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vol. title: vol. period: 1879-1880 pages in vol.: 577 |
<Untitled> (Sir, -Those persons who, like myself...)
Sir,—Those persons who, like myself, have consistently opposed the “ghost theory” of the true manifestations which have been so often produced in our midst, may derive much cause for thankfulness from the results of the experiments which Dr. Purdon has given to us.
I take it that we may condense his paper into one mathematical formula.
One human body minus 100 per cent. urea = normal action, and
One human body minus 70 per cent. urea = “dreamself.”
Or in other words, when 30 per cent. urea is kept in, the “materialised spirit” does not go out. The importance of this view, as considered side by side with the experiments of Dr. Haughton, must be tested by accurate physiological experiment on recognised psychics; and it must not be forgotten that if it should be proven to be true, the “charnel-house odour” so familiar to the witnesses to some materialisations is at once accounted for on grounds which do not require the introduction of the supernatural element, and are reconcilable with a theory of the good faith and honesty of the psychics. Further, it is of use to know that a clean glass test-tube and a few inches of test-paper are more than sufficient to lay a few ghosts, and that a strong tincture of Leontodon taraxacum will eliminate them altogether.
But my especial object is to ask Dr. Purdon to kindly give us his facts and figures in detail, in order that they may be carefully examined. The care and patience with which on all occasions he has examined the phenomena of materialisation, will induce him, no doubt, to supply detailed information on a subject which is well worthy the attention of Physiologists and Spiritualists.
Religious Hostility to Spiritualism
Some time ago I called attention in your paper to the very interesting meetings then being held at the studio of Mr. Edward Clifford, in Wigmore Street, to consider the relative efficacy of certain agencies—“Art, Philanthropy, Spiritualism, Conversion, Roman Catholicism, Temperance,” in regard to their “power over evil.” I was able to avail myself only once of Mr. Clifford’s kind invitation to these meetings; but I gather from a report of them which he has just sent me that of the six subjects mentioned, five were unrepresented by any important testimonies. Nor is this surprising, seeing that the restriction of speakers to facts excluded discussion of those elevating influences which may purify a whole lifetime and protect it from evil, but are not rich in the incidents and crises which illustrate religious experience. The attempt to secure a representation of Spiritualism had the result which appears in the following passages of the printed report. Mr. Clifford’s comments, embodying the sentiment of the so-called religious world upon this subject, afford an opportunity for explanations which may perhaps lead to a better understanding of the relation of Spiritualism to religion.
Mr. Clifford took considerable pains to invite leading Spiritualists to relate any experience as to the power of Spiritualism in overcoming evil; but the reply was the same from all of them—that Spiritualism had as yet no moral results. We give the following extracts from letters from well-known gentlemen who are leading Spiritualists, and whose opinions are much looked up to by Spiritualists:—
“I have never regarded the sort of Spiritualism which can alone be presented to the public, or of which any one can have personal experience as directly conducive to moral results. I look upon the recognition of the facts of Spiritualism (often I think misconstrued by Spiritualists themselves), as of supreme importance to science and in relation to transcendental speculation, and so no doubt to the moral interests which depend on these. But I should find it difficult to explain wherein a belief in Spiritualism may have, and doubtless often has, a direct ‘power over evil’ without going into consideration which would be called ‘the secretic,’ and so excluded from your programme.”
“Such facts as you refer to are not easily to be got at, as Spiritualism is in its modern phase so recent a movement, and has at present no general organization. I am quite satisfied, however, that the principles and teachings of Spiritualism are such as must produce the best effects on human nature when better known and more appreciated, while I am inclined to believe that whatever good effects are produced by ‘conversion,’ are really due to spiritual influence.”
“I shall be very much surprised if you get any evidence of consequence of the moral effects of Spiritualism. As far as my experience goes it shows conclusively the existence of disembodied spirits, and nothing more. They seem to be without the range of moral feeling, although they can muster a few common-places.”
In commenting on these and other letters, Mr. Clifford expressed his belief that Spiritualism was neither more nor less than the sin of sorcery, and was as distinctly forbidden in the Bible as the sin of theft. It can lead unbelievers as far as the belief in an after-existence, <... continues on page 10-352 >
Editor's notes
Sources
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London Spiritualist, No. 404, May 21, 1880, p. 243
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London Spiritualist, No. 404, May 21, 1880, pp. 247-49