Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-05-29
seispos and .spir,tualism.

An Interesting correspondence has just
been printed in the London papers rela-
tive TO thorough, scientific investiga-
ton OF modern spirituaiism. A letter Of
the late Prof Faradsy, written June Ia,
1861, in which he specified the condi-
tions upon which he would attend one or
more seances Of Mr. ID. ID. Home, the
noted medium, has been given TO the
public. Prof. Tyndall, al whose in
stance the note was published, declared
himself willing TO investigate the So
called spiritual manifestations on similar
conditions and now Mr.. Home prints
in the Pail MaH Gazette note, the pith
of which is contained in the following
paragraph:
at will give me the same pleasure TO
meet Professor Tyndall aud any two gen.
tlemen be shall designate. On my side
will have at least two gentlemen whose
names and position place them above the
suspicion Of aiding or abetting fraud.
will meet Professor Tyndall aud these
gentlemen when and where they please,
and under snch circumstances as they
may decide on. Imust only crave their
patience il nothing should occur at the
frst or even the second SeaRce.l A pa
tient and candid investigation is all /
ash" t1f aI-gm Use
II is to be hoped, says the New York
World, that Prof Tyndall will accept
Mr.. Homes proposition, aud investigate
the strange phenomena Of modern spir.
itualism with scientific thoroughness.
His extended reputation would give
greater weight to the. conclusions at
which he might arrive than any inyesti-
cations in the matter that have been
made heretofore. The extent to which
spiritualism has obtained credence in
Great Britain, but more especially in
this country, entities it to such an ex.
animation as Mr.. Home invites. 1t is
claimed that there are 1000, 900 spirit
ualists in the United States, which is pre-
posterous, since there are barely that
number Of persons in the country OF
sufficient age to intelligently consider
this or any religious faith. Possibly
the number may reach 100000; at any
rate, it is large and constantly increas-
ing, and embraces very many persons
whose opinions upon any subject are
worthy, Of consideration. Spiritualism
either is or is not what is claimed
for it by those who believe in il. The
manifestations connected with it being
capable of scientific examination, it is
of the highest Importance that such an
examination should be made by men
whose reputation for integrity and
scientific attainments is such as to secure
confidence in the decision which they
m sy render. If it be delusion, those
who put faith in it cannot be undeceiyed
a moment too soon;, if it be what is
claimed for it, the world should know
that at once. Let the investigation be
conducted with thoroughness and with:
out prejudice on the part of the investi-
gators and without opposition on the part
of the Spritualsts. And if Prof. Tyn-
dali declines to accept Mr.. Homes inyi-
tation, we trust that some other we'll
known scientist will make the examina-
ton. Nor need it be confined to Mr..
Homes manifestations. If a like inves.
tigation were made in this country at the
same time, the result could not be but
beneficial. = Union and Dispatch.