Primary Laws. 87 



stick and stone magnets to magnetise them.* Iron 

 magnets are also produced by the aid of a magnetic 

 battery ; but while few other elements seem to be 

 affected by this means, all bodies conduct magnetism 

 and electricity, or are susceptible to its influences. 



This universal prevalence of magnetism suggests a 

 conjecture which should open our eyes to the far- 

 reaching effects of magnetic induction — viz., as the 

 cause of animal magnetism, mesmerism, or hypnotism ? 

 If all atoms and all combinations of atoms are, as 

 deduced, magnets, men also are magnets. But some 

 men are stronger than others, have more force, vitality 

 energy, or will ; hence when they exert this force 

 over weaker men and induce hypnotism, the influence 

 imparted is undoubtedly an induction of magnetism 

 from the stronger into the weaker, the polarity of 

 the latter being, so to speak, mastered, conquered, or 

 reversed by the polarity of the former ; thus rendering 

 the hypnotised person the strong man's second self 

 for the time being — a virtual automaton at his mercy 

 and will. More will be said of animal magnetism 

 anon. In the light of present knowledge it is rather 

 amusing to read of Lord Macaulay, in his essay on 

 Lord Bacon, speaking with contempt of those people 

 with little brains who believe in " Animal Magnetism," 

 showing how even the babes of to-day could confound 

 the wise of yesterday. 



Further, a speculation in astronomy is suggested 



* If a lot of chips be thrown into the water, they all attrcct each 

 other and form a mass. 



