Animal magnetism: a farce, in three acts ... / With remarks, biographical and critical, by D---G. [i.e. George Daniel] Mrs. Inchbald.

Elizabeth Inchbald

Date:: [1830?]

Credit: Animal magnetism: a farce, in three acts ... / With remarks, biographical and critical, by D---G. [i.e. George Daniel] Mrs. Inchbald. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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$to become acquainted with the forms and effects of your power is scarcely to be repressed a moment. Will you in¬ dulge me with the smallest specimen of your art, just to satisfy my curiosity ? La Fleur. You are then entirely ignorant of it? Doc. Entirely. La Fleur. And so am i. [Aside.'] Hem—hem—you must know, Doctor. Doc. Shall I send the women out of the room ? La Fleur. By no means—no, no ; but I will shew both you and them a specimen of my art directly.—You know. Doctor, there is an universal fluid, which spreads throughout all nature. Doc. A fluid ? La Fleur. Yes, a fluid—which is—a—fluid—and you know, Doctor, that this fluid—generally called a fluid— is the most subtle of all—that is the most subtle.—Do you understand me ? iJoc. Yes, yes- La Fleur. It ascends on high, [Looking down.\ and de¬ scends on low, [Looking «/>.] penetrates all substances, from the hardest metal to the softest bosom—you under¬ stand me, I perceive ? Doc. Not very well. La Fleur. I will give you a simile then. Doc. I shall be much obliged to you. La Fleur. This fluid is like a river—You know what a river is ? Doc. Yes, certainly. La Fleur. This fluid is like a river, that—that—runs— that—goes—that—gently glides—so—so—so—while there is nothing to stop it—But if it encounters a mound or any other impediment—boo—boo—boo—it bursts forth—it overflows the country round—throws down villages, ham¬ lets, houses, trees, cows, and lambs ; but remove obstacles which obstruct its course, and it begins again, softly and sweetly, to flow—thus—thus—thus—the fields are again adorned, and every thing goes on, as well as it can go on. —Thus it is with the animal fluid, which fluid obeys the command of my art Doc. Surprising art! but what are the means you employ ? La Fleur. Merely gestures—or a simple touch. Doc. Astonishing! give me some proof of your art di¬ rectly j do satisfy my curiosity. B 2$