MENTAL MAGNETISM: A STUDY OF THE SEVEN REALMS OF MIND AND MASTERY IN THE CONFLICTS OF LIFE
Book Details + Condition: Ralston University Press (Meriden, CT). First reprint edition, 1924. Hardcover. Measures 9.75" x 7". 448 pages. Firm binding; lightly rubbed corners and edges; interior is clean and free of markings, save pencilled owner (etc) info on front free endpaper. An unusual volume detailing the step-by-step method on controlling the minds of others, by the founder of the health and utopian movement Ralstonism, Edmund Shaftesbury [pseudonym of Webster Edgerly]. Ralstonism was a social cult movement in the 19th century, and the brainchild of Edgerly (1852–1926). Ralstonism began as the Ralston Health Club, which published Edgerly's writings. He offered pseudo-scientific advice on everything from sex and marriage, to walking. Edgerly became well known – even counting Queen Victoria among his readers. Unfortunately, he was also a proponent of eugenics, attempting to “improve” the human race with selective breeding, free from “impurities”. His racist beliefs advocated the castration of all "anti-racial" (non-Caucasian) males at birth. Edgerly wrote 82 of what would today be called self-help books, covering subjects such as diet, exercise, sexual magnetism, deep breathing, and facial expressions. Edgerly also created his own language, called the "Adam-Man-Tongue" with a 33-letter alphabet. The Magnestim Club of America, another Ralstonite organization, was founded to give its members control over the minds of others. Edgerly also helped found the Ralston Purina Pet Food Company, which today includes the products Chex and Cookie Crisp.
