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In 1877, I went with two other persons, to take a child for treatment by Dr. Mack, the mesmeric healer. The child’s knee when he was carried into the room, was swollen to twice its natural size, inflamed, and so tender that he refused to allow Dr. Mack to touch it, or to remove the stocking. In twenty minutes we three spectators saw, under that magical treatment, the inflammation wholly disappear, and the knee restored to its natural size and colour; it could now be freely handled, except in one spot, and the child walked round the room with greater ease than he had done for months. Through no fault of Dr. Mack’s—for the case was not a medical, but a surgical one—the knee returned to its former condition in two or three days, but the effect at the time was undoubted. Of this incident I have a very clear recollection, but, in describing the treatment under which the injured limb was eventually healed, I have not heard either of my co-witnesses make the slightest allusion to the half-hour spent at Dr. Mack’s, and from occasional conversations I have every reason to believe that the occurrence has almost entirely faded from their memory. I myself, though I can have no doubt of the facts having actually taken place as I have narrated, yet feel very little assurance that my own is not a unique experience in the history of the world. Though I have seen such wonderful results in this particular instance, I find it impossible to believe in any of the cures effected in the same manner, of which I am constantly hearing, and I trust Dr. Mack will forgive me for saying so. It is not that I am unwilling to believe: it is a comforting belief for one who is not over-fond of drugs; I would gladly believe in the healing power of mesmerism if I could—but I can’t. | In 1877, I went with two other persons, to take a child for treatment by Dr. Mack, the mesmeric healer. The child’s knee when he was carried into the room, was swollen to twice its natural size, inflamed, and so tender that he refused to allow Dr. Mack to touch it, or to remove the stocking. In twenty minutes we three spectators saw, under that magical treatment, the inflammation wholly disappear, and the knee restored to its natural size and colour; it could now be freely handled, except in one spot, and the child walked round the room with greater ease than he had done for months. Through no fault of Dr. Mack’s—for the case was not a medical, but a surgical one—the knee returned to its former condition in two or three days, but the effect at the time was undoubted. Of this incident I have a very clear recollection, but, in describing the treatment under which the injured limb was eventually healed, I have not heard either of my co-witnesses make the slightest allusion to the half-hour spent at Dr. Mack’s, and from occasional conversations I have every reason to believe that the occurrence has almost entirely faded from their memory. I myself, though I can have no doubt of the facts having actually taken place as I have narrated, yet feel very little assurance that my own is not a unique experience in the history of the world. Though I have seen such wonderful results in this particular instance, I find it impossible to believe in any of the cures effected in the same manner, of which I am constantly hearing, and I trust Dr. Mack will forgive me for saying so. It is not that I am unwilling to believe: it is a comforting belief for one who is not over-fond of drugs; I would gladly believe in the healing power of mesmerism if I could—but I can’t. | ||
I am continually hearing from intimate friends detailed accounts of abnormal phenomena—mesmeric, clairvoyant, psychic, and the like. I do not doubt the accuracy of the narrator, still less do I suspect him of any intention to deceive me. Often the facts of the case are such as to preclude the possibility of his having been himself deceived. And yet, I do not believe a word of what he tells me. Some four years ago, a lady of good social position and undoubted intelligence, communicated to me the following incidents from her own personal experience. Of the date I am not positive; it was before telegraphic communication existed between Ireland and this country. My informant was then living in a Midland town. A little boy, who was staying in her house, fell ill of scarlet fever one Thursday morning. The child died at day-{{Style S-HPB SB. Continues on|10-336 | I am continually hearing from intimate friends detailed accounts of abnormal phenomena—mesmeric, clairvoyant, psychic, and the like. I do not doubt the accuracy of the narrator, still less do I suspect him of any intention to deceive me. Often the facts of the case are such as to preclude the possibility of his having been himself deceived. And yet, I do not believe a word of what he tells me. Some four years ago, a lady of good social position and undoubted intelligence, communicated to me the following incidents from her own personal experience. Of the date I am not positive; it was before telegraphic communication existed between Ireland and this country. My informant was then living in a Midland town. A little boy, who was staying in her house, fell ill of scarlet fever one Thursday morning. The child died at day-{{Style S-HPB SB. Continues on|10-336}} | ||