154 BAILLY. 



When we call to mind in what immense proportion 

 electric or magnetic actions increase by motion, we shall 

 be less inclined to deride the rapid actions of magnet- 

 izers. 



In here recording these developed reflections, I wished 

 to show that somnambulism must not be rejected a priori, 

 especially by those who have kept well up with the recent 

 progress of the physical sciences. I have indicated some 

 facts, some resemblances, by which magnetizers might de 

 fend themselves against those who would think it super 

 fluous to attempt new experiments, or even to see them 

 performed. For my part, I hesitate not to acknowledge 

 it, although, notwithstanding the possibilities that I have 

 pointed out, I do not admit the reality of the readings, 

 neither through a wall, nor through any other opaque 

 body, nor by the mere intromission of the elbow, or the 

 occiput, still, I should not fulfil the duties of an acad 

 emician if I refused to attend the meetings where such 

 phenomena were promised me, provided they granted 

 me sufficient influence as regards the proofs, for me to 

 feel assured that I was not become the victim of mere 

 jugglery. 



Nor did Franklin, Lavoisier, or Bailly believe in Mes 

 meric magnetism before they became members of the 

 Government Commission, and yet we may have re 

 marked with what minute and scrupulous care they 

 varied the experiments. True philosophers ought to 

 have constantly before their eyes those two beautiful 

 lines : 



&quot; To suppose that every thing has been discovered is a profound error: 

 It is mistaking the horizon for the limits of the world.&quot; * 



* &quot; Croire tout ddcouvert est un erreur profonde : 



C est prendre 1 horizon pour les bornes du monde.&quot; 



