Year: 1875

him as fool. Mesmer was neither an i'm
postor nor fool /; but he had been very un-
wise man, who had by his conduct brought an
odium upon his noble and wonderful discove-
ry. Then he proceeded to demonstrate scien'
ti6cally the principle of this discovery, and
the rapport which existed between certain
minds, causing one to act in perfect unison
with the other and blindly obey its behests.
He spoke, he said, in the simplest language
at his command, that all might fully under
stand him. He believed that many persons
were willing to be convinced of the truths he
was trying to elucidate, if they could only
have them brought within their reach, and
proved to them by certain experiments, with
which he would presently illustrate his re-
marks.


Having spoken at some length, and in
very interesting and earnest style, the Profess
sor then inquired if there was any one among
his hearers desirous of coming forward and
submitting themselves to a trial of his powers.


There was a little hesitation and some laugh.
ter, and then young man gathered up his
courage and went forward. The professor
placed him in chair opposite to himself, and
commenced his operations, his subject, in the
meanwhile, glancing frequently with an in
credulous smile toward his friends, and main
tanning a very resolute and wide-awake ex-
preston of countenance, which seemed to as
sert the utter impracticability of ever making
him so much as wink his eyes against his will
Gradually, however, this determined look be-
gan to waver. There was suspicious droop-
ing of the eyelids, and his glance ceased to
revert to the audience, and rested steadily on
the face of the operator. The eyes of the
latter remained fixed with equal steadiness
upon his, and he slightly changed the order of
his manipulations, drawing his hands slowly
downward along the arms of the patient,
though without touching him, until at length
he seemed to yield irresistibly to the magnetic
influence, though not without occasional spas,
modic efforts to maintain his selfcommand.
Even these presently ceased, his eyes closed
completely, his chin dropped upon his breast,
and he was, to all appearance, sound asleep.


81 wonder if he isn't making believe sug-
gested little boy in the front row.


The professor turned toward him with a
smile. II am quite willing" said he, pleas
antly, "that any of you should put that to
the test. You may come and try to waken
him, if you like"


This proposition was readily taken advan-
tage of, and various were the efforts made by
several persons to arouse the sleeper, but in
vain. They pushed him, they pinched him,
they shouted in his ear, they pulled his hair,
but he remained immovable, nor was there
the slightest indication in his face that he was
conscious of their not very gentle attempts
and they were all forced to admit that it was
impossible to doubt the reality Of his slumber.


"Hes as deaf as post-a cannon fired
over his head wouldn't wake him now," said
one.


"Pour some cold water down the back of
his neck" said another, laughing


"Oh no. No use to make him angry, and
he would be, when he found it out"


"But it might wake him."


"He would not even feel it., in his present
condition." said the mesmerizer. "But he
would be rather uncomfortable afterward, and
I don't care to have him endure unnecessary
discomfort in the cause Of science Now l
will address him, and you will perceive that
he will hear me without difficulty"


Here the sleeper, without moving, said in
low, but distinct tone


81 heard you speak just now, but l did not
catch the sense of what you said.'


II was assuring these gentlemen that l
would find no trouble in making you under
stand what say"


"Certainly, I understand you now"


care you comfortable? Do you like to
sleep in this way?'


"Not particularly-I would rather wake
up"


II will waken you presently. Now rest
your head upon my hand aud see if that will
make you easier"


The professor, as he spoke, extended his
hand, and although it did not come within
halfa.foot of the patients head, the latter i'm
mediately inclined forward to meet it, and
rested upon it, his neck being stretched out in
a ludicrous and apparently very uncomforta-
BILE position.


"Is that BETTER" asked the operator.


"Oh much better. Now I can Sleep"


There was general laugh.


"Now," said the professor, 81 wish you to
walk with me to the other end of the room"


"No, please let me be quiet" was the an
swer, in an entreatng tone.


II would rather you took little walk, just
for exercise. Gomez


AS he spoke, he withdrew his supporting
hand, and moved few steps of. The pa
tient shifted uneasily in his chair, and made
an effort to rise, but sank back again.


II can't come," he muttered. If I get up
shall fall"


"You will not fall Come! Try"


"Do let me stay where an" was the some
what impatient response; but the professor
was inexorable, aud ON his repeating his COM
mand in a resolute tone, the sleeper rose,
though with much apparent reluctance, and
endeavored to move toward him but he fail
ed in the attempt, and after an unsteady step
or two he staggered and would have fallen,
had not the professor caught hi m and replaced
him in his chair.