Mysterious Psychic Forces: An Account of the Author's Investigations in Psychical Research, Together with Those of Other European Savants
John Stuart Mill · en
MM. Ascensi and Bianchi refused to form part of the circle, and
remained standing behind MM. Tamburini and Penta. I paid little
attention to these two, being certain that their action was a
premeditated combination in order to redouble the vigilance. I simply
recommended that, while they were observing with extreme care, each
should remain quiet.
The experiments began in candlelight strong enough to light up the
whole room. After a long wait the table began to move, slowly at
first, then more energetically. However, the movements remained
intermittent, labored, and much less vigorous than at Saturday's
seance.
The table volunteered a request by taps of its leg designating the
letters of the alphabet, that MM. Limoncelli and Penta should exchange
places. This exchange effected, the table called for the turning out
of lights.
A moment after, and with more force this time, the movements of the
table began again. Suddenly, in the midst of these, violent blows were
heard. The chair placed at M. Lombroso's right tried to climb up on
the table, then hung suspended upon the arm of the learned professor.
All of a sudden the curtains of the alcove were shaken, and swung
forward over the table in such a way as to envelop M. Lombroso, who
was very much moved by such a wonder, as he himself has declared.
All these phenomena, happening at long intervals, in the darkness, and
in the midst of noisy conversation, were not estimated at their true
worth. It was thought that they were only the effects of chance or
were jests of some member of the company.
While we are all waiting and discussing the import of the phenomena
and the greater or less value that should be set on them, the noise of
the fall of an object is heard. When the room is lighted, there is
found at our feet under the table the trumpet which had been placed on
the round table in the alcove behind the curtains. This circumstance,
which MM. Bianchi and Ascensi receive with a burst of laughter,
surprises the experimenters, and has the effect of more completely
fixing their attention.