The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-05-23
PREMATURE BURIAL.
DR.. Hartmann, TheosOphist, Believes
Many Are Buried Alive.

DR.. Franz Hartmann a well-known writ
er on occutism and theosophy, who is now
making lecture tour through the Eastern
and Middle States, arrived yesterday after
noon. He came to this country in order to
attend the recent convention of the Theo-
sophical Society in America, which was
held in New York city on the 18th and 18th
of April. DR.. Hartmann is no stranger in
this country being an American citizen,
and having lived in the West for about
twenty years previous to 1888, when he went
to India. While in India DR.. Hartmann
stayed with the celebrated Madame Bla-
vatsky, at Adyar, near Madras, and he af-
forwards went with Madame Elavatsky TO
Europe. For several years past his home
has been at Hallein, in Austria, where he
best known of these are Magic, Black and
White, THE Secret Symbols of the RoSi-
crucians,' and his work on "Paracelsus"
During the recent crusade around the
world of eight American theosophists, I'M
der the leadership of Mrs. K. A. Tingley,
theosophical society in Germany was or
ganized by her, under the presidency of
DR.. Hartmann.
Said Dr. Hartmann: 'I have been absent
from this country for nine years, and when
| landed here the other day, | felt as
though [ were returning from imprison-
ment in Siberia to a free country. would
remain here as long as l live, but have
got to return to Austria to look after the
theosophical cause among the German
speaking population of Europe Before go
ing home however, L have been asked to
make a tour of the country, delivering a
number of lectures. All my meetings Will
be free to the public. l do not believe in
charging admission to hear teachings about
theosophy, because theosophy is q sacred
thing and cannot be bought for money"
In answer to d question concerning the
doctors investigation of the subject of pre-
mature burial, concerning which he has
written several books in the English
language, he replied: Two persons in eV-
cry thousand, on an average, ] believe to
be buried alive, in different states of con-
seriousness. This was found to be the case,
after a careful investigation made by my
self, in conjunction with Col. A. p. Vol
lum, of the medical department of the
United States army, and William Todd, Of
London who is a Well-knOWn writer on
medical subjects. The books. have been
widely read, and have received very favor
able comment. We have formed society
in England, which now has many mem
bers, which protects people against a liv-
ing burial. While in this country shall en-
deavor to organize similar society.
When asked to whether he knew any
thing about the supposed refncarnat1on OF
Madame BlaVatsky, the doctor smiled and
said: Madame BlaVatsky was once asked
by an lnQulsltlVe Brahmln what she would
be in her next incarnation on earth. HaV-
ing a strong sense of humor, and having
been somewhat irritated by previous fool
ish questions from the same individual, she
jokingy replied that she was afraid she
would be Brahmin IN her next life, II
not something worse. This saying has been
taken seriously by certain persons who are
not in the habit of seeing the point of a
the Philosophical Society, the doctor said:
~ do not consider that any split has &C.
CURED. All that l have seen is, that GER
tain people who are incapable of grasping
the idea of universal brotherhood, which is
the basis of the Theosophical Society in
America. have left the society and are in
search of other objects"
While in this city DR.. Hartmann will be
the guest of Mr.. and Mrs. Sydney Marshall.
of No SO Bellefontaine street, members of
Indianapolis branch of the Theosophical
Society in America whose headquarters
are at the Propylaeum He will give a free
lecture at the PropXlaeum at o'clock this
evening.