Occult Sciences
The Philosophy of Magic, Prodigies and Apparent Miracles
2 Volume Set

Table of Contents

Volume 1: Preface
A biographical sketch of M. Salverte Francois Arago
Preface by the editor
Introduction
1. Man is credulous because he is naturally sincere
2. Difference between miracles and prodigies
3. Enumeration and discussion of causes
4. Real but rare phenomena successfully held up as prodigies proceeding from the intervention of a divine power, and believed because men were ignorant that a phenomenon could be local and periodical
5. Magic
6. Trial of skill between the thaumaturgists
7. Errors mingled with the positive truths of science
8. Safeguards of the mystery that surrounded the occult sciences
9. Notwithstanding the rivalry of religious sects, the spirit of a fixed form of civilization existed
10. Enumeration of the wonders that the thaumaturgists acquired the power of working, by the practice of the occult science
11. Apparent miracles performed by mechanism
12. Acoustics
13. Optics
14. Hydrostatics
15. Secrets employed in working apparent miracles, in initiations, and in religious rites
16. Secrets to work upon the senses of the animals. Volume 2:
1. Preparations of drugs and beverages, some soporific, others for producing temporary imbecility
2. Effect of perfumes on the moral nature of man
3. Influence of the imagination, seconded by physical accessories
4. Medicine formed a part of the occult science
5. Poisonous substances
6. Sterility of the soil
7. Meteorology
8. The art of drawing lightning from the clouds
9. Phosphorescent substances
10. Compositions similar to gunpowder
11. The thaumaturgists might have worked pretended miracles with the air-gun, the power of steam, and the magnet
12. Conclusion
Illustrations
Index.