An essay towards a theory of apparitions

When a late ingenious Physician discovered 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 pleasure.

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, [Pg vi] 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 , back-stairs , wax-work figures , smugglers , robbers , coiners , and other vulgar machinery, which authors of tender consciences have [Pg vii] employed, to avoid the imputation of belief in supernatural occurrences. So hackneyed, so exhausted had all artificial methods of terror become, that one original genius was compelled to convert a mail-coach, with its lighted lamps, into an apparition.

Now I freely offer, to the manufacturers of ghosts, the privilege of raising them, in as great numbers, and in as horrible a guise as they may think fit, without offending against true philosophy, and even without violating probability. The highest flights of imagination may now be indulged, on this subject, although no loop-hole should be left for mortifying explanations, and for those modifications of terror, which completely baulk the reader’s curiosity, and disgust him with a second reading. [Pg viii] Another great convenience will be found in my system; apparitions may be evoked, in open day,—at noon, if the case should be urgent, in the midst of a field, on the surface of water, or in the glare of a patent-lamp, quite as easily, as in the ‘darkness of chaos or old night.’ Nay, a person rightly prepared may see ghosts, while seated comfortably by his library-fire, in as much perfection, as amidst broken tombs, nodding ruins, and awe-inspiring ivy. To those unfortunate persons, who feel a real dread of apparitions, I hope to offer considerations which will quiet their fears, and will even convert the horrors of solitude into a source of rational amusement. But I must forbear to display all the utility of this treatise, lest my reader should imagine that I am copying Echard’s mock-panegyric on his own dialogues.

Take courage, then, good reader, and knock at the portal of my enchanted castle, which will be opened to you, not by a grinning demon, but by a very civil person, in a black velvet cap, with whom you may pass an hour not disagreeably.

Observe, however, that the following treatise is applicable, in its principles, to profane history, and to the delusions of individuals only. If any thing contained in the ensuing pages could be construed into the most indirect reference to theological discussions, the manuscript would have been committed, without mercy, to the flames.

What methods may have been employed by Providence, on extraordinary [Pg x] occasions, to communicate with men, I do not presume to investigate; nor could I hope to display them in language equal to the numbers of our sweetest poet, with which I shall conclude these remarks:

Reality of spectral impressions—General law of the system, to which they may be referred—Division of the subject—Spectral illusions exemplified.

I shall begin this discussion, by admitting, as an undeniable fact, that the forms of dead, or absent persons have been seen, and their voices have been heard, by witnesses whose testimony is entitled to belief.

It would be an endless task to ransack the pages of antiquity, for instances of this kind. The apparition of the Genius to Brutus, and of the Fury to Dion, cannot be doubted. We may be allowed, however, to enquire, whether the improved state of physiology affords any glimpse of light on this subject, and whether such extraordinary and terrific impressions cannot be explained, from the known laws of the animal œconomy, independent of supernatural causes, in the examples furnished by profane history.

It is well known, that in certain diseases of the brain, such as delirium and insanity, spectral delusions take place, even during the space of many days. But it has not been generally observed, that a partial affection of the brain may exist, which renders the patient liable to such imaginary impressions, either of sight or sound, without disordering his [Pg 15] judgment or memory. From this peculiar condition of the sensorium, I conceive that the best supported stories of apparitions may be completely accounted for.

I. The general law of the system, to which the origin of the spectral impressions may be referred:

II. The proof of the existence of morbid impressions of this nature, without any sensible external agency:

III. The application of these principles to the best-authenticated examples of apparitions.

§ I.

It is a well-known law of the human œconomy, that the impressions produced [Pg 16] on some of the external senses, especially on the eye, are more durable than the application of the impressing cause. The effect of looking at the sun, in producing the impression of a luminous globe, for some time after the eye has been withdrawn from the object, is familiar to every one.

This subject has been so thoroughly investigated by the late Dr. Darwin, that I need only to refer the reader to his treatise on ocular spectra. [1] In young persons, the effects resulting from this permanence of impression are extremely curious. I remember, that about the age of fourteen, it was a source of great amusement to myself. If I had been viewing any interesting object in the course of the day, such as a romantic ruin, a fine seat, or a review of a body [Pg 17] of troops, as soon as evening came on, if I had occasion to go into a dark room, the whole scene was brought before my eyes, with a brilliancy equal to what it had possessed in day-light, and remained visible for several minutes. I have no doubt, that dismal and frightful images have been presented, in the same manner, to young persons, after scenes of domestic affliction, or public horror.

From this renewal of external impressions, also, many of the phænomena of dreams admit an easy explanation. When an object is presented to the mind, during sleep, while the operations of judgment are suspended, the imagination is busily employed in forming a story, to account for the appearance, whether agreeable or distressing. Then the author enjoys the delight of perusing works of infinite wit and elegance, which never had any real existence, and of which, to his utter mortification, he cannot recollect a single line, next [Pg 18] morning; and then the Bibliomane purchases illuminated manuscripts, and early editions on vellum, for sums so trifling, that he cannot conceal his joy from the imaginary vender.

Dr. R. Darwin seems to believe, that it is from habit only, and want of attention, that we do not see the remains of former impressions, or the muscæ volitantes , on all objects. [2] Probably, this is an instance, in which the error of external sensation is corrected by experience, like the deceptions of perspective, which are undoubtedly strong in our childhood, and are only detected by repeated observation.

“After having looked,” says Dr. Darwin, “long at the meridian sun, in making some of the preceding experiments, till the disk faded into a pale blue, I frequently observed a bright blue spectrum of the sun in other [Pg 19] objects all the next and the succeeding day, which constantly occurred when I attended to it, and frequently when I did not attend to it. When I closed and covered my eyes, this appeared of a dull yellow; and at other times mixed with the colours of other objects on which it was thrown.” [3]

It is scarcely necessary to mention the well-known experiment of giving a rotatory motion to a piece of burning wood, the effect of which is to exhibit a complete fiery circle to the eye.

To this principle of a renewal of impressions formerly made by different objects, belongs the idle amusement of tracing landscapes, and pictures of various composition, in the discoloured spots of an old wall. This may be truly called a waking dream, as it is composed of the shreds and patches of past sensations; yet there are, perhaps, few persons who [Pg 20] have not occasionally derived entertainment from it. It is probably on the same principle, that we are to account for the appearances of armies marching, in desert and inaccessible places, which are sometimes beheld by the inhabitants of the vallies, in mountainous regions. The accidents of light and shade, and the interposition of partial fogs, or clouds, produce the same effect on the eye, as the discoloured patches of the wall; and the rolling of the mist adds motion to the spectral images.

In like manner, recollected images are attributed to the moving lights, in the splendid exhibitions of the Aurora Borealis. The Icelander beholds in them the spirits of his ancestors; [4] and the vulgar discern encountering armies, and torrents of blood, in the lambent meteors of a winter-sky. The humble diversion of seeing pictures in the fire, which [Pg 21] occupies children of smaller growth in the nursery, is calculated on the same principles. In some cases, the imagination is assisted by physical causes, in a very imposing manner, as in the instance of the Giant of the Broken, [5] in Germany, [Pg 22] the ‘nursing mother’ of ghosts. The giant was seen to occupy the summit of a mountain, at certain periods, to the inexpressible amazement of the inhabitants of the valley, and of travellers. After many years of alarm and wonder, a passenger, while he was contemplating the dreadful apparition, was obliged to raise his hand quickly to his head, to secure his hat from being carried away, by a gust of [Pg 23] wind. The giant immediately performed a similar motion; when the traveller bowed, the giant bowed in return; and after various experiments, it was ascertained, that the portentous appearance was nothing more than the shadow of the traveller, reflected from a dense white cloud, opposed to the sun.

I remember to have heard, many years ago, a relation of a similar nature, [Pg 24] from a gentleman, who underwent the deception.

He was benighted, while travelling alone, in a remote part of the highlands of Scotland, and was compelled to ask shelter for the evening, at a small, lonely hut. When he was to be conducted to his bed-room, the landlady observed, with mysterious reluctance, that he would find the window very insecure. [Pg 25] On examination, part of the wall appeared to have been broken down, to enlarge the opening. After some enquiry, he was told, that a pedlar, who had lodged in the room a short time before, had committed suicide, and was found hanging behind the door, in the morning. According to the superstition of the country, it was deemed improper to remove the body through the door of the house; and to convey it through [Pg 26] the window was impossible, without removing part of the wall. Some hints were dropped, that the room had been subsequently haunted by the poor man’s spirit.

My friend laid his arms, properly prepared against intrusion of any kind, by the bed-side, and retired to rest, not without some degree of apprehension. He was visited, in a dream, by a frightful [Pg 27] apparition, and awaking in agony, found himself sitting up in bed, with a pistol grasped in his right hand. On casting a fearful glance round the room, he discovered, by the moon-light, a corpse, dressed in a shroud, reared erect, against the wall, close by the window. With much difficulty, he summoned up resolution to approach the dismal object, the features of which, and the minutest parts of its funeral apparel, he perceived distinctly. He passed one hand over it; [Pg 28] felt nothing; and staggered back to the bed. After a long interval, and much reasoning with himself, he renewed his investigation, and at length discovered that the object of his terror was produced by the moon-beams, forming a long, bright image, through the broken window, on which his fancy, impressed by his dream, had pictured, with mischievous accuracy, the lineaments of a body prepared for interment. Powerful associations of terror, in this instance, had excited the recollected images with uncommon force and effect.

In another instance, related by an Italian writer, whole multitudes were deceived for several hours, by an apparition of a more specious kind. A croud was assembled in the streets of Florence, earnestly beholding the image of an angel, hovering in the sky, and expecting some miraculous consequences. He soon perceived, that the deception was [Pg 29] produced by a partial mist, which covered the dome of the church, and left the gilded figure of an angel, which surmounted the building, illuminated by the rays of the sun. Without the presence of a philosopher, this would have passed for a supernatural appearance.

A lawyer’s argument for the existence of witchcraft—Proofs of spectral impressions, from recollected perceptions—New England witches—Cardan—Donne—Jonson—The maid of France—and other visionaries.

In a compilation, on the duties of a Justice of Peace, published by Nelson, we meet with a proof of the existence of witchcraft, which the editor appears to have thought irrefragable. “It seems,” saith he, “that there must formerly have been such a crime as witchcraft, because divers statutes have been made against it.” Were we to reason in the same manner, respecting demoniacal [Pg 31] agency, in medical cases, proof could be brought, (particularly from the older German writers), that medicines have been administered, for the purpose of expelling the devil from human bodies, into which it was supposed that he had entered, and that many different remedies had been employed to this end.

Instead of resorting to any arguments of this nature, I shall now proceed to shew, that the forms of objects which have no external prototypes, are exhibited to the mind, in certain states of the brain.

§ II.

In the course of my professional employment, I have frequently conversed with persons, who imagined that they saw demons, and heard them speak. This species of delusion admits of many gradations, and distinctions, exclusive of actual insanity.

When the brain is partially irritated, the patient fancies that he sees spiders crawling over his bed-clothes, or person; or beholds them covering the roof and walls of his room. If the disease increases, he imagines that persons who are dead, or absent, flit round his bed; that animals croud into his apartment, and that all these apparitions speak to him. These impressions take place, even while he is convinced of their fallacy. All this occurs sometimes, without any degree of delirium.

I had occasion to see a young married woman, whose first indication of illness was a spectral delusion. She told me, that her apartment appeared suddenly to be filled with devils, and that her terror impelled her to quit the house with great precipitation. When she was brought back, she saw the whole staircase occupied by diabolical forms, and was in agonies of fear for several days. [Pg 33] After this first impression wore off, she heard a voice tempting her to self-destruction, and prohibiting her from all exercises of piety. Such was the account given by her, when she was sensible of the delusion, yet unable to resist the horror of the impression. When she was nearly recovered, I had the curiosity to question her, as I have interrogated others, respecting the forms of the demons with which they had been alarmed; but I never could obtain any other account, than that they were small, very much deformed, and had horns and claws, like the imps of our terrific modern romances.

I have been forced to listen with much gravity, to a man partially insane, who assured me that the devil was lodged in his side, and that I should perceive him thumping and fluttering there, in a manner which would perfectly convince me of his presence.

Another lunatic believed that he had swallowed the devil, and had retained him in his stomach. He resisted the calls of nature during several days, lest he should set the foul fiend at liberty. I overcame his resolution, however, by administering an emetic in his food.

In Mather’s Wonders of the invisible World , containing the trials of the American witches, in 1692, a work which may be regarded as official, it appears that the visions of several persons who thought themselves bewitched, were occasioned by the night-mare.

On the trial of Bridget Bishop, at Salem, for example; “John Cook testified, that about five or six years ago, one morning about sun-rise, he was in his chamber assaulted by the shape of this prisoner, which looked on him, grinned at him, and very much hurt him with a blow on the side of the [Pg 35] head.”... “Richard Ceman testified, that eight years ago, as he lay awake in his bed, with a light burning in the room, he was annoyed with the apparition of this Bishop and of two more that were strangers to him, who came and oppressed him so, that he could neither stir himself, nor wake any one else,” &c.

Again, on the trial of Susannah Martin, “Bernard Peache testified, that being in bed, on the Lord’s day night, he heard a scrabbling at the window, whereat he then saw Susannah Martin come in and jump down upon the floor. She took hold of this deponent’s feet, and drawing his body up into one heap, she lay upon him near two hours; in all which time he could neither speak nor hear.”

In the introduction to his history of the trials, which were conducted on such evidence, Mather gravely says;

“’Tis, as I remember, the learned Scribonius, who reports, that one of his acquaintance, devoutly making his prayers on the behalf of a person molested by evil spirits, received from those evil spirits an horrible blow over the face: and I may myself expect not few or small buffetings from evil spirits, for the endeavours wherewith I am now going to encounter them. I am far from insensible, that at this extraordinary time of the Devil’s coming down in great wrath upon us, there are too many tongues and hearts thereby set on fire of hell , that the various opinions about the witchcrafts which of later time have troubled us, are maintained by some with so much loud fury, as if they could never be sufficiently stated, unless written in the liquor wherewith witches use to write their covenants; and that he who becomes an author at such a time, had need be fenced with iron, and the staff of a spear .”

Stoughton, the Lieutenant-Governor of New England, affixed his approbation to this book, vouching for the truth of the statements, and declaring that all good men would “greatly rejoice, that the spirit of the Lord had thus enabled him (Mather) to lift up a standard against the infernal enemy, that hath been coming in like a flood upon us .” Such was the force of this memorable fit of national insanity, during which torrents of innocent blood were shed, by the misguided judges and juries, under the impression that they were actually invaded by a legion of devils; the part of which was really performed by themselves.

Nothing, indeed, can be added to the diligence of Remy, or Remigius, with respect to the forms of demons. He was a commissioner for the trial of witches, in Lorrain, and as he informs us, in the [Pg 38] course of fifteen years, he condemned nine hundred criminals to the stake. His book is one of the most remarkable productions of credulity; for the monstrous absurdities which it contains are supported by juridical proofs, most of which evidently proceeded from spectral impressions, when they were not extorted by torture.

My edition of this work, which is become very rare, was printed by Vincenti, at Lyons, in 1595. It is entitled, Dæmonolatreia . The trials appear to have begun in 1583. Mr. Remy seems to have felt great anxiety to ascertain the exact features and dress of the demons, with whom many of the persons supposed themselves to be familiar. Yet nothing transpired, in his examinations, which varied from the usual figures exhibited by the gross sculptures and paintings of the middle age. They are [Pg 39] said to be black-faced, [7] with sunk, but fiery eyes, their mouths wide, and smelling of sulphur; their hands hairy, with claws: their feet horny and cloven.

Not only are the voices and stature of the demons described by Remy’s authorities, but many other extraordinary circumstances are recorded, which might have been omitted with great propriety. The curiosity of the worthy judge seems to have been as unlimited as his credulity. I ought to add, that his book is [Pg 41] written in Latin, in a good style, and bears marks of considerable erudition.

The result of all these inquiries has been, that recollected images only are presented to the persons labouring under delusions of this nature.

But the most remarkable and decisive narrative of this kind was published, some years ago, by Nicolai, the celebrated author and bookseller, of Berlin. “Those who pretend to have seen and heard ghosts obstinately maintain, that they perceived these apparitions by means of their senses. In order to defeat that belief, we generally desire them to consider how many people have been imposed on by artful novices, and how liable we are to deceive ourselves; we advise them to lay hold of the supposed spectres; assuring them that they are generally found to be of a very corporeal nature. But those who have a [Pg 42] predilection for the miraculous, pay no regard to these objections; insisting that the productions of their disordered imaginations are real beings. We cannot therefore collect too many of such well substantiated facts, as shew how easily our imagination imposes on us erroneous notions, and deludes not only delirious persons but even those who are in full possession of their faculties, by causing them to see phantasms which scarcely can be distinguished from real appearances.”

“I have myself experienced a case of this nature, which to me appears highly remarkable, both psychologically and medicinally; I saw, in a state of mind completely sound, and after the first terror was over, with perfect calmness, for nearly two months, almost constantly and involuntarily a vast number of human and other forms, and even heard their voices, though all this was merely [Pg 43] the consequence of a diseased state of the nerves and an irregular circulation of the blood.”

“It being a matter of considerable importance that an incident of this nature should be observed with the strictest attention, and related, together with all collateral circumstances, with the most conscientious fidelity, I shall not omit any thing of which I retain a clear recollection. The truth of what I am going to advance will not require a farther testimony, as Dr. Selle, who was my physician and was daily informed by me of every trifling occurrence and change that happened, is still living, and will, by all who know him, be most readily admitted as an unobjectionable witness. During the ten latter months of the year 1790, I had experienced several melancholy incidents which deeply affected me, particularly in September, from which time I suffered an almost [Pg 44] uninterrupted series of misfortunes that afflicted me with the most poignant grief. I was accustomed to be bled twice a year, and this had been done once on the 9th of July, but was omitted to be repeated at the end of the year 1790. I had, in 1783, been suddenly taken with a violent vertigo, which my physicians imputed to obstructions in the finer vessels of the abdomen, brought on by a sedentary life and a continual exertion of the mind. This indisposition was successfully removed by means of a more regular and strict diet; particularly efficacious in the beginning I had found leeches to the arms, and they were afterwards repeated two or three times annually when I felt violent congestions in the head. The last leeches which had been put on, previous to the appearance of the phantasms of which I am about to speak, had been applied on the first of March 1790, less blood had consequently been evacuated in [Pg 45] 1790 than was usual with me, and from September, I was constantly occupied in business that required the most unremitted exertion, and was rendered still more perplexing by frequent interruptions.”

“I had, in January and February of the year 1791, the additional misfortune to experience several extremely unpleasant circumstances, which were followed on the 24th of February by a most violent altercation. My wife and another person came into my apartment in the morning in order to console me, but I was too much agitated by a series of incidents which had most powerfully affected my moral feeling, to be capable of attending to them; on a sudden I perceived, at about the distance of ten steps, a form like that of a deceased person, I pointed at it, asking my wife if she did not see it? It was but natural that she should not see any thing, my question therefore [Pg 46] alarmed her very much, and she sent immediately for a physician, the phantasm continued about eight minutes. I grew at length more calm, and being extremely exhausted, fell into a restless sleep which lasted about half an hour; the physician ascribed the apparition to a violent mental emotion, and hoped that there would be no return, but the violent agitation of my mind had in some way disordered my nerves, and produced farther consequences which deserve a more minute description.”

“At four in the afternoon, the form which I had seen in the morning reappeared. I was by myself when this happened, and being rather uneasy at the incident, went to my wife’s apartment, but there likewise I was prevented by the apparition, which, however, at intervals disappeared, and always presented itself in a standing posture: about six o’clock there appeared also several [Pg 47] walking figures, which had no connection with the first.”

“I cannot assign any other cause of all this, than a continued rumination on the vexations I had suffered, which, though calmer, I could not forget, and the consequences of which I meditated to counteract; these meditations occupied my mind three hours after dinner, just when my digestion commenced. I consoled myself at last with respect to the disagreeable incident which had occasioned the first apparition, but the phantasms continued to encrease and change in the most singular manner, though I had taken the proper medicine and found myself perfectly well. As when the first terror was over, I beheld the phantasms with great emotion taking them for what they really were, remarkable consequences of an indisposition, I endeavoured to collect myself as much as possible, that I might preserve a clear consciousness of [Pg 48] the changes which should take place within myself; I observed these phantasms very closely, and frequently reflected on my antecedent thoughts to discover, if possible, by means of what association of ideas exactly these forms presented themselves to my imagination; I thought at times I had found a clue, but taking the whole together I could not make out any natural connection between the occupations of my mind, my occupations, my regular thoughts, and the multifarious forms which now appeared to me, and now again disappeared. After repeated and close observations, and calm examination, I was unable to form any conclusion relative to the origin and continuation of the different phantasms which presented themselves to me. All that I could infer was, that while my nervous system was in such an irregular state, such phantasms would appear to me as if I actually saw and heard them; that these illusions [Pg 49] were not modified by any known laws of reason, imagination, or the common association of ideas, and that probably other people who may have had similar apparitions, were exactly in the same predicament. The origin of the individual forms which appeared to me, was undoubtedly founded on the nature of my mind, but the manner in which it was thus affected, will probably remain for ever as inscrutable as the origin of thought and reflection. After the first day the form of the deceased person no more appeared, but in its place, there appeared many other phantasms, sometimes representing acquaintances, but mostly strangers, those whom I knew were composed of living and deceased persons, but the number of the latter was comparatively small. I observed the persons with whom I daily conversed did not appear as phantasms, these representing chiefly persons who lived at some distance from me. I attempted to produce [Pg 50] at pleasure phantasms of persons whom I knew by intensely reflecting on their countenance shape &c. but distinctly as I called to my lively imagination the respective shades of three of these persons, I still laboured in vain to make them appear to me as phantasms, though I had before involuntarily seen them in that manner, and perceived them some time after, when I least thought of them. The phantoms appeared to me contrary to my inclination, as if they were presented to me from without, like the phenomena of nature, though they existed no where but within my mind. I could at the same time distinguish between phantasms and real objects, and the calmness with which I examined them, enabled me to avoid the commission of the smallest mistake. I knew exactly when it only appeared to me that the door was opening and a phantasm entering the room, and when it actually opened, a real person entered.”

“These phantasms appeared equally clear and distinct at all times and under all circumstances, both when I was by myself and when I was in company, and as well in the day as at night, and in my own house as well as abroad; they were, however, less frequent when I was in the house of a friend, and rarely appeared to me in the street; when I shut my eyes these phantasms would sometimes disappear entirely, though there were instances when I beheld them with my eyes closed, yet when they disappeared on such occasions, they generally reappeared when I opened my eyes. I conversed sometimes with my physician and my wife of the phantasms which at the moment surrounded me; they appeared more frequently walking than at rest, nor were they constantly present. They frequently did not appear for some time, but always reappeared for a longer or a shorter period either singly or in company, the latter however being [Pg 52] most frequently the case. I generally saw human forms of both sexes, but they usually appeared not to take the smallest notice of each other, moving as in a market-place, where all are eager to press through the crowd; at times however they seemed to be transacting business with each other: I also saw several times people on horseback, dogs and birds. All these phantasms appeared to me in their natural size and as distinct as if alive, exhibiting different shades of carnation in the uncovered parts as well as in different colours and fashions in their dresses, though the colours seemed somewhat paler than in real nature, none of the figures appeared particularly terrible, comical, or disgusting, most of them being of an indifferent shape, and some having a pleasing appearance.”

“The longer these phantoms continued to appear the more frequently did they return, while at the same time they [Pg 53] encreased in number about four weeks after they had first appeared. I also began to hear them talk, the phantoms sometimes conversed among themselves, but more frequently addressed their discourse to me; their speeches were commonly short and never of an unpleasant turn. At different times there appeared to me both dear and sensible friends of both sexes, whose addresses tended to appease my grief, which had not yet wholly subsided: these consolatory speeches were in general addressed to me when I was alone, sometimes I was accosted by these consoling friends while in company, frequently while real persons were speaking to me. These consolatory addresses consisted sometimes of abrupt phrases, and at others, they were regularly connected.”

“Though both my mind and body were in a tolerable state of sanity all this time, and these phantasms became so familiar [Pg 54] to me that they did not cause me the slightest uneasiness, and I even sometimes amused myself with surveying them, and spoke jocularly of them to my physician and my wife; I yet did not neglect to use proper medicines, especially when they began to haunt me the whole day, and even at night as soon as I awaked.”

“At last it was agreed that leeches should be again applied to me, as formerly; which was actually done, April 20th 1791, at eleven o’clock in the morning. No person was with me besides the surgeon; but during the operation my chamber was crowded with human phantasms of all descriptions. This continued uninterruptedly till about half an hour after four o’clock, just when my digestion commenced. I then perceived that they began to move more slowly. Soon after, their colour began to fade, and at seven o’clock they [Pg 55] were entirely white. But they moved very little, though the forms were as distinct as before: growing however by degrees more obscure; yet not fewer in number as had generally been the case. The phantoms did not withdraw, nor did they vanish; which previous to that time had frequently happened. They now seemed to dissolve in the air; while fragments of some of them continued visible a considerable time. About eight o’clock the room was entirely cleared of my fantastic visitors.”

“Since this time I have felt, twice or three times a sensation as if these phantasms were going to re-appear; without however actually seeing any thing. The same sensation surprised me just before I drew up this account, while I was examining some papers relative to these apparitions which I had drawn up in the year 1791.”

This is one of the extreme cases of delusion, which a man of strong natural judgment has ventured to record of himself. Cardan, who fancied himself visited by supernatural impulses, never produced so marvellous a story.

Cardan, however, describes himself as amused, in his youth, with recollected images, similar to those which I have described, in the first chapter. Before he left his bed, in the morning, he saw a succession of figures, composed of brazen rings, like links of mail, (though he had never seen mail-armour at that time,) moving, in a circular direction, upwards, from right to left, till they disappeared. Castles, houses, animals, trees, men in different dresses; trumpeters, appearing to blow their trumpets, though no sound was heard; soldiers, and landscapes; all passed before him, in circular compartments. “Videbam ego imagines diversas quasi corporum [Pg 57] æreorum. (Constare enim videbantur ex annulis minimis, quales sunt loricarum, cum tamen loricas nunquam eousque vidissem) ab imo lecti angulo dextro ascendentes per semicirculum, lenté et in sinistrum occidentes, ut prorsus non apparerenti Areium, domorum, animalium, equorum cum equitibus, herbarum, arborum, instrumentorum musicorum, hominum diversorum habituum, vestiumque variarum, tubicines præcipue cum tubis quasi sonantibus, nulla tamen vox aut sonus exandiebatur: præterea milites, populos, arva, formasque corporum usque ad hune diem mihi invisas: lucos et sylvas, aliaque quorum non memini, quandoque multarum rerum congeriem simul irruentium, non tamen ut se confunderent, sed ut ut properarent. Erant autem perspicua illa, sed non ita ut proinde esset, ac si non adessent, nec densa ut oculo pervia [Pg 58] non essent. Sed ipsi circuli opaci erant spatia prorsus perspicua.” [8]

Ben Jonson, also, falls under this description, from the Heads of Conversation , published by the executors of Drummond of Hawthornden, who have deprived posterity of Drummond’s original account of these interesting interviews. Jonson told him, that “when the king came to England, about the time that the plague was in London, he being in the country, at Sir Robert Cotton’s house with old Cambden, he saw in a vision his eldest son, then a young child and at London, appear unto him with the mark of a bloody cross on his forehead, as if it had been cut with a sword, at which amazed he prayed unto God, and in the morning he came unto Mr. Cambden’s chamber to tell him, who persuaded [Pg 59] him it was but an apprehension, at which he should not be dejected. In the mean time there came letters from his wife of the death of that boy in the plague. He appeared to him, he said, of a manly shape, and of that growth he thinks he shall be at the resurrection.”

“He said, that he had spent a whole night in looking to his great toe, about which he hath seen Tartars and Turks, Romans and Carthaginians fight in his imagination.” [9]

That extraordinary, and much misrepresented character, the Maid of France, appears to have been a visionary of this kind, and to have been enthusiastically sincere in her belief of supernatural communications. [Pg 60] The ancient memoirs of this heroine, published by Denys Godefroy, convey a high idea of her sagacity and elevation of mind. When she induced Charles VII. to the bold attempt of procuring his inauguration at Rheims , she described the celestial voice as having said to her, while she was engaged in prayer, Fille, va, va, je seray a ton ayde, va.

Her unknown historian adds; “Elle estoit au reste tres-devote, se confessoit souvent, & recevoit le precieux corps de N. S. Jesus Christ, estoit de tres-belle et bonne vie, et d’honneste conversation.”

In a very curious letter, written by the Sieur de Laval, we meet with some characteristic anecdotes of the Maid, to whom he was introduced by Charles VII. ‘Et-fit ladite Pucelle tres bonne chere a mon pere & a moy, estant armeé de [Pg 61] toutes pieces, sauve la tete, et tenant la lance en main; et aprés que fumes descendus á selle, j’allay a son logis la voir; et fit venir le vin, et me dit, qu’elle m’en feroit bientot boire á Paris; et semble chose toute divine de son fait, et de la voir et de l’ouyr.——et la veis monter a cheval, armée tout en blanc, sauf la teste, une petite hache en sa main, sur un grand coursier noir qui a l’huis de son logis se demenoit tres fort, et ne souffroit qu’elle montast; et lors elle dit, menez-le a la croix, qui etoit devant l’eglise aupres, au chemin; et lors ell monta sans qu’il se meut, comme s’il fut lié; et lors se tourna vers l’huys de l’eglise, qui etoit bien prochain, et dit en assez voix de femme: Vous les Prestres et gens d’eglise, faites procession et prieres a Dieu. ’

Upon her trial, as it is repeated by Chartier, she spoke with the utmost simplicity and firmness of her visions: ‘Que [Pg 62] souvent alloit a une belle fontaine au pays de Lorraine, laquelle elle nommoit bonne fontaine aux Feés Nostre Seigneur, et en icelluy lieu tous ceulx de pays quand ils avoient fiebvre ils alloient pour recouvrer garison; et la alloit souvent ladite Jehanne la Pucelle sous un grand arbre qui la fontaine ombroit; et s’apparurent a elle S ^te . Katerine et S ^te . Marguerite qui lui dirent qu’elle allast a ung Cappitaine qu’elles lui nommerent, laquelle y alla sans prendre congé ni a pere ni a mere; lequel Cappitaine la vestit en guise d’homme et l’armoit et lui ceint l’epeé, et luy bailla un escuyer et quatre varlets; et en ce point fut monteé sur un bon cheval; et en ce point vint aut Roy de France, et lui dit que du Commandement de lui estoit venue a lui, et qu’elle le feroit le plus grant Seigneur du Monde, et qu’il lui fut ordonné que tretou ceulx qui lui desobeiroient fussent occis sans mercy, et que St. Michel [Pg 63] et plusieurs anges lui avoient baillé une Couronne moult riche pour lui;’ &c.

Unquestionably, the temperament which disposes men to cultivate the higher and graver species of poetry, contributes to render them susceptible of impressions of this nature. Such a temperament, excited by the pathetic circumstances of a story, more interesting than any tale of fiction, produced the vision of Dr. Donne. When residing in Paris, he saw the figure of his wife, then in London, pass through the room, with her hair hanging loose, and carrying a dead child in her arms. After reading the exquisite poem which he wrote, previous to their separation, it is impossible to wonder at an impression of such a nature.

This is, indeed, an instance of that species of ecstasy, which is known, in the North of Scotland, under the name [Pg 64] of ‘Second-Sight.’ Much has been written on this subject; I shall therefore only mention two instances, which will prove that the spectral impressions certainly take place; of their prophetic nature, there may be different opinions.

A gentleman connected with my family, an officer in the army, and certainly addicted to no superstition, was quartered, early in life, in the middle of the last century, near the castle of a gentleman in the North of Scotland, who was supposed to possess the Second-Sight. Strange rumours were afloat, respecting the old chieftain. He had spoken to an apparition, which ran along the battlements of the house, and had never been chearful afterwards. His prophetic visions excited surprize, even in that region of credulity; and his retired habits favoured the popular opinion. My friend assured me, that one day, while he was reading a play to the [Pg 65] ladies of the family, the chief, who had been walking across the room, stopped suddenly, and assumed the look of a Seer . He rang the bell, and ordered the groom to saddle a horse; to proceed immediately to a seat in the neighbourhood, and to inquire after the health of Lady ——; if the account was favourable, he then directed him to call at another castle, to ask after another lady whom he named.

The reader immediately closed his book, and declared that he would not proceed till these abrupt orders were explained, as he was confident that they were produced by the Second-Sight. The chief was very unwilling to explain himself; but at length he owned, that the door had appeared to open, and that a little woman, without a head, had entered the room; that the apparition indicated the sudden death of some person of his acquaintance; and the only [Pg 66] two persons who resembled the figure, were those ladies, after whose health he had sent to inquire.

A few hours afterwards, the servant returned, with an account that one of the ladies had died of an apoplectic fit, about the time when the vision appeared.

At another time, the chief was confined to his bed, by indisposition, and my friend was reading to him, in a stormy winter-night, while the fishing-boat, belonging to the castle, was at sea. The old gentleman repeatedly expressed much anxiety respecting his people; and at last exclaimed, my boat is lost! The colonel replied, how do you know it, Sir?—He was answered; I see two of the boatmen bringing in the third drowned, all dripping wet, and laying him down close beside your chair. The chair was shifted, with great precipitation; in the course of the night, the fishermen returned, [Pg 67] with the corpse of one of the boatmen.

Martin , who has given a very particular account of Seers , in the western Islands, mentions a young woman, who was troubled, during four or five years, with the constant appearance of her own image before her, the back being turned towards her. No event was connected with this spectral impression.

But one of the most remarkable Seers on record, was John Beaumont , who published a ‘treatise of spirits, apparitions, witchcrafts, and other magical practices,’ in 1705. He appears to have been a man of a hypochondriacal disposition, with a considerable degree of reading, but with a strong bias to credulity. His collections of stories are entertaining; but my business is with his visions, which shew in a most astonishing manner, how far the mind may be [Pg 68] deceived, without the occurrence of actual derangement. They will be detailed in the next chapter. Had this man, instead of irritating his mental disease, by the study of the Platonic philosophers, placed himself under the care of an intelligent physician, he would have regained his tranquillity, and the world would have lost a most extraordinary set of confessions.

Beaumont’s Visions—Those of Tasso—Kotter—Drabicius—Arise Evans—Bovet.

Physicians have sometimes occasion to regret the prolixity of the statements, which they receive from their patients. Beaumont has been rather more diffusive than usual; for his book, which may be considered as a narrative of his malady, contains four hundred pages, in octavo. It is, however very much to my purpose, for it exhibits the disease of spectral vision, in its full strength and permanency.

Like Nicolai, he sometimes saw a multitude of men and women about him, both in the day and night. “So it was with myself,” says he, “for I saw hundreds, though I never saw any in the night-time, without a fire, or candle-light, or in the moonshine, and as the person mentioned (by Aubrey) had two particular spirits there named, which constantly attended him, besides others without names, so it was with myself; two spirits constantly attending me, night and day, for above three months together; who called each other by their names, and several spirits would often call at my chamber door, and ask whether such spirits lived there, calling by their names, and they would answer, they did. As for the other spirits that attended me, I heard none of their names mentioned, only I asked one spirit which came for some nights together, and rung a little bell in my ear, what his [Pg 71] name was, who answered Ariel . We find that one of the spirits, who attended the second-sighted person, appeared as a boy, the other as a girl; but the two that constantly attended myself, appeared both in women’s habit, they being of a brown complexion, and about three foot in stature; they had both black, loose net-work gowns, tyed with a black sash about the middle, and within the net-work appeared a gown of a golden colour, with somewhat of a light striking through it. Their heads were not drest with top-knots, but they had white linen caps on, with lace on them, about three-fingers breadth, and over it they had a black loose net-work hood.

“As the foresaid second-sighted persons, sitting by the fire, with others in the winter-time, would see spirits standing by, and often seem angry [Pg 72] and disturbed, though nothing visible to others moved him; so, as I have been sitting by the fire with others, I have seen several spirits, and pointed to the place where they were, telling the company they were there. And one spirit, whom I heard calling to me, as he stood behind me, on a sudden clapped his finger to my side, which I sensibly perceived, and started at it, and as I saw one spirit come in at the door, which I did not like, I suddenly laid hold of a pair of tongs, and struck at him with all my force, whereupon he vanished.

“*** I must declare, that I would not for the whole world undergo what I have undergone, upon spirits coming twice to me; their first coming was most dreadful to me, the thing being then altogether new, and consequently more surprizing, though at the first coming they did not appear [Pg 73] to me, but only called to me at my chamber windows, rung bells, sung to me, and played on music, &c. but the last coming also carried terror enough; for when they came, being only five in number, the two women before mentioned, and three men, (though afterwards there came hundreds) they told me they would kill me, if I told any person in the house of their being there, which put me in some consternation, and I made a servant sit up with me four nights in my chamber before a fire, it being in the Christmas Holidays, telling no person of their being there. One of these spirits in women’s dress, lay down upon the bed by me every night; and told me if I slept, the spirits would kill me, which kept me waking for three nights. In the mean time, a near relation of mine went (though unknown to me) to a physician of my acquaintance, desiring [Pg 74] him to prescribe me somewhat for sleeping, which he did, and a sleeping potion was brought me, but I set it by, being very desirous and inclined to sleep without it. The fourth night I could hardly forbear sleeping, but the spirit, lying on the bed by me, told me again, I should be killed if I slept; whereupon I rose, and sate by the fire-side, and in a while returned to my bed; and so I did a third time, but was still threatened as before: whereupon I grew impatient, and asked the spirits what they would have? Told them I had done the part of a christian, in humbling myself to God, and feared them not, and rose from my bed, took a cane, and knocked at the ceiling of my chamber, a near relation of mine lying then over me, who presently rose and came down to me, about two o’clock in the morning, to whom I said, you have seen me disturbed these four days past, [Pg 75] and that I have not slept; the occasion of it was, that five spirits, which are now in the room with me, have threatened to kill me if I told any person of their being here, or if I slept, but I am not able to forbear sleeping longer, and acquaint you with it, and now stand in defiance of them; and thus I exerted myself about them; and notwithstanding their continued threats, I slept very well the next night, and continued so to do, though they continued with me above three months, day and night.” [10]

The celebrated visions of Tasso appear to have been of the same nature. He fancied that he beheld a celestial being, with whom he held converse, in the presence of spectators, who perceived no apparition, and who heard no voice but that of the poet. Would that we could [Pg 76] have exchanged the narratives of Beaumont’s reveries, for those of Tasso!

To this class of morbid perceptions, belong also the visions of Christopher Kotter, and Drabicius, which made a considerable noise in the seventeenth century. They were published by Comenius, aided by very ghostly engravings, under the title of ‘Lux é Tenebris.’ I must refer to Bayle, for many curious observations respecting the tendency of these prophetic rhapsodies: my business is only with the faculty of spectral representation.

For this reason, I shall not notice Drabicius. As a man of superior information, he might be suspected of politic views, in his pretended visions: but there can be no doubt that Kotter was sincere in his enthusiasm, and was as much a Seer as any second-sighted prophet of the Hebrides.

Kotter’s first vision was detailed by him, on oath, before the magistrates of Sprottaw, in 1619. While he was travelling on foot in open day-light, in June 1616, a man appeared to him, who ordered him to inform the civil and ecclesiastical authorities, that great evils were impending over Germany, for the punishment of the sins of the people; after which he vanished. The same apparition met him at different times, and compelled him at length, by threats, to make this public declaration.

After this, his visions assumed a more imposing appearance: on one occasion, the angel (for such he was now confessed to be) shewed him three suns, filling one half of the heavens; and nine moons, with their horns turned towards the east, filling the other half. At the same time, a superb fountain of pure water spouted from the arid soil, under his feet.

At another time, he beheld a mighty lion, treading on the moon, and seven other lions around him, in the clouds.

Sometimes he beheld the encounter of hostile armies, splendidly accoutred; sometimes he wandered through palaces, whose only inhabitants were devouring monsters; or beheld dragons of enormous size, in various scenes of action.

He was at length attended by two angels, in his ecstasy; one of his visions at this time was of the most formidable and impressive kind. [11] “On the 13th [Pg 79] day of September, says he, both the youths returned to me, saying, be not afraid, but observe the thing which will be shewn to thee. And I suddenly beheld a circle, like the sun, red, and as it were, bloody: in which were black and white lines, or spots, so intermingled, that sometimes there appeared a greater number of blacks, sometimes of white; and this sight continued for some space [Pg 80] of time. And when they had said to me, Behold! Attend! Fear not! No evil will befal thee! Lo, there were three successive peals of thunder, at short intervals, so loud and dreadful, that I shuddered all over. But the circle stood before me, and the black and white spots were disunited, and the circle approached so near that I could have touched it with my hand. And it was so beautiful, that I had never in my life seen any thing more agreeable: and the white spots were so bright and pleasant, that I could not contain my admiration. But the black spots were carried away in a cloud of horrible darkness, in which I heard a dismal outcry, though I could see no one. Yet these words of lamentation were audible: Woe unto us, who have committed ourselves to the black cloud, to be withdrawn from the circle coloured with the blood of divine grace, in which the grace of God, in his well-beloved Son, had inclosed us.”

After several other piteous exclamations, he saw a procession of many thousand persons, bearing palms, and singing hymns, but of very small stature, enter the red circle, from the black cloud, chanting halleluiah.

A Polish Prophetess made her appearance, about the same time; but as there was nothing particularly interesting in her visions, they may be kept, like the madness of Mr. Sheridan’s character in the Critic, in the back-ground.

The prophecy of Arise Evans respecting the Restoration of Charles II. is thus detailed by Dr. Warburton, in a letter to Dr. Jortin. Evans, as I have mentioned elsewhere, was a mere juggler in the dates of his title-pages. The vision itself resembles the royal shadows in Macbeth.

“You desired to have a more particular [Pg 82] account of——a certain prophecy of one Arise Evans, which you have heard some of your friends speak of in terms of astonishment; as I have his book which is scarce, I am able to give you that satisfaction. But it may not be amiss first to let you into the character of the prophet. Arise Evans lived and flourished in the last century, during the time of our civil confusions. He was a warm Welshman, and not disposed to be an idle spectator in so busy a scene. So he left his native country for London, and finding on his arrival there that Inspiration was all running one way, he projected to make a division of it from the Roundheads to the Cavaliers, and set up for a Prophet of the Royalists. He did, and said many extraordinary things to the grandees of both parties: and it must be owned, he had a spice of what we seldom find wanting in the ingredients of a modern prophet, I mean prevarication.”

“Of this he has himself given us a notable example in the 42nd page of his Tract, called an Echo from Heaven, which, because it contains an uncommon fetch of wit, I shall describe. There are two confessions,” says he, “subscribed by my hand in the city of London, which if not now, will in after ages be considered. The one was made at the Spittle, and subscribed with the right hand, in the aforesaid vestry, before Sir Walter Earl; and that is a confession made by the inner man, or new man; the other confession is a confession of the flesh, called the outward man or old man; and the confession made before Green (the Recorder), and subscribed with the left hand, as the difference in the writing, being compared, will make it appear. I know the bench, and the people thought I recanted, but alas! they were deceived.”

“Well, but this very man has in the 77th and 78th pages of this Echo printed for the author in 12 ^mo . and sold at his house in Long Alley in Black Friars, 1653, second edition with additions, a prophecy which astonishes all who carefully consider it. It is in these words, A vision that I had presently after the king’s death.—I thought that I was in a great hall like the king’s hall, or the castle in Winchester, and there was none there but a judge that sat upon the bench and myself; and as I turned to a window in the north-westward, and looking into the palm of my hand, there appeared to me a face, head and shoulders like the Lord Fairfax’s, and presently it vanished. Again, there arose the Lord Cromwell, and he vanished likewise; then arose a young face and he had a crown upon his head, and he vanished also; and another young face arose with a crown [Pg 85] upon his head, and he vanished also; and another——young face arose with a crown upon his head, and vanished in like manner; and as I turned the palm of my hand back again to me and looked, there did appear no more in it. Then I turned to the judge and said to him, there arose in my hand seven; and five of them had crowns; but when I turned my hand, the blood turned to its veins, and these appeared no more: so I awoke. The interpretation of this vision is, that after the Lord Cromwell, there shall be kings again in England, which thing is signified unto us by those that arose after him, who were all crowned, but the generations to come may look for a change of the blood, and of the name in the royal seat, after five kings once passed, 2 Kings x. 30. (The words referred to in this text are these) And the Lord said unto Jehu, because thou hast done well, &c. thy children [Pg 86] of the fourth generation shall sit upon the throne of Israel.” [12]

Sauvages mentions, that a woman, subject to epilepsy, saw, during the paroxysm, dreadful spectres, and that real objects appeared magnified to an extraordinary degree: a fly seemed as large as a fowl, and a fowl appeared equal in size to an ox. In coloured objects, green predominated with her; a curious fact, which I have seen verified in other convulsive diseases. A very intelligent boy, who was under my care for convulsions of the voluntary muscles, when he looked at some large caricatures, glaringly coloured with red and yellow, insisted on it that they were covered with green, till his paroxysm abated, during which his intellects had not been at all affected.

Among other instances of Suffusio , Sauvages also mentions an aged physician of Narbonne, who, during several days, saw every object crooked.

I shall select, as a remarkable instance of spectral impressions, a story published by Richard Bovet, in his Pandæmonium , or the Devil’s Cloyster , printed in 1684. The first appearances were probably seen in a dream. The noises, on the second night, were perhaps recollected impressions. [13]

“About the year 1667, being with some persons of honour in the house of a nobleman in the west country, which had formerly been a nunnery: I must confess I had often heard the servants, and others that inhabited or lodged there, speak much of the noises, stirs, and apparitions that frequently disturbed the [Pg 88] house, but had at that time no apprehensions of it; for the house being full of stranger’s, the nobleman’s steward, Mr. C. lay with me in a fine wainscoat-room, called my ladies’ chamber; we went to our lodging pretty early, and having a good fire in the room, we spent some time in reading, in which he much delighted: then having got into bed, and put out the candles, we observed the room to be very light, by the brightness of the moon, so that a wager was laid between us, that it was possible to read written hand by that light upon the bed where we lay; accordingly I drew out of my pocket a manuscript, which he read distinctly in the place where he lay: we had scarce made an end of discoursing about that affair, when I saw (my face being towards the door which was locked) entering into the room, five appearances of very fine and lovely [Pg 89] women, they were of excellent stature, and their dresses seemed very fine, but covered all but their faces, with their light veils, whose skirts trailed largely on the floor. They entered in a file one after the other, and in that posture walked round the room, till the foremost came, and stood by that side of the bed where I lay (with my left hand over the side of the bed; for my head rested on that arm, and I determined not to alter the posture in which I was) she struck me upon that hand with a blow that felt very soft, but I did never remember whether it were cold or hot: I demanded in the name of the blessed Trinity, what business they had there, but received no answer; then I spoke to Mr. C. Sir, do you see what fair guests we have come to visit us? before which they all disappeared: I found him in some kind of agony, and was forced to grasp him [Pg 90] on the breast with my right hand (which was next him underneath the bed-clothes) before I could obtain speech of him; then he told me that he had seen the fair guests I spoke of, and had heard me speak to them; but withal said, that he was not able to speak sooner unto me, being extremely affrighted at the sight of a dreadful monster, which assuming a shape, betwixt that of a lion and a bear, attempted to come upon the bed’s foot. I told him, I thanked God nothing so frightful had presented itself to me; but I hoped (through his assistance) not to dread the ambages of hell. It was a long time before I could compose him to sleep, and though he had had many disturbances in his own room, and understood of others in the house, yet he acknowledged he had never been so terrified, during many years abode there. The next day at [Pg 91] dinner he shewed to divers persons of principal quality, the mark that had been occasioned on his breast by the gripe I was forced to give him, to get him to speak, and related all the passages very exactly; after which he protested never to lie more in that room; upon which I set up a resolution to lodge in it again, not knowing but something of the reason of those troubles might by that means be imparted to me. The next night, therefore, I ordered a Bible, and another book to be laid in the room, and resolved to spend my time by the fire in reading and contemplation, till I found myself inclined to sleep: and accordingly having taken leave of the family at the usual hour, I addressed myself to what I had proposed, not going into bed till past one in the morning: a little after I was got into bed, I heard somewhat walk about the [Pg 92] room, like a woman in a tabby gown trailing about the room; it made a mighty rushelling noise, but I could see nothing, though it was near as light as the night before: it passed by the foot of the bed and a little opened the curtains, and thence went to a closet door on that side, through which it found admittance, although it was close locked: there it seemed to groan, and draw a great chair with its foot, in which it seemed to sit, and turn over the leaves of a large folio; which you know make a loud clattering noise; so it continued in that posture, sometimes groaning, sometimes dragging the chair, and clattering the book till it was near day; afterwards I lodged several times in this room, but never met with any molestation.”

“This I can attest to be a true account of what passed in that room the two [Pg 93] described nights; and though Mr. C. be lately dead, who was a very ingenious man, and affirmed the first part unto many, with whom he was conversant; it remains that I appeal to the knowledge of those who have been inhabitants or lodgers in the said house, for what remains, to justify the credibility of the rest.”

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.

In medicine, we have fine names, at least, for every species of disease. The peculiar disorder, which I have endeavoured to elucidate, is termed generally Hallucination , including all delusive impressions, from the wandering mote before the eye, to the tremendous spectre, which is equally destitute of existence.

It is unnecessary to my purpose, to pursue the subdivisions of this affection, which have been traced by nosologists. I shall only mention one extreme species, called the Lycanthropia, in which the patient imagines himself to have become a wolf, abandons society, and takes refuge in the woods. These impressions have no doubt been produced, or strengthened by narcotic potions, of hyoscyamus, datura stramonium, and other deleterious infusions, either ignorantly taken, or maliciously administered.

But we may well be surprized to find, that impressions of this kind are registered, under the title of experimental philosophy. Dr. Garmann, [14] in his chapter on the ghosts of the dead, informs us, that “when human salt, extracted and depurated from the skull [Pg 97] of a man, was placed in a water-dish, and covered with another plate, there appeared next morning, in the mass, figures of men fixed to the cross.”

Another philosopher relates, that, when fresh earth from a church-yard was put into an oblong plate, after the performance of certain ceremonies, a thousand spectres were visible in it.

During the sixteenth century, preparations from the human skull were favourite remedies: the moss which was found on skulls long-interred, and the bones reduced to powder, were often prescribed. In a very respectable work, Wepfer’s Historiæ Apoplecticorum , there is a dissertation on this subject, by Dr. Emanuel Kænig, [15] in which he asserts, that on those nights when the human skull was pounded in the apothecary’s [Pg 98] house, the family was alarmed by unusual noises, by clappings of the doors and windows, by groans, and other indications that the spirits of the dead were abroad.

I have never found that any effects of this kind were attributed to the Mumia , a favourite remedy of the same period: that is, the flesh of mummies, which were imported from Alexandria, and which was swallowed in the form of pills or boluses, by the noble and rich, in Europe. The medical writings of that time are full of accounts of this horrible and useless practice, which was at length discontinued, when it was found that the Alexandrians, instead of disinterring the embalmed mummies of the ancient Egyptians, contented themselves with exporting the putrid carcases of Jews, to which they had easier access. [16]

In this manner was anthropophagy sanctioned by physicians, even as late as the reign of Louis XIV. while some writers affected to doubt, whether the practice had ever existed.

§ III.

From the principles which I have established, the reader will easily proceed with me, to account for the most imposing relations of apparitions.

I have shewn that a morbid disposition of the brain is capable of producing spectral impressions, without any external prototypes. The religion of the ancients, which peopled all parts of nature with deities of different ranks, exposed them, in a peculiar manner, to delusions of the imagination; and I have had occasion, in another essay, [17] [Pg 100] to mention the influence which the doctrines of Plato have exerted, in this respect, even since the establishment of christianity. From recalling images by an art of memory, the transition is direct to beholding spectral objects, which have been floating in the imagination. Yet, even in the most frantic assemblage of this nature, no novelty appears. The spectre may be larger or smaller; it may be compounded of the parts of different animals; but it is always framed from the recollection of familiar, though discordant images.

The simple renewal of the impressions of form or voice, in the case of particular friends, is the most obvious, and most forcible of these recollections. Of this kind, seems to have been the celebrated apparition of Ficinus, to Michael Mercato, mentioned by Baronius.

Those illustrious friends, after a long [Pg 101] discourse on the nature of the soul, had agreed that, whoever of the two should die first, should, if possible, appear to his surviving friend, and inform him of his condition in the other world. [18]

A short time afterwards, says Baronius, [19] it happened, that while Michael Mercato the elder was studying philosophy, early in the morning, he suddenly heard the noise of a horse galloping in the street, which stopped at his door, and the voice of his friend Ficinus was heard, exclaiming, O Michael! O Michael! those things are true. Astonished at this address, Mercato rose and looked out of the window, where [Pg 102] he saw the back of his friend, drest in white, galloping off, on a white horse.

He called after him, and followed him with his eyes, till the appearance vanished. Upon inquiry, he learned that Ficinus had died at Florence, at the very time when this vision was presented to Mercato, at a considerable distance.

Many attempts have been made to discredit this story, but I think the evidence has never been shaken. I entertain no doubt, that Mercato had seen what he described; in following the reveries of Plato, the idea of his friend, and of their compact, had been revived, and had produced a spectral impression, during the solitude and awful silence of the early hours of study. Baronius adds, that after this occurrence, Mercato neglected all profane studies, and addicted himself entirely to divinity. [Pg 103] The vanishing of the imaginary apparition, in these cases, resembles Achilles’s vision, in the Iliad.

——ψυχὴ δὲ κατὰ χθονὸς ἠΰτε καπνὸς
ᾤχετο τετριγυῖα.——

The impression of sound, the most remarkable circumstance in Mercato’s vision, is by no means a solitary instance. Beaumont has given us, not only his own ghostly experience, but many examples of this species of delusion.

Cardan believed himself to have possessed a faculty of divination, [20] by means of voices conveyed to him in different directions. He certainly mistook the symptom called Tinnitus Aurium , which accompanies the disease of literary men, for special warnings.

In another instance, Cardan has shewed his propensity to ascribe his natural peculiarities to mystical causes. ‘When I lived and lectured at Paris,’ says he, ‘looking accidentally at my hands, I saw, in the ring-finger of the right hand, the figure of a bloody sword, which alarmed me. In the evening a messenger arrived, with letters from my son-in-law, informing me of my son’s imprisonment, and desiring me to go to Milan. That mark continued to spread for fifty-three days, till it reached the point of the finger, and was as red and fiery as blood, to my great consternation. At midnight my son was beheaded; next day the mark had nearly vanished, and in two days afterwards, it was entirely gone.’ [21] There can be little doubt, that this appearance was occasioned by an inflamed lymphatic. The voice of lamentation which [Pg 105] Cardan fancied he heard, about the time of his son’s execution, was the result of the agitation of his mind, distracted with grief and terror. Beaumont’s perception of sounds consisted chiefly in the tolling of bells, of different sizes, with occasional addresses from the spirits. It is singular, that he never suspected himself to labour under the disease of Corybantism , as it has been termed, though he describes it, as applied to others.

The most remarkable instance of this kind, is the story of Quarrè, as quoted by Morhoff; [22] but the proof of its accuracy is defective. Philebert de la Mare, in his life of Guion, takes occasion to introduce the story.

During the French civil wars, Quarreus, or Quarrè, and other magistrates of [Pg 106] the royal party, were obliged to quit Dijon, and remove to Saumur. In the month of August, 1594, about two o’clock in the morning, Quarrè was awakened by a sudden shock, and heard some unknown words pronounced. He awaked his servant, who lay in the room, and ordered him to strike a light, that he might write down the words, which he continued muttering to himself, lest he should forget them. Having written them, according to the sound, they ran thus: Oug aposondes ton endon distiguion . Neither himself nor the servant could imagine what the language was, Quarrè being entirely ignorant of Greek. Early in the morning, he met with Guion, on his way to the court, and asked him to interpret the words. Guion knew them to be Greek, and that they ought to be written,

In attempting to unriddle the meaning of this mystical warning, Guion advised Quarrè to leave the house where he lodged in Saumur, the unwholesome air of which had occasioned him several attacks of the cholic. But eight days afterwards, the prediction was fulfilled. Quarrè went, on public business, to Flavignac, and during his absence, the house fell down in the night, and crushed its inhabitants to death. Guion is said to have written a poem on the escape of his friend. This story rests, I believe, on the unsupported assertion of La Mare. If it be authentic, it seems to belong to the class of dreams.

On the same principles we must explain the apparitions recorded by Vincentius , in the Speculum Historiæ , and extracted from him by Wolfius , in his Lectiones Memorabiles et reconditæ , particularly the appearance of Pope Benedict to the Bishop of [Pg 108] Capua. “Idem lib. 25. Damianus refert: Episcopus, inquit, quidam Capuanus vidit Benedictum majorem Papam sibi olim familiarem, nigro, quasi corporabiter, equo insidentem: (vide quam conveniant scripturæ Apoc. 6 cum historiis) at is territus ea visione dicebat: Heus tu, nonne es Papa Benedictus, quem jam defunetum novimus? Ego sum, inquit, infelix iste. Quomodo, inquit, est tibi, pater? Graviter, inquit, torqueor, sed de Dei misericordia non dispero, si mihi adjutorium præbeatur, quia juvari possum: sed perge, quæso, ad fratrem meum Joannem, qui nunc sedem apostolicam occupat, eique de mea parte dic, ut illam summam, quæ potissimé in tali theca reposita est, in pauperes distribuat: sicque me redimendum esse quandocumque, cum hoc divina miseratio decreverit, cognoscat, nam cætera quæ pro me indigentibus tradita sunt, nihil, mihi penitus profuerint eo, quod [Pg 109] de rapinis et injustitis acquisita sunt. His auditis, Episcopus Romam impiger adiit, et Joanni Papæ (cui et ipse apparuit ille Benedictus 9. precans idem, et dicens, O utinam Odilo Cluniacensis pro me rogaret!) fratris verba narravit, et episcopatum mox deposuit, et monachatum induit.”

My observations on this subject may be strengthened, by observing the great prevalence of spectral delusions, during the inter-regnum, in this country, after the civil war, in 1649. The melancholic tendency of the rigid puritans of that period; their occupancy of old family seats, formerly the residence of hospitality and good cheer, which in their hands became desolate and gloomy; and the dismal stories propagated by the discarded retainers to the ancient establishments, ecclesiastical and civil, contributed altogether to produce a national [Pg 110] horror unknown in other periods of our history.

A curious example of this disposition is afforded, by the trial of Dr. Pordage, a Clergyman in Berkshire, which was published under the frightful title of ‘ Dæmonium Meridianum, or Satan at Noon-day ;’ among many charges brought against him, Dr. Pordage was accused of demoniacal visions, and of frequent apparitions in his house; one of which consisted in the representation of a coach and six, on a brick-chimney, in which the carriage and horses continued in constant motion for many weeks. It was said ‘that a great dragon came into his chamber, with a tail of eight yards long, four great teeth, and did spit fire at him.

‘That his own angel stood by him, in his own shape and fashion, the same shape, band and cuffs, and that he [Pg 111] supported him in his combat with the dragon.

‘That Mrs. Pordage and Mrs. Flavel had their angels standing by them also; and that the spirits often came into the chamber, and drew the curtains when they were in bed.’

The developement of the story, which is not necessary for my purpose, exhibits the combined effects of mysticism, superstition and sensuality, which evidently produced a disordered state of the sensorium, and gave rise to the visions, which were admitted by the parties. It is indeed, an awful truth, well known to physicians who see many lunatics, that religious melancholy is one of the most frequent causes of the Dæmonomania .

The subject of latent lunacy is an untouched field, which would afford the [Pg 112] richest harvest to a skilful and diligent observer. Cervantes has immortalized himself, by displaying the effect of one bad species of composition on the hero of his satire, [23] and Butler has delineated the evils of epidemic religious and political frenzy; but it remains as a task for some delicate pencil, to trace the miseries introduced into private families, by a state of mind, which “sees more devils than vast hell can hold,” and which yet affords no proof of derangement, sufficient to justify the seclusion of the unhappy invalid.

This is a species of distress, on which no novelist has ever touched, though it is unfortunately increasing in real life; though it may be associated with worth, with genius, and with the most specious demonstrations (for a while) of general excellence.

Addison has thrown out a few hints, on this subject, in one of the Spectators; it could not escape so critical an observer of human infirmities; and I have always supposed, that if the character of Sir Roger de Coverley had been left untouched by Steele, it would have exhibited some interesting traits of this nature. As it now appears, we see nothing more than occasional absence of mind; and the peculiarities of an humourist, contracted by retirement, and by the obsequiousness of his dependants.

It has often occurred to me, that [Pg 114] Shakespeare’s character of Hamlet can only be understood, on this principle. He feigns madness, for political purposes, while the poet means to represent his understanding as really, (and unconsciously to himself) unhinged by the cruel circumstances in which he is placed. The horror of the communication made by his father’s spectre; the necessity of belying his attachment to an innocent and deserving object; the certainty of his mother’s guilt; and the supernatural impulse by which he is goaded to an act of assassination, abhorrent to his nature, are causes sufficient to overwhelm and distract a mind previously disposed to ‘weakness and to melancholy,’ and originally full of tenderness and natural affection. By referring to the book, it will be seen that his real insanity is only developed after the mock-play. Then, in place of a systematic conduct, conducive to his purposes, he becomes irresolute, inconsequent, [Pg 115] and the plot appears to stand unaccountably still. Instead of striking at his object, he resigns himself to the current of events, and sinks at length, ignobly, under the stream.

Accessory causes of delusion, regarding spectral impressions—Apparition of Desfontaines—Ghosts at Portnedown Bridge—Lucian’s story of a Split Ghost—Instance of a Ghost in two places at once.

It will readily occur to the reader, that the disposition of the mind to hallucination must sometimes be powerfully aided, and encreased, by peculiar circumstances of time and place. Chance may supply, or artifice may contrive concomitant sounds and objects, which must appal even the most incredulous observer. Even Bayle has doubted, whether the imagination alone can produce spectres, without the assistance of [Pg 118] the arts of confederacy. This point, I trust, is now decided.

An apparition which made some noise, about the beginning of the last century, that of Desfontaines , seems to have originated in a fit of deliquium, connected strongly with the recollection of a friend.

It was published in the Journal de Trevoux , in 1726, and its outline is as follows.

Mr. Bezuel , when a school-boy of 15, in 1695, contracted an intimacy with a younger boy, named Desfontaines . After talking together of the compacts which have been often made between friends, that in case of death, the spirit of the deceased should revisit the survivor, they agreed to form such a compact together, and they signed it, respectively, with their blood, in 1696. Soon after this [Pg 119] transaction, they were separated, by Desfontaines’ removal to Caen.

In July, 1697, Bezuel , while amusing himself in hay-making, near a friend’s house, was seized with a fainting fit, after which he had a bad night. Notwithstanding this attack, he returned to the meadow next day, where he again underwent a deliquium. He again slept ill. On the succeeding day, while he was observing the man laying up the hay, he had a still more severe attack. “I fell into a swoon: I lost my senses: one of the footmen perceived it, and called out for help. They recovered me a little, but my mind was more disordered than it had been before, I was told that they asked me then what ailed me, and that I answered; I have seen what I thought I should never see . But I neither remember the question, nor the answer. However, it agrees with what I remember I saw [Pg 120] then, a naked man in half-length; but I knew him not.

“They helped me to go down the ladder; I held the steps fast; but because I saw Desfontaines my school-fellow at the bottom of the ladder, I had again a fainting fit: my head got between two steps, and I again lost my senses. They let me down, and set me upon a large beam, which served for a seat in the great Place de Capucins . I sat upon it, and then I no longer saw Mr. de Sortoville , nor his servants, though they were present. And perceiving Desfontaines near the foot of the ladder, who made me a sign to come to him, I went back upon my seat, as it were to make room for him; and those who saw me, and whom I did not see, though my eyes were open, observed that motion.

“Because he did not come, I got up to go to him: he came up to me, took hold of my left arm with his right hand, and carried me thirty paces farther into a by-lane, holding me fast.

“The servants believing that I was well again, went to their business, except a little foot-boy, who told Mr. de Sortoville , that I was talking to myself. Mr. de Sortoville thought I was drunk. He came near me, and heard me ask some questions, and return some answers, as he told me since.

“I talked with Desfontaines nearly three quarters of an hour. I promised you, said he, that if I died before you, I would come and tell you so. I am dead: I was drowned in the river of Caen , yesterday, about this hour. I was walking with such and such persons. [Pg 122] It was very hot weather; the fancy took us to go into the water; I grew faint, and sunk to the bottom of the river. The Abbé Meniljean , my school-fellow, dived to take me up. I took hold of his foot; but whether he was afraid, or had a mind to rise to the top of the water, he struck out his leg so violently, that he gave me a blow on the breast, and threw me again to the bottom of the river, which is there very deep.

“He always appeared to me taller than I had seen him, and even taller than he was when he died. I always saw him in half-length, and naked, bare-headed, with his fine light hair, and a white paper upon his forehead twisted in his hair, on which there was a writing, but I could only read In &c.” [24]

These spectral impressions were repeated more than once, with conversations. The accidental death of the young man was ascertained very quickly.

This story was published by the celebrated Abbé de St. Pierre, who concluded, very justly, that the whole appearances might be explained from natural causes, though he failed in his mode of deduction.

The first impression was evidently occasioned by Bezuel’s fainting. I know, from my own experience, as well as that of others, that the approach of syncope is sometimes attended with a spectral appearance, which I believe is always a recollected image. But the subsequent attacks, in this case, appear to have been delirious; there can be little doubt that Bezuel was deceived in the length of his supposed dialogue with the spectre. We know well, how fallacious, [Pg 124] in this respect, the train of thought proves, in dreams, and in delirium.

In this case also, we perceive, what I have frequently had occasion to notice, the obstinacy with which a morbid impression is preserved, and defended, long after the restoration of health. I could give most singular, and impressive examples of this nature, if professional delicacy permitted. In one instance, which I heard from a friend on whose veracity I could depend, a gentleman fancied during the delirium of a fever, that a considerable estate had been bequeathed to him; the impression continued long after his recovery, and he was not undeceived without much trouble and difficulty.

There is a relation, published by authority, of some apparitions, which were seen at Portnedown bridge, after the [Pg 125] Irish massacre, which deserves consideration, as it must be explained on principles somewhat different.

I shall give copies of the evidence, produced by Sir John Temple, and shall then endeavour to explain the alarming appearances and sounds, on natural principles.

I. James Shaw of Market-hill in the county of Armagh , inn-keeper, deposeth, that many of the Irish rebels, in the time of this deponent’s restraint, and staying among them, told him very often, and it was a common report, that all those who lived about the bridge of Portnedown, were so affrighted with the cries and noise made there of some spirits or visions for revenge, as that they durst not stay, but fled away thence, so as they protested, affrighted to Market-hill, saying, they durst not stay nor return thither, for fear of those cries and spirits, [Pg 126] but took grounds and made creats, (Creaghs) in or near the parish of Mullabrac . Jurat. Aug. 14, 1642.

II. Joan , the relict of Gabriel Constable , late of Drumard , in the county of Armagh , gent, deposeth and saith, that she often heard the rebels, Owen O‘Farren , Patrick O‘Conellan , and divers others of the rebels at Drumard , earnestly say, protest and tell one another, that the blood of some of those that were knocked on the head, and afterwards drowned at Portnedown bridge, still remained on the bridge, and would not be washed away; and that often there appeared visions or apparitions, sometimes of men, sometimes of women, breast-high above the water, at or near Portnedown , which did most extremely and fearfully screech and cry out for vengeance against the Irish that had murdered their bodies there: and that their cries and screeches did so terrify [Pg 127] the Irish thereabouts, that none durst stay nor live longer there, but fled and removed further into the country, and this was common report amongst the rebels there, and that it passed for a truth amongst them, for any thing she could ever observe to the contrary. Jurat. Jan. 1, 1643.

III. Katherine , the relict of William Coke , late of the county of Armagh , carpenter, sworn and examined, saith, that about the 20th of December , 1641, a great number of rebels in that county, did most barbarously drown at that time one hundred and eighty protestants, men, women, and children in the river at the bridge of Portnedown ; and that about nine days afterwards, she saw a vision or spirit in the shape of a man, as she apprehended, that appeared in that river, in the place of the drowning, bolt upright heart high, with hands lifted up, and stood in that place there, until the [Pg 128] latter end of Lent next following; about which time some of the English army marching in those parts, whereof her husband was one (as he and they confidently affirmed to this deponent) saw that spirit or vision standing upright, and in the posture aforementioned; but after that time the said spirit or vision, vanished and appeared no more, that she knoweth. And she heard, but saw not, that there were other visions and apparitions, and much screeching, and strange noises heard in that river at times afterwards. Jurat. February 24, 1643.

IV. Elizabeth , the wife of Captain Rice Price of Armagh , deposeth and saith, that she and other women whose husbands were murderers, hearing of divers apparitions, and visions that were seen near Portnedown Bridge , since the drowning of her children and the rest of the protestants there, went unto the bridge aforesaid about twilight in the [Pg 129] evening; then and there upon a sudden, there appeared unto them a vision or spirit, assuming the shape of a woman, waist-high upright in the water, naked with elevated and closed hands, her hair hanging down, very white, her eyes seemed to twinkle, and her skin as white as snow; which spirit seemed to stand straight up in the water, and often repeated the word, Revenge , Revenge , Revenge ; whereat this deponent and the rest being put into a strong amazement and affright walked from the place. Jurat. January 29, 1642.

V. Arthur Arlun , of Clowarghter in the county of Cavan , Esquire, deposeth that he was credibly informed by some that were present there, that there were thirty women and young children and seven men flung into the river of Belturbet , and when some of them offered to swim for their lives, they were by the rebels, followed in carts, and knocked [Pg 130] upon the head with poles; the same day they hanged two women at Turbet ; and this deponent doth verily believe, that Rulmore O‘Rely the then sheriff, had a hand in commanding the murder of those said persons, for that he saw him write two notes which he sent to Turbet by Brian O‘Rely , upon whose coming there murders were committed: and those persons who were present also affirmed, that the bodies of those thirty persons drowned did not appear upon the water till about six weeks after past; as the said Rely came to the town, all the bodies came floating up to the very bridge; and those persons were all formerly stayed in the town by his protection, when the rest of their neighbours in the town went away. [25]

That the sounds complained of by these witnesses were mere delusions, [Pg 131] there can be no doubt. The actors in such bloody scenes are liable to tremendous recollections. The solitary hours of Charles IX. of France were rendered horrible by the repetition of the shrieks and cries which had assailed his ears during the massacre of St. Bartholomew. [26] When the mind is loaded with a sense of insupportable guilt, partial insanity is at hand; and warning, or reproaching voices distract the feelings of the sufferer.

The appearance of bodies, sitting upright in the water, was no deception, though it contributed by its horror, to the illusions of the ear. This terrific visitation has occasioned much alarm, under similar circumstances, even in modern times. We are told, that after the executions which took place, in the bay of Naples, by order of that court, [Pg 132] in 1799, the body of Carraccioli [27] was seen floating, in an erect position, several days after his death, near the vessel on board of which he had suffered. In a certain stage of putrefaction, the bodies of persons which have been immersed in water, rise to the surface, and in deep water, are supported in an erect posture, to the terror of uninstructed spectators. Menacing looks and gestures, and even words, are supplied by the affrighted imagination, with infinite facility, and referred to the horrible apparition. I insert a striking instance from Dr. Clarke. “One day, leaning out of the cabin window, by the side of an officer who was employed in fishing, the corpse of a man, newly sewed in a hammock, started half out of the water, and continued its course, with the current, towards the shore—Nothing could be more horrible: its [Pg 133] head and shoulders were visible, turning first to one side, then to the other, with a solemn and awful movement, as if impressed with some dreadful secret of the deep, which, from its watery grave it came upwards to reveal. Such sights became afterwards frequent, hardly a day passing without ushering the dead to the contemplation of the living, until at length they passed without observation.” [28]

Lucian has treated this malady of the mind with his usual severe ridicule, in one of his most entertaining dialogues, the Philopseudes . The stories of the statues, which descended at night from their pedestals, and walked about the court, are well told. But that of the inchanted stick is the best.

Eucrates says, that he became acquainted, [Pg 134] in Egypt, with Pancrates, who had resided twenty years in the subterraneous recesses, where he had learned magic from Isis herself. “At length, he persuaded me to leave all my servants at Memphis, and to follow him alone, telling me that we should not be at a loss for servants. When we came into any inn, he took a wooden pin, latch or bolt, and wrapping it in some clothes, when he had repeated a verse over it, he made it walk, and appear a man to every one. This creature went about, prepared supper, laid the cloth, and waited on us very dextrously. Then, when we had no further occasion for it, by repeating another verse, he turned it into a pin, latch or bolt again. He refused to impart the secret of this incantation to me, though very obliging in every thing else. But having hid myself, one day, in a dark corner, I caught the first verse, which consisted [Pg 135] of three syllables. After he had given his orders to the pin, he went into the market-place. Next day, in his absence, I took the pin, drest it up, and repeating those syllables, ordered it to fetch some water. When it had brought a full jar, I cried, stop, draw no more water, but be a pin again. But instead of obeying me, it went on bringing water, till it had almost filled the house. I, not able to endure this obstinacy, and fearing the return of Pancrates, lest he should be displeased, seized a hatchet, and split the pin into two pieces. But each part, taking up a jar, ran to draw more water, so that I had now two servants in place of one. In the mean time, Pancrates returned, and understanding the matter, changed them into wood again, as they were before the incantation.” We may fairly apply the Italian saying to this story; si non é vero, é ben trovato .

But there is ghostly authority for the division of a goblin, equal to most of Glanville’s histories, though I cannot now recover, the names of the parties. The relation came to me, however, from a friend of one of the Seers.

Two elderly ladies, resided, each in her ancient castle, adjoining to the other, near the borders of Scotland. While they were beguiling a tedious winter evening, with accounts of their domestic policy, the conversation insensibly turned on the subject of their household ghosts: for at that time, every venerable old mansion had an established resident of that nature, who was as well known as the family-crest.

‘Every evening, said one of the Sybils, I perceive the bust of a man, in one of the rooms, which is distinctly visible, down to the girdle.

‘And we,’ cried the other dame, ‘have the rest of his person in our castle, which perambulates the house every night; till this moment, I could not imagine how the head and shoulders of the figure were disposed of.’

I have thus presented to the reader, those facts which have afforded, to my own mind, a satisfactory explanation of such relations of spectral appearances, as cannot be refused credit, without removing all the limits and supports of human testimony. To disqualify the senses, or the veracity of those who witness unusual appearances, is the utmost tyranny of prejudice. Yet, who, till within the last fifteen years, would have dared to assert that stones fell from the clouds? Livy had regularly recorded such events, and was ridiculed for supplying those most curious facts, which must otherwise have been lost to natural history.

In like manner, I conceive that the unaffected accounts of spectral visions should engage the attention of the philosopher, as well as of the physician. Instead of regarding these stories with the horror of the vulgar, or the disdain of the sceptic, we should examine them accurately, and should ascertain their exact relation to the state of the brain, and of the external senses.

The terror of nocturnal illusions would thus be dissipated, to the infinite relief of many wretched creatures; and the appearance of a ghost would be regarded in its true light, as a symptom of bodily distemper, and of little more consequence than the head-ach and shivering attending a common catarrh.

There is reason to believe, that many persons suffer silently, from these imaginary visitations, who are deterred from divulging their distresses, by the ridicule [Pg 139] with which complaints of this nature are commonly treated. When the proper distinction is established, admitting the reality of the impression, but explaining its production in the mind alone, all difficulties of this kind may be removed, and the apprehensions of the visionary may be readily quieted.

Lastly, by the key which I have furnished, the reader of history is released from the embarrassment of rejecting evidence, in some of the plainest narratives, or of experiencing uneasy doubts, when the solution might be rendered perfectly simple.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] The experiments in this Essay appear to have been suggested, by those of Mariotte, Le Cat, and Bernoulli.

[2] Zoonomia, Sect. xi. 2.

[3] Sect. xi. 8.

[4] Voyage d’Islande, in the Ambigu.

[5] I subjoin the original account, as it will amuse the reader.

“In the course of my repeated tours through the Harz, [6] I ascended the Broken twelve times; but I had the good fortune only twice, (both times about Whitsuntide) to see that atmospheric phenomenon, called the Spectre of the Broken, which appears to me worthy of particular attention, as it must, no doubt, be observed on other high mountains, which have a situation favorable for producing it. The first time I was deceived by this extraordinary phenomenon, I had clambered up to the summit of the Broken very early in the morning, in order to wait for the inexpressibly beautiful view of the sun rising in the east. The heavens were already streaked with red; the sun was just appearing above the horizon in full majesty, and the most perfect serenity prevailed throughout the surrounding country, when the other Harz mountains in the south west, towards the Worm mountains, &c. lying under the Broken began to be covered by thick clouds. Ascending at that moment the granite rocks called the Tempelskanzel, there appeared before me, though at a great distance, towards the Worm mountains and the Achtermannshöhe, the gigantic figure of a man, as if standing on a large pedestal. But scarcely had I discovered it when it began to disappear, the clouds sunk down speedily and expanded, and I saw the phenomenon no more. The second time, however, I saw this spectre somewhat more distinctly, a little below the summit of the Broken, and near the Heinnichshohe, as I was looking at the sun rising, about four o’clock in the morning. The weather was rather tempestuous; the sky towards the level country was pretty clear, but the Harz mountains had attracted several thick clouds, which had been hovering round them, and which beginning on the Broken confined the prospect. In these clouds, soon after the rising of the sun, I saw my own shadow, of a monstrous size, move itself for a couple of seconds in clouds, and the phenomenon disappeared. It is impossible to see this phenomenon, except when the sun is at such an altitude as to throw his rays upon the body in a horizontal direction; for, if he is higher, the shadow is thrown rather under the body than before it. In the month of September last year, as I was making a tour through the Harz with a very agreeable party, and ascended the Broken, I found an excellent account, and explanation of this phenomenon, as seen by M. Haue on the 23rd of May 1797, in his diary of an excursion to that mountain. I shall therefore take the liberty of transcribing it.

“After having been here for the thirtieth time,” says M. Haue, “and, besides other objects of my attention, having procured information respecting the above-mentioned atmospheric phenomenon, I was at length so fortunate as to have the pleasure of seeing it; and perhaps my description may afford satisfaction to others who visit the Broken through curiosity. The sun rose about four o’clock, and the atmosphere being quite serene towards the east, his rays could pass without any obstruction over the Heinnichshohe. In the south west, however, towards the Achtermannshöhe, a brisk west wind carried before it their transparent vapours, which were not yet condensed into thick heavy clouds. About a quarter past four I went towards the inn, and looked round to see whether the atmosphere would permit me to have a free prospect to the south west; when I observed, at a very great distance towards the Achtermannshöhe, a human figure of a monstrous size. A violent gust of wind having almost carried away my hat, I clapped my hand to it by moving my arm towards my head, and the colossal figure did the same. The pleasure which I felt on this discovery can hardly be described; for I had already walked many a weary step in the hope of seeing this shadowy image without being able to satisfy my curiosity. I immediately made another movement by bending my body, and the colossal figure before me repeated it. I was desirous of doing the same thing once more, but my colossus had vanished. I remained in the same position, waiting to see whether it would return, and in a few minutes it again made its appearance in the Achtermannshöhe. I paid my respects to it a second time and it did the same to me. I then called the landlord of the Broken; and having both taken the same position which I had taken alone, we looked toward the Achtermannshöhe, but saw nothing. We had not, however, stood long, when two such colossal figures were formed over the above eminence, which repeated our compliment by bending their bodies as we did; after which they vanished. We retained our position; kept our eyes fixed upon the same spot, and in a little the two figures again stood before us, and were joined by a third. Every movement that we made by bending our bodies, these figures imitated—but with this difference, that the phenomenon was sometimes weak and faint, sometimes strong and well defined. Having thus had an opportunity of discovering the whole secret of this phenomenon, I can give the following information to such of my readers as may be desirous of seeing it themselves. When the rising sun, and according to analogy the case will be the same at the setting sun, throws his rays over the Broken upon the body of a man standing opposite to fine light clouds floating around, or hovering past him, he needs only fix his eye steadfastly upon them, and in all probability, he will see the singular spectacle of his own shadow extending to the length of five or six hundred feet, at the distance of about two miles before him. This is one of the most agreeable phenomena, I ever had an opportunity of remarking on the great observations of Germany. Philosophical Magazine, vol. i. page 232.

[6] The Harz mountains are situated in Hanover.

[7] Lib. i. p. 76, 77. Nam aut in vultu fœditas est, ac turpitudo, aut uncis, hamisque, quales obscænis vulturibus insunt manus pedesve depravatos habent, aut denique insolita, atque insigni aliqua nota quæ naturæ immanitatem prodant, conspicuos se ostendunt. Joannes Piscator, Henaezel; Salome, Catharina Balandræa, Nicolæa Ganatia, Sennel Armentaria, et Joanna Gerardina, retulerunt se & sæpe, et otiosé, atque attenté considerasse suos Magistellos, cum præsentes colloquerentur; observasseque semper illis obscuras atrasque fuisse facies: ac (quod Jornandes dicit de Hunnis, quos Demonibus incubis satos ferunt) offæ similes: lumina penitus abdita, flammæ tamen instar micantia: Oris rictus sparsos, profundos, ac perpetuó olidi, sulphureique aliquid æstuantes: manus strigosas, et villis atque hamis deformes: pedes corneos bifidosque: staturam nunquam justam, sed aut brevitate aut vastitate semper aliqua insolentem, totamque adeo Seriem extra modum.

Addit Alexia Belhoria, illum se aliquando vidisse capite, vel pede altero truncum, mutilumque, cum forté saltationes nocturnas uná cum suis agitaret. Quæ res me in memoriam inducit ejus rumoris, qui me puero circumferebatur de Empusis, quarum frequentes de nocte choreæ in triviis tum videri ferebantur ( la Mequie Hennequin ) id est, familiam Hellequinam vocitabant: nam Hellequinos ab incubis Dæmonibus suam traxisse originem non ignobiles Scriptores prodiderunt.

Nicolæa Ganatia, Eva Hesoletia, Jana Nigra Armacuriana, ac pleræque aliæ vocem illis esse aiunt, qualem emittunt, qui os in dolium, aut testam rimosam, insertum habent.... Aut certé exilem et debilem, p. 80.

In the 6th chapter, Remy has indulged his curiosity in a most extraordinary, and almost reprehensible manner.

Ab hoc qui nobis istos concubitus, succubitusque Dæmonum memorant uno ore loquuntur omnes, nihil iis frigidius &c. The other details are too shocking to be repeated, p. 55.

[8] Cardanus de vita propria, cap. 37.

[9] Drummond’s Works, p. 224.

[10] Beaumont’s Treatise, p. 91, 4.

[11] Die 13 Septembris amb. illi Juvenes ad me redierunt, dicentes: Ne metue, sed rei quæ Tibi exhibebitur, attende! 2. Et conspexi ante me subito circulum quandam, magni solis instar, rubrum, ac velut sanguineum: in quo lineæ fuerunt, seu maculæ, albæ & nigræ, tanta mixtura se invicem variantes, ut jam nigrarum, jam albarum major cerneretur numerus: duravitque spectaculum istud per justum spatium. 3. Et cum ad me dixissent Aspice! Attende! nihil metue! nihil tibi accidet mali! 4. Ecce fulmen tribus vicibus exigui temporis intervallis sibi succedentibus intonuit, tam horrendé et terribilé, ut totus obrigescerem. 5. Circulus autem ille stabat porro coram me, maculæque albæ á nigris disjungebant sese: et circulus accessit tám propé mihi, ut manu tangere potuissem. 6. Fuit autem tam speciosus, ut toto vitæ tempore amænioris rei speciem nullam viderim: et maculæ albæ adeò candidæ ác jucundæ, ut admirationis modum nón invenerim. 7. Sed aliæ illæ maculæ à nube quadam horribilitér caliginosâ ablatæ sunt: in quâ nube tristem audivi ejulatum, etsi viderem neminem. 8. Verba tamén ejulatûs et lamentorum fuerant, bené perceptibilia, hæc; væ nobis qui nos caliginosæ nubi permisimus abstrahi à rotundo Divinæ gratiæ sanguine rubente circulo, quô nos Dei gratia in Christo dilectissimo filio suo comprehensos concluserat.

Lux é Tenebris , p. 119.

[12] Jortin’s Rem. on Ecclesiast. Hist. App. to vol. I.

[13] Eighth Relation, p. 202.

[14] De Miraculis Mortuorum.

[15] Wepfer. Histor. Apoplectic. p. 459.

[16] Garmann de Cadaverum Mumiis. Lib. iii. Tit. ii. p. 1042, 3.

[17] On Genius.

[18] De Apparitionibus mortuorum, Vivis ex Pacto factis. Lips. 1709.

[19] Baronii Annales.—This story was told to Baronius, by the grandson of Mercato, who was Proto-notary of the church, and a man of the greatest probity, as well as of general knowledge.

[20] De vita propria, cap. 38.

[21] Cap. 37.

[22] Polyhistor. Literar. Lib. i. Cap. 19. 9. Tom i. p. 217.

[23] There are beauties, in the character of Don Quixote, which can only be understood by persons accustomed to lunatics. The dexterity and readiness with which he reconciles all events with the wayward system which he has adopted: his obstinacy in retaining and defending false impressions, and the lights of natural sagacity, and cultivated eloquence, which break frequently through the cloud that dims his understanding, are managed with consummate knowledge of partial insanity, though it is sometimes hardly perceptible to the general reader.

[24] Memoirs de Trevoux, T. viii.—1726.

[25] Hist. of the Irish Rebellion, by Sir John Temple, Kt.—p. 123.

[26] Mem. de Sully, Liv. i.

[27] Clarke’s Life of Nelson, vol. II.

[28] Second Part of Clarke’s “Travels in various parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.” Page 268.

Transcriber’s Notes

New original cover art included with this eBook is granted to the public domain.

Spelling, punctuation, accents, and grammar have been preserved as printed in the original publication except as follows:

1. Page number for Chapter II in the Contents changed from 28 to 30.

2. Page number for Chapter V in the Contents, 117, added.

3. Contents page: Changed “Proofs of spectral inpressions” to “Proofs of spectral impressions”

4. Page 13: Changed “begin this discussion, by admiting” to “begin this discussion, by admitting”

5. Page 20: Changed “desart and inaccessible places” to “desert and inaccessible places”

6. Page 28: Changed “in this intance” to “in this instance”

7. Page 32: Changed punctuation from “with great precipitation,” to “with great precipitation.”

8. Page 42: Removed hyphen: “as shew how-easily” to “as shew how easily”

9. Page 65: Changed punctuation from “another lady whom he named,” to “another lady whom he named.”

10. Page 87: Changed “ Pandæmonum ” to “ Pandæmonium ”

11. Page 103: The author’s Greek “ψυχή δε κατα χθονὸς ήὕτε καπνὸς Ὤχετο τετριγυῖα.” was changed to “ψυχὴ δὲ κατὰ χθονὸς ἠΰτε καπνὸς ᾤχετο τετριγυῖα.”

12. Page 111: Changed “effects of mysticism, supperstition” to “effects of mysticism, superstition”

13. Page 122: Removed extra period from “&c..” to “&c.”

14. Page 137: Changed punctuation from “lost to natural history,” to “lost to natural history.”

15. Footnote #1: Changed “Bernouilli” to “Bernoulli”

16. Footnote #5: Changed “Worm mountains and the Achtermaunshohe” to “Worm mountains and the Achtermannshöhe”

17. Footnote #5: Changed “to see that atmospheric phonomenon” to “to see that atmospheric phenomenon”

18. Footnote #7: Changed “Jormandes” to “Jornandes”

19. Footnote #9: Changed “Such sights as youthfnl poets dream” to “Such sights as youthful poets dream”

20. Footnote #19: Changed “who was Proto-nothary of the church” to “who was Proto-notary of the church”

*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AN ESSAY TOWARDS A THEORY OF APPARITIONS ***

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The Project Gutenberg eBook of An essay towards a theory of apparitions

THEORY
OF
APPARITIONS.

CONTENTS.

PREFACE.

THEORY
OF
APPARITIONS.

OF THE
THEORY OF APPARITIONS.

CHAPTER I.

§ I.

CHAP. II.

§ II.

CHAP. III.

CHAP. IV.

§ III.

CHAP. V.

FOOTNOTES:

Transcriber’s Notes

THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE

Chapter I. Reality of spectral impressions—General law of the system, to which they may be referred—Division of the subject—Spectral illusions exemplified	13
Chapter II. A lawyer’s argument for the existence of witchcraft—Proofs of spectral impressions, from recollected perceptions—New England witches—Cardan—Donne—Jonson—The maid of France—and other visionaries	30
Chapter III. Beaumont’s Visions—Those of Tasso—Kotter—Drabicius—Arise Evans—Bovet	69
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, regarding spectral impressions—Apparition of Desfontaines—Ghosts at Portnedown Bridge—Lucian’s story of a Split Ghost—Instance of a Ghost in two places at once.	117

The Project Gutenberg eBook of An essay towards a theory of apparitions

THEORY OF APPARITIONS.

CONTENTS.

PREFACE.

THEORY OF APPARITIONS.

OF THE THEORY OF APPARITIONS.

CHAPTER I.

§ I.

CHAP. II.

§ II.

CHAP. III.

CHAP. IV.

§ III.

CHAP. V.

FOOTNOTES:

Transcriber’s Notes

THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE

THEORY
OF
APPARITIONS.

THEORY
OF
APPARITIONS.

OF THE
THEORY OF APPARITIONS.