THE NA TURE OF THE EXISTENCE OF MA TTER. 225 
and yet we have no senses given to us by which to enable us to perceive by its 
means, though it may sometimes abnormally induct us and produce clairvoyant 
perception." 
" It seems to me, that there cannot be a doubt in the mind of a philosopher 
who examines the subject carefully, that there is a pecuhar form or modification 
of ethereal force, which has, with some propriety, been denominated Animal 
J/a:^;z^//^»^, and which is concerned in producing all the phenomena of animal- 
life, and all the wonders of Etheropathy and Mesmerism. We seem forced to 
this conclusion as the only one which will account for facts which we are not able 
to controvert." 
It is well known that orators often exercise a so-called magnetic influence 
over their hearers. It has been proved that mesmeric susceptibility is owing 
neither to the imagination, nor the credulity, nor the nervousness of the subject, 
and that when a subject is in a state of etheropathic sympathy, produced by 
induction, ideas can be communicated from the mind of the operator to that of 
the subject, and the subject made to act by the mere silent will of the operator, 
without any indication being given to the subject by the word, look, or act of any 
one as what the operator has in mind^. These last mentioned facts have led 
some scientific men to suppose this ether to be homogeneous with, or at least 
intimately connected with, that immaterial, simple substance, the soul. 
The idea that the will of man can direct ethereal action in such a way as to 
produce etheropathy, or mesmerism, is perfectly consistent with the nature of the 
will. In the case of the electric eel, we have an instance of the will directing 
electricity in such a way as to paralyze the limbs of animals at a great distance, 
and even to produce death. 
If, then, the electric eel can habitually and instinctively direct by its will 
€ne modification of ethereal action, it is reasonable to suppose that the will of 
man can direct another. 
In view of the facts herein already adduced, the only way whereby to ac- 
count for certain incontrovertible facts is to refer matter, as well as Hght, elec- 
tricity, etc., to the immaterial substance called the ether. All the difficulties 
with which philosophers now meet in explaining various phenomena by the action 
of the ether, arise from their not explaining the very existence of matter by ether- 
eal action. 
" That which truly is, or essence," is the proper meaning of substance. 
Substance \^ "the ultimate point in analyzing the complex idea of any object. 
Accident denotes all those ideals which the analysis excludes as not belonging to 
the mere being or nature of the object." 
1 " If we proceed still farther, we gradually, in many subjects, acquire a power of moving 
their organs by merely willing, and without expressing our will by any sign ; but, in these cases 
though neither assertion nor sign is necessary to influence the subject, yet an assertion, if made, 
is wonderfully potent."— (Grimes' Btherology, etc., p. 149.) " Let us now consider, that when a 
subject is perfectly inducted, the mere silently expressed will of the operator can influence him, 
and cause him to move or feel in any desired way. No assertion in this case is necessary— no 
sound— no sign— no external muscular motion. There is nothing but the operation of the silent 
but potent will.— (Ibid., p. 147.) 
