You will understand that I adopt Galileo’s experimental method, not the doctrine of one of the Aristotelians.
I had heard a worthy person speak of Spiritualism, and I said to myself, Let us see, then I will believe.
I have made a series of experiments at home with three or four safe people, so as to be sure there should be no charlatanism. Here is the result, which for me is definitively demonstrated.
1st.—The experiments have produced phenomena absolutely inexplicable by the ordinary laws which govern matter.
2nd.—We put ourselves in communication with an intelligence, to the exclusion of any explanation purely material.
3rd.—It is impossible to establish either the personality or the truthfulness of the said intelligence, hence the final result is but of slight importance for any one who is not a Materialist. I am not so and never have been; so the only benefit that I derived from the experiments was to witness phenomena which before I should have thought impossible.
Those who are Materialists in good earnest ought necessarily to accept Spiritualism.[[H]]
If you should have the same curiosity as I had, and would like to make experiments, you ought to read the Doctrine Spirite, a very common book. It is not right to judge any doctrine until you are acquainted with it, and have tested it.
It was bound to be acceptable to me, because it harmonises with many of my old ideas on the origin of evil, so I found myself at home. I do not say that it absolutely explains the mystery, but it affords a glimpse of a solution much less illogical than that of original sin, much more consistent with divine perfection, and of far greater comfort in the uncertainties to which we are condemned.
Now you know as much about it as I do. If at any time you should make up your mind to come to my place, we can make experiments to your heart’s content.