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In this short story by Poe we hear a tale from a scientist who performs mesmerism on a man in articulo mortis. That is, "at the point of death." Mesmerism was a method of psychological and physical healing developed by Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815), a Viennese doctor. It was believed to be therapeutic, especially of nervous people, and many also believed it could override the will of another person, as is hypnotism.

Poe shares a story from a man who actually performed mesmerism on a man at the point of death. What happens is unbelievable. Believe it.