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PHOTOGRAPHIC
EVIDENCE |
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Sir
WILLIAM CROOKES with
Florence Cook, materialisation medium |
Photograph
3 |
This photograph was taken by the President of the Royal Society,
Sir William Crookes, and shows the surgeon Dr. James M. Gully
recording the pulse of Katie King.
The
experiments were held under strict test conditions, imposed by Crookes,
who recorded physical differences in complexion, hair colouring, height,
heart-beat, blisters, skin type, face and finger sizes, plus manners
and ways of expression between the materialised figure Katie King and the
medium Florence Cook.
All
physical comparisons were different, proving they were two
separate entities. |
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Dr. J. M. Gully's comments on recording Katie King's pulse
From "The Proof Palpable of Immortality" by Epes Sargent.
Dr. J. M. Gully, formerly of Great Malvern, England, a thoroughly
experienced physician and a careful investigator, under date of July
20th, 1874, writes me as follows:
"To the special question which you put regarding my experiences of the
materialization of the spirit-form, with Miss Cook's mediumship, I
must reply that, after two years' examination of the fact and numerous
séances, I have not the smallest doubt, and have the strongest
conviction, that such materialization takes place, and that not the
slightest attempt at trick or deception is fairly attributable to any
one who assisted at Miss Cook's séances.
"That the power grows with use was curiously illustrated by the fact
that, for some time, only a face was producible, with, occasionally,
arms and hands; with no hair, and sometimes with no back to the skull
at all - merely a mask, with movement, however, of eyes and mouth.
Gradually the whole form appeared - after, perhaps, some five months
of séances once or twice a week. This again became more and more
rapidly formed, and changed, in hair, dress, and color of face, as we
desired.
"The voice came long before the whole form of the body, but was always
husky, and as if there was a whispering catarrh; save when she joined
us in singing, when she gave out a most lovely contralto.
"The feel of the skin was quite natural, soft and warm; her movements
were natural and graceful, except when she stooped to pick up anything
from the floor, when it seemed as if her legs as well as her trunk
bent backwards.
"When that photograph* was taken, I held her hand for at least two
minutes, three several times, for we sat three times for it on one and
the same evening; but I was constrained to close my eyes by reason of
the intense magnesium light which shone directly upon me; moreover she
desired that none of us would gaze at her whilst the lens was directed
upon her. "I believe that much information might have been obtained
from her concerning the outre-tombe, but the circle seemed always bent
on talking chaff to her, complimenting her, and indulging in ordinary
inconsequential conversation; for only on one or two occasions was I
(who hate all the nonsense that was said to and by her) able to put a
few questions on the subjects about which every thoughtful
Spiritualist is naturally anxious.
* The well-known published photograph, in which Katie is represented
standing with Dr. Gully sitting at her side and holding her hand
[shown above].
"It may be questioned whether these spirit beings can convey anything
like an accurate idea of their state and powers; but I believe that,
just as their power of physical manifestation augments with use, so
would their power of mental communication increase were an intelligent
curiosity always presented for their sympathetic reply. In fact, I
believe that if less idle and more serious curiosity was felt by the
circles, spirits of a higher and more powerful character would
sympathetically come and teach by vocal words, written words, inspired
words.
"So soon as a man has convinced himself of the reality of the
spirit-presence, and the absence of all deception, he should, I think,
use all his will power to place his own spirit in a state of reception
for spirit knowledge, and feel assured he will get it. Physical
manifestations are the alphabet of the subject, and if Spiritualism
went no further it would do but little for humanity.
"But I quite believe in your suggestion, that, carried out to its
consequences in thought and sympathy, it is destined to abolish a
thick cloud of darkness which at present renders all religions more or
less superstitious, and all philosophy a mere circle; and to
substitute a light which will enable the mind in a body to hold
communion with minds whose freedom enables them to see the workings of
Great Cause and Great Effect, and so to bring forth a philosophic
religion; whilst philosophy itself will be able to look ever onwards
instead of going round and round, as it has done from Plato to Mill,
tedious to study, and barren of result."
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