Biology,—Moneyology,—&c.

Wheatland, 10th, in 6th, 1849.

F. Douglass, Dear Friend.—I am on my return from a short visit to Rochester. While there, I spent one evening at Corinthian Hall. When I entered, the announced lecture had already commenced. The speaker seemed laboring to show the influnce of mind upon mind. To one having a tolerable knowledge of human nature, this is no new doctrine. The illustrations in the experiments which followed the lecture were certainly an amusing exhibition of the almost unlimited control on person may exert over the tastes and prejudices, affections and repulsions of another.

After the lecture some fifteen or twenty persons of both sexes, voluntarily came forward to ascertain whether they were susceptible of receiving the mysterious influence. A half dime set in zince was then placed in each of their hands upon which they were directed to place their entire attention—unnecessary advice, one would suppose, in this age of acquisitiveness. This being done for some five minues, the operator in a very quiet manner, made a few passes over the forehead and eyes of each, and then another pause; when the same operation was again performed, and then another pause, when the operator again passed and took from each the precious metal which lay before the. Some were so stupid as not to mind it, while others appeared not quite so contented in parting with the attractive gem. Let me here suggest for the benefit of friends Fiske and Burr, that they obtain some California gold to place in the hands of their subjects. It strikes me that it would have the remarkable effect of quieting their nerves in much less time than silver. And if suffered to remain there it might have the excellent effect of allying the California fever. But to pass on.

There was another performance not very easily described, when it was ascertained who were, and who were not under the influence of the operator. Four of the number were then asked to take seats upon the platform—one a lad of about sixteen, the son of a rela[...] of mine (by marriage) living near the city. One seemed not inclined to go, but the precious metal being placed before his eyes, he seemed unavoidably drawn in the direction of and upon the platform.

Various amusing experiments were then performed, plainly evincing that the subjects were to a great extent, if not wholly under the influence of the operator, and this too while apparently awake. Water seemed to them to taste like vinegar, honey, peppermint, cologne, or anything that frind Fiske chose to have it taste. They were placed in various positions and then told to alter their position if they could. Every effort seemed unavailing. Their condition was unchangeable till told "all right," when they were instantly as if by magic restored to the entire possession of all their faculties and muscles. Their memory was taken and restored at will. Objects were made to assume different colors. Now the building was a Court House, and their number divided in the court, counsel, officer, and prisoner,—now the scene was changed and the entire building enveloped in flames,—instantly those magic words "all right," would restore them to their wonted composure. It was truly diverting to see cold water called vinegar by one, and honey by his next neighbor.

"What, sir, do you call that stuff honey?"

"I do sir."

"Allow me to tell you that you are not judge of taste."

"Do you intend to insult me, sir?"

"Not at all, only that you are very much mistaken sir."

Poor fellows, each thought himself right, yet both were mistaken. What a picture of life!

But a brother hints that I may make my article too long to be received. A proposition to Fiske and Burr, and I close. You are aware that about one in every six of the population of this country is a Slave—that this nation is so completely under the controlling influence of some three hundred thousand individuals that they make them believe we have a democratic government, and that our institutions for the diffusion of Light, Liberty, and general prosperity are unequalled. You must be conscious that men and women somewhere have been too long gazing upon the glittring coin, that thousands upon thousands of your fellow citizens are in a delusion, and that this spell may prove fatal if too long continued. Can't it be thrown off? Suppose you place yourselves upon the California side of this nation, and place the precious metal sufficiently near the eyes of slaveholders and their abettors, to draw them by its magic influence to the regions of gold. This should be done in such a manner that the victims of their cupidity—their slaves, may be left behind. If you can get the thing effected, the mysterious delusion that now rests upon this nation may be removed—the spell broken. But if this experiment does not succeed, suppose you practice your art of turning white to black and black to white. To be sure the blacks at the South are gradually turning white, but if it could all be done up at once, on as short notice as you perform this operation in Corinthian Hall, it would be exceedingly difficult for masters to identify their slaves when they chose to leave them. They would make so many blunders that they would soon give up the Peculiar Institution as a bad job. Now my friends, if you will turn your attention to this subject, you will soon be able to decide whether my proposition is a feasible one. If however, you will consent to use the subject of slavery as well as the Salem Witchcraft, to illustrate your position of the potency of mind upon mind, and honestly and fearlessly show up the unnatural relation that exists between Master and Slave, the North and the South, the slaveholder and his northern patron—and do no more than this, you will not only do a good deed for your country, but be doing none the less to advance your favorite science.

L. M.