CHAPTER IV.

METHOD OF CONDUCTING THE MAGNETIC OPERATION.

THE method of inducing the phenomena of animal magnetism may easily be acquired; there is no mystic art or secresy in the operation; but it should be conducted, for reasons which I shall hereafter explain, with great caution, and strictly upon the principles which the magnetisers have laid down. In the infancy of the science, ceremonies, processes, and precautions were observed, which are now regarded as unnecessary; but in order that the subject may be fairly comprehended, I conceive it right to return to the time of Mesmer, and describe the method he adopted. It should, however, be premised that he believed that the magnetic phenomena were produced by the intervention of agents which we now consider entirely foreign to their causation; that he never mentioned the will as being essential to the production of the results; and that the most curious phenomenon resulting from magnetisation, somnambulism itself, was entirely unknown to him, although every circumstance would lead to the inference that he was not altogether unacquainted with it.

The following is a description of the magnetic process and apparatus which he employed, and which were submitted to the examination of the commis

sioners in 1784:-In the middle of a large room was placed a circular vessel, termed the baquet, a few feet in height, furnished with a lid in two parts, moving on hinges in a central line. This lid was perforated with holes, through which were inserted a number of curved and moveable iron rods. Its interior was filled with bottles full of water previously magnetised. These were placed over one another in such a manner that the first row had their necks converging towards the centre of the vessel, and their bases turned towards the circumference; and the next set was arranged in an opposite position. The baquet itself contained also a certain quantity of water filling up the interstices which were left by this symmetrical arrangement of the bottles; and to this a quantity of iron filings, pounded glass, sulphur, manganese, and a variety of other substances, was occasionally added. The patients then stood round this apparatus, and applied the iron rods to the affected parts of the body, or encircled themselves with a hoop suspended for that purpose. Sometimes they laid hold of each other by the thumb and index finger, and formed what was called a chain. The magnetiser then held an iron rod, which he moved to and fro before them, for the purpose of directing at will the course of the magnetic fluid. The whole apparatus of water, bottles, and metallic rods was supposed to facilitate the circulation of the fluid; and during this time a person occasionally played on the piano or harmonicon; for it was one of Mesmer's axioms, that the magnetic fluid was especially propagated by sound. These processes, which may appear whimsical, formed the basis of the treatment in common, or by the baquet; but it being presumed that the universal fluid was every where,

the magnetiser himself was thought to possess a certain quantity which he could communicate and direct, either by means of a rod, or simply by the motion of his outstretched fingers. To these gestures, performed at a distance, were also added certain slight touchings on the hypochondria, the epigastric region, or the limbs. In order to increase the power of these processes, trees, water, food, and other objects, were magnetised, for all the bodies in nature are, according to Mesmer, susceptible of magnetisation.

His theory had something seductive in its application.

"A non-magnetic needle," said he, "when set in motion, will only take by chance a given direction; whereas, on the contrary, the real magnetic needle, having received the same impulse, will, after a number of oscillations proportionate to that impulse, and to the degree of magnetism it has received, resume its former position, in which it will remain fixed. Thus it is that the harmony of organised bodies, being once disturbed, must undergo such casualties, unless restored and determined by the general agent, the existence of which I admit, and which alone can re-establish the harmony of the natural functions. We also know that, in all ages, diseases have been aggravated or cured with or without the aid of medicine, according to various systems and methods, in direct opposition to each other. These considerations do not allow me to doubt that there is in nature an universal active principle, producing many phenomena, which we vaguely attribute to art and to nature."

The following directions, however, by Mesmer himself, will give a correct idea of the manner in which he wished the operation to be conducted. I quote his

own words, from the instructions, which he gave in confidence to his pupils. They are arranged in the form of a catechism :

"Q.-How are the effects of the animal fluid demonstrated?

“A.—When a healthy person is brought into immediate contact with a sick person, in whom one or more functions are disordered, the latter feels, in the morbid part, sensations more or less acute.

"Q.-How must a patient be touched to make him feel the effects of magnetism?

"A.-You must place yourself opposite to him, with your back turned towards the north, and draw your own close against his feet; you must then place, without pressure, both your thumbs on the plexus of the nerves in the epigastrium, and stretch your fingers towards the hypochondria. It is beneficial occasionally to move your fingers on the sides, and especially in the region of the spleen. After having continued this exercise for about a quarter of an hour, you should change your mode of operating, according to the state of the patient.

"Q.-What ought to be done before we cease magnetising?

"A.-You must endeavour to put the magnetic fluid in equilibrium in every part of the body. This may be done by presenting the index finger of the right hand at the summit of the head on the left side, and then drawing it down the face to the breast and over the lower extremities. In this manœuvre an iron rod may be used instead of the finger.

"Q.-Can we not augment the force, or the quantity, of the magnetic fluid on individuals?

"A.-The power of magnetism is augmented by

establishing a direct communication between several persons.

"Q.-How is this communication established?

"A.—In two ways; the more simple is to form a chain, with a certain number of persons made to hold each other's hands; it can also be done by means of the baquet," &c.

The effects produced by such processes were not less strange than the processes themselves. I have already described certain extraordinary phenomena arising from this action, and shall here subjoin a few more equally curious. The patients submitted to this kind of magnetisation experienced various unusual sensations, such as undefinable pains in the body, particularly in the head and stomach; an increase or suppression of cutaneous perspiration; palpitation of the heart, and a momentary obstruction of breathing. Sometimes a certain exaltation of the mind, and a lively sense of comfort was experienced; the nervous system in particular was often powerfully affected. The organs of the senses also underwent unusual modifications; ringing in the ears, vertigo, and sometimes somnolency of a peculiar character, supervened. These effects, which were diversified according to the nature of the diseases and idiosyncracies of the patients, became more and more developed as the operation proceeded; and this series of phenomena terminated by convulsions. This convulsive state being established in one patient, soon manifested itself in all the rest. It was designated, as I have already explained, by the name of the magnetic crisis; and as this usually was the ultimatum of the results produced, it was looked upon as the chief object of the magnetic influence, and as the means em