various
diseases widely prevailing, which until recently have been generally
held to be "inscrutable providences." Finally, the closer study of
psychology, especially in its relations to folklore, has revealed
processes involved in the development of myths and legends: the
phenomena of "expectant attention," the tendency to marvel-mongering,
and the feeling of "joy in believing."

In summing up the history of this long struggle between science and
theology, two main facts are to be noted: First, that in proportion as
the world approached the "ages of faith" it receded from ascertained
truth, and in proportion as the world has receded from the "ages
of faith" it has approached ascertained truth; secondly, that, in
proportion as the grasp of theology Upon education tightened, medicine
declined, and in proportion as that grasp has relaxed, medicine has been
developed.

The world is hardly beyond the beginning of medical discoveries, yet
they have already taken from theology what was formerly its strongest
province--sweeping away from this vast field of human effort that belief
in miracles which for more than twenty centuries has been the main
stumbling-block in the path of medicine; and in doing this they have
cleared higher paths not only for science, but for religion.(328)

(328) For the rescue of medical education from the control of theology,
especially in France, see Rambaud, La Civilisation Contemporaine en
France, pp. 682, 683. For miraculous cures wrought by imagination,
see Tuke, Influence of Mind on Body, vol. ii. For opposition to the
scientific study of hypnotism, see Hypnotismus und Wunder: ein Vortrag,
mit Weiterungen, von Max Steigenberger, Domprediger, Augsburg, 1888,
reviewed in Science, Feb. 15, 1889, p. 127. For a recent statement
regarding the development of studies in hypnotism, see Liegeois, De
la Suggestion et du Somnambulisme dans leurs rapports avec la
Jurisprudence, Paris, 1889, chap. ii. As to joy in believing and
exaggerating marvels, see in the London Graphic for January 2, 1892,
an account of Hindu jugglers by "Professor" Hofmann, himself an expert
conjurer. He shows that the Hindu performances have been grossly and
persistently exaggerated in the accounts of travellers; that they are
easily seen through, and greatly inferior to the jugglers' tricks seen
every day in European capitals. The eminent Prof. De Gubernatis, who
also had witnessed the Hindu performances, assured the present