Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1840-1842, 1842-09-22
OF Medical Faculty Of Riehnisnd.


At meeting Of number of gentlemen of the
Medical Faculty Of Richmond, convened for the pur
pose OF witnessing Mr. French's ex experiments on Mes.
merism, and testing their vaiue-(Doctor RIrcHrE
Chairman, and Doctor Minor Secretary)-a Com
miiiee, consisting Of Drs. Deane, Bolten, Brooks
Watkins and Muniord, was appointed to consider
and report upon the experiments TO be tried, and
the ru es by which tie different parties were to be
governed. This committee having Withdraw from
the room, Mr. French selected Emma, negro gml,
aged about 20, servant of MIR Ritter, as the SUBJ
jsci for the experiments. Ii was propose tina: the
girl should be taken into another room apart from
any noise or confusion, in order TO be put into the
mesmeric sleeP; that DR.. James Dove, who was un =
deTstood TO have mesmerlsed her the previous eve
ming, act the MesmeTizer on the present occa.
sion and that Drs. Amber and Maupin accompa-
ny him e. witnesses Of the process. Drs. D., M.
and A. having taken the girl to an adjacent room,
were met by Drs. hunford and Watkins, from the
first named Committee
The door of the room was locked so as TO preyent
any interruption. Dr. Amber inquired Of the girl
what her sensations were when the sleep was COM
ing on?
Answer A feeling as if the blood was flowing to
the head.
Question 81. At what place was the peculiat sen.
sation FIRST felt 2
Answer IL commenced at the hands and pro
ceeded up the arms 10 the head.
Emma farther stated, that when this sensation
commenced, she could not take her eyes OF the ope.
Qm'. 3'd. Have you heard any thing Of Phrsno-
lOsy1
fms. Have heard Mr. COrling speak Of PhrenO-
logy
At 30 minutes past IL o'clock, Dr. Dove seated
himself beiore the mesmerZ ee. (Pe feet silence was
EMO ned and preserved throughout the exptrment
OF inducing the sleepy Or Dove clasps each hand
o. the subject firmly in his own, and fiKes his gaze
intently upon her. The eyes Of the subject were
likewise steadias,ly directed towards his during the
a
minutes, DR. ID. commenced passing his hands alter
naiely, or both at time from the forehead of the
girl TO the fingers, and continued the operation two
minutes; he then presses his right hand against her
forehead, and reneWs the passes with the hands,
which he continues nine minutes. The time was
now % m. past l2-lhe eyelids Of the girl began
TO drop, and, alter an interval OF another minute
appeared to be closed. The right hand was again
pressed upon the forehead and the passes renewed
The eyes remained closed, and Of 40 m mast -
The girl was apparently asleep. The manipulations
bsIng continued, ct o. the fingers OF the girl ns
The hands lly with The palms upwards, began to be
hsxed and TO follow the fingers cf the Operator -
he Withdrew them from here. The h cad Of the girl,
NJ the same time, falls 10 one de, against the wall
These manifestations were increased during the far.
tier continuance OF the mlnipula.ions and at So m,
past ~, DR.. Dove asks
Arc you asleep, Emma
Ans. Almost.
Do you feel any pain!
Ans. No.
At 81 m. the movement OF the fingers, ns above
described, vas very marked; and IS M the gir still
presenting the appearance Of being asleep, Or. ID.
inteuogates her anew:
Are you aseep7
Ans. Yes.
DIR. Dove now rises from his sea, md move, soma
distance from the girl. d.. Watkins then approach.
Oh and touched hand Of the girl; II was inrnedi.
a.ely Withdrawn. DR.. w. touched the other hand
with similar result d.. ID. returns and lakes hold
o. both hands OF the girl hands were no, with
drawn out rather approached those Of Dr.. Dove.
The girl having nov, az was supposed been put
INTO The proper condition for tie experiments, tho
TACT was stated TO the meeting, and the FOREGOING
statement made. AZ m. past o'c ocl tho girI wa,
conducted into the room Whero the meeting Of ply
sieinns was held and seated on chair, with her
head inclined ngains: pilloE.
Do Deane, from The committee appointed TO pre-.
pare for the experiments, and report the rules bv
which the parties should he governed, made the
following report
Principle vhish me sTp.rnsnn shall b, eoud,e,sa:
let. Mr. French shall conduct the frs. series OF
experiments IN person on ony subjo;l whom he
may seller.
-. Mr. French shall state distinctly each propo.
siuon 70 be proved, which is to be written down by
the Secretary.
3d. There shall be Pfompier, who shall stand
near me subject and state his or her replies, MI
others shall keep al dstarce and conduct them.
selves IN 2 quiet and respectful manner
an. The COMMITTEES shall apply the bandageq.
and IN every other way be privileged 10 guard
against collision or deception.
h. " any one present shall think thst any eI
pertinent be not satisfactorily conducted. he shall
be a. liberty 10 mike any suggestion in relation
thereto 70 the Chairman Of this Committee
9th. IN conducting these eNpedmebts, the com
nitee shall be governed by the sole desire 10 arrive
al inc truth without the slightest disposition 10
wound The feelings Of any ono engaged therein.
I'm Tbs Secretary shall take down, and report
faithfully, the proceedings Of the moe'ing.
oh. No person present shall give aoy indication
IN any minnor whatsoever, Whether any experiment
mas been successful or nor, during their continuance
Inc lN rule proposed that Mr. French should
conduct tho experiments. Mr. French suggested
hat Dt Dove should he substituted for himself 90
iar At ens', as tie sense Of taste was made the sub
Jec. o. trla as there was greater sympathy Ia
tween he Mesmerizse and Mesmef ger, than be
tween her and any one who might be placed en-
The COMMITTEES having retired 10 CONSIDER tho