigeon effects -self de-electrisation to the clairvoyant degree, by -which the external object, the turret at Constantinople, -promotes the sensation which indicates at -once the shortest direction of flight from London -to the birth-place of the bird. The eagle de-electrises -itself inwardly, the same as if by the mesmeric -passes, to promote olfactory lucidity, by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94"></a>[Pg 94]</span> -which to ascertain the presence of carrion on the -ground. Fishes effect internal de-electrisation, somehow -by means of the contents of the swim, for -influent medium of space to propel the body with -a velocity superior to the power of the short, flexible -fins. The flight of birds is not effected by wing -motion, or wing powers. The crow, eagle, and kite -sail in all directions on extended motionless wing, -and the odd wing-flap now and then given, is only -to assist in keeping the body in the necessary electric -condition. The swallow is darted most rapidly -through the air with closed wing, and changes -acutely, without way, the direction of flight, by -changing instantaneously the direction of impulse. -With the greatest wing-agitation the hawk remains -at times stationary in the air. The fish, bird, and -bullet are impelled by the same cause, pressure, by -the medium of space on the de-electrised rear.</p> -</div> - -<p>The cow and goat voluntarily de-electrise the -cud, for medium of space to enter and press it -upwards through the food-passage which the cud -presses against, instead of being raised by nerves or -muscles of the esophagus. In parturition also, and the -discharge of the feces, the same principles are maintained. -The "throes of Nature" are consequent on -the natural pressure being made intermitting, by -electric matter returning to and escaping from the -birth at intervals. The physiologist may refer to -muscular action; but where are the delivery muscles? -The stage-dancer makes de-electrising efforts to -receive medium of space, by which to be lifted -above the boards and supported a few seconds in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95"></a>[Pg 95]</span> -the air. Muscles at full stretch in opposite directions, -and the fulcrum, if any, being carried by -them, is out of all dynamic rule. All persons make -a de-electrising effort previous to the leap-spring, -and while continuing to stand or run and tiptoe, -without being aware of the reason; and the fatigue -is not muscular, but in keeping the body fittingly -de-electrised.</p> - -<p>The <i>gymnotus electricus</i> kills the distant prey -instantaneously, which receives nothing whatever of -missile from the enemy; nor could the latter be -accessary to the death-stroke, were there nothing -between to connect one with the other: nothing -passing and no connecting means, no outstretched -arm or instrument touching that which is to be -acted on, is a mechanical absurdity, and is attributing -an effect to that which, it may be said, is an absent -cause. The eel voluntarily performs the cerebral -operation on the electric matter which is continuous -from itself through the air to the marked prey, -which effects instantaneous removal of the same -matter from the prey; which permits medium of -space at the same instant to give the de-electrised -part the death-blow.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="APPLICATION_OF_MESMERISM" id="APPLICATION_OF_MESMERISM"></a>APPLICATION OF MESMERISM.</h2> - - -<p>First. A National Asylum, to be named, <span class="smcap">The -British Mesmeric Institution</span>, should be founded -and endowed. England should take the lead. A -Professorship of Magnetism should be founded. All -Sanatory Asylums to be obliged to furnish their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96"></a>[Pg 96]</span> -experience periodically, and be under control of the -Institution, which should be possessed of power to -undiploma the medical practitioner who refuses to -mesmerise. Self-mesmerising to Clairvoyance, to be -taught, which is as teachable as ventriloquism; the -principle is the same of both,—the theory is that of -sound.</p> - -<p>Through self-mesmerising, the blind and eyeless -would be extricated occasionally from the shadow -leading to the valley of death and be enabled to -follow some useful calling. Some blind, illiterate -clairvoyant, may have superior <i>connoisseurship</i>, entitling -him to fill the academic chair. Through -mesmerism the resuscitating process can be brought -under rules of science. Through clairvoyance the -geography of the globe may yet be improved; the -northern passage discovered; the astronomer assisted -in his stellar speculations beyond the possibility -of mere telescopic discovery. On ship-board, -the voluntary clairvoyant may make discovery of -the haze-hidden lighthouse and wave-hidden shoal. -In the hands of the clairvoyant the telescope and -microscope, will, in time, make us acquainted -with other worlds, other beings, and other of the -wonderful works of the <span class="smcap">Great God of Nature</span>!</p> - -<p>The Seeker after God from the book of God's -own composing, the holy volume of his own works, -through voluntary clairvoyance, will feel himself in -the enjoyment of a second nature, the fit inhabitant -of an intellectual world, in which the powers of -thought are without limits. And who can say what -discovery of abstract truths may not be elicited<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97"></a>[Pg 97]</span> -from the conversation of two or more clairvoyants -in mutual report, all of exalted talent and superior -education? Other worlds, ere this be past, may -open to our view, and their inhabitants become clairvoyantly -familiar to human observation. The idea -is pregnant with hope; it presumes that we are not -inhabitants of only the earth, but the universe; -which may be considered a natural, <i>never</i>-dying -hope. Why, then, should the science be opposed -which has already been so beneficial to our species, -and promises to make known the never yet discovered -wonders of the animal economy? Surely -they will be yet ashamed of having done those things, -the fruit of which is the bitterness of remorse.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="CONTINUOUS_MOTION" id="CONTINUOUS_MOTION"></a>CONTINUOUS MOTION.</h2> - - -<p>The motion which continues after the body has -ceased to be in contact with the <i>sensible</i> impelling -cause, is named continuous motion. The body -impelled receives neither force nor motion from the -impelling cause: neither force nor motion is anything -transferrable or anything communicable; forcible -velocity and change of place are but accidents of -matter, and but local, casual circumstances of -bodies. Being <i>inert</i>, the body cannot move itself. -Motion, therefore, is but a physical effect, and must -have a cause equal to the duration of the effect: -motion after impulse has ceased, would be effect -without cause—which is an absurdity and impossibility; -therefore impulse is constant as motion, however -insensible the impelling cause. These dynamic<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98"></a>[Pg 98]</span> -principles cannot be too frequently brought to mind, -considering the general erroneous opinion on the -subject which maintains, that "a body continues in -motion because it cannot stop itself;" which is effect -without its equal of cause.</p> - -<p>A body in motion is under unequal pressure on -opposite sides, greater on the rear than front. The -air in front resists, that in the rear may be said to -recede from the body; therefore neither impels the -projectile. Under such circumstances there remains -but the alternative, that of the electric constitution -of the body being changed by the previous -impulse, by which medium of space accumulates -on one side, or decreases on the opposite. The -phenomenon admits of being thus illustrated:</p> - -<p>The first, previous or sensible impulse, effects -de-electrisation of the body on the rear or side of -impulse; influent medium of space immediately -occupies the vacated rear, and by its pressure impels -the body through the air. The velocity of the -previous impulse, gives momentum to the body -greater than the included freely-removable elementary -matter can obtain; of consequence the latter -is left behind in the air, and the pressure of the -acquired medium of space in the rear, is the continuous -impelling cause. Thus is the mistake of -Dugald Stuart made evident, that "motion is the -immediate and only effect of impulse."</p> - -<p>It is not the air's resistance which makes the -motion of a projectile decline and end. Taking -impulse as ten, resistance four, there remains six -degrees of unresisted impulse, which should impel<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99"></a>[Pg 99]</span> -the body for ever through the atmosphere. The -decline and cessation of impulse is that which brings -the projectile to rest.</p> - -<p>From the instant the body has ceased to be in -contact with the sensible impelling cause, electric -matter is re-entering the rear, which displaces -gradually the impelling medium; and as are the -increments of the former, so are the decrements of -the latter, and so is the decline of motion.</p> - -<div class="div-h3"> -<h3><a name="ASCENDING_AND_DESCENDING_MOTION" id="ASCENDING_AND_DESCENDING_MOTION"></a>Ascending and Descending Motion.</h3> -<p class="p-h3">—The rear of -the vertically-impelled body becomes vacated of -minus-pressure matter, and replaced with medium -of space; by the latter, and general pressure, the -body is forced upwards as a cork by water. While -ascending, the rear is acquiring electric matter and -losing the impelling medium,—the velocity of course -declines; and when at the highest, the body is at -rest in the air for an instant, then is precipitated to -the ground. During the entire of the descent, -electric matter is vacating the rear and medium of -space entering, consequently the fall is accelerated. -Now as the body cannot fall of itself; as descending -motion is of increasing velocity, while motion -in every other direction is retarded; and, because -all descent has the same <i>centripetal</i> direction, so -should there be some distinct cause to produce -these conspicuous effects, which, to trace, suggest -the following hypothesis:</p> -</div> - -<div class="div-h3"> -<h3><a name="CENTRIPETAL_FLOW" id="CENTRIPETAL_FLOW"></a>Centripetal Flow.</h3> -<p class="p-h3">—The different motions of the -globe affect all bodies on its surface, so as to -appear to the inhabitants as if the whole were at -rest; supposing thence, that the centre of the earth<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100"></a>[Pg 100]</span> -is the centre of motion, the following may be considered -probable consequences:—The general pressure -being less at the centre and axis than on the -surface of the earth, obliges the medium of space -to flow through the atmosphere and entire surface, -<i>centripetally</i>, to the centre, thence along the axis, -carrying with it electric matter, and has exit at the -poles, which polarizes the globe and produces the -boreales. The centripetal flow retains the atmosphere -to the earth; precipitates bodies from the air -in a centripetal direction; accelerates the descent; -and retards all motion not in its own direction: it -prevents vertical ascent being equal to impulse, the -difference being employed in bearing against the -flow. The flow makes bodies ponderate or have -weight, causes the dip and direction of the compass-needle.</p> -</div> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="chap"> -<h2><a name="FORMATION_OF_A_PLANET" id="FORMATION_OF_A_PLANET"></a>FORMATION OF A PLANET.</h2> - - -<p>That cannot be considered a chaotic state from -which the eternal order sprung; nor that a created -body, the substance of which previously existed, -which was and is common to all bodies. Hence it -may be concluded that a planet is a natural production, -equally as the instantly-formed ponderous -atmospheric aërolite, supposed to have come from -the moon.</p> - -<p>From the elementary to the aëriform, thence the -aqueous state, seems the simplest and primeval -order of atomic combination. Hence it is conceivable, -that, were an immense volume of the general<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101"></a>[Pg 101]</span> -elements collected together in the regions of space, -and subjected to extreme pressure, the result would -be an aqueous sphere, with an attached residue of -the same elements to serve as a primeval atmosphere -to receive increase from future mists and -exhalations. While aqueous and with one side only -of the sphere facing the sun, the elements of the -water cannot avoid being in a state of constant disturbance -and transfer, productive of combinations, -formations, and precipitations until the equilibrium -has obtained, leaving ultimately the solid masses so -formed, as they would now appear were the ocean -away: the original water, from having contributed -the elements of the newly-formed solids, being -reduced in quantity and changed in quality, is left -as the ocean is at present, saline. During the -intermediate plastic state, and as induration increased, -the endowed fertility may have produced -<i>kinds</i>, many of which have become extinct.</p> - -<p>It may be further assumed, that deep within the -planet the elements abound in neither kind nor -quantity as at the surface and in the atmosphere; -and if the imponderable oxygen element be absent, -an immense mass of ice would form the nucleus -of the earth, the occasional melting at the surface -of which, in the neighbourhood of sulphurous and -ferruginous masses, may cause those volcanic eruptions -from which no region of the earth is free. -Thus it would seem that a planet may be the -natural formation of an instant, requiring time for -completion, and may be an everyday circumstance -in space.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102"></a>[Pg 102]</span></p> - -<p>The strict inquirer into terrestrial magnetism has -to ascertain, whether the non-conducting central -ice be not the means, some how, of separating the -correlative fluids which the centripetal flow carries -with it along the axis through the Poles, and which -make the Poles magnetic opposites; or, whether, of -these fluids, one only is transmissible through ice.</p> - -<p>A planet may be subject to wear and the fertility -to decrease, thence to be uninhabitable, as Herschel -describes the very probable condition of the moon, -owing to the rapid motion through space, solar -effects and cultivation. The idea is neither gloomy -nor a threatened dread. Man was born to leave -this world, and live where <span class="smcap">God</span> has pleased. Some -anticipate the night, when we shall see "our -God in terror, and our world on fire!"—"undoing -all, as all had never been," or made in vain. But -He who blessed and never cursed his works, whose -mercy and goodness endureth for ever, and who -will "save both man and beast," is not a God -of terror!</p> - -<p>Why the planets are moved round the sun, all in -the same direction, excites speculation in the absence -of demonstration. Let it be supposed that the -inequalities in a newly-formed planet prevent the -body being at rest under the general pressure; in -which case the planet is put into its primeval -motion, and in the direction of the strongest impulsive -pressure. But as the like inequalities precisely, -cannot present in every new planet, neither could -the motion of all be in the same direction, which -gives room for conceiving the probability that the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103"></a>[Pg 103]</span> -portion of the medium, however extensive, in which -the solar system is involved, revolves round the -sun, or round the orbit of the sun, and that its -motion is promoted by the sun in the solar orbit,—which -orbit may probably be promoted by the -rarity of the elements in the solar regions. The -medium of space so revolving, determines the direction -of all the planets, which by the hypothesis -must be the same as that of the revolving medium.</p> - -<p>By some such means only is it conceivable how -solar matter can arrive at Neptune, the Earth, or -even Mercury,—the <i>inert</i> sun being incapable of -radiating anything from itself, and solar atoms -requiring a physical impelling cause, in motion, and -acting on the rear of each from the sun to the -extreme of planetary space. A circulating medium -of constantly-increasing radius, appears indispensably -necessary for the purpose of conveying solar -matter through the regions of space, and for the -maintaining all planetary motion in the same uniform -direction. The subject is open to all, and worthy -of notice: what is now advanced will be passed -over, from having no mathematical appendage, but -which, makes even false causes pass for the demonstrated -truth. The mathematical science has not -to this day demonstrated the cause of planetary -motion,—a subject wholly indifferent to modern -astronomy, in which the false, self-gravitation, in -connection with <i>inertia</i>, satisfies all as long as the -astronomer remains self-satisfied.</p> - -<div class="div-h3"> -<h3><a name="COMET" id="COMET"></a><span class="correction" title="Inserted from the Table of Contents.">Formation and Use of a Comet.</span></h3> -<p class="p-h3">— -A <i>Comet</i> may have been a planet by formation, -and impelled, before completion, immeasurably far<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104"></a>[Pg 104]</span> -beyond the sun. The tail is probably the primitive -atmosphere, left behind and pressed after the body -as towards a sheltering wall; the <i>coma</i> may be -electric matter collected on the front, and subject -to increase, which, by lessening pressure on the -side facing the direction of motion, and without -increased pressure on the opposite side, may cause -the velocity of the planet to be subject to acceleration, -or prevent the motion being equitable: the -reticulated tail may serve to collect all redundant -solar matter in space, after planetary use, for deposit -in the solar regions, or the sun as the heart -of the system, for future circulation. Were the -tail to approach the earth sufficiently near, the -waters of the sea would be pressed upwards as -towards an immense water-spout; in which case -the rivers must become drained; and as the Comet -recedes from the earth, the fall of the immense -column would produce <i>another general deluge</i> over -one hemisphere, at least, of the globe! The deposits -from a comet's tail may occasion those nebulocities -named solar spots.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="center">THE END.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="center">Tyler and Reed, Printers, Bolt-court, London.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - - -</div> -<div class="chap bbox transnote"> -<h2><a name="TN" id="TN"></a>TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE.</h2> -<p>Archaic, dialectical and unusual spellings and usage have been -maintained. Obvious typos have been fixed as detailed below. -Changes are noted in the text like <span class="correction" title="Original text shown here.">this</span>. -<span class="not-mobile"> Hovering over the underlined word or phrase will display the original text.</span></p> - -<p class="mobile">The cover image was developed at Project Gutenberg -Distributed Proofreaders (pgdp.net) and is in the public domain.</p> - -<p>Table of Contents entries with no corresponding centered title in the original book have -been indented and the titles have been inserted inline.</p> - -<table id="changes" summary="Transcriber's changes"> -<tr> - <td class="vtop">Page <a href="#Page_vii">vii</a>:</td> - <td>DEDICATION   iii<br /> - ADVERTISEMENT   v<br /> - TABLE OF CONTENTS   vii<br /> - MESMERISM AND ESTABLISHED PHILOSOPHY   1</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>In the original book:</td> - <td>PHILOSOPHY, THE ESTABLISHED   9</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop">Page <a href="#Page_vii">vii</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop">THE USE OF OXYGEN IN PROMOTING COMBUSTION   42</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>In the original book:</td> - <td>——, ITS USE IN COMBUSTION   42</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop">Page <a href="#Page_vii">vii</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop">USE OF THE INSPIRED OXYGEN WITHIN THE SYSTEM   56</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>In the original book:</td> - <td>USE OF OXYGEN IN RESPIRATION   56</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop vtop" >Page <a href="#Page_vii">vii</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop">NATURAL SLEEP   65<br /> - COMATOSE FLOW   66<br /> - MESMERIC SLEEP   68</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="vtop">In the original book:</td> - <td>SLEEP, NATURAL   65<br /> - ——, MESMERIC   68<br /> - COMATOSE FLOW   66</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop vtop">Page <a href="#Page_viii">viii</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop">TRANSPARENCY   77<br /> - OPACITY   77</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="vtop">In the original book:</td> - <td>TRANSPARENCY AND OPACITY   77</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop vtop">Page <a href="#Page_viii">viii</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop">MESMERISM, CURATIVE   87<br /> - ETHERS   87</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="vtop">In the original book:</td> - <td>ETHERS   87<br /> - MESMERISM, CURATIVE   87</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop vtop">Page <a href="#Page_viii">viii</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop">TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>In the original book:</td> - <td>(inserted)</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop">Page <a href="#Page_10">10</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop">an excruciating, painless toothache, and,</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>In the original book:</td> - <td>an excruciating, painless toothach, and,</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop">Page <a href="#Page_24">24</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop">velocity and direction makes no exception.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>In the original book:</td> - <td>velocity and direction makes no exeption.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop">Page <a href="#Page_41">41</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop">constituent of every aëriform body</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>In the original book:</td> - <td>constituent of every acriform body</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop">Page <a href="#Page_42">42</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop">In this twofold manner of service</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>In the original book:</td> - <td>In this two-fold manner of service</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop">Page <a href="#Page_43">43</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop">suffers de-electrisation and acquires medium</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>In the original book:</td> - <td>suffers de-electrisation and acquiries medium</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop">Page <a href="#Page_55">55</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop">within the stomach, or in the tea-cup</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>In the original book:</td> - <td>within the stomach, or in the teacup</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop">Page <a href="#Page_56">56</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop">the accumulation of minus-pressure matter in</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>In the original book:</td> - <td>the accumulation of minus pressure-matter in</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop">Page <a href="#Page_56">56</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop">which is compensated by minus-pressure matter</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>In the original book:</td> - <td>which is compensated by minus pressure-matter</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop">Page <a href="#Page_58">58</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop">the arterialising, minus-pressure, imponderable</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>In the original book:</td> - <td>the arterialising, minus pressure, imponderable</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop">Page <a href="#Page_58">58</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop">losing the arterialising minus-pressure matter</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>In the original book:</td> - <td>losing the arterialising minus pressure matter</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop">Page <a href="#Page_59">59</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop">the venous flow on the minus-pressure capillary</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>In the original book:</td> - <td>the venous flow on the minus pressure capillary</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop">Page <a href="#Page_59">59</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop"><i>Use of the Spleen.</i>—The <span class="smcap">spleen</span>, from being an</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>In the original book:</td> - <td>The <span class="smcap">spleen</span>, from being an</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop">Page <a href="#Page_60">60</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop"><i>How the Diaphragm Is Raised.</i>—The <i>diaphragm</i></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>In the original book:</td> - <td>The <i>diaphragm</i></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop">Page <a href="#Page_66">66</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop"><i>Comatose Flow.</i>—It must have been observed by</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>In the original book:</td> - <td>It must have been observed by</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop">Page <a href="#Page_72">72</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop">above the horizon, the general optic</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>In the original book:</td> - <td>above the horiozn, the general optic</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop">Page <a href="#Page_87">87</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop"><i>Curative Mesmerism.</i>—The curative principle of</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>In the original book:</td> - <td>The curative principle of</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop">Page <a href="#Page_87">87</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop"><i>Ethers.</i>—From inhaled <i>ethers</i>, producing</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>In the original book:</td> - <td>From inhaled <i>ethers</i>, producing</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop">Page <a href="#Page_92">92</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop"><i>The Nature and Power of Will.</i>—The power of</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>In the original book:</td> - <td>The power of</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tntop">Page <a href="#Page_103">103</a>:</td> - <td class="tntop"><i>Formation and Use of a Comet.</i>—A <i>Comet</i> may</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td>In the original book:</td> - <td>A <i>Comet</i> may</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -</div> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Philosophy Which Shows the -Physiology of Mesmerism and Explains the Phenomenon of Clairvoyance, by T. 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