Nothing, in the marvels of somnambulism, raised more doubts than an oft-repeated assertion, relative to the power which certain persons are said to possess in a state of crisis, of deciphering a letter at a distance with the foot, the nape of the neck, or the stomach.  The word impossible in this instance seemed quite legitimate.  Still, I do not doubt but some rigid minds would withhold it after having reflected on the ingenious experiments by which Moser produces, also at a distance, very distinct images of all sorts of objects, on all sorts of bodies, and in the most complete darkness.

When we call to mind in what immense proportion electric or magnetic actions increase by motion, we shall be less inclined to deride the rapid actions of magnetizers.

In here recording these developed reflections, I wished to show that somnambulism must not be rejected a priori, especially by those who have kept well up with the recent progress of the physical sciences.  I have indicated some facts, some resemblances, by which magnetizers might defend themselves against those who would think it superfluous to attempt new experiments, or even to see them performed.  For my part, I hesitate not to acknowledge it, although, notwithstanding the possibilities that I have pointed out, I do not admit the reality of the readings, neither through a wall, nor through any other opaque body, nor by the mere intromission of the elbow, or the occiput,—­still, I should not fulfil the duties of an academician if I refused to attend the meetings where such phenomena were promised me, provided they granted me sufficient influence as regards the proofs, for me to feel assured that I was not become the victim of mere jugglery.

Nor did Franklin, Lavoisier, or Bailly believe in Mesmeric magnetism before they became members of the Government Commission, and yet we may have remarked with what minute and scrupulous care they varied the experiments.  True philosophers ought to have constantly before their eyes those two beautiful lines:—­

     “To suppose that every thing has been discovered is a profound error: 
     It is mistaking the horizon for the limits of the world."[12]

FOOTNOTES: 

[7]

     “Le voila, ce mortel, dont le siecle s’honore,
     Par qui sont replonges au sejour infernal
     Tous les fleaux vengeurs que dechaina Pandore;
     Dans son art bienfaisant il n’a pas de rival,
     Et la Grece l’eut pris pour le dieu d’Epidaure.”

[8]

     “Les sots sont ici-bas pour nos menus plaisirs.”

[9]

     “Un decrotteur a la royale,
     Du talon gauche estropie,
     Obtint pour grace speciale
     D’etre boiteux de l’autre pie.”

[10]

     “De par le Roi, defense a Dieu
     D’operer miracle en ce lieu!”

[11]