The event on which this fiction is founded has been supposed, by Dr Darwin,* and some of the physiological writers of Germany,* as not of impossible occurrence.
I shall not besupposed 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 story 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 point 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. - P3