Dangers in Psychology
21
Herald, February 18, 1862
, now in
Testimonies for the Church 1:290-
302
.
The reference to phrenology, psychology, and mesmerism, as here
combined, describing the manner in which Satan takes advantage of
the human mind, may seem a bit obscure to one not familiar with
the literature of the time and its emphasis. Scientific works devoted
to physiology and the care of the sick carried advertising lists at the
back informing the public of literature available. One such work,
The Water Cure Manual (284 pages), published in 1850 by Fowlers
and Wells, carries a list of sixty-five different works on physical and
mental health, and of these, twenty-three are devoted to phrenology,
psychology, mesmerism, and clairvoyance. We reproduce here a few
items:
Elements of animal magnetism; or, process and practical applica-
tion for relieving human suffering. $.12 1/2
Familiar lessons on phrenology and physiology. Muslin, in one
volume. Beautifully Illustrated. $2.00
Fascination; or the Philosophy of Charming (Magnetism). Illus-
trating the principles of life. Illustrated. $.40
Lectures on the Philosophy of Mesmerism and Clairvoyance. With
instruction in its process and practical application. $.25
Psychology, or the Science of the Soul. With engravings of the
nervous system. By Joseph Haddock, Md. $.25
Phrenology and the Scriptures (Showing their Harmony). By rev.
John Pierpont. $.12 1/2
Philosophy of Electrical Psychology. By John Bovee Dods. $.50
In Dr. Sylvester Graham’s 650-page Lectures on the Science of
Human Life (1865), with “a biographical sketch of the author,” many
of the same works are advertised, this time grouped and placed under
such headings as “Works on Phrenology,” “Hydropathy; or, Water
Cure,” “Mesmerism-Psychology,” etc. in connection with the eight-
page account of “The Life of Sylvester Graham” nearly a full page is
devoted to “Phrenological Description.” Thus Ellen White was writing
of matters which at that time were very much before the public.—
Compilers.
] he comes more directly to the people of this generation
and works with that power which is to characterize his efforts near the
close of probation. The minds of thousands have thus been poisoned
and led into infidelity.
[20]