CONTENTS. Page. CHAPTER I. Reality of spectral impressions— General law of the system, to which they may CHAPTER II. A lawyer's argument for the exist- ence of witchcraft-Proofs of spectral inpres- sions, from recollected perceptions-New Eng- Chapter IV. Medical distinctions of spectral impressions. Sepulchral remedies: Preparations of the human skull—Mumia-Apparition of Ficinus to Michael Mercato—Warning voice garding 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. PRE FAC E. W HEN 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, А as an additional source of revenue to the state. But when I consider the delight with which stories of apparitions are received by persons of all ages, and of the most various kinds of knowledge and ability, I cannot help feeling some degree of complacency, in offering to the makers and readers of such stories, a view of the subject, which may extend their enjoyment far beyond its former limits. It has given me pain to see the most fearful and ghastly commencements of a tale of horror reduced to mere common events, at the winding up of the book. I have looked, also, with much compassion, on the pitiful instruments of sliding pannels, trap-doors, backstairs, wax-work figures, smugglers, robbers, coiners, and other vulgar machinery, which authors of tender consciences have |