San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1879-05-17

The reader of general literature is
aware that during the past two or three
years there has been q revival OF in
vestigations or discussions touching
the nature of mesmerism and animal
magnetism. 1t must not DO under
stood that mesmerism had been suffer.
ed to drop out of human recognition
altogether, because it did not appear
on the surface OF literature in a con-
spicuous way until the outbreak OF the
controversies which have occupied NO
small amount OF the attention of such
men as W. B. Carpenter and A. Il.
| Wallace, Professor Crookes and 9th
ers, because large number Of persons
in Europe and America were mean
while quietly applying it in different
ways, but mainly to the alienation OF
painful ailments and cure of diseases.
Now and thea some facts would creep
out, but their mysterious nature baf-
fed the scientist, and he in his pride
was disposed to relegate the whole
subject to tho domain Of ignorance or
charlatanry.
A great deal is. known concerning
the processes and utilities OF magnet
ism, but very few practical, serviceable
treatises have been published, and this
Notwithstanding the prevailing curiosi.
ty Of the public and q large existing
demand for information.
One of the latest, and in every way
the best, il . work just brought out by
Messrs. 8. X. Wells & Co.. Publishers,
of New York, called Practical 1nstruc'
ton il Animal Magnetism. Trans.
lated from the French of j. P. f. De.
leuze. A work Of over 500 pages.
A careful examination of this ex-
tensive volume warrants us 10 saying
that it stands alone among treatises in
print as o clear exponent Of the prac.
teal application of magnetism, written
by a French physician of extensive
practice and wide knowledge. 1t il an
exceedingly careful and minute account
Of the modes Of procedure to obtain
the somnambulistic condition, and for
the application Of animal magnetism
to the treatment Of disease. DR.. De-
leuze's suggestions seem to meet every
case that is likely to occur, and all the
known phases.
A hint or two as to the plan Of deal
ing with the subject in the arrange
ment of the book may, perhaps give
the best idea of its nature. In the
beginning the author considers tie
principles Of magnetism, and indicates
the various processes employed in
maguetizing. He next supplies intor-
nation concerning the auxiliaries by
which the force of magnetism may be
augmented. Next he treats Of SOM
nambulism and the procedure Of tho
somnambullst. Then he discusses the
precautions that patient should take
10 choosing masnetizer; further on
the application of magnetism to various
diseases and its association with medi.
cine. He does not overlook the dan
gers of magnetism and bow they may
be prevented. furnishing suggestions
on the method of developing and
strengthening the magnetic power in
in ones self, and what agents would
aid 10 the acquisition It must be seen
by the reader, from this cursory view
Of the points dwelt upon by the auth
or, that the book is the result Of no
little reflection as we'll as experience.
The ample Appendix is valuable sta
tistically, furnishing as it does a num-
Der of interesting illustrations and in
cidents from the experience of Amer
lean magnetizers and physicians of re-
pute,
This book will be found of great in.
terest to the general reader, and of
special interest to all who are interest.
ed the subject. Copies are sent by mail
postpaid on receipt Of price $500, or a
circular with complete Table of Con.
tents and description will be received
by addressing s, R. WELLS & Co.,
Publishers. 737 Broadway, New York.