1849. It was the author's principal design to present, in a succinct form, opinions and many important facts dispensed through a variety of volumes. Mr. Blakeman's object was to allude to the mental origin of the various popular superstitions that have extensively prevailed among mankind at different periods and briefly to illustrate the physiological and mental influences by which they were fostered and strengthened, often to such a degree as to assume the direction of popular belief and the general sentiment of mankind during their usurpations. Contents: witchcraft; dreams; ghosts; ecstasy, trance, etc.; empiricism and quackery; homeopathy; mesmerism; essay on animal fascination or charming.