Now, it seems plausible to suppose that, by way of analogy, the medium trance would represent a trance state induced by hypnotism _from the "other side."_ We know that telepathic hypnotism is a fact--the numerous cases recorded by Myers and Janet being good proof of this. Further, we know that dreams may be induced experimentally, by means of telepathic suggestion. (See Ermacora's paper, _Proceedings_, xi. 235-308.) Might we not assume, then, that the medium-trance represents a certain condition induced by influence from deceased minds--which would fully account for the supernormal information given (for the medium would be _en rapport_ with these minds), and for the fact that the medium is not usually susceptible to suggestion, pain-tests, &c., on _this_ side. The deeper the trance, the more the medium is in touch with the other world, the less with this; and _vice versa_. The medium-trance is, therefore, probably a hypnotic or mesmeric trance, induced telepathically by operators out of the body. 10. When the trance has been induced, however, how does the "spirit" succeed in imparting information to the medium's brain and organism? Inasmuch as the phenomena are usually of the motor type--speech or writing--the motor centres in the brain must somehow be employed; _how_ they are employed, and whether other centres in addition to these are used is a question calling for solution--but one which will take probably years of patient research to solve. As we know, Dr. Hodgson was of the opinion that the ordinary centres were not used in the production of the automatic writing, for he said (_Proceedings_, xiii. pp. 398-9): "What the precise relation is between this consciousness and the movements of the hand I do not know. I do not know whether or not the motor centres of the brain ordinarily concerned in the movements of hand and arm are in operation or not. I incline to think not--certainly not in the ordinary way...." The statement of the "controls" is that they use the "empty corners" of Mrs. Piper's brain--which probably means that certain unused areas are pressed into service, as far as possible, in the production of the phenomena. Still, this is not very definite information! Another theory offered by the communicators is that they get into contact with the "light," think their thoughts, and these thoughts are then registered or expressed in motor phenomena--speech or writing. What the "light" may be, we have not the slightest means of knowing, but it is a very significant fact that a "light" of this nature is nearly always associated with spiritual phenomena. We hear of the "interior illumination" of the saints and martyrs, and of those who have experienced an influx of "cosmic consciousness"; of the "halo" which surrounds the heads of holy persons; of the "internal light" experienced by many who have had a special conversion or illumination; of the "aura" surrounding the bodies of