The table then raised itself some three or four
inches from the ground and moved round the stage; at the conclusion of
which feat Mr. Curtis informed the audience that "table-turning"--when
not accomplished through the trickery of one of the sitters--was
frequently performed by the work of some earth-bound spirit--usually
an Elemental--that could amalgamate with any piece of furniture, in
precisely the same way as his own projection had amalgamated with the
table in front of them. "Elementals," Mr. Curtis continued, "are
responsible for many of the foolish and purposeless tricks performed
at seances; and for the unintelligible and useless kind of answers the
table so often raps out. The best you can hope for, from an Elemental,
is amusement--it will never give you any reliable information; nor
will it ever do you any good."
With these words Mr. Curtis's share in the entertainment concluded. He
retired to the wings, whilst Mr. Kelson stepping forward--begged those
several gentlemen who, on Mr. Curtis's exit, had reseated themselves
among the audience, once again to step up on to the stage.
"Be good enough," he said addressing them in his most polite manner,
"to observe me very closely. I am about to give you a few further
examples of what intense mental concentration can do, thus proving to
you to what an unlimited extent mind can gain dominion over matter.
You all know that will-power can overcome any of the internal physical
forces; for instance, when you have tooth or ear ache--you have only
to say to yourselves: 'I shan't suffer'--and the suffering ceases.
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