A Defence of the Inquiry into Mesmerism & Phrenology chiefly in relation to recent events in Lynn

In offering this address to the consideration of the candid and sober minded of my fellow Townsmen, I am guided by no desire to prop, by my small influence, any new, and possibly false, theory; or to cry down, without examination, the pretensions of any science (so called) however adverse to my preconceived ideas.

The subject of Mesmerism and of Mesmeric Phrenology has, for some time past, occupied the attention of the inhabitants of Lynn, and the various phenomena exhibited, as might have been expected, have called forth the credulous wonder of one class, the unworthy ridicule of another, and the patient and quiet examination of a third.

Two pamphlets have appeared upon the subject, which it is not my intention to remark upon at any length. The first (written, I have no doubt, with the very best intention) is from the pen of an individual who was associated with a small party, employed in the rigid scrutiny of the exhibitions of the Lecturer; who did not, in the Meetings held for that propose, express his doubt or dissent to much of the most novel and starling phenomena; but, who thought it not inconsistent with his position, to leave his friends in the midst of their unfinished inquiry; and, prejudging the question, to placard the Town, with yellow handbills, after the style of other Pamphleteers, advertizing his proportion. This publication, certainly, in the estimation of most intelligent men, is not remarkable for any thing approaching critical investigation or inquiry; but may, possibly, amuse the children and the vulgar, by the low exhibitions of art, imitating wit, by which the author has adorned it.

The last Pamphlet, by Mr. Cotton, published under the ambiguous title of “Popular delusions applied to Mesmerism,” has just issued from the press; I have read it very carefully, and am perfectly astonished to find how very little Mr. C. to say upon the subject.

I can well believe him when he says, “We have gone out of our way to draw up these lines,” it really appears so, and I feel persuaded, that, whatever opinion his readers may form of the entire work, this passage, at least, will be universally received as perfectly clear and veracious.

Mr. C. tells us, at the outset, he is “but a gatherer,” this also is very evident, and, I only regret that he had not been directed to quarters where he might have gathered something upon the subject; or, at least, more relevant than the conglomerated mass of hard names and phrases, with which he has soiled his pages; which can only induce the head-ache in any of his readers, who should be induced to follow him, in his mental meanderings. And, I have no doubt, this has been the result to the Author, in his toilsome “gathering” of such mighty material!

These two gentlemen, sheltering themselves under the names of those great men, who, it is very true, have discarded, or thrown doubt upon the subject of Mesmerism, have pleased themselves with the idea of their honourable companionship: they have exulted in the presumption of being influenced by the same genius; and, looking at the track, marked out by these larger vessels, they have sung to themselves very innocently,

“There let my little bark, attendant, sail, Pursue the triumph and partake the gale.”

Indeed Mr. Taylor says, “I would not have sent it thus hurriedly to the press, but, fearing that Mesmerism might die a natural death, before I had given it one kick, I would not delay.” Very unkind indeed towards a falling phantom, which needed not, it appears from our author, a blow so heavy, as must be the consequence of a kick from so weighty a man as Mr. Taylor!

Had Mr. Taylor and Mr. Cotton merely exercised their right of publishing to the Town their own opinions; or, had they only recorded the opinions of others, I should not have felt it my duty to have taken any special notice of their labors; but, when Mr. Cotton, at the close of his labored essay, which, indeed treats of almost every subject save that of Mesmerism, and to produce which, he must have been very diligent in poring over the pages of the several books upon his shelves; when, at the close of his toil, he charges those, who have seen it to be their duty to enquire into the subject, with “Wonder, Impressibility, and Credulity;” with affording “partisanship, patronage, and encouragement to their Mesmeric Protogees,” I may perhaps be excused for offering to my fellow Townsmen, some remarks upon the subject, which, but for the attempts at satire of Messrs. Taylor and Cotton, would, possibly, not have appeared.