143. In order to render spirit-communications independent of the medium's
mind, various instruments have been devised. One of these is a sort of dial-plate, on
which the letters of the alphabet are ranged like those on the dial of the electric
telegraph; a moveable needle, set in motion through the medium’s influence, with the
aid of a conducting thread and pulley, points out the letters. We cannot help thinking,
however, that independence of the medium’s thought is insured as well by the raps, and
that this independence is proved more conclusively by the unexpectedness and pertinence of the answers, than by all the mechanical contrivances yet invented for this
purpose. Moreover, the incredulous, always on the lookout for wires and machinery,
are more inclined to suspect deception in connexion with any special mechanical
arrangements than with a bare table, devoid of all accessories.
