never investigated, instead of being deduced solely from the INERT NATURE OF MATTER, the only true basis. On modern philosophy, Davy makes the shrewd remark, that "it is no better than a mere compilation of isolated facts and circumstances, differently accounted for, and leading to no general theory:" such is not the philosophy of nature. That matter is _inert_, is made manifest in there being nothing whatever throughout the whole of inanimate nature which can act or move of itself. Matter does nothing, cannot act; it is the passive patient of the general pressure, which alone can act; and pressure is universal, because of matter being _inert_. Matter is not only _inert_, but _unalterable_; on which principles the constancy of the order and laws of nature depend. Inert, unalterable matter can suffer no change but of a local nature--change of place, which implies motion, for which there is no analogous cause but impulsive pressure. These unquestionable physical truisms are stated in advance, from being intimately connected with every physical change, in order to serve as a standard of comparison from which to form an opinion while canvassing the principles and laws by which the scientific world has been for centuries not only governed, but misled. Newton admits the _principle_ of _inertia_, but considers it an innate _passive_ power, which _enables_ a body to resist against being moved; and when in motion, enables it _to resist_ that which would put it out of motion. _Inertia_, a passive power, is as death, being passive animation; and _inertia enabling_ a body to _act_ against force, is nothing short of _active inertia_, or _vis inertiæ_, which means the force of inability. This monstrous perversion of a natural fundamental principle, and by such high authority, pervades the whole of the established philosophy. It makes the planets, which are but clumps of deadly inert matter, gravitate themselves through space; and makes _inert_ atoms competent to perform attraction on each other wherever they exist. A more absurd article of _belief_ has no place in the Athanasian code of mind-perverting dogmas; yet admitted as true by the most eminently talented and highly learned of the present age. While such inconsistent principles of common-place use are gravely defended, the _known facts_ of mesmerism are obstinately and ignorantly denied; and only because of not being understood; that, were it not for the good sense and philanthropic perseverance of the enlightened, noble-minded Elliotsons, Ashburners, and Esdailes, of the British empire--honourable, heroic champions and victors in the cause of truth, humanity and science, in despite of the self-conceit which affects the knowledge of the limits of possibility; that, were it not for the magnanimity of those superiors belonging to the learned profession, this heaven-bestowed boon, carrying healing on the wing to suffering humanity, would have been contemptuously received, ungratefully