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BOSTON PUBLIC UBRARY
METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
j4ll rights reserved
METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
METHODS AND OBSERVATIONS BY J. MAXWELL
Doctor of Medicine Deputy-Attorney-General at the Court of Appeal, Bordeaux, France
WITH A PREFACE BY CHARLES RICHET
Member of the Academy of Medicine
Professor of Physiology in the Faculty of Medicine, Paris
AND AN INTRODUCTION BY SIR OLIVER LODGE
Also with a New Chapter containing 'a complex case,' by professor RICHET
AND AN ACCOUNT OF
'some recently observed phenomena'
BY THE TRANSLATOR L. I. FINCH
LONDON
DUCKH^ORTH and CO.
3 HENRIETTA STREET, W.C. 1905
NOTE BY THE TRANSLATOR
The Translator has to thank sincerely a literary friend, a well-known English clergyman, who has been kind enough to revise the translation, and suggest many improvements.
INTRODUCTION
Asked by my friends in France to introduce the author, Dr. Maxwell, to English readers, I willingly consented, for I have reason to know that he is an earnest and indefatigable student of the phenomena for the investiga- tion of which the Society for Psychical Research was constituted ; and not only an earnest student, but a sane and competent observer, with rather special qualifications for the task. A gentleman of independent means, trained and practising as a lawyer at Bordeaux, Deputy Attorney-General, in fact, at the Court of Appeal, he supplemented his legal training by going through a full six years' medical curriculum, and graduated M.D. in order to pursue psycho-physiological studies with more freedom, and to be able to form a sounder and more instructed judgment on the strange phenomena which came under his notice. Moreover, he was fortunate in enlisting the services of one who appears to be singularly gifted in the supernormal direction, an educated and interested friend, who is anxious to preserve his anony- mity, but is otherwise willing to give every assistance in his power towards the production and elucidation of the unusual things which occur in his presence and apparently through his agency.
vi METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
In all this they have been powerfully assisted by Professor Charles Richet, the distinguished physiologist of Paris, whose name and fame are almost as well known in this country as in his own, and who gave the special evening lecture to the British Association on the occa- sion of its semi-international meeting at Dover in 1899.
In France it so happens that these problems have been attacked chiefly by biologists and medical men, whereas in this country they have attracted the attention chiefly, though not exclusively, of physicists and chemists among men of science. This gives a desirable diversity to the point of view, and adds to the value of the work of the French investigators. Another advantage they possess is that they have no arriere-pensee towards religion or the spiritual world. Frankly, I expect they would con- fess themselves materialists, and would disclaim all sym- pathy with the view of a number of enthusiasts in this country, who have sought to make these ill-understood facts the basis for a kind of religious cult in which faith is regarded as more important than knowledge, and who contemn the attitude of scientific men, even of those few who really seek to observe and understand the phenomena.
From Dr. Maxwell's observations, so far, there arises no theory which he feels to be in the least satisfactory : the facts are recorded as observed, and though theoretical comments are sometimes attempted in the text, they are admittedly tentative and inadequate : we know nothing at present which will suffice to weld the whole together
INTRODUCTION vii
into a comprehensive and comprehensible scheme. But for the theoretical discussion of such phenomena the work of Mr. Myers on Human Personality is of course far more thorough and ambitious than the semi-popular treatment in the present book. And in the matter of history also, the English reader, familiar with the writ- ings of Mr. Andrew Lang and Mr. Podmore, will not attribute much importance to the few historical remarks of the present writer. He claims consideration as an observer of exceptional ability and scrupulous fairness, and his work is regarded with the greatest interest by workers in this field throughout the world.
There is one thing which Dr. Maxwell does not do. He does not record his facts according to the standard set up by the Society for Psychical Research in this country : that is to say, he does not give a minute account of all the details, nor does he relate the precau- tions taken, nor seek to convince hostile critics that he has overlooked no possibility, and made no mistakes. Discouraged by previous attempts and failures in this direction, he has regarded the task as impossible, and has not attempted it. He has satisfied himself with three things : —
I St. To train himself long and carefully as an observer ;
2nd. To learn from, and be guided by, the pheno- mena as they occur, without seeking unduly to coerce them ;
viii METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
3rd. To give a general account of the impression made upon him by the facts as they ap- peared.
For the rest, he professes himself indifferent whether his assertions meet with credence or not. He has done his best to test the phenomena for himself, regarding them critically, and not at all in a spirit of credulity ; and he has endangered his reputation by undertaking what he regards as a plain duty, that of setting down under his own name, for the world to accept or reject as it pleases, a statement of the experiences to which he has devoted so much time and attention, and of the actuality of which, though he in no way professes to understand them, he is profoundly convinced.
Equally convinced of their occurrence is Professor Richet, who has had an opportunity of observing many of them, and he too regards them from the same untheo- retical and empirical point of view ; but he has explained his own attitude in a Preface to the French edition, as Dr. Maxwell has explained his in ' Preliminary Remarks,' — both of which are here translated — so there is no need to say more ; beyond this : —
The particular series of occurrences detailed in these pages I myself have not witnessed. I may take an opportunity of seeing them before long ; but though that will increase my experience, it will not increase my conviction that things like some of these can and do occur, and that any other patient explorer who had the
INTRODUCTION ix
same advantages and similar opportunity for observation, would undergo the same sort of experience, that is to say, would receive the same sensory impressions, however he might choose to interpret them.
That is what the scientific world has gradually to grow accustomed to. These things happen under certain conditions, in the same sense that more familiar things happen under ordinary conditions. What the conditions are that determine the happening is for future theory to say.
Dr. Maxwell is convinced that such things can happen without anything that can with any propriety whatever be called fraud ; sometimes under conditions so favour- able for observation as to preclude the possibility of deception of any kind. Some of them, as we know well, do also frequently harppen under fraudulent and semi-fraudulent conditions ; but those who take the easy line of assuming that hyper-ingenious fraud and extravagant self-deception are sufficient to account for the whole of the facts, will ultimately, I think, find themselves to have been deceived by their own a priori convictions. Nevertheless we may agree that at present the Territory under exploration is not yet a scientific State. We are in the pre- Newtonian, possibly the pre-Copernican, age of this nascent science ; and it is our duty to accumulate facts and carefully record them, for a future Kepler to brood over.
What may be likened to the ' Ptolemaic ' view of the phenomena seems on the whole to be favoured by the
X METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
French observers, viz. that they all centre round living man, and represent an unexpected extension of human faculty, an extension, as it were, of the motor and sensory power of the body beyond its apparent boundary. That is undoubtedly the first adit to be explored, and it may turn out to lead us in the right direction ; but it is premature even to guess what will be the ultimate outcome of this extra branch of psychological and physiological study. That sensory perception can extend to things out of contact with the body is familiar enough, though it has not been recognised for the senses of touch or taste. That motor activity should also extend into a region beyond the customary range of muscular action is, as yet, unrecognised by science. Nevertheless that is the appearance.
The phenomena which have most attracted the attention and maintained the interest of the French observers, have been just those which convey the above impression : that is to say, mechanical movements with- out contact, production of intelligent noises, and either visible, tangible, or luminous appearances which do not seem to be hallucinatory. These constantly-asserted, and in a sense well-known, and to some few people almost familiar, experiences, have with us hQcn usually spoken of as ' physical or psycho-physical phenomena.' In France they have been called ' psychical phenomena,' but that name is evidently not satisfactory, since that should apply to purely mental experiences. To call them 'occult phenomena' is not distinctive, for every-
INTRODUCTION xl
thing is occult until it is explained ; and the business of science is to contemplate the mixed mass of hetero- geneous appearances, such as at one time formed all that was known of Chemistry, for instance, or Electricity, and evolve from them an ordered scheme of science.
To emphasise the fact that these occurrences are at present beyond the scheme of orthodox psychology or psycho-physiology, in somewhat the same way as the germ of what we now call Metaphysics was once placed after, or considered as extra to, the course of orthodox Natural Philosophy or Physics, Professor Richet has suggested that they be styled 'meta-psychical phenomena,' and that the nascent branch of science, which he and other pioneers are endeavouring to found, be called for the present ' Metapsychics.' Dr. Maxwell concurs in this •comparatively novel term, and as there seems no serious •objection to it, the English version of Dr. Maxwell's record will appear under this title.
The book will be found for the most part eminently readable — rather an unusual circumstance for a record of this kind — and the scrupulous fairness with which the author has related everything he can think of which tells against the genuineness of the phenomena, is highly to be commended. Whatever may be thought of the evidence it is manifestly his earnest wish never to make it appear to others better than it appears to himself.
If critics attack the book, as they undoubtedly will, with the objection that though it may contain a mass of well-attested assertions by a competent and careful
xii METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
observer, yet his observations are set down without the necessary details on which an outside critic can judge how far the things really happened, and how far the observer was deceived — let it be remembered that this is admitted. Dr. Maxwell's defence is, that to give such details as will satisfy a hostile critic who was not actually present is impossible — in that I am disposed to agree with him — he has therefore not attempted the task ; and I admit, though I cannot commend, his discretion.
It may be said that the attempt to give every detail necessarily produces a dreary and overburdened narrative. So it does. Nevertheless I must urge — as both in accord- ance with my own judgment of what is fitting, and in loyalty to the high standard of evidence, and the more stringent rules of testimony, inaugurated by the wise founders of the Society for Psychical Research — that observers should always make an effort to record pre- cisely every detail of the circumstances of some at least of these elusive and rare phenomena ; so as to assist in enabling a fair judgment to be formed by people who are not too inexperienced in the conditions attending this class of observation, and at any rate to add to the clear- ness of their apprehension of the events recorded. The opportunities for research are not yet ended, however,, and I may be allowed to express a hope that in the future something of this kind will yet be done, when the occasion is favourable, after a study of such a record as that of the Sidgwick-Hodgson-Davy experiments in the Proceedings of the Society for Psychical Research, vol. iv.
INTRODUCTION xiil
Our gratitude to Dr. Maxwell would thus be still further increased.
And now, finally, I must not be understood as making myself responsible for the contents of the book, nor for the interjected remarks, nor for the translation. The author and translator must bear their own responsibility. My share in the work is limited to expressing my con- fidence in the good faith of Dr. Maxwell — in his impartiality and competence, — and while congratulating him on the favourable opportunities for investigation which have fallen to his lot, to thank him, on behalf of English investigators, for the single-minded perti- nacity and strenuous devotion with which he has pursued this difficult and still nebulous quest.
Oliver Lodge.
PREFACE
There are books in which the author says so clearly and in such precise terms what he has to say that any commentary weakens their import ; and a preface becomes superfluous, sometimes even prejudicial.
Dr. Maxwell's work belongs to this category. The author, who has long given himself up to psychology, has had the opportunity of seeing many interesting things. He has observed everything with minute care ; and having well thought out the method of observation, the consequences, and the nature itself of the phenomena, he lays bare his facts and deducts therefrom a few simple ideas, fearlessly, honestly, sine ira nee studio^ before a public which he hopes to find impartial.
To this same public I address the short introduction, with which my friend Dr. Maxwell kindly asked me to head this excellent work.
My advice to the reader may be summed up in a few words. He must take up this book without prejudice. He must fear neither that which is new, nor that which is unexpected. In other words, while preserving the most scrupulous respect for the science of to-day, he must be thoroughly convinced that this science, whatever
xvi METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
measure of truth it may contain, is nevertheless terribly incomplete.
Those imprudent people who busy themselves with * occult ' sciences are accused of overthrowing Science, of destroying that bulwark which thousands of toilers, at the cost of an immense universal effort, have been occupied in constructing during the last three or four centuries.
This reproach seems to me rather unjust. No one is able to destroy a scientific/^*:/.
An electric current decomposes water into one volume of oxygen and two of hydrogen. This is a fact which will be true in the eternal future, just as it has been true in the eternal past. Ideas may perhaps change on what it is expedient to call electric current, oxygen, hydrogen, etc. It may be discovered that hydrogen is composed of fifty diflFerent bodies, that oxygen is transformed into hydrogen, that the electric current is a ponderable force or a luminous emission. No matter what is going to be discovered, we shall never, in any case, prevent what we call to-day an electric current from transforming, under certain con- ditions of combined pressure and temperature, what we call water into two gases, each having different properties, gases which are emitted in volumetrical proportions of 2 to i .
Therefore, there need be no fear, that the invasion of a new science into the old will upset acquired data, and contradict what has been established by savants.
PREFACE xvii
Consequently psychical phenomena, however compli- cated, unforeseen, or appalling we may now and then imagine them to be, will not subvert any of those facts which form part of to-day's classical sciences.
Astronomy and physiology, physics and mathematics, chemistry and zoology, need not be afraid. They are intangible, and nothing will injure the imposing assemblage of incontestable facts which constitute them.
But notions, hitherto unknown, may be introduced, which, without casting doubts upon pristine truths, may cause new ones to enter their domain, and change, or even upset, our established notions of things.
The facts may be unforeseen, but they will never be contradictory.
The history of sciences teaches us, that their bulwarks have never been overthrown by the inroad of a new science.
At one time no notion of tubercular infection existed. We now know that it is transmitted by microbes. This is a new notion, teeming with important con- clusions, but it does not invalidate the clinical table of pulmonary phthisis drawn up by physicians of other days. The discovery of Hertzian waves has in nowise shaken Ampere's laws. Newton's and Fresnel's optics have not been changed into a tissue of errors because Roentgen rays and luminous vibrations are able to penetrate opaque bodies. It appears that radium can throw out unremittingly, without any appreciable
chemical molecular phenomena, great quantities of
b
xviii METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
calorific energy ; nevertheless, we may be quite sure, that the law of conservation of energy and thermo- dynamic principles will remain as true now as ever.
Likewise, if the facts called ' occult ' become estab- lished, as seems more and more probable, we need not feel anxious as to the fate of classical science. New and unknown facts, however strange they may be, will not do away with old established facts.
To take an example from Dr. Maxwell's work, let us admit that the phenomenon of raps — that is to say, sonorous vibrations in wood or other substances — is a real phenomenon, and that, in certain cases, there are sounds which no mechanical force known to us can explain, would the science of physics be over- thrown .^ It would be a new force thrown out on to wood, etc., exercising its power on matter, but the old forces would none the less preserve their activity, and it is even likely that the transmission of vibrations by means of this new force would be found to be in obedience to the same laws as those governing the transmission of other vibrations ; — the temperature, the pressure, the density of air or wood would continue to exercise their usual influence. There would be nothing new, save the existence of a force until then unknown.
Now, is there any savant worthy of the name who can affirm, that there are no forces, hitherto unknown, at work in the world ^
However impregnable Science may be when establish-
PREFACE
XIX
ing facts, it is miserably subject to error when claiming to establish negations.
Here is a dilemma, which appears to me to be very- conclusive in that respect : — Either we know all Nature's forces, or we do not. Now the first alternative is so ridiculous, that it is really not worth while refuting it. Our senses are so limited, so imperfect, that the world slips away from them almost entirely. We may say it is owing to an accident, that the magnet's colossal force was discovered, and if hazard had not placed iron beside the loadstone, we might have always remained ignorant of the attraction which loadstone exercises upon iron. Ten years ago no one suspected the exist- ence of the Roentgen rays. Before photography, no one knew that light reduces salts of silver. It is not twenty years since the Hertzian waves were dis- covered. The property displayed by amber when rubbed was, until two hundred years ago, all that was known of that immense force called electricity.
Question a savage — nay a fellah or a moujik — upon the forces of Nature ! He will not know even the tenth part of such forces as elementary treatises on physics in 1905 will enumerate. It appears to me that the savants of to-day, in respect to the savants of the future, stand in the same inferiority as the moujiks to the professors of the college of France.
Who then dare be so rash as to say that the treatises on physics in 2005 will but repeat what is to be found in the treatises of 1905 ? The probability — the certainty,
XX METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
one might say — is that new scientific data will shortly spring up out of the darkness, and that most powerful and altogether unknown forces will be revealed. Our great-grandchildren will be amazed at the blindness of our savants, who tacitly profess the immobility of science.
If science has made such progress of late, it is pre- cisely because our predecessors were not afraid to make bold hypotheses, to suppose new forces, demonstrating their reality by dint of patience and perseverance. Our strict duty is to do likewise. The savant should be a revolutionist, and fortunately the time is over when truth had to be sought in a master's book — magister dixit — be he Aristotle or Plato. In politics we may be conservative or progressive ; it is a question of tem- perament. But when the research of truth is concerned we must be resolutely and unreservedly revolutionary, and must consider classical theories — even those which appear to be the most solid — as temporary hypotheses, which we must incessantly check and incessantly strive to overthrow. The Chinese believed that science had been fixed by their ancestors' sapience ; this example contains food for meditation.
Moreover — and why not proclaim it loudly — all that science of which we are so proud, is only knowledge of appearances. The real nature of things bafiles us. The innermost nature of laws governing matter, whether living or inert, is inaccessible to our intelligence. A stone tossed up into the air falls back again to the earth.
PREFACE xxi
Why ? Newton says through attraction proportional to bulk and distance. But this law is only the statement of a fact ; who understands that attractive vibration, which makes the stone fall ? The fall of a stone is such a commonplace phenomenon, that it does not astonish us : but in reality no human intelligence has ever understood it. It is usual, common, accepted ; but like all Nature's phenomena without exception it is not understood. After fecundation an egg becomes an embryon ; we describe as well as we can the phases of this phenomenon ; but, in spite of the most minute descriptions, have we under- stood the evolution of that cellular protoplasm, which is transformed into a huge, living being .'' What prodigy is at work in these segmentations? Why do these granulations crowd together there? Why do they decay here to form again elsewhere ?
We live in the midst of phenomena and have no adequate knowledge of any one of them. Even the simplest phenomenon is most mysterious. What does the combination of hydrogen with oxygen mean ? Who has even once been thoroughly able to understand that word combination, annihilation of the properties of two bodies by the creation of a third body differing from the two first. How are we to understand that an atom is indivisible ; it is constituted of a particle of matter, yet — even in thought — it cannot be divided !
Therefore it behoves the true savant to be very modest, yet very bold at the same time : very modest, for our science is a mere trifle — 'H avOpojmvr) ao^ia
xxii METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
oKiyov TLvos d^id iaTL, kol ouSei/os — very bold, for the vast regions of worlds unknown lie open before him.
Audacity and prudence : such are the two qualities, in no wise contradictory, of Dr. Maxwell's book.
Whatever be the fate in store for his ideas — ideas based upon facts — we may rest assured that the facts, which he has well observed, will remain, I think I see here the lineaments of a new science — though only a crude sketch so far.
Who knows but that physiology and physics may find herein some precious elements of knowledge? Woe to the savants who think that the book of Nature is closed, and that we puny men have nothing more to learn.
Charles Richet.
CONTENTS
PAGE
INTRODUCTION BY SIR OLIVER LODGE, ... v
PREFACE BY PROFESSOR CHARLES RICHET, . . xv
PRELIMINARY REMARKS, i
CHAP.
L METHOD:
I. Material Conditions, . . . . . , 33
II. Composition of the Circle, ..... 42 m. Methods of Operation, ..... 48 IV. The Personification, ...... 64
II. RAPS, 72
III. PARAKINESIS AND TELEKINESIS:
I. Parakinesis, ....... 93
II. Telekinesis, ....... 98
IV. LUMINOUS PHENOMENA, 129
V. PSYCHO-SENSORY AND INTELLECTUAL PHENO- .MENA :
I. Sensory Automatism, . . . . . i8i
II. Crystal Gazing, . . . . . . 184
III. Dreams, Telepathy, ...... 205
xxiv METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
IV. Telsesthesia, . . . . .
V. A Complex Case by Professor Richet,
VI. Motor Automatism, . . . .
VII. Automatic Writing, . . . .
VIII. Phonetic and Mixed Automatisms,
IX. The Psychology of Automatism,
PAGE 21 I 215
238 251
VI. SOME RECENTLY OBSERVED PSYCHICAL PHENO- MENA. By L. I. Finch,
VII. FRAUD AND ERROR:
I. Fraud, II. Error,
CONCLUSION, APPENDICES,
364 386
392
398
PRELIMINARY REMARKS
I HESITATED for a loiig time before deciding to publish the impressions which ten years of psychical research have left me. These impressions are so uncertain upon several points, that I wondered if it were worth while expressing in book form the few and sparse conclusions I am able to formulate. If, finally, I decide to publish my opinions, it is because it seems incumbent upon me to do so. I am not Wind to the fact that my testimony is of very little importance ; but however modest it may be, it seems to me that it is my duty to offer this testi- mony, such as it is, to those who have undertaken to submit to scientific discipline the study of those pheno- mena which are, in appearance at least, so rebellious to such discipline. It might have been more convenient and advantageous for myself had I continued my re- searches in peace and quiet. I do not try to prosely- tise, and it is really a matter of indifi^erence to me, whether my contemporaries share or do not share my views. But the sight of a few brave men fighting the battle alone is by no means a matter of indifference to me. There is a certain cowardliness in believing their teachings, whilst allowing them to bear all the brunt of the fray for upholding opinions, which require so much courage to champion. To these brave spirits I dedicate my book.
I care naught for public opinion : not that I disdain
A
2 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
it — on the contrary, I have the greatest respect for its judgment — but I am not addressing the public. The question I am studying is not ripe for the public ; or the case may be the other way about,
I address those brave men of whom I have just spoken, to let them know I am of their mind, and that my observations confirm theirs on many points. I also address those who are seeking to establish the reality of the curious phenomena, treated of in this book. I have tried to fill a gap by showing them the best methods to adopt, in order to arrive at appreciable results, — such results being far less difficult to obtain than is commonly supposed.
A word about the method I have followed. I have purposely refrained from giving a purely scientific aspect to my book, though I might have done so had I chosen, for the usual scientific dressing is unsuitable to the subject in hand. It seemed preferable to relate what I have seen, leaving it to those for whom I write to be- lieve me or not, as they think fit.
I might have accumulated not a little testimony and considerable external evidence, but to have done so would not have been the means of convincing a single extra reader. Those, whom my simple affirma- tion leaves sceptical, would not be convinced by reports signed by witnesses, whose sincerity and com- petence are frequently called into question. Neither did I wish to adopt the method followed by the Agnelas, Milan, and Carqueiranne experimenters, in giving a detailed report of all my sittings ; this method too has its advantages and disadvantages. However exhaustive a report may be, it is difficult to indicate therein all the
PRELIMINARY REMARKS 3
conditions of the experiment ; oversights are inevitable. Moreover, it would be useless to say that every precau- tion had been taken against fraud, for in enumerating such precautions, the omission of a single one would suffice to expose oneself to most justifiable criticism. Probably that very precaution was elementary and had been taken, or was considered useless and put aside deliberately ; nevertheless such circumstances would not escape criticism. We wish to convince by pointing out the exact conditions of the experiment ; but those, whom we would most wish to convince, are the very persons least prepared to judge of the conditions in which psychical experiences are obtained. These are physicists and chemists ; but living matter does not react like inorganic matter or chemical substances.
I do not seek to convince these savants ; my book is unassuming and makes no pretence of having been written for them. If they in their turn should be tempted to try for those effects which I have obtained, the methods indicated will be easily accessible to them. It is in this way they can be indirectly convinced, though to convince them is not my present aim. Others are better qualified than I am to try their hand at this most desirable but, for the moment, most difficult task.
Difficult ! Ay, and for a thousand reasons. First of all because it is the fashion of to-day to look upon these facts as unworthy of science. I acknowledge taking a delicate pleasure in comparing the different opinions which many young Savants (I beg the printer not to forget a very big capital S) bring to bear upon their contemporaries. Here is a man surrounded by deferential spectators : solemnly he hands a paper-
4 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
knife to a sleeping hysterical subject, and gravely invites him to murder such or such an individual who is sup- posed to be where there is really only an empty chair. When the patient springs forward to carry out the sug- gestion, and strikes the chair with the paper-knife, the lookers-on behold a scientific fact, according to classical science. On the other hand, here is another man who, not a whit less solemnly, makes longitudinal passes upon his subject, puts him to sleep, and then tries to ex- teriorise the said subject's sensibility ; but the onlookers in this case are not recognised as witnessing a scientific fact ! I have never been able to see wherein lies the difference between these two experimenters, the one experimenting with an hysterical subject more or less untrustworthy, the other examining a phenomenon which, if it be true, may be observed without the necessity of trusting oneself solely to the honesty of the individual asleep.
In fact there is a most intolerant clique among savants. Facts it seems are of no importance when pointed out by those who stand beyond the pale of oflicial science. Unfortunately, psychical phenomena cannot be as easily and readily demonstrated as the X-rays or wireless telegraphy, incontestable facts which any one can prove to his entire satisfaction. Therefore young savants rejoice in making an onslaught on those who apply themselves to the study of these phenomena. It was the same thing in olden times when budding theologians made their debuts in the arena of theology against notorious arch-heretics, Arians, Manicheans, or gnostics. Nil novi sub sole.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS 5
I readily admit that many, who turn their atten- tion to the curious phenomena of which I am going to speak, frequently lay themselves open to criticism. Sometimes they are not very strict concerning the con- ditions under which their experiments are conducted : they trust naively, and their conviction is quickly formed. I cannot too forcibly beg them to be on their guard against premature assertions : may they avoid justifying Montaigne's saying, ' L'imagination cree le cas.' My remark is more particularly addressed to occult, theoso- phical, and spiritistic groups. The first-named follow an undesirable method. Their manner of reasoning is not likely to bring them many adepts, from among those who are given to thinking deeply. In ordinary logic, analogy and correspondence have not the same importance as deduction and induction. On the other hand it does not seem to me prudent to consider the esoteric interpretation of the Hebrew writings as being necessarily truth's last word. I do not see why I should transfer a belief in their exoteric assertions to a belief in their talmudistic or kabbalistic commentaries. I can hardly believe that the Rabbis of the middle ages, or their predecessors, Esdras' contemporaries, had a more correct notion of human nature than we have. Their errors in physics are not valid security for their accuracy in metaphysics. Truth cannot be usefully sought in the analysis of a very fine but very old book : all occult speculations upon secret hebraic exegeses seem to me but intellectual sport, to the results of which the words of Ecclesiastes might well be applied : Habel habalim vekol hahel.
I may pass the same criticism upon theosophists.
6 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
The curious mystical movement to which the teachings of Madame Blavatsky, Colonel Olcott, and Mrs. Besant have given birth in Europe and in America has not yet been arrested. Many cultured minds and refined intelligences have allowed themselves to be led away by the neo-buddhistic evangile ; doubtless they find what they look for in the ' Secret Doctrine ' or in ' Isis Unveiled.' Trahit sua quemque voluptas. I cannot help thinking that the Upanishads have no more a monopoly of truth than the Bible has, and that every philosophy ought to hold fast to the study of Nature if it wishes to live and progress. This is, moreover, the advice of a man whom theosophists and occultists alike respect — I mean Paracelsus — ' Man is here below to instruct himself in the light of Nature.'
That is what spiritists claim to do. Their philo- sophy, to use the term which they themselves employ to designate their doctrine, is founded, they say, upon fact and experience. It is not a revelation, contemporary with the splendour of Thebes or the pomp of Anoka's court, which gives the foundation to their dogmas. It is an everyday revelation, a real, continuous, and per- manent revelation. Their ideas concerning our origin and destiny, their certitude of immortality and the persistence of human individuality, are due to well- informed witnesses. These are no less than the spirits of the dead, who come to enlighten them and to tell them what is done in the hereafter.
I envy them their simple faith, but I do not altogether share it. I am persuaded that our individuality has an infinitely longer period given it for its evolution than one human existence. But it is not from spiritistic
PRELIMINARY REMARKS 7
seances that I have derived my belief ; no, my belief is of a philosophical kind, and is the result of pondering over what I know of life, of nature, and of the extremely slow development of the human species. It is true the knowledge I possess is limited, and my belief wavers ; yet the probabilities seem to me favourable to the persistence of that mysterious centre of energy which we call individuality.
This opinion, however, has not been derived from spiritistic communications : I think these have an origin other than that given them by Allan Kardec's disciples.
Naturally I am only speaking of my own personal experience ; I do not permit myself to pronounce as erroneous those convictions based upon facts not seen by myself. Therefore I do not wish to say that spiritists are always the victims of delusion ; I can only say that the messages, received by me and purporting to come from the other side of the grave, have seemed to me to emanate from a different source.
At the same time, to be exact and sincere I ought to add that, if my conviction has not been won, I have observed in one or two circumstances certain facts which have left me most perplexed.
Unfortunately for spiritism, an objection, which seems to me irrefutable, can be made to the spirits' teaching. In all parts of Europe, the ' spirits * vouch for reincar- nation. Often they indicate the moment they are going to reappear in a human body ; and they relate still more readily the past avatars of their followers. On the contrary, in England the spirits assure us that there is no reincarnation. The contradiction is formal, positive, and irreconcilable. Those who are inclined
8 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
to doubt the correctness of what I affirm have only to glance through and compare the writings of English and French spiritists ; for example, those of Allan Kardec, Denys, Delanne, and those of Stainton- Moses. How are we to form an opinion worthy of acceptance ? Who speak the truth ? European spirits or Anglo- Saxon spirits ? Probably spiritistic messages do not emanate from very well-informed witnesses. Such is the conclusion arrived at by Aksakoff, one of the cleverest and most enlightened of spiritists. He himself acknow- ledges that one is never certain of the identity of the communicating intelligence at a spiritistic sitting.
Although I do not share the views of occultists, theosophists, and spiritists, I can indeed say that their groups — at least those which I have frequented — are composed of people worthy, sincere, and convinced. Occultists and theosophists devote themselves perhaps more particularly to the development of those mysterious faculties which, according to them, exist in man, while spiritists are more incHned to call forth communica- tions from their spirit friends, but the anxious care of one and all is the moral development of their groups.
Solicitude for the ethical culture of humanity is characteristic of these mystic groups. Occultism and theosophy draw their recruits more especially from intellectual centres ; the circle of spiritism is much wider. The simplicity of its teachings and methods attracts those who shrink before the personal edification of a creed : for it is a painful undertaking and a heavy task for each individual to form his own philosophy. It is more convenient to accept indications which are already made, and to believe affirmations which are — in
PRELIMINARY REMARKS 9
appearance — sincere and well informed. Long centuries of religious discipline have accustomed the human mind to certain acts of faith, and to shun all free discussion, as soon as there is any question of future destinies. It is difficult to shake off this atavism.
This is what makes the success of spiritism ; it comes at its appointed time, and supplies a wide-felt need.
The psychological condition of society to-day is of an extremely perturbed nature, as slight reflection will suffice to show. Much has been said of the conflict between science and religion, but the truth has not yet been sounded. It is no ordinary conflict which is now taking place between science and revelation : it is a life- and-death struggle. And it is easy to foresee which side will succumb.
It even seems as though the final death-struggles of Christian dogma had already set in. What man, sincere and unbiased in his opinions, could repeat to-day the famous credo quia absurdum } Are we not insulting the Divinity — if He exists — when we refuse to make use of His most precious gifts } when we abstain from applying the full force of our intelligence and reason to the exami- nation of our destiny and our duties to ourselves and to others }
This abdication is nevertheless demanded of us — by Roman Catholicism for example, which exacts unquali- fied adhesion to its dogmas, blind belief in its Church's teachings, blind belief in the affirmations of its infallible pope. It seems to me inadmissible that the God of Roman Catholics should approve of such indifference.
lo METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
It is obvious that I do not wish to write a history of ecclesiastical controversy. I have too much respect for others to allow myself to attack what are still widely accepted creeds. My duty is but to study the general aspect of revelation, and to draw therefrom such conclu- sions as are necessary to my acquirements.
It is an easy study. The most enlightened intellects stand aloof from revealed religions. I mean the majority, for there is still a small minority which remains faithful to dying creeds.
Even the less cultivated intelligences are beginning to feel the insufficiency of revelation. The Divinity's incarnation and death, in order to redeem a race so unworthy of such a sacrifice, begins to astound them ; they wonder at such solicitude for the inhabitants of one of the least important spheres in the universe. They are also surprised at the inexorable severity of a God who, before granting pardon to mankind, demands his only son's death ; a God who, for the petty trespasses of beings far removed from himself, demands an eternity of suffering as chastisement for such ephemeral insults. All this fails to satisfy those souls who are enamoured of truth and justice. These dogmas give man a cosmical importance which he does not possess, and imputes to God a susceptibility and cruelty altogether unworthy of the Supreme Being.
We could easily find other examples ; but I do not think it necessary to bring them to bear upon my conclu- sion ; a conclusion, moreover, which is admitted by the clergy themselves, who complain unceasingly of society's growing indifference.
But is society really so indifferent ? I do not think
PRELIMINARY REMARKS ii
so. We find indifference among the richer and more cultured classes, where some give themselves up to pleasure, others to science, in reality each one seeking only that which will amuse or interest him or herself ; but those who are without resources, those whom life molests and wearies, those who are afraid at the idea of death and annihilation, those who have need of some consolation, of some hope, those people are not indifferent. If these forsake the churches and temples, it is because they do not find therein what they are seeking. The spiritual nourishment offered them has lost its savour ; they ask for something more substantial and less contestable.
Besides, even in the most highly cultured classes, this need begins to make itself felt. Such men as Myers, Sidgwick, Gurney, to speak only of the dead, took up the study of psychical phenomena with the desire of finding therein the proof of a future life. Myers died after having found — or thought he had found — the sought-for demonstration.
Professor Haeckel of Jena drew up a philosophy for himself! His materialistic monism is the outward expression of his belief : but this is also ill-adapted to satisfy that longing, the extent and force of which I have just touched upon.
Now spiritism lays claim to satisfying these longings ; and it does satisfy them, when only simple souls are concerned, simple souls who do not dream of life's complexities. The phenomena of spiritistic seances — and these are real phenomena — are the miracles which come
12 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
to confirm the spirits' teachings. Why should they doubt ?
Therefore the clients of spiritism are increasing in number with extraordinary rapidity. The extent to which this doctrine is spreading is one of the most curious things of the day. I believe we are beholding the dawn of a veritable religion ; a religion without a ritual and without an organised clergy, and yet with assemblies and practices which make it a veritable cult. As for me, I take a great interest in these meetings ; they give me the impression that I am assisting at the birth of a religious movement called to a great destiny.
Will my anticipations be realised ? The future alone can tell. My opinion has been formed on impartial and disinterested observation. Notwithstanding the sympathy that I feel for those groups which have been kind enough to admit me into their midst, notwithstanding the friend- ship which binds me to many of their members, I have never wished to be of their propaganda, nor even to allow them to think that I shared their views. I have always plainly told them that I was by no means con- vinced of the constant intervention of spirits ; I have not concealed from them that other and, as I thought, more probable explanations could be given to the pheno- mena they witnessed ; perhaps they have appreciated my frankness. In any case, I am very grateful for the courtesy and kindliness with which they allowed me to observe the phenomena at their sittings, to listen to their mediums' teachings, and to express my opinions, which are so unlike their own.
I am neither spiritist, nor theosophist, nor occultist.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS 13
I do not believe in occult sciences, nor in the super- natural, nor in miracles. I believe we know as yet very little of the world we are living in, and that we still have everything to learn. The cleverest men in all epochs show an unconscious tendency to suppose that facts, which are incompatible with their ideas, are supernatural or false. More modest but also more cruel, our forefathers, the theologians and lawyers, burnt sorcerers and magicians without accusing them of fraud : to-day most of our savants, being more affirmative and less rigorous, accuse mediums and thaumaturgists of fraud, but without con- demning them to the stake. In reality their state of mind is the same as that of the ancient exorcists ; they have the same intolerance, and the different treat- ment meted out to their subjects is only due to the progressive improvement in manners and customs.
Even those savants who are the most interested in psychical research are afraid of confessing their curiosity. It requires the broad-mindedness of a Crookes or a Lodge, of a Duclaux or a Richet, of a Rochas or a Lombroso to dare to take a stand and openly show an interest in this field of research. Some day, however, these same suspicious researches will be their experi- menters' best claim to fame. The present attitude of official science towards medianic phenomena is to be regretted ; its scientific ' cant ' has grievous results. The history of the International Psychological Institute is instructive in this respect. What a pity that such learned, remarkable, and competent men, as Janet for example, should have shrunk from the epithet ' psychic ' ! The need for d. psychical institute existed, not a psycho- logical one, of which there are already enough.
14 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
It is precisely the attitude of respectable scientific circles which appears to me a mistake, demanding recti- fication. I understand perfectly and excuse this attitude. For so many incorrect things have been affirmed, so many ridiculous practices have been recommended by the leaders of the occult movement, that official repre- sentatives of science must have felt indignant. Un- fortunately no one except Richet has ventured to do for the phenomena vouched for by occultists and spiritists, what Charcot has done for the magnetisers' allegations. No doubt, this other Charcot will come when the time is ripe.
The preparatory work will have been done, and he need only resume the experiments of Richet, Crookes, Lodge, Rochas, Ochorowicz, and many others.
I class myself with these experimenters. Many of them are my friends, and, if our manner of thinking be not quite the same, my ideas upon the method to be used are much the same as theirs. And thus I find myself quite naturally led to say what my ideas are.
I believe in the reality of certain phenomena which I have been able to verify over and over again. I see no need to attribute these phenomena to any supernatural intervention. I am inclined to think that they are pro- duced by some force existing within ourselves.
I believe also that these facts can be subjected to scientific observation. I say observation and not experi- mentation, because I do not think that it is yet possible to proceed on veritable experimental lines. In order to experiment one must understand the conditions necessary to produce a given result ; now, in our case, we have a
PRELIMINARY REMARKS
15
most imperfect knowledge of the required conditions, which are, nevertheless, necessary antecedents to the sought-for phenomena. We are in the position of the astronomer who can put his eye to the telescope and observe the firmament, but who cannot provoke the pro- duction of a single celestial phenomenon.
My position is therefore very simple. It is that of an impartial observer. The occult sciences and spiritism never aroused my curiosity, and I was more than thirty years of age, when my attention was drawn towards psychical phenomena. I did not even try to turn a table before I was thirty-five, considering such facts as un- worthy of serious examination. It is only since 1892 that I have become interested in these researches.
I cannot remember to-day how I was led to take up the study ; it was not abruptly. I am certain that no striking incident was ever responsible for a sudden changing of my mind. As far as my recollection goes, I think it was the chance perusal of some theosophical works, which made me curious to know the extent of a mystical movement, whose existence I had not even sus- pected. My discoveries astonished me, for I never thought that mysticism could find adherents at the end of the nineteenth century. The opening address pro- nounced by me at the Court of Appeal at Limoges in 1893 was upon this subject.
This address brought me many correspondents, and I was led to experiment myself. My first results were negative, and except a few interesting experiments made at Limoges with a lady of that town — a remarkable medium — and her husband, the phenomena which I observed were not of a nature to convince me. In 1895
1 6 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
I went to I'Agnelas, and took part in the experiments of MM. de Rochas, Dariex, Sabatier, de Gramont and de Watteville. The report of these experiments has been pubhshed in the Annales des Sciences Psychiques.
Surprised at these manifestations, I became filled with the desire to investigate further ; and soon afterwards curiosity prompted me to take advantage of a leisure moment to resump the I'Agnelas experiments. In 1896 Eusapia Paladino was kind enough to spend a fortnight at my house at Choisy, near Bordeaux. MM. de Rochas, Watteville, Gramont, Brincard, and General Thomassin were present at all or some of these experi- ments. The Attorney-General, M. Lefranc, my friend and chief, was also present at one of our sittings. M. Bechade and a Bordeaux medium, Madame Agullana, were also my guests. The results of these sittings have been noted down by M. de Rochas in a small volume which has not been made public. More and more interested, and desirous of investigating still further what I had seen with Eusapia, I begged her to pay me another visit. She consented, and returned in 1897, giving me another fortnight, this time in my home at Bordeaux. The phenomena which my friends and I obtained on that occasion were as demonstrative as before.
Eusapia is not the only medium with whom I have experimented. Madame Agullana of Bordeaux, with her customary disinterestedness, has given me many sittings : the results I obtained with her are of a different order. I also brought twice to Bordeaux the young mediums of Agen, where a previous opportunity had been given me of observing them ; at Agen their phenomena had won
PRELIMINARY REMARKS 17
for their home the reputation of being haunted. Lastly, I have found some remarkable mediums at Bordeaux, among those who did me the honour of admitting me to their sittings. I also came across a large number of mediums manifesting automatic phenomena only ; these, too, were interesting in their way, for they enabled me to note and understand the difference between so- called supernatural phenomena and phenomena which are but the expression of an activity, which, in appearance at least, is extraneous to the ordinary personality.
Finally, I have frequently come across fraud. This was instructive, and I observed the fraudulent with patience and interest. The tricks of voluntary fraud deserve to be known and studied, as one is then better able to frustrate and checkmate them. Involuntary fraud — far more common than voluntary fraud — is no less instructive, for it throws a vivid light upon the curious phenomena of automatic activity.
It is not always becoming to entertain one's readers with personalities, but I think I ought to infringe a little upon decorum, in order to specify the state of mind in which I have pursued my observations. From the very beginning I w£ts struck by a fact which seems beyond doubt. I saw that certain manifestations — to all appear- ances supernormal — could only be studied with the assistance of nervous and mental pathology. Therefore I went to school again, and for six years I studied assid- uously clinical medicine at the University of Bordeaux. It is not within my present scope to write the panegyric of the masters to whose teachings I listened, their names would seem out of place in a book like this. But I may say that the interest which I took in my medical studies
B
1 8 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
became more lively, as I understood their importance better and better. Doubtless the notions which I have acquired are most rudimentary, but however unpretentious they may be, they have enabled me to understand the mechanism of certain manifestations, and to bring a more precise judgment to bear upon their psychological value. I am, therefore, an interested but impartial onlooker. It matters little to me if a table or a chair moves of its own accord ; I have no particular desire to see them accomplish these movements. The only interest, which I find in this fact, is its truth. Its reality alone is of value to me, and I have applied myself to establish this without any possible error. My unique preoccupation has been to make sure of the reality of the phenomena which I observed. The pursuit of truth has been my sole concern.
True, 1 sought it in my own way ; for I preferred to build my conviction upon a basis which would satisfy my intelligence and my reason, rather than impose a priori conditions which the experiment ought to satisfy in order to convince me. I am ignorant of most of these conditions, and I think that every one else is also. Con- sequently, I consider it imprudent to establish beforehand the conditions under which the experiments are to be made, in order to merit being recorded. It might just happen, that one of the conditions thus laid down rendered the experiment im-practicable. Therefore I have observed rather than experimented.
My manner of proceeding has been productive of many happy results ; for the curious phenomena which I have been able to observe are capricious ; they shun those who would force them, and offer themselves to
PRELIMINARY REMARKS 19
those who wait for them patiently. This behaviour, this spontaneity, is not the least astonishing feature in this line of observation.
I have always thought that there was nothing of a supernatural order in these phenomena. My conclusions have not changed ; but let us understand the meaning of this expression. I do not mean to say that these pheno- mena are always in accordance with nature's laws such as we understand them to-day. I am certain that we are in the presence of an unknown force ; its manifestations do not seem to obey the same laws, as those governing other forces more familiar to us ; but I have no doubt they obey some law, and perhaps the study of these phenomena will lead us to the conception of laws more comprehensive than those already known. Some future Newton will discover a more complete formula than ours.
My position, therefore, seems to me to be well defined. I have held myself aloof from those who denied upon bias, and also from those who asserted too rashly. I have remained within the margin of science. I have endeavoured to bring to bear upon my experiments methods of scientific observation. I wish to go in neither for occultism, nor for spiritism, nor for any- thing mysterious or supernatural. Many who know me imperfectly may think that I have given reins to my imagination, that I am an adept in theosophy, neo- martinism, or spiritism. Such is not the case. I seek, and I have found — very little ; others have been more fortunate than I. Some day perhaps I shall have the same good luck. But I shall not touch upon what others have done, save as an accessory ; I shall only
20 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
speak of what I myself have seen and what I myself think. My book is the statement of a witness — it has no other signification.
One word in conclusion. A great number of my experiments have been made with people who wish to preserve their incognito. I have never been wanting in discretion when this was asked of me, and have never disclosed the names of those who placed their confidence in me, permitting me to experiment with them whilst desirous of remaining unknown. I have sometimes found very remarkable mediums among these anonymous experimenters. Some of my sittings with them have been truly admirable on account of the clear, distinct nature of the phenomena obtained. I beg these trusting friends to accept my heartfelt thanks.
May my book have the good fortune to contribute, however feebly, towards removing the prejudices which keep away so many likely experimenters from these studies and researches. These prejudices are manifold : there is the fear of ridicule, the religious scruple, the delusive dread of nervous or mental disease, the terror of an unknown world peopled with strange, mysterious beings. But time will dispel all this, and I believe that a day will come, when these facts — well studied, well observed — will change our conceptions of things in a way little dreamt of to-day. The sphere of ' Psychical Science ' is unmeasurable. A few pioneers only are exploring therein to-day ; when the land has been tilled and culti- vated it will yield, I am sure, a wonderful crop — the harvest will surpass the dreams of imagination.
But let those who, thanks to a scientific education, are particularly well qualified to undertake these studies.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS 21
cease to consider them unworthy of their attention. In holding themselves aloof they commit a mistake which they will bitterly regret some day. Allowing even that the first experimenter may be guilty of mistakes, there will always remain something out of the facts which they have observed. Mistakes are unavoidable in the debut of a new science : the methods are uncertain, and the novelty of the phenomena makes their analysis difficult ; time, labour in common, and experience will remedy these inevitable inconveniences.
It would be very easy to give examples of the delay which scientific prejudice has brought to bear upon scientific progress. This criticism has already been very frequently and wittily made. Even those men, whose discoveries have placed them at the head of the intellectual movement of their generation, are not altogether free from blame, yielding too often to the deplorable tendency of converting natural laws into dogmas. They commit the same fault they object to in theologians. Man has a wonderful aptitude for laying hold of his neighbours' faults and remaining blind to his own, and probably it will be so for a long time to come. I would like to see science rid itself for good and all of this theological habit of mind.
Science has only to think about facts. There should be no distinction made between the various phenomena observed : it is not beseeming to adopt certain facts, and refuse analysis to others, excluding them on the ground, for example, that their examination belongs to reHgion. Every natural fact ought to be studied, and, if it be real, incorporated with the patrimony of knowledge. What matters its apparent contradiction with the laws of nature,
22 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
such as we understand them to-day ? These laws are not principles superior to our experience ; they are but the expression of our experience : our knowledge is very limited and our experience is still young — it will grow, and its development will bring the inevitable consequence of a corresponding modification in our conception of nature. Therefore, let us not be too positive of the accuracy of present ideas, and arbitrarily reject everything which we think runs counter to them. Do not dogmatise ; let our only care be the impartial search for truth. Nothing will better enable us to understand the surroundings in the midst of which we are evolving than facts, which are apparently irreconcilable with current ideas : these facts betoken that the ideas are erroneous or incomplete ; their attentive observation will reveal a more general formula which will explain at one and the same time the new and the old. And thus from antithesis to synthesis, more and more universal, our scientific ideas will tend towards absolute truth.
Alas ! how far away from this ideal do we seem to be to-day ! Laboremus !
METHOD 23
CHAPTER I
METHOD
A French proverb says, ' we must have eggs to make an omelette ' : in order to be able to study psychical pheno- mena we must have psychical phenomena. This seems an elementary proposition, and yet it is the very one we most readily overlook. I have already said why and wherefore.
Therefore, I deem it necessary to indicate at once the methods which have appeared to me to give the most favourable results. Those of my readers who may wish to verify the accuracy of my conclusions will, I am sure, have the opportunity of doing so, if they operate as I have done. First of all, I must warn them against caring for the world's opinion. They must not be afraid of exposing themselves to ridicule. No doubt there is temptation to make a jest of the methods which I advise ; but I strongly recommend them to think about the result, and not about the means used to obtain that result.
Psychical phenomena are of two orders : material and intellectual. The methods best suited to the study of the first are not, in my opinion, adapted to the study of the second. There is a distinction, therefore, to be made in the beginning between these two categories of facts.
24 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
Physical phenomena are the least frequently met with ; they include : —
1 . Knockings or * raps ' on furniture, walls, floors, or on the experimenters themselves.
2. Sundry noises other than raps.
3. Movements of objects without sufficient contact to explain the movement produced. There is here a dis- tinction to be made between (a) movements produced without any contact whatever — telekinesis : e.g. the rising or sliding of a table or chair, the swaying of scales, etc., without their being touched ; and (/^) movements with contact, which is insufficient to explain them — parakinesis : e.g. the levitation of a table on which the experimenters lay their hands.
4. Apports : that is to say, the sudden appearance of objects — flowers, sweets, stones, etc, — which have not been brought by any of the assistants. This phenomenon — if it exists — supposes, in addition, the following : —
5. Penetrability, or the passage of matter through matter.
6. Visual phenomena, which are themselves subdivided into : —
{a) Vision of the odic effluvium.
{F) Amorphous lights.
{c) Forms, either luminous or non-luminous.
{a) Lastly, the most complete phenomenon of all —
the materialisation of a form, human or
otherwise, luminous or not.
7. Phenomena which leave permanent traces, such as imprints.
METHOD 25
8. Alteration in the weight of material objects or of certain people : levitation.
9. Perceptible changes in the temperature : sensation of cold or heat ; spontaneous combustion.
10. Cool breezes.
Such are the chief psychical phenomena of the material order, which have been pointed out by different experi- menters. I have not verified all of them : raps, tele- kinetic, and a few luminous phenomena are all I have obtained in a thoroughly satisfactory manner.
Intellectual phenomena are those which imply the expression of a thought. I will class them in the following manner : —
1. Typtology : the table, upon which the experi- menters lay their hands, leans to one side and recovers equilibrium by striking the ground.
2. Grammatology or spelt-out sentences. Various methods may be used. The principal are : —
{a) Repeating the alphabet until a rap indicates the
letter to be retained ; (J?) Pointing out the letters of the alphabet by
means of a pencil or stiletto, etc., until a
rap indicates where to stop ; (<:) Finally, the designation of the required letters
by an index-hand on a pivot fixed in the
middle of a circle composed of the alphabet,
the index-hand moving with or without
contact.
3. Automatic writing : immediate^ when the subject writes without the intermedium of an instrument ; mediate^ when he uses an instrument, such as a plan- chette, a wooden ball with handles fastened to it, a basket,
26 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
a hat, a stand, etc. In this case, several people can combine their action by laying their hands all together upon the object to which the pencil is attached.
4. Direct writing : i.e. writing which appears on slates, paper, etc., whether in or out of sight of the experi- menters. If the letters seem to be formed without the aid of a pencil we have precipitated writing.
5. Incarnation or 'control': the subject, when asleep, speaks in the name of some entity or order, V7\{\c]\ possesses him.
6. Direct voices : when words are heard, appearing to emanate from vocal organs other than those of the persons present; some experimenters are supposed to have conversed in this way with materialised forms.
7. Certain automatisms other than writing are observ- able : e.g. crystal- and mirror-gazing ; audition in conch- formed shells ; sundry hallucinations, telepathy and telesthesia : ' the communication of impressions of any kind from one mind to another, independently of the recognised channels of sense ' ; perception at a distance of positive impressions. These phenomena bring in their train clairvoyance or voyance, and lucidity, expres- sions which are by no means identical. Lucidity designates more particularly the faculty which certain people have, in magnetic sleep or in somnambulism, of getting exact impressions in a supernormal manner ; clairvoyants or voyants are those who see forms in- visible to other people. Clairaudience denotes phenomena of the same kind in the auditory sphere.
I have paid scarcely any attention to these intellectual phenomena, with the exception of automatic writing, crystal-gazing, typtology, and ' control.' If I have taken
METHOD 27
greater interest in material than in intellectual pheno- mena, it is because they struck me as being more simple and easier to observe. This sentiment is not that of all experimenters, and my colleagues of the London Society for Psychical Research appear to be more affirmative in their conclusions, concerning survival after death and communication vyith the dead, than in their opinions on material phenomena. My personal experience has not led me to the same ideas.
Undoubtedly, experiments demonstrating the persist- ence of human personality after death would have an interest, in comparison with which all others would be blotted out. But the analysis of phenomena of this kind raises difficulties, which are much more compli- cated than is the simple observation of a physical fact. Intellectual phenomena always suppose some kind of motor automatism or other ; of course, I am not speaking of manifestations where the will of the sensitive intervenes : this automatism is manifested by language, writing, or the less elevated motor phenomena, typtology for example ; it may also be sensory and manifest itself in hallucinations of various kinds. To understand the infinite complication of intellectual phenomena it suffices to indicate the conditions under which they are observed. Before admitting that the cause of the apparent auto- matism is foreign to the sensitive, we must be able to eliminate with certitude the action of his personal or impersonal conscience. To what extent does the sub- liminal memory intervene ? — a first difficulty which is scarcely solvable !
But supposing it to be solved, the problem still remains almost intact. If the knowledge of a positive
2 8 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
fact, certainly unknown to the medium, appears in his automatic communications, we must not thereupon conclude that this knowledge is due to the intervention of a disincarnated spirit. Telepathy may be able to explain it. Telepathy is, as we know, the transmission of an idea, an impression, a psychical condition of some kind or other from one person to another. We are altogether ignorant of its laws, and nothing warrants the assertion, that if telepathy is a fact — as appears most probable — it is therefore necessary that any particular motive condition should exist in the agent. We may suppose with just as much reason, that the existence of a souvenir in one mind can be discovered and recognised by another, under conditions solely depending on the mental state of the percipient. This is, properly speaking, telesthesia. Now it is very difficult to prove that the fact, of which automatism marks the knowledge, is unknown to everybody. It is even impossible to prove it. But supposing this were done, there would always remain the possibility of attributing the communication to some being other than human : by admitting even the existence of spiritual or immaterial beings distinct from ourselves, nothing warrants us to affirm that such beings are our deceased relatives or friends and not some facetious Kobolds.
Prediction and precognition, of which I have had proof, raise just as complicated questions as the pre- ceding ones. I confine myself to recording without trying to explain these facts.
Therefore, I have given my preferences to the study of physical phenomena, because in such I have not to consider the mental condition of the subject, nor have
METHOD 29
I any of those delicate analyses to make, the complexity of which I have just mentioned. I have to defend myself against only two enemies, the fraud of others and my own illusions. Now, I feel certain of never having been the victim of either. When, for example, in the refreshment- room of a railway-station, in a restaurant, in a tea-shop, I have observed, in broad daylight, a piece of furniture change place of its own accord, 1 have a right to think I am not in the presence of furniture especially arranged to produce such effects. When the unforeseen nature of the experiment excludes the hypothesis of preparation, when, by sight and touch, I make sure of the absence of contact between the experimenters and the article which is displaced, I have sufficient reasons for excluding the hypothesis of fraud. When I measure the distance between the objects before and after the displacement, I have also sufficient reason for excluding the hypothesis of the illusion of my senses. If this right be refused me, I should really like to know how any fact whatever can be observed. No one is more convinced than myself of the frailty of our impressions and the relativity of our perceptions ; nevertheless, there must be some way of perceiving a phenomenon in order to submit it to impar- tial observation. Besides, the supposed reproach of illusion cannot be applied in a general sense ; to admit its justice would be to do away with the very foundations of our sciences. It can only be applied to me as an individual, and I willingly admit that it is impossible for me to exculpate myself. In vain might I plead that I am per- suaded of the regularity of my perceptions, in vain assert that I observe no tendency to illusion in myself, my testimony would remain none the less suspected.
30 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
Consequently, I have but one reply for those who mistrust my qualifications as an observer, and that is to invite them to take the trouble of experimenting on their own account, using the methods which I have adopted. If, a -priori^ they wish to lay down their own conditions, they run the risk of receiving no appreciable results. When they have obtained a few plain facts they will be able to vary the conditions of experimentation, and satisfy the legitimate exigencies of their own reason. That is what I did, and if I cannot solemnly affirm the reality of the phenomena which I have observed, I can at all events affirm my personal conviction of their exist- ence. Maybe I am showing an exaggerated mistrust of myself by thus only affirming my subjective conviction, and in not venturing to affirm with a like energy the objective reality of the things I have seen. Yet I trust no one will blame me for my prudent reserve. What man can say he has never made a mistake ?
Only those, who put themselves in the same conditions which enabled me to make my observations, have a right to criticise those observations.
To criticise without experience is unreasonable, and I recognise no competence in those judges whose decisions are made without preliminary information. For the rest, I have no wish to convert any one to my ideas, and am indifferent— respectfully indifferent, if you like — to the judgment which may be formed about me.
The methods recommended by diverse occult schools vary a great deal. Theosophists do not reveal to the profane the means they use to obtain supernormal facts. This discretion astonishes me, for the theosophical society is filled with a lively spirit of propagandism. It has its
METHOD
31
chief centre at Adyar, and lodges or branches everywhere. The theosophical reviews venture to discuss the most ele- vated problems of philosophy, and are not at all sparing of the most extraordinary revelations of esoteric teaching ; but they are remarkably sparing of practical indications.
Theosophical phenomenonalism appears to derive in- spiration from Hindu-Yogism. I do not know the rules of training to which Yogis submit themselves. The most severe abstinence seems to be recommended them. Adepts are generally initiated by their Gurus or masters, and 1 have not been fortunate enough to be the chela of an initiated.
The French occultists who are connected with Eliphas Levy by Papus (Dr. Encausse), Guaita, Haven, Barlet, Sedir, recommend the practice of magic. Descriptions of the necessary magical material will be found in treatises by Papus and Eliphas Levy. The results which the Magi relate having been obtained are so vague, that I have had no curiosity to put into practice the strange proceedings of magic ceremonial recommended by them. These have a serious inconvenience ; namely, to strike the imagination of credulous folk, and to facilitate auto-suggestion, sensorial illusions, and hallu- cinations. To accomplish the rites, moreover, it is necessary to dispose of rooms arranged in a particular way, and to submit oneself to a severe diet for a certain time. This makes it a complicated matter. Well, I must admit I was ashamed to try these methods. I lacked the courage to don the cloak and the linen robe, to trace the circle, and with lighted lamp and sword in hand await visions about to appear in the smoke arising from the burning incense. I own I was perhaps wrong
32 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
not to try what are apparently the less rational methods. Only caring for the result obtained, I certainly would not have hesitated to resort to white or even black magic, had I had any reason whatsoever to anticipate a positive result. In order to obtain an observable fact, I would not have hesitated laying myself open to ridicule. But the statements of experimenters of the occult school seemed to imply a poverty of practical results. If the magi of the present day had realised some operation easily accessible to observation, they would not have omitted acquainting us of the fact in one or other of their numerous reviews. Their silence struck me as significant.
Moreover, the very essence even of Hermetic doctrines, openly professed by occultists, is opposed to all such divulgence. The ancient doctrine exacted initiation. The Rosicrucians, if I am not mistaken, could only initiate an adept. Then again, they were allowed to use this privilege only upon attaining a certain age, and when convinced of having found a discreet and trustworthy pupil. All that publicity made to-day about Hermetic sciences is the actual negation of their first precepts. These indiscretions bring to my mind the words of one of my predecessors at the Bordeaux Court [successor of the ancient Parliament of Guyenne], the President Jean d'Espagnet, one of the three or four adepts who pass for having unriddled the great arcanum. ' Facilia intellectu suspecta haheat^ he says, speaking to the seeker, ' maxime in mysticis nominibus et arcanis operationibus ; in obscuris enim Veritas delitescit ; nee unquam dolosius qiiam qumn aperte, nee verius quam quum obscure, scribunt philosophi.'
METHOD 33
Then, again, I had a decisive reason for choosing spiritistic methods : they are not mysterious and they require no special subjective preparation. They are simple — in appearance, at least — and can be easily applied. Spiritists, and certain experimenters who have adopted their methods without sharing their theories, affirm having obtained surprising results. Therefore, I had nothing better to do than choose these same methods. Because of their simplicity, and the multi- plicity of certified results, I considered it preferable to adopt the methods of spiritists. I will, therefore, in- dicate how I experiment when I am free to direct the sittings — which, unfortunately, is not always the case.
I shall divide my indications into three wide categories : I. Material Conditions; 2. Composition of the Circle; 3. Methods of Operation.
I will add that these indications are not absolute.
I. MATERIAL CONDITIONS
Results are generally better, when operations are carried on in a room whose dimensions do not exceed 15 to 20 square yards in area, and 12 to 15 feet in height. Smaller rooms may be used, but then the heat is sometimes trying.
The temperature of the room is an important factor. Heat, although it may inconvenience the experimenters and the medium, appears to exercise a favourable influence on the emission of the force. On the contrary, cold is an element of non-success. Of course, I am speaking of the temperature of the room. I would advise operating in a temperature of from 20 to 25 degrees centigrade. It
c
34 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
is decidedly necessary to avoid having cold hands and feet.
In winter the seance-room should be thoroughly warmed and the fire allowed to go out before the sitting, in case luminous phenomena should be forth- coming.
I fancied I saw an advantage, especially for movements without contact, in operating in an uncarpeted room. The carpet not only seems to be a bad element generally, it also hinders the gliding movements of the table, which are often only very slight.
As for exterior meteorological conditions, I have noticed that a dry cold favours the production of psychical phenomena : it is, I believe, the temperature optima. In any case, the dryness of the air is a very good condition. I have noticed that the phenomena were more easily obtained, when outside conditions favoured the production of numerous sparks under the wheels of electric trams. I have often noticed this coincidence between good sittings and the abundance of electric sparks above-mentioned. I believe that the hygrometrical state of the atmosphere is an important factor in the production of these sparks. Rain and wind are, on the contrary, causes of failure.
The lighting of the seance-room is one of the most important considerations in experimentation. Lamps and candles have the inconvenience of taking some time to light, and they do not allow of easy and rapid modification in the illumination of the room. Electric lighting is the best system, because, disposing of several lamps, it suffices to press a hand-lever in order to vary the quantity and quahty of the light.
METHOD 35
Much criticism has been passed on the particular kind of experiments I have undertaken to relate ; one of the most frequently reiterated criticisms is the reproach of always operating in obscurity. Nothing can be more inexact. As far as I am concerned, 1 have never con- sidered as convincing telekinetic and parakinetic experi- ments made in obscurity. Those movements without contact, which have brought about my conviction, were obtained in full light, and more often in broad daylight. Of course, it is evident that darkness is necessary for the observation of luminous phenomena. To insist upon proving, in broad daylight, the reality of the delicate phosphorescences which it has been given me to observe, is a glaring contradiction.
On the other hand, there is no doubt that darkness is particularly favourable to phenomena of a physical order. On several occasions I have had the opportunity of recognising this fact under conditions, which rendered the hypothesis of fraud extremely improbable. For example, I have frequently obtained raps in the light, the number and intensity of which increased when the light was extinguished. It is the same with movements of objects without contact ; but, I repeat, obscurity is not necessary.
In a popular scientific review I once read a criticism of some experiments in which I took part — a criticism written by a medical man at Bruxelles, if my memory be correct. This doctor, a man of talent, imagined that our conclusions were founded upon ex- periments conducted solely in total obscurity. He committed an involuntary mistake.
Psychical phenomena can be obtained in broad day-
^6 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
liofht, and an endeavour should be made to obtain them in this way. There has been a general tendency to put out all lights in order to procure more marked pheno- mena. This is a wrong way of proceeding, if one seeks physical phenomena such as raps or movements without contact. We must avoid working without light, for the habit of only being able to emit the nervous force in obscurity is most easily acquired ; and it is by no means easy to suppress acquired habits. Eusapia Paladino had the habit of demanding the gradual extinction of the light as her trance deepened. In 1897 I was able to get through her the same phenomena, with a certain amount of light and without the trance condition, I still remember her astonishment at obtaining, in her waking state, phenomena which, until then, she had obtained in the second state only. Sleep and darkness were the conditions this remarkable medium had become accustomed to, but they were not necessary. My first recommendation, then, is to operate with light, with as much light as possible.
I repeat, however, that sometimes the lessening of light is desirable — often the medium demands it — even its total extinction is sometimes necessary, as, for example, when sitting for luminous phenomena. It is therefore well to have a series of graduated electric lights more or less shaded. The simpler thing is to have a Pigeon lamp. These petroleum lamps do not give much light, but the graduation of the light is easily effected with them. Their great advantage is this, when the elec- tricity is turned off, their feeble light — quite sufficient in certain cases — is capable of being gradually reduced until total obscurity is obtained.
METHOD 37
Coloured lights are often useful : I have not tried blue ; yellow, violet, and green are good ; while red fatigues the eyes. For certain series of experiments, I arranged my light so as to obtain white, yellow, green, or red, according to wish : the first three give sufficient illumina- tion ; it is not at all the same with red.
I strongly recommend avoiding the concentration of the luminous source. To avoid that inconvenience, dull glass may be used, or the lamps and lantern-sides may be covered with transparent paper — the quantity of light is not sensibly diminished, and the sight is less tried.
The quality of the light employed did not seem to me to have any very noticeable influence on the phenomena, yet I think my best results have been obtained in the twilight hours, or in the afternoon between five and seven o'clock, when the hard light of day had been tempered by drawing the blinds together.
The most important question after that of illumination is the choice of apparatus. I do not hesitate to say that the table is the best thing to use. However, it must not be imagined this article is an indispensable tool. Move- ments without contact can be obtained just as well with chairs, baskets, hats, pieces of wood, linen, etc., but a table is more convenient.
I have obtained equally good results with round or rectangular tables ; the latter have perhaps given me the finest experiences. Eusapia generally uses rectangular tables ; at I'Agnelas the table we used weighed about 13 kilogrammes, at Choisy 6 or 7, at Bordeaux about 7 kg. 500 grs. When sitting for raps or movements without contact, I think it is better to use lighter tables ; for
38 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
psychical force is mensurable : some mediums incapable of moving a table weighing ten kilogrammes may be able to obtain the levitation of a lighter one.
Some of my recent results lead me to think, there might be an advantage in using tables made with a double top, a space of three or four inches separating the two shelves. I have not experimented sufficiently to be able to express an opinion on the advantages which, theoretically, the double top seems to hold out. My impression is that the table acts something like a condenser, in which case the purpose of a double top can be understood.
The legs of the table should be separated. One-legged tables should be discarded, and especially tripods, their supervision being so very difficult. When the legs are thin and apart, observation is untrammelled.
The colour of the table did not seem to me to exercise any influence over the phenomena. I have been equally successful with black, white, red, and brown tables. They may be polished or unpolished. I do not think it matters what kind of wood they are made of, though I have obtained my finest raps with an unpolished mahogany table.
I have noticed there is an advantage in covering the table with some white material of light texture, which should not fall beyond the edges of the table more than one or two inches, as it would otherwise interfere with the experimenters' reciprocal supervision. I do not know why the presence of a cloth should be favourable to raps and movements ; at all events, it makes fraudulent raps and communicated movements much more difficult.
It is well to curtain off one corner of the room in order
METHOD 39
to form a cabinet. If the room be narrow enough, it is more convenient to stretch the curtains at the end opposite the window — an arrangement I adopted at Choisy.
The dimensions of the cabinet ought not to exceed 3 feet 9 inches to 4 feet 6 inches in width, 2 feet in depth, and 6 feet in height. I think there is an advantage in partially closing in the top.
The curtains should be made of some material of light thin texture. It is a mistake to think they should be of a dark colour ; I have obtained just as good results with plain white sheets as with dark curtains.
When studying movement of objects without contact, it is useful to place in the cabinet light articles which produce a noise when shaken. The common tambourine is very appropriate for this purpose, as are also accordions, toy-pianos, harmonicas, hand-bells, etc.
The experimenters ought to sit upon wooden chairs with cane seats. Upholstered chairs are not to be recommended.
An easy-chair should be placed in the cabinet for the medium, in case he should wish to sit there. Mediums often express this wish, when in a state of ' trance ' or somnambulism. I give the name of ' trance ' to the sleep or torpor which is generally noticed in the sensitive, when the phenomena attain their maximum intensity. I prefer the word ' trance ' to any other expression, because the condition of the entranced medium does not seem to me to be identical with that of the somnambulist ; and for the particular experiments with which I am dealing, it is of interest to use terms which do not lead to confusion.
40 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
It is extremely useful to have a registering apparatus, which will allow of making graphical descriptions of certain movements. Sir William Crookes used this with success. I have not had the opportunity of using any ; for I had no such apparatus at hand when 1 experimented with Eusapia Paladino. Later on, in a series of promising experiments, the health of the medium with whom I was operating obliged me to cease work, before I was able to make use of my registers,
I must, however, warn experimenters against the premature use of any kind of apparatus whatever. One of the most curious features of psychical phenomena is their apparent independence. The phenomena direct us ; they do not allow themselves to be easily led. Often they seem to obey some will other than that of the sitters ; and it is this which forms the basis of spiritistic belief; but, though I have not been able to grasp its laws, my impression is that this spontaneousness is only apparent.
Sensitives, as a rule, exhibit great repugnance to mechanical tests. This repugnance is one of the difficulties which repel the best predisposed minds, and quickly leads them to the conclusion of dishonesty, an unwarranted conclusion sometimes. I have come across many mediums, who themselves offered me every help in their power when devising test conditions. It is true these mediums are private individuals of position and education, and are extremely anxious that their psychic powers might not be made public in any way ; for they do not wish to expose themselves to the criticism and abuse which is so lavishly bestowed upon mediums. This is particularly the case with ladies,
METHOD 41
Certainly, the attacks made on Eusapia Paladino by a badly informed press and public are not encouraging to the more highly gifted mediums. I owe it to Eusapia to say that, in my experiments with her, she has always submitted to the exigencies of the most severe test conditions. If she has sometimes given me suspicious phenomena, she did so only under especial psychological conditions.-^
Though I have not employed any registering appar- atus, I have used instruments of weight and measure particularly a letter-balance — an article as convenient as it is easily employed. Each experimenter can and ought to vary the conditions of experimentation accord- ing to his wishes, within the limits which frequent experimentation will very quickly give him. The results obtained must be definite. To be satisfied with approximate results in such a matter would be absolute loss of time.
In concluding my remarks about the paraphernalia of the seance-room, I will give one more recommenda- tion which may seem extraordinary, but which, I have reason to believe, is useful ; this is that there should be no metal about the table : it is better to fasten it together with pegs rather than with nails. This is not an absolute condition, however, for I have obtained good results with nailed tables ; yet my impression is that the absence of all metal is an element of success. Mediums are sometimes extremely sensitive to metals. Certain sensitives complain of their rings, which seem to make them feel uncomfortable, giving them, at times, a sensation of exaggerated heat. This brings
1 See Appendix B.
42 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
to mind certain facts met with from time to time in our neurotic cliniques.
II. COMPOSITION OF THE CIRCLE
The most important thing in the organisation of a series of experiments is the choice of persons with whom we intend to operate. First of all, it must be remem- bered that without a medium no phenomena will be forthcoming. The presence of some one, gifted with the power of producing psychical phenomena, is perhaps the only necessary and indispensable condition of their realisation. Therefore, experimentation ought only to be seriously thought of when in possession of that rara avis.
What, then, is a medium.'' By what distinguishing features can he be recognised } It is very difficult to answer these questions.
I will give the name of ' medium ' to any person capable of producing any of the phenomena previously mentioned. I adopt the word ' medium,' because it is consecrated by custom and has received the precise signification I mention. Some philosophers criticise this definition. Their criticisms are, I think, misplaced. In metaphysics it is easy to give definitions which, though elegant, are founded upon nothing. In physics — I use this word in its etymological and primitive sense — a being can only be defined by its properties. Definitions of this kind state a fact, which is all we can require of them ; they serve one purpose, which is to avoid a long periphrase. Any other definition
METHOD 43
would lead to the supposition, that the veritable know- ledge of the cause of the phenomena observed or of the properties recorded, was known ; now, it seems to me impossible to affirm the real cause of the facts I have observed. I confine myself to stating them without forming any hypotheses.
A medium is, therefore, a person in presence of whom ' psychical ' phenomena can be observed. I use this word ' psychical ' with regret, because it implies a hypothesis.
As a rule it is necessary to experiment with mediums in order to discover them. Their gifts are often latent, and only reveal themselves if conditions favourable to their manifestation are supplied. This is not always the case, and there is generally a chance of coming across a medium when experimenting with persons in whose pre- sence certain irregular abnormal noises are heard, certain movements of furniture are spontaneously produced. Such things are far from being as uncommon as one would think. This assertion may seem paradoxical, but such is not the case.
I have met with good mediums who were ignorant of the existence of their faculties ; yet, when I questioned them, I discovered that they frequently heard little ' raps ' upon the wood of their bed or upon their night-table, without attaching any importance to it. Others have often noticed the displacement of ordinary articles. Sometimes, but more rarely, the facts ob- served are so intense that the house appears to be haunted. We are often tempted to attribute to fraud the phenomena of haunting. I believe accounts of this nature are not all false, and I shall perhaps try
44 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
and show this in a future work. We must not reason like one of my friends, a man of vast erudition and superior intelligence, who one day said to me : ' A little girl from thirteen to sixteen years old is always to be found in haunted houses — as soon as the little girl is taken away the phenomena cease ! ' Granted ! Things generally happen thus ; only the little girl may not be the voluntary cause of the phenomena : she may be the involuntary cause of them, a medium in activity, producing supernormal phenomena of the nature of those observed at spiritistic seances.
However, it must be admitted that it is very seldom we have the opportunity of experimenting with these, so to speak, ready-made mediums. As a rule we must try on patiently, until the longed-for phcEnix has been discovered.
At the same time, I ought to point out that the chances of encountering a medium will be greater if we look for him among nervous people. It seems to me that a certain impressionability — or nervous in- stability— -is a favourable condition for the effervescence of medianity. I use the term ' nervous instability ' for want of a better, but I do not use it in an ill sense. Hysterical people do not always give clear, decided phenomena ; my best experiments have been made with those who were not in any way hysterical.
Neurasthenics generally give no result whatever.
The nervous instability of which I speak is, therefore, neither hysteria, nor neurasthenia, nor any nervous affection whatsoever. It is a state of the nervous system such as appears in hypertension. A lively im- pressionability, a delicate susceptibility, a certain unequal-
METHOD 45
ness of temper, establish analogy between mediums and certain neurotic patients ; but they are to be distinguished from the latter by the integrity of their sensibilities, of their reflex movements, and of their visual range. As a rule, they have a lively intelligence, are susceptible to attention, and do not lack energy ; their artistic senti- ments are relatively developed ; they are confiding and unreserved v/ith those who show them sympathy ; are distrustful and irritable if not treated gently. They pass easily from sadness to joy, and experience an irresistible need of physical agitation : these two charac- teristics are just the ones which made me choose the expression of nervous instability.
I say instability, I do not say want of equilibrium. Many mediums whom I have known have an extremely well-balanced mind, from a mental and nervous point of view. My impression is that their nervous system is even superior to that of the average.
This will, no doubt, surprise many well-informed people. Medical men and psychologists, ill-disposed, as a rule, to the study of so-called occult phenomena, have the habit of looking upon all mediums as hysterics. It suffices to read the works of these savants to per- ceive they have never been in the presence of veritable mediums. M. Paul Janet, for example — in V Automatisme Psychologiqiie — propounds general theories which cannot be applied to every case. It is a pity such an eminent thinker should not have taken the trouble to make him- self better acquainted with the facts. Perhaps he has acted like the celebrated Abbot Vertot.^ According to
1 Vertot, an historian of the eighteenth century, falling to receive, when he was ready for them, tlie documents upon which he counted in order to write
46 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
M. Janet's theories, all mediums are on the high road to psychological disintegration : the constituent parts of their personality are dissociated under the influence of the weakening of the normal, personal activity.
I am sure the individuals observed by M. Janet have been very carefully studied by him ; but I regret that my learned colleague has not encountered a genuine medium. I share his opinion concerning most spiritistic mediums ; I have only found two interesting ones among them ; the hundred others which I have ob- served have only given me automatic phenomena, more or less conscious ; nearly all were the puppets of their imagination. It is outside spiritistic circles that I have discovered the best mediums.
M. Janet's criticisms are only erroneous because they are too sweeping. His conception of psychological disintegration is applicable to the greater number of cases ; but it does not apply to all. It is a very different thing to study a crystal-vision, or an automatic writing revealing nothing beyond the tenor of the sensitive's memory, or to observe a premonitory vision such as has been given me to do. The indication of a future event cannot be explained by Janet's hypothesis. It reveals especial faculties that I can scarcely consider pathological, unless I consider them as such in the same way as one considers genius to be a sign of degeneration.
It is more reasonable to think that our nervous sensi- bility will become more and more refined. It is rash to
his Siege of Rhodes, finished his work for all that ; and when the documents were handed to him, he contented himself with saying : ' I am very sorry, but I have finished my siege.' He preferred leaving his work imperfect to beginning it over again.
METHOD 47
believe that the present human type is the definite end of evolution. Our species is only one link in the series of beings ; the causes, which have led up to the improvement of the human race, are still in activity, and it is logical to think there are some natures above as well as below the average. The latter represent ancestral types — a return to cast-off forms ; the former are perhaps precursors, possessing faculties which are abnormal to-day, but which may become normal to-morrow.
I must pause, for I see I am forsaking the domain of facts for that of hypotheses ; I hasten to return thither. I have pointed out the signs which permit us to suppose that a certain given person is a medium ; although these signs are not certain, they seem to me probable. In reality, there is only one sure way of testing the faculties of a medium : that is to experiment with him.
It has been observed that certain people do not obtain phenomena when they operate alone, but obtain them, on the contrary, when with another person. I myself have not had occasion to remark this fact, but I have often noticed that the presence of certain people favoured the attainment of results, while the presence of others troubled or stopped it. I have no explanation to offer for this fact. Certainly credulity or incredulity has no influence whatever on the results of an experiment. I have seen people who were very little inclined to allow themselves to be convinced make excellent auxiliaries. At the same time, I have seen convinced spiritists make detestable co-operators.
It seems as if the faculty of giving forth this un-
48 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
known force were unequally distributed, that it con- stitutes a physical property of the organism ; that, in relation to it, some persons will be positive and others negative, some will emit and others absorb it.
Hence the importance of the choice of co-operators — of the composition of the circle. The number of experi- menters is comparatively unimportant ; in principle, the more numerous the circle the greater the force thrown out. But the presence of a large number of sitters is a bad condition for observation ; it also enhances the difficulty of the realisation of, what spiritists call, the harmony of the circle. But I ought to say that the finest luminous phenomena, which I have seen, have been obtained when there were from fifteen to twenty people present. On the other hand, I have had the opportunity of experimenting several times alone with a non- professional medium, when I succeeded in seeing faces which I recognised. Unfortunately, this medium — the only one with whom I have obtained this phenomenon — wishes to retain his incognito.
I think the most favourable number is from four to eight. I would urge those who wish to try to experi- ment to compose their circle, as far as possible, of an equal number of each sex ; it is preferable to alternate the masculine and feminine elements. These considera- tions lead us to the examination of methods of operation, properly speaking.
III. METHODS OF OPERATION
Before discussing in detail those methods which appear to me to be the surest, I think it well to make a few
METHOD 49
general recommendations. The first relates to the state of mind in which it is necessary to experiment. If interesting results are desired it is not advisable to laugh, joke, or mock at those practices — - however ridiculous they may seem — with which I advise com- pliance. Act seriously, do not make light of experi- ments, the exact import of which we are so ignorant of. I think we should also avoid the other extreme, which we find in most spiritistic groups, and which impart to these seances all the solemnity of a religious service.
The foregoing might be considered a useless recom- mendation, which is not the case. Spiritists, whose experience in such matters is not to be disdained, insist on the necessity of harmony in the circle, which is, they say, an essential condition of success. My personal ex- perience confirms their opinion on this point. I have often been present at sittings which promised well in the beginning, and became suddenly barren because of a futile discussion between the sitters. The harmony recommended by spiritists is a kind of equilibrium between the mental and emotional states of the sitters. Each sitter should be animated by the same spirit — I do not use this word in its spiritistic acceptation — and seek only the truth ; for I take it for granted they will operate as I have done. This unity of views, this uniformity of desires, this harmony between brains and hearts ensures the synergy of the forces which each member of the circle develops.
For there is no doubt that some kind of force is emitted, and that if the medium throws off more than the other experimenters, an equilibrium between him and the other sitters is nevertheless fairly quickly estab-
D
so METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
lished. The medium takes back from the latter the force he has expended. The result is that after a suc- cessful seance, the sitters are generally tired. I have noticed that certain persons give out this force more readily than others, and this perhaps explains a medium's preference for certain experimenters as neighbours during the seance. We must not attribute this choice to the greater facility,which some people might offer for the execu- tion of fraudulent phenomena. I have frequently been thus chosen, and I beg my readers to believe that I have a horror of fraud and imposture. I am also accustomed to experimenting ; I feel no emotion whatever ; I keep cool and observe with care. I am well acquainted with fraudulent methods, and I take good care not to be imposed upon.
I repeat, it is a mistake to attribute to fraudulent intentions the preference shown by the medium for such or such an experimenter. In reality, it seems as though the medium, possessing an organism much more sensitive than that of the majority, quickly recognises those persons who the more easily throw off the force which he requires to retrieve his losses. This more rapid emission may be the result of habit, or may even depend upon individual constitution. Eusapia quickly discerns people from whom she can easily draw the force she needs. In the course of my first experi- ments with this medium, I found out this vampirism to my cost. One evening, at the close of a sitting at I'Agnelas, she was raised from the floor and carried on to the table with her chair. I was not seated beside her, but, without releasing her neighbours' hands, she caught hold of mine while the phenomenon was happen-
METHOD 51
ing. I had a cramp in the stomach — 1 cannot better define my sensation — and was almost overcome by exhaustion.
This, for me, extraordinary incident astonished me greatly, and since then I have always carefully examined my sensations. This examination has the fault of being purely subjective, but certain objective realities have confirmed it. A special sensation accompanies the emission of this nervous force, and with custom the passage of the energy expended in a seance can be felt, just as the interruption of its flow can be discerned. I have questioned several experimenters about this, and their observations have often corroborated mine.
Therefore I think I may say that some kind of force is emitted by the sitters, which is elaborated by the medium ; that the latter restores his losses at the expense of the experimenters, that certain people more readily than others furnish the medium with the force he requires ; and that a certain sympathy of ideas, views, and sentiments between the experimenters is favourable to the emission of this force.
I have no decided opinion upon the nature and origin oi this force. I think it is kindred to the energy which circulates in our nerves, and which provokes the contrac- tion of our muscles. Further on I shall give the reasons which lead me to think so.
A second recommendation, no less important than the first, in my opinion, is to treat seriously, and note carefully all communications given through the table, through automatic writing or raps.
I now arrive at the examination of one of the most curious facts which so-called ' psychical ' experiences
52 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
reveal. To a certain extent the manifesting force appears to be intelligent. Nothing permits me to affirm or even to think, that the manifestations are due to an entity distinct from that of the sitters. It is not my province to discuss hypotheses : I confine myself to the relation of facts, and in the course of my recital, I will point out in detail the circumstances, which permit me to signalise the apparent individuality of the mani- festing force. As in such matters I have always thought it better to preserve an expectant attitude, I have always been careful never to slight the communications received through the phenomena. I have imposed on my- self the habit of treating these manifestations in the manner desired by them. Every time I acted otherwise, the results were indifferent.
Generally, the manifestations are attributed to a deceased person, known or unknown to the sitters. This is not absolute, for I have witnessed the table call itself the devil, or even pretend to be a man still alive. Automatic writing has been signed by a Mahatma ; but, as a rule, it is the soul of a deceased person who claims to be manifesting. This usual attribution explains spiritistic belief. I have good reason for thinking, that the spirits of the dead have had nothing to do with my experiments ; but as, in reality, I am ignorant of the cause of the phenomena which I have observed, 1 have politely accepted the explanation these have given of themselves. It is thus we address those whom we meet at table d'hote, calling them by the name they give them- selves without concerning ourselves as to who they really are.
Therefore, whatever the changeable personification of
METHOD 53
the phenomena may be, my advice is to accept it and to heed its observations. We must not suppose the ideas expressed are due to the operators' unconscious move- ments ; that may be true when the communications are obtained through automatic writing, through a table or articles with which the experimenters are in contact ; but it is certainly not so when they are obtained by raps given without any contact whatsoever, as I have been able to prove many and many a time. As I con- fine myself to indicating the results of my personal experience, it is perhaps enough to say once more that the methods 1 recommend seem good to me. I have always noticed the unhappy consequences of my refusal to take into account the spontaneous advice of the personification.
The most frequently given advice concerns the placing of the experimenters.
However, at the beginning of the sitting, the experi- menters may seat themselves as they please. I have already said it was generally necessary to place the medium's chair against the curtains of the cabinet, and to alternate the sexes. The experimenters seated, the experiment begins. It is a good plan to choose a manager. Nothing is worse than the absence of direc- tion. When every one wishes to direct the proceedings, confusion reigns in the circle, and results are bad. I have been present at seances where every one spoke at the same time, each one demanding a different pheno- menon. As a rule, on such occasions nothing was re- ceived. Some one, therefore, ought to be appointed to conduct the experiment, especially to converse with the personification if it express a desire for conversation.
54 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
When the sitters wish to make a report of an experiment, it is indispensable to intrust one of the experimenters with the task of taking notes of the incidents as they occur. This experimenter ought to form one of the circle.
It must not be thought that the circle can be modified with impunity. My personal experience has shown me it is bad to frequently introduce strangers into the circle. It should be arranged that a series of at least six sittings will be held without modifying the group : that no new experimenter will be admitted : and that none of the original experimenters will miss even one seance. Then if at the end of six sittings nothing has been obtained, my advice is to change the circle, to eliminate certain elements, replacing them by others. It is preferable to change the sitters one by one, and to make a few experiments with the circle thus modified before making further changes.
If interesting results be forthcoming, and a desire be felt to show them to other people, the new sitters must be introduced one by one, and, I repeat, at intervals of three or four sittings. Otherwise there would be a risk of compromising the success of the experiments.
The personification sometimes asks for the addition to the circle of a certain person ; it is then well to invite him to the sittings if circumstances allow of it.
I now return to the seance which, I suppose, has begun. The sitters put their hands on the table ; it is not generally necessary to ' form the chain,' that is to say, to establish contact between the sitters by linking the little fingers. The hands in position, and the room well lighted up, we wait. Talking or singing may be in-
METHOD 55
dulged in. The emission of the voice, especially ryth- mical emission, is an excellent condition : it is a good thing to play some music, organ-playing is particularly effective. Why is the production of sonorous rythmical waves favourable to these phenomena ? I have no ex- planation to offer for this fact, which I am not the only one to have observed.
At the end of a few minutes, the table often seems to be agitated. If we are experimenting with spiritists or with people accustomed to spiritistic proceedings, the table, raising itself, will be seen to strike the floor with one of its legs. I advise asking the table if it wishes to speak, and to arrange that two raps will mean ' no,' and three raps ' yes.' Of course any other numbers or signs will do equally well. The table, thus consulted, gener- ally replies ' yes.' It can then be asked, if the sitters are well placed : if it indicates any other arrangement it is well to heed its advice.
We should then make known to the table what kind of results are desired, and point out, particularly, that movements with contact, failing to carry conviction, are undesirable. I have already said that the personification — it is thus I call the entity, whatever it may be, who claims to be manifesting — is generally very open to sug- gestion ; and it suffices to indicate, at the beginning of the experiment, the objection that is made to movements with contact to be almost completely rid of them.
There is no need to point out the object of the above suggestion. From the special point of view of the observation of material facts, the movement of a table upon which the hand rests means nothing at all. I look upon these movements as loss of time ; thev are suffi-
S6 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
ciently explained by our own unconscious and involun- tary muscular contractions. The phenomenon is only worthy of a serious man's attention when it is produced without contact, or without sufficient contact ; as, for example, when the table is completely raised from the ground, the sitters' hands resting on top of the table all the time. It is better not to experiment than to lose one's time in observing movements with contact, unless, of course, we are seeking to analyse the tenor of typto- logical messages.
I strongly recommend most carefully avoiding the production of automatic movements. I have excellent reasons for believing, that the agent which produces tele- kinetic phenomena only realises them, if it has accumu- lated sufficient force to have acquired a certain given tension. I have already pointed out the close connection — identity perhaps— between this agent and that which causes our muscles to contract ; further on I shall in- dicate experiences which give weight to this impression ; at present it suffices to mention it, to understand why I so earnestly recommend sitters to avoid yielding to more or less subconscious movements from the very outset. If, as I think, the energy which our nervous system elaborates is closely connected with that energy, whose effects are seen in telekinetic pheno- mena, it is probable that it will only produce these curious effects, in proportion as it is able to acquire a sufficient tension for its emission. My knowledge of physics is too rudimentary to allow me to draw precise comparisons between this force and electricity. Never- theless, it has seemed to me to present some analogies with electricity, although the two are certainly not
METHOD 57
identical ; but the analogies are, perhaps, sufficient to enable me by a comparison to make my meaning clearer.
An electrical conductor, charged with a given amount of electricity, will have an electrical density of cr ; if the amount increases, this density will be a', and we will have cr'xT ; the tension in the first case will be T = 27ro-^ in the second T' = 27rcr'^ ; T' will be greater than T.
The conductor will remain charged, as long as the tension does not exceed the resistance which the sur- roundings offer to the emission of electricity ; as soon as this resistance becomes inferior to the tension, there will be emission of electricity.
In the case of a medium, the charge of energy in- creases with time and relative immobility. If by making unconscious or voluntary movements, experimenters do not allow this energy to accumulate, it will never reach the tension necessary for exteriorisation. There are, how- ever, some reservations to be made ; for I have noticed, that when the tension is sufficient, simulated or executed movements determine the production of the motor phenomenon — just as if the execution of the movement appeared to liberate a quantity of energy superior to that which was utilised by the working of the muscle ; the excess of force was then apparently employed in the realisation of the telekinetic movement.
I have noticed that, every time we allow voluntary or involuntary movements, telekinetic movements are diffi- cult to obtain. One would think, that the energy which determines them can only accomplish them when it cannot find a normal outlet ; it has a tendency to expend itself normally in ordinary muscular movements : this
58 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
tendency is one of the most frequent causes of involun- tary fraud, and the habitual occasion of voluntary fraud. We must see that this tendency be checked : this may call for some effort of attention at the beginning, but ' habit is second nature.'
Things being thus regulated, we wait. A first seance is generally without apparent result, unless one has the good luck to meet with a medium straight away — which is not always the case. Those who seriously wish to understand these facts must have a great fund of in- defatigable patience. I can guarantee them success sooner or later, but I cannot tell how many barren experiments may be made before that success comes. They must not grow weary ; let them progressively modify the composition of the circle until the necessary element be met with. They will then be rewarded for their trouble. I strongly advise them to avoid profes- sional mediums. Some of them are sincere, and I think that Eusapia Paladino is of that number. It is true that sometimes she produces suspicious phenomena, but it is puerile to conclude therefrom that she constantly cheats. The suspicious cases I have observed with Eusapia are interesting, if studied impartially. They show the role which the subliminal conscience— impersonal or bound to a second personality — plays in the phenomena, and give rise to attractive psychological problems.
Spiritistic mediums, whose number is legion, form another category with whom we should not experiment, except for purposes of especial research. Some of these mediums are trustworthy, and one of them, Madame AguUana of Bordeaux, has sometimes given me interest- ing sittings. The phenomena I have observed with this
METHOD 59
medium differ greatly from Eusapia's ; they are of an intellectual order, and raise a very complicated problem. Madame AguUana's medianity must not be judged from seances with her groups. These seances have the religious character of nearly all truly spiritistic meetings. It is difficult there for an experimenter to observe at his ease ; the curiosity of those who seek only the objective demonstration of a fact may appear impertinent and out of place at such meetings. The faithful have a right to look upon such people as intruders. Convinced of the truth of their doctrines, they ill brook the open discussion of them at meetings, where discussion is not wanted. They prefer the discourses of an entranced medium to the needless interference of the profane. Their meetings, nearly always consecrated to the acquiring of communi- cations, have the serious defect of developing unconscious automatism in their medium. For me this is a conclu- sive reason.
Madame Agullana, at some seances where only a few experimentalists took part, gave proof of the possession of certain supernormal faculties, which I have not observed in the same degree of intensity at the usual sittings of her group. This medium is also entirely reliable, and of praiseworthy disinterestedness. She never receives any remuneration — an important consideration — for, mediums who take fees are more open to suspicion.
My most convincing results have been obtained with persons unacquainted with spiritism and ignorant of its practices. Once I discovered a medium most unex- pectedly. He sat down with me at a table, invited to experiment for the first time in his life. He had scarcely seated himself when violent knockings resounded on the
6o METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
floor ; this person, honourable, well-educated and intelli- gent, is one of the most remarkable sensitives I have met with. But as he fears ridicule, has no desire to be scoffed at in newspapers, and, moreover, dreads publicity of any kind, he does not wish his name to be mentioned. These are the results of the malevolent criticisms heaped upon experiments of this nature.
I am sure the number of mediums is much more con- siderable than we think ; in a circle of from eight to ten people chosen under the condition I have mentioned, it is seldom we do not find a medium.
Of whatever sex, to whatever social status he may belong, the medium is a sensitive. This must never be forgotten ; and we must never lose sight of the fact, that the phenomena will be clearer and better in proportion as the medium's confidence and sympathy are won.
This statement will not surprise those who are familiar with hypnotic experimentation, for they know how easy it is to induce sleep in a person who lets himself go, and, on the contrary, how difl^cult it is in one who resists or who mistrusts the operator. I am persuaded that the impersonal strata of the consciousness play a role in psychical phenomena similar to what they play in the phenomena of hypnotism.
Therefore, I insist on the necessity for due regard being paid to the medium. I have had much practice, and in all mediums I have met with extreme sensitiveness. Those who have come under the refining influences of education, instruction, or rank, are the most sensitive — * touchy ' ; but this sensitiveness ought not to be inter- preted as a sign of degeneracy. Certain contemporary savants consider every deviation from the normal state
METHOD 6 1
as a blemish ! Such a way of thinking implies a veritable a ■priori judgment, a begging of the question, which is detrimental to the true development of scientific thought. The normal man is only a mean term ; there are individuals who are inferior to the mean, there are others who are superior to it. Nature knows not equality. She offers us, everywhere, inequalities, dis- crepancies, diversities. It is the illusory unity of our own personality, which leads us to unify and to codify natural phenomena and even humanity itself. It is one of the conditions of the organisation of our Sciences, that they become intelligible only on condition of adapting themselves to our particular form of under- standing. Nothing authorises our supposing that this form of understanding has any metaphysical reality ; it may only be a subjective condition of our perception.
It is by an analogous mental process, that we give reality to the intellectual or physical type of the average man. Degeneracy, which is often a sliding backwards, a relapse into inferior types, is a negative deviation from the average man : genius is a positive variation. In the same way, the nervous system of the imaginary average man is but an abstraction ; in reality, the sensibility of the nervous system of the different human individualities varies immensely. A negative variation will give beings who are less sensitive, less delicate than those of the average type ; a variation in the positive sense will give individuals of a more sensitive and more delicate type. To consider either as abnormal is only grammatically true : the former are infra-normal, the latter are supra-normzl. The first have not reached the average level, the second have passed it.
62 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
Therefore, it is not astonishing that a more refined sensitivity of the nervous system should have a corre- spondingly greater emotivity : ' touchiness ' in itself is a function of emotivity. This seems to me to explain a fact which appears certain — that the feelings of mediums are very easily hurt. A discontented, irritated medium is a bad instrument — as I have had occasion to prove with Eusapia and many other mediums.
I have always noticed that discontent and moral discomfort, as well as fatigue and physical discomfort in the medium brought about failure.
The advice I give is important to follow. Win the confidence and sympathy of the medium by your own sympathy, your own deference, your own loyalty. If you detect fraud, which seems voluntary to you, do not hesitate — after the sitting and at the first favourable opportunity — to tell him frankly your doubts and your impression. If you perceive an involuntary fraud, put the medium on guard against himself, always act toward him with sincerity, but at the same time with kindness and courtesy.
As already pointed out, fatigue and physical dis- comfort produce the same effects as moral discomfort. It is unwise therefore to experiment with a sick medium. The results would be bad from an experi- mental standpoint, and the medium's health would suffer. Carefully avoid experimenting too frequently with the medium. Even three sittings a week are really more than is desirable. We may experiment three times a week when operating with a medium in good form, and when the experiments are not likely to last for more than two or three weeks. It would
METHOD 63
be bad to experiment so often or for a longer period with a young sensitive. Two sittings a week seem the safest number to me ; while only one ought to be made if the medium follows a trying profession.
I have seen mediums become ill through experi- menting too often. The abuse of experimentation rapidly brings on nervous breakdown, and may cause serious disorders, of which neurasthenia is the most frequent and the least serious. Therefore I have made it an invariable rule to experiment with non- professional mediums, only on condition that they bind themselves to experiment with no other than my own circle as long as our series of experiments lasts. I am as persuaded of the absolute innocuousness of experi- ments prudently conducted, as I am positive of the dangers of experimentation when frequent, prolonged, or conducted by incompetent persons. I have no fear of assuming the responsibility of the first, but for no consideration whatever would I endorse, even indirectly, the second, and I cannot too strongly recommend the same prudence to other experimenters.
A last recommendation remains to be made ; experi- mentation with persons of doubtful morality must be avoided. I have no need to enlarge upon the many inconveniences to which such an imprudent collaboration may expose experimenters.
To sum up the indications I have just given in perhaps too complete a fashion, I will briefly recall to mind the conditions which have seemed the best to me : sufficient light first of all — the personification must not acquire the habit of operating in darkness, for the brighter the Hght, the more convincing the experiment ; a small
64 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
room ; a light table with four legs, put together with wooden pegs rather than with nails ; a cabinet of soft thin curtains ; the experimenters not to exceed as a rule eight in number ; the experimenters to agree to experiment seriously, without turning into ridicule the practices to which they submit themselves. It is a good plan to allow only one of their circle to direct the seance, to converse with the personification, to control the proceedings. They must try and keep up a spirit of good understanding, and refrain from reciprocally accusing each other of pushing the table — novices do this regularly. Discussion should be rele- gated to the end, and should never be provoked during the sitting. Finally, they should pay great attention to the susceptibility of the medium — whoever he may be.
The greatest patience will be required ; the circle should be modified with prudence, and only after a certain number of sterile experiments.
THE PERSONIFICATION
I think it will be useful to indicate what has seemed to me the best way of treating the personification — for this point is important.
I give the name of' personification ' to the manifesting intelligence, whatever this may be. As previously indicated, this intelligence, as a rule, claims to be the soul of a deceased person. This is not absolute, and the phenomena may personify God, the devil, angels, legendary personages, fairies, etc. I need not say how far I am from believing in the reahty of the being thus manifesting, and 1 have, as I believe.
METHOD 65
excellent reasons for doubting. I have noticed that the role played by the personification varies with the composition of the circle. It will always be the spirit of a dead or living person with spiritists. But the roles are more varied if the circle be composed of people who are not spiritists ; it then sometimes happens that the com- munications claim to emanate from the sitters themselves. I am inclined to believe this is the real origin of the communications, and that a sort of collective conscious- ness is formed. I give my impression with the greatest reserve, for, I repeat, I have no decided opinion upon the subject ; but the experiments I have made leave me that impression, in a general way. This forms part of an — as yet — undeciphered chapter on the psychology of crowds. I confess I have no explanation to give of the action which such a collective consciousness appears to have upon matter ; but this difficulty seems to me less insurmountable than those attending the spirit hypothesis. If we attribute the phenomena to a being distinct from ourselves, having a will-power so much the more marked because it emanates from a spiritual being more enlight- ened than ourselves, I cannot understand the suggesti- bility of such a being. Now, I beheve the personification is, as a rule, extremely suggestible. I say ' as a rule,' for there are occasions when it gives proof of remarkable obstinacy : this is the exception, and I ought to say that when the personification shows a decided will of its own, there is no struggling against it. It is absolutely necessary to follow the directions it gives, for, in such cases, there is a very good chance of obtaining happy results, while certainly nothing will be obtained by spurning those directions.
£
66 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
There are very few people among those unaccustomed to this kind of experimentation, who have the courage to treat the personification as it desires to be treated : this is a mistake. We must take a practical view of the proceedings ; we must lay aside all pride and vanity. I am as well aware as any one of the comical aspect of a conversation between a grave experimenter and a being non-existent, and I had much difficulty in conquering the repugnance with which this manner of proceeding inspired me. I saw therein a kind of jugglery unworthy of a cultured intellect. Experience has clearly shown me I was wrong, without, however, demonstrating the reality of the being personified. Every time I looked upon the personification as something not to be reckoned with, I have had bad or indifferent sittings.
This does not mean, that the results have always been in proportion to the attention I have paid the personifi- cation. Far from it ! The personification is generally lavish of promises — excellent things in their way, but it would be extremely naive to put absolute faith in what it says : we must trust only in ourselves. I do not know if Socrates' demon ever played him false : those of his species whom I have interviewed struck me as being of doubtful sincerity. It would be impossible to commit a greater imprudence than to put practical faith in the advice of the personification, however good it may seem to have always been.
My personal observations have generally brought me into connection with personifications possessing more imagination and good-will than respect for the truth. They have promised me marvellous demonstrations, which I am still expecting, particularly complete materi-
METHOD 67
alisations. Perhaps I am too hard to please, and ought to consider myself lucky to have seen what I have seen. But we are never content with our lot, and Horace's time-honoured words are as true to-day as ever they were.^
If I strongly recommend people not to abandon the conduct of their life or business affairs to the personifica- tion, I recommend just as strongly treating the latter with the greatest possible attention. We can only form hypotheses about its essence ; and the scepticism which my observations, taken as a whole, have instilled into me, may be ill-founded ; therefore it is better to treat it with the same courtesy we show our fellow-experimenters. This attitude is prudent ; it is also the most profitable one. In practice, I have the same regard for the personi- fication as for the medium. I do not call it ' dear spirit ' as spiritists do, but I find I do well to make it clearly understand what I am seeking ; whatever in reality the personification may be, its co-operation seems to me to be indispensable. The resemblance between the reaction of the personification and that of the subliminal con- sciousness is so obvious, that I have no need to enlarge upon it.
In practice, the first manifestation of this — probably fictitious — being will consist in a knocking on the floor with the leg of the table. It is well to agree upon a code of signals. The simplest is two raps for ' no,' three for ' yes,' five for the alphabet.
At the beginning, it will be difficult to avoid these
^ Qui fit, Mjecenas, ut nemo, quam sibi sortem Seu ratio dederit, sen fors objecerit, ilia Contentus vivat, laiidet diversa sequentes ?
Satyr, i. lib. i. i.
68 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
knockings. I have already said it is desirable to dis- courage them and to induce the personification to mani- fest itself otherwise. It would be well to accept the typtological code of signals above mentioned for the first conversations, but to abandon it as soon as it has been clearly explained to the personification, that move- ments with contact are unacceptable. I am, of course, speaking under the supposition that telekinetic or para- kinetic movements are desired. If the personification, at the end of five or six seances of an hour each, does not begin to produce the desired phenomena, the circle must be modified in the manner already pointed out. These modifications ought to be patiently continued, until a medium has been met with. The personification might be asked to name the sitter who is to be replaced, and, if possible, to designate his substitute. Such a designation is often very useful. Once or twice I have seen the table name persons whom, at the moment of the experiment, no one in our midst had thought of — at least consciously. Various reasons prevented the given indications from being followed, and the experiments were discontinued.
Movements with contact can be eliminated by the process I have mentioned ; their elimination, made with the consent of the personification, presents no incon- venience, unless it be done too abruptly.
I have already said that the personification is gener- ally very open to suggestion. We must remember that this is a special kind of suggestibility. In hypnotism a commanding tone of voice gives greater force to the suggestion ; it is not the same with the personification in question, which shows itself rebellious to all imperative
METHOD 69
orders. On the contrary, it readily yields to suggestions made with gentleness and persistence. As a rule, I give the object I have in view, and my reasons for setting aside all phenomena which can be explained by uncon- scious muscular action. I repeat, I treat the personifica- tion as a co-experimenter. It is seldom that, thus exhorted, it does not willingly consent to abstain from phenomena devoid of interest, and promise more demon- strative ones. I have already said too much faith must not be put in such promises ; at least nine out of ten experiments will come to nothing, and will have to be worked out again on fresh lines.
But the experimenter's patience will not always be tried in vain. Sooner or later he will meet with the indispensable medium ; and his observations will then be similar to mine.
The first supernormal phenomena are raps and oscil- lations without contact. Sometimes the phenomenon, from the very outset, will manifest itself with intensity ; this is the exception ; generally the noises and move- ments, feeble in the beginning, will grow in intensity. As soon as raps without contact have been obtained, certain signals must be agreed upon. The simplest way, then, is to adopt the typtological code of signals, i.e. two raps for ' no,' three for ' yes,' five for the alphabet. The phenomena then become very interesting, for when the raps are given without contact, the hypothesis of in- voluntary movements becomes insufficient to explain them.
I have recently received very intelligent communica- tions in this way. We must not grow tired of having the words repeated. It often happens that letters are
70 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
left out, or that one letter is given instead of another. This happens particularly with neighbouring letters. In carefully noting down the letters a very clear sense will often be found. For example, the raps will give Martjn for Martin, Heoriette for Henriette, etc. We must not give up as soon as the word seems to become unintelligible. Wait until the sentence is finished, when it will sometimes suddenly clear itself. It sometimes happens that the letters are dictated back- wards. When the sentence is incomprehensible, we must begin all over again. Even in experiments whose aim is to obtain material phenomena, we must not refuse to listen to demands for the alphabet, for the personification will then often advise on the manner of operating.
Very often the personification complains of too much light, and during several sittings insists upon darkness. We must politely resist it, and make it understand that psychical phenomena lose much of their value, as soon as they cease to be visible. I never hesitate telling the personification, that experiments of this kind are not convincing when conducted in obscurity, since the good faith of the operators is then open to suspicion, and, moreover, that phenomena can be obtained in full light. These reasons often prevail on the personification not to persist in asking for darkness.
In some cases, it is the personification itself who refuses to operate in darkness. It is with personifica- tions of this class that I have obtained the finest results.
When the pseudo-entity asks one or other of the experimenters to leave the circle, it is prudent to yield obedience to its behest, unless, for various reasons, the
METHOD 71
required elimination be unacceptable. In that case, it is as well to explain these reasons to the personification, and then it rarely happens they are not accepted.
Such are the general rules which a fairly long experi- ence has caused me to adopt, and I have always had reason to be glad of having followed them. In experi- ments conducted by me, I have never received obscene or absurd communications of which certain people com- plain. Reflecting, perhaps, my own state of mind, I have generally encountered personifications with scien- tific and serious tendencies.
I have just exposed in detail, and perhaps too minutely, the conclusions arrived at concerning the method of operation. I now come to the indication of the results which I have obtained, and the ascertain- ments I have been able to make.
I will examine in succession raps, movements without contact, luminous phenomena, and finally, intellectual phenomena.
72 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
CHAPTER H
RAPS
I WILL not stop to consider movements with contact. From a physical point of view they have no serious signification whatever. They are so easily explained by the combined, unconscious, muscular movements of the experimenters, that it is really not worth while stopping to examine them. The messages obtained by their intermedium may present an internal or clinical interest, but in that case they belong to the category of in- tellectual phenomena, properly so-called.
The first physical phenomena, which deserves attention, is that of ' raps.' It is generally the one most frequently obtained. We must, however, point out that the faculties of mediums are not identical : some produce chiefly physical, others chiefly intellectual phenomena. The former also manifest diverse qualities : some of them obtain raps, others movements, others luminous phenomena. Still in a general way ' raps ' have seemed to me to be one of the simplest phenomena of a material order.
If we work with a physical medium of even only average force, raps will be heard after the third or fourth seance. They will be heard much sooner if we have a powerful medium.
RAPS 73
As a rule, raps seem to resound on the top of the table ; but it is not always so. They are frequently heard on the ground, on the sitters, or on the furni- ture, walls, or ceiling. The raps I have heard — of course I am speaking only of genuine raps — have re- sounded near the medium, as a rule, either on the table, floor, walls, or furniture in close proximity to him.
The simplest way to obtain raps is to proceed as I have directed in section ii. chapter i. The experi- menters, seated around a table, lay their hands upon it palm downwards, with outstretched fingers. This method is not, however, to be strongly recommended, for raps are easily imitated : and we must never lose sight of that fact when appreciating an experiment ; further on, I will enumerate the usual fraudulent processes. Still, even when the hands are resting upon the table, raps can be obtained of sufficient sonority to exclude the hypothesis of fraud, if not absolutely, at least with much probability.
I have received raps in full light. I have received them so frequently in vivid light, that sometimes I cannot help wondering, whether darkness facilitates their production to the same extent as it may other pheno- mena. It is, however, allowable to suppose, that the energy which produces them prefers accumulating force in spots that are sheltered from strong light, e.g. under the table, or under the floor, or in shaded corners of the room. What makes me suppose so is this, I have frequently noticed that the raps burst forth under the medium's hand, when they appeared to be produced on the top of the table.
74 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
Contact of the hands is unnecessary when sitting for raps. I have procured them quite easily, with several mediums, without such contact.
When we have succeeded in obtaining raps with con- tact, one of the best ways of obtaining them without contact is to let the hands rest for a certain time on the table, then to raise them very slowly, palms downwards, and the fingers loosely extended. Under such condi- tions, it seldom happens that raps do not continue to be heard for at least a short time. I need not say that experimenters should not only avoid contact of their hands with the table, but even of any part of their body or clothing. The contact of clothing with the table is sufficient to produce raps, which have nothing of a super- normal nature. We must be careful, therefore, that ladies' dresses especially do not come into contact with the table ; in taking these necessary precautions, raps can be obtained under most satisfactory and convincing conditions.
With certain mediums the energy liberated is great enough to act at a distance. I once heard raps upon a table which was nearly six feet away from the medium. On that occasion we had had a very short seance, and had left the table. I was seated in an arm- chair, the medium was standing by, talking to me, when a shower of raps suddenly resounded upon the table we had just left. The experimenters are all personally known to me, and I am persuaded that they are above suspicion ; but this circumstance is quite insufficient in itself to entail a favourable conclusion of the pheno- menon, for I cannot too strongly put experimenters on their guard against blindly confiding in their neighbours.
RAPS 75
Serious experimenters should exclude all susceptibility amongst themselves, and agree beforehand that reciprocal verification and control will be freely exercised without any one taking offence. In the case I am speaking of, the table on which the raps were heard was about six feet away from the medium and myself; it was daylight, towards five o'clock on a summer's afternoon ; the table had never been touched by the medium or the experi- menters before the seance ; the raps were loud, and were heard for several minutes.
I have had several opportunities of observing facts of this kind. Once, when travelling, I came across a medium among my fellow-travellers. He has not given me permission to name him, but I may say he is an honourable, highly-educated gentleman, occupying an official position. He had no suspicion of his latent faculties before experimenting with me. I obtained with him loud raps in buffets and restaurants. It would suffice to observe these raps produced under the conditions this medium offered me, to be con- vinced of their genuineness. The unusual noise attracted the attention of persons present and greatly embarrassed us : the result surpassed our expectations, for the more we were confused by the noise of our raps, the louder they became ; it was as though some one of a teasing turn of mind was amusing himself at our expense.
I have also heard, when in company with a medium, some very fine raps given on the floor in museums before the works of old masters, and especially before religious pictures. I particularly remember the intensity of certain raps I once heard when standing before a
76 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
painting representing the burial of Christ, — the work of a celebrated artist. I also heard some fine raps in a house which is celebrated as having been the last home of a famous writer ; in the room in which he died, the raps were so loud as to attract the suspicious attention of the guardian.
I have also heard formidable raps with the two young girls, fourteen and fifteen years of age, who were called the Agen mediums. I observed these mediums at their own home, and I also had them twice at Bordeaux, when on each occasion they remained for nearly a month. The raps produced by them are interesting, but they do not seem to me to be demonstrative. One of these girls obtained raps on the floor under her feet ; I verified the apparent immobility of the foot while the raps were being produced. When the two girls were in bed, loud raps were heard near their feet, seemingly given on the wood of their bed. We were able to observe the apparent immobility of the children. Raps were also given on the blankets ; we could feel the vibra- tions when laying our hands on the blankets ; the raps appeared to be produced under our hands. I have heard diverse noises with these children in obscurity, but I draw no conclusion therefrom. I found out that they were not always sincere, and that they had a tendency to take advantage of the confidence and friendliness of the people, with whom they were staying. They have simu- lated some of their phenomena, especially raps in the ceiling. I have never been able to persuade these young girls to experiment at a table with sufficient conditions of light. They were accustomed to go to bed in order to procure their raps. It is true I have heard these raps in
RAPS 77
daylight, but I consider other conditions were unsatis- factory on these occasions. I regretted exceedingly that these mediums showed so little good-will, for even putting aside the greater part of the suspicious pheno- mena they produced, there were still some which seemed to be worthy of further examination.
I have touched upon my observation of these children because it is instructive, although it may be negative from my point of view. It shows the inconveniences of a bad method of development. I have noticed that psychical phenomena has a great tendency to repeat itself, to follow a certain routine : they tend to turn round the same axis. The children of whom I have just spoken had been allowed to acquire the habit of going to bed, in order to obtain the sonorous phenomena they appeared to produce. Therefore they were able to obtain them only under those conditions. They have never given me a ' rap ' by means of a table, and yet, I am inclined to think that they, or at least that one of them, had the constitution necessary for the emission of psychic force.
My failure with the Agen mediums was not altogether devoid of interest, for I gained experience, and experi- ence is only acquired with time, patience, and multiplicity of observations. It is useful to be able to compare good, doubtful, and bad seances.
Among my most doubtful experiences, whose recital may be as instructive as the foregoing, I will choose, for brief discussion, a recent series of seances which I held at Bordeaux. Some of the phenomena I observed seem to me difficult to explain by fraud, especially lights which floated about the seance-room ; but the greater part of
78 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
the motor phenomena was simulated. The personi- fication had the habit of demanding total darkness, and as I was chiefly interested in luminous phenomena, I saw no inconvenience in putting out the lights. The personification, which made this request, was probably the personal consciousness of one of the sitters. As soon as the lights were extinguished, the raps became noticeably louder. Many of them were certainly the work of two of our number — I have not been able to analyse the mental state of these two young men : one of them, who is neurasthenic, acted perhaps uncon- sciously. Nevertheless, though I observed the whims of these two men with interest and attention, I noticed, at the same time, that raps were forthcoming in total obscurity when I made imperceptible movements, e.g. when I gently blew on the table, or when I pressed the hand of one of my neighbours whose sincerity I could vouch for. There was always this synchronism, which I have already pointed out, between the muscular movement and the rap. Without being able to affirm it absolutely, I think I may say that my co-experimenters were not aware of the slight movements I made with my feet, hand, finger, or breath. In these sittings, other- wise bearing a most suspicious character, there was, therefore, a residue of facts worthy of attentive analysis. I was unable to make this analysis, having shortly after- wards ceased to experiment with the group, which these young men frequented. In some respects I am sorry for it, as the observation of this parcel of truth, and even of the two fraudulent experimenters themselves, was interesting from various points of view.
I will now reconsider the experiments I first touched
RAPS 79
upon — viz. those conducted in full light — the only ones upon which I establish my opinion, I have indicated as fully as possible the conditions under which I have been able to observe raps. The raps most commonly heard are those given with contact on the table or floor, and then those which are given at some distance from the experimenters.
Sometimes, but more rarely, I have heard them on cloth, on the medium's or sitters' garments, etc. I have heard them on pieces of paper placed on the seance table, on books, on the walls, on tambourines, on small wooden articles, and particularly on a plan- chette which was used for automatic writing-. I have
ID
also observed very curious raps with a writing-medium : — when he wrote automatically, raps resounded with extreme rapidity at the end of his pencil. I can affirm that the pencil did not strike the table, for several times I very carefully put my hand on the opposite end of the pencil, and I was then able to verify that the sound was produced at the point of the pencil, the pencil remaining all the time, steadily and firmly, on the paper — the raps resounded on the wood of the table, and not on the paper. In this case, of course, the medium held the pencil in his hand.
Consequently, raps may be given upon various articles, with or without contact, and even at a certain distance from the medium. I have observed some which burst forth as far as nine feet away from the medium. I have not obtained any at a greater distance than nine feet, and it is not often I have been able to observe them at that distance. One of the most curious cases I have observed is the following :- — I was experimenting in a room where
So METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
there was a screen. The table was about nine feet away from this article. Very clear, distinct raps re- sounded on the floor behind the screen. It was broad daylight, but the raps were given on the shaded side of the screen.
I have frequently heard raps in the seance-cabinet, the medium seated in front of the curtains as indicated in section il. chapter i. Thus placed, raps are easily obtained . behind the medium : they may be given on the floor, the wall, or on the articles placed in the cabinet. They are also frequently given outside the curtains, on the medium's chair, or on the floor under him. When raps are obtained, it is very easy to study them by varying, in many satisfactory ways, the conditions of the experiment. This is one of the phenomena whose reality has been the most clearly demonstrated to me.
The variety of form the raps may take is not less than the diversity of objects upon which they may be given, or the places in which they may be heard. The sound of the usual rap, on a table, reminds you of the tonality of an electric spark, while of course there are many variations.
In the first place, we must note that the tonality of raps difl'ers according to the object upon which they resound. It is easy to recognise by the sound if the raps are given on wood, paper, or cloth. This is an interesting demonstration, because it indicates that the sound is produced by the vibrations of the material substance. The material molecules of the object struck are therefore put into movement ; they are not, however, always disturbed in the same way, for the tonality of the raps given on the same object is susceptible of great
RAPS 8 1
variety. The raps, instead of being sharp and short, may be dull and resemble the muffled sound of impact with some soft body : they may resemble the slight noises made by a mouse, a fret-saw, or the scratching of a finger-nail on wood or cloth : they may affect the most diverse modalities. Their rhythm is as varied as their tonality. One of the most curious facts revealed by the observa- tion of raps, is their relation with what I call the personification. Each personified individuality manifests its presence by special raps. In a series of experiments which have now lasted for more than two years, I have had frequent opportunity of studying raps personifying diverse entities. One of these entities called itself ' John,' Eusapia's control, who has retained a friendly feeling for me, it appears, ever since my first experiments with the Neapolitan medium. 'John' manifests by short, sharp raps, so very like the manipulation of the Morse telegraph, that my co-experimenters and I wondered whether we were not actually listening to the usual Morse signals. Unfortunately none of us knew how to recognise letters by rhythm as exercised telegraphists can. A group, of four individualities, who call them- selves the ' Fairies,' manifest their presence by raps resembling high, clear notes. These personifications are particularly interesting, and, further on, I will have occasion of relating how one of them showed herself to me. The four fairies are fond of mingling in the conversation, approving or disapproving of the ideas expressed by the experimenters. They appear to take considerable interest in the experiments, and I have often noticed that it sufficed — when the raps delayed in making themselves heard — to turn the conversation
82 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
upon psychical phenomena, their probable explanation, their conditions of realisation, etc., in order to receive approving or disapproving raps at once. Sometimes the raps imitate a burst of laughter — this coincides either with an amusing story related by one of the sitters, or with some mild teasing. Another entity personifies a man for whom I had the deepest affection : these raps are graver in character. This personality seems to have the clairvoyant perspicacity and the kindheartedness of the man I knew. His intervention manifested itself under very curious circumstances, but of too private a nature to be made public. I will cite another personification of more recent appearance. It gives itself out to be the astronomer, Chappe d'Auteroche, and has related most accurately the details of his life and death in California. As a biographical notice concerning this learned man appears in several dictionaries, notably in Larousse, it is impossible to affirm that the irruption of this personifica- tion is supernormal. The raps which announce his presence are dull-sounding, and are given with a certain amount of force. In conclusion, light precipitated raps, weak but abundant, are the signals of certain personifica- tions which we might call mar-joys — troublesome guests, whose unwelcome intervention spoils the experience.
Let it not be forgotten, that if I point out the connection existing between the personifications and the raps, it does not follow that I accept the reality of those personifications. I am making a statement, and I fill in all the details, so that experimenters, tempted to resume my observations, may know exactly what I have observed. So far, the personifications have not convinced me of their identity. It is true I act
RAPS 83
somewhat indifferently the role of listener to their fatiguing and rambling conversations, and that I do all I can to bring them back to material phenomena, so much more important to me in that they are so much easier to verify. Were I, however, not to point out the role which the raps play in relation to the personification, I would be omitting one of their most significant features, and would not be giving their exact physiognomy.
They manifest themselves, then, as the expression of a will and activity distinct from those of the observers. Such is the appearance of the phenomenon. A curious fact is the result — not only do the raps reveal themselves as the productions of intelligent action, they also manifest intelligence in response to any particular rhythm or code which might be demanded.
Often the different raps reply to one another ; and one of the most interesting experiences one can have is to hear these raps clear and resonant, or soft and muffled, sound- ing simultaneously on the floor, table, furniture, etc.
I have had exceptionally good opportunities of study- ing very closely this curious phenomenon of raps, and I think I have arrived at some conclusions. The first and most certain is their undoubtedly close connection with the muscular movements of the sitters. I may sum up my observations on this point in the three following propositions : —
1. All muscular movements, however slight, are
generally followed by a rap.
2. The intensity of the raps does not strike me
as being in proportion with the movement made.
3. The intensity of the raps does not seem to me
84 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
to vary proportionately according to their distance from the medium.
The following are the facts upon which I build my conclusions : —
I, I have frequently found that when the raps were feeble or interspersed, an excellent way of producing them was to form a chain of the sitters' hands round the table. One of the sitters, without breaking the chain — which he avoids doing by taking in the same hand his neighbours' right and left hands — makes, with his freed hand, circular sweeps or passes a little distance above the circle formed by the sitters' outstretched hands. Having done this, the experimenter draws his hand towards the centre of the circle to a variable height, and makes a slight, downward movement with his hand ; then he abruptly arrests the movement at about five or six inches away from the table, when a rap invariably follows, corresponding with the sudden cessation of the move- ment. It is exceptional when this process does not give a rap as soon as there is a medium in the circle who is capable, in however feeble a degree, of producing raps.
The same experiment can be made without touching the table, i.e. by forming the chain above the table. One of the sitters then experiments as in the preceding case.
This is not the only observation I have made. I have noticed that with mediums of decided power, it was un- necessary to adopt any special method for the production of raps, as they were forthcoming as soon as any sort of movement with hands or feet was executed. With strong mediums, it often suffices to move the hand above the table, to shake the fingers, to gently press the foot upon the ground, in order to determine the production of a rap.
RAPS 85
Needless to say with some mediums raps are forth- coming without the execution of any movement whatsoever : with patience nearly all physical mediums can obtain raps without movement. But it seems as though the execution of a movement acted in the nature of a determining cause : the accumulated energy then receives a sort of ^stimulus, the equilibrium is disturbed by the addition of the excess energy unem- ployed in the movement, and a kind of explosive dis- charge of neuric force occurs, causing the phenomenon of raps. This is, however, only a working hypothesis.
The synchronism between the raps and the movements made by the sitters is very interesting, as it reveals the connection which exists between the organism of the experimenters and the phenomena observed. Richet has already pointed this out, Eusapia Paladino, unconsciously perhaps, employs a process analogous to that which I described a little further back. This synchronism may give, as it has given, equivocal phenomena, and may also give rise to many false accusations of fraud. This is per- haps how Dr. Hodgson comes to attribute certain raps produced by Eusapia Paladino at Cambridge, to the latter striking the table with her head. Of course, I am unable to affirm the reality of the raps heard at Cam- bridge, seeing I was not present at the sitting of the Sidgwick group, I can but say, that the reading of the few extracts of the prods verbaux of these seances — most incomplete extracts — does not by any means indicate, whether the movement of the Italian medium's head was the fraudulent physical cause of the rap, or whether this movement was but a synchronous phenomenon.
I cannot help thinking that the Cambridge experi-
86 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
menters were either ill-guided, or ill-favoured, for I have obtained raps with Eusapia Paladino in full light, I have obtained them with many other mediums, and it is a minimum phenomenon which they could have, and ought to have obtained, had they experimented in a proper manner,
I will discuss these seances more fully further on/ Therefore, even in the appreciation of fraud, we must not forget to take into consideration the curious synchronism I am pointing out.
There is another useful observation to make known : namely that raps produced by synchronous movements can be produced by the sitters themselves. In many cases, I have seen experimenters, non-mediums, obtain louder raps than the medium ; the presence of a medium, however, is necessary, for, the persons of whom I speak obtain no raps whatever when alone. Here is a subject for study which has not yet been touched upon.
Sometimes, in order to obtain raps, it suffices to touch the medium, or to make a slight movement with the hand above the table, or simply to place the palm of the hand gently on the table ; this is an excellent way to obtain clear, decided phenomena. The table must be moved away from the medium in such a way that contact is impossible. The observer puts himself beside the medium, takes both his hands in one of his own, and moves the other slowly over the table, or even keeps it quite still above the table. Nothing is more demonstra- tive than this experiment. Let us remember I am speaking of experiments made in broad daylight.
II. Secondly, I have verified that the intensity of the raps is not in proportion with the synchronous movement.
1 See Appendix B.
RAPS 87
I am unable to affirm the accuracy of this statement with the same confidence as with the preceding one ; but I have observed the fact in a great many circumstances. Thus, e.g. a very slight movement of the finger will sometimes determine a rap, quite as loud as the rap determined by the abrupt lowering of the whole arm.
Again, a simple muscular contraction also will bring about the realisation of the phenomenon, without the execution of any apparent movement.
This observation is of special interest, if I am not mistaken, for it tends to make one suppose that the energy which serves to produce the raps is independent of the movement executed in space, but is connected with the cause of that movement, i.e. with the nervous influx. It would be well if experimenters, more competent than I am in physiology, were to study these observations carefully ; I sincerely hope this will be done some day. Richet might well undertake these researches, for no one is more competent than he is to analyse the facts I am pointing out.
I think there is a close connection between psychical phenomena and the nervous system. What I have just said about the production of raps by the simple contrac- tion of a muscle under a voluntary nervous influx is one of the reasons upon which I base my hypothesis.
There are others. I have often questioned mediums about their sensations when the raps were being produced. They all acknowledged to a feeling of fatigue — of depletion — after a good seance. This feeling is percept- ible even to observers themselves. I have tried to analyse my own sensations when the raps are heard ; I have not arrived at any positive result. I cannot say I
88 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
have any decided physical sensation ; but my negative observation is only of interest, if compared with the diiFerent observations I made, in connection with the production of movements without contact.
One of the mediums, with whom some of my best and clearest raps were obtained, tells me he experiences a feeling akin to cramp in the epigastric region when the raps are particularly loud. This medium is a clever and highly-educated man, one quite capable of analysing his own symptoms. It seems to him as though something emanated from his epigastrum.
III. Regarding my third proposition — the intensity of the raps is not appreciably affected by distance — I have found that raps could occur as far as three yards away from the medium. The raps given at this distance were as loud and clear as those given close to the medium. This fact would at first seem to imply a difference between the action of psychic force and that of gravita- tion, light, heat or electricity, all of which act with an energy in inverse proportion to the square of distances. However, such a conclusion would be premature, for secondary centres of accumulation of energy may be formed at a distance from the medium. The term ' accumulation of energy ' is very vague and may be incorrect, but I dare not give a more precise one, and confine myself to simply stating, that the existence of such centres of accumulation and emission seems indicated, by the manner In which the phenomena are obtained.
I have never verified any serious physical effects at a greater distance than that of ten feet. I will add that If the phenomena are not more intense, they are at least more frequent in the immediate neighbourhood of the medium.
RAPS 89
Such are the observations I have been able to make. It may quite naturally occur to my readers to think I have been the victim of illusion or fraud. This is not the case, however.
There is no illusion, simply because nothing permits me to suppose I am the victim of illusion. This asser- tion is insufficient, I admit : we are bad judges of ourselves. And now I ought to say, that if up to the present I have always clearly distinguished between real facts and subjective impressions, I present, nevertheless, two phenomena which may render my testimony suspect. The first is hypnagogic hallucination, the second coloured audition. The latter is not very decided ; sound simply awakens in me the idea of colour, not the visual sensa- tion of colour. My chromo-phonetic scale is A, white ; /, black ; £, grey ; £, blue ; on^ green ; er, air, ceil, orange, etc.^ This phenomenon was rather marked when I was a child ; but, I repeat, the reading of vowels or diph- thongs, or the audition of sounds has never awakened a complete sensation of colour ; the idea only was evoked.
On the contrary, hypnagogic illusion is, with me, a decided phenomenon. The illusion is exclusively visual. I have carefully observed this interesting faculty on myself ; it appears to me to have its origin in dream. It is a dream begun before sleep has taken complete possession of one. The hallucination disappears as soon as somnolence ceases. It is with extreme difficulty that I am able to retain — even for a second — a hypnagogic picture, when I regain complete consciousness ; in spite of all my effiDrts, the picture fades away or changes form
• This scale is applicable to the French pronunciation of the vowels in question.
90 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
as soon as I fix my attention upon it. I have seldom been able to maintain the illusory impression.
We must not conclude, that I am incompetent to distinguish a real phenomenon from a false one, because of the existence in myself of these two subjective pheno- mena. I have indicated the results of my self-observa- tion in order to be thoroughly sincere and complete, for I have the keenest desire to be an accurate witness. I do not think, however, that the observations I have been able to make upon myself are really of a nature to cast suspicion upon my faculties of observation. Quite the contrary, I should say ; because my personal experience enables me to recognise hypnagogic hallucinations, and, further on, I will point out some phenomena which seem to me to be closely connected with these hallucinations ; but as for raps, they have quite a different character, and their objectivity appears quite certain to me.
I will add that every one present can and does hear them. Let me recall to mind what I said about the raps I heard in railway refreshment rooms, restaurants, and other public places. All who were in the same room showed, by their demeanour, that they too heard the raps. This circumstance suffices to exclude the hypothesis of hallucination. I propose registering these raps in a phonograph ; this will be the experimentum crucis as far as their objectivity is concerned.
I have no manner of doubt whatsoever upon the authenticity of raps, a phenomenon I have heard so frequently, and under such diverse and excellent condi- tions. I have also taken care to study the different ways of simulating raps, — and these are indeed manifold.
The simplest and most perfect method is to gently glide — an imperceptible movement — the finger-tips along the
RAPS 91
table. The results are better when the finger is dry, when the natural grease has been previously removed by turpen- tine or benzine : resin is good, but leaves traces. Under these conditions, slight but clear raps may be obtained. The movement of the finger is so slow, that, unless fore- warned, no one can discover it ; but, with attentive obser- vation, a slight vibration of the finger may be perceived when the raps burst forth. They can also be simulated with the finger-nails, but this process is easy to unmask.
The trickster finds greater security in darkness, where he has resources other than those just mentioned. In obscurity he can easily imitate the raps which resound on the floor ; e.g. he can produce dull raps by skilfully striking his foot against the legs of the table or on the floor ; he can simulate the sharp, quick raps by allowing his boot to glide slowly along the feet of the table or chair.
Raps are also very easily simulated by a gentle rubbing of clothing or linen, especially shirt-cuffs. We should beware of this, for raps can thus be produced by slow unconscious movements, and the good faith of the experimenters may be involuntarily taken by surprise.
There is yet another way of obtaining fraudulent raps ; this is by leaning more or less heavily on the table. When the top of the table is thin, or when the table is badly put together, or the parts have too much play, the variations of the pressure of the hand determine noises which greatly resemble raps.
Lastly, I have sometimes observed raps produced in a way which should be made known. Some people, by leaning the foot in a certain way, and by contracting the muscles of the leg, can imitate raps on the ground. This fact has been indicated especially in connection with the sinews of the musculus peronaeus longus. I observed a
92 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
medical student, an incorrigible cheat and neurotic, who obtained sounds very similar to authentic raps by leaning his elbow on the table, and making certain movements with his shoulder. There are also some people who can make their joints crack at will.
But force of habit soon teaches how to ferret out fraud, when working in daylight or with good artificial light. Besides, the tonality of authentic raps is charac- teristic, and the method of simulation indicated at the beginning of these remarks, i.e. finger-gliding, is the only one able to reproduce some of the raps with even a fair amount of exactness.
It does not seem to me to be possible to simulate raps on the table, when they are produced without contact. It is easy to localise them, and auscultation of the table enables us even to perceive the vibrations of the wood. Precautions, easily taken, enable us to make sure of the absence of contact and communication between the ex- perimenters and the table.
To sum up, I am certain — as far as it is reasonably possible to be certain of anything in such a matter — that knockings of variable rhythm and tonality are heard in the presence of certain persons — knockings or ' raps ' which cannot be explained by any known process. They are heard at diverse distances ; they often seem to obey the expressed wishes of the sitters, and to manifest a certain independent intelligence. On the other hand, their production appears to be intimately connected with the nerve-energy of the medium and the sitters.
I think I am able to express the foregoing conclusions with certainty and confidence.
PARAKINESIS AND TELEKINESIS 93
CHAPTER III
PARAKINESIS AND TELEKINESIS
I. PARAKINESIS
I APPLY the term parakinesis to the production of those movements where the contact observed is insufficient to account for them. I thus more especially designate the complete levitation of a table upon which the sitters are leaning their hands ; also the displacement of heavy- pieces of furniture which are but lightly touched by the medium alone, or with other experimenters. Levitation is the raising of an object from the ground without that object resting on, or being in any contact whatsoever with, any normal support.
I have frequently observed this phenomenon with Eusapia Paladino under satisfactory conditions of light and other tests. She has given me several unimpeach- able examples of parakinetic levitation, and, I repeat, in full light. A detailed report will be found in the accounts of seances at I'Agnelas, published in 1896 in the Annales des Sciences Psychiques.
These accounts, however, give only the physiognomy of the regular seances. We sometimes improvised experiments in the afternoon with striking results ; and I remember having observed under these condi- tions a very interesting levitation. It was, I think, at
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TARAKrNESJS AND TELEKINESIS
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lictccdvie Icvitadons with i. uiott-proihcssaoiiiiail inucdmms The uWlc drew jncar to her ©if its &9n\ *ct?ord, Awd msed irscjf' yfihik: towchamg her dress. Thk ftict o«c<ciJirrct3 in the l%ht, but the cidnditiQtiis uinder tvhteh I c^bserved it wxsre imperlhcct. I may say the sune thing dP stmntte levitAtioins I ^^btained at Bi^irvieaux v: :' cr ann
interesting prv^jfessional medium ; these k s txxt^k
pbce in total obscurity, which rendered good conditions of contnal imi^csssible ; besides no one held the medium''s hands and tect, as had been done with Eusapia.
In a scries oif exj-^riments which gave n»e $fom<c results worthy of careful examination, I obtained the Icvitation of the table under slightly better conditions. But son»e of the sitters cheated so bareftcedly, that I do not consider I ought to take any serious notice of the parakinetic movx^ments I witnessed there; although I have the impression that everything was not simulated which hap|^»encd in this gnuupv The . - v ct?«^
didons under which I made this scries . . .... ats led
n\e to discontinue them.
I consider that the levitation of the table, even with the contact of the hand's is a difficult phenome>H>itii to obtaiji under gxxxi conviitions of observation. Up to the prescjU, Eusapia Paladino is, I repeat, the only medium with whom I have been able to verify the phenomenon in a satisfactory manner.
Her method is similar to the one I indicated and recommended to my readers. Phent>tt\ei>a is often forthcomii\g when she raises her hand above the table. Although I do no: ' isevi to affirm
the rcahtv of ihe . .Mrs to exercise
I
VI
94 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
about five o'clock in the afternoon ; at all events it was broad daylight in the drawing-room at I'Agnelas. We were standing around the table ; Eusapia took my hand and held it in her left, resting her hand on the right-hand corner of the table. The table was raised to the level of our foreheads ; that is to say, the top of the table was raised to a height of about five feet from the floor.
Experiences like this are very convincing. It was utterly impossible for Eusapia, given the conditions of the experiment, to have lifted the table by normal means. One has but to consider, that she touched only the corner of the table to realise what a heavy weight she would have had to raise had she done so by muscular eflx^rt. Moreover, she had no hold what- soever of the table. And, given the conditions under which the phenomenon occurred, she could not have had recourse to any of the means suggested by her critics, such as straps or hooks of some kind.
In ordinary seances, the table used to be raised to a lesser height ; perhaps because we were seated, and could not therefore accompany it very far. As a rule, the levitation was preceded by oscillations ; the table raised itself first on one side, then on the other, and finally left the ground. Very often Eusapia, holding her neigh- bours' hands, would abandon all contact with the table, and make several passes above it, when the table would rise, apparently of its own accord.
I have only obtained parakinetic levitation under really good conditions with Eusapia. I have observed more decided movements without contact v/ith other mediums, but they have not given me levitations
PARAKINESIS AND TELEKINESIS 95
properly so-called, I have once or twice obtained defective levitations with a non-professional medium. The table drew near to her of its own accord, and raised itself while touching her dress. This fact occurred in the light, but the conditions under which I observed it were imperfect. I may say the same thing of some levitations I obtained at Bordeaux with rather an interesting professional medium ; these levitations took place in total obscurity, which rendered good conditions of control impossible ; besides no one held the medium's hands and feet, as had been done with Eusapia.
In a series of experiments which gave me some results worthy of careful examination, I obtained the levitation of the table under slightly better conditions. But some of the sitters cheated so barefacedly, that I do not consider I ought to take any serious notice of the parakinetic movements I witnessed there ; although I have the impression that everything was not simulated which happened in this group. The unsatisfactory con- ditions under which I made this series of experiments led me to discontinue them.
I consider that the levitation of the table, even with the contact of the hands, is a difficult phenomenon to obtain under good conditions of observation. Up to the present, Eusapia Paladino is, I repeat, the only medium with whom I have been able to verify the phenomenon in a satisfactory manner.
Her method is similar to the one I indicated and recommended to my readers. Phenomena is often forthcoming when she raises her hand above the table. Although I do not consider myself authorised to affirm the reahty of the effect this method appears to exercise
96 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
upon the phenomenon of levltation, I indicate it because the positive results, which similar practices have given me in telekinetic experiments, lead me to think it may also answer for parakinetic experiments. Let me briefly explain this method. When the experimenters have their hands on the table, and the latter begins to sway about from side to side as if it were trying to raise itself, one of the sitters puts his hand above the table, palm downwards, and approaches it to within two or three centimetres of the top. Then he raises it very gently ; while doing this, the levitation sometimes takes place as though the hand drew the table after it.
I recommend experimenting with as much light as possible. We must not forget that nothing is easier to simulate than a parakinetic levitation. Force of habit will soon teach us how to recognise fraudulent pheno- mena of this kind, but it is nevertheless important to know beforehand the principal systems of cheating. With the reader's permission I will indicate them.
The position, which the experimenters are obliged to assume around the table when they are seated, has the consequence of almost completely hiding their feet. As soon as the lights are lowered, it is nearly impossible to exercise that mutual control which it is indispensable should be exercised. Now, when the hands rest a little forcibly on the table, it is very easy, especially with a light table, to glide the point of a shoe under one of the legs of the table and to raise it above the ground. This manoeuvre is all the easier, as the swaying of the table from side to side permits one to effect the movement, without much fear of detection. Needless to say that hooks attached to the wrist, or specially contrived
PARAKINESIS AND TELEKINESIS 97
bracelets, also permit of raising and holding the table in the air. But it is easy to protect oneself against fraud of this nature. Let every one stand up and join hands in the centre of the table; the kind of fraud I indicate will then be impossible. I myself have often obtained fine levitations in this way, but unfortunately in obscurity.
I will point out still another fraudulent process prac- tised at times by professional mediums. It consists in the following manoeuvre. The medium places himself at the narrow end of a table, — in preference a rectangular one — he promotes various oscillations, and when he has succeeded in raising the end opposite to him, he spreads out his legs in such a way as to exercise a strong hold over the feet of the table, between which he is sitting. Once this pressure is exercised, there is nothing more for the medium to do, in order to obtain a levitation, than to lean his hands heavily on the table. It is easy to understand how the table, maintained in position by the trickster's knees, executes a rotatory movement around an axis the points of which are fixed by the pressure of the knees ; consequently the table, becoming parallel with the ground, appears to be abnormally levitated. This simulation can be successfully realised, even when some one is seated on a chair on top of the table ; under the pretence of offering a better condition of control, the medium takes the hands of the person on the table, and finds in him the point of support required to promote the rotation of the table around its axis. We should keep this kind of fraud before the mind's eye when seeking to obtain levitations, especially if operating in obscurity, for then this trick is most easy of execution.
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98 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
Once again, I cannot too strongly warn experimenters against dark seances : they are absolutely worthless when paranormal phenomena are required. These ought to be obtained in full light ; under such conditions the levita- tion of the table is a verifiable phenomenon.
II. TELEKINESIS
I will now relate my observations upon telekinesis, that is to say, movements without contact. Telekinesis corresponds with V exteriorisation de la motricite^ discovered by Colonel de Rochas. It is a phenomenon which I have taken particular pains to verify. I have had exceptionally good experiences in this phase of mani- festation.
I verified telekinetic phenomena with Eusapia Paladino first of all. When operating with this medium, the seance-table was often elevated without contact. As a rule, Eusapia formed the chain of hands around the table without touching it ; at the end of a few seconds, she would make some passes over the table with her right hand, retaining her hold of her right-hand neighbour's hand at the same time : the table would then leave the floor, and remain suspended in the air for several seconds. It fell to the ground heavily as a rule. This experiment was made several times in my presence under satisfactory conditions of light.
It was not only the table which moved with Eusapia : the curtains of the cabinet were often thrown over the table, as if a strong wind had blown them out. This phenomenon was particularly noticeable at I'Agnelas, where we experimented in front of the curtains of one of
PARAKINESIS AND TELEKINESIS 99
the drawing-room windows. These curtains were made of heavy silk material, and nothing was more curious than to see them swell out and suddenly stretch over us. The manner in which they were thrown over our heads was peculiar ; it was as though they had been blown out. Without an adapted instrument of some kind, I do not think it was possible for the medium to produce this phenomenon fraudulently with her hand. I obtained the same characteristic movements of curtains with another medium.
With Eusapia, the sitters' chairs were frequently dis- placed, shaken, raised, and even carried on to the table. I cannot conceive how Eusapia could have obtained such results normally, considering the strict test conditions exacted at I'Agnelas. We had been courteously ac- quainted with the results of the Cambridge seances, and our attention had been very specially drawn to the fraudulent practices of this medium. One of us held her feet and her waist, while the mission of two others, seated on either side of her, was to observe her hands. It is relatively easy to know if we hold a right or left hand : it suffices to carefully note the position of the thumb, which ought always to be turned towards the observer if the hand be directed palm upwards, and which ought to be turned towards the medium if the hand be directed palm downwards. It is unnecessary to hold the me- dium's hand tightly in order to be aware of its position : an ordinary contact, intelligently superintended, is quite enough ; it is of course necessary to make sure of the simultaneous contact of thumb and fingers. Now, in a certain number of cases, the check upon the medium was good, when the chair of one of the sitters was carried
loo METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
on to the table. It is also to be noted, that Eusapia would have been forced to lean forward in a very- marked manner, in order to seize her neighbour's chair and carry it on to the table ; the inclination of her body would have been easily perceived, especially as the chair was first of all drawn away from under the experimenter and then raised on to the table, manoeuvres which occu- pied some time.
Other phenomena of the same kind were, however, produced in a more conclusive manner. I remember having seen the lid of a trunk, which was placed behind the experimenters and to the left of Eusapia, open and shut of its own accord.
Lastly, I obtained with this medium a very convincing phenomenon, which M. de Gramont had already verified at I'Agnelas after my departure. This is the movement at a distance of the scale of a letter-balance. I made the experiment at Bordeaux in the presence of a few intel- ligent and educated persons. We operated in a light which was strong enough to enable us to read the faintly marked divisions on the scale. This object had just been purchased by me, and I had drawn it from its wrappings just prior to the experiment. Before our eyes Eusapia repeatedly made the scale go down by raising and lowering her hands, palms downwards. Eusapia's hands were from three to five inches away from the letter-balance ; she performed the movements described without abandoning her neighbour's hands. We obtained the lowering of the plate of the balance several times, each time varying the position of the medium's hands, placing them in front of the apparatus in such a manner as to form a triangle of which the
PARAKINESIS AND TELEKINESIS loi
plate was the apex, and bringing the medium's hands together so that the angle at the apex became very acute. This was done in order to obviate the possibility of the medium producing the effect by means of a hair or thread between her fingers. I must point out, however, that a hair or thread would have been visible.
By turning her hands round, that is to say by direct- ing them palms upwards, Eusapia raised the plate of the letter-balance to its full extent when it was weighed down by a pocket-book. By measuring the oscillations of the index-needle, we were able to ascertain that the force employed was at least one ounce superior in weight to that of the pocket-book.
The facts I verified with Eusapia, I was able to prove again through other mediums, non-professional. On two occasions, I obtained fine telekinetic phenomena in a public restaurant. I was in the company of a good sensitive, a highly intelligent man, but one who knew little or nothing of spiritism. The first time I was breakfasting with him ; we were seated at a fairly large table, near which was a small round one ; the cloth which was covering our table touched the small one. We first heard several fine raps, and then the small table drew gradually nearer till it touched the big one. There had been a displacement of eleven inches. It was broad daylight, and the conditions under which I ob- served this fact completely exclude — at least in my opinion — the hypothesis of fraud. Another time we were lunching together. I was seated at the left-hand side of the medium, and we were alone at our table. Two chairs were facing us, while a third one was on the medium's right, facing another table. The chair to the
I02 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
right of the medium approached the table, and then retreated at our request. The ch:x\r facing me reproduced the same movements. The light was so bright that I
|
Chair. |
Chair. |
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Maxwell. Medium.
was able to observe the hands and feet of the medium with the greatest ease.
These plain, decided, easily observable, and well- observed facts are among the most convincing I have received. The medium's position, the bright light, the full liberty of verification which was permitted me, rendered these observations extremely convincing to me. The measuring of the distances between the table and the object in movement excludes the hypothesis of halluci- nation on my part. I therefore consider that all possi- bility of fraud or hallucination was out of the question.
Previous to the movements, I had established contact with the chair in front of me, by means of one of those wooden holders to which newspapers are attached in restaurants and buffets. The chair in approaching us pushed the newspapers towards us, and we were thus enabled to watch the horizontal progression of the chair.
PARAKINESIS AND TELEKINESIS 103
The distance travelled by the chair was from seven to eight inches. The objects moved in a jerky, irregular manner. I have been able to observe telekinetic table move- ments on many occasions, and always in broad daylight. Perhaps the most curious movement I have seen is the following : A lady and gentleman once did me the honour of inviting me to witness certain phenomena which they were often able to obtain when experimenting together ; these phenomena consisted in slight displace- ments of a table. They reproduced these movements without contact in my presence. I then begged them to form a chain with me around the table, always with- out touching it of course. This table, a light tripod, the top of which measured eleven inches by twenty- one inches, was in contact with the dress of my hostess. After having executed several diverse gliding movements — approaching or retreating at request — the table began to raise itself and to strike the floor with one of its feet. We spelt out the alphabet, and received a typtological communication. During this performance, the table was in contact with the dress only. The dress did not hide the feet of the table, the contact was simply lateral, and the table could be seen in entirety. It was daylight, and it would have been easy to detect the slightest movement of the dress. Moreover, the table raised one of its feet which was not in contact with the dress. I did not try — because I did not wish — to remove the contact of the dress, for I had often observed this bulging out of women mediums' dresses : as soon as the garment comes near the table and contact is established, the movement is produced. I have often checked the position of the medium's feet,
I04 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
while the phenomenon was happening, and I have been able to verify that the slight contact was with the dress only, and not with the feet. This curious fact has already been observed by Richet and others, in connec- tion with Eusapia Paladino. I will add that I have often obtained movements without any contact what- soever, even that of garments.
Another medium has enabled me to verify telekinetic movements of curtains. They were less violent than with Eusapia, but more decided, and enabled me to make some observations which are not altogether lacking in interest. I was once experimenting with the medium in question, in subdued light, contrary to my usual custom. It was in the daytime, but we had closed the shutters of the window and drawn the curtains together, in order to form a kind of cabinet. We were trying to obtain luminous phenomena, which, however, were not forth- coming. The medium had his back turned towards the curtains. I noticed that the curtains stirred now and then. I drew the attention of an experimenter to this, and at first we attributed the movement to a slight draught. We drew the curtains together completely, and then observed that only the curtain close to the medium stirred. It was light enough to see the hands and feet of our medium, and we were able to convince ourselves, that the movements were not normally pro- duced by him. We then noticed that the movements of the curtain corresponded with our movements. The experiment was repeated with success twenty times. We varied the movements and were able to observe, that the maximum disturbance of the curtain occurred, when the medium rubbed the head of one of the experimenters.
PARAKINESIS AND TELEKINESIS 105
The curtain was not blown out over the table as with Eusapia. The movements simply consisted of a species of undulatory trepidation, whose amplitude did not surpass five or six inches : it was like the sinuous undulations of a rope, when shaken at one of its extremities.
Such are the principal facts which I have been able to observe. I will not have much to say concerning the method of operation, for I have already sufficiently indicated how I proceed habitually. I have, neverthe- less, two important remarks to make.
The first is, that the presentation of the palm of the hand towards the object, which we wish to displace, often brings about the movement. 1 proceed in the manner I have indicated for a parakinetic levitation, but instead of presenting the palm of the hand to the top of the table and then drawing it slowly away, I direct it towards the side of the table, and I act as though I wished to attract or repulse the table. I have noticed that this practice gives good results.
The second remark I wish to make is, that when desirous of obtaining movements without contact, it is helpful to form the chain around the table by holding each other's hands. Still, I do not think this precaution is indispensable, for I have obtained telekinetic move- ments without its aid. It seems to me, however, that it is a method to be recommended, especially in the beginning of the seance.
I have just said that the chain of hands is not indis- pensable. And, as an example, I remember having once verified some telekinetic movements which inter- ested me very much. I was conversing with a private medium : by the way, all the telekinetic phenomena of
io6 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
which I have been speaking, save those obtained with Eusapia Paladino, have been obtained with private mediums. In the course of our conversation we pro- nounced the name of a personification, whose irruption in our midst had been as sudden as unexpected. This personification behaves like a cautious and well-advised experimenter, and conducts himself as, I think, I would, if 1 co-operated on the other side in the experiments I am speaking about. Hardly had I pronounced this per- sonification's name than the table began to glide gently across the floor. We questioned it, and according to our request, it approached or retreated from the medium. The movements of the table alternated with raps. I content myself with merely stating this curious fact, without allowing myself to draw any conclusions there- from ; it appears to me to offer a striking example of that apparent spontaneity, which psychical phenomena sometimes present.
From the account I have just given of some of my experiments in parakinesis and telekinesis, we may deduct the following propositions : they resume, fairly exactly, the points of fact I have been able to ascer- tain :—
I. There is a certain correlation between the move- ments of the medium or assistants and the movements of the objects used in experimentation.
II. Certain peculiar sensations accompany the emission of the force employed.
III. That force has a probable connection with the organism of the assistants.
I. Nothing is easier to verify than the correlation existing between the movements of the medium or
PARAKINESIS AND TELEKINESIS 107
sitters, and those of the object with which we are ex- perimenting. I may say, that almost without exception, the movements of the operators are, in a way, reflected by the table. I have already pointed out, that move- ments of attraction or repulsion attracted or repulsed the table. I have remarked this peculiarity on several occasions. When, in a seance, the presence of a certain force manifesting itself in raps and oscillations without contact is established, it often suffices for one of the sitters to direct his hand towards the table to bring about its immediate displacement. By proceeding in the manner indicated further back, I have noticed that complete levitations could be obtained ; but it is then necessary for the sitters to put their hands on the table, while one of their number puts one of his hands in the centre of the table, and palm downwards slowly raises his hand. Levitations without contact can certainly be obtained by the same method, by simply forming a chain of hands around the table without touching it ; but the results are less difficult to obtain when the hands are laid on the table.
Levitation seems to me more difficult to realise than gliding movements. I have frequently obtained the latter without contact, by directing the palm of my hand towards the table, and trying to draw it after me as though an elastic thread united the table to my hand. Under these conditions the table seems to obey a kind of attraction.
I think I have some observations to make on this subject, but I cannot formulate them with much certi- tude, and I only point them out in order to provoke — if that be possible — the examination of these facts by
io8 METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
persons more competent than I am. First of all, it is not always the medium who obtains the best results in the manoeuvre 1 indicate. I have seen some experimenters obtain more marked movements than the sensitive himself. This is not generally the case, but the fact does not appear to me to be rare. It is rather discon- certing, because those persons, who in a seance manifest a force relatively greater than the medium's, cannot obtain any supernormal fact when alone ; the presence of a medium is necessary for the energy of their action to be manifested. I wonder if this be not due to the medium's inexperience. I never observed this pecuHarity in seances with Eusapia, although the sitters could, in her presence, produce certain phenomena themselves. I have only noticed it with the non-professional mediums, who kindly consented to allow me to experiment with them. Nearly all of them had no notion whatever of psychical experimentation ; most of them, were alto- gether ignorant of the practices of spiritism ; and many were frightened by their first phenomena. These mediums have not the tranquillity and presence of mind of myself and friends, whom a long experience has freed from all kinds of bias. Perhaps, therefore, they do not operate under such good conditions as we do, or as more experienced mediums would. Whatever may be the reason, I note the fact observed.
A second interesting observation I have to make is the unequalness of the radiations or emanations which appear to issue from the back or palm of the hand. The action of the palm is decidedly more energetic than that of the back ; as an example, I will recall to mind the experiment with the letter-balance. To lower it.
PARAKINESIS AND TELEKINESIS 109
Eusapia lightly moved her hand from top to bottom, palm downwards ; to obtain the contrary movement, she turned her hand in the opposite direction. There are certain obscure peculiarities to elucidate in this curi- ous unequalness. It is desirable to study it, for it is one of the rare points where experimentation is really possible, in the studies of the kind I am setting forth. It is to be noted, and this is I think a very important consideration, that the innervation of the palm of the hand is much more abundant than that of the back.
In what concerns movements without contact, I have not noticed any unequalness of action between the two hands : the left hand appears to act quite as well as the right.
In the third place I have verified a correlation, between the intensity of the muscular effort and the abnormal movement. This is an interesting observation, for I have not observed it when studying the phenomenon of raps. As an example, I will cite an experiment which I have often made. When the liberated energy is in- sufficient to provoke movements, and the existence of a certain quantity of force has, nevertheless, been ascer- tained, if the manoeuvre of attraction does not succeed, we can sometimes provoke the movement by shaking the hand about at a certain distance above the table. This rapid movement of the hand and arm appears to me to develop a maximum of telenergy.
Again, rubbing the feet on the floor, rubbing the hands, the back, the arms, in fact any quick or slightly violent movement appears to liberate this force. These manoeuvres often bring about the realisation of the desired phenomenon. It is evident that such manoeuvres
no METAPSYCHICAL PHENOMENA
must be employed with discernment ; some of them might hamper observation : e.g. rubbing the feet on the floor if telekinetic movements of the table be desired, for this would render it difficult, if not impossible, to check the position of the medium's feet.
The breath appears to exercise a great influence ; things happen as though in blowing on the object, the sitters emitted a quantity of energy, comparable to that which they emit, in quickly moving their limbs. This is a strange peculiarity, one which is apparently very difficult to explain.
A more thorough analysis of the facts permits us to think, that the liberation of the energy employed depends