Mesmeric Methods.--The Fluidic Theory.--Influence of the Mind of the Operator.--The Early Mesmerists.--Their Methods and their Effects.--Decadence of the Higher Phenomena under Braid's Methods.--The Causes explained.--Telepathic Powers developed by Mesmerism.--Mesmerism as a Therapeutic Agent.--Method of Operation recommended.--How to acquire the Power.--The Necessary Conditions of Success.--Will Power explained.--The Fluidic Theory requires Revision.--Distinction between Mesmerism and Hypnotism sharply drawn.--Mesmerization of Animals distinguished from the Hypnotization of Animals.--Methods employed in Each.--Tamers of Horses and Wild Beasts.--Dog-Trainers.--Primitive Man.--His Powers.--His Immunity from Harm.--Daniel.--The Adepts.--General Conclusions. That the magnetic hypothesis of the mesmerists has many facts to sustain it cannot be denied. The experience of thousands goes to show that when passes are made over them, even at a distance of several feet, a sensation is felt akin to a gentle shock of electricity, which produces a remarkably soothing effect upon the nervous system, and eventually produces the mesmeric sleep. It is also known that when patients are mesmerized for therapeutic purposes, and passes are made over the affected part, the same soothing effect is produced, and pain is relieved. In fact, if we consider mesmerism solely as a therapeutic agent, and study it from that standpoint alone, the fluidic hypothesis is perhaps as good as any. But when we come to study mesmeric phenomena as a part, and only a very small part, of a grand system of psychological science; when we examine it in its relations to other phenomena of a cognate character,--it is found that the fluidic theory should be received with some qualification. The first thought which strikes the observer is that, admitting the fluidic theory to be substantially correct, the fluid is directed and controlled entirely by the mind of the operator. It is well known that passes effect little or nothing if the attention of the operator is distracted, from any cause whatever. The subject may be put to sleep, it is true, solely by the power of suggestion; but the peculiar effects of mesmerism, as distinguished from those of hypnotism, will be found wanting. The effects here alluded to consist mainly of the development of the higher phenomena, such as clairvoyance and telepathy.