THROUGH FINLAND. 
269 
clafs of the natural hiftory of Lapland and Finland, was poflefed 
of considerable knowledge on this fubjeCt, and at the fame time 
took great pleafure in communicating information to thofe wdio 
were defirous of becoming acquainted with this branch of Science. 
He was well provided with books, had an electrical apparatus, and 
amufed himfelf by making experiments in different departments 
of natural philofophy. 
The Baron Silfverkielm was a very amiable man, who had. 
paffed a great part of his life near the perfon of King Guftavus, 
had travelled, and Seen much of the w r orld. He was an excellent 
mechanic, amufed himfelf with chemiftry, poffeffed an admirable 
Englifh eleCtrical machine, made experiments, and was fond of 
reading and the ftudy of belles-lettres. He was a man of no ce¬ 
remony, and (which will not be believed by every one) a molt 
famous magnetifer, and one of the greateft proficients among the 
difciples of Mefmer. I have feen the Baron give proofs of his 
{kill in animal magnetifm, which, I confefs, fhook my incredulity 
a little, both in refpeCt to the efficacy of his principles, and the 
existence of the magnetic fluid, or whatever elfe it may be called, 
which is fuppofed to operate upon individuals. The effects it 
produces cannot eafily be attributed to ordinary caufes, nor Sup¬ 
ported by reafons derived from the known laws of nature. Al¬ 
though he was unable to affeCt me with his magnctical powers* 
yet he wrought upon perfons whofe probity and good faith I am 
not at liberty in any degree to queftion. He repeated to me ex¬ 
periments he had made in different places, on different individuals, 
and 
