PREFACE

TO THE

SECOND EDITION.

WHEN the First Edition of this Inquiry was published, I was perfectly aware of the gross ignorance that prevailed, in this country, upon the subject of its contents, and of the prejudices I should probably encounter, and the ridicule to which I might expose myself, in attempting to recommend it to the serious notice of philosophers. Having occasionally devoted a great deal of attention to Animal Magnetism, however, during a period of more than twenty years; having carefully investigated its origin and progress, read all the most important works which treated of its principles, explained its practice, and established the reality of its operation; and, moreover, having made a few successful experiments in order to satisfy