CHAPTER XII.

Conclusion — Principles followed in the course of the discussion — Reply to the objection that the scientific acquirements of the an- cients are lost — Democritus alone, among them, occupied himself with observations on experimental philosophy — This philosopher perceived, in the operations of magic, the scientific application of the laws of Nature — Utility of studying the apparent miracles of the ancients in this point of view — The Thaumaturgists did not connect together their learned conceptions by any theory, which is a proof that they had received them from a prior period — The first Thaumaturgists cannot be accused of imposi- tion ; but it would be dangerous, in this day, to attempt to sub- jugate a people by apparent miracles ; voluntary obedience to the laws is a certain consequence of the happiness which just legislation procures to men. . . 263 — 271
Illustrations .... 273—353
General Index . . . 355—387
THE PHILOSOPHY
OF
MAGIC, PRODIGIES,
AND
APPARENT MIRACLES.