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 : 



" 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 de"couvert est un erreur profonde: 



C'est prendre 1'horizon pour les bornes du monde." 



