CHAPTER IX
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
I will bring this work to a close by a brief recapitulation of its more salient points.
A dimension is defined as "an independent direction in space." A flat surface is two-dimensional and the space we know is three-dimensional. The direction of the fourth dimension must be at right angles to every direction which can be drawn in our space and four-dimensional space is such that through any point in it, four, and only four, lines can be drawn mutually at right angles.
From every point in our space a line can be drawn running off in the direction of four space.
Consequently every point in our space is absolutely accessible from the direction of the fourth dimension.
The best way of drawing conclusions as to the properties of four space is by means of the analogy of the two-dimensional world; since four space is to three space as the latter is to two space.
The fact that we cannot perceive four space, or picture its nature to ourselves, is no proof that it is non-existent.
I suggest as a working hypothesis that four space is a reality and that Man possesses at least one other vehicle of Consciousness—a four-dimensional one—besides his physical body. In this vehicle he is embodied after discarding the physical vehicle at death and also during temporary absences from the body during life.
This hypothesis is likely to prove of importance in two respects. First, it provides Psychic Research with a working hypothesis which may be essential to its development as a science. Secondly the adoption of some such hypothesis should go far to remove the principle cause of recent cleavage between Religious and Scientific thought.
The hypothesis is capable of throwing light on a number of "Psychic" phenomena which are otherwise very obscure. It affords us a means of conceiving a mode of existence which is real and yet imperceptible to our senses, thus surmounting one of the chief difficulties in the way of conceiving of post-mortem existence.
In the realm of Clairvoyance it enables us to form some idea of the nature of the faculty of internal vision. With regard to Clairvoyance in space, it also helps us to some slight extent, although this phenomenon presents special difficulties of its own.
Other varieties of "out of the body" experiences are much elucidated by its aid.
The phenomena with which it is most closely connected, however, are those known under the general title of "apparent penetration of matter by matter."
To these it affords by far the simplest and probably the only explanation and, if they are regarded as irrefutably established, it will be difficult to avoid the conclusion that four space is a reality.
The locus classicus of such phenomena is the Slade-Zöllner investigation, but this is worthless as evidence. The literature of the subject abounds with records of similar occurrences.
The hypothesis also seems to offer a possible means of explaining the paradoxical rigidity of the impalpable structure discovered by Crawford.
The hypothesis may also have a certain significance, even in the realm of pure Philosophy. It enables us to conceive of the simultaneous existence of a series of three space simultaneities and, consequently, is of interest in the consideration of Time and of the possibility of Prevision.
It also works in well with a certain view of the nature of Vitality.
As regards its relation to ordinary physical science, we find nothing to conflict with it, but, on the contrary that there are a certain number of indications that four space is, as I suggest, more than a mere mathematical concept. It is possible that it may some day come to be recognised as having some significance in the theory of the nature of electrons and of ether, while recent views on "Relativity" strongly indicate that Physicists will soon regard the four-dimensionality of the Universe as a common place.
If the four-dimensional hypothesis is correct there should exist some sort of connecting link between the physical body and the four-dimensional vehicle.
The function of this link would be to deflect sensory impressions out of three space into four space thus enabling them to reach the Consciousness resident in the latter. Such a link must therefore be, in some way, intermediate between ordinary matter and four-dimensional matter.
That is to say, it must possess some degree of four-dimensional complexity. This may reasonably be supposed to endow it with peculiar properties.
If such a connecting link be found to exist in practice, it would tend to confirm the hypothesis.
The experiments of de Rochas, of Joire, of MacDougal, of Baraduc, of Kilner, and of Crawford seem to indicate that such a connecting link does, in fact, exist.
This is confirmed by the testimony of clairvoyants, which, though not of a nature to be rated too highly or accepted lightly, should be allowed some weight.
The attempt to formulate an hypothesis of this nature is not repugnant to Religion. Nor is there anything in this particular hypothesis which can be held to conflict with Religious doctrines.
On the other hand, the acceptance of such an hypothesis would cut the ground from under the feet of those who seek to maintain that matter is the only reality and that therefore Spirit and the Spiritual life are mere illusions.
No writer can expect to bring all his readers to his way of thinking. Indeed it would be unfortunate if he were to do so, as the effect would be to eliminate that element of critical discussion which is so fruitful a source of progress.
Consequently, I do not anticipate that every reader will agree with me. All I venture to hope is that I may have made good my contention that the four-dimensional concepts, in spite of the scorn poured on them as a result of the Zöllner fiasco, are worthy of very careful consideration as a tentative working hypothesis by those who are seeking to clear up the many obscure problems presented by Psychical Research.
If this little book is thought worthy of criticism, I shall welcome it. Its purpose will have been amply served if it succeeds in arousing interest in what will prove, I believe, a very fruitful field of speculation and research.