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SCIENCE vs. MODERN SPIRITUALISM.

A TREATISE ON

TURNING TABLES,

THE

SUPERNATURAL IN GENERAL, AND SPIRITS,

TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH OF

COUNT AGfiNOR DE GASPARIN,

«

BY E. W. ROBERT, • s, *

WITHIN INTRODUCTION

BY REV. ROBERT BAIRD, D.D. VOL. I.

NEW YORK: KIGGINS & KELLOGG, PUBLISHERS,

123 & 125 WILLIAM STREET.

1857.

ENTKRED according to Act of Congress, in the year 1856, by

KIGGINS AND KELLOGG, lu the Clerk '3 Office of the District Court of the U. S. for the Southern District of N.-W York.

w.

The translator has taken the liberty of adding to the original title, the words, "SCIENCE vs. MODERN SPIRITUALISM," as an explanation to the American public of the nature and design of M. de Gasparin's work.

W. H. TINSON, Stereotyper.

E. O. JENKINS, Printer.

CONTENTS OF VOL. I.

fmi

TURNING TABLES.

PAOB

INTRODUCTION, 5

PREFACE, 9

THE QUESTION, . . . . . . . ... .25

THE FACTS, ..'........ 39

THE OBJECTIONS, IOC

APPENDIX, 175

THE SUPERNATURAL IN GENERAL.

THE QUESTION, 197

THE COURSE TO PURSUE, 213

VALUE OF PROOF, AND ESPECIALLY OF TESTIMONY, . . . . 224

PARTICULAR GROUNDS OF SUSPICION, 274

WHAT SAITH THE SCRIPTURE? 292

NATURAL EXPLANATION OF THE PRETENDED SUPERNATURAL, . 405

INTRODUCTION

BY REV. ROBERT BAIRD, D. D.

COUNT AGENOR DE GASPARIN, the author of the following work, is one of the most distinguished French Protestants of our times. His family is of Italian origin, as the name sufficiently indicates, and came, if we have been rightly informed, into France from the Island of Corsica, more than a century ago. His father was a member of the Chamber of Peers in the reign of Louis Philippe, and for some years was Prefect of the Department of the Rhone. At one period he held the post of Minister of the Interior. He was also a member of one of the five " Academies " which constitute the " Institute of France," and reckoned to be a man of highly respectable talents, and of extensive and solid attainments. Both father and son were warm supporters of the throne of Louis Philippe, and cherished for that monarch a very strong personal regard, which partook, we might say, of the nature of sincere friendship.

Count Gasparin spent the earlier part of his life at Paris, where he received an education corresponding" with the distinguished rank of his family. He is a scholar, in the highest and best sense of the word — his acquirements being at once various and profound. He is the author of several interesting and important works, of which we may mention his Inter its Generav.x du Protestantisme Fraii^ais, in one volume 8vo., and Christianisme ct Paganisme, in 2 vols. 8vo., as possessing far more than ordinary value for intelligent Christian readers of all countries.

To great advantages of personal appearance, Count Gasparin unites the grace of most refined and elegant manners. Few men, in any country, have associated more constantly or more intimately with elevated and cultivated society, than he has done from early childhood. And it has been justly remarked of him, that " he unites the accom- plishments of the courtier with the sincerity and benevolence of the Christian."

By inheritance, Count Gasparin possessed a handsome patrimonial property ; and his resources have been greatly augmented by marriage

INTRODUCTION.

with a Swiss lady of ample fortune, of the Canton de Vaud, in which country he has spent much of his time for the last ten or fifteen years.

Removed thus from the necessity of pursuing professional studies as a means of livelihood, he has devoted his time chiefly to writing works of a religious and philanthropic nature. His publications, counting \niin- phlets as well as books, are already numerous, although he cannot be much more, if at all, than forty-five or forty-eight years old. Besides these, he has written much for the journals, religious and secular.

Nor has the pen of Madame Gasparin been much less prolific than that of her husband. One of her earliest and largest works has had a wide circulation in France, and the French-speaking portions of the countries circumjacent. It is entitled, Marriage from a Christian point of view. She has recently written much and strongly against the Institutions of Protestant Deaconesses, which have begun to spring up in France and Germany.

Count Gasparin is an earnest and zealous Protestant Christian, of what is called in France the u Evangelical School," in contradistinction to that which is termed " Latitudinarian." It is rare to see in any country a man in so elevated a position who is so humble and spiritually- minded a follower of the Lamb. Xo man living, probably, has stood up more courageously than he in behalf of the Gospel, and the religion which it teaches, in circumstances of the most trying nature. He has borne the " shame " which, in the estimation of too many of the great and fashionable people of this world, attaches to the "Cross," and he has borne it well. He was the founder, in the year 1842, of a Society for the promotion of the Protestant interests — a Society which has done much for the protection of the religious and civil rights of the Protest- ants of France, as well as to advance their interests in many other way*. He also took a very prominent part, a few years later, in the formation of the '• Free Protestant Church of France," a church which renounces all connection with, and dependence on, the State and its patronage.

In the year 1842, Count Gasparin became a member of the Chamber of Deputies, having been elected to that branch of the French Legislature by the inhabitants of the Island of Corsica, a part of the kingdom in which there was, probably, less Protestantism than in any other. This was owing in part to the influence of his father, who had made many friends in that island, when he was Minister of the Interior, and in part to the influence of Louis Philippe, to whom the Count was Master of Requests, a post of honor which gave him great advantages for familiar access to his Majesty.

During the few years he was a member of the Chamber of Deputies, Count Gasparin delivered several speeches which reflected the highest

INTRODUCTION. Vli

honor on his talents as a logician and an orator, as well as on his courage as a man in fearlessly avowing and defending the true principles of Christianity. In particular, his efforts in behalf of Religious Liberty both in the Senate and in the Courts of Law, were eminently able and effective, — though far from being acceptable to the govern- ment, which was then rapidly succumbing to the influence of the Jesuits. In consequence of this he failed to be reflected to the Chamber of Deputies, and retired to the walks of private life.

Availing himself of the leisure which this state of things allowed him, and accompanied by Madame Gasparin, he made a long tour in the East, an interesting account of which the literary public of France has been in possession of for some years. It was whilst prosecuting his journey that he heard of the Revolution of 1848, and the downfall of his friend Louis Philippe. Without loss of time, he addressed the exiled Monarch a long and faithful letter, filled with sentiments eminently Christian and instructive.

Upon his return from his travels in the Holy Land and the adjacent countries, Count Gasparin took up his residence at the village of Val- leyres, in the Canton de Yaud (Switzerland), where he has mainly, if not uninterruptedly, resided, in the midst of the friends and relatives of his wife, having no desire to live under the dynasty by which his native land is at present ruled.

It was there that in the years 1853-64, his attention was called to the subject of the "Turning Tables," which was then exciting much interest in France and Switzerland. Believing that great evils were likely to result from the delusions to which the abuse of this phenomenon seemed to give rise, he applied himself conscientiously to the study of its causes. With the aid of personal friends, in whom he could implicitly confide, he devoted several months to the investigation of the subject. He was stimulated to undertake the task, by seeing that the "Academies," or branches of the Institute of France, whose province it is (or is supposed to be) to examine into all subjects which have any connection with Science, had refused to do so — contenting themselves with pronouncing dogmatically on the question, rather than collecting carefully the facts appertaining to it, and making the deductions which a sound philosophy demanded.

In the work, to which these few paragraphs respecting its author will serve as an introduction, the reader will find a very full account of the experiments which Count Gasparin and his friends made with so much care, and on so many occasions, and the conclusions to which he came. He will find also the Count's speculations on other, and, in a certain sense, kindred subjects; such as the Supernatural in general, the Agency

V INTRODUCTION.

of Spirits, False Miracles, Animal Magnetism, Spirit-Rappings, etc. Tlii-M- topics are treated at length, with the vivacity which clmra-- tin- Fivnrh mind, and in the style in which it expresses its conceptions; and, so far as we are able to judge, with no ordinary ability. The tnm-- lation — although by no means an easy task — has been well executed, and reflects great credit on the translator.

In conclusion, we can, from many years' acquaintance with the author, assure the readers of this work, that it is the production of a mind not likely to be satisfied with insufficient data, or misled by illogical deduc- tions, and incapable of attempting to impose on others.

We have never seen the subject to which it relates treated with more patience of inquiry, or fairness of analysis and conclusion. It is the honest result of investigation prompted by an earnest desire to know the true.

R. B.

PREFACE.

A BOOK should be its own defense ; it is a loss of time to re- write or eulogize it in the preface. Of what use then are prefaces ? To settle certain preliminary questions — to dispel certain prejudices that hinder men from reading — to remove certain obstacles in the way of investigation. When an author has finished his work, cor- rected his proof-sheets, and carefully reviewed his arguments, his last step is to examine if there be between him and the public any of those misunderstandings which render their accordance difficult or imperfect.

There is, in this case, such a misunderstanding. There is one word, an important word, respecting which, some obscurity seems to exist in the public mind, and which I feel called upon to explain. I am told that the subject of my work is not serious !

In other terms : — We do not care to know whether you are right or wrong ; it is enough for us to know that the truth of which you claim to be the champion, is not in the number of licensed and authorized truths, of truths upon which we may bestow our atten- tion without compromising ourselves, that it is not among the truths one can acknowledge — the serious truths ! Some truths are ridiculous ; so much the worse for them ! Their turn will come, perhaps, and then, men who respect themselves will condescend to extend their protecting arm ; but, in the meantime, so long as cer-

1* ix

X PREFACE.

tain persons knit their brows, so long as certain circles treat the thing as a jest, it is bad taste to brave the censure of re< opinion ! Speak not to us of truth and its rights ; we have some- thing to think of besides truth! The question with us is of expe- diency, of appearances, of remaining in the beaten track, of march- ing in the ranks of serious men !

The legitimate conclusion from all which is, that we should not write, and that we must not read works on the Turning Tables and the Spirits.

Turning Tables ! I am well aware that this name is objected to. I might have sought one graver and more scientific, but to do so, seemed to me an act of cowardice. It is the right of the poor, dishonored name to figure in the day of rehabilitation ; it is the right of the flag that has seen the battle, that has been trampled in the dust, torn and riddled by the shots of the enemy, to unfurl its tattered remnants in the day of triumph. A new banner would be out of place streaming from the windows of- Les Invalides. The Turning Tables have conquered ; I shall not disown them. Tables they were, and tables they shall remain.

This brings us back to the question of the serious. Is that then our real position ? Have we indeed only such convictions as the world allows us ? Engrossed in the care of our sacred persons, in arraying ourselves in the costume of the moment, in speaking a jargon whose epicurean pedantry inspires respect, do we yield our support only to theories sanctioned by the areopagus of sensible men, or by the leaders of our party? If this be the case, let us renounce the words belief and truth. We fancied ourselves to be liberal and friends of representative government ! . An illusion. We simply adopted the fashionable color, Liberalism was becoming. We imagine ourselves to be Christians ! Another illusion. The dangers with which we were menaced by Socialism, brought about a soi-disant religious re-action; it was possible to be Christians and to be, at the same time, serious ; we have profited by our posi- tion, and have become Christians. But, should the wind tack,

PEEFACE. XI

should the hour come when Liberalism and Christianity are again ridiculous, we shall take care to remain serious by ceasing to be Christians and Liberals.

Now, this hypothesis is by no means gratuitous. It has been ridiculous to defend liberty ; it has been ridiculous to take up the cause of the oppressed. When Jesus Christ was dragged before Pilate, it was ridiculous to declare one's self his disciple ; all the serious people of Judea, all, without exception, shrugged their shoulders in pity. When the apostles preached the Gospel at the price of their blood, there was no lack either in Koine or in Greece, of self-satisfied philosophers, shrewd politicians, brilliant orators, honest and enlightened men. Is it probable that any of these, classed Christianity in the number of serious opinions ?

No, it is impossible to express the contempt for truth which lies at the foundation of the theory of the serious. Behind these grave subjects, these grave thoughts, these grave words, this affectation of gravity, behind this perpetual cant, dwells an immense skepti- cism, and what is more, a deplorable frivolity. These men, who have no suspicion of the value of the truth they spurn, are, indeed, very frivolous ! These men who aspire only to be serious, have really but little respect for themselves !

But their ambition is often higher, whatever they may say. I suspect that, thanks to God, they are not so wise as they pretend to be. Among those who make the most display of their reverence for the serious, and who blame us for venturing to look into ques- tions of bad repute, there are some who really love the truth, that is to say, who love it for itself, who love it through evil report and through good report. Their views do not change with the fashions — they can bear to be considered ridiculous where duty is con- cerned— they would have done what I have done, if they had believed what I believe. "Why should they do themselves the injustice to imagine that they adopt certain principles for the sake of appearances, while they actually adopt them because they believe them to rest on a foundation of truth !

As for those who have indeed thus degraded themselves, the non- serious men look down upon them from the height of their impru- dence with feelings of the deepest compassion. Nothing can be more discouraging than the light in which they regard human con- victions and discussions. If such theories as theirs wore to prevail, the true, the just, the good would henceforth be words deprived of all meaning ; the serious and the expedient \\rould he enthroned in their place, and we should always be justified in changing our colors whenever a serious proposition became ridiculous, or a ridi- culous proposition serious.

Ah ! the truth is always serious ; so also is error. It is as serious a matter as falsehood, as insolence, as cowardice. Everything here is profoundly serious — everything — even the fatal tendency, which, claiming to substitute the serious for the true, threatens to kill within us the very germ of our convictions, manly action, and noble independence.

I have thus far reasoned as though the subject of these volumes were really liable to the objection, as though it were not serious, and very serious in every sense of the word ; it was important that the shameful doctrine which it is my purpose to attack, should be first condemned, in and for itself, independently of its special appli- cation ; it was of primary importance to establish that the truth of which we speak, is not an insignificant truth, and that to the man who obeys his convictions, no truth is insignificant. Indeed, that the gravity of this subject is only too great, is a fact that will not be doubted by the readers of these pages, which so abound in things really serious, that the conventionally serious will soon be obliged to renounce its most insincere protestations. After having successfully labored, alas ! in discouraging the greater number of those who have mounted the breach in the name of science, of reason, and of faith, it will at length be roused to exertion by the imminence of a peril in which there is, decidedly, nothing pleasant.

PREFACE. Xlll

Not that many absurd and laughable things have not been said and done in relation to the tables and the spirits ; their partisans have neglected nothing that could throw discredit on the question. Nor is it necessary to be a very profound observer in order to remark that gross superstitions have made their way in spite of their foolishness, and, indeed, because of their foolishness; that behind the promulgation of these superstitions, comes the rehabili- tation of the Middle Ages, their institutions, their dogmas, their persecutions, their judicial proceedings ; that by restoring a belief in witchcraft and the false supernatural in general, other restora- tions are prepared ; that all this is attempted by the unanimous action of a considerable party whose influence in such matters, unfortunately, extends beyond its proper limits ; that both the Gospel and Modern Civilization are jeopardized; that even the partial, the transient action of such a school, may give a fatal blow to our moral, political, and religions life.

This should have been understood by intelligent men in the beginning. Before indulging in raillery and contempt, they should have made it their duty to inquire if the facts pointed out, were wholly based on lies and illusions. Experience teaches us, that in general, illusions and lies subsist only by virtue of the truth that has been foolishly abandoned to them; this truth, distorted by some, and disdained by others, is the only life of systems incapable of existing by themselves.

Here then, was presented an important investigation, and far from impeding it by ridicule, it was of the utmost consequence that it should be aided and encouraged. Here was a glorious opportunity for beginning at the very foundation of a study, often undertaken, often interrupted, never ended : — the study of sorcery, and the supernatural apocrypha connected with it. "What has hitherto been wanting to make this study complete ? The know- ledge of a certain fragment of truth, which has underlaid so many absurdities throughout so many ages, which has rendered all attempts to refute them wholly inadequate, which has been the

XIV

PREFACE.

cause of their periodical resurrection, and which, even at the present day, to the disgrace of our times be it said, brings them iK'i'ore us under a new form. The Turning Tables have opened a •\\iiy to investigations highly interesting in a scientific point of view; they have seemed to announce the presence of a physical law, a fluid action, or some other force, the natural explanation of sorcery past, present, and future.

I consider the solution of this question a matter of some moment. The problem of the supernatural, such as it was stated in the Mid- dle Ages, such as it is now stated anew, is not of those we are per- mitted to disdain ; its import and its grandeur cannot fail to be perceived by the most unreflecting minds. According as we admit the devil of tradition, or the tempter of the Bible, we shall have two different religions and two different civilizations.

There ia no point upon which the ideas of the world are less settled. Legendary witchcraft and the recent exploits of the spirits are, in general, neither wholly accepted nor energetically repulsed ; men are content with doubting. They think that it would be unjust to reject everything or to admit everything ; therefore do they fluctuate between a puerile credulity and a fatal incredulity. Now, one set of men denies the personal existence of Satan and his angels; now, another set of men talks to you of sorcery, spells, charms, ghosts, souls raised from the dead, and thousands of pro- digies effected by the spirits ; or more correctly speaking, the same men are at once credulous and incredulous ; credulous because they are incredulous.

Every one understands his dignity in his own way ; I hope never to make mine depend upon refusing to grapple with an evil like this. It is possible that the question, grave as it is, has not yet received its certificate of seriousness ; prudence, perhaps, demanded that I should have waited, and my present course will cause some of my friends to groan, but I am used to grieving them ; the groans they have uttered under other circumstances still ring in my ears. When I stood forth a champion for religious liberty, I was assured

PREFACE. XV

that I should ruin everything, and that the moment had not yet come. When I pointed out the iniquity of the affair of Tahiti, I was reproached with having compromised myself in a suspicious transaction between Queen Pomare and Mr. Pritchard. And to go still further back to the very origin of my follies, when I declared myself a Christian, I was warned that I was a lost man, that my association with the Methodists would deprive me of all the influ- ence I had hitherto possessed, and that in too frankly expressing my sympathies with the Gospel, I should lose the means of serving it.

My friends will pardon me, I trust. I fear I shall never learn to fight according to rule. I have again disregarded the rules to be observed in serious matters, by not waiting until a subject, very serious in itself, had been declared so in form.

It is even worse than that : — I have adopted an isolated position, by which I run the risk of being disclaimed by everybody.

Two parties were engaged in a controversy in regard to the Turn- ing Tables ; instead of taking sides with one against the other, and thus insuring myself allies, I turn my back upon both ! I offend the men of science by affirming and demonstrating fluid action. I offend the champions of the spirits, by combating their supersti- tions.

" Mais qui voulez-vous done qui pour vous sollicite? — Qui je veux? la raison, mon bon droit, I'equit6."

I reply in the words of Alceste ; I am also ready, if need be, to add with him : —

" Soit! j'aurai le plaisir de perdre rnon proces."

But I do not believe my cause will be lost. I have frequently remarked the privileges arising from that want of tact which speaks of things as it sees them, and which knows not how to sacrifice one side of truth to the interest of another. The opinion which dis- putes the supernatural pretensions of the new phenomena, and pro- claims their physical reality, already begins to gain ground ; it has

XVI 1'K'i:!

been recently developed by M. Felix Mornand, in one of our most widely circulated journals: the views he so admirably expresses are held by many others.

Moreover, is the fact that we stand alone, or nearly so, any rea- son why we should recoil from our duty? Shall we imitate the physician of Charles IX., in whose presence the horn of the fabu- lous unicorn was every day gravely dipped into the king's glass, in order to make sure that it was not poisoned ? Being urged to pro- test against so absurd a usage, the prudent man replied : " Who- ever takes his stand against received opinions, meets with the fate of the owl when he shows himself by daylight ; all the other birds fall upon him and strip him of his feathers."

We must resign ourselves to the loss of a few feathers, if neces- sary. We must refuse to listen to the enervating language which a skillfully disguised egotism is continually sounding in our ears : "Be cautious! Be careful of yourself! for you are a precious treasure, of which the country or the Church should not be defrauded, and which should be reserved for great occasions ! [that never come.] Sacrifice small truths for the better defense of great truths ! Above all, make for yourself the reputation of a sensible, practical, serious man ! A temperate style, moderate opjnions, inoffensive studies, will easily gain you this title. Avoid irritating discussions, and subjects not generally sanctioned ! Do not waste your strength on every occasion ; economize, hoard up ; your very convictions demand it, for the time will come when you will need to be rich and to spend largely in their behalf."

The answer is easy. In amassing wealth, one becomes avari- cious, and the great disbursements of the miser are always projects, nothing more. Besides, in what condition will this man, who has practiced so much economy, find himself in the important hour, the hour of sacrifices? He will be worn out, disenchanted, without faith in anything, accustomed to impose silence on his soul and to introduce calculation into his conscience. Now, no man can sacri- fice himself to convictions, unless he have them.

PREFACE. XV11

But let us leave the book, and return to its theme. Here, all is profoundly serious, the disease, the remedy, the superstitious recru- descence and the physical fact by which it is destined to be over- come.

The disease has become immensely aggravated within the past year. If good sense, as I have just indicated, has made progress in a few reflective minds, gross error has spread itself over a much larger domain. We witness a strange spectacle : protected by men of science who anathematize experiments, and will not, on any con- sideration, modify their official theories, the apologists of the Middle Ages turn to their advantage the very fact that should confound them ; in proportion as the ranks are thinned of the ridiculed, con- demned, and discouraged experimenters, they rush in and occupy all the vacant places, which will suffice to drive away men who have hitherto, fearlessly given their attention to this subject. We do not like to have the appearance of doing just what the evocators of spirits do ; to seem to work like them, although in reality working against them, is disagreeable. Thence arises a feeling of uneasiness which disturbs the most resolute minds, and increases so rapidly, that ere long, perhaps, it will become difficult to form a chain or undertake an uninterrupted series of investigations. Those who, at first, only laughed, will finally regard the subject with an aversion and a disgust which, combined with our natural want of energy and perseverance, will lead to universal desertion. By dint of abusing the tables and throwing odium upon them, the champions of the supernatural apocrypha will succeed in scattering their adversaries.

And these champions are of various sorts ; they come from the four corners of the earth. Among us, they are the Ultramontane party, whose manifesto has been written by M. de Mirville, and to the refutation of which I have given special attention. In America, they are the Unitarians, who demand of the spirits the promulgation of a philosophical religion, a Christianity without Christ ; adversa- ries of the faith, they abandon themselves, as might have been ex-

XV111

PREFACE.

pected, to a prodigious credulity, and launch out on the ocean of the supernatural.

The supernatural ! the cry of Emerson. The supernatural ! the pretence of the Mormons and their socialist Gospel. The superna- tural! the rallying word of the Crusaders, everywhere enrolled against the Bible. In the very bosom of Protestantism, voices are to be heard echoing to those of the Ultramontanes, the Unitarians, and the Mormons ; many excellent Christians repudiate the princi- ple which takes its stand in opposition to the extra-Biblical super- natural ; they predict that the next religious awakening will take place in the name of prophecies, ecstasies and miracles. In short, we now-a-days hear of nothing but apparitions and prodigies ; the period draws near when, according to the prediction of Jacobi, " men will no longer believe in God ; they will believe in spectres."

It seems to me quite time to resist such a tendency, and to create a re-action.

Having now pointed out the gravity of the evil, I would dwell upon the efficacy of the remedy ; far from holding the language of discouragement^! pronounce the triumph to be certain and easy, if we choose that it shall be so. Apart from the powerful weapons furnished us by history, by reason, and especially by the Word of God, we have henceforth at our disposal a scientific argument not possessed by our predecessors. The certain something of truth which is mixed up with sorcery, and gives it its life, the physical phenomenon, long suspected by thinking minds, which has been dis- covered but not sufficiently demonstrated by Animal Magnetism, finds its irrefutable proof in the Turning Tables. The nervous sys- tem of the tables does not lay itself open to the charge of impres- sionability, there i-s no great danger of their imagination leading them astray; therefore, when they rise from the ground under the action of my hand, which does not touch them, it is certain that they obey a physical force, a material action determined by my will.

This fact contains nothing less than the solution of the problem of the supernatural. Heretofore, whoever examined it with care,

PREFACE. XIX

found a certain mass of evidence unexplained by any interpretative hypothesis, either by that of nervous excitement, that of errors of testimony, or that of hallucination ; there has still remained a large class of real phenomena decidedly contrary to the known laws of the physical world. Everything that the natural laws could not explain, was explained by the supernatural, nor is this astonish- ing.

To-day, the natural laws are becoming more and more complete, and the explanation with them. Henceforth, the supernatural has nothing further to do here, and sorcery disappears.

I shall doubtless be asked what it is that authorizes me so posi- tively to announce the fact of the elevations without contact. I might refer to my book by way of answer, but I choose rather to satisfy the impatience of the reader. Moreover, the preface has an advantage over the book; being written last, it supposes a greater familiarity of the author with the subject. During the long months required for the printing of two large volumes, he cannot remain entirely inactive. I have the following obervations to add to our preceding experiments :

Some distinguished men of science to whom I communicated the results obtained, were unanimously of the opinion that the eleva- tions without contact would possess the character of absolutely cer- tain proof, provided we could succeed in verifying them by any material process. They said : u Strew some flour over the table the instant the hands are separated from it ; in these conditions, cause it to effect one or several elevations ; then, if the layer of flour does not bear the impress of fingers, or give any other evidence of having been touched, there can no longer be a, word offered in ob- jection to your theory."

Well ! we have recently and on several occasions, performed this very experiment. I briefly present a few of the details.

Our first attempts were most unsuccessful. Making use of a coarse sieve, which it was necessary to move about over the entire surface of the table, we met with a double inconvenience ; first, of

PREFACE.

suspending for too long a time, and consequently, annulling the action of the operators ; secondly, our layer of flour was much too thick. The enthusiasm of will was weakened, the fluid action impeded, the ardor of the table diminished ; in .short, nothing pro- gressed. The effect was even so injurious, that the table not only refused elevations and rotations without contact, it almost refused ordinary elevations and rotations.

After a while, a brilliant idea suggested itself to one of the opera- tors. We possessed a pair of bellows, such as are used in sprinkling sulphur over vines infested with o'idium. Substituting flour for sulphur, we renewed the operation.

We were in the most favorable conditions ; the weather was dry and warm, the table bounded beneath our fingers, and indeed, before the order to raise the hands was given, the majority of them had spontaneously ceased to touch the table. The command being issued, the entire chain separated from the table, which was, at the same instant, covered by the bellows with a light cloud of flour. Not a second had been lost, the elevation without contact had already taken place, and in order to leave no doubt in our minds, it was repeated three or four times in succession.

That done, the table was scrupulously examined : it bore not the faintest token of having been touched or even grazed.

The fear of inadvertently touching it, was indeed so great among the operators as to cause them to raise their hands much higher from the table than in the previous sittings, without, however, pro- ducing any diminution of the fluid action. I should also mention that we resorted to none of the manoeuvres, none of the passes of which we had made use at other times. Remaining in its place above the table to be raised, the chain had preserved its form ; it had scarcely effected a slight motion in the direction of that which it provoked at a distance.

I add, in conclusion, that we did not rest contented with one experiment. "We produced several elevations in succession, at the close of which, a minute examination of the flour that covered

PREFACE. XXI

every portion of the surface of the table, convinced us that it had been absolutely untouched.

I may be deceived, but it seems to me that this is clear.

More than one unprejudiced mind will have anticipated this con- clusive demonstration. In default of such a proof, clear, material and unimpeachable, had we not already a moral proof, whose value could not be misunderstood ? To those who do not believe in Eu- ropean witchcraft and the spirits of America, the extent and per- sistency of these facts would have remained inexplicable unless viewed in the light of physical phenomena. There must be a reality of some sort, either natural or supernatural, at the basis of cotemporary sorcery, as well as of that of previous ages.

How could this have failed to be remarked ? If the rotation of the tables had been mere illusion, nothing else, they must long since have been annihilated. They have been obliged to struggle against Academic thunderbolts, the charges of bishops, the attacks of the press, the triumphant refutations and the no less triumphant con- tempt of a certain set of men who despise without knowing why. They have had to struggle against political events, if I may so speak, against Russians and Turks, Paskewish and Omer Pasha. They have been cursed, disdained, and forgotten, yet they are still alive. Concerted indignation, concerted silence, all have been powerless. The tables turn in spite of M. Faraday ; their death has been predicted, it has been demonstrated ; but they continue to turn. They turn so well that their antagonists are beginning to revise their opinions, and the latest, works written in opposition to them, give evidences of a caution, a circumspection, I might almost say a respect, to which they are certainly unaccustomed.

If my protestations and researches have in any degree contri- buted to this result, all the honor is due to those courageous fellow- laborers who have perseveringly pursued our experiments, un- daunted by fatigue, by obstinacy, by a momentary want of success, or by their disgust with apparent contradictions. Animated by a love of truth, feeling the scientific and moral importance of their

XX11 PREFACE.

work, comprehending that the establishment of the physical fact could alone oppose an insurmountable barrier to the invasion of superstition, they have drawn from their Christian consciences a strength which they could have derived from no other sentiment. Simple curiosity would have wearied of the task ; faith has perse- vered, and as usual, faith has triumphed.

VALLEYRES, August 8, 1854.

t Jfirst Dart.

CHAPTER I.

THE QUESTION.

IT is my aim, in the first place, to resolve the question c€ facts. The theory will follow.

To demonstrate that the phenomenon of Turning Tables is real, and of a purely physical nature ; that it cannot be produced either by the action of our muscles or the mysterious fnfluence of spirits, such is my theme. I desire at once to state it with precision and define its limits.

I experience some satisfaction, I avow, in being able at last, to oppose unquestionable proofs to the sarcasms of those who find it more convenient to ridicule than to examine. I well knew that this was an ordeal not to be escaped, and that no new truth becomes evident without having been looked upon as ridiculous ; but it is none the less pleasant to reach the point where things take their legitimate places, and the parts of the players cease to be inverted. Such a gratification one can well afford to wait for.

I long feared that the phenomenon of the tables would not admit of a scientific and decisive demonstration — that while giving absolute certainty to the operators and immediate wit- nesses, it would furnish no irrefutable argument to the public. In view of mere probability, every one would have remained free to preserve his own opinion ; we should have had believers and unbelievers classified rather according to tendencies than by

2

reason of their knowledge or ignorance of facts ; the latter would have exulted in the agreeable consciousness of their intel- lectual superiority, the former would have abandoned them- selves in despair to the current of fashionable superstition : truth, incompletely demonstrated, would have received the treat- ment and would finally have assumed the character, of false- hood.

By the blessing of God this shall not be the case.

I have stated the scientific question, I must also state the moral question — the true question for me — that which has stirred my soul and forced me, as it were, to undertake studies to which I could have wished to remain a stranger.

The rights of truth, than which I know nothing more holy on earth, were at stake. He who does not love all truth loves none ; he who does not constantly feel himself a slave of the truth — bound to serve it, to bear witness for it, to suffer, if neect be, in its cause — will never believe in anything. Whether the point in question be of religion, of politics, or of philosophy, it does not matter ; he will possess perhaps, the illusions of belief, but not the reality.

It is thus that this debate, so cried down, rises in one point of view, to the level of the most elevated discussions, and has its roots in the depths of the human conscience. The sentiment that impels me to take part in it, is the same that makes me a Christian. I belong to the truth, whatever it may be, solely because it is the truth. I know that I have no argument to hold with it, no bargain to make for my devotion. I know that if I prefer myself to any truth whatever, my whole faith receives a mortal blow. Strange Christian indeed, he who recognizing a truth and seeing it ill-treated and dishonored, values himself, his own personal interests before it, and fails in defending it, through fear of the criticism of the world !

But let there be no mistake as to my meaning. I invite no one to take up his lance and buckler, and beat about the

THE CLAIMS OF TRUTH. 27

country, redressing wrongs in behalf of unrecognized truth. I am of my age, and I do not look for the restoration of the order of knights-errant. We are by no means called upon to copy after Don Quixote, but simply, plainly and courageously, to stand by our opinions. If, when thousands of men were convinced of the rota.tory movement of the tables, a few sar- casms had sufficed to impose universal silence ; if the fear of raillery had everywhere prevailed, a public lesson of cowardice would have been given to our time, which it does not require. It would have been taught anew to place what is expedient above what Ls true, to accommodate itself to reigning modes, to reject the inconvenient luggage of personal and manly belief. Is it found perchance, that there is a superabundance of energy in the world ; that there is too much spirit, too much strong individual- ity, too many independent minds, who believe what they believe, who say what they think, who set themselves against the tide, and who in good or ill fortune, surrounded by friends, or stand- ing alone, under all circumstances, courageously maintain their flag ? As for me, I see only those, whose profession of faith is always that of all the world, who pass their time in discovering virtues in the victor, crimes in the vanquished, men devoid of that correct life which alone gives the austere love of truth, men whose thoughts waver the moment they cease to lean on the general thought, thereby resembling trees which, torn up by the roots, retain a perpendicular position so long as sus- tained by their neighbors, but which fall to the ground from sheer weakness, the instant the axe deprives them of their sup- port. Take political questions, take moral questions, every- where you will meet the same spectacle. Slavery, for example, no longer leaves our consciences in suspense ; we know how to regard the sale of men, women, and children, the separation of families, the immorality, the systematized cruelty, the crimes to which the most humane masters are in some sort condemned ; and yet, excepting the brief moment, in which the influence of a fine book performs the unheard of miracle of making truth the fashion, everybody cautiously disposes of slavery in a sensible

THE QUESTION.

and well-bred manner. Negrophilism is in such bad taste ! Positive minds are so absurd ! Thus a man enlists in favor of iniquities, tears, tortures, and if he visits Brazil, the United States, or Cuba, he is careful on his return, to utter the highest eulogiums on the felicity of the blacks.

To deny, as occasion may seem to require, that which we esteem to be true, to deny it, because we believe in no faith really deserving this beautiful name, this is our malady. I would not be of those who aggravate, let me rather be of those who work to cure it. That which we esteem true, do I say ? and indeed, should we be in error, our duty towards it is in no respect changed. The Mussulman is in error, but he always merits respect, when believing in Mahomet, he exposes him- self in defence of his doctrine to raillery or persecution. Whether we deceive ourselves, whether our persuasion on the subject of the tables be an illusion or not, we are none the less bound to maintain what we esteem to be true concerning it, so long as our illusion subsists.

The question is now stated ; the reader knows its scientific aspect and its moral aspect. It remains for me to say one word regarding the method in which it should be treated.

There are but two methods of investigating a question ; that of the ancient schoolmen, who affirmed certain truths a priori, to which the facts were bound to conform, and that of modern science, dating from the time of Bacon, which first observes the facts, and constructs no theory until after they are stated.

It would seem that the method of the schoolmen must be very fascinating, since there are those who, in the middle of the nineteenth century, and in the name of the academies, dare carry us back to it. In reality, this is much less extraordi- nary than at first sight might be imagined. When theories are constructed, it is convenient to transform them into definitive axioms. Thereby, one avoids the necessity of beginning over

FACTS ABE FACTS. 29

again, and is at last permitted to shut the door upon facts, say- ing to them, " You come too late 1"

This is precisely the language which has been held. Our laws are decided, the world is known to us, our limits are fixed, we cannot condemn ourselves to Penelope's employment ; so much the worse for observations behind time ! We welcome only those that come in with accepted doctrines, that develop and confirm, even in modifying them. Those which start a new, suspicious, or heretical principle, we anathematize at first view, and without examination. It would not be worth while to possess authority if it could not be used, or if it must always stoop to argue with every chance applicant. The Church re- futes not seceders, it burns them.

The Academies have burned no one ; they have oifly condemned to death, facts full of peril to Orthodoxy. They have refused them earth and water, that is to say, the right of free, bond fide discussion. It is well known what abuse of power they committed against magnetism, in spite of intelligent and liberal protesta- tions. Now, a phenomenon, not less provoking, presents itself, which is guilty of the wrong of manifesting in man a force inde- pendent of muscular action. But we have decided that things cannot go on in this way ; we have penetrated all the secrets of creation, and we know how forces ought to be produced ! It is all well enough that a theory should be slowly formed by virtue of facts ; the facts, in their turn, should now have the complaisance to conform to the theory !

Unfortunately, nothing can be less complaisant than facts. They are endowed with injudicious obstinacy. Magnetism is still there ; we have succeeded in bringing it into disrepute, in impeding its progress, in perverting its course, in excluding it from the light of all serious research ; we have not succeeded in destroying it. Turning tables continue to turn ; they have not " stopped of themselves," as was predicted ; we have suc- ceeded only in diverting from its true path, for the benefit of evocations and sorceries, a discovery which had a right to the grave and earnest attention of scientific men.

QUESTION.

And the quarrel is not terminated. It will exist as long as shall exist the two hiatus that science voluntarily maintain? in its descriptions of the physical world. Its duty is to take every thing into account — both complex and simple phenomena — those produced only under certain special circumstances, as well as those produced under ordinary circumstances.. To demonstrate assertions to be false, or to make room for them if they be true, behold its mission, and for its own interest even, we should never tire of recalling it to the post of duty, we should never permit it to overlook things which trouble it, or which it does not choose either to admit or refute.

That it should be critical — very critical — in matters of proof, that it should exact positive and incontestible facts, that it should impose quarantine on suspicious ideas, that it should study scrupulously and with mistrust that which appears contrary to received notions, is perfectly natural. But that it should refuse to see, that it should refuse to read, that it should refuse to study, that it should, in advance, repulse facts in the name of theory, is most unjust and tyrannical. Such a course, moreover, is wholly unphilosophical ; and although its immense services authorize it to dare much, science should not attempt with impunity, at the present day, to abandon the Baconian induc- tion, and return to the dogmatism of the Middle Ages. Its high renown, its legitimate authority, would thus become tarnished and weakened.

" But," says one, " the Institute has certainly the right to reject essays on such subjects as that of perpetual motion, and if a man should propose a way of travelling to the moon, it ought not be compelled to lose its time listening to him. Do you not yourself state in the problem of the tables, the limit where absurdity begins 1 Do you not throw aside the evocation of spirits in spite of all the proof in its favor 1"

In spite of all the proof ! No. I prove on the contrary — and long chapters are devoted to this proof— that the pretended acts of sorcery related to us, repose absolutely on nothing. We extol the spirits, we cite their prose and their verse, we retail

FACTS ARE FACTS. 31

their predictions contradicted by events, we expound their theology contrary to that of the Holy Scriptures, and changing at will, according to the particular convictions of those who make them speak ; as regards real facts, none are produced that might not be classed with the purely physical phenomena of magnetism or Turning Tables. I have, then, no aversion to argu- ments, and I reject none that I have not refuted.

Moreover, I do not contest with the Academies, the right of proclaiming certain impossibilities, or of casting aside without repeated examination, that which has once been fairly shown to be false. But it is this first demonstration upon which I insist. I grant that it exists in regard to perpetual motion ; it exists in regard to excursions to the moon and to the ring of Saturn ; it exists in regard to the transmutation of metals — and, if to-morrow, some modern alchemist should pretend to have discovered a California in his alembics, I am entirely of the opinion that the Institute would be justified in refusing him a hearing.* It may be seen then, that in denouncing the despot- ism of scientific men, I know how to respect their liberty. I am content to renew my question : Have you studied the Tuniing Tables ? Have you condescended to give them your serious attention ? Have you demonstrated, either wholly or partially, that the phenomenon does not exist, or that it is impossible ?

You have not demonstrated it, and it is fortunate for you that you have not, for to show the, scientific impossibility of that which is, would be to play a bad trick with science. No, you have not demonstrated, you have affirmed, which is already sufficiently imprudent. Without any wish to " lord it over the academies," might I be permitted, ignorant as I am, to offer

* In thus speaking, I advance, perhaps, a little too fast. The idea of transmutation is not philosophically absurd. Is gold a simple body? Do we know that it is a simple body ? Is it not demonstrated that the same elements, combined in the same proportions, produce substances very dissimilar ? Is there any difference, as to chemical composi- tion, between the rag, gum and starch, to say nothing of a fourth transformation (sugar), in which the quantity of water appears more considerable ?

I have deemed it my duty to add this note, in order to be rigorously exact, and in. order to prove, by taking, for example, the great work in person, that it does not deserve to be abused by scientific anathemas.

3'2

THK QUESTION.

them an Immble piece of advice ? that they do not swell too largely the list of things declared impossible. This, list pre- pared some centuries ago, would have comprised the rotation of the earth, the antipodes, attraction, the weight of the air, electricity ; prepared to-day, it would probably comprise more than one subject, destined to provoke the hilarity of our pos- terity. Is it so long since the Plutonian formation of rocks was an article of faith ? What is now thought of M. Elie dc Beaumont ? M. Babinet, one of the enemies of the tables, told us not long ago — that Seneca had had the merit of being right in opposition to the entire human race, " which was almost equivalent to being wrong/' The academies of his time, condemned without examination, I suppose, his views upon the true path of comets, just as the academies of the present day, have condemned without examination, our ideas upon the natural motion communicated to the tables ; they threw his treatise aside with other rubbish. Sixteen hundred years afterwards, all the authorities, clergy, and scientific men, Kepler and the pope, placed the magical influence of comets in the list of axioms,

that the " illuminated" alone could contradict ! a scientific

anathema which has endured I hope * * * * But let us not be uneasy, the world progresses faster now, it will not take sixteen hundred years for us to make our views accord.

We shrug our shoulders ; the comets ! it is so evident ! — Evi- dent, because we know the facts ; because facts have prevailed over preconceived theories ; because facts are not weary of being facts, and have not recoiled before the supreme judgment which has declared them impossible. The rotundity and the rotation of the earth also appear evident to us ; and yet, they have not always had the laugh on their side. What, antipodes ! men who walk on their heads with their feet in the air ! vessels that must doubtless be dashed to pieces, impelled by the curve and by the fall of waters ! Do we turn with such velocity and yet not feel it ! Certainly, air being less dense, should not move so quickly as we : a wind from the east, of terrible impetuosity must con- stantly prevail on the surface of the globe ; all the trees must

FACTS ARE FACTS. 33

incline to the west ! — Surely good reasons were not wanting, the evidence of the senses and the deductions of intelligence held the same language ; scientific and sensible men will never have so strong an argument against the rotation of the tables as they then had against that rotation of the earth, of which M. Foucault, a short time since, furnished a new and ingenious demonstration.

We must, after all, come back to this : we are surrounded by mystery ; we live in the inexplicable ; we are inexplicable ourselves. The most learned know but little, very little, and their error lies, not in being ignorant, but in thinking that they know everything. And yet, they only require to have a memory. Who condemned the emetic in the time of Guy Patin ? Who since then has promulgated a long series of judg- ments, each more peremptory than its antecedent, judgments, infallible yesterday and reformed to-day ? In truth, I ask my- self how it is that we do not hesitate before pronouncing a sovereign and disdainful decision upon subjects we have not examined, when we everywhere meet insoluble questions, when even a basket of carrier-pigeons encloses a problem which throws the academies into despair !

The lesson that grows out of our debate is at the service of the whole world ; for the whole world is interested in its discus- sion, and the ignorant more than any. A positive tone, a con- sequential air, a shrug of the shoulder, a.re, and always will be the wit of those who lack it ; such modes of treating a question dispense with study and reflection. But scientific men should adopt a different method ; men who think should be less prompt and less sure of themselves, than men who do not think. It is thus in fact, that things happen ordinarily, and this is why I particularly regret that any other course should have been pursued in regard to Turning Tables. The refusal to examine is not merely a treacherous weapon, it is also dangerous, and in the end, wounds the hand that uses it.

And why has it in this instance been the resort of so many distinguished men ? Whence conies the brutal significance that

THK (JIJKSTION

attached to it ? Why should the new phenomena have been treated as an enemy ? Yes, an enemy, it is not too much to say ; a simple error would have been received oth»-r- wisc ; it would have been refuted. The Turning Tables have not been judged worthy of such an honor ; scarcely do they appear than the cry is, "we shall not occupy ourselves with them !" This betokens the existence of a hostile principle, a determination to denounce and kill on the spot. Indeed, this principle is perhaps not very difficult to discern.

Materialism has invaded us, notwithstanding some superficial appearances of spirituality. It reigns in the soul and in the intel- lect, the progress of industry, the magnificent discoveries of mod- ern science have contributed to found its empire. It is so far the master that it often controls, unconsciously to themselves, those who think they are combating it, and in the question which now occupies us, the materialism of the tables is, in general, not less frightful than that of their adversaries. To connect the appari- tions of spirits and their revelations with the rotation of a piece of furniture, is assuredly to reduce to the grossest definition our relations with the invisible world. And as for the adversaries of the tables, let them look into their consciences. Is it not true that with many of them, the greatest objection lies in their repug- nance to admit anything whatever, which is external to the regular, and in some sort, mechanical action of natural laws ? They very justly ridicule the spirits, but in what sense do they themselves believe in God and the devil ? God is the first cause, and the devil is an abstraction. There is a creator ; there are established laws, a jerk given, and then everything moves of itself ; the providential intervention of a heavenly Father listening to our prayers, attentive to our wants, interposing in small things as in great, is a religious illusion that we must leave to old women. The demon himself is the allegorical per- sonification of our temptations and our evil dispositions. Then, after having exiled God and suppressed the devil, they set at work to curtail the sphere of man himself, by depriving him of his power as a moral agent. Speak to them of electricity !

FACTS ARE FACTS. 35

Speak to them of weight ! These are laws pure from all con- tact with thought or the human will ! But do they meet with mixed facts, material forces which require man's permission to develop themselves, they instantly start back in horror. It is the abomination of desolation ! Far better to leave science in- complete than to admit the heterodox notion of a physical act, which is first of all, a moral act !

Such was the unpardonable crime of magnetism, and such is, with still stronger reason, the crime of the Turning Tables. There, without the will we obtain nothing ; we may form a chain for twenty-four hours in succession, we shall not produce the slightest motion. With the will, on the contrary, comes a display of force, and this force raises the foot designated by the thought ; it raises it from a distance and without the aid even of a finger touching any portion of the table.

When I compare these two things, the reigning materialism, and the nature of the new phenomenon, I am no longer aston- ished at the reception accorded to the latter. We hold no discussion with a personal enemy.

The course that has been pursued thus explains itself, although it is by no rneaus justifiable. Scientific liberty needed to be prohibited. There was already too much ; it was disa- greeable and provoking to have always thrust in the face this obstinate protestation — a protestation armed with proofs, and which all the more carefully studied the facts, in propor- tion as they were brutally discarded. They had thought to get rid of the annoyance by a coup de main ; they had attempted to stow all away in the same sack, the physi- cal agent, the spirits and " les montagnards en disponibil- ite"* We must then all and each of us take our stand. A loud voice and high sounding words will not settle the question, as unfortunately, they have so often settled it under other cir- cumstances. We shall have made one step towards that El Dorado, that ideal of academical government, when we shall

* Referring to those who remained as it were, on the fence, openly taking no sides, but secretly favoring Spiritualism. — Trans.

36 TIIK QUKSTTOX.

have reached the point of consenting to examine before we reject. Then and then alone will it begin to be possible, seri- ously to approach the delicate and mixed branches of science, in the bosom of which the material and the moral are blended.

The reader DOW knows why I have taken up the pen. I shall teach him nothing if I add that I have been strongly counselled to let it alone. Some advised me from motives of personal regard, thinking it my duty to vsacrifice this particular truth to others — truths much more important, to which my life has hitherto been consecrated, and which would bear the blame of my discredit. Others urged me to silence in the name of charity and peace.

To answer the first was not difficult. I should have been unworthy to maintain great truths, had I voluntarily deserted small ones, if preoccupied with myself, I had thought only of my own interests.

As for the second, their appeal in the name of charity and peace, was of a nature to demand a conscientious examination. I gave it that examination, and this is the conviction at which I have arrived.

It is especially the adversaries of the tables who preach silence to the partisans. They find it easy enough to throw publicly in our faces, the gravest accusations : simpletons or liars — they give us the choice. But when it comes our turn to to answer them, they experience scruples without number ; pub- licity seems to them so full of inconvenience ; they think we ought to study and be silent ! To talk loudly, to injure men, and afterwards invite them to resign — really, it was too much. If we had, in fact, consented to say nothing, we should have shown ourselves neither charitable nor pacific, but of little sin- cerity or courage ; such conduct would have been a tacit con- fession that we were worthy of the treatment inflicted upon us ; that our assertions had been inconsiderate, that our words ex- ceeded our thought, and that our thought exceeded the reality ;

WAS IT MY DUTY TO KEEP SILENT? 37

that there was nothing earnest either in our acts or in our dis- course.

No, Charity does not keep silence in such a case. Do you know what she does ? She allies herself to the most entire frankness towards things, the most perfect respect towards in- dividuals. Now, it costs me nothing to testify this respect, because I feel it. It would be strange indeed, that the son of an academician should be the only one not to honor in the Academy of Science, the glorious vanguard of modern civiliza- tion, the most brilliant cluster of lights which perhaps has ever shone upon the earth. If M. Faraday and M. Foucault have been unjust to the tables, that does not take from the one his European celebrity, nor from the other his ingenious discoveries filled with promises of the future. It would be unbecoming in me to wish it, and especially in regard to M. Foucault ; for, without the summary proceedings to which he has thought it his duty to resort, without the peremptory tone he has em- ployed, I should never have applied myself to the study of the new phenomenon with that perseverance which the sentiment of duty inspires.

I attack, then, neither scientific men in general nor any in particular. I make no foolish pretension of undervaluing them, nor the pretension, still more foolish, of exalting myself. Pene- trated with a sense of my own incornpetency, I was ready to accept their decisions as though they had been oracles ; their refusal to investigate, revolting as it was to my entire moral being, has alone had the power to tear me from more congenial pursuits. I could not quietly submit to hear them say : " We will not see ; we will not read ; we will not experiment ; we will not reply." But even then, when, with my feeble voice, I ventured to interrupt a prolonged and universal silence, I re- fused to my adversaries no part of the respect which was their due. Still more, I comprehended their conduct: having seen nothing serious in a scientific point of view, having taken part only in miserable drawing-room experiments, simple rotations that muscular action holds itself prepared to explain, they had

38

TIIK QUESTION.

reason to doubt. Philosophical doubt is always a duty ; it is the necessary guarantee of true science. New facts and - cially new laws should make their proofs complete, before they are allowed admittance. The repugnance one experiences in modifying received notions, is a sentiment I am little dispo.-cd to contest, since I entirely participate in it. In science, in phi- losophy, in religion, we have, each and all, to resist the melan- choly current of credulities. Everywhere, we find Borne who are ready to accept blindfold all that is presented them, who study nothing, who love the strange, the supernatural part of which agreeably excites their surfeited imaginations, who be- lieve things the more readily, in proportion as they are less believable, and who appear to have adopted for their device the credo quia absurdum of the Fathers of the Church.

To mistrust the facts was natural, but it would have been prudent and loyal not to exceed the limits of doubt, inasmuch as they had not investigated. The impetuosity of the first mo- ment has carried them a little too far ; but I am sure that the men of true science will not fear to retrace their steps. It is for ignorance to show itself obstinate and stubborn in spite of facts. Facts, doubtless, are what every one demands, and facts I am about to offer to the reader. It was my first intention to present my testimony in the form of a memorial, addressed to the Academy of Science. The scruples that have restrained me may be divined without my stating them.

NATURE OF THE EXPERIMENTS. 39

CHAPTER II.

THE FACTS.

THERE are two ways of experimenting with Turning Tables. They may be sought as a diversion or as a subject of study. I do not blame in the slightest degree, those who find in them a source of after-dinner amusement, during the interval between coffee and tea ; I would merely state that we have pursued a, different course. Our sittings have been genuine sittings, to which were devoted the best hours of the day, and the results of which, verified with minute care, were faithfully recorded on the spot, in a journal kept for the purpose.

This journal is now in my possession, and it seems to me that I cannot do better than to take its reports successively, and borrow from each, the most interesting observations. I shall thus pursue the historical method of relating the truth, instead of systematizing it. The reader will follow us, so to speak, step by step ; he will examine and compare my various asser- tions; he will himself, form his convictions, and will judge if my proofs have that character of frequency, of persis- tence, of progressive development, which false discoveries founded on some casual or ill-defined coincidence, never possess.

The first report bears the date of the 20th September, 1853. We had previously held numerous sittings, but we did not think it necessary to note down the results to which we had arrived, and which were briefly as follows :

I mention first, those that were not sufficiently significant to be characterized as proofs, viz. : the rotations, the raising of

40

TIIK FACTS.

the tables and their dances. I acknowledge that no demon- stration can be based upon them ; unconscious muscular action and tendency to motion, furnish explanations, therefore, which, although in reality ill-founded, are .logically irrefutable. The operators being in the secret of what is necessary to be done, being also capable of doing it, and naturally disposed, even without accounting for it to themselves, to communicate a mechanical impulsion in that direction, it consequently becomes impossible to establish to the eyes of the public, that the essen- tial cause of the obtained facts is elsewhere. They alone who have directly and frequently participated in the experiments, who have felt produced under their fingers, these motions of a particular nature, which cannot be imitated by the action of our muscles, possess an invincible conviction in that respect. They, and they alone know on what to rely, for they have sometimes seen the table refuse to turn at all, notwithstanding the impatience of the experimenters and their clamorous appeals ; they have also been present at the beginning of its rotations, as it started off so gently, so noiselessly, so volun- tarily from under fingers which scarcely grazed it. They have seen the feet, apparently glued to the floor, remain firmly fixed in their position, in spite of a\l efforts to detach them, and the excitement of those who formed the chain ; they have at other times seen these same feet, animated and energetic, leap- ing clear of the ground, bounding to meet the hands, and executing, with almost frightful vigor, thoughts hardly con- ceived in the mind. They have heard with their ears, heavy blows and light blows, the first so violent as to threaten injury, to the table, the second so faint as to be heard with difficulty, and the wondrous delicacy of which, none of us could imitate. They have remarked that the force which raises the feet from the ground, is not diminished when everything that can act as a lever is removed from the surface ; they have themselves commanded the table to raise the foot upon which rested the only hands that composed the portion of the chain still subsist- ing, and the foot in obedience was raised as often, and as high as

NATURE OF THE EXPERIMENTS. 41

they willed. They have followed the table in its dances, when it beat the measure with one foot, with two, when it reproduced exactly the rhythm of the music that had just been sung, when, conforming itself in the most comical way to the invitation to dance the minuet, it assumed the airs of our grandmothers, gravely wheeling about to the right and left, making the cour- tesy, turning round and advancing up the other side.

The manner in which these facts were accomplished enlight- ened them more than the facts themselves ; they were in con- tact with a reality which does not long allow itself to be dis- regarded. But, at the same time, they knew they had no right to impose their personal opinions on others. An opinion is little more than an impression. Now, an impression is not and never will be a proof. So long, therefore, as we obtain only rotations, rappings, dancing and other analogous phe- nomena (such as the resistance opposed by the table when it is raised and its top uncovered, to the hand that endeavors to force it back on the ground) ; so long as we remain there, we must renounce the idea of communicating our convictions to others, however firm and well-founded they may be.

But the perseverance with which we followed up our investi- gations previous to the 20th September, had already conducted us a little further. We had ascertained two principal things : the raising of a weight which the muscular action of the ope- rators was powerless to disturb, and the reproduction of num- bers indicated by our thoughts. I confine myself to these two points, casting aside whatever is secondary, or remains doubt- ful.

The elevation of weights is not always obtained. It is with that as with all the rest : one day the table will turn and lift its feet from the ground, cumbered though it may be with a man weighing one hundred and seventy-four pounds. Another day it will remain motionless although the man mounted thereon weighs but one hundred and twenty pounds. This, however, is the exception. In general, light persons, children, young people are raised with great facility. With heavy per-

42

TilF. FACTS.

sons, the difficulty is more rarely vanquished, and this result would alone be a convincing demonstration of the presence of a special physical agent, if it could not be objected that the man placed on the table, lends himself voluntarily or involuntarily, to the motion that takes place. It will be seen, further on, in what way we get rid of the objection. For, the present, 1 con- tent myself with recording the fact, as it took place in our liivt researches. I do not wish to anticipate.

The reproduction of numbers indicated by our thoughts, was also equally improved on, in proportion as the observations multiplied and the objections were produced. This was the point to which we had arrived, previous to the 20th September.

We had remarked that all the experimenters did not succeed equally well, and that those who were most reliable met with better success some days than others. We were, nevertheless, prepared to affirm, that numbers communicated secretly to any one person in the chain, would in general be reproduced with exactness. In fact, we several times in the presence of wit- nesses, accomplished this experiment to the extent of ten or twenty figures, indicated by different individuals among the audience, and executed immediately without an error.

It having been objected to us, that the sums whispered in the ear might be heard by the other members of the chain, we decided that they should be written ; it having then been objected that the number might be in some way indicated by the countenance of the person who knew it, we decided that the operator should close his eyes ; it having been objected that the person charged with the execution, might act upon the foot in front of him, if not to put it in motion, at least to prevent its movement, we decided that the blows should be struck by each foot successively, or by one foot, of which the witnesses should themselves make choice.

Arrived at this point, it seemed to us that the reproduction of numbers from the mind had acquired a true, scientific value. In fact, all communication of these numbers to the other mem- bers of the chain having become impracticable, there no longer

NATURE OF THE EXPERIMENTS. 43

remained more than one mechanical means of explaining our habitual success. This was to suppose that the foot charged with the operation, might be put in action by the person oppo- site, making a lever of that part of the table nearest him, and be checked by the experimenter who knew the figure. But how explain, then, the obedience of the table when the figure was a cypher, and when the chosen foot was neither before nor oppo- site the individual who knew the figure ? It was out of his power to make any impression on the motion ; he was unable to arrest or anticipate it, notwithstanding the experimenters were so placed as to act as a lever. The latter, according to the hypothesis, should always, and at all hazards, give the balance, and the execution of a cypher would be impossible. The hypothesis then, having no foundation, fell to the ground, and the mechanical explanation fell with it. No one certainly could have doubted the experiment, after seeing the impatience and disappointment of the members of the chain, each time the foot rested motionless when it had been commanded to move. We were dismayed at this apparent check, and if it had depended upon us, the motion would have taken place. It did not take place, because it did not come from us, but from the will of a single person, of the one precisely who made USB of no mechanical action to provoke or hinder it.

I think now what I thought then : this demonstration has a real value. But I can pass it over, for I have many others still more irrefutable. I am rich ; I will allow myself a little prodi- gality.

Moreover, this is not the moment to bring forward the essen- tial proofs. At present I do not reason, I relate. Let us enter into the history of the experiments described in our journal.

Sitting of September 20*A.

I leave out, according to my promise, everything that has not been sufficiently studied, everything that ulterior experiments have rendered in the slightest degree doubtful, everything that

44 THE FACTS.

is merely a repetition of the facts already stated. This deduc- tion performed, there still remain some results to notice.

And first, to speak of the table that has served us most frequently. The top is of ash, about 32 inches in diameter, and rests upon a heavy pillar from which project three feet, 22 indie* distant from each other. Another table, the top of which is a little larger, the pillar less heavy, has also been employed. In fact, we have sometines put in motion tables with four feet, both round and square, all of respectable dimensions. The number of experimenters forming the chain at a time, is ordinarily ten; it has varied between the two extremes of eight and a dozen. The rotation usually manifests itself after five or ten minutes. In certain cases — very rare — we have waited nearly half an hour.

On the 20th of September, then, we desired to put to the proof the pretended faculty of divination ascribed to the tables. For this purpose, we submitted to the one around which we were sitting, and which operated to admiration, the most elementary question assuredly, that can be proposed to a

spirit We placed three nuts in the pocket of one of

the experimenters; the table, interrogated as to their number, promptly struck nine blows!

The same person, after having succeeded in obtaining several numbers indicated by his will — among which was a cypher — entered upon a contest with his vis-a-vis. This constituted a particularly interesting experiment, which we termed the balance of forces. It cannot be said in this case, that the motion was communicated by the vis-a-vis, acting as a lever; for the in- terests are opposed. The vis-a-vis are struggling against each other, the one wills a large number, the other a small number. Were the impulsion of a mechanical nature, the champion of the small number would determine to cease furnishing the bal- ance from the moment his number had been struck, he would even lean in such a manner as to obtain judgment! But, no! the most powerful operator carries it ; if he is charged with the high number, the high number is attained. One thing must be remarked, however, that from the moment his adversary's limit

REPORTS OF THE SITTINGS. 45

is passed, and the wills have ceased to coincide, the blows become less strong ; the foot which previously obeyed both thoughts, is no longer sustained by more than one.

We then changed the conditions of the struggle. A coalition was formed to the advantage of the small numbers; they were confided to two, afterwards to three members of the chain, and it was then only that the knight of the large numbers was vanquished, and the foot in front of him (a foot over which he was deprived of all mechanical action) , ceased to follow the impulsion of his will, in spite of the experimenters opposite, who alone would have been sufficient to put and maintain it in motion, had that motion been produced by muscular force.

It is to be taken for granted that different combinations were tried, and that they produced results, not less decisive. We made a variation in the feet, sending the blows from one foot to another. We inverted the roles — the most powerful experi- menter was in his turn charged with the small numbers ; and he regularly succeeded in stopping his adversaries, no matter which foot was designated for the operation.

It was at last proposed to try the counterproof of one of our most conclusive experiments ; that which consists in making the table turn and knock while supporting the weight of a man weighing It4 pounds. The man was placed upon it; the twelve experimenters, taking care not to form the chain, applied their fingers to the table and exerted themselves to obtain by the tension of their muscles, what they had obtained some days previous, without tension .or effort. The energy with which they worked was astonishing ! and yet — nothing ! The rota- tion took place in a feeble degree, scarcely turning half round ; the poor table all the time trembling and creaking as though it were about to split in pieces. To raise it from the ground was out of the question. Not one of the feet would give the least sign of docility. It is useless to add, that, for the strongest possible reason, we gave up all hopes of obtaining the complete revolution, which our simplest commands had effected but a short time before.

IE FACTS.

Sitting of the 2Znd September.

We have not established any new fact worthy of being men- tioned here ; but among the old facts reproduced, I think it use- ful to describe the motions of the table while bearing the same person who was placed on it three days before. The inutility of muscular action had then been seen ; we were this time about to see the power of the fluid, or whatever physical agent it may be, of which the operators dispose when they form the chain, and when they command with a firm will.

We were indeed very glad of the opportunity to make this comparison.

In the habit of criticising our experiments, and not willing to accept as a certainty what we had observed only once or twice, we were anxious to begin by placing ourselves in the identical positions. The success has this time been complete. The table has turned ; it has struck several blows ; it has stood entirely upright, so as to throw off the man.

I desire, in passing, to be permitted to record a general re- mark. We had already held numerous meetings ; our experi- menters, among whom were several young, delicate women, had acted with uncommon perseverance and energy ; their physical fatigue at the termination of each sitting, was naturally very great ; it might consequently have been expected that nervous accidents, more or less grave, would have occurred. If the explanations based upon the involuntary acts accomplished in a state of extraordinary excitement, had rested upon any real foundation, we should have had ecstasies, almost possessions, and in all cases nervous attacks. Now, it did not happen, during the five months we thus met, animated and noisy as our experiments frequently were, that one of us, for a single moment, experienced the slightest discomfort.

Still further, when one is in a state of nervous tension, he becomes absolutely incapable of acting on the table. It must be taken cheerfully, briskly, with confidence and authority, but without passion. This is so true, that the moment my in-

REPORTS OF THE SITTINGS.

terest in it becomes too great, I cease to make it obey me ; and in all our sittings, I invariably found that whenever, by reason of the public discussion in which I was engaged, I allowed my- self to desire success too ardently, and became impatient at our numerous delays, I lost my influence over the table.

Sitting of the 26*A September.

Our debut was discouraging enough, and led us fclfcik tha,t the entire results of the day would be limited to the %*o follow- ing observations, which are in fact well worth their price, and which our practice has not ceased to confirm : — First, there are some days when we can do nothing, however numerous, strong, or animated we may be. This proves that the motions of the table are not obtained by fraud, nor by involuntary pressure of the muscles. Secondly, there are persons (among others, those who are unhealthy or fatigued) whose presence in the chain, is not merely useless, but injurious ; themselves de- prived of fluid, they seem also to hinder its transmission and circulation ; their good will, their faith in the table, go for nothing ; so long as they are there, the rotations are feeble, the elevations are languid ; the commands are not executed, the foot placed in front of them is particularly affected by paralysis ; induce them to retire, and immediately, life reappears and everything succeeds as by enchantment.

It was not, indeed, until after we had taken this course that the movements became as free and energetic as usual. We had already met with several checks, and especially when the point in question was to dislodge a man placed on the table. In vain did we issue our commands impressively and with spirit ; no rotation, no perpendicular motion I We were forced to sub- stitute a child for the man, and then alone could we succeed in producing action.

We were thus almost disheartened, when the purification of which I just now spoke was tried, and immediately, what a me- tamorphosis ! Nothing seemed difficult to us ; those even, who,

like me, ordinarily succeeded only tolerably well, now ct the numbers indicated by our thoughts to be correctly rappi-d out, with the occasional exception of one rap too many, r ing from the tardy issue of the mental order which should have arrested the blows.

Finding that everything progressed according to our wishes, and determined to attempt the impossible, we undertook au experiment which marks our entrance into quite a new phase, and puts our previous experience under the guarantee of an ir- refutable demonstration. We were about to forsake probabil- ities for evidence. We were about to make the table move without touching it.

Our first success was brought about as follows :

Choosing a moment when the table was impelled by an ener- getic and truly spirited rotation, we all raised our hands at a given signal ; then, maintaining them united by means of the little finger, and continuing to form the chain at about an inch above the table, we pursued our course, and, to our great surprise, the table also pursued its course, making thus three or four turns !

We could scarcely believe in such a success ; the witnesses of the experiment could not refrain from clapping their hands. And not less remarkable than the rotation without contact, was the manner in which it was effected. Once or twice, the table had ceased to follow us, because the accidents resulting from our change of place had separated our fingers from their regu- lar position above the margin ; once or twice the table came to life again, if I may dare thus to express myself, as soon as the revolving chain returned to its proper relative position. We all had a perception that each hand had carried, by a sort of attraction, the portion of the table underneath it.

Sitting of the 29^ September.

We were naturally impatient to submit the rotation without contact to a new proof. In the confusion incidental to a first

KKPORTS OF THE SITTINGS. 49

success, we had not thought either to vary or renew this deci- sive experiment. Since then, we had reflected on it ; we had felt that it was important to do the thing over again more care- fully, and in presence of new witnesses ; that it was especially important to produce the motion in place of continuing it, and to produce it under the form of elevations, rather than confine ourselves to the rotations.

Such was the programme for the meeting of the 29th of September. Never was programme more implicitly followed.

First of all, we resumed our experiments of the 26th. The table being in full rotation, the hands wTere separated and con- tinued to turn above it, in forming the chain. The table fol- lowed, making sometimes one or two revolutions, sometimes half, or nearly a quarter of a revolution. The success, more or less prolonged, was certain. We verified it several times.

But it might be said that the table being already started, preserved a certain impetus which it mechanically obeyed, while we imagined it to obey our fluid power. The objection is absurd, and we would have challenged any one to obtain merely a quarter of a revolution without forming the chain, no matter how great the velocity of the rotation ; we would especially have challenged them to succeed in renewing the race, after it had been a moment suspended. Nevertheless, it is well in such matters, to anticipate objections, however absurd, as long as they are plausible : and this might appear so to the eyes of the careless observer. It was necessary, therefore, to produce rotation from a condition of complete repose.

We did so. The table being motionless as well as ourselves, the chain of hands separated from it and began to turn slowly a short distance above its margin. At the end of a moment the table made a slight motion, and each person endeavoring by his will to incite the portion underneath his fingers, we drew the body of the table after us. The same circumstances then occurred as in the preceding case ; it is so difficult a matter to maintain the chain in the air without breaking it, without removing it from the edge of the table, without moving too

3

50

IE FACTS.

quickly and thus interrupting the established relation, that the rotation is often arrested after one, or even less than one, revolu- tion. Nevertheless, it is sometimes prolonged during three or four.

We expected to encounter still more obstacles, when it came to the point of raising it without contact. "But we were agreea- bly disappointed — the fact was entirely otherwise, and we accounted for it in the following manner. : there being in this instance no circular movement demanded from us, we found it much easier to retain the normal position of the hands above the table. The chain being then formed a short distance above the top of the table, we ordered one of the feet to rise, and it instantly obeyed.

We were in raptures. This beautiful experiment was renew- ed many times. We ordered the table, likewise without touch- ing it, to stand erect, and to resist the witnesses who should attempt to bring it to the ground. We ordered it to turn over, and it fell with the feet in the air, although our fingers at no time touched it, but always remained at the same distance from it.

These were the essential results of this meeting. They are such, that I hesitate to mention by their side, other incidents of secondary importance.

I will merely add in passing, that the sitting had commenced very discouragingly ; that not only had it been necessary to send away some new operators, but several of the old ones were deprived of their usual enthusiasm. The table obeyed badly ; blows were struck feebly, and as if with regret ; the numbers demanded were not expressed. Therefore, we took a new course, from which good results flowed without number : we persevered and persevered cheerfully ; we sung, we made the table dance, we banished from our minds all new experiments, insisting upon easy and amusing operations. After a certain time, the order of things was changed, the table overflowed with activity and willingness, its obedience almost anticipating our commands ; we were prepared to approach matters of grave import.

REPORTS OF THE SITTINGS. 51

Sitting of the M of October.

Notwithstanding the distraction created by too many spec- tators, and the lassitude caused by the stifling heat, we obtain- ed in this long sitting the most essential confirmation of pre- vious results.

Numbers indicated by the thought, the balance of forces, the elevation and resistance of the table, all were renewed. As regards the resistance in particular, we measured it. A weight of 80 Ibs. did not suffice to lower the table over which we made the chain, when it formed with the floor, an angle of 35 degrees. The same table forming the same angle, fell heavily under the force of a weight of about 60 Ibs. when not sustained by the influence of the chain. Note, moreover, that the hands placed opposite the weight of 80 Ibs. had been raised, and did not again touch the table while it continued to resist. But I do not offer this as a conclusive experiment, because I know that there is a certain point of equilibrium, where a table the most destitute of fluids, would, of itself, resist a considerable pressure ; notwithstanding, therefore, the difference above estab- lished, I discard the fact (very real to my eyes), which I have just related, for I am determined to adduce only such proofs as cannot be controverted.

We tried also to set in motion the table bearing the weight of a heavy man. The rotation was at that time impossible, but the feet struck several heavy blows.

Passing then to the counterproof, we remarked that when we act mechanically, precisely the contrary result takes place. By energetic muscular efforts, a slight rotatory movement is obtained, it is impossible to raise the feet.

Finally, we resumed the great experiment, that of motion without contact.

It seemed at first, that we were not in a condition to obtain good results. But soon, however, we succeeded in continuing the rotation and in producing it from a state of repose. Its most,

02 THE FACTS.

remarkable feature was, that our commands effected a small rotation, about one quarter of a revolution, although we ourselves remained entirely motionless. The table thus gently glided from under our fingers.

The perpendicular motions without contact were produced many times and with energy. The table, influenced by our hands, which were extended a short distance above it, stood erect, resisted efforts to lower it, and turned itself completely over several times.

Sitting of the 1th of October.

Another long and fatiguing reunion. It was principally devoted to the trial of divers pieces of mechanism, which had no success : metal rings, frames of canvas or paper placed above the table, platforms turning on pivots, and the key- board of a piano. Whether a view of the machines in question suppressed the emission of the fluid in the operators, whether the machines themselves suppressed its circulation in the table, whether, in fact, the natural conditions of the phenomenon were disturbed in another manner, it is certain that the results were either nothing or questionable.

Only one new experiment succeeded. A platform turning on a pivot supported a bucket. After filling the bucket with water, I and two other operators plunged our hands into it. There we formed the chain, and began to turn round, avoiding to touch 'the bucket ; it was not long before the bucket also put itself in motion. The same thing was done several times in succession.

As the objection might be oifered that the impulsion given to the water was sufficient to impel a thing so easily moved as a bucket, we immediately proceeded to the counterproof. The water was agitated circularly, and with much more rapidity than when we formed a chain in it, but the bucket did not stir. It remains to know, doubtless, if one of us three did not touch the ulterior of the bucket in order ta influence its motion. To

REPORTS OF THE SITTINGS. 53

this I reply, first, that the manner in which our hands were plunged into the bucket was evident proof that none of our fingers could, corporeally, touch the bottom ; secondly, that being careful to form the chain in the centre, we might as easily have brought our fingers in contact with the walls of the room.

The doubt however, not being absolutely inadmissible, I con- tinue to rank this experiment among those of which I do not pretend to make any use. I desire to show myself difficult in point of proofs.

That which is furnished by the expression of numbers indi- cated by the thought, is still one of the most substantial in my estimation.

What rendered it particularly convincing, in the sitting of which I speak, was, that each of the ten operators, in turn, received the communication of a sum in writing, from some mem- ber of the audience, the others having their eyes closed. Now, of the ten, all, with one exception, obtained perfect obedience from the foot designated by the most suspicious witnesses. Whoever reflects on the above-mentioned experiment, will see for himself that it is entirely beyond the circle of things admis- sible, that fraud could have any agency in producing the combi- nation of motions here communicated. The objection needs to invent a prodigy far more surprising than ours.

Let us return to the demonstration par excellence — the eleva- tion without contact. We began by accomplishing it three times. Then, as it was suggested that the presence of wit- nesses exercised a more certain influence over a small table than a large one-, over five operators than ten, we caused a round table, made of spruce, to be brought in, and which the chain reduced one-half, sufficed to put in rotation. Whereupon, the hands being raised, and all contact having ceased, the table elevated itself perpendicularly seven times at our command.

54:

T1IK FACTS.

Sitting of the 8th of October.

This sitting was accomplished under such circumstances that I ought, perhaps, to pass over it in silence. The death of a valued friend had plunged us all into profound grief, and the moral depression resulting from it took away the fluid power even of those in whom it was usually most abundant. Had it not been for the presence of a visitor, who had come a long distance to assist at our experiments, and who could not prolong his stay, we should certainly not have attempted to act at such a moment.

Among the new trials, I will mention one, the object of which was to raise entirely from the ground a table suspended to a pulley, and balanced by a counter weight. Only one of its feet touched the ground, and the weight to overcome was re- duced to a trifle. The chain having been formed, the foot that touched the ground, rose clear from it, and the table thus ac- complished some vibrations without encountering the floor.

Had it been raised ? I am far from affirming this to be the fact. It might have been simply impelled by the fluid, so as to change the mode of suspension, and put a space between the earth and its foot. It might also have been that the action of the hands on it was purely mechanical, that the cord which sus- tained it had been removed from the vertical, and that the fric- tion had ceased because the table was forcibly drawn to the right or left, at the precise instant when its foot would have been impelled to strike the ground.

Consequently, this fact possesses no value either in favor of or against my theory. I- will say as much of various analogous experiments, and also of the key-board of the piano, over which we formed the chain anew without obtaining any rotation. The fluid is probably lost in this labyrinth of springs and plat- forms ; moreover, the confidence and will are weakened

To conclude with something less negative, I will state two more facts confirmatory of preceding results.

REPORTS OF THE SITTINGS. 55

Among the numbers called for, the malice of a witness had placed a cypher, and the foot designated for its expression was at the left of the operator, beyond the sphere of his muscular action. Now, the command having been issued without pro- ducing any response, we were all extremely annoyed, convinced as we were, that our powerlessness for the time being was so great as to prevent our obtaining even the simple elevation. I confidently assert, that if the experimenters placed in front of the foot, ever were tempted fraudulently to apply mechanical action, they were at that moment. Our nerves were intensely excited, and our impatience was at its height ; nevertheless, no motion was observed, and to our great relief the figure was announced to be a cypher.

We at length twice effected the motion without contact. At such a time, it was much, and we considered ourselves happy in having accomplished it.

Sitting of the With of October.

I relate things as they occurred, and have no wish to describe ourselves as more triumphant than we actually were. The reader must judge for himself. I confess, that here again is a sitting by no means brilliant.

Moreover, this lack of uniformity has its interest. We were, for example, deprived of a great portion of our power, by the single fact of the indisposition of the person who has most influence over the table. Now, let the enemies of the tables try to explain that ! If it were the result of mechanical action, it and we would have succeeded as in the past, for our muscular force was not diminished.

If it were the result of fraud, we should also have succeeded equally well, for our personnel was the same, and nothing pre- vented the dishonest hands from performing their office. If it were the consequence of unconscious and involuntary motion, the success ought likewise to have been complete, for never had we been more ardent and energetic. But there we sat, real

5G

THE FACTS.

objects of pity, sometimes passing an entire quarter of an hour without obtaining a rap or a simple rotation.

Nevertheless, we finally arrived at some results, which were as follows : —

Seeing that we did not succeed in effecting the perpendicular motion without contact, starting from a state of immobility, we contented ourselves with effecting it under the more modest form of a continuation of the motion ; thus, we commanded the table to strike eight blows ; at the third, the hands were raised, and the table, no longer touched by any one, pursued its task, at one time striking four, at another, five, and at another, eight.

Such was our principal exploit. I will cite another, the exact value of which I do not pretend to determine.

It had been objected to our experiment in which the table was made to strike while it bore the weight of a man, that this man could lend himself to the motion, and in a measure provoke it. Earnest seekers after truth, we felt that there was plausi- bility in this objection, and consequently decided to give it our particular attention. The living being, endowed with intelli- gence, and consequently a subject of suspicion, was replaced by inert matter ; retorts, filled with sand, were put on the exact centre of the table, which was then summoned to display its skill.

But the day was badly chosen. After having thus deposited, one upon the other, two retorts, weighing 1301bs, we found that we were incapable of producing the elevations ; we were obliged to content ourselves with continuing them ; the retorts were therefore removed, the table set in motion, and the retorts re- placed while the rotation was going on, did not check it ; they were jostled about with considerable force, and the sand was spilled out on all sides.

The remainder of the sitting was devoted to new experi- ments on the pretended power of divination. Let me here re- capitulate the results of those we had attempted in this and in other sittings.

When the table is requested to divine anything that is known to one of the members of the chain, it happens frequently enough, and very naturallv, that it divines. The operation is

REPORTS OF THE SITTINGS. 57

the same as that of numbers indicated by the thought, neither more nor less.

When the table is asked to divine something which is known to one of the audience who takes no part in the chain, it some- times happens that it divines. This occurs when the person in question is endowed with great fluid power, and can exercise it at a distance. We obtained no such demonstration ; but others have succeeded, and their testimony appears too well estab- lished to be called in question.

Up to the present time, we perceive not the slightest trace of divination ; fluid action, either near or distant, accounts for those results which at first glance would appear to resemble it.

If tables divine, if they think, if they are under the control of spirits, we ought to obtain conclusive responses under cir- cumstances where the facts are not known, either in or out of the chain. Now the problem thus stated, its solution is not difficult.

Take a book ; do not open it, but invite the table to read the first line of any page you may choose to designate — page 162 or page 354. The table will not recoil ; it will strike blows and you will compose words. It is thus, at least, that we have always been treated. Be that as it may, one thing is cer- tain : no spirit, either here or elsewhere, now, or at a future time, however cunning or clever he may be, has read, or will read this simple line. I recommend this experiment to the partisans of the thinking tables and of mysterious evocations.

As for the examples of nuts, pieces of money contained in a purse, the hours, playing cards, the tables conform themselves exactly to the calculation of probabilities, they divine just as much as you and I do. As regards the question of small num- bers of which we get a proximate idea, the circle of possible combinations is very little extended ; the mind fixes upon a figure, which has tolerable chances of being correct ; the pro- portion between the failure of the table and its success, is about the same as it would be, independent of all miraculous divina- tion. We are here very far from those uniform results obtained

3*

58 THE FACTS.

by fluid action : numbers indicated by the thoughts, for example, which succeed ten or twenty times in succession, during moments of excitement. This cannot certainly explain itself by any casual conjunction of circumstances.

Sitting of 9th of November.

We were in haste to take our revenge ; and it far anticipated our hopes.

Before commencing my relation of this sitting, the most re- markable of all, I wish to observe that neither the thermometer nor the compass have furnished the slightest, interesting indica- tion. I have thought it my duty to note this in passing, in order to show the reader that we have not neglected to employ instruments which it would seem, might have put us on the road to a scientific explanation. In general, I pass over in silence, the various trials that have remained in the condition of trials, and have led to nothing positive.

Our first care was to renew the experiment of raising an inert weight. This time it was agreed that we should begin with a condition of absolute immobility. The question was to produce, not to continue the motion.

The centre of the table having been determined with pre- cision, a bucket, filled with sand and weighing 421bs. was placed upon it. The feet raised themselves easily as soon as the order was given.

A second bucket weighing 381bs. was then placed in the centre of the first. They were both raised, less easily, but very distinctly.

A third and smaller bucket, weighing 261bs., was likewise added, and placed upon the other two. The elevation took place.

We had prepared, in addition to these, some enormous stones, weighing about 441bs. We put them on the third bucket. After considerable hesitation the table raised each of

REPORTS OF THE SITTINGS. 59

its three feet successively and several times, with a force, a de- cision, and a spirit which surprised us. But its strength, already subjected to so many trials, was unequal to this. Staggering under the energetic impulse communicated to the entire mass of 1501bs., it suddenly gave way, and its pillar was rent from top to bottom, to the great peril of the operators on the side towards which the load fell.

I do not pause to comment on such an experiment; it covers the whole ground. Our muscular force would not have sufficed to determine the motion that took place. An inert and un- complying weight had replaced the person whose complicity was to be feared. In fine, the - three feet having been raised, each in its turn, there could be no excuse for insinuating that we had put the weight more on one side than on the other.

Our poor table having been wounded on the field of honor, and not being able to cure it immediately, we took a new one, strongly resembling it, but which was in reality, a little larger and a little lighter.

It remained to know if we should be obliged to wait until it had become charged with fluid. The occasion was favorable to the resolution of an important problem: Where resides the fluid ? in the operators or in the table ? The solution was as prompt as decisive. Hardly had our hands, forming the chain, been placed on the table, than it turned with the most unexpected and comical rapidity. • Evidently the fluid was in us, and we were free to apply it to any other table.

Our time had not been lost. In the condition in which we found ourselves, the motions without contact, ought to have succeeded better than ever. We were not deceived in suppos- ing it.

The rotations without contact, were first obtained to the number of five or six. The motion under our fingers, and under the will that attached itself to this or that particular point of the table, was slow at the beginning, gradually accelerating towards the end; several rotations lasted during three or four revolutions,

GO THK FACTP.

As to the elevations without contact, we discovered a new process which rendered success more easy. The chain, formed a short distance above the bed of the table, is so arranged as to pursue its course in the direction of the point where the motion is expected to take place. The hands nearest the foot called upon to rise, are outside the bed of the table, which they gradually approach and pass over; while the hands opposite, and which at first had advanced towards the same foot, move off to one side, drawing it with them. It is during this pro- gression of the chain, while all the wills are fixed on one par- ticular spot in the wood, and the orders to rise are uttered with force, that the foot quits the earth and follows the hands to the point of overturning the table, if not prevented.

This is not an isolated result. We reproduced it about thirty times. We caused it to be executed by each of the three feet successively, in order to deprive the critic of all pretext for cavil. We, moreover, watched the hands with scrupulous atten- tion; and when it is observed that this watchfulness was con- tinued during thirty operations, without surprising the slightest contact, it will be concluded, I think, that the reality of the phenomenon is henceforth established beyond all reasonable contestation ; especially, if it be added that during the last ele- vations, one of the spectators, kneeling down, applied his eye to the plane of the table, in such a manner as to assure himself that it was the whole time free from touch or other improper influence.

One word more. It seemed to us that the table once made a movement forward instead of perpendicularly, and that it had thus followed on the floor, the progress of the chain. This was a fact to verify.

Confirmed, as will be seen by our subsequent experiments, it manifests under a new form, the impulse to which the table yields. It is curious to see it submit to our action from a dis- tance, and glide over the ground, when it has not force enough to rise. In fact, the same thing occurred when the hands rested on it. If the fluid power does ,not suffice for the eleva-

REPORTS OF THE SITTINGS. 61

tion demanded,^ the table takes flight and makes its escape, sometimes in a right line, sometimes by commencing an unlocked for rotation — now in one direction, now in another. The impulse communicated, whether great or small, produces a proportion- ate effect.

Sitting of the %±th of November.

The peculiar characteristic of this sitting was the absence of the person who exercised the greatest authority over the table. By operating without him we were enabled to establish two things : — the first, an experimenter cannot with impunity be dis- pensed with ; the second, that he can be dispensed with in case of extremity, and that success, although less brilliant at Jirst, is not im- possible. I underline this last point, along with the frequent modifications caused by our personnel, for the benefit of the sus- picious portion of the community, who, not knowing the moral value of the persons in question, would be disposed to impute to their dexterity, results to which they, themselves, essentially contribute.

First of all, and when there was in none of us any fluid de- veloped, we desired to ascertain if it could not be produced by the simple process of mechanical rotation. Applying, then, our hands to the table without forming the chain, we turned it rap- idly for nearly a quarter of an hour. We then commanded the table to resume this motion of itself ; we commanded it to raise one foot, and although our fingers rested on it the whole time, it was impossible for us to obtain the feeblest movement.

Still more significant was the fact, that having formed the chain, but having determined its rotation by the mechanical ac- tion of our hands, we were able thus to continue it for a quar- ter of an hour, without inducing any fluid manifestation ; in vain did we address various orders to the table — not one of them was obeyed. We exercised no power over it.

It is consequently clear, that the phenomenon is of a mixed nature ; that a given position and a circular course nre not of

62

THE FACTS.

themselves sufficient to call it into existence. There must be still another force — the will.

Our wills being finally brought into co-operation with the other powers, and the muscular pressure having ceded its place to the pressure of commands, we produced the fluid rotation after five or six minutes' concentration of our thoughts. We clearly felt that we lacked some person of importance, and that we did not possess all our usual power ; nevertheless we were determined to overcome the obstacle, even at the price of greater moral fatigue.

The great difficulty, motion without contact, was thus at- tacked in front.

The rotations without contact were obtained three times. I should add that th,ey were very incomplete, a quarter or a half revolution at most.

The success of the elevations without contact was more de- cisive ; but it was bought by the expenditure of a very consid- erable amount of strength. After each elevation we were obliged to take rest, and when we had reached the figure nine, yielding to lassitude, we were compelled to stop entirely. It is necessary to go through with such experiments in order to know how much attention and energy they exact, to what degree it is indispensable to will, to will absolutely that such a knot in the wood of the table follow the extended fingers that attract it from a distance.

Be that as it may, our attempt was crowned with success, and we felt at liberty to terminate the sitting by exercises less ex- hausting.

The idea then occurred to us to make the trial on a large table with four feet. It had often been claimed that the round tables with three feet, alone lent themselves to our operations ; it was time to furnish demonstrative proof to the contrary. We therefore, selected a table whose diameter was 3 J feet, and the half of which, independent of the foot that supported it when drawn out, folded up at will.

Hardly had our fingers touched it, than it surrendered itself with a loud noise to a rotation, the vivacity of which surprised us, thus showing that tables with four feet were not more re-

REPORTS OF THE SITTINGS. GO

bellious than others. It furnished, besides, a new argument in favor of one of our preceding observations ; the fluid is in the individuals, not in the tables. Indeed, the motion was produced almost immediately, and before the large table could be con- sidered as charged.

It was afterwards required to strike blows by its different feet. We began with those that supported the top and one of the leaves; they were three in number. They raised themselves, two by two, with such force as to break one of the casters in splinters.* Now, it would be difficult to accept the idea, that the intensity of this motion could result from the fraudulent ac- tion of the fingers as a lever upon so heavy a piece of inert matter, or that they could impel it to such a height.

It remained to try the foot which was independent of the bed of the table. We thought it would obey as readily as the others ; but no ! in vain we lavished the most pressing invita- tions, it did not once consent to rise, whether in company with its neighbor on the right, or whether associated with its neighbor on the left. Supposing that this reluctance might be owing to the persons placed near it, we changed the position of the mem- bers of the chain. Useless efforts ! all the combinations were doomed to be successively foiled.

We already anticipated an important consequence from this fact. But as it was afterwards proved incorrect, the rebel foot yielding us its perfect obedience on another occasion, I shall not confide our process of reasoning to the public ; I will only beg them to remark two things : first, the care which we con- stantly took to confirm the accuracy of our proofs by repeated experiments ; secondly, the impossibility of having recourse to explanations based on muscular action. This action could have been exercised as easily to raise the foot that was independent of the table, as to raise the feet confined to it ; and yet, by the operation of some unknown cause, evidently foreign to all mechanical laws, the latter alone consented to move.

* It was the only table with casters of which we made use.

TIIK FACTS.

Sitting of the 2Sth of November.

We were all assembled ; but two or three of the operators were slightly indisposed. In fact, from some cause or other, the meeting was only remarkable because of the almost total absence of fluid power. For a single moment we had a little Half an hour of action, two hours and a half of inertia.

I always state the fact as it is ; first, out of respect for truth , and also, because it seems to me that nothing better refutes the vulgar objections, than to show that the same individuals are incapable of constantly obtaining the same results. Their mus- cles have not changed ; their susceptibility is as great ; their dexterity in fraud (we need not fear to speak thus), has not vanished, and yet, behold them unable to do that which but a short time previous, they had done with extreme facility.

Our wounded victims had been cured ; the old table reap- peared with its pillar repaired ; the large table with four feet was supplied with a new caster. It wa.s with this we com- menced. Inauspicious beginning ! that which the other day had whirled and leaped about with so much vigor, now scarcely stirred. And as for inducing either of the feet to strike a single blow, we were compelled to renounce the idea.

Then, passing to the table with three feet, we entered upon our phase of animation, which did not, however, long continue.

Nevertheless, we profited by it to the extent of effecting five elevations without contact. After which, our slender provision of fluid being exhausted, it was no longer possible to effect anything. The rotations without contact, as we had foreseen, were utterly out of the question.

Nothing could be more lamentable and curious at the same time, than to see us sitting round the* various tables, passing from one to the other, resorting to all sorts of expedients', and yet unable to obtain more than a languid rotation, which soon ceased entirely.

REPORTS OF THE SITTINGS. 65

Sitting of the 2d of December.

I should have been sorry to close the relation of my expe- rience with a report so little brilliant. Happily, the result of our last meeting, gives me a right to leave quite a different impression on the mind of the reader.

We were all in excellent spirits ; to which the fine weather perhaps contributed, and this is not the first time I have remarked the coincidence. One thing is certain, that the same persons who, on the 27th of November, had obtained but a half-hour of success, passing the rest of the sitting in vainly soliciting for something better than poor, imperfect rotations, or languid blows, ruled the table to-day with an authority, a promptness, and if I may be allowed the expression, with an elasticity that left nothing to be desired.

The large table, with four feet, had been put in motion, and this time, the facility with which the foot at liberty raised its portion of the top, proved that we were right in not drawing from its preceding refusal a too positive conclusion.

We did not succeed in raising this table without contact, or in folding up its movable leaf. None of us were surprised at this, for the weight was very considerable ; our attempts, how- ever, were not entirely without fruit, for they brought about a result of which we had not dreamed.

Each time that we endeavored to elevate without contact, the portion of the table furthest from me, I felt the foot, whose neigh- bor I was, gradually approach, and lean itself against my leg. Struck with this fact, which was repeated several times, I inferred from it that the table was sliding forward, in conse- quence of not having enough force to raise itself. . We thus exercised a sensible action upon this large table without touch- ing it in any way.

In order better to assure myself of the fact, I left the chain, and observed the progress of the feet of the table on the floor. It varied from less than an inch to several inches. Having after- wards tried to fold up without contact, the movable leaf of a

66 THE FACTS.

X

card-table, covered with cloth, we obtained the same result. The top did not yield to our influence, but the whole table was carried forward in the direction of the ordered motion. I should add, that it was far from easy for it to slide along thus, for the floor of the hall in which we carried on our experi- ments, is rough and uneven.

It is not less interesting to note here, the moment when the movement usually occurs. It is precisely the same as that hi which the elevation without contact takes place whenever it is effected. When the portion of the chain which presses forward, is about to pass beyond the edge of the table where it is brought back, and the portion of the chain that draws, is about to pass over it in making a retreat, then is manifested, either the ascen- sional, or in default of that, the sliding motion. Our fluid power is at its maximum, just at the point where our mechanical power is at its minimum, where the hands that push have ceased to be able to act (supposing fraud is intended), and where the hands that draw cannot yet act.

Returning to the table we generally employed, we tried to produce the rotations and elevations without contact. Our success was complete.

The rotations were to the number of three. We obtained the elevations, one after another, with the most satisfactory regularity. Setting aside as uncertain, four movements which, although real, did not terminate in a complete elevation of the top; even leaving out of consideration two energetic overtures which were separately produced, we effected an uninterrupted series of fourteen elevations, and so emphatic, in general, that we were several times obliged to catch the table thus subdued, in order to prevent its becoming a total wreck.

The reader is now as well acquainted with the results of our sittings as though he had personally assisted at them. I have concealed nothing ; I have related the best and the worst, the experiments that were failures, and the experiments crowned with success. I have felt the necessity of being faithful and

APPRECIATION OF THE RESULTS. 67

modest, even to scrupulousness ; some may think to the point of dupery. " Of what use," do they say, " is it thus to proclaim the impressions you have received from certain meetings ? Would it not be far better to signalize the most remarkable and conclusive results of your least brilliant sittings ? Do you not know the public ? Do you not know that it will take you at your word, and that, without stopping to examine facts, it will seize hold of the smallest sign of dissatisfaction on your part, to declare itself dissatisfied with the whole matter ? With the public, it behoves us to keep up the triumphant air, if we intend to triumph."

It is possible ; but that does not trouble me. I have no taste for the big drum ; and if, because I do not beat a rub-a- dub-dub of victory at every sitting, I cannot succeed in rousing the enthusiasm of certain people, 1 will dispense with it. But, there is one thing with which I cannot dispense ; it is a respect for truth.

And then, I have a prejudice. 1 esteem (it has been a whim of mine a long time), that justice is sovereignly able. I believe that the public mistrusts astounding narratives, and that it listens with but one ear to those who have nothing but success to relate. I am convinced that my simple analysis has a very persuasive eloquence. What is to be seen, in fact, in these sittings with which I show myself so little satisfied ? Results of a character to overthrow the objections of a badly-informed science, results which I might have deemed impossible three months ago, and which of themselves alone demonstrate that my thesis is invincibly true. I admit that we have become dif- ficult, but that proves our right to become so. An elevation without contact would have enraptured us at the commence- ment ; our excitement would have been less at the reproduction of numbers from the mind, still less at a knock or a rotation. Now, we exact considerable series of motions without contact ; we desire to be able to study them methodically and at our ease ; if we obtain only a few isolated triumphs, we knit our brows, and the sitting is unfavorably noticed. I perceive

68

THE FACTS.

nothing very compromising in that, and, indeed, it seems to me that, in thus presenting the facts, I have facilitated the task of men disposed to reflect.

They will read over again the most discouraging of my re- ports. In that of the 27th of October, they will find the conti- nuation of the motion without contact : the table elevating itself three, four, and even five times after the hands have left it ; an inert weight of 130 Ibs. placed upon its top, not arresting a mo- tion which we had been accused of arresting with the end of the finger when numbers were reproduced from the thought ! In the report of the 21st of November, they will find the large table with four feet put in motion and made to dance, for the first time ; they will, moreover, count upon their fingers three rotations and nine elevations without contact, the whole taking place in the absence of the most powerful member of the chain. In the most lamentable report, that of the 28th of November, they will have no trouble in discovering five elevations without contact. This is little, and it is immense. Who could have foreseen at the outset of this discussion, that we should reach a point where we could say : This is little !

It will now be my object to sum up and appreciate the prin- cipal results stated in the reports from our official journal. And first, I would beg to call attention to the character of progress which continually marked our investigations.

Numerous sittings preceded those of which I have just given an account, and it was in them that we took our first step for- ward. At the beginning, absolute and obstinate immobility was alone the fruit of all our orders, repeated for more than an hour in succession. Next, came a day when the reality of the motion manifested itself in a manner to convince us that the table turned under our fingers. This appeared perfectly won- derful— of far greater importance than it appeared after we had obtained distinct knocks ! The elevations without contact astonish us less at this moment, than the elevations with contact astonished us then, although we clearly comprehended that we had received no conclusive demonstration, for we had accom-

APPRECIATION OF THE RESULTS. 69

plished nothing which muscular action could not rigorously explain. We enter, then, upon a new study, that of numbers indicated by the thought. We perfect it ; we introduce cyphers therein ; we vary the feet ; we institute the balance of forces. We, at the same time, apply ourselves to ascertain and measure the amount of power to elevate, possessed by the fluid. Weights are suspended to the table when it is erect and resting on only one foot : then again, while it is in its natural position, a man mounts on the bed of the table, which must of course raise him as it rises.

We had reached this point when the incredulous raillery with which our observations were met, made it our duty to penetrate still further. Our object henceforth was to discover irrefutable proof, and we pursued the subject although we dared hope but little. The eleven sittings already related were consecrated to this research.

The phenomena previously observed are in them confirmed and developed. The large tables with four feet concur with the tables which have only three feet. Inert weights are sub- stituted in place of the man who was suspected of being in league with the table charged to raise him. At last comes the great discovery, in its proper turn ; it comes bringing with it regularity and increase of knowledge. We commence by con- tinuing the motions without contact ; we finish by producing them ; we even succeed to a certain extent in giving rise to their operation, these extraordinary facts manifesting themselves occasionally in uninterrupted series of fifteen or thirty. The slidings complete the work by bringing to light one of the phases of action exercised at a distance ; they show it not pow- erful enough to raise the table, in which dilemma it draws it.

Such is the rapid history of our progress ; in itself alone, it constitutes a substantial proof, the examination of which I re- commend to earnest thinkers. It is not thus that error pro- gresses. Illusions engendered by chance do not thus resist a long study, nor do they thus constantly recur in a whole series of experiments, justifying themselves more and more.

THE FACTS.

In regard to the other proofs, I would, before leaving the exposition of facts, briefly recapitulate them and determine their value.

Let me mention first the very peculiar and truly inconceiva- ble character of the motions of the table ; the manner in which it starts on its revolutions, so gradual, so gentle, so foreign to the abruptness attendant on mechanical impulsion ; those spon- taneous energetic elevations which do not cease to be produced, even when everything that could act as a lever is removed from the opposite side of the table ; the dances and musical imitations which the operators, by means of their combined and voluntary action, in vain attempt to equal ; the light knocks succeeding heavy ones, the exquisite delicacy of which nothing can express. But I fully comprehend that I must not permit myself to insist upon such considerations. Here the demonstra- tion lies almost entirely in its various shades. It must have been seen — it must especially have been felt — felt under the fingers, what the fluid alone is capable of effecting. It must have been a matter of personal experience, how conscientiously the experimenters abstained from muscular action. All this will of course have no weight with the public. It is not bound to believe us on our simple word, bearing which in mind, I pass on.

The numbers indicated by the thought, and the balance of forces, have quite a different bearing in the way of proof.

When all the operators, excepting one, are absolutely igno- rant of the figure to be executed, the execution (if it is not fluidic) should proceed either from the person who knows the figure and who furnishes, at the same time, the motion and its check, or from a relation which is instinctively established be- tween this person who furnishes the check, and his vis-a-vis who furnishes the motion. Let us examine both hypotheses.

The first is untenable, for in the case where a foot is desig- nated, upon which the operator who knows the figure cannot exercise any muscular action, the foot thus designated, rises none the less promptly at his command.

APPRECIATION OF THE RESULTS. 71

The second is untenable, for in the case where a cypher is indicated, the motion which under the circumstances of the hypothesis ought to be furnished, is not obtained. Still further, if two persons placed on two opposite sides of the table, engage in a struggle, each undertaking to make a different figure triumph, the most powerful operator obtains the execution of his number, although his vis-a-vis may be interested not merely in refusing his cooperation to the last raps, but also in arrest ing them.

I know that the numbers indicated from the thought have not a good reputation ; they lack a certain pedantic and scien- tific tournure. Nevertheless, I do not hesitate to place some stress on them, for there are very few experiments which better show the mixed character of the phenomenon, the physical power developed and applied independent of ourselves, by the effect of our will. Here lies the grand scandal, and I would have no cause to be ashamed of my position. I maintain, moreover, that this is as scientific as anything else. True science is not limited to the employment of such and such pro- cesses, and such and such instruments. No result manifested by a fluidometer, could be more scientifically demonstrated than that which is seen by the eyes, and appreciated by rea- son.

But let us proceed. We are not at the end of our proofs. There is one which has always particularly impressed me ; it is that resulting from a want of success.

It is pretended that the motion is produced by the action of our muscles, by our own involuntary pressure ! Now, here are the same operators who have hitherto obtained from the table the accomplishment of all their caprices ; their muscles are as strong, their animation is as great ; their wish to succeed is perhaps, more lively ; and yet nothing ! absolutely nothing 1 A whole hour will pass without any sign of the slightest rota- tion ; or if there be rotation, the elevations are impossible ; the little that is done, is done indolently, miserably, and as if with regret, I repeat it, the muscles have not changed. Why this

FACTS.

sudden incapacity ? The cause remaining identical, why should e fleets vary so greatly ?

" Ah," is it said, "you speak of involuntary pressure and you do not speak of voluntary pressure, in one word, of fraud. Do you not see that those disposed to fraud might be present at one sitting and absent at another, that they might act one day and not care to give themselves so much trouble the next ?

I will answer very simply and by facts.

Those disposed to fraud are absent when we do not suc- ceed 1 But it has many times happened that our personnel was in no way modified. The same persons, absolutely the same, had passed from remarkable power to relative powerlessness. And this is not all. If there was no operator whose presence always preserved us from checks, neither was there any whose absence rendered us incapable of success. With and without each member of the chain, we have succeeded in executing all the experiments, all without exception.

Those disposed to fraud do not give themselves so much trouble every day 1 The trouble would indeed be great, and those who suppose fraud, do not imagine to what prodigies they have recourse. The accusation is an absurdity which amounts almost to nonsense, and it is its nonsense which takes from it its venom. Such things cannot oJGfend us. But let us admit for an instant that Valleyres is peopled by the disciples of Bosco ;* that jugglery is generally practised there, and that for five months in succession, it has been daily performed under our eyes, under the eyes of numerous and very suspicious witnesses without the detection of any perfidy. We have so well concealed our play as to invent a secret telegraph for the num- bers, a particular turn of the finger whereby to shake the most enormous masses, a method of gradually raising tables which we do not appear to touch. We are all of us liars — all ; for it is a long time that we have mutually watched each other, and yet the secret is not betrayed. Still further, the contagion of

* A celebrated juggler of France.— Trans.

APriJECIATION OF THE HESULTS. 73

our vice is so prompt, that the moment we admit a stranger, a hostile witness, into our chain, he becomes our accomplice, he voluntarily shuts his eyes upon the signs transmitted, upon the muscular efforts, upon the prolonged and repeated suspicious motions of his neighbors! Very well, granting all that, the diffi- culty is not yet overcome. It will remain to explain why the impostors should sometimes take rest at the very moment when it would seem most for their interest to succeed. Indeed, it has frequently happened, that at those sittings where were present the greatest number of spectators, and our desire to succeed was most intense, the result of the sitting was most indifferent. Other sittings, under the same conditions, were comparatively brilliant.

Behold then, the real and considerable inequalities. From one sitting to another, from one hour to another, with the same personnel, in presence of the same witnesess, we pass from power to impotence and vice versa. . At one moment, the most elementary phenomena are refused to our entreaties, the moment following, we effect the elevations without contact !

I repeat it, when we possess all our most powerful operators, we sometimes fall into a vexatious languor ; when deprived of their assistance we never become wholly powerless, sometimes even producing the motions from a distance. And yet, we are accused of muscular action and of fraud !

Fraud and muscular action ! Here is a fine opportunity to put them to the proof. A weight has just been placed upon the table. This weight is inert and can lend itself to nothing ; fraud is everywhere, perhaps ; it is not in the buckets of sand. This weight is equally divided between the three feet, which is proved by each of them raising it in turn. Its total amount is one hundred and fifty pounds, and we do not dare to make it more, for one day it was sufficient to break our strongest table. Well, let us begin. Since muscular action and fraud are to explain everything, it will be easy for them to put the mass in motion ! But they do not succeed this time : the fingers con- tract, the joints are strained in vain, no elevation is produced,

4

74: TIJE FACTS.

and yet a few moments after, the elevations will take place under the same fingers as they gently graze the plane of the table, without any exertion on their part, as will be easy to assure ourselves.

Very ingenious, scientific measures, which I do not claim the merit of inventing, have put it hi our power to convert into figures the effort required to produce the rotation or elevation of a table thus loaded. But the calculation having been made at a time when the table was charged with a man weighing one hundred and seventy-four pounds, I am obliged to reduce it, when I apply it to the inert weight of one hundred and fifty pounds only, by which the man was replaced. It is always the case with this latter weight that the rotation is obtained by virtue of a lateral attraction of about sixteen pounds, while the elevation is only effected by a perpendicular pressure of one hundred and twenty pounds at least (which we reduce, how- ever, to one hundred pounds, if it is preferred, in the supposi- tion that it would not be absolutely vertical) ; hence, several consequences :

First, muscular action can produce circular motion, but it cannot raise a weight. Indeed, the ten operators have a hun- dred fingers applied to the plane of the table. Now, the verti- cal or quasi-vertical pressure of each finger would not on an average exceed three hundred grammes, the chain remaining the same. They develop then only a total pressure of thirty thousand grammes, very insufficient to effect an elevation.

Secondly, it is something striking, that the phenomenon which would most easily result from muscular action is precisely that which we obtain most rarely and with the most difficulty, while the phenomenon in which muscular action does not suc- ceed, is that which we most frequently realize when the chain is formed. Now, why should not our involuntary impulsion always make the table turn ? Why should not our fraud always procure the same triumph ? Why do we ordinarily suc- ceed in effecting only that which is mechanically impossible ?

I advise those who are determined to ridicule the tables not to

APPRECIATION OF THE RESULTS. 75

look at them too closely. Let them by no means turn their atten- tion to our last proof, that of the elevations without contact. It will not leave them the slightest pretext for incredulity.

Here, again, we owe to scientific observations the means of opposing figures to those who exclaim : "But we have not seen ! some finger may perhaps escape the watchfulness of the operators and the witnesses ! Who can demonstrate to us, that certain involuntary touches, or certain fraudulent manoeu- vres do not furnish the true explanation of the prodigy ?"

This is my answer. When it is required to elevate one of the feet of our old table (one of those which has been put in motion without contact) , it is necessary to apply to it, either a vertical pressure of eighteen pounds, or a combination of trac- tion and pressure, the result of which should follow an angle of thirty-five degrees with the plane of the table, and be equal to a weight of nine pounds.

It is at this second estimate that is is expedient to pause, because the elevation without contact is, in general, effected while the hands are moving. There is no more question of a simple perpendicular force, or nearly such, as in the case of the table charged with the weight ; there is a combination of trac- tion and pressure, and if a finger should then touch the plane of the table, it would act at the same time in this double direction.

That settled, we must likewise take into consideration what the finger can do when it presses, and what the same finger can do when it draws, in regard to the general motion and the effect of a smooth surface.

Here, three hypotheses offer themselves : an involuntary, and consequently light, grazing of the surface, fraud acting circumspectly, and fraud, communicating a violent impulsion. Let us examine them successively.

An involuntary grazing of the surface might exercise a pressure of sixty-five grammes, and a traction of thirty grammes. It is then a total force of ninety-five grammes which it develops. Now I think I should do the reader injustice were I to enter

76 TilK FACTS.

into an elaborate argument to demonstrate to him that in the ek'vation without contact, fifty fingers cannot touch the plane of the table. Not less than that number would be nee< to produce the force of nine pounds demanded ; moreover, it would be required to suppose them all opposite .the foot to be raised, and in the most favorable position. Fifty fingers to escape rigid scrutiny 1 Fifty ! nor is that number large enough, for an involuntary grazing is necessarily of very short duration, and since it is required to bring about the slow and progressive ascension of the table, it would be necessary for all the fingers successively to co-operate. This is beyond serious refutation.

Is circumspect fraud less unworthy of it ? A fraudulent finger which does not act by violent impulsion can exercise a pressure of two hundred and thirty-five grammes, and a trac- tion of one hundred and seventy grammes ; that is to say, its total action may amount to four hundred and five grammes. Eleven fingers must therefore practise fraud at the same time ! Is that possible ? Is it even conceivable ? Let us see.

Let us first represent to ourselves the manner in which the hands are interlaced when they form the chain above the table. All the little fingers and all the thumbs are occupied in main- taining the chain; each operator preserves only six fingers at liberty — at liberty in a very feeble measure. Here we are at the outset reduced to the extremity of supposing two imposters, each employing his two entire hands, or five, six, or ten per- haps, each employing one or two fingers.

But there is still another trifle to be considered. Will these imposters all find themselves opposite the foot required to rise, in the situation where they can best possess the maximum action we have admitted. If it be not thus — and it is impossible that it should be thus — we are forced to augment the number of fraudulent fingers, to suppose fifteen, sixteen, more perhaps, in place of eleven.

Is that all ? No. The elevation is gradually effected, and is sustained; fraudulent fingers hastily applied, and then return-

APPRECIATION OF THE RESULTS. 77

ing to their post, could not produce such action. The table would have a jerking motion, and would fall back as the power ceased to impel it. We are bound to follow our hypothesis to the end, and to represent to ourselves, either fifteen fingers boldly at work from the commencement until the end of the motion, or other fifteen, entering upon the field of action when these retire, in order to bring about between them all the progressive ascensions that take place

And of this immense manoauvre nothing is ever perceived ! Its absurdity is too evident to require any further demonstration.

Our third hypothesis still remains: Fraud, violent, gross fraud. Fraud does not proceed by moderate, prudent pressure, it proceeds by energetic impulsions! Very well, let us not weary of discussing the absurd.

We shall be pardoned, I think, for the blows of the feet, or properly speaking, blows of the fist.*

But do the energetic impulsions differ very materially from these ? The effect is ordinarily in proportion to the cause. A vio- lent impulsion produces a violent elevation. Now, here we have a steady motion, characterized by nothing sudden or unequal, and tranquilly prolonged until the table is completely overturned.

It is the nature of fraudulent operations, violent ones in par- ticular, to risk themselves precipitately, to flee with not less pre- cipitation the watchfulness of the spectators. There will doubt- less be premature attempts, vigorous bounds, followed by falls, more or less irregularity, and other obstacles in the ascensional

* Is it necessary to speak thus in order to be exact, of the pressure that might be ex- ercised by the bodies of the operators ? I shall allow myself to dispense with it, for everything has its limits. It should not be necessary to recall to mind, first, that if the- bodies only laterally touched the table (this, however, was not the case), it would have moved forward, and could not have risen. Secondly : if any person had had the ce to press the table perpendicularly with his breast, in order to provoke an elevation, he could not have assumed a posture so extraordinary, without attracting to himself the general attention of the audience. In short, thus to shake the table would not have been a sufficient display of strength ; for it would be required to produce the complete overturn, which happens every day when we do not deliberately arrest it. Figure to yourself the contortions of a body occupied in raising the table by degrees, and in overturning it twenty-four times in succession, so stealthily as not to be remarked !

78 THE FACTS.

course. The motion, on the contrary, is perfectly uniform, and continues as it commenced.

Add to this, that the three feet rise successively, which requires a large proportion of violent, fraudulent operators, scattered all around the table. Add that the posts attributed to the different operators change continually, and yet do not pre- vent the elevations without contact in the various combinations. Add that the personnel, even of the members of the chain, varies from one sitting to another, which, yet, does not prevent each sitting from having its contingent of success in its way.

In truth, I return to my first supposition, that all the inhabit- ants of Valleyres must have given themselves up to jugglery. The dexterity of our hands must equal the vileness of our characters. The explanatory hypothesis must needs make us very wicked and very adroit. Unfortunately, that does not yet suffice. Fraud could not succeed in imitating our motions without contact.

Have the goodness simply to reckon up the number, and ask yourselves to what extent you will be obliged to multiply the already startling impossibilities, which a single experiment pre- sents. On the 26th of September we have a rotation without contact; on 29th of September, several rotations and several elevations; on 6th of October, several rotations and several elevations; on 7th of October, ten elevations; on 8th of October, two elevations; on 27th of October, several eleva- tions; on 9th of November, five rotations and thirty elevations; on 21st of November, three rotations and nine elevations; on 28th of November, five elevations; on 2d of December, three rotations and sixteen elevations. Behold more than eighty elevations, without counting twenty rotations. Endeavor to represent to yourself, your fraudulent fingers escaping a hundred tunes in succession, the eyes of the witnesses and of the honest experimenters. How many violent impulsions must we have produced by stealth ! If it be preferred to admit the agency of circumspect fraud, there must have been at least fifteen hun- dred well-managed manoeuvres ; fifteen hundred, not to speak of three or four thousand ! Or, indeed, if any one inclines to the

APPRECIATION OF THE RESULTS. 79

more charitable supposition of involuntary touch, those uncon- scious touches must have varied from five thousand to fifteen or twenty thousand.

If perchance there exist men whom such enormities do not make recoil, I should like to submit to them two or three sup- plementary considerations.

You suspect us of fraud I Whence conies it then that we do not succeed when we are fatigued ? Fraud, at such times, would be as easy, even more easy to accomplish. The less amount of force and vivacity there is among the sincere operators, the better is the opportunity for the impostors to make their par- ticular impulsions prevail.

The question is embarrassing, is it not ? Have the goodness to examine the following, which has already been briefly indi- cated : When the elevations without contact are successively effected by each of the feet, can you represent to yourself three bands of impostors advantageously posted in front of the three feet ? And can you account for the fact that the displacement and replacement of the various members of the chain invariably interrupts success ?

A third question which I pray you not to consider indiscreet : Will you have the kindness to tell me how it is that fraud does .not succeed in effecting either as often or as well that which is mechanically most easy to perform ? The force required for a rotation is small, yet fraud accomplishes but few rotations ; the force required for elevations is great, yet fraud accomplishes many elevations. This becomes all the more strange, when we call to mind that the same fraud falls into the same contra- dictions when required to elevate a table charged with a con- siderable weight : it does what the muscles are unable to do, it has trouble in doing what the muscles effect with facility.

To proceed still further. You know the moment when the ele- vations take place. If fraudulent pressure is the cause, the motion will be produced when that pressure can be exercised with most efficiency. Behold the chain of hands in move- ment. Let your suspicions be aroused the instant the part

60 THE FACTS.

that pushes, returns to the surface of the table, for at that in- stant, the fraudulent fingers will doubtless arrange with other to communicate a shock ; be especially on the alert when the part that draws, shall attain in its retreat the border op- posite the foot which is called upon to act, for then the fraudu- lent fingers will certainly have resumed their power as a lever. Now, things do not turn out thus. These two moments are precisely those in which the elevations are never produced. The ascensional motion, I pray you to understand, never commences before the hands that push have passed beyond the edge : it is never expected except when the hands that draw are approaching it. The muscular impulsion from both these sources has become impossible before the table decides to leave the ground. It fore- sees your suspicions, and I hope you will render justice to its sentiments of delicacy.

Jesting aside, there are few facts better authenticated in the study of the phenomenon of the tables than the difference be- tween the intensity of the fluid action which is exercised, and the intensity of the mechanical action which is supposed to be ex- ercised. When involuntary pressure or fraud might have a fair game of it, you obtain nothing : when they become impractica- ble you succeed in everything. Thus, the elevations without contact ought to be obtained more easily with the chain remain- ing motionless above the edge of the table than with the chain in movement reduced to the elongated form of an oval, and of which the portion destined to act as a lever finds itself lost in the centre of the table ; nevertheless, the passes succeed better than the motionless chain, although the latter also succeeds.

I have just pronounced the word pass, which may have awakened in the reader's mind the idea of Animal Magnetism. In fact, nothing more resembles the magnetic operations than the march of our chain, with all the hands extended and seeking to determine the elevation of the table. I point out the analogy in passing, reserving to myself the right of returning to the sub- ject. For the present, my object is to destroy all doubt as to the capital fact of motions effected without contact. A last

.

EXPERIMENTS THAT I SET ASIDE.

81

consideration is the crowning argument I have to offer in this relation. Our proofs will not submit to be slaughtered like those poor Curiatii of old, who separated from each other in pursuit of the enemy ; they remain together for mutual support and protection. The elevation of weights stands side by side with the elevation without contact ; it is there, to reply to all the accusations of fraud, for all the frauds in the world must give their expiring groan on the edge of this table. Practise fraud openly, practise it in concert, practise it in getting rid of your hesitations and fears which weaken secret fraud — practise it as you will, you cannot succeed in raising this mass which fluid action so easily puts in motion.

Thus, the fact is established. Multiplied experiments, va- rious irrefutable proofs, mutually supporting each other, give to fluid action an entire certainty. Those who have had the patience to follow me thus far, will have felt their suspicions vanish one after the other, and their faith in the new phenome- non progressively strengthened. They will have experienced what we ourselves have experienced, for no one has opposed more difficulties to the Turning Tables than we have, no one has shown himself more curious and exacting in regard to their manifestations than each one of us. Attacks from without could not have failed to produce their effect, and to add a stimulus to an investigation prompted by our own interest in truth, and conducted with the utmost rigor.

It is not our fault if the results have been more and more conclusive, if they have reciprocally confirmed each other, if they have finally taken upon themselves the form, and acquired the character of perfect evidence. To study, to compare, to begin and begin again, to exclude in short, everything that remained in any degree contestable, this was our duty. We have tried not to fail therein. I affirm nothing here that I have not veri- fied several times ; I have scrupulously abstained from admit- ting that which appears to me probable, not certain — that which has often, but not always succeeded.

4*

82

I will forthwith give a striking example. I am still per- suaded of the action of the glass ; multiplied experiments have shown it to me as arresting or weakening the rotation, even or- dinarily opposing an obstacle of sufficient power to cause the table, as it comes in contact with it, to give a sudden jerk, as though it had encountered in the midst of its course nn insu- perable inequality in the floor. I think that ere long the demonstration will be complete ; that it has not yet reached such a point suffices to exclude from this work all that part of our researches relating to the glass. When I first spoke of it, I had seen nothing which did not conform to the opinion then expressed ; what I have since seen is much more favorable than contrary to that opinion, notwithstanding we have made some observations which seem to contradict it. It would, there- fore, have been both imprudent and disloyal for me to reproduce my assertions without having removed the doubts legitimately engendered in connection with this fact. When the glass did not act, was it prevented by undue excitement, or by the envelope, which, in concealing it from view, suppressed, at the same time, its immediate contact with the table ? Is its effect especially manifested in the vicinity of the most powerful operators ? And many other questions to which I dare not make a positive response. Two or three times other objects besides glass seemed to arrest the motion of the table. Was it imagination that pro- duced this result ? Did the table stop merely because the opera- tors conceived the idea that it ought to stop ? Still another point on which there is not yet much light. There is here a real difficulty which partakes of the mixed nature of our subject of study. With a phenomenon purely physical, we should soon clear up our doubts ; so long as the scientific conditions of the experiment were maintained, the result would be invariable. With a phenomenon purely moral, we should have no embar- rassment, since there would always be found in the will of the operators, a natural explanation. But with a phenomenon at once moral and physical, in which the intention of the members of the chain plays a preponderating part, without excluding the

EXPERIMENTS THAT I SET ASIDE.

83

influence of material agents, it is impossible to avoid facts apparently contradictory. At one time, the material agent will have prevailed, at another, the authority of the human thought. Ordinarily, the glass impedes the rotation I wish to produce, and yet it sometimes happens, that willing more strongly, perhaps, I triumph over its resistance ; it sometimes also happens that supposing the glass be applied when it is not, and thinking the table ought to stop, I provoke, most mal-a-propos, the cessation of its motion.

Thus, that which gives interest and originality to our researches brings an equal amount of difficulty. I confess it all the more cheerfully, since, in spite of the intervention of material agents, either to aid or oppose, the essential act remains incontestable. The will alone determines the elevation of the table charged with one hundred and fifty pounds ; also, the elevation of the table that is not touched. This being clear and certain, I compromise nothing when I admit that the collision of our fluid action with certain physical obstacles, such as the glass, gives rise to some observations which have not yet acquired sufficient clearness.

They will acquire it, I do not doubt, and by observing two conditions. It will be essential, first, not to undertake the ex- periments of the glass until after having reduced the chain of operators to the number strictly necessary to produce the rota- tion, in order that the party may be equal, and the material obstacle make itself generally felt. It will be essential, in the second place (and this is less easy), not to confide to the operators what is to be done, in order that their imagination may not speak to them either of the glass put on the table or taken away, either of rotation or checks.

Be that as it may, I maintain my opinion ; in the present state of our researches, my duty is to abstain, and I abstain. The respective roles of the will and of the glass are not defined. At one time, I thought they were, but I was mistaken ; new studies have brought about some negative experiments, and although they may be in very small numbers, compared to those

84

TIIK FACTS.

which have succeeded, I have lost the right of presenting the to the public as actually affirmed.

I am likewise unable to present a positive affirmation upon three other points which have their interest, but which a pru- dent and serious man will consider only with extreme reserve. They are these :

Everybody has made hats turn, and everybody understands that if the rotation of the tables cannot by itself furnish a solid argument, the rotation of hats has still less value. It cannot be demonstrated that mechanical, involuntary pressure may not be the sole determining cause. It is then advisable to pass that over in silence. I go still further ; I likewise sup- press our observations relative to the adhesion which seems to be established between the table and the hat, when the opera- tors order the latter to fasten itself upon and draw the table. Although we frequently succeed in obtaining a rotation from the table put in motion by the hat, although we have a con- sciousness that the hat has really attached itself to the table, and that we should find it troublesome to draw one without the other, we have as yet been unable to demonstrate this. It is certain, indeed, that by leaning with much force upon the hat, we may mechanically determine the rotation of the table, and it is not less certain that the traction effected by each person upon the portion of the hat under his hand, gives the perfect illusion of assistance resulting from adhesion. It is a fact to be set aside for the present.

I shall set aside with no more ceremony, another feet of which we have been many times witnesses, the rotation com- municated to a man by hands forming a chain around him. There will never be anything in that resembling the character of proof, because we never have been able to do away with the suspicion that the person thus experimented upon yields the cooperation of his will. In vain would be the attempt to con- vince others as I am myself convinced, that the suspicion is groundless, in vain would they see very characteristic and curi- ous signs of the impression produced by the fluid ; convictions

EXPERIMENTS THAT I SET ASIDE. 85

of this nature are condemned to remain personal, they cannot be imposed upon others. I shall, therefore, be content to mention in passing, some results bearing on this point. We have seen the man whom we willed to put thus in motion, grow gradually pale, and fall into a sort of stupor ; we have seen him turn, commencing at his head, and not deciding to detach his feet from their resting-place until absolutely compelled to do so ; we have seen him obey an order to rap a certain number of blows, and actually producing them by balancing himself on the right and on the left without stirring his feet. He has affirmed to us that no pressure dictated his various movements, and that the fingers lightly touching his body, made themselves felt only as burning points. We know his integrity and do not doubt his declarations ; insufficient for the public, they are very suffi- cient for us. But that which suffices for us only, cannot figure in the rank of proofs, therefore, this is set aside.

The sconces and small pieces of board have been omitted for the same reason. It is in itself very curious to observe the little piece of board armed with a pencil which passes through its centre, first putting itself in rotation under two or three hands as they form the chain above it, then tracing characters on paper in compliance with the order issued by the operators, and ordinarily translating their thought into quite readable writing. It is a matter of course, that this little board has been one of the great instruments of divination among those who believe in spirits. To write is much more prompt than to pass in review thirty or forty times in succession all the letters of the alpha- bet. The oracles thus promulgated are only the reflection of what is in the heads of those who direct the motions of the pen- cil ; they are in no respect the result of divination, properly so called, and this we have established to the very point of evidence One phenomenon still remains which enters exactly into those furnished us by the tables ; fluid rotation, a reproduction of the thought by inert matter. I do not insist upon such a phenom- enon, because the little boards, differing from the phenomenon of the tables, furnish no result that cannot be accounted for either by fraud or mechanical impulsion. It is easy to

TIIF, FACTS.

guide the movements of tho pencil so as to form various let- ters, and hence the confidence inspired by the character of the experimenters imports but little. The public knows no one ; esteems no one ; the public believes only in facts which complicity, either voluntary or involuntary could not produce ; and the pub- lic is right.

I have related the facts. I have established and discussed the proofs, I have set aside those of which there could be any question ; it remains for me to say but one word more before closing this part of my work. I wish to complete my narrative of the facts by adding some details in regard to the method to be pursued in order to arrive at them.

For want of practical directions, the number of persons who enter upon the scientific study of the Turning Tables is entirely too limited. One of my ambitions in taking up the pen has been to determine others to follow my example, trusting that the results they may obtain will shed still further li^ht on this most interesting phenomenon. It is to be expected that the inherent difficulties in such researches should be an insuperable obstacle to many of those who might, under other circumstan- ces, wish to engage in them. It does not depend, in fact, upon procuring furnaces, retorts and chemical agents ; it is necessary to procure companions in labor, companions whose complais- ance never wearies, who feel the seriousness of their task, who persevere, who are never repulsed by failure, who dread neither fatigue, nor raillery, nor calumny. This is difficult, less difficult however, than may be imagined ; and I should also add that the fluid power, if it be very diverse, is also very general. There are few people who do not bring their useful proportion of it into the chain.

Let the scientific men earnestly desire it, and they will find co-laborers, among whom there will, doubtless, be some whose authority over the table is particularly marked. I long to see them at work and to learn that my poor suggestions, full of ignorance as they are, have given place to veritable discoveries.

PRACTICAL DIRECTIONS. 87

Here then are some directions that I would offer to those who may wish to enter upon a course of experiments.

Let them select a room with rather an uneven floor, in order to avcid a too easy rotation, and also in order that its rough- ness may offer points of support for the feet of the table during the elevations.

Carpets do not absolutely prevent success, nevertheless they are an obstacle.

Tables with rollers obey, but tables without rollers are better. We find that the action manifests itself in the latter with more promptitude and energy.

Dry, warm weather appears to have a favorable influence ; I think that success is generally poorest in winter. On the other hand, it is necessary to guard against overhea.ting the room in which the experiments are conducted. In general, the exertions of the experimenters suffice, and more than suffice, to procure a great heat. Too high a temperature induces lassitude which soon becomes impotence.

I have just spoken of lassitude ; this leads me to insist upon the physical and moral dispositions which are necessary. No one can firmly control the table except on these two conditions, he must be in good health, and he must be sanguine of success. Bring hither all your intelligence, and all your attention ; do not bring a spirit of doubt, of analysis, of ill-natured suspicion in regard to things or persons ; you will yourself be frozen, and your atmosphere will freeze your companions. The tables require to be taken gaily, and with spirit ; they demand at the beginning, singing, with amusing and easy exercises ; they detest people who are constantly becoming irritated, whether for or against them ; if they are met by preoccupation or nervous excitement, they are very apt to get sulky.

Avoid especially all drawing-room experiments. Serious success is there impossible. In the midst of objects calculated to divert their attention, with conversation and jokes going on around them, the operators are certain to lose their fluid power. Resorted to as evening amusements, the experiments

88

THE FACTS.

lead to nothing. The same may be said' of exercises conducted noisily, sittings announced in advance. We lose our simplicity and freedom of action, a sense of restraint is upon n cannot succeed, we become susceptible and anxious ; in other terms, nothing is accomplished of any importance.

Gather about you at each sitting only a small number of witnesses, scientific men and others, and then, with the doors carefully closed, act as though you were alone. Engage the witnesses to keep their eyes well open and to take notes, but do not authorize them to participate in the sitting, or to make a single observation in a loud voice.

It is because unreasonable interference has been admitted, and because the operators have not reserved the right of acting according to their judgment, allowing the witnesses the privilege of drawing their own conclusions ; it is because experiments have been transformed, now into disputes, now into puerile diversions, that the rotations or knocks have been arrested, and parties in despair of accomplishing anything better, have resorted to the convenient pastime of the evocations of spirits. There, at least they could regain in piquant revelations what had been lost in scientific results.

I suppose that, in the present instance, a different course has been pursued. The point in question is a real study ; discipline reigns among the operators ; they desire to advance, and they do advance ; they are no longer in the first elements. How shall they manage to enter advantageously upon decisive experiments — numbers reproduced from the thought, the eleva- tion of weights, motion without contact ?

It is essential to undertake these things only in moments of great animation. Ordinarily, they should not be thought of, either at the commencement of the sitting, before the enthusiasm is awakened, or at the close of the sitting, when the strength is exhausted. There are, nevertheless, exceptions, and the suita- ble moment may arrive when it is not expected, either at the beginning or the end. It is important to know how to profit by the occasion, not venturing to undertake motions without

PRACTICAL DIRECTIONS. 89

contact, so long as the table is languid, and does not turn with energy ; so long as it does not bound to meet the fingers, or anticipate, in some sort, the orders that are issued.

These dispositions are sometimes to be waited for, and the operators are then called upon to display one of their essential virtues — their perseverance — without which they will succeed in nothing. To persevere in spite of repulse, in spite of fatigue, in spite of appearances to the contrary ; to know how to interrupt the operations, or stop them entirely in case of necessity, then to resume the sitting cheerfully, to elevate the moral condition by other experiments, and finally, when the commands are being executed rapidly and with vigor, to go back to the first ; such is the conduct that will ensure success.

Having thus stated the principles, I turn now to their appli- cation. I trust that the pedantry of my didactic forms may be overlooked. I shall proceed by precepts, for the sake of brevity.

Let there be ten operators, whose fluid action has been tested ; add to these, three or four assistants as a, corps de reserve, their duty being to take the place of those members of the chain who shall become fatigued.

Let the operators place themselves around the table, crossing all the thumbs and little fingers — in such a way, for instance, that the thumb of my left hand shall repose lightly on the thumb of my right hand, and the little finger of my right hand repose lightly on the little finger of my neighbor's left hand.

Let one of the experimenters be charged to direct the opera- tion, and to him only must be intrusted the signal of com- mand. If every one is allowed to interfere, nothing can be obtained. Contrary wills will cross and annul each other. Anarchy is of no more value here than elsewhere.

Repeat with unanimity the orders proposed by the chief. It is, of course, taken for granted that these words, simultaneously uttered, are without action on the table, but they are not with- out action upon the members of the chain ; they collect and

IE FACTS.

concentrate the thoughts, and success is only to be obtained by their concentration.

Do not allow yourselves to get angry ; do not become impa- tient ; give the orders gaily, and with a feeling of confidence, which the facts will, by their appearance, soon fortify.

Begin with rotations, and return to them whenever the motions of the table show symptoms of flagging. It is in turn- ing that the fluid is produced and developed. It is important not to get disgusted, because we may have been unsuccess- ful in obtaining energetic blows, elevations such as to overturn the table, or rotations almost impossible to follow.

In the next place, exercise all the feet one after the other, and assure yourself of their prompt obedience. This requires much perseverance. Keep turning and demanding blows as long as there remains the least thing to be desired in regard to the docility of the table.

If either foot obstinately refuses to act, endeavor to find out who is the individual that impedes the fluid communications. Ordinarily, this person will be found in front or at the side of the foot ; that is to say, in the precise situation where mus- cular action would be impossible for him. Induce him to with- draw, fill his place by another operator, and the spell will be broken. In vain is one a partisan of the tables, and con- vinced of the reality of the phenomenon ; in vain is he strong and zealous ; with all this, he may be a hinderance to experiments which demand neither zeal, nor muscles, nor nerves, but which do demand fluid.

Resume the rotations from time to time, in order to renew, in a measure, the provision of fluid which the experiments tend to exhaust.

Replace the wearied experimenters by others, and take care in doing so, not to break the chain. For this purpose, the two persons on each side of the one who quits the chain, should join their hands until the new member of the chain takes the place destined for him.

Avoid as much as possible, a rupture in the chain, even when

PRACTICAL DIRECTIONS. 01

required to pass from one table to another. The fluid power is thus better preserved, and the concentration of the will main- tained ; that is not to say, however, that we cannot separate momentarily, and afterwards recover a great portion of our authority over the table, for it is in the persons, not in the table, that the fluid resides.

Become animated in difficult moments. Loud talking, shouts and halloes, are then of use. Ardent and repeated commands do not, certainly, act on the inert matter ; but they provoke in all the operators the greatest possible development of the will, and prevent inattention. We have several times tried the effect of issuing orders in a low tone : what was the result ? That our thoughts wandered, and the sitting was a failure.

In the midst of all this noise, maintain order, and (as I have already said), exclude all diverging ideas. Everybody is called upon to act, but the initiative pertains only to the chief.

Do exactly the contrary when numbers to be reproduced are in question. Then, but one person is in the secret of the num- ber, and the others cannot do better than to forget the table ; if they allow their thoughts to wander upon the different figures, they run the risk of counteracting the experiment, even without being conscious of it.

A few more words in closing, on the motions without con- tact :—

Be first assured that the table is in full vigor ; that it turns and strikes with almost passionate force. Then begin.

If it be required to continue the rotation, the hands are united in advance, by completely crossing the little fingers without disjoining the thumbs ; then, at a given signal, the chain, raised a short distance above the edge of the table, pur- sues its course, drawing the table after it. It, however, too often happens, that the rapidity and inequality of the course, break the fluid adhesion, when it becomes necessary to produce, instead of to continue the motion, as in the following case :

If required to create the rotation, we stop the rotation, cry- ing : Halt 1 Then, forming the chain above the table, as

92 THE FACTS.

has just been explained, with the hands extended horizontally, we begin to turn slowly around the still motionless phi! Each person fixes his eyes successively on the various spots in the plane of the table, endeavorng to draw them to him by the force of his will. After two or three turns, the motion mani- fests itself, and each individual fastens his mind on the spot he has selected. From this moment it is essential not to break the sort of fluid cord which binds the various portions of the table to the end of the fingers ; consequently, the movement must not be too rapid, and care should be taken to main- tain the distance between the spots and the experimenters. Unfortunately, it soon happens that some one by his precipita- tion, breaks the cord, and thus the rotation is stopped after two or three revolutions, sometimes before having achieved a single turn.

If required to continue the elevations, the table is ordered to strike eight blows. At the third blow all the hands are raised, and maintain the chain above the table, which accomplishes all or a portion of the five remaining blows, isolated from the fin- gers, but impressed by the force of the fluid directed by the energetic wills.

If required to produce elevations from a state of immobility, two methods present themselves.

The least sure, that which produces the most limited results, is the one first employed by us. The chain is formed, as usual, a short distance above the table. Then, one of the three feet is emphatically called upon to rise. When it has done so, we repeat the experiment until the commands have evidently become useless, and we seem to have exhausted our moral and physical vigor.

The second method is less uncertain in its results. Employed on unfavorable days, it has, at one time furnished us fourteen, at another time thirty, successive elevations It is as follows :

The foot to be raised is designated. The chain leaves the table, and the portion required to impel fluidically, places itself a few inches outside the edge of the table, while the portion re-

EXPLANATORY HYPOTHESIS. 93

quired to draw fluidically, advances quite near the edge to be elevated. The chain is then no longer round but oval ; its centre is formed by a particular spot placed near the edge to be raised, and upon which each person fixes his mind, some im- pelling it from, others drawing it towards them, by the power of their will. The hands extend horizontally. As soon as the command has been given by the chief, all the operators repeat it with increasing energy, and immediately the chain is put in motion. The hands outside of the circumference insensibly approach it, and those which have penetrated within its limits, retire not less insensibly, in order to regain their normal condi- tion above the opposite border. The hands which impel, return within the plane of the table, and those which draw, attain its centre in their retreat. The table is allowed to pursue its course ; it rises and continues to rise ; we wait until it is almost ready to overturn, before we attempt to arrest a fall that would disturb the chain, and compromise the immediate renewal of the experiment.

The reader will have remarked how carefully I have confined myself to the verification of facts, without hazarding any ex- planatory theory. If I have employed the word fluid, it has been to avoid circumlocution. Scientific rigor would have required of me, always to write: " The fluid, the force, or the physical agent, whatever it may be." I trust I shall be pardoned for having been a little less exact in my language. It was suffi- cient for me, that my idea could not be misunderstood. Whether it be a fluid, properly speaking, I cannot absolutely affirm. I affirm that there is an agent, that this agent is not supernatural, that it is physical, communicating to physical objects, motions determined by our will.

Our will, I say, and this is, in effect, the fundamental obser- vation which we have gathered on the subject of this agent;

THE FACTS.

this it is which characterizes it; this, also, which compromises it, in the minds of many. They would resign themselves, perhaps, to a new agent if it were the necessary and exclusive product of hands forming the chain ; if certain positions, or certain acts assured its manifestation. But the case ,does not stand thus, the moral and the physical must combine to give rise to it. Here are hands that exhaust themselves in forming the chain, and obtain no manifestation; the will does not interpose. Here is a will that commands in vain ; the hands are not in a suitable position.

Our readers are aware that we have demonstrated these two essential sides of the phenomenon. The fingers crossed in the most regular manner, have never sufficed of themselves. Is tho will absent ? Nothing stirs. Does the will issue a command to arrest the motion ? The rotation ceases on the instant. And, on the other side, communicate to the table a mechanical rota- tion, persevere as long as you choose; your fatigue, and your entreaties will be a dead loss; from the moment the muscular impulsion ceases, the obedience of the table will also cease.

Another fact has been noted by us, and should enter into tho description of the physical agent in question. It resides in the persons, not in the table. Let the operators, when they are in good health and spirits, transport themselves round a new table. They will exercise over it immediately, all their authority; their will will continue to dispose of the physical agent, and will make use of it to rap out numbers indicated by the thought, or to effect the motions without contact.

Such are the facts. The explanation will follow.

It is very natural that we should now seek it, and that we should represent the hypothesis, if not as true, at least, as pos- sible. I have ventured to do so, and I do not regret it. Ought we not to prove to our adversaries that they have not even the pretext of a scientific impossibility ? Hypotheses are justifiable and of use, athough they may be inaccurate. It is sufficient that they are, in themselves, admissible, for the facts to which they apply are thus shielded against the accusatioi

EXPLANATORY HYPOTHESIS. 95

monstrosity. No one has any longer a right to demand the previous question.

Seeing that it has been demanded of me from every quarter, I deem myself called upon to say this much :

You pretend that our assertions are false, for the simple reason that they cannot le true ! well, then, permit me, at all events, to propose to you some suppositions. And first, sup- pose that you do not know everything, that moral nature and material nature, each and both have obscurities for you. Sup- pose the smallest herb growing in the field, the smallest grain of seed, reproducing its plant, the smallest twig bending in the direction you give it, that even these inclose mysteries which exceed the wisdom of the academies, who nevertheless would declare them absurd, if not compelled to recognize them as real. Secondly, suppose there are men, who at will, and when their hands communicate with each other in a certain manner, give birth to a fluid or a particular force. I do not ask you to admit that it is so ; you will only grant me that it is possible. There is no natural law in opposition to it, that I am aware of.

Now, let us take one more step. The will disposes of this fluid. It gives this impulsion* to exterior objects, only when

* If I have here supposed a fluid impulsion, it is without prejudice to that of attrac- tion. So long as the circular position of the experimenters shall appear to be one of the essential conditions of conoplete success, so long as the rotations and the elevations without contact sire with difficulty accomplished while the hands are in a state of rest, it will be natural to admit that the table is attracted by the hands, and that the table also acts in that direction. The only experiment which might entirely have done away with the idea of attraction, is an experiment which seems not to have succeeded. It was required that the experimenters, placed on a movable floor sustaining the table, should in obtaining its motion, determine their own. Attraction could evidently have nothing to do with such a result. Place, in fact, ten persons, armed with ten magnets, around an iron table, which cannot move without dragging with it the movable floor on which they stand, nothing stirs; but let the persons run round the table, it will fol- low their magnets.

I have said that the experiment seems not to have succeeded, because I am acquainted with a person endowed with a very considerable amount, of magnetic power, who assures me that he has obtained several rotations of a table placed on a pivot, and which of itself carried, astride of cross-pieces, the experimenters charged with making it move. The result, however, is not conclusive, because scientific precau- tions were not taken to render the table perfectly level. Now, it may be conceived

96

THE FACTS.

we will it, and in the parties to whom we will it. Would the impossible be here ? Is it an unheard of thing that we should transmit motion to matter exterior to ourselves ? But we do it every day, every instant, and our mechanical action is nothing else. The horrible part, doubtless, consists in the fact that we do not act mechanically ! But mechanical action is not the only force in this world. There are physical sources of motion which are not mechanical. The caloric which pene- trates bodies, produces in them an expansion, that is to say, an universal movement ; the magnet, placed near a piece of iron, attracts and causes the iron to overcome the distance.

" Yet," exclaims one, " we should have nothing to object to all this, if your pretended fluid did not obey a direction in its course. If it emanated from the person, a blind force, it would be well enough. Therein, it would be similar to caloric, which expands everything it encounters in its path : it would be simi- lar to the magnet, which attracts indiscriminately, and towards a single point all the particles of iron in its vicinity. But you, you invent a theory of a rotatory fluid, and this theory applies equally well to the explanation of the narcotic properties of opium." A greater mistake could never have been made. No one dreams of a rotatory fluid. We are content with main- taining that the fluid being emitted, and having communicated a lateral impulsion or attraction to a piece of furniture resting on feet, a very simple law of mechanics transforms the lateral action into rotation, because of the successive resistance offered by the different feet, as they adhere to the inequalities in the surface of the floor. When the motion communicated is opposed by a resistance of this sort, it cannot but produce a rotation ; and this is so true, that if I press my finger against the table,

that the least difference in the level might lead to the beginning of a rotation, which the impulsion of a heavy weight would serve to prolong.

It is then rigorously true, that nothing yet demonstrates the impulsive action of the fluid or force in question. Its attractive action seems better to correspond with the general character of the facts known. Moreover, nothing would prevent this force from communicating by turns, according to the mandates of the will, impulsions and attractions. As yet, we know scarcely anything. Let us be in no haste to define it.

EXPLANATORY HYPOTHESIS. 97

and continue to press in following it, I shall make the table turn as well as the fluid. If ten persons placed around it, should press their ringers in the same direction, the table would also turn.

This, on a small scale, is what is continually taking place in the celestial mechanics. The foot, retarded by the asperities of the ground, represents the centripetal force ; the attraction or impulsion exercised by the fingers or by the fluid, represents the centrifugal force ; the combination of the two forces pro- duces a rotatory motion and change of place.

With the tables also, there is rotation and change of place ; they are far from turning exactly on themselves, and the curves they describe vary according to the adhesion, more or less pro- longed, of the various feet which serve in turn as a pivot of circu- lar motion. Let no one attribute to me the ridicu^us intention of exaggerating a comparison, which, in some ra^Sects, lacks exactness. I have wished simply to indicate, that in the motion of the tables, as well as in that of worlds, there is no other force than that of attraction or impulsion, counteracted by obstacles. The rotatory fluid figures no more in our evolutions than in those of the celestial spheres.

I do not say, " the tables turn because my fluid is rotatory ;" I say " the tables turn because, receiving an impulsion or. sub- mitting to an attraction, they cannot but turn." It is a little less naif. Consequently, nothing could induce me to ' take in hand the cause of that poor knight of the Malade imaginaire, and defend his famous response : " Opium facit dormire, quiaest in eo virtus dormitiva." Nevertheless, I cannot but acknowledge that I find the response excellent. I doubt if the scien- tific men have found a better one since ; it is my advice to them to sometimes resign themselves to the necessity of reason- ing thus : Opium produces sleep, because it produces sleep ; things are, because they are. In other words, I see the facts, but I do not know their causes. " I am ignorant, I am ignor- ant 1" Terrible words, and with how much difficulty are they pronounced ! Now, I strongly suspect that the malice of

5

98 THE FACTS.

Moliere is pointed at the doctors, who claiming to apprehend everything, imagine explanations that explain nothing ; who do not know how to accept the facts within their reach, while waiting for something better.

We are not yet at the end. The hypothesis of the fluid (a pure hypothesis, do not forget) has yet to prove that it is reconcilable with the various circumstances of the' phenomenon. The table does not merely turn, it raises its feet, it strikes num- bers indicated by our thought, in one word, it obeys the will, and obeys so well, that the suppression of contact does not suppress its obedience. Lateral impulsion or attraction, which accounts for the rotations, cannot account for the elevations !

Why not ? Because the will directs the fluid, now upon this foot, now upon that. Because the table identifies itself in some sort with us, becomes one of our members, and executes the motions conceived in our minds, in the same way that our arm does. Because we have no consciousness of the direction communicated to the fluid, and govern the table even without representing to ourselves that a fluid or any force whatever is in play.

I grant you that we are not conscious of the direction given by us. It is the same in all our acts, in all without exception. When you shall have explained to me how I raise my hand, I will explain to you how I make the foot of the table rise. " I willed to raise my hand !" Yes, and I also willed to raise this foot of the table. As regards the execution, as regards the putting in play of the necessary muscles for the first act, as regards the putting in play the necessary fluid in the second, I have no consciousness of what is passing within me in that relation. Strange mystery, in which it is our duty to engage with a little more modesty ! There is within me, an executive power, a power which, when I have willed this or that motion, addresses the orders in detail to the different muscles, and causes a hundred complicated motions to be executed, in order to bring about a final result — a single thought and a single will ; this takes place within me ; I know nothing, I never shall know

EXPLANATORY HYPOTHESIS. 99

anything about it ! Do you not admit that the same executive power can give to the fluid the direction which it gives to the muscles ? I will to execute a sonata, and something within me, commands, independent of my consciousness, hundreds of thou- sands of muscular actions. I will that the foot of this table shall rise, and something within me commands, without my know- ledge, the attractions or impulsions of the fluid towards the spot designated.

The hypothesis of the fluid is then tenable ; it accords with the nature of things and with the nature of man. I make no pretence of going further, and bringing forward at present a positive explanation. But I am not concerned. Let the facts be admitted, and the explanations will not be wanting. /That which appears impossible now, will then appear very simple. In unquestionable facts, we no longer find difficulties. We are so constituted, that, passing from one extreme to another, after having proclaimed impossible all that we did not understand, we declare comprehensible all that we have recognized as real. Most people shrug their shoulders when we speak to them of Turning Tables, but they find it very simple to believe in the infallibility of the electric telegraph, and in the fact that physi- cal and moral resemblances are transmitted from them to their children ! The tables could not escape the common fate. Absurd to-day and evident to-morrow, they will have their theory, a theory, scientific and official, before which I respect- fully bow in advance.

100

THE OBJECTIONS.

CHAPTER III.

THE OBJECTIONS.

MY positive work is terminated, my negative work commences. A mere demonstration of facts would amount to but little, were we not afterwards to place ourselves at the point of view of those who reject them, and take up one by one their difficulties and their aversions, patiently endeavoring to overcome them. Moreover, time thus occupied is not lost ; the study of facts itself gains by it, for we are led to consider them under new aspects. And then, we all have our positive expressions, our favorite phrases, by means of which we condemn, without appeal, everything that displeases us, pretexts, under cloak of which we dispense with examination ; now, should we not endeavor to esti- mate all these at their true value ? Is it not our duty to burst these inflated balloons, and show that these grand words conceal only emptiness ?

The work is not so foolish as it may seem. In such matters, a review of objections is almost a review of manners which introduces the observer into different phases of society, and brings him in contact with the various currents of opinion there prevailing. He meets, by turns, the objection of the scientific men, and that of the unlearned ; the serious objection and the frivolous objection ; the laical objection and the clerical objection. In short, he finds before him (and this is not his least embarrassment), the objection which is not an objection, the objection which is only an exclamation — a shrug of the shoulder, the objection which he cannot vanquish, for it does

THERE AKE SO MANY FABLES ATTESTED. 101

not reason, it will not understand, it will not know ; the objec- tion at everybody's service, the eternal objection about which wise men make up their minds, reserving to themselves the pri- vilege of a laugh.

What guarantee do you offer us ? Your word I Your good faith ! But the most honest people in the world are subject to error, and a man may deceive himself without ceasing to be honest. The champions of the tables have mistaken their course, in imagining they will prove anything by putting forward their sincerity, by proposing to their adversaries the old dilemma : " either call us liars, or acknowledge that we are right." They will be met by the answer, that they do not lie, but are deceived. Innumerable examples will be cited to them, of very stupid, and yet very loyally attested fables.

In fact, these fables are very abundant, and the objection might have a real value, were we to permit it to state itself in the vague and axiomatic terms in which it delights. It remains to be seen, if there be any relation whatever between the testi- mony I have presented, and that to which allusion is made ; if my assertions repose definitively on testimony, if I say to any one, " Yield the point or accuse me of falsehood."

And, first, what is the absurd testimony with which our opponents would arm themselves against us ? Let us pass it in review, and compare its different points.

The Fathers of the Church accept and transmit the most apocryphal anecdotes of the Saviour and his Apostles ! But we all know how rapidly history becomes distorted, even in our enlightened days, and we can therefore easily imagine in what manner legends were formed at an epoch when communication of one part of the world with another was difficult, and tradition essentially oral.

Again. A professional man of science — a Pliny, for example — introduces into his Natural History, whales four acres in extent, fish with heads of bulls, which daily leave the sea to pasture in

102

THE OBJECTIONS.

the fields ! But neither Pliny nor any other ancient men of science have positively established what they affirm. Their evidence is from the second, third, fourth, or hundredth hand.

In modern times, it still happens that memoranda and journals relate strange things which are often accepted by the gravest historians. But where are the serious investigations to which these various assertions should have been submitted ? Does it not generally happen that, whenever we attempt to inquire into their truth, and get hold of the eye-witnesses, the pretended prodigies vanish like smoke ? Even in my own experience, since I have given my attention to the tables, have I not heard the most astonishing wonders confidently related as truths? They were incontestable facts ; they were obtained from an ocular witness, or from a friend of the ocular witness I Did I wish to have a clear conscience, and arrive at the primi- tive authors of the tradition, I could find no one disposed to vouch for it.

The annals of the people are full of cures effected by the touch of sovereigns. Pyrrhus and Vespasian of antiquity, the emperors of Austria, the kings of England and France have not ceased to cure after that fashion, or rather, I mistake, they have ceased now that we look at them a little more closely.

The same remarks apply to the sorcery which is daily prac- tised in the country villages, at our very door, under our very eyes. Nothing is better attested. Grass woven into a crown causes beasts to perish ! The evil eye decimates families ! Bees emigrate when a member of the household is about to die ! Misfortune to those who overturn the salt ! In short, is there any end to these superstitions ? Are they not all based on ob- vious, concordant, and innumerable proofs ? Nevertheless, if we have the patience to examine and arrive at the truth, if we look at the register, if we notice the woven grass, the swarms flown away, the salt-boxes overturned, we succeed in demon- strating that no relation whatever, exists between the prognos- tications and the events.

Those who attest that the relation is unquestionable are not

THERE ABE SO MANY FABLES ATTESTED. 103

impostors for all that. They yield to that immense enthu- siasm which attracts us towards the strange in matters which give scope to the imagination. How explain otherwise the con- duct of the sorcerers and sorceresses of the Middle Ages ? Cer- tainly they believed in their own witchcraft, they who avowed it before the judges, and rendered testimony against themselves which led them directly to the stake. One might count by thousands those who related their visits to the nocturnal revels of the fiends, their journeys through the air, their transforma- tion into loups-garous* and the murders they in that condition committed upon very young children, who furnished them with the most delicious repasts. But here opens a vast category of singular things, the explanation of which is furnished by the imagination whenever the ideas that act most on human credu- lity are in question, whenever these ideas impregnate the at- mosphere, ever increasing as they circulate ; when superstitious contagion exists, ignorance prevails, the holy Scriptures are unknown, a particular state of opinion is formed in which the faintest appearance transforms itself into reality, and what yesterday, we thought we saw, to-day we are positive to have seen ; to-morrow, we persuade ourselves and others, that we have seen it twice ! f At such periods, miracles, sorceries abound ; and their fear of the light is sufficiently well proved by the fact that as soon as we begin to know, to read, and to reflect, sorcery and miracles become more rare ; they are no longer talked of except by stealth in the country, they are no longer publicly circulated except among nations upon whom the light of modern civilization has not yet shone.

Imagination, absence of inquiry, or ignorant and prejudiced

* A name formerly given by country people to a very dangerous evil spirit, or to a sorcerer disguised as a wolf, and who was said to wander about at night. This super- stition still subsisted in France at the close of the sixteenth century, and it has even yet not entirely disappeared from the neighborhood of Saintainge, Limousin, and Auvergne. — Trans.

t In the second part of this book I shall fully investigate the grave questions upon which I can at present only touch. I shall inquire into the precise value of testimony in regard to the supernatural ; I snail examine the most curious and very frequent phenomenon of individual or collective hallucination.

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THE OBJECTIONS.

inquiry : this is the key to many astounding facts. There are still others, which we may succeed in comprehending when we remember the extensive and ill-defined role, we have hitherto assigned to the nerves. Yes, there is yet one whole side of physiology, of which science is almost ignocant, of which she has even hardly indicated the boundaries. What is it that in certain cases, under the influence of certain moral epidemics, produces nervous excitement ? No one can exactly tell. Prodigies of strength, of dexterity, of physical insensibility utterly confound- ing, a sudden development of certain faculties, a sort of trans- formation of the moral, intellectual, and physical being, these are sometimes the consequences of an extraordinary nervous con- dition. In fact numerous phenomena, which the world charges to the account of magic or of spirits, are of themselves, about to take their place in a more natural category, a category sup- pressed or very nearly so by the unlearned, because the scientific men are generally afraid of it.

And now, what conclusion shall we draw from all this ? That men are often deceived, that they are the dupes of their imagination or of their nerves ; that they are also the dupes of assertions carelessly made and incompletely verified ; that there has been, there is, there will be throughout the world a frightful mass of rigmarole ; that certain solemn attestations prove nothing ; that one may be sincere and yet yield to a propensity bordering on the fantastic ; that one may be worthy of esteem and not worthy of faith ! I promptly subscribe to this. Then bearing in mind that the question now before us is that of the Turning Tables, I ask what there is in common between our experiments, and that unsightly mass of tradition badly digested, of wonders badly observed, of witchcraft and of superstitious or nervous contagions.

I have here presented a series of facts reproduced five months in succession, in presence of numerous voluntary wit- nesses. Far from becoming weakened in proportion as they have been submitted to a close examination, they have con- tinued to develop themselves under new aspects. The imagina-

THERE ARE SO MANY FABLES ATTESTED. 105

a stranger there, for it loves a very different pasture, and the monotonous succession of rotations or elevations offers no very tempting bait to its appetite. The nerves are strangers there, for our authority over the tables disappears the moment nervous tension shows itself, and is only compati- ble with a state of calmness, confidence, and gaiety. Besides, neither imagination nor nerves are called for ; they cannot explain the execution of numbers indicated by the thought, the elevation of a mass which defies the muscular action of the fin- gers employed, the motions communicated at a distance. In short, the results here obtained will be obtained everywhere ; they will not be regarded as isolated events, related by those who have seen them, but as a regular, permanent phenomenon, which all the world may likewise reproduce.

And yet, in opposition to us are brought up the nonsense of the Fathers, the ignorance of the ancient naturalists, the well- meaning lies, the conscientious illusions of the times and of the people who had neither the knowledge nor the wish to investi- gate the marvellous ! We are told of the very grave and very insufficient attestations with which history is filled ! we are re- minded of the role reserved to the nerves and to the imagination !

One single thing astonishes me, that our opponents should pause midway, and omit to compare our repeated, verified, harmonious and public experiments, everywhere easy to repro- duce, with certain anecdotes related by travellers. In them lies another mine of capital stories that might be used with advantage. The most honest and scrupulous traveller has neither time nor opportunity to verify the truth of all that is shown to him. He examines as well as he can, makes notes in his memorandum book ; then he publishes, and the reader looks upon his account as entirely reasonable.

A traveller has seen something far better than turning tables ; he has seen flying tables. A Buddhist lama places his hand upon a table (very light it is true) which weighs less than half a pound. At the end of half-an-hour, the table follows the hand, rises with it, traverses a considerable space in the air, and falls

5*

106

TIIK OBJECTIONS.

in the direction we would naturally seek the stolen object in regard to which the operation is performed. What conclusion shall we draw from this ? that perhaps the lamas have recourse to the phenomenon which is produced with us in the motions without contact ; but perhaps also, that the facts have been badly observed, having been witnessed only a single time ; that fraud, little complicated it may be, assures the transportation of the small table.

Have we not heard of revolving dervishes, who end their performances by 'revolving in the air without touching the feet to the ground ? Does not legendary lore abound with saints who sustain themselves in the air, several feet above the earth, and is it not all proved by certificates made out according to rule?

Travellers and witnesses certify to many other wonderful things. The moment we leave the ground of regular experiment and authenticated accounts, that moment do we become a prey to those brave people who believe they have verified that which they have only partially seen, who take rumor for facts, and their own eager fancies for realities. What has not been seen by the ancient pilgrims who visited the Holy Land ? They have discovered impossible animals, which will never be known to zoological science, marvellous plants and fruits, which will never figure in any herbarium, daily and incontestable miracles enough to fill fifty lives of saints; nothing is there lacking. The blunders of credulity and involuntary complacency are unspeakable, and the batons flottants* are always to be met with in this world of ours. Approach them and the extraordinary disappears.

I remember the day on which I contemplated, at Jerusalem, the abominable jugglery, the odious profanation which is named the ceremony of the sacred fire. The pilgrims were there by thousands, in the greatest state of excitement, waiting for the miracle, uttering howls and throwing themselves into the holy

* Allusion to one of La Fontaine's Fables, in which what seemed at first to be a large bhip, turned out to be nothing but oars floating on the water. — Trans.

THERE ARE SO MANY FABLES ATTESTED.

107

flame the moment it gushed forth from the tomb. The strata- gem certainly was as gross as possible : A little opening through which a small lighted wick suddenly projected ! And yet, noth- ing more was necessary; the spectators were all convinced, satisfied, transported even. And what, I asked myself, will be .the sincere account given by these men, on their return to the distant countries from which they came to the Holy Sep- ulchre ? They all will affirm, affirm without hesitation, and without lying, that they have seen — it is called seeing — seen and touched with their hands the great miracle. They will repre- sent the tomb-stone as splitting apart to give issue to the flame.

What they affirm to-day, pilgrims more learned affirmed in the Middle Ages. They wrote it down. Historians gathered all the concordant testimony on the same point, and thus was established a universal belief as immovable as a rock.