The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1842-04-22 00:00:00

MIL LAFONTAINE'S LECTURE LAST NIGHT,

Mr. Lafontaine gave his concluding lecture last evening,
at the Templars' Hall, upon animal magnetism:
The experiments were similar to those exhibited on former
occasions. The most successful was that of the lecturer
stopping the singing of the young lady who has appeared on
former occasions, and arresting her footsteps. The cham-
bermaid from the George Hotel was placed in a mag-
netic sleep, and cataleptic state. The deaf and dumb boy who
has been magnetised, was also brought forward, and showed
an evident improvement in his hearing. This lad is an ap-
prentice to Mr. Isaacs, of Castle-street.—A gentleman pre-
sented himself to be magnetised, on whom Mr. Lafontaine
partly succeeded.—Great amusement was caused by Mr.
Lafontaine magnetising the deaf and dumb boy's leg, who
attempted in vain to demagnetise himself.

Amongst the gentlemen present we noticed several of the
medical profession, and one or two of the clergy. The latter
appeared to take great interest in the proceedings.

ANIMAL MAGNETISM CONTRASTED WITH
NEUROHYPNOLOGY.

Last night Mr. Braid, of Manchester, delivered a lecture
in the Music-hall, Bold-street, on the contrast between
Animal Magnetism and Neurohypnology. A very large
audience were present, amongst whom we observed a great
number of the medical profession.
Mr. BRAID said his object in the present lecture would be
to explain certain important points more fully than could be
done in a lecture which, as formerly, embraced the whole
phenomena of Neurohypnology. The first subject he should
explain would be the difference between natural and artificial
sleep; and, as it was of great importance in all discussions
that the terms to be used should be clearly understood,
what he understood by the waking state, the state of
profound sleep, the state of dreaming, and the som-
nambulic state. Having described these several conditions,
he described the difference which there is between natural
sleep and neuro-hypuotic sleep, and the gradual development
of the phenomena in the latter state. He quoted a work by
Dr. Abercrombie, containing some remarkable instances of
of somnambulism, to show the peculiarities of that condition.
It left no permanent effects, and could be turned to no useful
purpose; but the hypnotic sleep, on the contrary, had pro-
duced the most marked improvement in afflicted persons, on
whom he had operated. Thus, he had enabled an old lady,
64 years of age, afflicted with amaurosis, who could not see
for many years to read the smallest print ; and another lady,
aged 45, who could scarcely see to thread a needle, both by being
put into the hypnotic sleep. He related several other cases,
shewing the extraordinary effect-produced by the hypnotic
sleep, particularly one of a Miss Collins, of Newark, whom
he had cured of a spasmodic affection, which had for years
before resisted the efforts of the most celebrated of the fa-
culty. He-next entered into a consideration of how far the
phenomena of neurohypnology were analogous to those of ani-
mal magnetism, and said they could succeed in but very few
cases, and that the instances in which he had failed were
much fewer than those in which they succeeded. On this
account he contended that his mode was much more benefi-
cial. Having quoted a letter from Mr. Herbert Mayo, in
which that gentleman stated he was satisfied that much
practical good would result from these discoveries, Mr.
Braid proceeded to say that he wished for no mysticism on
the subject, but that he would allow free liberty to any medi-
cal man to investigate all experiments. In fact, he should be
glad to do all in his power to make the medical men of Liver-
pool know as much of the subject as he himself did. The
general success of his mode of operation was well known ; it
was founded upon the undoubted laws of the animal economy,
and the fact that it might be, and had been, turned to prac-
tical use in the cure of diseases which had resisted every other
remedy, ought to shield its professors from the unwarrantable
imputation of its effects being produced by satanic agency.
The best answer was to quote that scriptural text, " By their
works shall ye know them." He had always understood the
devil to be actively engaged in effecting injury, in the
ignorance and blindness of man. That, at least, was what
he had been taught in Scotland. But he had heard, that by
taking advantage of a general law of the animal economy
(and he felt assured that there was no general law which re-
sulted in any thing but good),—by taking advantage of this
general law, and enabling him to restore sight to a lady so that
she could read her Bible by means of a few minutes of hyp-
notic sleep, that this was a work of the devil. Was it not
far more likely that there was Satanic agency over a man
which inspired him to become an active agent in opposing
what was so likely to prove a vast blessing to mankind ? Mr.
Braid then referred to the objection, that mesmerism (so
called) might overturn the gospel miracles, and having
refuted that objection, he said, that in regard to a re-
verend gentleman who had taken up this subject, he
might state one or two things, of which every medical man
was aware. It was a fact. which everybody was aware of,
that of those who were afflicted with the natural small-pox
every third person died. The progress of science, however,
led medical men to find out that by inducing the disease
at favourable times they could mitigate its severity ;
thus inoculation' took place. There was immense hos-
tility to this, both by professors, the public, and even
from the pulpit. By and by the practice was improved
and vaccinnation was found out—a still safer mode of
protecting the system against the ravages of the small pox.
Another vast flood of hostility was raised against this im-
provement, but ultimately it triumphed. He remembered a
patient calling upon him some 23 years ago, whose family
refused to be vaccinated from religious prejudce. and he him-
self did not know what to do. He, however, understood his
danger, and asked what he was to do ? " Take off your coat
instantly, and I 'll vaccinate you," was his (Mr. Braid's) re-
ply. The consequence was, that he escaped, but four out of
his family, young men of 16, 19, and 20 years of age, died.
Their religious prejudices prevented them taking advantage of
scientific improvement. He therefore, would like to recommend
those who wished to oppose such a principle as this, to con-
sider the words pf Gamaliel. "It this work -

be of men it

will come to nought ; but, if it be of God, ye cannot over-
throw it, lest happily ye be found to fight against God."
He recommended this text to every gentleman who chose
to speak upon satanic agency in this matter.
At the close of the lecture Mr. Braid introduced, first, his
own man-servant, upon whom he produced in a short time
the usual effects, which, however, we cannot here dwell upon,
having sufficiently detailed them upon the occasion of a for-
mer lecture. Some new phenomena, however, were exhi-
bited in this case, which was that of the hypnotic state being
produced by looking downwards at the object, instead of
upwards, as is the ordinary practice.
Having completed his experiments with this subject, he
introduced the same young girl (whose graceful som-
nambulism we noticed in our last report of Mr.
Braid's lectures), and went through with her nearly the same
course of experiments. With respect to the striking and
beautiful attitudes exhibited by this girl—(and some of them
were exceedingly beautiful)—the lecturer suggested the prac-
ticability of hypnology being turned to excellent account by
artists and sculptors, and expressed an opinion that the sys-
tem had been turned to account in ancient times. With
respect to this subject we cannot here pause to express our
opinion. Certain it is, however, that upon the young girl
in question he produced some effects and attitudes which
few painters or sculptors have surpassed ;—especially when
some sudden noise or current of air startled her. There
is this- difficulty, however, in believing that any such
system was adopted, to procure living models for the
dying gladiators," and other celebrated works of antiquity,
viz. that in the cataleptiform state of Mr. Braid's subjects,
the usual developement of muscle, which we always see cor-
rectly and largely developed by painters' and sculptors, does
not, we are informed, occur.

A gentleman, who was hypnotized at the conclusion of the
last lecture, was next operated upon, and Mr. Braid stated
that the effect produced since upon his health, as well as
upon the young girl, had been very beneficial. Both had
been subject to nervous affections, and are now almost en-
tirely restored. Having been put into the somnolescent,
and subsequently into the cataleptiform state, his pulse rose to
180 per minute, after which he was dehypnotised by the
usual methods.

A deaf and dumb boy, who was said to have received con-
siderable benefit from Mr. Braid, was next brought upon the
platform ; but was only tested as to his newly acquired power
of hearing and articulating. The news-carrier and the wo-
man who were operated upon at his last lecture were again
hypnotized. The effects produced upon both these patients
appeared to be of a permanent character. The old
lady tied her own bonnet, an article which, when first
we saw her, we are confident she could not even lift
above her elbow. After this the platform became a perfect
exhibition of the deaf, the lame, and the blind, all eager to
be operated upon. One patient afflicted with amaurosis,
previously to being operated upon, said that he could only
read the large capitals in the title of a newspaper. After-
wards he read a line of an advertisement.

An attempt was made to hypnotise a deaf and dumb man,
an experiment which seemed to be viewed with great interest
by the medical men present, amongst whom we noticed Mr.
Neile, Dr. M'lntyre, and others. After four different at-
tempts, however, the effort even to produce the hypnotic
state, which seldom fails in any, did not succeed, owing to
some cause which we cannot explain, and the experiment
was abandoned.

Upon the whole the lecture and experiments gave great
satisfaction to a crowded audience, and it was announced
that on Thursday next it will be repeated, the experiments
being more generally confined to those who have not
previously been operated upon.

It is understood that Lord Mahon is to be the new am-
bassador at the court of Madrid.—John Bull.—[This has
since been contradicted on authority.]
IRISH REGISTRIES.—The conservatives have gained a
majority of two votes for county Carlow, and ten for county
Wicklow, on the registries which have just closed.

An on dit has currency in the Leau monde which creates
the greatest sensation amongst the fair members of the aris-
tocracy. We allude to the rumoured intention of her Ma-
jesty to give a fancy, ball. The 12th of May is said to be the
day fixed upon for this pleasurable and to!ally newfete at this
court.

THE GREAT IRON CAUSE.—On Tuesday last, a rule nis
was granted by the barons of the exchequer for a new trial
in the important case of the Marquis of Anglesey v. Lord
Atherton, which was tried at the last Worcester Assizes,
and which involves the rights of the plaintiff, as lord of the
manor, to the minerals consisting of lime, on certain estates
held by the defendant under a copyhold tenure. After a
trial, which lasted two days, a verdict was found for the de-
fendant.

We believe we can name the Earl of Jersey as the new
Lord Lieutenant fbr Ireland, in the place of Earl de Grey,
who, it is reported, is to succeed the first-named nobleman
as Master of the Horse. Some predilections of an exalted
personage are named as the cause of this exchange of posts.
—British Queen.

The Mauritius papers of the 16th January announce the
death of Lady Smith three days after that of her husband.
Her delicate state of health it appears had, ever since her
residence in the island, precluded her from mixing in
company. The debates in the Legislative Council were of
no interest. The price of labour in the market was on
the decline, and this fact is noticed as encouraging the plan-
ters to increased exertions on their estates. Trade was dull,
and freightage £2 17s. to £3 per ton. In the sugar mar-
ket a sale had been made at 7 dolls. 33 cents for white ;
6 dolls. 40 cents for good yellow; 3 dolls. 76 cents mid. do.;
6 dolls. 10 cents for good gray. The quantity of sugar ex-
ported in 1841 was 42,038,200 lbs. against 33,883,385 lbs. in
1842, and the quantity of crop, 1841-2, actually shipped to
11th was 46,022,400 lbs.

An attempt at smuggling having been made by some of the
crew of the Montrose steamer, by concealing 2801bs. of to-
bacco on board, with the view of landing it at Falmouth, the
vessel, passengers, and crew were detained until bond had
been given for the payment of any fine the customs migh4
inflict.

THE BISHOP Op JERUSALEM.—The Dublin Statesman
of Tuesday last gives the following, for which they say
they are indebted to a correspondent at Leamington
have just heard a letter read from the Bishop of Jerusalem to
that old, tried, and truly valued friend of the Jewish cause—
the Rev. Dr. Marsh. It is dated from the holy city, Feb.
27, and enters into the difficulties which he experienced in
his journey from Jaffa to Jerusalem, but saying that since
he arrived there the government have treated him with the
greatest respect and kindness,
though. the firman has not
yet been granted, acknowledging .lurn in his episcopal
office. He does not mention anything of his being stoned
or molested whilst preaching, but that, on the contrary,
crowds came to hear him. A Chief Rabbi told him that
" he was coming to build .up Jerusalem ; " many Jews
said to him privately, that if they had any way of sus-
taining themselves, they would listen to him and judge
for themselves ; but that now if they were known to come
to hear him, they would be deprived by their brethren of
any support they at present had.

LITER4RY NOTICES.

Ten Minutes' Advice to every Person going to Choose a
Husband. Liverpool, Booker and Co., 37, Ranelagh-st.
London, C. Dolman, 61, New Bond-street. 7842.
Our female readers are, no doubt, many of them, on the
brink of that leap in the dark—matrimony; and to such
we can confidently recommend the purchase of this neat
little work. The advice which it contains is both serviceable
and :practical ; and if followed would, we have no doubt,
ensure the permanent happiness and well doing of every
attentive reader. There is one little drawback, however,
against the good which such a book as this is calculated
to produce. Unfortunately ladies do not think of taking
" ten minutes' advice" before they fall in love; and after
having done so we are afraid that advice would be thrown
away upon them.

The Grand Junction Railway, and its Connection with the
Landon and Birmingham and other Railways. Wareing
Webb, Castle-street.

The above little work, contaisk43i pages, and a map of
the railway and branches bepteen here and Birminghnm,
Manchester, &c., is publisitcrby the authority of the chair-
man and dire tors of t trand Junction line ; and is, we
have no hesitattim in rug, the most complete and valuable
publication of the ki • extant. No Liverpool, Manchester,
or Birmingha fa , ily ought to be without a copy. The
price is-6d! • book is honestly worth five times the

money

(For the Liverpool Standard)
HE TAILOR OF PARIS
(From the French.)

BY JAMES STONEHOUSE

(Concluded from the Standard of the 25th March.)

CHAPTER V.-THE DUNGEON AT VINCENNES

Poor Jacques Rifole sank almost annihilated, into a chair,
which fortunately happened to be near him. But for its
support he would have measured his length ou the floor.
" A prisoner ! in the hands of gendarmerie !—by order of
the minister—with most severe injunctions—and for what ?"
soliloquised the unhappy tailor. What could have changed
all, at once the gracious reception of the Due d'Otranto ?
In what could Rifol6 have displeased him ? He seems
gravely accused. Ah ! without knowing it, he must have
been wanting in the laws of etiquette. It must have been
for this reason that Monseigneur has torn up the measure of
the coat with such visible tokens of had humour and agita-
tion. "My goodness!" thought Rifole, " what will be the
upshot of all this ? and what will be the denouement of an
affair which commences so terribly ?"

The next moment hope glided to the heart of the poor
Tournesel Le Pere Lombois had often spoken to him of
the facetious humour of Fondle in other times, and detailed
his taste for mystifications. All this, thought Rifole, is a
frolic.

While the poor tailor was thus balanced between fancies
and suppositions the most absurd and alarming, the officer
of gendarmerie, who had never ceased to keep his eyes upon
his prisoner, received a despatch: he tore away the envelope.
When he had read the contents of the paper contained in it,
he gave his orders in a low tone of voice to his men, and
made a sign to Rifole to follow him. Rifole obeyed, believ-
ing that the Minister of Police, after amusing himself with
his fright, had given orders to set him at liberty. Alas ! poor
Rifole, one of the 'gendarmes seized him roughly by the
collar, while another invested him with a pair of iron thumb
screws. When the fingers of the tailor were imprisoned in
the instruments of torture, he was hurried to a chaise which
wa. in waiting at the entrance of one of the courts of the
hotel. He was hoisted in it, and immediately driven off in
the midst of an escort of ten mounted chasseurs and four
gendarmes. At the head rode the officer under whose re-
sponsibility the captive was placed. The post-chaise took
the road of the Rue Montmartre. Riffle thought they were
driving him home, for he obstinately clung to the one idea.
which appeared to him most likely, and which occurred to
him on his arrest that it was a mystification of Fouche's,
whose frolicsome and jovial humour before mentioned had
caused many droll recollections of the college at Joigny.
The coach passed rapidly by the shop of the tailor ; hardly
had he time to perceive it, when Agatha, who was watching
the return of her husband, stood at the door way. He would
have called to her, attracted her attention, and made himself
noticed by her, but the two Agents of Police, who had been
allotted to hint as companions, harshly pulled him back in
the carriage. _

Rifole sly by turns the Boulivard, la Place de la Bastille,
le Faubourg St. Antoine and la Barriere du Trone disappear
behind him. The post-chaise then passed swiftly across the
dt'awbridge of Vincennes, and the next moment stopped in
the interior of the fortress.

The prisoner descended, and was handed over to the go-
vernor. This functionary passed him over to a gaoler, who
searched him, depriving him in so doing of a portion of his
garments. Satisfied that the redoubtable prisoner had no
deadly weapon—save scissors and needle—he was permitted
to re-dress himself. The toilette of Rifole having termi-
nated, he was next compelled to walk up two hundred steps
of a narrow and winding staircase. This stone screw termi-
nated in a little aerial dungeon, furnished with a mattress.
The gaoler made a sign to the tailor to enter, after which
tbe door was closed upon him, with a double turn of the
huge lock : three enormous bolts then grated in their iron
When they were shut, Rifole could hear the steps of
a 'sentinel passing and repassing the threshold. _

Agatha herself would liave been puzzled to recognise in the
pale and woe-stricken prisoner who thusinhabited the dungeon,
the jovial physiognomy and stout figure of her husband. The
anxiety and terp,r of the unfortunate tailor had arrived at
their highest pitch. Feverish and shivering, by turns, he
ran round his cell like a wild beast in a cage, searching the
walls, and trying to look abroad through the loop-holes..
But the pent house of wood prevented him seeing anything
but the sky, and that was but through the little cleft in two
planks which were beginning to be disjointed.
The morning, afternoon, evening, and night slowly crept
away without Rifole learning the reason of his arrest, and
the fate that was destined for him.