Grimes, J[ames] Stanley.

Etherology, and the Phreno-Philosophy of Mesmerism and Magic Eloquence: Including a New Philosophy of Sleep and of Consciousness, with a Review of the Pretensions of Phreno-Magnetism, Electro-Biology, &c.. . . Revised and Edited by W. G. Le Duc. [Bound with as published:] Compend of Phreno-Philosophy of Human Nature.

Boston and Cambridge: James Munroe and Company; London: Edward T. Whitfield, 1850. The second edition, revised, the first having appeared in 1845. 8vo, original blind-stamped brown cloth, gilt lettering, 251, [2], vii, [1], 121 pages. Illus. Spine and board edges sunned and faded; a little foxing and light staining; a few gatherings just a trifle sprung; a very good copy. Item #19773

“The publishers of the first edition had issued only 1,500 copies, when they failed, and the work, which was not stereotyped, was abandoned. During the past winter, the book has been industriously sought after but with little success. Copies are so rarely to be met with, that one in this city was sold for $5.00, and one in Philadelphia for $10.00.” The chief publications on the subject from the lawyer and prominent “erratic philosopher” (DAB), who devoted much time and energy to the pursuit of speculative sciences and pseudo-sciences. Grimes makes an argument here that unconscious suggestion (“Etheropathic influence”) is responsible for alleged spiritualist manifestations. Includes a fairly rigorous experimental protocol for testing hypnotic influence, somnambulism, etc. See Crabtree 515 for the 1845 edition.

Price: $150.00