Showing 7 results

Asks him to go to London on the following Friday at 2.30, and also on Tuesday 11 [July] at the same time. Explains that these are the days fixed for the [prolusions] with 'C.E.W[ood?]' States that if these succeed, they 'shall sit till further notice at the same time on 12th 13th etc'. Announces that his 'Frau visitabit L. F. demain.'

Fragment of letter. Asks his opinion on writing to N[ ] 'offering to give up one week of [Sidgwick, Myers' and others'] twelve if they will give Miss Wood a week's complete holiday'. Declares that it is 'all right about the Yorkes.' Reports that he has asked George Darwin, who 'is not "sympathetic", but really useful for tests', and 'is now exercising his mind on tips for fastening'.

Lists those present as Myers, Gurney, Mr Mould, 'and 4 other members of the Newcastle Association'. Lists the mediums as Miss Fairlamb and Miss Wood. Describes how the mediums were tied, and reports that they lay down in the cabinet. Describes the appearance of a spirit named 'Pocky' 'and her utterances and actions, and also describes the rapping of three other spirits named 'B[ ]', 'Geordie' and 'Cissy'. Describes the dematerialisation of ' "Pocky" '; she sunk away 'into a slight white mark on the ground in about half a minute.' Reports that when the mediums had recovered those present at the séance entered the cabinet in which they were tied and examined seals and knots. States that '[a]ll is unbroken though the nails had been driven so thoroughly through the substance of the silk that a slight push severed the silk from nails and seals'. Names of Myers and Gurney appended to the report. Diagram of room in which séance took place also on page.

(Transcript by Henry SIdgwick. The)

Reports his arrival in Newcastle, and his meeting with Miss Fairlamb in Mr Blake's shop, and their subsequent meeting with Miss Wood - both mediums. States that he engaged them for séances. States that he likes them both 'from a severely scientific point of view', and finds that they know about Myers' letter, but 'were simply disinclined to go... to an unknown place at the instance of an unknown gentleman'. Suggests that he arranges for the two ladies to come for a fortnight, and asks whether he thinks it is worthwhile, adding 'not if [Myers] take[s] Mrs Fay to Terling [home of Lord Rayleigh]'. Refers to the problems relating to his unaccompanied visit to Newcastle; 'that a single individual does not afford a sufficient reservoir of [ ] [force] for materialisations...' Asks if Arthur gave Myers Sidgwick's message. Explains that he 'conjectured an alliance between Crookes and Greenwood', hoping that the latter would find funds for the spiritualistic endeavour and would have the social advantage, while the former would have the scientific advantage.

Thinks Myers' arrangements 'excellent', but suggests that they might 'take B[isho]p Auckland on the way', and then stay [in Newcastle] 'till the end of the month.' Asks if they could 'manage the arrangements with Miss S. to take effect in the first half of April, and get [their] young friends [Miss Fairlamb and Miss Wood, of Newcastle?] to London at the same time.' Is glad that his book [The Methods of Ethics] grows on Myers, and reports that there is a 'nice review' in the Examiner of the previous week.

Reports on a séance attended by him, presided over by the mediums Miss F[airlamb] and Miss Wood, and attended by himself and Miss Balfour [among others]. Refers to ghosts who 'appeared', including 'Pocky' and 'Minnie'. Refers to Miss F[airlamb] having declined to be searched. Adds that they all thought that 'the movements of the small figures just like those of [a] girl on her knees.' Claims that he is 'unconvinced of the girls['] fraud', but believes that the Hollonds are convinced of it, and that Miss Balfour is suspicious of them. Adds that 'A. J. B[alfour] was not there. Asks Myers' opinion on the matter.

Discusses the séance referred to in a previous letter [100/267], and refers to the weight in the hammock, and to Miss Wood having gone into the cabinet with a chair. Announces that he goes to Newcastle the following day. States that he and the Balfours [Arthur and Eleanor?] think that he [Sidgwick] ought to explain to Blake, Armstrong and the mediums that they must have the right of search 'à discretion, and break off if refused'. Wishes to know Myers' and Gurney's opinion on the matter. Announces that he goes on Thursday 5 August to stay with 'JEX [Blake?]' in Grasmere, and then on to Oldchurch, where he is to meet Myers. Refers to the cost of the media, which he declares was 'not dear.' Adds that the Hollands will come to Cambridge 'for about 4 days', and that St. George Mivart would like to come 'for a day or two'.