Professor Huskins
"Professor Huskins" by Lettie M. Cummings is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the central character, Professor William Huskins, who grapples with complex scientific and emotional challenges, particularly related to his mesmerism experiments and his feelings for Rosalie Earle, a famous singer. The narrative explores various themes, including the quest for truth, the nature of love, and the impact of personal relationships on one’s professional life. At the start of the novel, we find Professor Huskins deeply involved in an experiment using mesmerism to unlock hidden truths from subjects placed in a trance. However, rather than achieving the expected clarity, he encounters unexpected discrepancies among the subjects' answers, leaving him perplexed and questioning the fundamental nature of his work. Meanwhile, the plot hints at a burgeoning drama involving his long-time subject, Merle, who unexpectedly faints during a concert featuring Earle, prompting Huskins to delve into the complexities of their intertwined pasts. As the opening unfolds, it becomes clear that the protagonist's scientific pursuits are plagued by doubts and personal conflicts, setting the stage for significant developments as the story progresses.