There is nothing to show that this vitality ceases with death; it certainly continues during the state of sleep, and if it is borne in mind that even when the soul has passed from the body after death, life--that is to say, intense bacterial activity--continues, it is conceivable that the continued extension of this force may continue from unascertained physiological conditions, and so explain some of the baffling and distressing phenomena that have occurred in vaults and given rise to the theory of bodies being buried alive in a cataleptic condition. More advanced students will see in the foregoing hypothesis the explanation of certain obscure texts relative to the Egyptian processes of embalming, and other religious rituals in connection with the disposal of corpses. The ancients were keenly aware of certain monstrous after-death possibilities which the moderns ignore. This, then, is where the theory of poltergeist manifestations splits. They are often traceable to (_a_) Unconscious physical mediums, usually adolescents. (_b_) In certain difficult cases the human element has been eliminated, and the only hypothesis is the sudden manifestation of a latent force derived from the dead. It should be remembered that the graves of saints become shrines and that miracles are attributed to them, and that certain most terrible vampire phenomena are associated with some unsanctified graves. Just as the hair and nails of some corpses continue to grow to extravagant lengths long after death, so in certain cases it seems as if the corruption of the flesh were accompanied by a translation of the residual vital force or nervous energy--as distinct from soul or consciousness--into free psychic power. This energy can apparently be stored in matter such as walls, wood, etc., and seems to have the quality of remaining latent until some unknown cause begins to change it from a static to a “dynamic” condition. The sorcerer who produces earth from a particular grave and who treasures unholy mortal relics of evil man, is practising more than a mere symbolism. He is using matter whose very body may be impregnated with that peculiar essence or force which is the vehicle of all psychic phenomena. People who are interested in serving the Powers of Evil have sedulously propagated the idea that, however malignant astral powers may be, there is a law that they cannot harm or injure mortals. This is one of those dangerous statements that Spiritualists make use of without knowing what they are talking about. These powers can be and often have been applied to the most sinister purposes. Utilized by anyone with occult knowledge and experience they are pregnant with soul- and body-destroying capacities, and it is fair to say that certain other occult powers are the least defence against them.