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 & priort, 
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 :— 
“To suppose that every thing has been discovered is a profound error: 
It is mistaking the horizon for the limits of the world.” * 
* “ Croire tout découvert est un erreur profonde: 
C’est prendre l’horizon pour les bornes du monde.” 
