1

PLATE III.

(0) On the opposite page is a representation of an experiment, in which the me dium was prevented from having any other communication with the apparatus, actuated under his mediumship, excepting through water. Yet under these circumstances the spring balance indicatad the exertion of a force equal to 18 pounds.

(p) A board is supported on a rod so as to make it serve as a fulcrum, as in a see-saw, excepting that the fulcrum is at the distance of only a foot from one end, while it is three feet from the other. This end is supported by a spring-balance which indicates pounds and ounces by a rotary index.

(9) Upon the board, at about six inches from the fulcrum, there is a hole into which the knob of an inverted glass vase, nine inches in diameter, is inserted.

(r) Upon two iron rods proceeding vertically from a board resting on the floor, so as to have one on each side of the vase, a cage of wire, such as is used to defend food from flies, of about five inches diameter, is upheld [inverted] by the rod within the vase concentrically, so as to leave between it and the sides of the vase an interstice of an inch nearly, and an interval of an inch and a half between it and the bottom of the vase.

(s) The vase being filled with water until within an inch of the brim, the medium's hands were introduced into the cage and thus secured from touching the vase. (t) These arrangements being made, the spirits were invoked to show their power, when repeatedly the spring-balance indicated an augmentation of weight equal to three pounds. The relative distances of the vase and balance from the fulcrum being as 6 to 36, the force exerted must have been 3 x 6 18 pounds; yet the medium did not appear to be subjected to any reaction, and declared that he experienced none.

(u) It was on stating this result to the Association for the Advancement of Science, that I met with much the same reception as the King of Ava gave to the Dutch ambassador, who alleged water to be at times solidified in his country, by cold, so as to be walked upon.

(v) The belief in spiritual agency was treated as a mental disease, with which I, of course, had been infected; those who made this charge being perfectly unconscious that their education has associated morbid incredulity with bigoted and fanatical credence.