Professor. It is just the same in this case. The phenomenon repeats itself and we experiment with it. And not only that, but we apply to the phenomena we are investigating the laws common to other phenomena. These phenomena seem supernatural only because their causes are attributed to the medium himself. But that is where the mistake lies. The phenomena are not caused by the medium, but by psychic energy acting through a medium, and that is a very different thing. The whole matter lies in the law of equivalents.
Sahátof. Yes, certainly, but....
[Enter TÁNYA, who hides behind the hangings.
Leoníd Fyódoritch. Only remember that we cannot reckon on any results with certainty, with this medium any more than with Home or Kaptchítch. We may not succeed, but on the other hand we may even have perfect materialisation.
Sahátof. Materialisation even? What do you mean by materialisation?
Leoníd Fyódoritch. Why, I mean that some one who is dead—say, your father or your grandfather—may appear, take you by the hand, or give you something; or else some one may suddenly rise into the air, as happened to Alexéy Vladímiritch last time.
Professor. Of course, of course. But the chief thing is the explanation of the phenomena, and the application to them of general laws.
[Enter the FAT LADY.
Fat Lady. Anna Pávlovna has allowed me to join you.
Leoníd Fyódoritch. Very pleased.