Magnetism, Animal, a Sympathy which was lately believed to subsist between the magnet and the human body ; and, in consequence of which, the former was Supposed to be capable of curing almost every disease.

This fanciful system was origi-nally invented by Father Hehl, of Vienna, though first brought into general notice, in 1776, by M. Messmer, who realized a prince-1)' fortune in France, by imposing his doctrines on the fanatical and credulous : his pretended mysteries were at length completely developed by a committee of learned and ingenious men, who were appoint d to investigate his pretensions. Although this successful juggler refused to explain the principles of his art, yet from the account of one of his most eminent pupils, it appears, 1. That animal magnetism is an universal fluid, pervading the whole creation, and forming a medium of mutual influence between the planets ; and also between the earth and animal bodies. 2. It is the most subtle fluid in nature, being capable of flux and reflux ; and of receiving, propagating, and continuing a!l kinds of motion. 3. That the animal body is subject, to the influence of thi fluid bymcans of the nerves, Which are immediately affected by it 4. It operates at a distance, without the intervention of any person. 5. That, notwithstanding its universality, there are certain animal bodies, which are not equal-ly susceptible of this fluid, and the presence of which even destroys the efFects of animal magnetism. Lastly, it cures all nervous disorders immediately, and others mediately : in short, its virtues extend to the universal cure and preservation of mankind!

Such are some of the principles of this wild and incoherent system, the fallacy of which has been so clearly pointed out, that we should have consigned it to oblivion, had not a similar farce been lately obtruded, and is still operating, on the biassed part of the public. We allude to certain metallic, or even wooden, points, which professedly charm all pain from the bodies of animals, in whatever part it may be situated.- How is it possible; to believe such absurdities, even though apparently corroborated by the testimonies of titled and untitled fanatics