IV. The Odic Exteriorization of Man

IV. The Odic Exteriorization of Man.IV. Die odische Exteriorisation des Menschen.

Magical action only becomes striking when it happens at a distance. But the possibility of magical action at a distance depends on whether the magnetism of man can be exteriorized and transferred, and whether it then still shows the effects peculiar to it. The doubt, however, that other factors too might play a part in this will best be excluded when the magnetic recipient is a lifeless body. Let us therefore hold first to this simplest case.

Mesmer wrote in 1757 to a Viennese physician that he had magnetized not only men and animals but all possible substances: wood, wool, water, stones, leather, bread and various metals.¹⁾ This procedure was soon used, because in the practice of the magnetizers the need often arose to be able to bring magnetic help in their absence too. Puységur magnetized glass plates, and Rouillier received from his somnambulists the advice to magnetize glass lenses an inch and a half across, which were then worn by the patient like a medallion.²⁾ It was already found by experience at that time that the effect of magnetic substances sets in independently of suggestion. Dr De Lausanne left his sick woman a magnetized handkerchief to still her pains with at night. She had no success; after some time she noticed she had mixed it up with another, and now, using the right one, she fell asleep.³⁾ Letters too were used as vehicles. Dr Billot cites the case of a lady living in Lyons who became somnambulic through a letter from Pau, although she did not know it was magnetized.⁴⁾ Dampierre sent his somnambulist letters in which was stated when she was to fall asleep and when to wake again. She wore them sealed on the pit of her stomach, and the result came about punctually every time. In magnetic sleep she knew the contents of the sealed letter; awake she had no notion of it.¹⁾ A somnambulist in Dijon received magnetized amulets from Dr Chapelain in Paris; from their effect on her she concluded that he must be suffering from his nerves, which he confirmed.²⁾