Dr, Ferriar. 175 



vous energy, convinced that in the present state of our 

 knowledge it is of more consequence to examine one 

 opinion, which is said to be supported by facts, than either 

 to reject or advance many plausible hypotheses. I have 

 purposely omitted to consider the application of the doc- 

 trine of a vital principle to pathology, as the subject would 

 lead to disquisitions inadmissible by the rules of the 

 Society.' 



We see a true scientific treatment up to the point of 

 knowledge of the time, whilst there is generally an absence 

 of that scientific bigotry or perhaps superstition which 

 throws so much suspicion on the reasoning of many scientific 

 men when they enter on such subjects. 



Dr. Ferriar's paper * On Popular Illusions,' in vol. iii., is 

 an interesting one, treating of demonology, magic, witch- 

 craft, miraculous cures, and powder of sympathy, and he 

 tells us many wonderful tales which have become to a large 

 extent familiar to those who have read pretty full collections 

 of such relations made in modern time, and we cannot but 

 agree with his well expressed conclusion, giving our own 

 meaning to his words. He says : 



* Lastly, an acquaintance with the histories and argu- 

 ments of demonologists produces a useful hesitation in 

 assenting to evidence however specious; for in doubtful 

 cases, however numerous the witnesses may be, it will always 

 be remembered how frequently men have shewn them- 

 selves determined to see and believe things invisible and 

 incredible.' 



Dr. Ferriar amongst other subjects brings in mesmer- 

 ism, and is in this case certainly not free from that kind of 

 bigotry we spoke of, viz. the scientific, the result of want 

 of far-seeing as all bigotry is. He does not seem to 



