Occult Sciences 2 Volume Set

Volume 1: Preface; A biographical sketch of M. Salverte Francois Arago; Preface by the editor; Introduction; 1. Man is credulous because he is naturally sincere; 2. Difference between miracles and prodigies; 3. Enumeration and discussion of causes; 4. Real but rare phenomena successfully held up as prodigies proceeding from the intervention of a divine power, and believed because men were ignorant that a phenomenon could be local and periodical; 5. Magic; 6. Trial of skill between the thaumaturgists; 7. Errors mingled with the positive truths of science; 8. Safeguards of the mystery that surrounded the occult sciences; 9. Notwithstanding the rivalry of religious sects, the spirit of a fixed form of civilization existed; 10. Enumeration of the wonders that the thaumaturgists acquired the power of working, by the practice of the occult science; 11. Apparent miracles performed by mechanism; 12. Acoustics; 13. Optics; 14. Hydrostatics; 15. Secrets employed in working apparent miracles, in initiations, and in religious rites; 16. Secrets to work upon the senses of the animals. Volume 2: 1. Preparations of drugs and beverages, some soporific, others for producing temporary imbecility; 2. Effect of perfumes on the moral nature of man; 3. Influence of the imagination, seconded by physical accessories; 4. Medicine formed a part of the occult science; 5. Poisonous substances; 6. Sterility of the soil; 7. Meteorology; 8. The art of drawing lightning from the clouds; 9. Phosphorescent substances; 10. Compositions similar to gunpowder; 11. The thaumaturgists might have worked pretended miracles with the air-gun, the power of steam, and the magnet; 12. Conclusion; Illustrations; Index.