o investigate the subject. These
gentlemen declared that no theory of magnetism existed, whereas
Swedenborg had studied and promulgated it ever since the year 1720.
Monsieur de Thome seizes this opportunity to show the reason why so many
men of science relegated Swedenborg to oblivion while they delved into
his treasure-house and took his facts to aid their work. 'Some of the
most illustrious of these men,' said Monsieur de Thome, alluding to
the 'Theory of the Earth' by Buffon, 'have had the meanness to wear the
plumage of the noble bird and refuse him all acknowledgment'; and he
proved, by masterly quotations drawn from the encyclopaedic works of
Swedenborg, that the great prophet had anticipated by over a century the
slow march of human science. It suffices to read his philosophical and
mineralogical works to be convinced of this. In one passage he is
seen as the precursor of modern chemistry by the announcement that the
productions of organized nature are decomposable and resolve into two
simple principles; also that water, air, and fire are _not elements_. In
another, he goes in a few words to the heart of magnetic mysteries and
deprives Mesmer of the honors of a first knowledge of them.

"There," said Monsieur Becker, pointing to a long shelf against the
wall between the stove and the window on which were ranged books of all
sizes, "behold him! here are seventeen works from his pen, of which one,
his 'Philosophical and Mineralogical Works,' published in 1734, is in
three folio volumes. These productions, which prove the incontestable
knowledge of Swedenborg, were given to me by Monsieur Seraphitus, his
cousin and the father of Seraphita.

"In 1740," continued Monsieur Becker, after a slight pause, "Swedenborg
fell into a state of absolute silence, from which he emerged to bid
farewell to all his earthly occupations; after which his thoughts turned
exclusively to the Spiritual Life. He received the first commands of
heaven in 1745, and he thus relates the nature of the vocation to
which he was called: One evening, in London, after dining with a great
appetite, a thick white mist seemed to fill his room. When the
vapor dispersed a creature in human form rose from one corner of the
apartment, and said in a stern tone, 'Do not eat so much.' He refrained.
The next night the same man returned, radiant in light, and said to him,
'I am sent of God, who has chosen you to explain to men the meaning of
his Word and his Crea