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In this belief we have not only encouraged the fullest range of discussion, but we have even striven to find advocates, or, if not such, then critics, of views which are not universally received and believed amongst us. We have not always succeeded; but we may at any rate boast that we have covered a wide area during our past session.

In this belief we have not only encouraged the fullest range of discussion, but we have even striven to find advocates, or, if not such, then critics, of views which are not universally received and believed amongst us. We have not always succeeded; but we may at any rate boast that we have covered a wide area during our past session.

FORM MANIFESTATIONS

<center>FORM MANIFESTATIONS</center>

have engaged a considerable share of our attention, as indeed is most deserving. Nothing more astounding has been recorded within the whole range of phenomena, no one of which lacks its element of the marvellous, than those phenomena which were recorded by Mr. Colley, after a long course of personal investigation, at our meeting on November 12, 1877. The new departure here was the production of the forms under the eye of the observer without the perplexing conditions usually insisted on—a cabinet and total darkness, or the still more deceptive glimmer of light which so frequently makes observation impossible. Mr. Colley’s experience I was able to confirm in a far inferior degree in a subsequent paper read November 30th, 1877. In a very much inferior degree, because I had not had his facilities for repeated observation, though I had seen what I recorded under circumstances which were to me satisfactory.

have engaged a considerable share of our attention, as indeed is most deserving. Nothing more astounding has been recorded within the whole range of phenomena, no one of which lacks its element of the marvellous, than those phenomena which were recorded by Mr. Colley, after a long course of personal investigation, at our meeting on November 12, 1877. The new departure here was the production of the forms under the eye of the observer without the perplexing conditions usually insisted on—a cabinet and total darkness, or the still more deceptive glimmer of light which so frequently makes observation impossible. Mr. Colley’s experience I was able to confirm in a far inferior degree in a subsequent paper read November 30th, 1877. In a very much inferior degree, because I had not had his facilities for repeated observation, though I had seen what I recorded under circumstances which were to me satisfactory.

No doubt remains possible as to the fact; but as to the explanation of that fact, as to the methods by which these astonishing results are produced, there is a very large scope for speculation: so vast, indeed, that the imagination is paralysed, and those who think deepest feel that they have least to say. It is easy to promulgate theories, to weave ingenious explanations which do duty until some fact unluckily explodes them. But, when all this has been done, the explanation still remains to seek.

No doubt remains possible as to the fact; but as to the explanation of that fact, as to the methods by which these astonishing results are produced, there is a very large scope for speculation: so vast, indeed, that the imagination is paralysed, and those who think deepest feel that they have least to say. It is easy to promulgate theories, to weave ingenious explanations which do duty until some fact unluckily explodes them. But, when all this has been done, the explanation still remains to seek.

WEIGHING THE MEDIUM.

<center>WEIGHING THE MEDIUM.</center>

It has been reserved for the committee under whose auspices these meetings are held, to take the first practical step towards the scientific solution of the problem,

It has been reserved for the committee under whose auspices these meetings are held, to take the first practical step towards the scientific solution of the problem,

So much for the light thrown on these form manifestations, It remains for us in our next session to push on the exploration still further into the border-land of the unknown, and to endeavour to solve the pressing problem of presenting these phenomena under circumstances which render observation easy and scientifically accurate. At present there is much difficulty in securing opportunity for observation; and, when it is secured, in getting fair means for careful investigation. I hope that some of our friends who devote themselves to this work, with facilities which all do not possess, will investigate with a view to recording their facts precisely in the form of a paper for our next session.  

So much for the light thrown on these form manifestations, It remains for us in our next session to push on the exploration still further into the border-land of the unknown, and to endeavour to solve the pressing problem of presenting these phenomena under circumstances which render observation easy and scientifically accurate. At present there is much difficulty in securing opportunity for observation; and, when it is secured, in getting fair means for careful investigation. I hope that some of our friends who devote themselves to this work, with facilities which all do not possess, will investigate with a view to recording their facts precisely in the form of a paper for our next session.  

STIGMATISATION.

<center>STIGMATISATION.</center>

On the 11th of February of this year Dr. Carter Blake gave us an elaborate description of the phenomena which are observed in the case of Louise Lateau, and a very careful summary of the investigations made by four scientific experts. It seems pretty clear that Louise is one of those abnormal creatures whom doctors call hysterical, and that, whether a self-deceiver or an impostor, her claim to having supported a three years and a-half fast is quite unworthy of {{Style S-HPB SB. Continues on |7-166}}

On the 11th of February of this year Dr. Carter Blake gave us an elaborate description of the phenomena which are observed in the case of Louise Lateau, and a very careful summary of the investigations made by four scientific experts. It seems pretty clear that Louise is one of those abnormal creatures whom doctors call hysterical, and that, whether a self-deceiver or an impostor, her claim to having supported a three years and a-half fast is quite unworthy of {{Style S-HPB SB. Continues on |7-166}}