In looking around me for some subject by whose means I might test these particulars, I was brought to think of my friend, M. There were other points to be ascertained, but these most excited my curiosity-the last in especial, from the immensely important character of its consequences. It remained to be seen, first, whether, in such condition, there existed in the patient any susceptibility to the magnetic influence secondly, whether, if any existed, it was impaired or increased by the condition thirdly, to what extent, or for how long a period, the encroachments of Death might be arrested by the process.
My attention, for the last three years, had been repeatedly drawn to the subject of Mesmerism and, about nine months ago it occurred to me, quite suddenly, that in the series of experiments made hitherto, there had been a very remarkable and most unaccountable omission:-no person had as yet been mesmerized in articulo mortis. It is now rendered necessary that I give the facts-as far as I comprehend them myself. Through the desire of all parties concerned, to keep the affair from the public, at least for the present, or until we had farther opportunities for investigation-through our endeavors to effect this-a garbled or exaggerated account made its way into society, and became the source of many unpleasant misrepresentations, and, very naturally, of a great deal of disbelief. It would have been a miracle had it not-especially under the circumstances. Of course I shall not pretend to consider it any matter for wonder, that the extraordinary case of M.
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