Dr Louis Rose, a clinical psychiatrist has been investigating the claims of faith healers for nearly 20 years. Here, in one of the few objective appraisals of 'miraculous' cures, he shows how healing, with prophecy, was early associated with magic and religion. Biblical miracles, the powers ascribed to saints and monarchs, the healing ventures of Valentine Greatrakes (the Roundhead 'Stroker') and Dr. Mesmer, the flamboyant 'animal magnetist', feature with other curiosities in his historical outline.

In his contemporary inquiries, Dr. Rose has often been met with vagueness, conflicting evidence, or plain obstruction. Nevertheless, his book makes a valuable study of a practice which often claims to be beyond study.