72. The existence of spirits being proved by reasoning and by facts, as well as
their power of acting upon matter, we have now to ascertain the way in which this
power operates, and the means by which spirits move tables and other inert bodies.
In regard to these points, a supposition presented itself spontaneously to our
own mind, and we held it for a time ; but, as it was combated by spirits, who gave us an
explanation of the matter altogether different from the one which had occurred to us, it
is evident that this explanation was not of our inventing. The idea that had first
occurred to us may probably have occurred to many others also; as for the explanation
given by the spirits, we do not think it would ever have come into the head of any
human being. It will easily be seen how very superior it is to our own idea, although
not so simple, because it explains a vast number of other facts which could not have
been satisfactorily explained by our own idea.
