The sun. [volume] (Morris, Stevens County, Minn.) 1882-1895, 1886-06-17
A DISTINGUISHED THEosoPHlsT

a DIsTiNouIsHED THEosoPHisT
Conversion OF q Smithsonian Profess
sor to Mystfcfsm--Hfs Prophecy
Concerning the Future.
According to recent reports. writes a
Washington correspondent of The Neso
York World, DIR. Elliott Coues. of
Washington, has been making a great
stir in certain circles in New York by
his lectures upon theosophy. DR..
Coues is the president of the Washing
ton branch of theosophists in this
country. He is one of the best known
Of the scientists who have been con-
nected with the Smithsonian instltu-
ton since its foundation. Although he
is comparatively young man. he is
an acknowledged authority upon the
subject of ornithology. Prof. Agassiz
before his death, paid him the compli-
ment of saying that he was the best
informed scientist upon that subject in
this country. He first acquitted his
reputation in this branch of study
while holding the position of surgeon in
the United States army. He obtained
through political influence detail of
service at Washington. For four or
five years he occupied desk in one of
the quiet hooks of the Smithsonian. He
was not upon the pay-rolls of that in
stitution, but he had full command of
its study, and he was assisted by its
influence in the publication of
his works. After a time some
army friends became jealous of the
reputation that he was making, and
suggested to the war department that
the surgeon was on fancy duty at Wash
ington and that he was being unduly
favored. He was ordered to join his
regiment in New Mexico. This was a
great blow to him, as he was obliged to
give up his studies and quiet life at the
capital. He did 60 west for short
time, but he soon after resigned and be-
CslIlIC LID OWA uldSUC1s OIACO OlIAC
he has made more and more of a repu-
tation in literature and in the field of
scientific research, The fact that he
has become a convert to any system of
mysticism is more surprising to his in
innate friends then even to those who
are merely familiar with his sciefftific
oud 1itarorv u0rk
He has nearly all his life been a ma
terialist. For several years he was
pronounced advocate of agnosticism.
Few understand the means employedt to
convert the doctor, and he is silent upon
that subject. He is one of the best
known figures in Washington society,
or rather has been. He goes out now
very little, and appears to be thorough
ly satisfied with the joys of the new life
found by him in the study and practice
of theosophy. He is quite tall. Five
years ago he was considered one of the
handsomest men in Washington. He is
a regular-featured blonde, with clear
blue eyes, good complexion, and the
air and grace of a man of the world.
The lower part of his face a few years
ago was olnamented with a neatly
trimmed blonde beard and a trinity
twisted yellow mustache. He used to
be deliberately careful in his dress, and
had most gallant reputation among
the ladies who were fond of many adj
mirers. To-day his dress is careless,
his trim beard has grown to almost pa
triarchal length. his clear blue eye now
has dreamy look of mysticism, the
gaze of an opium-eater. He has for
years been an incessant smoker of Gig
arettes. Both of his long, lean hands
are stained yellow on the inside with
the juice of cigarettes. Two years ago
he visited Europe. During that time
he was receivhd by all of the promin-
emit scientific people in London, Paris,
and Berlin. Huxley and others made
quite a social lion of him during his
London stay.
The Doctors development as theo-
sophis did not become generally known
among his friends until he returned
from this European trip. About year
ago he became actively identified with
the organized theosophist. To-day he
appears to be one of the most content
ed of men. If his belief is delusion
it is most happy one for him, for it
consoles him for the loss of society and
trends, His conversion to this doctrine
Of mysticism does not appear to have
affected his standing as scientific
man. His writings are still in demand,
as they were before it became known
that he had departed from all orthodox
paths. saw the doctor the other day
and asked him If it was true that he
had said that he could project his spirit
from his body, and that he could appear
to people at distant place while his
real body was at another. Ho said that
this was true. He said further that the
ability Of experts in theosophy to pro-
iect their astral bodies had become so
we'll established that it was no longer
question for discussion. The doctor
said. with q great deal of emphasis,
that there was perfect revolution Of
public sentiment now going ON upon
this subject and with that in view he
wished to place = certain prophecy up
on the record 'sMark this" said he.
"witAin one years time there will be
perfect mad rush of people to the front
seeking to claim the originating Of this
doctrine, know that il h not now
considered sound or reasonable doc
trine and that people who believe In 1t
are generally regarded a. cranks. But
you will see within the time I have mem
toned an entire change in public opin-
ton upon this subject" DIR. Coues
follows the example of all
of the theosophists bv DECLINING tn