MAGNETISM AND MAGIC — By Baron Du Potet De Sennevoy (Baron Jules Denis), Edited and Translated By A.H.E. Lee — 1st U.S. Edition / 1st Printing, 1927 — Spiritism, Mediumship, Conjuring Spirits, Levitation, Black Magic, Claimed to Have Discovered Animal Magnetism Publisher: Frederick A. Stokes Company, New York (1927; No Date Provided)
Very scarce first translation copy from 1927 of "Magnetism and Magic" by Baron Du Potet De Sennevoy, in excellent condition. The boards and binding are solid and tight save light shelfwear. The pages are crisp and clean. 151 pages, followed by Index at rear.
Du Potet de Sennevoy, or Baron Jules Denis (1796-1881), was a leading exponent of animal magnetism in 19th-century France, and was familiar with the whole range of paranormal phenomena that figured prominently in Spiritualism. Du Potet began his experiments in 1821 and recorded his experiences in "Le Propagateur du Magnetisme Animal," a journal founded in 1827. In the "Journal de Magnetisme", founded in 1845, he claimed to have discovered in animal magnetism "the magic of antiquity." He also studied fire resistance, levitation of the human body and spirit communications, and believed that trance enabled contact with the dead and with never incarnated spirits; his circle believed in remote influence by means of magnetic currents. On a visit to England he introduced Dr. John Elliotson, the first exponent of animal magnetism in Great Britain, to the phenomena. Over the years he wrote several books that kept the issue of animal magnetism alive in France.
As a member of the Theosophical Society, his writings were quoted extensively by Helena Blavatsky, who regarded him as an adept.
