SOME BOOKS OF THE WEEK.
[Under this heading we notice such Books of the week as ham not been reserved for resins) in other forms.] On the Threshold of a New World of Thought : an Examination of the Phenomena of Spiritualism. By W. F. Barrett, F.R.S. (Kegan Paul, Trench, and Co. 2s. 6d. net.)—The title of this little book sufficiently explains the nature of its contents ; it is, in fact, a plea for spiritualism,—the old-fashioned spiritualism of a generation ago. The book was printed in 1895, but the publication, the author tells us, was postponed on account of a recent exposure of the Italian medium, Eusapia Paladino. Within the last two years many Italian observers, including such men as Professors Lombroso, Morselli, and Bottazzi, have investigated the wonders occurring in the presence of this same Eusapia, and have proclaimed them- selves convinced of their supernormal origin. But it may be questioned whether the considerations which in 1595 were held sufficiently weighty to prevent the publication of the book have lost any of their force. The more recent observers, indeed, better forewarned than their predecessors, admit that Eusapia will cheat when she can. But in all other essential particulars the circumstances are unchanged. The sittings are still held in semi-darkness. In the dim and uncertain light two of the observers, sitting one on each side of the medium, undertake to "control "—how we are not told—her hands and feet. Then things happen. But in no case has it been shown—it is rarely even claimed—that an object has been moved beyond the range of Eusapia's hands and feet. Professor Barrett makes much of the fact that self-registering instruments have been used ; but it does not help us much to have an automatic record of the movements of a tambourine or a telegraph key, if both tambourine and telegraph key are left behind a curtain within the radius of Eusapia's extended arm or leg. In one respect, indeed, the use of these scientific devices has taught us something. On several occasions the telegraph key has been enclosed in a covering of wood, cardboard, cloth, or iron wire. In every instance the test has been either ignored or evaded; either the key has been left undisturbed, or the covering has been shattered. The mere testimony of so many distinguished men to the genuineness of Eusapia's performances is no doubt entitled to some weight ; but it would scarcely seem that the psychological moment has yet arrived for proclaiming their discoveries to the world.
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