use of amulets; and notwithstanding the absurdity and irrationality of the idea, and its constant refutation by every day's observation, the masses embraced it with implicit confidence, and clung to it for centuries. In later times, the hand of an English king graciously applied to a person afflicted with scrofula, gout, rheumatism, or other chronic affection, came to be regarded as a sovereign remedy for numerous disorders. Less than two centuries ago the Royal Touch was regarded as nearly infallible throughout all Europe. Charles II. is said to have applied his hand in that way to about one hundred thousand patients, a great majority of whom recovered. Less than a century ago, even within the memory of many still living, the famous Dr. Perkins cured diseases in nearly the same way, by means of his metallic points. Near the close of the last century he introduced his great discovery into Great Britain. His first patients were among the higher classes, and his success was so rapid that in a short time a great portion of the English nobility were cured, or imagined themselves cured, of numerous grave disorders, by the use of these
