MAGNETISM OF THE HUMAN BODY. DELIVERED BEFORE THE APPRENTICES' LIBRARY SOCIETY OP CHARLESTON, ROBERT W. GIBBES, M. D. OF COLUMBIA, S. C. " The facts of nature, not the theories of man, are tne only infal- lible tests of the verity of alleged discoveries."— Bacon " The power and corrigible authority of this, lies in our wills.' — PUBLISHED BY REQUEST OF THE SOCIETY. COLUMBIA, S, C. PRINTED BY DUBOSE & JOHNSTON. 1843. A LECTURE MAGNETISM OF THE HUMAN BODY. DELIVERED BEFORE THE APPRENTICES' LIBRARY SOCIETY OF CHARLESTON. ROBERT W. GIBBES, M. D. OF COLUMBIA, S. C. V The facts of nature, not the theories of man, are the only infal- lible tests of the verity of alleged discoveries." — Bacon, " The power and corrigible authority of this, lies in our wills.' — Shakespeare. PUBLISHED BY REQUEST OF THE SOCIETY. -&&>- COLUMBIA, S. C. PRINTED BY DUBOSE & JOHNSTON. 1843. ~#JI V * ^x LECTURE. Sir David Brewster has said truly, "Man has, in all ages, sought for a sign from heaven, and yet he has been habitu- ally blind to the million of wonders with which he is sur- rounded. Modern science may be regarded as one vast miracle, whether we view it in its relation to the Almighty Being by whom its objects and its laws were formed, or to the feeble intellect of man, by which its depths have been sounded, and its mysteries explored ; and if the philosopher who is familiarized with its wonders, and who has studied them as necessary results of general laws, never ceases to admire and adore their author, how great should be their effect upon less gifted minds, who must ever view them in the light of inexplicable prodigies." And what is there more deserving of our attention than the beautiful and won- derful structure and relations of the human body? "Know thyself" was a maxim of antiquity in relation to moral man. As truly may we call for its application to his physi- cal attributes, and say with the poet, " The proper study of mankind is man." Having lately directed my attention to the investigation of the curious phenomena of Mesmerism or Animal Magnet- ism, by which powerful physical influence is exerted by one man over another, producing extraordinary effects, both on his mind and body, I became particularly interested in experiments with the magnet. It had been stated, that during the peculiar cataleptic con- dition induced by this remarkable influence, the head and hands of the subject were attracted by the magnet— and that the brain possesses polarity, one side of the head being attract- ed by one pole of the magnet, while the other Was repelled ;- 4 LECTURE. and that opposite results were apparent from the application of the other pole. I made the experiment, and found that if the N. pole of a strong magnet be placed near the upper part of the forehead, on the right side, it produces, in a few minutes, a sensation of "pushing" the head from it, and in some cases, a strong repulsion; if placed on the opposite side of the head, it produces a feeling of "pulling" the head towards it. The opposite effects are produced by the S. pole. This experiment I have repeated on seven or eight suscep- tible subjects with similar results. On two young ladies, who are very sensitive of mesmeric influence, I find these results appreciated by them in their waking state — and the experiments having been repeated under circumstances when there could be no suspicion of deception, I became entirely convinced of the fact, that the human body is magnetic, and possesses polarity. Dr. Sherwood, of New York, in a pamphlet on "the motive power of the human system," has given experiments of an ingenious character, which tend to shew that the brain has polarity, reasoning by analogy from magnetic ex- periments, and comparing them with the knowledge derived from the action of the magnet on mesmerized subjects. The Rev. Mr. Sunderland, of New York, is satisfied of the fact, and reasons upon it, in his publication "The Magnet," to the construction of various theories, in relation to the "magnetic nature" of man. The phenomena of mesmerism, however, being still denied by those who have not had proper opportunities of personal experience of its truth, no influences observed in that state can be considered strictly as settled, which are not supported by direct experiment on the body in its ordinary condition. I will, therefore, for the present, refer to no farther effects on mesmerized subjects, until I give you the Opinions of dthers in support of my proposition. The influence of the magnet on the body, has been record- ed in the works of many medical men of established charac- ter, but scientific men have denied it, because the reciprocal influence of the body on the magnet, has never been shewn. LECTDRE. 5 This is the experimentum crusis which has been called for to settle the question, but has never been exhibited. Prof. Henry, of Princeton, N. J., who has rendered himself emi- nent by his discoveries in magnetic philosophy, in a lately published letter says, " Of the electro-magnetism of the hu- man body, I know nothing, and I can say, with certainty, that no branch of science bearing this name, has an existence in the circle of the positive sciences of the present day. Nothing like polarity, has, as yet, been shewn to exist in connection with the brain.* I have discovered a mode of shewing upon the needle di- rectly the magnetic polarity of the human body — and I anti- cipate that the study of the magnetic properties of the ner- vous system will furnish us with a key to unlock the myste- ries of Animal Magnetism. The limits of a single lecture will not allow me to go in- to a full consideration of the arguments which have been brought forward, founded upon experiment, to prove the iden- tity of Electricity, Galvanism and Magnetism, but such a belief is very general among scientific men of the present day. Nor can I enter very fully into the enquiry as to the identity of the nervous fluid with this power or these powers. Dr. Faraday, who is high authority, says of the former: " After an examination of the experiments of Walsh, In- genuous, Cavendish, Sir H. Davy, and Dr. Davy, no doubt remains on my mind as to the identity of the electricity of the torpedo, (animal electricity,) with common and voltaic electricity." Yet he candidly goes on: " Notwithstanding the general impression of the identity of electricities, it is evident that the proofs have not been suffi- ciently clear and distinct to obtain the assent of all those who are competent to consider the subject." Whether this be so or not, is not of much importance to my proposition, as I think it will be apparent that, whether there be one or several agents involved in electric, galvanic and magnetic effects, the human body exhibits the results of Magnet, p 39. vol. 1. July, 1842. 6 LECTURE. the several modes of procuring these influences. I am not satisfied, myself, of their being different states of intensity of one fluid, but my opinion should have no weight against the mass of authority on the other side. With regard to the identity of the nervous fluid, or power, with galvanism, electricity and magnetism, in the present state of our knowledge, we have not enough facts to settle that question ; still there is much to induce a belief of it. That the animal body is electric, is probably within the knowledge of all who hear me. The phenomena of sparks being seen to follow the removal of flannel or silk from the person in dry weather } and the stroking of the back of a cat, dog or rabbit, are common. Some individuals appear to have less conducting power than others, although their bodies are generally good conductors. In proportion as they are so, they shew the presence of electricity in a stronger degree. Perhaps deficient perspiratory function may be the cause of the accumulation of it. A correspondent of Silliman's Journal states that, " On the evening of January 25th, 1837, during a somewhat extraor- dinary display of the northern lights, a respectable lady be- came so highly charged with electricity, as to give out vivid electrical sparks from the end of each finger to the face of each of the company present, This did not cease with the heavenly phenomenon, but continued several months, during which time she was constantly charged and giving off elec- trical sparks to every conductor she approached. This was extremely vexatious, as she could not touch the stove, or any metallic utensil, without first giving off an electrical spark, with the consequent twinge. The state most favorable to this phenomenon, was an atmosphere of about 80° F, moderate exercise and social enjoyment. It disappeared in an atmos- phere approaching zero, and under the debilitating effects of fear. When seated by the stove, reading, with her feet upon the fender, she gave sparks, at the rate of three or four a mi- nute ; and under the most favorable circumstances, a spark that could be seen, heard or felt, passed every second. She could charge others in the same way when insulated, who LECTURE. 7 could then give sparks to others. To make it satisfactory that her dress did not produce it, it was changed to cotton and woollen, without altering the phenomenon." Similar cases are occasionally reported to our medical journals — and I was consulted, professionally, by a gentleman, as to the reason why his wife should attract a great many fire-flies around her when in the dark, and no others of his family be similarly troubled. She was much annoyed at times, by observing so many sparks about her, and was afraid, for some time, to men- tion it, as she thought she would be ridiculed. " Saussure and his companions, while ascending the Alps, were caught in the midst of thunder clouds, and were aston- ished to find their bodies filled with electricity, and every part of them so saturated that sparks were emitted with a crackling noise, accompanied by the same painful sensations which are felt by those who are electrified by art." Larrey, in his memoirs of the Russian Campaign, men- tions his having seen similar effects. On one occasion, he says, when the cold was excessive, the manes of the horses were found electrified, in a manner similar to that mentioned by Saussure. Rousseau has described eloquently the extra- ordinary elasticity of spirits which he experienced in ascend- ing some of the higher regions of the Alps. Dr. Madden "Who has ever experienced the effects of the sirocco of the South of Europe, the poisonous Kamsin of the East, or even the summer S. E. wind of our own climate, (England,) with- out feelings of indescribable lassitude, not to be accounted for by any alteration of temperature, but obviously owing to the electrical changes superinduced 1 During the prevalence of these winds, the atmosphere is almost altogether deprived of electricity, and the nervous system simultaneously is deprived of its vigor. In damp weather, likewise, when electricity is absorbed rapidly by the surrounding moisture, every invalid is aware how unaccountably dejected his spirits become, and how feebly the various functions of the body are performed, especially those of the digestive organs. This state of mor- bid irritability in the whole frame, continues till the north or 8 LECTURE. west wind "awakes," as Brydone has well expressed it, "the activity of the animating- power of electricity, which soon restores energy, and enlivens all nature." In 1835 I was called to see a young lady who had been struck by lightning. She had been sitting near a window, stringing beads. A storm arose, with thunder and lightning — suddenly she saw a blaze of light in her lap, felt hot and became insensible — she fell, and was caught by her mother, who was near — cold water was thrown over her, and she was put to bed — had spasms in the arms and legs. She re- covered her consciousness in about ten minutes. When I saw her, a half hour after the occurrence, she complained of great intolerance of light — could not bear to unclose the eye- lids, although the room had very little light in it — complained of stricture across her chest — numbness in the head, neck, and sides of the face. She had, occasionally, for two days, spasms ; but on the third was relieved, and felt better. Al- though the room was closed from light, whenever rain clouds passed near the house, she felt very much oppressed, and when another storm arose, she again had violent spasms, which lasted two hours. On the fifth day she seemed as well as usual, and had no return of the nervous irritability. " In the south of France, there are whole vineyards in which numerous electrical conductors are attached to the plants, for the purpose of increasing the progress of vegeta- tion, and of invigorating the vines. In the same manner does electricity act upon the animal body, quickening the circula- tion by its stimulus," &c. We all know the sensible influences of change of weather on rheumatic and paralytic patients, and old persons, with most chronic diseases. Sir Humphry Davy speaks thus: " Electricity seems to be an inlet into the internal struc- ture of bodies, on which all their sensible properties depend; by pursuing, therefore, this new light, the bounds of natural science may possibly be extended beyond what we can now form any idea of; new worlds may be opened to our view, and the glory of the great Newton himself, may be eclipsed by a LECTURE, 3 new set of philosophers, in quite a new field of speculation." Dr. Paris, in his biography of Sir H. Davy, mentions that "Sir H. supposed the heat of the animal frame to be engen- dered by electricity; taking it furthermore to be identical with the nervous fluid — -sensation being, in his view, motions of the nervous ether exciting medullary substance of the nerves and brain." The experiments of Prevost and Dumas induced the ex* pression of the opinion, that " muscular contractions result from the action of a nervous fluid, which, if it be not the electric fluid, possesses at least the same properties ; and the analogy which exists between the phenomena of secretion and those produced by the action of an electric pile, is, they say, very remarkable ; for when an electric current traverses a liquid containing salts and albumen, serum for exam- ple, an acid will be produced at one end of the pile, and an alkali at the other, and the animal substances the liquid contains, change their natures. Now this is precisely what takes place in the organs of secretion ; though secreted en- tirely by the blood, the liquids these organs contain, differ from it in their chemical qualities. The physiologist Milne Edwards says: " The recent experiments of M. Becquerel on the influence of electricity upon the vegetation of plants, support the opi- nion at present entertained by many physiologists, that the nutritive as well as the muscular movements of the living bo- dy, are carried on by a nervous influence analogous, and per- haps identical with the physical force that produces the elec- tro-chemical phenomena." Professor Miller of Baltimore, from experiments, has found that a stream of electricity passed through dark venous blood, will change it at once to a rich colored arterial fluid. This effect is usually attributed to the action of oxygen in the lungs, combining with carbon, and, according to Liebig, with iron. Now carbon and iron are the perfect conductors of electricity, and are positively electric — oxygen is negatively so, and we know that it is the agent of essential importance to the sup- port of life. Sir Humphrey Davy, and chemists generally, 2 10 LECTURE. consider its elasticity owing to electricity, and during its combination in respiration and in the blood, as in all cases of chemical action, there is no doubt electricity is set free. " Pouillet states that all gases, in combining with other elements, give out a certain amount of electricity. He illus- trates this proposition by the case of carbon, 15 grains of which, in becoming carbonic acid gas, by union with oxygen, give out enough electricity to charge a common sized Ley- den jar. By this estimate, how much electricity would be formed in the body? Let us see — it is estimated that 17,811 grains of carbonic acid escape from the lungs in 24 hours ; then, by calculation, enough electricity would be generated by the formation of this gas, to charge 333 common sized Leyden jars, which average two feet each of coated glass. If we assume but half of this, we shall still have a very large quantity of electricity, formed by the union of oxygen with carbon, in the various tissues of the body, traversed by good arterialised blood." (W. H. Muller, M. D., in the Magnet, vol. 1, p. 194.) Galvanic phenomena are witnessed in animals. Humboldt discovered that the muscles of a frog have contractions exci- ted in them by touching the nerve and muscle at the same moment, with a fresh portion of muscle. Muller, of Berlin, has repeated this experiment several times, and confirms its accuracy. Buntzen formed a weak galvanic pile with alter- nate layers of muscle and nerve ; and Prevost and Dumas state that a circle, formed simply of one metal, fresh muscle, and a saline solution of blood, affects the galvanometer. If to the conductors of the galvanometer, plates of platinum are fixed, and a piece of muscle of several ounces weight is placed upon one of these plates, the conductors being then immersed in blood, or a saline solution, a deviation of the magnetic needle of the instrument takes place ; or if to one of the conductors a piece of platinum, moistened with muriate of ammonia, or nitric acid is attached, and to the other a por- tion of nerve, muscle or brain, and the two conductors are made to communicate, the same deviation of the needle is pro- duced." Majendie. Joum. torn. 111. LECTURE. 11 " Kaemtz has shewn that efficient galvanic piles can be constructed from organic substances, without any concurrence of metals." Schweigger. Jour. 56, 1. The magnetism of the living human body has never been satisfactorily shewn, before my experiment. The following one we find in the Medico-Chirurgical Review for January, 1837, but thermo-electricity is here concerned, and we have not seen it noticed elsewhere, nor had an opportunity of try- ing it. Dr. Donne of Paris, publishes the results of his enquiries, of which one of his corollaries is, " The external acid and internal alkaline membranes of the body represent the two poles of a galvanic pile, whose effects are appreciable by a galvanometer. For if one of the conductors of this instrument be placed in contact with the mucous membrane of the mouth, and the other conductor be ■applied to the skin, the magnetic needle will be found to shew a deviation of from 15 to 20, or even 30 degrees; and the di- rection of the needle proves that the mucous or alkaline mem- brane indicates a negative electricity, and the cutaneous or acid membrane a positive electricity. My experiment was brought about by the following cir- cumstance. I observed that mesmerizers (or rather magnet- isers) after throwing their subjects into the magnetic state, direct their fingers with energy towards their eyes, as they say, to render that state more intense, or, in common lan- guage, to deepen the sleep. I thought it not improbable that magnetism (motive power,) which is not apparent while the limbs are at rest, might shew its peculiar influence during muscular action. I procured a long delicate magnetic nee- dle, made a strong effort as if throwing off something from the fingers, and brought them carefully to the needle, avoid- ing to produce vibration of the air, and to my satisfaction, I found my right hand repel its North pole. I repeated the experiment, and found it attract the South pole, proving north polarity in that land. I now tried the left hand, and found it to exhibit opposite polarity, attracting the North and repelling the South pole of the needle. 12 LECTURE. I have practised the experiment repeatedly, and seen a great many do so, ^nd the fact is positively shewn. The influence is only momentary, but clearly apparent. If it were the result of a current of air, the effects on both ends of the needle would be similar. This is an important fact in magnetic philosophy, and I think will assist us materially in explaining many in- teresting phenomena, and most likely give us the means of understanding those of Mesmerism. Bodies similarly electrified or magnetised repel each other, while in opposite states they attract. The North pole of a magnet attracts the South of another, and repels the North, &c. Electrified bodies have a tendency to impart electricity to all surrounding bodies. The magnet communicates mag- netism to iron or steel, if placed in contact with it, inducing in the former temporarily, and in the latter permanently, a state similar to its own. All bodies may be more or less magnetic, but not exhibit effects, except under certain circum- stances, iron and steel having a greater capacity than others, to acquire and to give out the influence. The North pole imparts S. polarity, and the S. pole, N. polarity, and the process is called Induction. Now, if the right side of the body possesses different polarity from the left, when the magnetizer sits opposite to his subject, they are rightly placed to produce the phenomena of attraction, and for the former to impart to the latter his magnetism. It would seem here, however, to be expected, that the individual of strongest magnetic force would charge the other, as the stronger magnet controls the weaker, and changes its poles — which is the case. The fact of subjects putting the operators into the magnetic state is common, and assists our theory, and the subsequent attraction of the magnetized subject by the magnetizer, is a result to be expected. A gentleman who is in the practice of magnetism had three attempts made by different persons to influence him, two out of the three fell into the magnetic sleep themselves. I have personal knowledge of one case, where a lady at- tempted to magnetize her husband, and he, to amuse himself, LECTURE. 13 exerted his will strongly to put her to sleep, and she fell into it herself. The magnetizer's influence over his subjects is lost if he is exhausted, or becomes weak — if his nervous power is weak, he cannot put them into the magnetic state, or if he should, he cannot keep them so — they wake up immediately on be- ing spoken to or shaken by others. Frequently when I have felt badly and dull, the subject would be sluggish, upon my taking a glass of wine, I could then make them act with more spirit and animation. Before I attempt to deduce any practical inferences from the success of the experiment detailed, I will continue my re- ferences to others, that will support my proposition. The facts which I have mentioned being known, the phe- nomena exhibited by electric fishes appear less extraordina- ry, although the power of producing electric discharges ex- ists only during life and an undisturbed state of the nervous system. The experiments of Walsh, Fahlenburg, Gay/ Lus- sac and Humboldt are our sources of information relative to these fishes; the torpedo ocellata and marmorata in the seas of the south of Europe — the electric Eel, gymnotus electricus, found in several rivers in South America — the silurus electri- cus : met with in the Nile and in Senegal. Several others have been named, but are less known. The effects produced by them on animals are perfectly an- alogous to electric discharges. The shock from the Torpe- do, when the fish is touched with the hand, reaches to the upper part of the arm. My late friend, Dr. Cooper, had per- sonal experience of its shocks, which I have frequently heard him describe. Muller, in his late work on Physiology, observes: "Substances which are conductors or non-conductors of electricity, are equally so to the influence communicated by the Torpedo or Gymnotus, which are the only electric fishes that have been hitherto accurately examined with reference to their electric action ; a shock is propagated through a chain of several persons when those at the extremities of the chain touched the fish. Walsh procured sparks from the Gymno- 14 LECTURE. tus, which were seen by Pringle, Magellan and Ingenhous. Fahlenburg also procured them by the same experiment. More recently, Linari and Matteucci, have succeeded in ob- taining sparks from the Torpedo." Although no effect has been observed on the electrometer, Dr. J. Davy discovered that the electric organs of the Tor- pedo have really an action on the galvanometer. He also succeeded in decomposing water, and in rendering needles magnetic, and found that the electric discharge was conducted through a bar of iron several feet long. Linari and Matteuc- ci have also communicated the magnetic property to needles, have decomposed water, and have observed marked deviations of the galvanometer at the moment of the discharges. A very remarkable fact is also stated by Muller. "The power of producing the discharge, is quite volunta- ry, and depended on the integrity of the nerves of the elec- tric organs, which are largely supplied with them. The heart may be removed, and the shocks wUl be continued, but with the destruction of the brain, or division of the nerves go- ing to the organs, the power ceases. The discharge does not take place every time the fish is touched, but depends on a voluntary power, hence it is necessary to irritate it."* Some think it has power to direct the shock, as when Humboldt and Bonpland held the head and tail, both did not always receive the shock. Matteucci, who experimented on one hundred and sixteen torpedoes on the shores of the Adriatic, during two months, is convinced that they can discharge their shocks when they please, but not where. He says : "Where the animal is endowed with a great vitality, the shock is felt, whatever part of the body is touched. In the proportion as the vitality ceases the region of its body in which the discharge is perceptible is reduced to that which corresponds to the organs commonly called electrical." This fact accords with the loss of nervous power in the * Professor Ellet, of the South Carolina College, last summer, had an opportunity of experimenting with a Gymnotus about four feet long, in New York. He informs me that he procured the spark from it, and that the power of the fish is certainly voluntary. LECTURE. 15 human body — the extreme filaments losing their power first. He made a number of interesting experiments which shew that the electric power of the fish increased with the accelera- tion of the circulation and respiration. Among them was this: He took a very small and weak torpedo whose respira- tory motion was at times scarcely perceptible, and from which it was very difficult to obtain a discharge. He placed this torpedo under a bell full of oxygen gas. The animal immediately became agitated, opened its mouth several times, making strong contractions, and at the same time gave him five or six strong electrical discharges, after which it died.* He also found that cutting, or tyeing and compressing the nerves of one of the organs, the discharge ceases on that side, while it continues on the opposite side. Does not this have an analogy with the paralysis of the human body? He shows that the chief electric organ is the last lobe of the brain, which he calls " the swelling of the elongated marrow, from whence the nerves proceed," &c, answering to our medulla oblongata, which gives our nerves of motion. He also shews, by experiment, that no trace of electricity is found in the fish, except when it discharges itself. This is very extraordinary, and adds to our theory of the electric or magnetic action of our bodies being under our will, and only apparent during muscular motion. The very curious experi- ments of Matteucci, may be found in Sturgeon's Annals of Electricity, vol. 2. 1838. In the last number of the Medico Chirurgical Review, which I received a few days ago, is an excellent review of a late work of Dr. Carpenter, on physiology, which is lauded in very high terms. Dr. C. mentions of electrical fishes, that their electric nerves have an origin similar to» that of the 8th pair in the human body. The Reviewer remarks, "Now, the circumstance that the electrical nerves in the Torpedo should be analogous to the 8th pair in the higher vertebrata, is one of a highly striking * I trust I may be excused in tracing the influence of facts on mes- meric action. Mr. Townsend mentions that his mesmeric influence is stronger and developed more quickly when he breathes rapidly. 16 LECTURE. nature. Of all nerves in the human subject, the 8th pair, (par vagum) is that which, with the organs to which it is distributed, appears to exhibit the most intimate sympathyzing connection with cerebral impressions. The influences of fear and anger, (which are probably the chief exciting cau- ses of the instinctive electric discharges) of hope, affection, and indeed, of all passions, whether of an exciting or depress- ing kind, are inevitably manifested more or less on the heart, lungs, and stomach, larynx, &c, and which derive their nervous influence, partly through the branches of the par vagum. The analogy is even farther carried out by patho- logy. For in hydrophobia, a disease in which the nervous energy is in paroxysms, exalted to the highest pitch, and the secretions of parts, to which the 8th pair is supplied, are ex- asperated into a poisonous quality — the chief lesion discover- ed after death, has been said to be found in the trunk of the 8th pair, where it issues from the skull." Dr. Davy observed, that after the removal of the brain of a Torpedo, no more shocks were given when the nerves of the electric organs were irritated. In one instance, when a small portion of brain had accidentally been left in con- nection with the electric nerves of one side, the fish gave a shock when irritated. Muller expresses the belief that, "electricity is generated in living bodies," and that it "does not appear possible for the various chemical changes which take place in them, to occur without some developement of electricity." The experiments of Pfaf and Ahrens, reported in Meckel's Archives, (v. in. p. 161) among other results shewed, that the electricity of the human body in a healthy state is positive — that excitable persons of a sanguine temperament, have more free electricity than indolent persons of a phleg- matic temperament — that when the body is cold, no evidence of electricity is shewn, but gradually it becomes manifest as warmth is restored — that during the continuance of rheu- matic affections, the electricity of the body is reduced to zero, but is manifested again as the disease subsides. Hum- boldt also thinks, that rheumatic patients have an insulating LECTURE. 17 action on the feeble current produced by a single galvanic circle.* It was attempted to be shewn by Matteucci, that the nerves were electric, but no effect on the galvanometer has been de- tected, even when the current of a galvanic battery is passed through them — hence, even if there were electric currents in the nerves, they would not be detected by the galvanometer, unless the direct influence of the denuded nerves could be experienced. I do not think this has been attempted, and I propose, when at leisure, to examine into it. Within a few days, I have received in the London Lancet, the notice of a report by M. Shuster, to the French academy of Sciences, to prove that electricity is not serviceable in medicine, unless it be applied through acupuncture needles. Administered in this way, he asserts it may be employed with success in many diseases, chronic y rheumatism, paralysis, amaurosis, &c. He says it acts by directly stimulating the sensibility, contractility and absorbent function. It is a well known fact also, that needles used in acu- puncture, become magnetic — this aids his idea, of forming a direct communication with the nerves. In cases of serous effusions, the eminent Le Roy D'Eti- olles has also been successful with the above mode of appli- cation. My experiments shewing magnetic influence on the needle only during motion of the muscles, derive additional support from the fact of there being no action developed by electric currents passed through the nerves when quiescent, and the latter experiment renders it probable that human electricity is modified by vital power, or perhaps the influence of mind, until muscular action, under the control of the latter, is com- menced. It would occupy too much time to quote the multitude of curious experiments which go to shew a similarity in effects * I find since this lecture was written, in the "Magnet, vol. 1. p. 193, that Dr. Muller, of Pittsburgh, has published experiments to prove that the electricity of the body is developed during motion, so that the electrometer is affected. 3 18 LECTURE. of the nervous power with electricity, galvanism and mag- netism. I would not, in the present state of our knowledge, give a fixed opinion as to their identity — effects attributable to all these fluids, supposing them distinct, and all possessed by the body, have been exhibited. Farther experience may shew us that whether one fluid in different states, or several, some vital principle or mind, modifies their action in the body. We know that our motive power is under the control of our will, and that sensation involves consciousness, and without consciousness, there is no will. If the nervous power is weak, the will can only make it act feebly, and without a strong will, great effects of nervous power are not shewn. The will controls the nervous system of animal life, while it does not influence that of organic life. This is worth noticing in re- lation to mesmeric or magnetic influence, where the operator controls the will of the subject, and what his will controls, but does not affect the organic functions. Insanity or mental disorder deprives us of the power of will, and thus of the control of animal life, but organic actions are not necessarily impeded. When the mind is sane, muscular motion is most- ly under the control of will, if the organs are sound. Bichat has clearly shewn a difference between the nervous system of animal life which ministers to the mind, and is under the will, and carries on the functions indispensable to the conti- nuance of life, and the nervous system of organic life which is not subservient to the will and does not transmit sensations, except when the sensibility of a part is highly exalted by irri- tation, and then we perceive its action. The natural stimu- lus of these separate nerves is in like manner developed. That we derive sensation and perception from the external world, through nervous communication, no one doubts, be- cause if you divide or compress the nerve, the sensations are not communicated to the brain— an influence developed on the nerves and communicated to the brain, gives us percep- tion, If the power of sensation was in the nerves (which are only vehicles of it) the brain would not be of so much impor- tance — it has no sensibility when irritated — the nerves receive LECTURE. 19 impressions and convey them to the brain, the organ of mind^ which power notices and appreciates them. Experiments to indicate that the motive and sensorial pow- er of the body is galvanic or electro-magnetic, are very nu- merous. Among the most singular are those of Weinhold, related in the Journal des Progres* vol. x, 1828. "He beheaded a cat, and after pulsation and muscular ac- tion h ad completely ceased, he removed* the spinal marrow* and filled the vertebral canal, with an amalgam of mercury ^ zinc and silver. Immediately the throbbing of the arteries re-commenced, and the muscular actions were renewed, which it was impossible to distinguish from those which are produced by the influence of the spinal marrow ; the animal made many leaps. When the irritability appeared exhausted, Weinhold, by means of a metallic arc, placed the heart and voluntary muscles gradually in contact with the artificial medullary substance, and he revived again general but feeble contractions." "He filled with the same amalgam, the cranial and verte- bral canal of another cat, which did not give any sign of life ; the animal became, during about twenty minutes, in such a state of vital tension, that it raised its head, opened its eyes, looked steadily, attempted to walk, and endeavored to rise af- ter falling down frequently. During all this time the circu- lation and pulsation were very active, and continued for a quarter of an hour after the chest and abdomen were opened. The secretion of gastric juice was evidently more abundant than ordinary, and the animal heat was perfectly reestablish- ed." "He filled also the cranium only of a dog with the same amalgam, he examined then the principal functions of the sen- ses, and observed that the pupil still contracted, that the ani- mal manifested still a desire to avoid the light when a lighted candle was placed near it, and that it listened when a person struck with a key on the table." • In support of this very singular experiment, we have a par- agraph from Muller's late work. 20 LECTURE. "In the eye, a feeble galvanic current excites the special sensation of the optic nerve, namely, the sensation of light. In the auditory nerves, electricity produces the sensation of sound. Volta states that when the poles of a battery of forty pairs of plates were applied to his ears, he felt a shock in his head, and a few moments afterwards, perceived a hissing and pulsa- tory sound like that* of a viscid substance boiling, which con- tinued as long as the circle was closed." It is a generally received opinion, that nervous power pro- duces sensation and motion — what this is, we have not settled. Sir Charles Bell has demonstrated, however, that the posterior roots of the spinal nerves, are the origin of nerves of sensa- tion, while the anterior roots are for those of motion. Ma- jendie has shewn that "the spinal marrow is composed of two distinct cords in juxtaposition, the one endowed with ex- quisite sensibility, whilst the other almost completely uncon- nected with this property, seems to be reserved for motion" Upon this, a theory has been based, that an ascending current of electricity by one cord causes sensation, and a descending current by the other causes motion — or perhaps there is a negative and positive portion of the cord, the one constituting the agent of sensation, and the other that of mo- tion. The experiments of Muller have proved that "the applica- tion of galvanism to the anterior roots of the spinal nerves, af- ter their connection with the cord is divided, excites violent muscular twitchings ; the same stimulus applied to the poste- rior roots is attended with no such effects." These galvanic experiments support the facts determined by C. Bell. The late discoveries of electro-magnetism strongly incline to the opinion that motion and sensation are produced in the body by it. The convulsive and violent muscular action produced on the bodies of criminals immediately after death by galvanic action, clearly makes it appear that it can cause motion in ani- mal bodies, and acts on nerves and thus through the organs of motion. Liebig says, "By means of nerves, all parts of the LECTURE. 21 body, all the limbs, receive the moving force, which is indis- pensable to their functions— to the production of mechanical effects. Where nerves are not found, motion does not occur. The will certainly has an influence over motive power, while the organ to be moved has its nerves sound — how it acts we know not. The will directed to our vocal apparatus causes any sound which we can utter to be given forth — how it is effected, and why the sound is acute or grave, we can only explain as the result of will. If Electricity, Galvanism and Magnetism be separate pow- ers, their peculiar combination or supply in different propor- tions by the pile or chemical action which produces them, may account for varied susceptibility, and idiosycrasy, accord- ing to the predominance of one or other. There are objections to their identity which I have not time to enumerate: the permanence of the needle pointing in the same direction, unless mechanically obstructed: magnetism is not impeded by glass, and electricity is — you can insulate the latter and not the former — touching with the hand re- moves nothing from the magnet, and deprives an electrified body of its electricity instantly, &c. With 200 feet of copper wire, and 200 feet more interposed in the turns of the spiral, and 120 pairs of plates 4 inches square, the current made magnetized needles, but did not affect the galvanometer. Far- aday. That magnetism produces motion in inanimate matter, is shewn by the polarity of the needle, which if placed E. and W., and left to itself, turns to the N. and S. Call this attrac- tion or what you will, oscillation and motion result. The magnet will hold up by its inherent power a weight heavier than itself. Connect with it a galvanic armature and it will lift forty times its own weight. The human strength is ca- pable of raising four or five times the weight of the bodjr, I know an individual weighing less than 300 lbs. who has lifted from the ground 1300 lbs. The followtng case illustrative of electro-magnetic action on the human system, is reported in the London Lancet. At the Middlesex Hospital a man was admitted about six 22 LECTURE. hours after having taken an ounce of laudanum. At this time he was apparently lifeless, the surface of the body was cold, countenance pale and livid, lips purple, pupils contract- ed to a mere point, respiration was scarcely perceptible, pulse hardly to be felt. The laudanum was removed by the sto- mach pump, but in spite of every exertion the pulse became more unfrequent, and was at times imperceptible ; when re- course was had to electro-magnetism, which was applied by means of a small battery with coil and contact breaker. One wire was applied to the neck, and the other to the region of the heart, or epigastrium, and by these a succession of very powerful shocks was given. The good effects were very ap- parent. The muscles of respiration were set in motion, and the diaphragm contracted powerfully ; the chest was more fully expanded, respiration was more powerfully carried on, and a corresponding improvement was observed in the coun- tenance. The pulse improved and became more powerful, becoming steady when the current was interrupted for a few minutes. The application was continued for several hours, and was finally successful, and the patient restored. In the last (April) number of the American Medical Jour- nal, is a similar case reported with the same results. It oc- curred in March, 1842, at Valparaiso. A gentleman was poisoned by a powder which was given to him as Cubebs ; after the most violent symptoms, and continued unavailing efforts to relieve him, "he now appeared to be sinking. The surface was cold and covered with a clammy sweat. The face was pallid, with a purplish tinge, the jaw and eyelids were fallen. The pulse was hardly perceptible at the wrist, if at times it was at all to be felt. Stimulants were continued. There were no signs of reaction, and the features wore the aspect of death. Worn out with fruitless efforts, the medical attendants desisted from further exertion. Dr. Page thought of the electro-magnetic battery, and proposed its application, as they felt justified by the desponding circumstances to make the experiment." He says, "It was immediately tried, and with the happiest results. With an assistant rapidly rotating the wheel, I applied the LECTURE. 23 balls at first to each side of the neck, and ran them down behind the clavicles. The arms and body now moved con- vulsively, but the patient lay as unconscious as before. I now passed one ball over the region of the heart, and the other to a corresponding point on the right side. In an in- stant his eyes opened widely, and with a ghastly expression of countenance, his head and body were thrown convulsively towards me, and he groaned. He now sunk back into his reclining posture, and was again asleep. The balls were reapplied in the same situation, with similar results, a third and fourth time, and he cried, "no more." Reaction was now positively established. The heart had received a strong impulse. The pulse was becoming rapidly developed, and the whole surface warm." Reaction continued satisfactorily, and there was no farther occasion for the battery. "When he recovered his consciousness, he says all had been blank, until he felt as if a gun had been fired off with- in him, which thrilled through and shook him to the very extremities." This was the application and effects of the electro-magnetic battery. This case is reported by Dr. T. S. Page, and was witness- ed by Dr. Houston, of the Royal Navy, and Dr. Barrabino, of the United States Navy, attached to the schooner Shark. A few weeks previously, a French gentleman, who took the same medicine from the same shop, lost his life. Upon an analysis of an equal quantity of the powder, 30 per cent, of opium, (75 grains,) were found in it, which accounts for its melancholy effects. The results of the experiments in these two cases, fully warrant us in the belief that the post hoc propter hoc may fairly be presumed here, and that electro-magnetic action supplied the place of nervous power in the human body. In vol. 4, p. 482, of Sturgeon's Annals of Electricity, are some interesting experiments with galvanism on dogs. Three puppies were drowned, and left in cold water fifteen minutes. All vitality had apparently ceased— no motion being per- ceptible. They were taken out ; one was submitted to suc- cessive shocks from a voltaic battery, and restored to life — 24 LECTURE. the other two were left as they were— they remained so. Three others were drowned in warm water, and left immer- sed forty minutes — two of them were restored in the same manner. In the " Discourse on the Study of Natural Phi- losophy," the philosophical Herschel says : " The principle once established, that there exists in the animal economy a power of determining- the development of the electrical excitement, (speaking- of the torpedo,) capable of being transmitted along the nerves, and it being ascertain- ed, by numerous and decisive experiments, that the transmis- sion of voltaic electricity along the nerves of even a dead animal, is sufficient to produce the most violent muscular ac- tion, it becomes an easy step to refer the origin of muscular motion in the living frame to a similar cause ; and to look to the brain, a wonderfully constituted organ, for which no mode of action possessing the least plausibility had ever been devised, as the source of the required electrical power. If the brain be an electric pile constantly in action, it may be conceived to discharge itself at regular intervals, when the tension of the electricity developed reaches a certain point, along the nerves which communicate with the heart, and thus to excite the pulsations of that organ. This idea is forcibly suggested by a view of that elegant apparatus, the dry pile of Deluc, in which the successive accumulations of electricity are carried off by a suspended ball, which is kept by the discharges in a state of regular pulsation for any length of time." This same idea of the cause of the pulsation of the heart appears to have occurred to Dr. Arnott. The stronger pulsations of the brain during high excitement, favor this hypothesis. Many more experiments might be offered in support of the identity of the nervous power with electric, galvanic and magnetic influence, both as to the production of motion and sensation. I Jiave not noticed the evolution of light during decompo- sition or chemical change, of which some curious cases are recorded, arising in the human body, " Sir Henry Marsh observed in a patient, dying of con- LECTURE. 25 sumption, about ten days before her death, a very extraordina- ry light which seemed darting about the face and illuminating all around her head, flashing very much like an Aurora Bo- realis. She had been that day seized with suffocation, and was extremely nervous. At night this luminous appearance suddenly commenced. The maid said she had seen it be- fore, and it had dazzled her eyes, but that she was afraid to speak of it, as she would be called superstitious. It continued for an hour, and disappeared. Three nights after he saw it again. The evening before she died, he saw it again, but fainter, and it lasted about twenty minutes. The state of the body was that of extreme exhaustion. Her breath had a peculiar smell, which led him to suppose some decomposition was going on. Sir H. Marsh has collected, in all, four cases similar to the above. He considers it as resulting from de- composition, as seen in dissecting rooms — from chemical action, in peculiar conditions, evolving light through electri- cal phenomena." We know the decomposition of animal matter, especially fish, produces phosphorescence, or electric light The influence of light on animal development is stri- kingly pointed out by the experiments of Dr. M. Edwards. He has shewn that if tadpoles be nourished with proper food, and are restored to the constantly renewed contact of water, (so that their branchial respiration be maintained,) but are entirely deprived of light, their growth continues, but their metamorphosis into air-breathing animals is arrested, and they remain in the form of large tadpoles ! Here is a fact which we are forced to believe, which we cannot explain. When the queen bee in a hive dies, or is removed, do we understand how the bees have the power of converting into queens the neuter eggs? and yet do we not believe this? Do we not see a different animal in the general form of the body, the proportionate length of the wings, the shape of the tongue, jaws and sting, and in many other respects, than would otherwise have been produced — yet can we explain how this is effected % 4 26 LECTURE. I might relate cases of spontaneous combustion, under circumstances strongly inducing a belief in the agency of elec- tricity in its production. The direct influence of the Magnet on the human body, has been a subject of frequent experience among medical men. I have, myself, witnessed cases where positive effects were felt. A lady of cu Itivated intellect and much intelligence had neuralgia of the arm for several months, with intense sufferings — the N. pole of a magnet applied to it, relieved her pain temporarily, while the S. pole increased it violently. This same effect, I have seen in several cases of rheumatic joints. These influences are not perceived by all, but only by those of highly sensitive nervous systems. All who are susceptible of mesmeric induction, feel the effects of the magnet when applied to the head ; in some, it produces gid- diness, headache, and even convulsions. The Editor of "The Magnet" mentions that he held a magnetized steel ring over the head of one of his subjects, while awake; "in a few minutes she dropt into a state resembling sleep." On removing the ring, he found it im- possible to wake her up, or to control her at all. " The en- tire system seemed to be paralysed, the breathing was much increased, and difficult, and she continued in spasms about twenty minutes, when she was relieved, and came out 'in a shudder," like the lad described in the article below. The following letter "from an intelligent minister of the gospel, well and extensively known," published in "The Magnet," presents singular facts. " Rev. and Dear Sir : — Agreeably to your request, I here- with transmit the facts respecting the influence of the mag- net, in producing the magnetic sleep in the case of my little son. I first magnetised him about the 20th of February, 1842. His age is 15. For some days, he was put to sleep each day, for about half or three quarters of an hour. After that, each alternate day, for about three or four weeks. "About ten days since, he was playing with a small horse- shoe magnet, capable of sustaining about 12 or 14 ounces. In a short time, I perceived that he was asleep, and exhibited the usual symptoms of the magnetic state. I attempted to LECTURE. 27 arouse him, and he immediately opened his eyes, but said "I am in the magnetic state, I can see every thing just as when I am magnetised." I attempted by the usual passes to re- move it, but found I could not. He said, "it is the magnet that has produced this state, and you cannot take it off." I then took the magnet in my hand, and tried the effect of making the several passes with that ; but it only increased the difficulty. I then proposed to send the magnet away to a distant place, but he objected with great earnestness, and even with tears. I then persuaded him to go with me into another room, 20 or 30 feet distant from the magnet; and after staying there a short time, he consented to have the magnet removed. "I again tried, by the usual passes, to remove the influence from him, but could not. He remarked that nothing I could do would remove it, but that it would pass off, of itself, in about an hour, and that he should "come out of it with a shudder." During all this time his eyes ivere open. He could hear and converse with me and with persons who were very near him, after they had been near him for a few minutes, but with no others. "He was playful, and apparently happy. In about an hour, he started suddenly, and with a violent spasmodic shudder, and appeared to be restored to his natural state. Of nothing that had passed, had he any recollection, and the only difference that I could discover between this and the state in which he had usually been when magnetised, was that in this, his eyes were open — he had none of the usual attachment for me, all seemed transferred to the magnet, and I had no power to remove it. The magnet had been re- moved to a distant chamber. But he expressed a strong de- sire to go to it. I then took the magnet away, unknown to him, and passing out of doors, carried it by a circuitous route, and placed it in a pile of lumber, distant about 70 or 80 feet. It was past 9 o'clock at night, and very dark, and he had no means of knowing, by the ordinary senses, that it had been removed. He said, however, that it had been removed, and went on to tell me which way he would take 28 LECTURE. to find it, and said he would not go directly to it, but would find it by a circuitous route — that he would go out round the house, in about the same course that I had taken in convey- ing the magnet there ! But he said the magnet was wrapped up in a paper, and put in a pile of lumber, which was the fact. "I then went and removed it to a still greater distance, where I left it till the next morning. He said that he had a strong impression on his mind, that it had been removed to a more distant place, as I have described it, and that from that time he lost all interest in it. This was more than an hour from the time that he came out of the magnetic state with a shudder, as above described. Since then, he has manifested no desire for the magnet, but when it was after- wards brought near him, even within several feet, he said, after a few minutes, that be felt the same influence coming over him, and immediately caused it to be removed. "I might add, that the application of living magnetism in his case, was in a course of medical treatment for a spinal disease, and was generally applied under the direction of ex- perienced physicians, and apparently with very happy results. „ Respectfully yours, Philadelphia, April 17, 1842. When Casper Hauser, who had been isolated from the ordinary influences of the external world for eighteen years, had the N. pole of a small magnet held towards him, he described a drawing sensation produced outwards from the epigastrium, and as if a current of air went from him. The S. pole affected him less, and he said it blew upon him* Professors Daumer and Herman made several experi- ments of the kind, and calculated to deceive him, and even though the magnet was held at a considerable distance from him, his feelings always told him very correctly. These experiments always occasioned perspiration, and a feeling of indisposition. He could detect metals placed under oil cloths, paper, &c, by the sensations they occasioned. He * Millengen, LECTURE. 29 described these as a drawing, accompanied with a chill, which ascended according to the metal, more or less, up the arm — the veins of the hand exposed becoming visibly- swollen. The influences felt by him from the magnet are precisely- such as it produces in the cases of my experiments — and the paralysis of the arm of a susceptible individual, by mak- ing him grasp a rod of soft iron or copper, is effected with the same feelings on the arm, described by Hauser from his touching a metal. The sensitiveness of this boy to the impression of metals is well explained, when we reflect that the eye, when kept from light, increases in its susceptibility to its influence; and its sudden application to this organ, will destroy its vision, while slowly accustomed to its influence it is its essential stimulus. A gentleman of high respectability informed me lately, that he knew from personal experience, that the body is magnetic. He was a surveyor, and had observed frequently, that in dry weather, at midday, his needle would vary when- ever he approached it.* The conducting power of the body varies with different individuals, some shewing electrical influences, and others, none — Now in terrestrial magnetism, Mrs. Somerville says, "The effects of induction depend upon the facility with which the equilibrium of the neutral state of the body can be overcome ; a facility which is proportioned to the conducting power of the body; consequently, the attractive power exert- ed by an electrified substance upon another substance previ- ously neutral, will be much more energetic, if the latter be a conductor, than if it be a nonconductor." This may also be applied to organized bodies, as well as inorganic. * Since this lecture was written, I have succeeded in magnetizing needles, by the same effort of the arm and hand over them. The fact of rendering needles magnetic by the passes continued for a long time over them, is mentioned in the " Magnet." I succeeded in a short time by my process — which I have repeated five times successfully. Whether this can be effected only in certain electrical conditions of the body, is to be learned. 30 LECTURE. Dry animal matter, as bone, or horn, or leather, are non- conductors of electricity — moistened, they become conductors. It is not improbable, that at a future time, we may refer the phenomena of fever to the free electricity of the body accu- mulated on the surface, when the perspiratory function is impeded — carried off, as it usually is, by the restoration of the latter. The calorification of the body is still unsettled, and is open for examination. The sources of magnetism would give us an interesting subject for investigation, for we know that the sun's rays are magnetic. Milton beautifully describes the constellations, as governed by the magnetism of the sun. " as they move Their starry dance, in numbers that compute Days, months and years, towards his all-cheering lamp Turn swift their various motions, or are turn'd By his magnetic beam that gently warms The universe, and to each inward part With gentle penetration, though unseen, Shoots invisible virtue ev'n to the deep." Liebig attributes to "the unequal degree of conducting power in the nerves, those conditions which are termed para- lysis, syncope and spasm." This eminent chemist also says, "As an immediate effect of the manifestation of mechanical force, we see that a part of the muscular substance loses its vital powers, its characters of life ; that this portion separates from the living part, and loses its capacity of growth and its power of resistance. We find that this change of properties is accompanied by the entrance of a foreign body (oxygen) into the composition of the muscular fibre, (just as the acid loses its chemical characters by combining with zinc,) and all experience proves that this conversion of living muscular fibre into compounds, destitute of vitality, is accelerated or retarded according to the amount of force employed to pro- duce motion. This is corroborative of the identity of nervous, power with electro-magnetic influence." He goes on to say, "the moving force certainly proceeds from living parts." "It is obvious that the ultimate cause, the vital force", &c, has LECTURE. 31 served for the production of mechanical force; that it has been expended in the shape of motion." That the nervous power is derived from a source within the body is certain, as it varies with its healthful or disorder- ed action — it becomes exhausted by muscular action, and ex- cited by stimulants, which act on our material structure ; it is lost by continued wakefulness — and intense pain debilitates it excessively. Steady application of the mind also fatigues the brain and Aveakens nervous power, and rest alone restores it. While the brain and nerves are sound, our nervous power of motion, (and to some extent that of sensation) is under the control of the will, the existence of which involves concious- ness in our ordinary state. In somnambulism, in which con^ sciousness is absent, some modification of reason, allied to what we call instinct, seems to control them. This is for the enquiries of the metaphysician as well as the physiologist, and deserves our study. It is well known that in somnambu- lism, the intellectual functions are not only active, but fre- quently more developed than when the individuals are awake, and in their actions and locomotion they are more cautious. Whether the nervous power extends without our bodies, and how far, we are yet to learn. The phenomena of Mes- merism would seem to indicate that it does, and produces ef- fects on other living organization. Dr. Holland observes: " We cannot assert this to be impossible ; and one or two high authorities have affirmed its probability." The emanations from animal bodies, by which dogs scent them in the chase, and which the Hindoos, living on vegeta- bles, perceive in Europeans feeding on animal substances, shew perceptible influences extending around us. The curious phenomena of what is called sympathy, are physical results yet to be explained. We know that mind acts upon matter, but the quo modo is as yet inexplicable to us. Can we explain that mysterious influence by which a nervous disease affects the minds, and finds its way to a dis- eased structure, as an electric shock is communicated from body to body by contact ? Can we explain how, when this occurs, a loss of will is the result, similar to the fascination 32 LECTURE. of a serpent over its prey? Yet, do we deny the well authen- ticated facts, relating to the convulsionaires of France — the jerks of our own country, and the 4000 cases of St. Vitus's dance in England ? Can these be the results of imagination alone ? Is the imi- tation of the wise and good, prompting us to simulate and rival them merely, " such stuff as dreams are made of?" If nervous power originated from mental action, it would be less variable — but we see the mind as strong and active when the body is weak — and the strength of the latter de- pends on nervous power. Coleridge, who thought as much as most men, says, " illness never in the smallest degree affects my intellectual powers. I can think with all my or- dinary vigor in the midst of pain ; but I am beset with the most wretched and unmanning reluctance and shrinking from action. I could not, upon such occasions, take the pen in hand to write down my thoughts for all the wide world." — It is not mind, for we conceive that to be indestructible, eter- nal, therefore, not liable to disease and decay ; the bodily or- gans through which it developes its influence on matter, may be disordered, and communicate its powers imperfectly, hence we become familiar with what is called mental disease, which is strictly paradoxical. A man drinks liquor, his brain be- comes oppressed with blood — as this increases mental confu- sion conies on, and then a loss of mind takes place — if the blood be thrown out and apoplexy result, it is permanently gone. Intense mental action produces fulness in the vessels of the brain, which frequently is followed by similar effects. The melancholy example of this lately exhibited in the condition of the poet Southey, will readily present itself to the mind. If the electricity of the body varies, (which experiments prove,) this will enable us to understand how sensitive ner- vous persons experience so readily atmospheric changes, electric influences. In the animal economy, solids are con- stantly passing to fluids, and fluids into solids and gases, and changes into electrical conditions, and as to temperature, are always going on. When the bodily health varies, and LECTURE. 33 the nutritive function is impeded, as well as other vital ac- tions, we must expect this to be the case. Pfaf and Ahrens have shewn, that in health the elec- tricity of the body is positive, yet sometimes it is negative, and much oftener so with women. In the 5th volume of Til loch's magazine, there is an article on animal electricity, with original experiments, by a Mr. Hemmer, of the Elec- toral Academy at Manheim. From 2,422 experiments he came to the following conclusion: — That electricity is com- mon to all men ; that it is sometimes negative, oftener posi- tive, and sometimes wanting ; that it is produced without fric- tion with the clothes, and is evolved from the naked body ; that its quality is altered by certain circumstances, and changed from the one to the other kind by sudden and vio- lent motion — from positive to negative by cold, or lessened in amount by it; that continued mental exertion increased the positive electricity,