1931
Feb 22 - Apr 29
"There's quite a number of your friends here and I am just ... with the rest. We are going to have a wonderful meeting tonight. That's going to be very good for you. Our medium is not right over yet. Come along, friend, come along."
Ewan is heard in violent commotion, almost weeping - whimpering.
?:" I think Katie's father wants to say a few words."
John: "Everything is quite good. Be careful of the ...(?) Don't let anything come across this (busy?boy?) Be prepared at any time."
?: "Don't get tense. It's all right."
Walter: "Keep on singing."
Dawn said: "one, two, three, fire." Voice very hoarse. Sounded like a man's voice. Recorder mistook if for John. L. H.
John: "Oh-oh-oh".
Mrs. Herling: "Oh." (Falls to right and then forward with head on recorder's knee. John in violent movement.)
John/Ewan: "Are you ..." ( Gasps and groans.)
Walter/Dawn: "Are you ready ... 1 - 2" (gasps)
9:55 p.m. "Are you ready - 1- 2 - 3 - Fire."
(The signal was given from the floor to recorder's left front, about 4 feet away.)
(In the flash the recorder could see a white mound on the couch, a figure sitting at either side at the head.)
9:58 p.m. (Heavy breathing from Mrs. Marshall (Dawn).)
9:59 p.m. Walter: "You may now examine the medium."
T. G. H.: "May Dr. Chown examine her, too?"
Walter: "I think it will be quite in order. Better ask John."
John: (violently)." Yes, if you do not do it together. Go one at a time."
T. G. H. examines medium and reports: - pulse 90 - 94. Legs very rigid. Hips rigid. I placed my hand under the legs and the whole raises from the coach. Neck rigid. (Dr. Chown and Dr. J. A. Hamilton in turn confirm above.)
[Note: I maintained manual contact with Dawn for some time previous to and during the giving of the signal; also, afterward up to the time that I went forward to examine Mercedes. - J. A. Hamilton.]
Mrs. Herling: "Take great care of her."
John: (Urges haste in examination.)
10:05 p.m. Walter: "I think you had better take Katie, or Mercedes, I should say, to her seat. There is too much perspiration."
T. G. H.: "Shall I lift her up?"
Walter: "Take her by the shoulders and lift her up. And get her standing. There will be no trouble."
T. G. H.: (goes over to couch) "She is sitting. Stand up, Mercedes. She's standing. Shall I seat her?"
Walter: "I would ask that you do not keep her waiting. Close quickly. Bring the medium out. A good slap will bring her out."
T. G. H.: "I have a wet towel."
Walter: "Sponge her hands and face. (T. G. H. does so.)
Mercedes: "Oh! Quit. It's cold."
T. G. H.: "Yes, she's fine."
Walter: "Our little friend has something she is very anxious to relate."
Mrs. Poole: "I saw ... it looked like a man covered in colors, and a little one in white came down on the bed. (Barney said afterwards that he saw these two and that they were behind Mrs. Poole.) I can't tell. I saw others over there, not good men, working against him?. The group towards the left opposed the group on the right. I saw the face of the large one, but couldn't tell whether man or woman. The small boy - I'm not going to say - I'm not sure."
John: (rather violently) "Don't you know?"
Mrs. Poole: (loudly). It was Arthur Hamilton. You don't know the other. The face of the taller in colors I don't know, though I have seen ..."
Walter: "You cannot take her, Lucy, please. Thank you. Sponge Mercedes, please." (It is done by T. G. H..)
T. G. H. (to Mrs. Poole): "Whom did you see?"
Mrs. Poole: "I couldn't get set, there was such a tugging at me."
Walter: "That is correct."
T. G. H.: "Were these two in the picture?"
Mrs. Poole: "I don't know. Maybe ... perhaps it was Robert, and not Walter. (She seems rather confused). This face did ... It was awful thin ... quite white."
T. G. H.: "Is there more yet, John?"
John: "That's all."
T. G. H.: "Walter, can you tell us what you took in the photograph?"
John: "Don't ask him that."
T. G. H.: "All right."
10 p.m. Walter: "Good night."
John: "I was going to tell you to stop. It's very good."
Walter: "Tell them what they got."
John: "Wonderful! Wonderful! You got what you wanted. Remember, it took a lot."
John: "It's time you got out.
10:13 p.m. Circle breaks.
[Prior to the sitting, between 8:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m., I examined the séance room, looked behind the cabinet, took the bed apart and also got under it, all by red flashlight. There appeared to be nothing hidden. The bed consisted of a crib with a solid board floor in place of springs, a thin mattress, and one pillow. I did not examine the room after the sitting.]
[It will be noted that there are intervals of several minutes in which no communications were received.]
[It was my impression that John gave the signal. The voice was hoarse, - a hoarse, loud whisper. The notes to the mark (cross-hatch) were copied immediately after the seance, from the pencilled notes taken during the seance. They were copied without reference to anyone else. Those after this point (cross-hatch) I have copied at my office the following afternoon.]
[About half an hour after the séance there was some talking going on in Dr. Hamilton's living room. I was beckoned in. The lights were lowered. Mrs. Herling was being urged to go into trance. Mrs. Herling sitting beside her sees Mrs. Hamilton's mother. Mrs. Herling refuses. Suddenly she shrieks and falls back. For a moment meaningless sounds. Then: " (very abrupt (stacatto) speech - makes handshake) G-g-good evening. Toki. Contact. (Circle forms of J. MacDonald, Mrs. Marshall, J. A. Hamilton and Mr. Reed.)] ]
"I was present with your medium. You shall see a face when you get the picture. You are too excited. Everybody is (good?) in the room. Everybody pleased with the picture. Shake hands. A message: - Stand up like a gentleman and let them fire the bullets and we will wrap round you a garment of bronze, and they (will not injure any vital part) - this was the sense. I didn't have time to get down the exact words. The doctor that my (medium?) knew long ago - ring bell - never so interested as at present."
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Toki. are you ..."
(Here the voice suddenly changes, becomes more deliberate.)
"You realize when you are at a distance on your travels (you must) watch and jealously guard this picture. Do not let it go into too many hands. Choose well before you put this picture in any one's hand. There are those who don't understand. Some are merely curious, others interested. Some time I am coming (in a?) picture and make known who I am. Keep your gifted mediums. You don't know how valuable they are."
James H. Nichols: "It is not your (my?) business. Keep away and do not give advice to the public - these public" (T. G. H. suggests Spiritualists are meant here?)
"Look around and help those machines. I will come one night and tell you privately - I tried to wake Katherine Isak and she lost sight of the lady. ..... does not matter. This is only the beginning - children ..."
(Mrs. Herling turns to Mrs. Hamilton.) "Would you give a little advice to my sister?" (Yes.). You warned her once, warn her again. Does she look fit? (No.) She should not run about looking after the sick. When you look at her she sees my mother, and she takes it well. She is very fond of you. You tell her. There will be a time when I shall want you to give her a message. Good night and the greatest success attend all your endeavors. I will talk to you and show who I am. She thinks she is just a dream like you .. Hope bring what you (seek?)"
(Toki (staccato voice). "Good night." Medium slowly comes out of trance.)
[Later when T. G. H. and Barney were developing the plates, Barney saw many of those who came through - Walter, Crookes, Stead, etc. - watching the developing. All pleased with the result.]
[Several photo of the Katie King shining garment. Caption: Supernormal Hair, veiling, garment.]
[Three photos of the Head-covering Mass of February 22, 1931.]
[Captions: "The mask covered Mrs. Marshall's face as Walter had stated , after the flash had been fired. This is the largest amorphous mass attached to Mary M.'s face, ever to be photographed. Only the Lucy mass of March 10, 1930. was larger.]
[This was the reason Walter was "laughing his own head off" - and it is a funny photo]
February 23, 1931
[Letter from Dr. Hamilton to Dr. Harvey Agnew:]
"... My greatest worry in connection with this is to get time to explain the situation. It takes almost an hour or an hour and a quarter to get the subject opened up. If a brief spell for questioning is given, it helps greatly in clearing up misunderstandings."
"... If it should be that ladies wish to come, there is no objection whatever. Many audiences have been almost entirely composed of ladies, especially in the case of certain clubs; but I thought that possibly some of the ladies - practitioners, doctors' wives and nurses might be interested."
"In regard to the press, I may say that reporters have been present on frequent occasions in Winnipeg and elsewhere. There is nothing objectionable to this so long as their "copy" can be reviewed by myself; but to have a glib reporter treating the subject with levity is a different question. Such has never occurred in Winnipeg. Fortunately, I am acquainted with many of the press people here, but in Toronto the attitude may be quite different. The reporters would, therefore, be better excluded unless you can have an assurance that the matter will not be dealt with loosely. It is very difficult to correct the multitude of misinterpretations which may rise from a bad report upon a subject of which so little is known and so many erroneous expressions of opinion are given."
February 25, 1931.
Statement:
John/Ewan
Intimates that a very wonderful phenomenon (materialization) has taken place. (True. See 'shining garments, veil, and
supernormal hair' of February 25.)
Predictions Fulfilled:
1. that Mercedes' arms would show.
2. that her clothing would not be seen, but would be completely covered by Katie's garment.
3. that there would be no fully developed head; although some of the views show what seems to be a partially developed head close to Mercedes' face, under supernormal veiling, It can be seen directly under the medium's nose; it is quite flat and the eyes are closed.
4. Before the mass appeared and was photographed, Walter intimated that the material would be seen to have folds.
Twelve cameras record presence of mass - a shining white garment laid over Mercedes' black dress as she lies in a cataleptic trance. Mary M. gives signal: "one, two, three, fire!" Notes by Dr. Bruce Chown. Supernormal hair and veil.
This is perhaps the most wonderful objective mass photographed in modern times.
[Note: In his book CLAIRVOYANCE AND MATERIALIZATION, Gustave Geley repeatedly tells how he saw miniature face-forms, at first flat, take on a three-dimensional aspect.]
[Stereo Photo of Katie King on couch]
[Mercedes very deeply entranced. To her left, Mr. W. B. Cooper, to his left, Elizabeth M. (Mrs. Poole). In foreground, Dawn, bent over. Dr. J. A. Hamilton's left hand resting on her neck.]
[Also a view from Mercedes' left, back of Dr. T.G. Hamilton's head. - Also a microphotograph of the material of the shing garment.]
March 2, 1931
Unknown control speaks through Dawn while she is deeply entranced:
"I would like to say a few words to you. Place a table and chair with paper and pencils in the center of the room at your next meeting, when I shall be in charge of this woman. You will have writings from all who come here. Her writings are to be received as written."
March 8, 1931.
Unknown control speaks through Dawn:
".... Walter is here but is not going to take control (of Dawn); but he may give instructions through someone. He is very busy working on preparations for something."
Suddenly Dawn's control speaks in a loud voice, almost a shout:
"I would like to say to you that you are to place a table and a chair in the center of the room with paper and pencil at your next sitting, at which I shall be in control of this medium. You are to take no notice of the medium. Place her in the center of the room with paper and pencil. No one is to interfere. No one is to touch her. I will use her at my discretion. Place a glass of water on the table and no other articles. You understand what I am saying to you. Leave her own chair in the circle ... You must not place any interpretation on her writing. (Something to the effect that it was to be taken word for word). That is all. Goodbye."
10:20 p.m. Ewan's control: "John King wants to know what you thought of that photo." (Shining garment of February 25th.)
T. G. H.: "It was marvelous; marvelous beyond all dreams. But we can't see Katie's face, or only a little put through the gauze."
John: (control) "No, you can't. I was going to tell you that some day we will be able to give you Katie's face. You want to devote yourselves to this new work, but at the same time don't forget your old friends. I will not be far away and may surprise you. Katie may have to go, too, but will return in due time to give you a more perfect representation than her last. I want to speak to Mercedes. Please give the instructions that were given to you for the circle."
Control to Mercedes:
"I just have a word or two to say to you. I have been here before. I would like with the rest of the controls that are coming that you should adjust yourselves to the new work. Be very careful to obey all instructions given. Carry on with your singing. The songs need not all be hymns. You may sing a mixture so long as the songs are neutral and will not bring what is commonly called 'a mob.' Mercedes will not be controlled by Katie King for a little time. There will perhaps be others who will use her from time to time."
"The chief thing will be the writing through Dawn. Walter would use his other medium (Ewan). It may be strange for a sitting or two, but after that conditions will adjust themselves. Success will be yours, but not without hard work. I will make myself known."
Dawn's control:
"No one else is to be admitted into the group at the present time. Other instructions will be given you from time to time."
[Letter from Dr. Crandon to Dr. Hamilton:]
"Great work in Toronto! Sir Arthur said he was treated worse than any place round the world! The greater your triumph! You are today doing more for the cause than anyone living!"
"We are eagerly looking for the new photographs."
March 10, 1931
[Letter from Dr. Gerda Walther in Germany requesting previously unpublished photos of Dr. Hamilton's work - for a magazine that has been previously hostile to psychic phenomena work - via the literary secretary to Baron von Schrenck-Notzing in capacity as executor.]
[Letter from Dr. Hamilton to Dr. Harvey Agnew:]
Thanks for kindness on visit to Toronto.
"... I promised Mrs. Agnew at that time to leave your photographs at the Medical Association's offices but found it utterly impossible to give the matter my attention in the rush and incessant demand upon my time. I therefore ... dozen or so ..."
"... I trust the reaction from the Medical Meeting will be of the best; but from past experience I may say that one impact of that sort on certain types of mind results firstly in a partial acceptance; and later, on account of the unheard of features in these phenomena, a sort of retaliation or resentment against the whole thing seems to take place. This, however, will finally settle down, especially where people are enabled to again view the pictures and the facts associated. No sane person can retain an antagonistic attitude unless, as in some cases, personal considerations from which the individual cannot free himself, give rise to a bias. If analyzed, the foundation of this attitude will be found to consist of fears amounting to complexes for which, however, fortunately, I am not responsible."
"... The meeting of the Toronto Ministerial Association on Thursday was well attended, one hundred being present; and here too, I think, the value of this work was disclosed to many."
"... If, in mixing with Toronto people, you come in contact with some interesting or really pertinent criticisms, I would greatly appreciate a knowledge of the same, as it is on these difficulties that one has to modify the presentation of the facts in order to avoid creating misapprehensions by failure to bring forward certain other facts."
"... Our work is moving apace and before long still more amazing things are forthcoming."
March 15, 1931
[Letter from Dr. J. E. Hett - talks about visit to Dr. Schrenck-Notzing in Germany who was doing work with psychic phenomena using cameras.]
March 15, 1931.
First deep trance writing
"When I was in the body I lived in a large city and when I made the change I found myself in a large city above this earth. This place is called Acadia."
March 17, 1931
[Letter from Dr. Hamilton to Dr. Crandon:]
"... copies of the last photo taken. This was recorded in ten lenses, including the two stereoscopic cameras, all of which secured splendid photographs."
"... The interesting feature about this photograph is the fact that at the start the medium lay upon the couch with a dark dress, no sleeves and very low neck, as is recorded in a picture I left you, showing the face and veil of Katie high up in the back of the cabinet and the medium lying on her back, in trance, in the foreground."
"... In the pictures I am forwarding, you will note that there are several supernormal features outstanding. Firstly, whereas the medium's hair is cut fairly short, being about the level of the lobes of her ears, the photograph discloses an abundance of very wavy hair down even to the left shoulder. This hair is that of Katie, whose face may be seen with difficulty through the gauze veil, in close proximity to the medium's right cheek. The second outstanding feature is the presence of Katie's veil. Stereoscopic views show that the veil appears to be very stiff, some of its folds standing out to a distance of eight to ten inches from the medium's face. A curious fragment of the veil appears near the right elbow of the medium, overcovering the margin of the mattress on which she is lying. An authority on fabrics, when consulted in regard to the veil, which under magnification appears as a homespun or basket weave, says it is not like anything obtainable in commercial gauzes. The white robe ,which completely overcovers the mediums's black dress and body from the base of the neck to the ankles, is also entirely supernormal. We are told that it, too, is Katie's robe."
"... We had hoped that Katie's picture would have shown her in an upright position but we have been informed that a little nervousness on the part of the medium made it impossible for her to assume that position. She hopes at a future time to do so, however, when another photograph will be taken."
"... All of Tuesday was taken up with the Executive meeting and Tuesday evening a banquet, following which Drs. Pope and Munroe of Edmonton presented papers. On Wednesday afternoon I was delighted to find Dr. Hardwicke of Buffalo present for the lecture, he having come across specially."
"... There were two hundred and fifty in all at the meeting, including a few professors from the University who had been invited by some of the medical men. The meeting ran half an hour over scheduled time. Nevertheless, practically all stayed to the end and there were no unpleasant features whatever. At the close, a number of the university men came forward, together with about two dozen of the medical men, to view some of the photographs and to ask questions. I have since heard from several whose interest has been aroused in regard to the possibilities as well as the mystery associated with this work."
"... The Ministerial Association of Toronto met on Thursday afternoon and in response to an invitation wired when I was leaving Winnipeg, I spoke to them on Thursday, March 5th. One hundred were present and the meeting lasted two hours. A few who were disposed to be critical at the start gradually recognized the import of the subject and assumed a genuinely serious attitude at the close."
"... I think those two meetings have done an immense amount of good to the people of Toronto. Fortunately, I succeeded in smothering all Press references and this leaves the professional men concerned free to analyze the situation without any need for asserting any bias which would be the case had they to defend their position for having had the subject considered in their meetings."
March 19, 1931
Note reminding of Lecture at Jewish Montefiore Club.
March 21, 1931
[Handwritten letter - not very legible (see (426/2631)- from Harvey Agnew telling Dr. Hamilton that Agnew has been asked to show some of Hamilton's pictures - lots of interest in Hamilton's work - also asking for clarification on several points of Hamilton's work.]
"The Warden at Hart House now insists that I show the photographs which you sent me and tell what I know about your work and this subject in general at the monthly dinner of the various committees directing Hart House activities. This dinner is on Monday, March 30th and, although I pointed out that I have not even attended a seance, they insist upon this presentation.
"I am writing to enquire if you have any information which I might borrow for that occasion. Perhaps you could loan me some more photographs, showing the bell with the two lines of force, the cornucopia at the ear, etc. A number of questions have been asked by people here and they might be asked at this meeting."
Q1.(a) Why is it necessary to complete the circle by holding hands?
A1.(a) In the first place, in securing certain types of physical phenomena - telekinesis and teleplasm - it seems to be essential for the transference from one sitter to another of this mysterious "something" which we call "psychic" force.
In the second place, it is a recognized scientific procedure in guarding against the possibility of fraud - every sitter as well as the medium or mediums being thus under manual control of his neighbor.
In the third place, where teleplasmic phenomena are under way, the directing intelligence or "control" insists that such be done, apparently recognizing not only the need for the reasons outlined above, but as well because it prevents sudden grabbing of the substance by any curious sitter which might result in very serious injury to the medium.
Many forms of mental phenomena do not require that the hands should be held.
Q1.(b) Why is it necessary to have the room dark?
A1.(b) In the case of many powerful mediums, such as Eva C. of Paris, many materializations have been observed in red light during the whole process of their formation (see Geley's "Materializations" and "Clairvoyance" ). Many of Margery's (the Boston Medium) have also been observed for short periods in red light. In most cases, however, darkness is required for the production of major phenomena. It would appear that teleplasm is a very unstable substance and that white light is a very powerful agency in causing its disintegration. It may be pointed out that all generative processes in nature have their beginning under protection from white light.
QWhy can someone in Canada gain the attention of men from other countries like Lodge, Gladstone, etc.?
A2. The question is very far-reaching. I can give no answer to this apart from such information as we have been enabled to secure from the directing controls; and this, of course, cannot be regarded as wholly scientific. But as these controls - Walter for instance, - have over and over again proved by means of their objective manifestations, that they are personalities whose knowledge and word can be relied upon, their associations must carry the same weight as that of any other creditable witness. This being the case, when Walter informs us that W. E. Gladstone, Spurgeon, Lodge and others are deeply interested in the question of proving personal survival and so manifest wherever there is an opening, his statement is worthy of attention.
The result of our experiments, when summed up, would seem to indicate that time and space do not continue to have the same meaning to those in the next state, energy forming the basis of life to them, and so obliterating space as we know it in an ever-unfolding present obliterating time.
Q3. If the medium is in a deep trance, why does she not fall off her chair?
A3. The condition of deep trance is very variable. In cases where the deep trance relaxes all voluntary muscles suddenly, it occasionally does result in a collapse of the medium's muscular tone and causes her to fall from her chair. This, however, is usually prevented by the action of normal reflexes which, during the trance, remain more of less active, Accidents such as falling are also prevented by the trance personality in cooperation with the normal reflexes. This cooperation constitutes an automatism.
Q4. Are men ever used as mediums?
A4. Men are used as mediums. Some of the greatest mediums in history have been men. About half of the mediums in our group are men. Stainton Moses, D. D. Home and Franek Kluski of Warsaw might be mentioned as among the outstanding mediums of the present and past.
Q5. If the ectoplasm is not material in the usual sense why does it cast a shadow?
A5. This involves the question of what constitutes material substance. Matter must be regarded as stabilized energy and, as such, variable in its various combinations. Teleplasm is probably a very unstable combination of matter plus energy taken from the mediums and sitters, and is therefore a quasi material and casts a shadow because light is stopped by it. You may be interest to know that the discoverer of teleplasm, Madam Bisson of Paris, in casting about for a name for this quasi-material, used the term "substance" - a term which is now generally accepted by researchers such as Professor Charles Richet, Baron von Schrenck-Notzing and others.
Q6. Why are messages in English only?
A6. Messages are not necessarily in English only. They may come in any language through a good medium. It is theoretically possible to transmit any language just as it is possible through a telephone to transmit any language. But the normal life habits of a medium have created, it would appear, many habit features and characteristics, behavioristic and otherwise, of a type which, to a degree, slightly modify the transmission.
Q7. Do French and German workers get Lodge and
R. L. Stevenson or do they get French or German messages?
A7. I am not aware that Lodge and R. L. Stevenson come through French or German experimenters but I see no reason why they should not, as we have in our list of controls German, French, Hindustani and other trance personalities. In the case I reported to you, it purported to be a Parsee who transmitted Hindustani, and this through a Scotch medium. The whole problem of the why and where of controls appears to be bound up in a matter of mental "attunement" or mental "wave length". Indeed, those trance intelligences insist upon it that the great barriers which they have to penetrate are not so much things material as things spiritual and mental. They are under the nature laws of the spiritual world. Some such explanation seems to lie back of the manifestations of R. L. Stevenson and others.
Q8. Does the voice of the control come from the medium's mouth, from the ectoplasm, or from somewhere else in the room?
A8. The voice of the control, if automatic, is the voice produced by the medium's vocal chords with, however, frequent variations from his or her normal manner of speech. The voice of the control, when produced from a teleplasmic talking machine, gives what is termed a "direct voice". Such has little or nothing to do with the medium's vocal chords. Furthermore, the talking machine may be extended by the control a considerable distance from the medium - presumably, however, retaining connecting chords whereby the dynamic supply necessary is available. In the case of 'Margery' this voice is often produced five feet or more distant from her person.
Q9. Are conversations (dialogues) carried on between you and the voice when it is apart from the medium's voice?
A9. Yes, very much so. We have lengthy discussions in this way on frequent occasions and it is to be preferred to the indirect or automatic voice since "the control is able to say what he wishes" in a much less restricted manner. This is, of course, a very rare phenomenon, only obtained with powerful and fully developed mediums.
Q10. How would a group of people here interested in this subject set about to undertake studies of their own?
A10. This question is a very large order. A knowledge of the subject should first be acquired through extensive reading of the works of the leading scientific researchers in this field: Crookes, F. W. H. Myers, Sir Wm. Barrett, Sir Oliver Lodge, Professor Hyslop, Wm. James, Camille Flammarion, Baron von Schrenck-Notzing, Dr. Gustave Geley, Professor Charles Richet and Eugene Osty among others.
"A full knowledge of the subject cannot, however, be had without experimental work and this, of course, requires a medium. As a general rule, avoid professional mediums unless they are certified by people of scientific training. Many good private mediums exist and might be investigated. On the other hand, if this is not possible, a potential medium many be found amongst your own acquaintance; the faculty of mediumship is undoubtedly fairly common and seems to come to the surface wherever a group engages in earnest work.
"If the group wishes to undertake this, they must be possessed of infinite patience. Under no circumstances should they allow neurotics to be included in their number. Pick upon those who are mentally well-balanced and who are not introverts to a pronounced degree. Be critical to the limit but not cynical. Be honest, fair-minded and harmonious.
"Your group should consist of an equal number of ladies and gentlemen arranged alternately, five or seven or certainly not more than nine, who could be steady in attendance at your meetings. If you use a table, start by placing your hands upon it, and you may be successful in the course of five or ten minutes, in producing movements of the table or raps upon it. By process of elimination, you will eventually find who supplies the main source of power. Go on from this, step by step; intelligences who appear to be directing these various happenings will manifest; cooperate with these but at the same time remain critical and accept only what is of scientific value.
"I would strongly advise against sitting with chance groups of people. Avoid also those who have but a superficial and passing interest in these matters and who usually have little knowledge of what constitutes evidence in this line of work."
March 22, 1931.
9:10 p.m. Sitting begins.
Elizabeth M. trance and visions of Stevenson, Livingstone, etc. Mrs. Marshall (Dawn) in trance
9:33 p.m. Dawn moves to chair in the center of room beside the writing table.
Voice speaks through Dawn: "What is the date of the year, day and month?"
T. G. H.: "March 22, 1931."
Voice: "March, did you say, the 22nd?"
T. G. H.: "Yes."
Voice: "What is the year?"
T. G. H.: "1931."
Doyle purports to speak through Mercedes - she sings "The Summerland Above."
Katie comes. Katie through Mercedes: "Katie King speaking."
Walter through Ewan: "Rotten picture - it wasn't a good one."
Katie: "Far from perfect."
Walter: "Tell Katie to come around here and I'll tell her what was wrong with it."
T. G. H.: "Hundreds have seen it (referring to the lecture)."
Walter: "All I can say is it is a great pity to show that."
Katie: "Throw something at him; he should have better manners." (More banter between controls). Lights are seen by all. Walter nonsense talk through Dawn at table.
Walter: "I have written, but what's in a name? This is the last time I will do anything with this paper - the person writing will be right with you at your next sitting. I may give you an odd word or two. Do not let your conversation drop - if you cannot sing put on your canned music ... I have some messages to give - it is hard to get it established - do not have periods of waiting; keep singing; our good friend will help to keep you amused. Not songs of too much rhythm to bring intruders. The parson (Spurgeon) will write to you, too, but not at once. You will have messages from everyone who comes to your group. Some will sign their name, some their initials, some will leave a blank which will be filled in later. You will get materializations and drawings. Place the medium in the chair (beside the table) assume that he goes under control ... I am a medium between two planes - I interpret their thoughts."
Note: Blank paper, initialed by Dr. Bruce Chown and by Dr. J. A. Hamilton was kept in readiness.
Walter/Mary M.:
"... The parson (Spurgeon) will write to you too, but not at once. You will have messages from all who come to your group. Some will sign their name, some their initials ... You will get pictures and drawings ..."
On March 29 and April 3, 1931, were given the scripts from an unknown writer, which were fully reported in last week's issue of TWO WORLDS.
On April 26, 1931,
the intention, stated over a month earlier, was carried out, as indicated by an excerpt from the seance notes of that date:
"Sitting begins at 9:03pm. 9:27pm, Dawn entranced and led to the writing table.
[Handwritten - automatic writing:]
Walter/Dawn: "You will have messages from every one who comes to your group. The writing may be just a little different. Some will sign their name, some their initial, some will leave a blank which will be filled in later on. You will get pictures or drawings."
Note: Paper, initialed by Dr. Bruce Chown and by Dr. J. A. Hamilton previous to the beginning of the sitting while blank, was examined after sitting was over and found to contain the following message:
"My dear friend:
I am very sure that you will be very glad when you make ..."
March 25, 1931
[Letter from Dr. Hamilton to Dr. Chester A. Doty:]
References in the first paragraph to where Dr. Hamilton's work has been published.
"... The first step in this work is, of course, to be sure that you have secured a medium capable of teleplasmic production. As far as the photographing is concerned, there is nothing whatever supernormal or unusual. I have a large battery of cameras which not only check up each other but give many interesting points of view of the same phenomena. Anywhere from six to twelve lenses are open at once, according to the importance of the phenomena expected. Of this, as well as of the place at which the phenomena will be best focused upon, we are advised by the controls. To date I have taken thirty-five or more flashes. In all of these, successful results have been obtained.
"... The medium capable of producing teleplasm is very rare indeed, and much more rare, apparently, is the type of control capable of transforming ectoplasm into the marvelous semblances of faces of persons discarnate. These have, in our case, developed into some products of rare quality. I have pleasure in enclosing two of these; the one showing the head of the medium masked in teleplasm was taken about four weeks ago; the other, showing the beautiful face of a young girl was taken about a year ago."
"... This latter figure is one referred to in the article published in the "Toronto Telegram". I assume that the report you saw in the Detroit "Free Press" was in all probability copied from the Toronto Telegram of the 14th. If you can make it convenient to secure a clipping from the Detroit "Free Press", I would very greatly appreciate a copy of the same as I ..."
March 29, 1931. .
The nature of the spirit world.
(Written by Dawn in trance sitting at the table in the center of the room. Room in usual state of complete darkness. Writing clear, lines straight, no overlapping. Paper on which writing done initialed previous to sitting by the recorder, Dr. Bruce Chown, as a guarantee that the paper was blank when the writing commenced. While writing heard to be going on, medium's voice was being used by Walter for nonsense talk.)
Writing begins.
"... The spirit world is not far removed from the natural world. In appearance the spirit world closely resembles the physical world; the similarity is too startling for you to believe. The incarnate mind views spirit in the sense of intangibility as something like misty nothingness; when the truth is, spirit, to spiritual beings, is tangible and real. The spirit world, as we term it, is the abode of undeveloped spirits, those who have not long left the body, and those who by the law of spirit life have not risen to higher spheres by progression. Here they are instructed in regard to higher aims and spheres; here spirits from the higher come to talk to them of God's love and to make them feel that they are bound by that electric chain that holds every atom of God's creation together."
"The spirit world is encircled by this chain; and spirits, who have not developed above the transgressions and errors (committed) while in the body, could never feel the potencies of this electric influence were they (not) instructed by those who have entered in(to) love with God ..."
(Unsigned)
April 3, 1931.
More deep trance writing.
9:06 p.m. Circle opens.
9:09 p.m. Elizabeth in trance, whispering. She talks about "Abraham", the President. Stevie and Livie appear as usual.
9:25 p.m. Group number off. Dawn leaves seat in cabinet and moves to the table.
Control speaks through Dawn: "Good evening, friends. You have lots of paper. Do you expect me to fill all of this? Perhaps I don't spell very well but I should be able to spell. I was a teacher, but I won't tell you what kind of a teacher. What day is this?"
T. G. H.: "April 3, Good Friday."
Control: "Why Good Friday? Is not every day good? What year?"
T. G. H.: "1931."
Control: "Do I write close enough?"
T. G. H.: "Yes, lots of paper."
(Control speaks of the difficulty of controlling the instrument's hands.) Following script written:
"When an inhabitant of the earth plane I was a student and teacher. I am still employed in teaching. I have had to modify my view(s). This caused me quite a struggle, for I was inclined to be persistent in changing worlds. I did not completely lose my consciousness. This is not the case with life upon earth that hardly know they have made the change."
"I found a place, on, or perhaps better expressed, a home prepared for me when passing into the new state of existence. I was taken into a mist like a great cloud and moved with great swiftness. This gauze-like cloud completely encircled me; and when it parted I saw my spirit teacher."
"I passed into my new home. It was a lovely home, just my ideal. Let me try to describe it. The building was constructed of a variety of material(s) and covered with beautiful vines on every side; flowers of the richest hues bloomed perpetually. The floors are of sandalwood, everything bright and shining. The rivers and waterfalls are like crystal streams. No artist can paint nor pen do justice to the glories of the spirit world. My home is in a beautiful valley of sunshine and joy."
"Spirit communion is practiced in our world as with you, only we obtain higher and more perfect manifestations ... there is as much superstition and bigotry on the subject of spirit communion among spirits as among those in the flesh. This sounds absurd to you, but nevertheless it is true. The spirit world is so material to their senses that they cannot realize the existence of spirit at all, much less that they themselves are spirit."
"You are mistaken in supposing that the higher and lower spirits are intermingled in our thoroughfares in a manner to be equally visible to all. Those who are on the earth plane see only earthly friends; those from a higher sphere see both classes. It depends on the development of the spirit and the forces with it ..."
April 7, 1931
[Letter from C. M. A. - via Harvey Agnew - thanking for materials used in a lecture and mentioning the new physics of wave mechanics as making psychic phenomena more credible.]
April 8, 1931
[Letter from Dr. Hamilton to Dr. Chester A. Doty - Detroit.]
"... We have found that teleplasmic products are very difficult to get, even where numerous sittings can be had; but proximity of sitting consistent, of course, with a sufficient periods of rest between for the medium to recover the fatigues which naturally result, seem to make it much easier to secure materializations for photographic record."
"...The substance has its origin through a special type of medium but it would appear that the energy supplied is contributed by a group of the sitters, men and women, who act as auxiliaries."
'... The room should be dark and should be maintained so during the intervals. Light of a very subdued red such as is used for photographic purposes is the only light that should be permitted within the room, and even this should be restricted to only one lamp to be used for arranging your equipment. For early work, a table of deal, constructed throughout with as few bolts or screws as possible, comes as near the ideal thing as is practicable. A cabinet of white pine or deal, about 30" deep by 42" wide by 6' high, with or without cover, is also valuable not only for certain types of phenomena but apparently is utilized for the storage of a part of the teleplasmic substance or its radicals. The absence of light would appear to assist in preventing the dispersion of this substance. If no paint is used for cabinet and table, the only finishing being a rub-over with raw oil, it seems to retain in the wood more valuable storage capacity for the substance."
"... I would suggest that you read Geley's book, "Clairvoyance and Materialization" and Schrenck-Notzing's "The Phenomena of Materialization". These are available in an English translation."
"... Our mediumistic work is not from any one individual, although the substance appears and is photographed on one individual only. In actual fact, we have half a dozen and sometimes more trance mediums in our group; and for the major phenomena photographed there are generally four or five in trance at once at the time the teleplasmic photograph is taken. The main medium for our work is a private medium who lives in this city and whose work in this direction was developed entirely under our own roof. She does no mediumistic work outside."
April 9, 1931
[Letter from A. S. P. R. - via Esta Barr - Request for pictures of "Katie" and "Lucy" - and others for addition to library at Dartmouth.]
April 14, 1931
[Letter from Dr. Hamilton to Mr. R. Sproull:]
" ... I was particularly interested in the Full-form Materialization leaflets of the British College of Psychic Science. To be frank, I will say that I am very incredulous of the great majority of mediums such as one finds in these Camps."
"... Our experience with Mrs. Post, whose visit to Winnipeg was expected when you were here, was very unsatisfactory. She did not submit to photographic scrutiny until after she had spent approximately two weeks holding commercial seances. When we did get an opportunity to photograph her work, I must say the results were most unconvincing. Indeed, from photographic records, our convictions were very strongly against the genuineness of the phenomena."
"... During my visit to New York last December, I had a conference with Miss Esta M. Barr, who is the Secretary of the New England Section of the A. S. P. R.. She is very conversant with mediumistic work and spent some time late last summer in Chesterfield Camp attending sittings incognito. I am writing Miss Barr to suggest that she send you a copy of her report as it will be very illuminating. I would suggest that if you have creatures attempting to put on materialization stunts, they be compelled to wear black dresses, black stockings and black shoes or dresses of heavily striped black and white and that every precaution be taken in the way of holding their hands during the performance, as well as carefully watching to prevent confederacy with their friends."
"... A group of several cameras to photograph from various angles, including photographs taken from above, is perhaps the best proof against frauds. The use of curtains to form a cabinet within which materializations are supposed to take place, is to be deprecated. I may say that we never have used ..."
April 16, 1931
[Letter from Dr. Hamilton to Professor Franz Haslinger:]
Mentions Mrs. Krones being present and reason for writing of this letter.
"... We are following with interest many critical reports of Besterman in his work "Some Modern Mediums". One thing is certain: that Mr. Besterman is not speaking from first-hand information nor is he speaking as the result of long experience in the work which he is criticizing. He is a man undoubtedly clever as a writer and liable to do considerable harm, but the public are getting too many facts to be very seriously disturbed by the type of critical comments which make up his book."
Mentions Mrs. Krones and her illness and recovery. They joke about a trip in an automobile to Austria.
Mentions a letter from a Mrs. Walther - one-time secretary to Schrenck-Notzing. Wants pictures for a publication not published before.
"... Everything in Canada is very quiet and a great many unemployed are going about the streets and the outlook for the present year is not very bright. However, it will take some time before things again become active. I have pleasure in enclosing a copy of one of the last pictures. This was secured on February 23rd. It is a huge shell of ectoplasm overcovering the head and face of the medium. I think you will already have received a copy of Katie King which Mrs. Krones sent. This picture is one of the finest so far as we know and has caused a great deal of favorable comment among those acquainted with the work."
April 20, 1931
[Letter from Dr. Hamilton to Dr. Harvey Agnew:]
"... The point you raise in regard to the effect of light upon this substance is very interesting. I have hoped at some time to be able to carry on some experiments with both ultra violet and infra red. I understand that in Paris they have a camera which will take thirty pictures to the second by infra red during the formation of this substance. The question arises, of course, as to whether the substance itself will withstand the effect of this type of light during its formation."
Mentions a reprint sent - also sending some negatives - not the best - afraid to trust the glass plates through the mail - Professor Anderson mentioned - asking Dr. Agnew to make sure that plates will be returned
April 22, 1931
[Letter from Dr. Hamilton to Dr. J. E. Hett - Kitchener - Ontario:]
"... I was indeed amazed that the Academy of Medicine request such a presentation and very delighted at the way in which they received it ..."
"... Dr. Schrenck-Notzing's work is particularly interesting to us since our photos of people are so like what he got. At the same time they are very definitely similar to those they set up claim to be."
April 26, 1931.
9:03 p.m. Sitting commences.
9:27 p.m. Dawn at table.
Voice through Dawn: "Will you please give the medium a pencil?"
T. G. H.: "The pencils are here in the box."
Voice: "Will you remove the box, please?" (T. G. H. does so.) Thank you. What is the date?"
T. G. H.: "April 26, 1931."
Dawn is heard writing rapidly. Walter talks now through Dawn, nonsense talk. Writing goes on and T. G. H. remarks that it is interesting to observe Dawn writing and talking at the same time. First page of writing is handed to T. G. H.
Voice through Dawn: "I would like if you would repeat with me the Lord's prayer." She leads in a loud voice.
Voice through Dawn: "Will you sing some of my favorite hymns while I write a few lines for your circle?" Group sings "There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood". (Spurgeon's personality is recognized).) Dawn joins in. Pencil continues to move.
The Scripts of April 26, 1931:
[First Script:]
"Our religious temples are the homes of aspiration and profound gratitude to God, the Giver of Life. When entering their flower-wreathed gates the delicate lily-like flowers seem to spray and drop tremulous tones of melody. Our mediums or sensitives occupy the centers of these temples on great occasions; for often the saintly souls of ancient time come into these temples as teachers and leaders, lifting our minds into the diviner calm of holy love."
"My special employment at present is to kindle in the minds of aspirants a keener sense of honesty and a strict integrity and also a deeper admiration for the principles of moral justice. I go here and there on missions of love and goodwill; my sympathies reach down and out to every race and clime; my spirit bears home many hard-earned trophies."
"I see no immediate and alarming crisis; progress is measured by steps rather than lawless leaps."
"Accept my thanks for helping me to this opportunity of momentarily lifting the veil between your world and ours. No panorama of the imagination equals it. I am in a place lovely and grand, a home of nature's beauties; a home that increases in beauty as I progress toward eternal light; a home of which during my earthly life I was the unconscious architect and builder. Oh, that the inhabitants of your earth could understand that their works precede them in the world of spirit!"
"I find my greatest joy in assisting the weak and the oppressed. I am seeking to finish up the work I commenced on earth; it is far from complete."
The second script, like the one quoted above, and like all other Mary M. phenomena, was produced in a pitch-dark seance room. The bond paper used measured 8 ½ by 14 inches; it was initialed, numbered and retained by Dr., Hamilton until such time as it was required. The results were remarkable for the neatness with which the writing was executed. Writing and printing were little more than one-eighth of an inch high, distance between the lines was about one-sixteenth of an inch. A margin was maintained and the width and depth of the paper were fully employed. It was arranged in the form of a sermon, with the text printed at the top of the page and developed in the body of the address. The choice of subject and method are significant, and may be taken as representative of the thought of a person with the cultural and religious background of the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon."
[Second Script]
[Note: This script has already been given as received on April 26, 1930]
The sermon.
"The lord hath made bare his holy arm. All nations and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation f our god."
"When the heroes of old prepared for fight they put on armor. When God prepared for battle He makes bare His arm. Man has to look two ways - to his own defense as well as to the offence of the enemy. God hath but one direction in which to cast His eye: the overthrow of His foeman, and He disregards all measures of defense and scorns all armor. He makes bare His arm in the sight of the people."
"When men would do their work in earnest, too, they sometimes strip themselves like that warrior of old who, when he went forth to battle with the Turks, would never fight except with the bare arm. 'Such things as these' said he, 'I need not fear; they have more reason to fear my bare arm than I their scimitar'. Men feel that they are prepared for work when they have cast away their cumbrous garments; and so the prophet represents the Lord as laying aside the garments of His dignity and making bare his arm that He may do His work in earnest and accomplish His purposes for the establishing of His Church."
"Now, leaving the figure, which is a very great one, I would remind you that its meaning is fully carried out whenever God is pleased to send a great revival of religion. The mere worldly man does not understand a revival. He cannot make it out. Why a sudden fit of godliness, a kind of sacred epidemic, people meeting together in large numbers? They cannot tell what influences them, but they feel that they must go up to the house of the Lord to pray. But while this is the only actual cause (i.e. God's influence. Ed.) yet there are instrumental causes, and the main instrumental cause of a great revival must be the bold, fearless preaching of the truth of the Divine Spirit from the Lord our God."
"C. H. S(purgeon)."
In conclusion, let us consider thoughtfully the words of F. W. H. Myers, in his monumental work 'HUMAN PERSONALITY AND ITS SURVIVAL OF BODILY DEATH', where he says "I at least see grounds to believe that their state is one of endless evolution in wisdom and love. Their (memories) -res of earth persist; and most of all their love which seeks outlet in adoration and worship."
[Photocopy of second script of April 26, 1931. Original in Hamilton Memorial Collection Archives, University of Manitoba.]
April 29, 1931
[Letter from Dr. Hamilton to Miss Isabel M. Stewart:]
"... I can excuse myself only on one ground: that everything seems to have conspired against my answering correspondence. What with practice and the multitude of other demands upon my time during the recent past it would require several extra hours in the day to cope with the situation.
"... The reactions noted in your letter were extremely interesting. I was especially interested in the stand taken by the two physics teachers, especially that very young and very learned man. I am sure now that all have had time to think it over they would perhaps take more kindly to what at first seemed to be quite at variance with the usual estimate of science and life."
"... You have asked for reliable books available in this field. Of these perhaps Sir William Barrett's "On the Threshold of the Unseen" is one of the best all-round general works. It is now about twenty years or more since it was published. Another smaller book by Sir Wm. Barrett entitled "Psychical Research" gives a hasty review of the subject. Then "Human Personality and Its Survival of Bodily Death" by F. W. H. Myers is a very excellent work in the field it covers, when we consider that it was written more than twenty-five years ago. Some day it will be considered a classic. Dr. Geley's works entitled "From the Unconscious to the Conscious" and "Clairvoyance and Materializations" are both available in English. Dr. Osty's work "The Supernormal Faculties of Man" and Professor Richet's "Thirty Years of Psychical Research" and Schrenck-Notzing's work "The Phenomena of Materialization" are all translated and available in the English language. I need not mention the works of Lodge with which you perhaps may be familiar. For an all-round book I would suggest that Professor Richet's will give the best review of the subject; but he, like the other continental investigators, has not been able to get away from the animistic theory, although I understand in his heart he has done so."
There is mention of the Toronto talks and a Dr. Salem Bland of the Ministerial Association has written an article in the Toronto Star under the name "The Observer".
Mention is made of publication of Hamilton's work - there is a request today for an illustrated article to be published in "McLean's Magazine " of Toronto. There may be a book later - depending on time available.
"... You were wondering how the Jewish friends were reacting. The group I met on the Sunday evening in New York numbered about three dozen. They included Dr. Muthu, who, you will recall, was Ghandi's physician in India. There were about half a dozen other medical men including the Professor of Medicine from the Mayo Clinic. Everything went off splendidly and the discussion kept up till 12:30. The Jews were particularly alive to the possibilities of values in life which far exceeded the value of silver and gold and diamonds."
"... A few weeks ago I spoke to the Montefiori Club in Winnipeg which is composed entirely of Jews. They met one hundred strong in the Fort Garry Hotel; and here, too, the reaction to values was very strong. For the Jew especially is this work going to be of importance, since it not only enables, but compels, him to take a different attitude towards life. In the Fall I am to speak to the Jewish Women's United Organization which has a membership of three hundred or more. I think it is more satisfactory talking to a group of women than to a corresponding group of men. Their psychology is different and they are more disposed to accept with less demand for fundamental detail, and this is a great saving of time and effort, especially when one knows the foundation is right."
