The San Francisco call., 1906-08-12

y. J., a recent arrival from
a the orient, is responsible for
q story that has aroused a
deep interest among local students
philosophers, and particularly those
who are ever delving into the mys-
teries OF occult science. 1t is story
that involves q number Of persons in
the East who are frequent visitors to
San Francisco, among them Edgar O.
Aehorn, a well-known Boston lawyer
who is well acquainted in San Fran
cisco.
Briefly. II deals with the lifelong
friendship existing between Achorn
and the late DR.. Swan Moses Burnett
for many years professor OF ophthalmo-
logy and otalogy in the Georgetown
University, and with the supposed in
tervention Of the latter, spiritually, Of
course, in securing the return TO the
Boston attorney OF a matchbox. given
to him by DR.. Burnett and afterward
lost
There existed betEeen Achorn and
Dr. Burnett, who was the first hus-
hand Of Frances Hodgson Burnett and
father Of the original Little Lord
Fauntleroy.' more than the ordinary
feeling OF friendship. 1t was more of
comradeship. which was broken only
by the death OF the doctor in January
last. Shortly before the latter's death
Achorn lost in Asheville. y. c., a silver
matchbox, which he had long cherished
as gift from his friend.
DR.. Burnett died with the knowledge
Of Achorn's loss and this fact may have
significance in what has followed. To
Achorn the loss OF the trinket was
much intensified by the loss of the
giver, whose influence has since seemed
10 exert itself in a mysterious way
over his friend, for the latter has had
restored 10 him the matchbox, thou
sands Of miles from home, while he
sat upon the banks OF the Nile quietly
contemplating the ruins OF Karuak, the
ancient capital Of Egypt.
That Achorn's experience has excited
the interest OF students Of occultism
may be easily imagined, especially in
view of the close afiliation that is
known to have existed between Dr.
Burnett and the Boston attorney dur
ing the formers lifetime.
Dr. Burnett, aside from being of
Worldwide prominence in his profess
sion, was thoroughly conversant and
had read much in Eastern religions,
having taken deep interest in such
subjects from a philosophical stand
point. and to his intimates he had pro-
claimed himself a Buddhist
With DR.. Burnett, Achorn shared an
interest in esthetic study and culture.
Thoroughly cosmopolitan, the Boston
lawyer has spent much time in research
into Scandinavian folklore, has given
TO the literary world an intimate study
Of Ibsen and has delivered many COM
memorative addresses in various cities.
Inasmuch as Dr. Burnett had dis
cussed such questions with his friend
to this friend he would seek to express
himself if after the death Of his body
his soul found means Of Communication.
In this connection the unusual Incl
dent Of the silver matchbox may. be
held 70 have psychic significance
OF Achorn's distress at losing the
matchbox the soul Of DR.. Burnett had
learned during it's earthly cycle. II his
soul persisted after physical death, as
DR. Burnett while living was convinced
that Ii would. by means OF what ply
steal agencies could IL demonstrate its
continued existence? What topic of
concern TO each friend would by pre-
sentation TO the living friend reveal
that the absent one still exercised con-
cern for him2
There was lost matchbox. the
Whereabouts Of which Achorn could not
solve Perhaps to human souls in a
higher cycle Of life there is omini-
science surprising the narrow limits
OF human eyes and human minds.
Dr. Burnett gave the matchbox to
Achorn TO be a constant daily reminder
OF their friendship, and, since the law
Yer is very fond OF smoking, no more
sDpropriate article could have been
chosen. For several years many times
a day Achorn would use the match
box, never. perhaps without thinking
OF the ssveT
on. December 20 last Achorn left
Boston TO attend a Christmas house
party at the country home OF a friend
four miles out from Asheville. The
morning after Christmas he recalls
having taken a Stroll in the woods with
a friend, and he knows that at that
time he used the matchbox TO light a
cigarette. His chagrin at missing the
treasured souvenir the next time he
had occasion to use it made it's dis
tinct impression. He Immediately
searched his clothes without success.
on the journey back to Boston, Achorn
stopped at washington, on December
2s to visit with the doctor and he was
pained to relate that he had lost the
much valued gift
On December 81 the two friends
parted, little knowing that they then
boxed into each others eyes for the
est time.
Soon after Attorney Achorn's arrival
d Boston he received the distressing