Guernsey.
_Table-turning and Table-talking in Ancient Times_ (Vol. ix., p. 39.).--I
have received from a correspondent in Berlin the subjoined translation of
an article which was published in the _Neue Preussische Zeitung_ of January
10:
"We have been informed that Professor Ranke has found out a passage in
Ammianus Marcellinus by which it is unquestionably proved that
table-turning was known in the east of the Roman Empire.
"The table-turners of those days were summoned as sorcerers before the
Council, and the passage referred to appears to have been transcribed
from the Protocol. The whole ceremony (_modus movendi hic fuit_) is
very precisely described, and is similar to what we have so often
witnessed within the last month; only that the table-turners, instead
of sitting round the table, danced round it. The table-oracle likewise
answered in verse, and showed a decided preference for hexameters.
Being asked 'Who should be the next emperor?' the table answered
'Theod.' In consequence of this reply, the government caused a certain
Theodorus to be put to death. Theodosius, however, became emperor.
"The table oracle, in common with other oracles, had a dangerous
equivocal tendency."
{89}
I learn from my correspondent, that the passage in Ammianus Marcellinus,
though brought into notice by Professor Ranke, was discovered by Professor
August at this place (Cheltenham). I am unable to verify the following
reference: see Ammianus Marcellinus, _Rerum Gestarum_, lib. xxix. (p. 177.,
Bipont. edit.), and _Ib._ lib. xxxi. (p. 285.)