Experimental investigation of the spirit manifestations, [electronic ...

40 INTUITIVE EVIDENCE OP149. But assigning the result to legerdemain was altogether opposedto my knowledge of his character. This gentleman, and the circle towhich he belonged, Rpent about three hours, twice or thrice a week, ingetting communications through the alphabet, by the process to which thelines above mentioned were due. This would not have taken place, hadtlici/ not had implicit confidence, that the information thus obtained proceededfrom spirits.150. Subsequently, I contrived an apparatus which, if spirits wereactually concerned in the phenomena, would enable them to manifest theirphysical and intellectual power independently of control by any medium.(See Engraving and description, Plate 1.)151. Upon a pasteboard disk, more than a foot in diameter, the letterscut out from an alphabet card were nailed around the circumference, asmuch as possible deranged from the usual alphabetic order. About thecentre a small pulley was secured of two and a half inches diameter, fittingon an axletree, which passed through the legs of the table, about six inchesfrom the top. Two weights were provided—one of about eight pounds, theother about two pounds. These were attached one to each end of a cordwound about the pulley, and placed upon the floor immediately under it.Upon the table a screen of sheet zinc was fastened, behind which the mediumwas to be seated, so that she could not see the letters on the disk. Astationary vertical wire, attached to the axle, served for an index152. On tilting the table, the cord would be unwound from the pulleyon the side of the larger weight, being wound up simultaneously to anequivalent extent on the side of the small weight, causing the pulley anddisk to rotate about the axle. Eestoring the table to its normal position,the smaller weight being allowed to act unresisted upon the cord and pulley,the rotation would be reversed. Of course, any person actuating thetable and seeing the letters, could cause the disk so to rotate as to bringany letter under the index ; but should the letters he concealed from theoperator, no letter required could be brought under the index at will.153. Hence it was so contrived that neither the medium seated at thetable behind the screen, nor any other person so seated, could, by tiltingthe table, bring any letter of the alphabet under the index, nor spell outany word requested.154. These arrangements being made, an accomplished lady, capableof serving in the required capacity, was sokind as to assist me by takingher seat behind the screen, while I took my seat in front ofthe disk.155. I then said, '' If there be any spirit present, please to indicate theaffirmative by causing the letter Y to come under the index."this letter was brought under the index.Forthwith156. '' Will the spirit do us the favour to give the initials of his name ?"The letters R H were successively brought under the index.''My honouredfather?" said I.The letter Y was again brought under the index.