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A TREATISE ON MESMERISM.
Towards the end of the eighteenth century science was sundered as widely by the apparition of Mesmer as art had been by that of Gluck.

After re-discovering magnetism Mesmer came to France, where, from time immemorial, inventors have flocked to obtain recognition for their discoveries.

France, thanks to her lucid language, is in some sense the clarion of the world.
"If homoeopathy gets to Paris it is saved," said Hahnemann, recently.
"Go to France," said Monsieur de Metternich to Gall, "and if they laugh at your bumps you will be famous." Mesmer had disciples and antagonists as ardent for and against his theories as the Piccinists and the Gluckists for theirs.

Scientific France was stirred to its center; a solemn conclave was opened.