Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1852-05-19
From the spiritual Tolevr.pb.


The Ordeal of Science and Skepticism.
We were present at Mr.. Elmsr's, on the
occasion referred to in the following man
ifesto, and at the solicitation of other par
ties drew up the following statement
The persons whose names are subscribed
to the paper are favorably known to the
public, and though previously skeptical
concerning the manifestation, they did not
hesitate to express the conviction that the
several specifications were aUithin the truth,
and the facts would have justified stron-
ger statement. Mr.. Wells is Professor of
Chemistry at Harvard, and since his re-
turn to the University, Mr.. Hume, the
medium, has been sent for by Professor
AgasSiz, and will soon visit Cambridge
The Modern Wonder.
The undersigned, from sense of JUS
tice to the parties referred to, very cordi.
ally bear testimony to the occurrence of
the following facts, which we severally
witnessed at the house of Rufus Elmer, in
Springfield, on the evening Of the 9Th of
April:
l. The table was moved in every pos
sible direction, and with great force, when
we could not perceive any cause of motion.
z. 1t (thc table, was forced against
each one of US so powerfully rs to move
US from our positions, together with the
chairs We occupied-in all, several feet.
8. Mr.. Wells and Mr.. Edwards took
hold of the table in such manner as to
exert their strength to the best advan-
tage, but found the invisible power, exer-
cissd in the opposite direction, to be quite
equal to their utmost efforts.
4. In two instances, at least, while the
hands ofall the members of the circle were
placed on the top of the table-and while
no visible power was employed to raise
the table, or otherwise move it from its
position-I WaS seen to rise clear of The. floor,
and float IN the atmosphere, for several sec
o,'d', as if sustained by some dcnssr me-
dunn than air.
8. Mr.. Wells seated himself on the ia
BILE, which was rocked to and fro with
great violence, and at length it poised it.
self on two legs, and remained in this po-
sitiOn for some thirty seconds, when no
other person lCaS in contact nth the table.
6. Three persons, Messrs. Wells, Bliss,
and Edwards, assumed positions on the
table at the same time, and while thus
seated, the table was moved in various
directions.
7. Occasionally we were made con.
scious of the occurrence of powerful
shock which produced a vibratory motion
of the floor of the apartment. 1t seemed
like the motion occasioned by distant
thunder or the firing of ordnance far away
causing the tables, chairs, and other
inanimate objects, and all of us to tremble
in such a manner that the effect was both
seen and felt.
8. In the whole exhibition, which was
far more diversified than the foregoing
specifications would indicate, we were
constrained to admit that there was an
almost constant manifestation of some in
telligence, which seemed, at least, to be
independent of the circle.
9. In conclusion, we may observe that
D. D. Hume, the medium, frequently ur-
ged us to hold his hands and feet. Du-
ring these occurrences the room was well
lighted, the lamp was frequently placed
on and under the table, and every possible
opportunity was afforded us for the clos
est inspection, and we submit this one en-
phatic declaration We knose that sOs rsrs
not imposed npOn nor deceived.
DAVID A Wells, WIN. BRI4NT,
B. X. Bliss, WN. EDvAHps