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This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Excerpt from Hallucinations: Or the Rational History of Apparitions, Visions, Dreams, Ecstasy, Magnetism, and Somnambulism The highly interesting subjects discussed in this volume, written by a very distinguished French physician, have seemed to demand a careful translation, in order that its usefulness may be more generally diffused. One of the principal propositions which the talented author has undertaken to prove is, that hallucination is not a necessary accompaniment or symptom of insanity, but that in certain cases it may be considered as a purely physiological phenomenon. He insists on the necessity of establishing an intimate union between philosophy and medicine; especially in the treatment of mental diseases. "Psychological facts," he argues, "cannot be placed on the same line with sensible facts. The brain may be the seat, but is not the creator of intellectual operations. Ideas pre-exist their sensible signs." "Does not," he argues, "the analysis of different kinds of delirium afford a solid and experimental basis to metaphysics? And is not the study of mysticism indispensable for the correct appreciation of mental alienation?" M. Brierre de Boismont treats the important and hitherto neglected subject of hallucination in various points of view, inasmuch as it bears important relations to philosophy, medicine, religion, history, morality, and jurisprudence. The apparitions of Holy Writ are handled with the reverence befitting a Christian, whilst much light is thrown on the probable origin of the hallucinations of many celebrated personages whose characters and actions were so exalted as to place them apparently above humanity. The book will offer attractions to many classes of readers. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

De Boismont's fascinating book examines the phenomenon of hallucinations, exploring their causes and effects. With a focus on the scientific and rational aspects of these experiences, he offers a nuanced view that combines insight and understanding. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.