University of Virginia Library

“This is a work resulting from deep investigation, by one who brings to the
subject a mind well disciplined, and a fondness for the pursuit; and in a time
when so much inquiry is going on, and so much deception practised with
reference to human magnetism, such a work will be found useful and instructive.”

“This is a work of vast importance and high merit.”

“It is a very valuable work, and ought to be perused by everybody.”

“The learned author enters upon the investigation of his subject apparently
after full preparation. Without propounding any general theory of magnetism,
he contends that it does not contravene any law of nature, and that its phenomena
exhibit no distinctive characteristic which has not been shown to
exist in nature, in some form or other. They may not be all found associated
in any one patient; but they have been marked and recorded in the annals of
medical literature. Altogether, it is a most valuable work.”

“A hasty glance through the volume convinces us that the author understands
his theme, has collected numerous remarkable facts, and has grappled
with some of the strongest objections urged by the opponents of the doctrine.”

“The subject of animal magnetism has excited so much attention within the
last few years, that any work in relation to it, from an intelligent source, can
hardly fail to gain an extensive circulation. The present work is evidently
from a very competent hand, and is the result of great reflection and observation;
and we doubt not that it contains nearly every thing of importance that
is known on the subject to which it relates. We think it hardly possible that
any candid person should weigh the statements and reasonings which this
book contains, without coming to the conclusion, that there is at least that in
animal magnetism which should save it from being cast away without examination.”

“The well-attested facts which have recently been made known both in
England and America, in relation to the performance of surgical operations
with the aid of Mesmerism, will doubtless cause this book to be sought after,
inasmuch as many consider the subject involved in mystery, and are derious
of investigating it. Mr. Newnham's work professes to examine the whole
matter philosophically, and it appears to be quite a desideratum at the present
time.”