The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1907-07-25

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tsntfo. of Mssy People
Our present era has been described
az one given chiefly to materialism,
yet there never was a time when 80
many thoughtful persons were engaged
In the study OF psychic phenomena or
when there were 30 many societies or
ganized to prosecute psychical research.
The question OF the nature OF spirit is
being investigated from many different
points OF view. Physicians attack the
problem from their own side, seeking
light In the study OF brain. nerves. etc.
as well as In phenomena OF somnam-
bulism, hypnotisn, double personality
and the like.
Societies for psychicai research In
this country and England number In
their membership some OF the most
eminent names OF modern science-men
who make II their task to sift grain
from the chaff OF reported apparitions,
instances OF telepathy. alleged commun-
ications with the dead, etc. There is
large literature on the subject OF
sspiritism"-a different thing from
Spirituaiisfn-
The latter has become creed with
many persons. who take their belief
seriously. though II has been notably
abused by pretendes who give
''seances" and use conJurers' tricks 70
impress the unwary. Mind reading,
suggestions" etc. are accepted by
many who have no theory TO account
for them.
The recent announcement that ex-
lperimenters In New England have as
certained that the soul weighs half an
ounce. ridiculous as II is. Illustrates
the prevailing disposition 10 apply the
experimental method 10 the elucidaton
OF questions OF spirit The Waterfalls
tic tendency of the time demands ocu-
lar proof OF things the most subtle
Recent revelations OF the properties OF
radioactive substances have strength
ened this tendency. but have brought
maferiaiists and Spiritualists closer to-
gether by showing that matter consists
apparently OF Infinitely minute aggre-
cations OF ether which are endowed
with wonderful properties.
Materiallsts used 10 laugh at the con-
tention OF schoolmen that thousands OF
spirits could dance on the point OF
needle. but the calculations OF Profes-
sors Thompson. Soddy and others seem
70 show that the point OF needle
would afford ample space for numerous
organized beings consisting each OF mil
lions OF atoms. Matter. Ia short. has
been refined almost 10 the quality OF
spirit. as the latter was once conceived.
so that maferlaiIsts are more ready
than formerly 20 accept Splritualistic
explanation OF phenomena.
Faith In invisible causes Is accord
Ingly reriving and persons OF ultra
scientific bias viii be found entertain
Ing views once deemed highly superst-
tlous There is much folly and some
fraud. no doubt. IN various popular
manifestations OF the revived Interest
In occult matters. The limits between
the possible and impossible are ignored
and the anxious inquirer after Spirit
lsfic truth often has trick OF slight
of-hand palmed Off on him.
The magician and the hoocoo doctor
stu flourish upon the credulIfy OF their
admirers. Not that there is not great
virtue In mental suggestion" In this
neurasthenic age. Imaginary diseases
require imaginary remedies The regu-
lar physician finds many OF his pa
tients cured by bread pills, the pin be
ing something to fix the eye upon
while confidence in the doctor does the
work. The huge boluses OF our grand
fathers are out OF fashion
Medicine has lost its mysterious |
power and we want more subtle rem I
edies. Little by little we are finding I
out that abstinence from drugs and |
plenty OF exercise In the open air are l
the true secrets OF physical and men, /
tai health. AS respects Spiritual health. I
however. the problem. with all our ex-
remains substantially
where II was before the age OF isms be-
gan.-Baltimore SUM-