Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1849-04-06
From the New York Commercial Advertiser
,Tlae NaYsEeries OF Tature.


We have long since "defned our posi-
tion" in regard that the marvellous things
alledged Of the mysterious agency called
Mesmerism; to wit, that, as a medical agent,
IL does produce effects altogether surpass-
ing explanation upon any known and rec
ognized tEeory-eficcis which we cannot
comprehend, but which it is equally inn
possible to deny. AS TO tie supposed
miracles of cairvoyance, pathetism and the
like, although we do not positively scout
them, we yet feel at liberty to say that we
have never seen any which might not be
effected by ingenious systems of collision
and conlcderacy.
OF Mcsmerism as 4 medical agent we
have an extraordinary account, in letter
with which we have been favored. written
by gentleman of North Carolina, who
has been passing some time in the East III
dies, for the sake of health, and addressed
to medical friend. We have abundant
assurance that the letter may be accepted
as faithful narrative of what the writer
actually saw. 1t runs thus:
Calcutta, Bengal, Nov. 6, 1913.
NY Dear Docter-There is one hospit-
al here, the nature Of which will no doubt
aslonish YOU, and an account of which will
leave TO Judge whether Calcutta is behind
or ahead Of the rest of the world. In Cal
cutta there is mesmerc hospital; it is I'M
der the care Of DR.. Esdaie, regularly ed
ucated Nj. ID. and surgeon of the henor>
able East India Company. have person
4 Il l.,
cultivated gentleman, with none of the ac-
cused humbug theories concerning clairvoy-
ance and animal magnetism as is known
among us in America. The Hon. Com
pany furnishes the hospitals with medicines
and instruments, and thus in a measure
paronizcs the establishment. AS to my
self have as yet formed no thorough opin.
ion on the subject knowing too little about
it, but will tell you what have seen with
my own eyes, in company with other gen
temen. and mere Imagination will not ac-
count for. | will give to you nearly as
wrote it in haste in my note book, while it
was fresh in my mind.
Monday. Oct. 23d.-This morning DR..
EsdaiIe called upon me and told me that
an operation was TO be performed al the
/ Mesmeric Hos pilal in Dnurrumtollah street,
/ al twelve clock. Notwithstanding the in
/ tense pain in my head, | went at the hour
in 0aIkee, (paanquin.) The subject was
/ a Mussleman, and perhaps the finest sPcci~
men of man among the natives that |
| have seen in the country. lie had a large
tumor on the body originating in elephant
asis. nearly the size OF my head. On my
! arrival ! found the man in a mesmeric
sleep. The pulse was then as a child
the eyes were slightly open, and the jaws
were tightly locked together as ii ialmus,
giving The mouth an air Of determination
that never saw equalIed; the chest rose
and fell as if in quiet slumber. Before
commencing sharp knife was stuck in
the most sensitive parts oil his body, but he
might as well have teen stone. The op-
Grafton lasted nearly five minutes. during
which time | watched with most eagre at
ienlion, but he slept as calmly and as still
as if ne was indulging in refreshing sizes
Ia No motion was seen save that glveI
20 him by the keen knife in the hand o
! DR. Esdaile. Owing to the delicate organs
connected with this delicate operation, it i
: perhaps Of the most painful one in surgery
: Yet through the whole of ii he was as dea'
: --withoul sensation or motion. Anxiou
: 10 see the state in which he would be whel
awakened, | stood by him with no liul
4 interest, while DR.. Esdaile pulled out
t handful Of beard. "a mortal insult TO Mus
: >lenlan,) and gave it To me. saying, TAX
o that home as a memento Of Mesmerism.
: Ills eve suddenly opened and he looked a
/ fresh as If he had been engaged IN anlna
e ted conversation. Seeing DR.. EsdaIie stand
: ing by him, lie raised his right hand TO h
= forehead saying the usual ''Salaaln, Sab,
Y ! peace 70 ycu my LcEd