CONTENTS. BF- F39 Page. CHAPTER II. A lawyer's argument for the exist- ence of witchcraft-Proofs of spectral inpres- sions, from recollected perceptions-New Eng- CHAPTER IV. Medical distinctions of spectral impressions. Sepulchral remedies: Preparations of the human skull-Mumia-Apparition of Ficinus to Michael Mercato-Warning voice to Quarræus-Visions of Dr. Pordage. Latent lunacy; exemplified in the character of Hamlet 95 CHAPTER V. Accessory causes of delusion, re- garding spectral impressions-Apparition of Desfontaines-Ghosts at Portnedown Bridge- PR E F A СЕ. WHEN a late ingenious Physician dis covered the elastic fluid, which he termed his Gas of Paradise,' and which he hoped to render a cheap substitute for inebriating liquors, he claimed the honors due to the inventor of a new plea sure. How far mankind would have benefited, by the introduction of a fresh mode of intoxication, I leave to the reflection of those sages, whose duty it would have become to appreciate its value, A as an additional source of revenue to the state. But when I consider the delight with which stories of apparitions are received by persons of all ages, and of the most various kinds of knowledge and ability, I cannot help feeling some degree of complacency, in offering to the makers and readers of such stories, a view of the subject, which may extend their enjoyment far beyond its former limits. It has given me pain to see the most fearful and ghastly commencements of a tale of horror reduced to mere common events, at the winding up of the book. I have looked, also, with much compassion, on the pitiful instruments of sliding pannels, trap-doors, backstairs, wax-work figures, smugglers, robbers, coiners, and other vulgar machinery, which authors of tender consciences have |