(_o_) On the opposite page is a representation of an experiment, in
which the medium was prevented from having any other communication with
the apparatus, actuated under his mediumship, excepting through water.
Yet under these circumstances the spring balance indicated 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.
(_q_) 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 × 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.
[Illustration: PLATE IV.]