Isis Revelata: An Inquiry into Animal Magnetism

influences, which appear to have been known and employed in ancient times, and which are developed with such prodigious effect in magnetic treatment. Thus, for example, in cases of epilepsy and other spasmodic diseases, the regular practitioner would perhaps prescribe the internal administration of lunar caustic, ammoniate of copper, or some other dangerous drug; whereas, the magnetic doctor would cure the patient as speedily, as effectively, and probably more safely, by means of a few simple and apparently insignificant manipulations. This is a circumstance which surely deserves the serious attention of the profession; especially since, if it continues to be neglected by regular physicians, the treatment risks being unskillfully practiced and probably abused by unqualified practitioners original: "empiric".*

This country has produced many eminent physicians, distinguished for their learning, their talents, and their liberality.† Of late, however, our medical men seem liable to the reproach of having

• This truth was fully exemplified during the earlier practice of Animal Magnetism in France.

“For the same subtlety and variety of the subject, which provides a great capacity for healing, also provides a great facility for wandering astray.” —BACON.

† I trust, however, that we have no reason, in our days, to say with Hippocrates, Many are physicians in reputation and name, but very few in reality and practice.