The Edinburgh and Doré Lectures on Mental Science

by Thomas Troward

Here is the cornerstone of Troward's philosophy and a milestone in metaphysical reasoning, especially that of the New Thought movement and the Science of Mind. These two classics in a single volume provide a full statement of metaphysical science.

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy, Spirituality

206 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1900

About the author

Thomas Troward was a judge in British-administered India, where he made a personal study of the teachings of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. After retiring from the bench in 1896, he applied his legalistic mind to matters of philosophy, and began lecturing and publishing on "Mental Science," eventually becoming president of the International New Thought Alliance.

Reviews

[Elizabeth Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first time I read this metaphysical classic I hated whacking my way through the Victorian language and page-long paragraphs (or even page-long sentences!). I survived having to read it for a class by retyping the entire book, with paragraph breaks and punctuation where I felt there needed. I also read it dramatically out loud to myself, since the material was originally a series of lectures. Having done all that, and with some years in between exposures, I found re-reading Troward to be unexpectedly easy this time through. Then, the mechanics of irritated and impeded me. Now, I filtered that out and caught only the ideas. And, oh, the clarity and brilliance of the ideas! Modern metaphysical thinking begins here -- a must read for students of New Thought or the Law of Attraction.

[Hiram Hanvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only was Judge Troward ahead of his Tim, time still hasn't caught up with him. Hard to read but perseverance will yield truths beyond compare.

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this the clearest explanation of spiritual principles i had ever read. It is hard going but wrapping the mind around this stuff is not easy.

[Brodyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no book in existence that I have ever read that can compare to this book/// but i suggest of course the entire six books ( THE POWER IN YOU ) - creative process in the individual where he makes a fatal flaw in his premise.
His other books the Hidden Power ( also excellent ) and Bible Mystery and Meaning...must read. and The Law and the Word ( heavy on mathematical and engineering and electicity as examples to demonstrate the unchangeableness of the Law on all planes of existence....that a law for a law to be a law must hold true in every aspect from math to conduits of electricity ..etc..

This is quite the dense read but a short book ...he is the "grandfather of metaphysics" but i have not yet read any metaphysics or physics book that can even remotely compare to what or namely , how Judge Troward explains the origins of life, and the Law of Attraction ( this was well before the new age craze that is all fluff compared to this ) as he and the other writers of the New Thought Movement ( 1880's -1950s) wrote extensively on the subject but none in such detail and sheer magnitude and brilliance as Troward who i strongly feel is no less bright than Einstein if not more so.

Where did they learn this from ? The Bible no less. The Bible "is one of the most occult books " according to Thomas Troward.

I read this before my own Christian " miraculous experiences" so it's fine for non Christians certainly as this is primarily about Metaphysics but the Christian will recognize some Biblical scripture or passages that back up his points about the Law.

He builds up the Origin of the Universe so that you are left with no recourse but to be convinced God exists in the first four pages using the conservation law , evolution, and simple mathematical equations and more so his philosophy.....the concept is that life evolved finally to culminate in a man capable of realizing the principles ( ie. God realized - my easy term for it ) of the Law.

The idea is that the Laws are inverted. Thought is causative , we create the world with our minds. but we have it all backwards and so we're left in a state of always reacting to a world that we previously made....so its a karmic loophole we must break out of by changing our subconscious thought processes.
"The law of floatation was not discovered by contemplating the sinking of things, but by contemplating the floating of things.." ( which is what we do daily we observe our environment without looking in to the principle of the thing ( our thoughts caused reality to be formed )

"Belief in limitation is the only thing that causes limitation" - Troward
and in Bible Mystery and Meaning- belief in the devil - creates the devil so the devil is paradoxically not real ( as there is only one power in life which is GOOD - he elaborates on this ) but because our fears have created a real living breathing devil it's real ( kind of like Doubt ) this is bang on the latest research in quantum physics what they say about the subconscious creating reality.

a few more quotes i found on line- but do NOTHING to do Justice to the sheer Brilliance of his theories !!!

" It's an enduring truth, which can never be altered that every infraction of the law of nature must carry it's punitive consequences with it, we can never get beyond that range of cause and effect "

"The subjective mind is entirely under the control of the objective mind. With the utmost fidelity it reproduces and works out to its final consequences whatever the objective mind impresses upon it.

( actually i like that quote but i disagree with that one the subjective mind is the soul ( he also agrees ) but drives the conscious mind to think and carry out it's actions based on the subconscious belief system of the soul ...this is proven in another quantum physics study)


"My mind is a center of Divine operation. The Divine operation is always for expansion and fuller expression, and this means the production of something beyond what has gone before, something entirely new, not included in the past experience, though proceeding out of it by an orderly sequence of growth. Therefore, since the Divine cannot change its inherent nature, it must operate in the same manner with me; consequently, in my own special world, of which I am the center, it will move forward to produce new conditions, always in advance of any that have gone before."

Apologies for the long review but i get so excited about his books i have re- read the entire collection twice now and i have like total add and get bored so easily with so many books with so little substance !

[The Bird's Way · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a profound and intellectually stimulating exploration of the connection between thought, consciousness, and reality. As one of the foundational texts of the New Thought movement, this book delves into the power of the mind in shaping experiences, presenting a logical and metaphysical approach to mental science.

Troward’s writing is dense and requires careful contemplation, but his insights are invaluable for those interested in the deeper principles of manifestation, divine law, and the creative power of thought. His ability to merge spirituality with reason makes this book a compelling read for seekers of higher knowledge.

While some concepts may feel abstract or require multiple readings to fully grasp, the wisdom in these lectures remains timeless. The book offers a strong philosophical foundation for anyone exploring the mind’s role in shaping reality.

A must-read for students of mental science, metaphysics, and the origins of modern manifestation teachings. If approached with patience and an open mind, Troward’s insights can be deeply transformative.

[Joe McKersie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're into the Science of Mind or Religious Science, reading Troward makes a lot of Holmes' writings a lot easier to read.

[Maree · Rating 5 out of 5]

The content is amazing on metaphysics. 1800s Troward is “next” in a long line of new thinkers.

[Sergio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very complete way of understanding one's mind

[Nicola Archibald]

1

[David Teachout · Rating 4 out of 5]

i was introduced to "mental science" through Troward, only later reading Holmes and others. He remains a favorite for many reasons, many of which are exemplified in this collection of essays. While Troward's writing was definitely connected with the philosophical and scientific understanding of his day, his background in law and keen intellect helped with making ideas clear even as they may not be completely agreed with. Once his adherence to idealism and a form of social darwinism is understood, the rest can be mined for some rather amazing insights into human spirituality and quite a different take on traditional religions. Not simple by any means, it's worth digging through.

[Bart Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very tough to get through as it is written almost like a medical dictionary, but very fascinating perspective on mental sciences. Thomas Troward was an amazing person that spent most his life in India as a Judge. Only to retire in the country of his origin , England. Amazing stuff...

[John Lusk]

Classic. Law of Attraction enthusiasts this is a must read.

[Beau Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most life changing books I've read.

[Cordell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every sentence ..blooms the mind.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Difficult and tedious to get through but definitely worth it. Great groundwork for grokking new thought ideas.

[Sandi Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third book for the class.

[Graig Yarbrough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This man was brilliant and understood things as not many men have since.