Sketches of the Philosophy of Apparitions: Or, An Attempt to Trace Such Illusions to Their Physical Causes |
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Page v
... than ideas , or the recollected images of the mind , which have been rendered more vivid than actual im- pressions . An explanation is next rendered of the parti- cular morbid The Spectral Illusions which occasionally occur.
... than ideas , or the recollected images of the mind , which have been rendered more vivid than actual im- pressions . An explanation is next rendered of the parti- cular morbid The Spectral Illusions which occasionally occur.
Page vi
... explanation is next rendered of the parti- cular morbid affections with which the production of phantasms is often connected . It is also pointed out , that in many ghost - stories of a supposed supernatural character , the ideas ...
... explanation is next rendered of the parti- cular morbid affections with which the production of phantasms is often connected . It is also pointed out , that in many ghost - stories of a supposed supernatural character , the ideas ...
Page vii
... explained phenomena , I have not thought fit to fashion this discourse to the exclusive taste either of metaphysicians or physiologists ; but , on the contrary , have so endeavoured to treat it , that , without any previous study of the ...
... explained phenomena , I have not thought fit to fashion this discourse to the exclusive taste either of metaphysicians or physiologists ; but , on the contrary , have so endeavoured to treat it , that , without any previous study of the ...
Page x
... Explanation of the Mode in which the Ideas which are suggested by various Popular Superstitions become recalled in a highly - vivified State , so as to constitute the Imagery of Spectral Illusions , 125 II . Remarks on the Apparitions ...
... Explanation of the Mode in which the Ideas which are suggested by various Popular Superstitions become recalled in a highly - vivified State , so as to constitute the Imagery of Spectral Illusions , 125 II . Remarks on the Apparitions ...
Page 8
... explains the state of his system at the time ; but this important part of the account not being at present connected with our subject , it will be noticed in its proper place . " In the first two months of the year 1791 , I was much ...
... explains the state of his system at the time ; but this important part of the account not being at present connected with our subject , it will be noticed in its proper place . " In the first two months of the year 1791 , I was much ...
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Common terms and phrases
actual impressions angels apparitions appeared arise astral spirits blood body brain catalepsy CHAPTER conceived connected consciousness degree of vividness demonology demons devil divels dreams duergar Duke of Orleans ecstacy effect entertained explain external eyes faculty faint Fancy fear febrile miasma figure frequently ghost-stories ghosts heard human imagination imparted induced intense ject kind less vivid Lucretius manner ment mental excitement mental feelings metaphysicians mind morbific causes narrative nature nerves ness night nitrous oxide notion objects observed occasion opinion organs of sense painful feelings parition past feelings perfect sleep persons phantasms phenomena philosophers present principle Rabbi Rabbi Akkiva recollected images Reginald Scot remarks rendered renovated feelings retina says second sight seen sensations and ideas shew shewn sions somnambulism Soul spectral illusions spectral impressions stage of excitement superstition supposed thing thou thought tion vanished various vision vivifying influence waking writer
Popular passages
Page 45 - I know my course. The spirit that I have seen May be the devil : and the devil hath power To assume a pleasing shape; yea, and perhaps Out of my weakness and my melancholy, — As he is very potent with such spirits, — Abuses me to damn me: I'll have grounds More relative than this: — the play's the thing Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king.
Page 139 - How oft do they their silver bowers leave, To come to succour us that succour want ! How oft do they with golden pinions cleave The flitting...
Page 190 - It is the heaviest stone that melancholy can throw at a man, to tell him he is at the end of his nature ; or that there is no further state to come, unto which this seems progressional, and otherwise made in vain.
Page 461 - HAMLET. Do you see yonder cloud that's almost in shape of a camel ? POLONIUS. By the mass, and 'tis like a camel, indeed. HAMLET. Methinks it is like a weasel. POLONIUS. It is backed like a weasel. HAMLET. Or like a whale? POLONIUS. Very like a whale.
Page 268 - True, I talk of dreams ; Which are the children of an idle brain, Begot of nothing but vain fantasy, Which is as thin of substance as the air, And more inconstant than the wind...
Page 389 - A pleasing land of drowsy-head it was, Of dreams that wave before the half-shut eye ; And of gay castles in the clouds that pass, For ever flushing round a summer sky...
Page 409 - Arms, and the dusty field, I less admire, And soften strangely in some new desire; Honour burns in me not so fiercely bright, But pale as fires when...
Page 134 - Spirits, when they please, Can either sex assume, or both ; so soft And uncompounded is their essence pure, Not tied or manacled with joint or limb, Nor founded on the brittle strength of bones, Like cumbrous flesh ; but, in what shape they choose, Dilated or condensed, bright or obscure, Can execute their aery purposes, 430 And works of love or enmity fulfil.
Page 139 - Therefore for spirits, I am so far from denying their existence, that I could easily believe that not only whole countries, but particular persons have their tutelary and guardian angels.
Page 209 - Europe, have given up all accounts of witches and apparitions, as mere old wives' fables. I am sorry for it : and I willingly take this opportunity of entering my solemn protest against this violent compliment, which so many that believe the Bible pay to those who do not believe it.