The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-07-29
WHAT IS THIS FORCE
Called "Animal Magnetism"
That Aunt Lucinda
Is Supposed to Have = DIR.
Stewards Opinion.
Seems to Be in Doubt Whether Such
Thing Exists-Some Scientific
Thoughts on the Subject.

animal magnetism is a supposin-
tious power by which persons OF strohS
will influence those of weaker Will
This was the definition of the power
said to be possessed by Aunt Luclnoa
Thompson, the healer of Pleasant VAL
ley, read by DR.. S. G. Stewart from
medical handbook in answer to an IN
Quiry as to what animal magnetism Is
MANY different theories have been
advanced in reference to animal mag
netism," said DR.. Stewart. ''One is that
animal magnetism is the force or pow
er which attracts two people to each
other. This theory I don't believe. 1t
is only a matter of belief, however, be-
cause persons who advanced the theory
undoubtedly believed in it.
1.-The definition states that it is sup
posititious' power. This leaves doubt
as to whether such a power really ex-
lists. OF course in every age persons
have sprung up who have Claimed that
they possessed the power OF animal
magnetism, and by this power could in
fuence disease. Mesmer, after whom
originated the word 'mesmerism,' was
one of the most successful of these sup
posed healerS. We read of people go
ing to him on crutches and OF throwing
their crutches away after he laid his
hands on them.
'.Mesmer worked on the Imagination,
and every healer who followed in his
footsteps has done the same thing. His
room was dimly lighted, perfume was
waited through the air and strains of
soft music were heard, the furnishings
were luXuriant and on every side We're
beautiful mirrors. In this room ms
patients sat, and here he would glide In
in garb of a magician and touch first
one then another.
His patients were expectant. Thelr
imaginations were excited, and we
know that the imagination has the
greatest influence over the physical Or
ganism of man. In this way they were
affected for a time. Those suffering
from imaginary ills may have been
permanently benefited.
There is a force or power in nature
which prompts person to size up as
we express it. other individuals. Upon
entering a company of strangers we
seem to naturally determine what per-
sons attract us and those who repeI
us. But 1 believe that circumstances
and conditions have a great deal to do
with this. For instance. if a man goes
into a company suffering from 1nd1-
gestion or some other ailment he natur-
ally is unable to enjoy himself and in
such event I think everyone seems to
be repellant to Some extent. This force
or power may be animal magnetism or
it may not be.
Persons wig make study of human
nature are usually able to at once de-
termine CHARACTER in others, but still
there is no infallible rule. remember
a professor at college who was great
student of human nature, and who US
ually could read character almost at a
glance. Yet he told us a story one day
of two students who presented them
selves to him for admission to the col
lege. He said one was ugly, with red
hair and a freckled complexion,
crooked body and a misshapen head,
and everything about him reDellant to
a degree. He said he at once set him
down a man capable of any villiany.
The other was man of perfect form,
bright and intellectual, quick to get
your meaning, and apparently of the
highest type of human nature. And
yet the professor told US that when he
became acquainted with the two that
he never met a more lovable character
than the red haired student, or more
villainous character than the other.
speaking of magnetic healing re-
minds me ofan experience which phys
ician of national fame in this country
had in Paris a few years ago. At the
time he visited Paris there was a sup
posedly celebrated physician stopping
at the same hotel in which he secured
rooms, who it was said was accomp-
fishing remarkable cures. He was Wis
tied daily by great crowds of people,
and marvellous were the stories told
about his power. His cures were ac-
complished by the laying on of hands.
lone day the American physician
met the supposed healer in the hallway
of the hotel, and was astounded to see
in him a former servant. He became
angry with him, and accused him of
practicing quackery and fraud. In re-
ply the alleged healer said:
g. If you walk out on the streets of the
city today how many wise people will
you meet when compared to the foolish
people who pass you. Only few. Well.
your are a good doctor and 1 am
fraud. You get the wise people and 1
get the fools :,
But I do not mean to say that all
the people who visit these alleged heal
ers are fools,'' continued Dr. Stewart.
MANY who go to magnetic and super
natural healers do so with the belief
that they can be benefited. Every
magnetic healer who springs up will
have followers"