This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/1/2025
COOKE, Lucy A. (1819–1895). Trade Card of Mrs. Lucy A. Cooke, Clairvoyant Physician, AKA “Sleeping Lucy". 1862. Trade card with an affixed change of address to Boston, MA, and handwritten letter from Cooke dated Dec. 4th, 1862: “Mr. Adams / Dear Sir, / Mrs. Cooke wishes me to write you that she does not [hunt up] lost property — she has some, years ago, but of late has done nothing of the kind. She has so much business that she confines herself solely to the Medical Department. / I remain yours truly, [illegible] Emerson / for Lucy A. Cooke". 8 ½ x 8". Original folds in letter, lightly toned. Very good.Cooke was widely known in Vermont as “Sleeping Lucy," a nickname she earned from her ability to diagnose and treat patients' medical ailments while she (Cooke) was in a clairvoyant state or mesmeric sleep. In these states Lucy claimed to be able to “describe the internal organs with the same precision as when laid open to view […] detecting any and all disease that may be lurking in the system." - The Vermont Union Whig Newspaper, Thursday, January 29, 1846.