Isis Revelata: An Inquiry into Animal Magnetism

myself regarding the truth of the facts and the alleged efficacy of the processes; I felt myself, to some extent, qualified to communicate to others an adequate amount of information on this interesting but neglected subject. Accordingly, I had long been determined to publish a short account of the discovery, provided I found a favorable opportunity and was not preceded by any other more competent individual. My objective, I thought, would be fully achieved if I succeeded only in attracting public attention and in exciting a spirit of investigation in more influential circles. Perhaps the very fact that, as an individual, I was completely unconnected with the medical profession and otherwise unattached to any particular philosophical sect—and, consequently, could have no conceivable interest in the establishment or refutation of the statements to be made or the doctrines to be proposed—might serve as an assurance that I would set aside all scientific prejudices and treat the subject as an honest and zealous, though humble, seeker of truth. Indeed, I had no philosophical theory to recommend to the public's favorable notice; my sole objective was to seek their earnest and unbiased attention to a class of very curious but hitherto much-neglected facts, which I considered of more than ordinary importance, and of the truth