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Properties attributed to the influence of a particular principle, which has been compared to that which characterizes the magnet. It is supposed to be transmitted from one person to another, and to impress peculiar modifications on organic action, especially on that of the nerves. The discussions, to which this strange belief has given rise, are by no means terminated. There is no evidence whatever of the existence of such a fluid. Highly impressible persons can be thrown into a kind of hysteric or 'magnetic' sleep and somnambulism, (designated by Mr. Braid, hypnotism, neuro-hypnotism, and nervous sleep); but farther than this, the efforts of the magnetizer cannot reach. It is a mode of action upon the nerves through the medium of the senses.