PHYSIOLOGY. 449 



also may therefore perceive the polarization of the bodies, 

 without coming into contact with them. 



2726. To perceive objects in the distance, i. e. merely 

 their polar influence, is called Mesmerism, or animal 

 magnetism. 



2727. Now, if it is once possible for other senses besides 

 that of sight to extend their perception into remote space, 

 it no longer matters as to the magnitude of the latter. 

 A feebly charged electrical machine only attracts bodies 

 that are near, one strongly loaded, those which are more 

 remote ; such is the case too with weak and strong 

 magnets. 



2728. The integument at once perceives electrified 

 surfaces at certain distances ; now, as every surface ap- 

 pears electric to the integument, so must the latter, if its 

 sensibility is very much elevated, perceive something of 

 that sort in every proportionate distance. 



2729. But homologous polarities only act upon each 

 other, and therefore traverse thoroughly through hetero- 

 logous bodies. Thus the magnet attracts the iron filings 

 through the table-board, unhindered by the interposed 

 wood, and without any regard being paid to this, or its 

 being even perceived. 



2730. The senses may therefore perceive their homo- 

 logous polarities through other bodies, walls, and such 

 like. By virtue of their perception, they stand in relation 

 to them. 



2731. To the very sensible nervous system the vege- 

 table system and its impulse is a foreign object, which 

 detaches itself from the above system, just as the objects 

 of sense have done from the sensorial organs. The 

 vegetable, or in general the material body, appears there- 

 fore to the mesmerized like a strange world they see 

 their own organs are clair-voyants. Mesmerism there- 

 fore comprises nothing which could contradict physiology. 



Vegetative Nerves. 



2732. The splanchnic or visceral nerves are also dis- 

 tinguished from the animal by their being in a constant 



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