The event on which this fiction is founded has been suppused, by Dr Darwin and some of the physiological writers of Germany, as not of Impossible occurrence. I shall not be supposed as according the remotest degree of serious faith to such an imagination; yet. in assuming it as the basis of a work of fancy, I have not considered myself as merely weaving a series of supernatural terrors. The event on which the interest of the stay depends is exempt from the disadvantages of a mere tale of spectres or enchantment. It was recommended by the novelty of the situations which it developes, and however Impossible as a physical fact, affords a of view to the Imagination for the delineating of human passions more comprehensive and commanding than any which the ordinary relations of existing events can yield.
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