On the Sentient Faculty, and Principles of Human Magnetism, Tr. [From Des Modes Accidentels de Nos Perceptions] with Notes, by F. Corbaux - Softcover

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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1819. Excerpt: ... CONCLUSION. The first steps of mankind, in the path of Science, have almost invariably been marked by Mystery and Abuse. Insulated facts appear inexplicable, or miraculous: self-importance, and interested motives, instantly seize upon them as an exclusive inheritance,. which they apply to the purpose of rendering human credulity subservient to their own advantage. The introduction of natural philosophy gave birth to Magic; that of Chemistry, to Alchymy--of Geometry, to Geomancy,--of Astronomy, to Astrology. In proportion as the facts became multifarious, and the knowledge of them more extensively disseminated, it has been endeavoured to draw them within the pale of known principles, or else to infer new principles from their observation. Systems and doctrinal courses were then formed, which general instruction-has converted into objects of public attainment, and the notoriousness of facts caused mystery and abuses to disappear. Accession of knowledge is attractive to persons who already possess it in some extent; but its difficulties are discouraging to those who, yet uninstructed, have outgone that period of life at which native curiosity is raised, by well directed education, to a dignified and constant thirst after information. Knowledge introduces, between each of ourselves and the whole world, an indefinite range of multiplied relations. In the eye of a man extensively informed, nature is stamped with specific and characteristic features: he finds himself as it were at home, in any part of the world, and every thing which he meets seems to present a face of previous acquaintance. Were it possible for any one to be, in an absolute sense, destitute of all knowledge or information, his condition would be perfectly insulated; the universe, in his con ce...