UNIVERSAL MAGNETISM: A PRIVATE TRAINING COURSE IN THE MAGNETIC CONTROL OF OTHERS, BY THE MOST POWERFUL OF ALL KNOWN METHODS
Book Details + Condition: Ralston University Press (Meriden, CT). Early edition, 1925 (the first being in 1924). Scarce complete 2-volume set. Hardcover. Measures 9.75" x 7". 654 pages across both volumes. In very good condition, with firm bindings; clean interiors, save pencilled owner to ffep of Vol I; a few old dog-eared pages in the middle of Vol I. An unusual and thorough analysis detailing the benefits and problems of mental magnetism and hypnotism. Chapters include:
- Estate of Control
- Realm of Control
- Realm of the Crystal Mind
- Realm of Special Powers
- Realm of Exaltation
- Protection Against Hypnotism
- Realm of the Estate of Hell
- Realm of the Estate of Peace
- Estate of Will-Power
- Estate of Personal Attainment
Written 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, andfacial 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.
