Suppose the reader is to locate the seat of an imaginary pain, the assistant or operator _pro tem._ will grasp[F] with his left hand the sensitive’s right wrist and hold it firmly. While the reader is endeavouring to locate the pain, the operator must give up his will, and think intently on the situation of the pain. The reader will then locate it. There is less secret in this than appears at first sight. The sensitive, or reader, is simply guided or led by the operator, and the reader’s hand either stops partially over or is pressed upon the seat of the pain. He then declares he has found the seat of the pain, and points it out accordingly. A somewhat similar method is adopted in finding the pin, or the _hole_ in which a pin _had been_. The racing and flying about of public thought-readers are only so much “theatrical side,” thrown in to give dramatic effect to their performances. In reading the numbers on bank-notes, or spelling out certain words, a board with the numerals and the alphabet (see front cover) is placed in sight of the audience. The reader takes the wrist of the operator, and, commencing at the left side of the board, proceeds from figure to figure till he detects the right one. The operator thinks only of _one_ figure or letter at a time. This is the whole secret of “musculation.” Even when the operators are sincere, and are careful to give no conscious indications to the reader, yet it is almost certain, if they keep their mind fixed on the desired figure or letter, object or place, they will unconsciously indicate to the reader the right number or letter. To find an article, number, or do a certain act, it is necessary for the reader to give prompt obedience to the indications given him. The concentration of attention necessary can only come with practice. No end of surprises and amusement will follow if the operator honestly concentrates his mind upon the things to be done, and a good muscle-reader is found to take up the indications. Apparently, the most difficult feats are sometimes accomplished. During the experiments, the reader will have curious sensations, such as heaviness of feeling, dread and uncertainty, and then _blankness_ of mind, followed by an impulse to do something. If the reader can keep his mind passive enough, he may receive impressions, as in thought-transference; anyway, it is advisable to wait for the impulse to move and to do. The highest percentages of success always follow. General directions for the cultivation of experimental thought-transference and mind-reading given in these pages are sufficiently specific, to be found thoroughly practical by those who have put them into practice; and certainly no harm, either mental or physical, can come to those who are willing to give them a fair trial. CHAPTER VII. Spiritualism. Any reference to Spiritualism here must be very brief, and, I am afraid, very incomplete. I will deal with the subject in the light of the preceding chapters.