"Spectral Illusions" an essay extracted from "Chambers's Miscellany of Useful and Entertaining Tracts Vol. VIII"
[ Edinburgh ]: [ Willam and Robert Chambers ], [ 1847 ]. First Edition. Softcover. Small octavo. 32pp, b&w illustration. Modern stiff black cloth, with inset printed paper title label on upper cover. A section - complete in itself - apparently extracted from "Chambers's Miscellany of Useful and Entertaining Tracts Vol. VIII" and bound thus. An interesting essay - the author clearly thinks that most spectral visions are illusory, either being some natural phenomenon or the result of hysteria, some affectation of the brain, drunkenness or the use of narcotics. He suggests that if opium be the cause, then a "gradual cessation of its use is advisable", in the case of "affectation of the brain" "leeches or cupping may be tried in the first place" and should that fail "local or general blood letting." From the collection of Dr. M. H. Coleman, with his blindseal through the first blank. Binding fresh and clean, pages lightly browned at margins but otherwise fresh and unmarked. Overall a tight unmarked VG+ copy. Scarce. Item #65037
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