The whole report shows the same instantaneous appreciation of the written questions, by the intelligence and appropriateness with which the answer was framed, though Mrs. Newnham never had any idea what the question was until after the answer was written and read, and the answers very often were entirely contrary to the prejudices and expectations of both the persons engaged in the experiments.
The following case may fairly be placed in the third class of messages, namely, those conveying intelligence which seems to be beyond the possible knowledge of the writer or of any person present. It is a well authenticated and interesting example of Planchette-writing, reported to Mr. Myers, the reporter being Mr. Hensleigh Wedgwood, a cousin and brother-in-law of Charles Darwin, and himself a savant of no small reputation. Two ladies, sisters, whom he designates as Mrs. R. and Mrs. V., were for many years intimate and valued friends of Mr. Wedgwood, and it was in co-operation with one or the other of these ladies that the results to be noted, along with much other interesting matter, were obtained.
Sitting alone, neither of the ladies nor Mr. Wedgwood was able to obtain any results at all with Planchette; the board remained absolutely motionless. The two ladies together could obtain no writing, but only wavy lines, made rapidly, like a person writing at full speed, but with Mr. Wedgwood co-operating with either of the ladies the writing was intelligible, but was much stronger and more vivacious with Mrs. V. than with Mrs. R. The following extracts are from Mrs. R.’s journal of a sitting, June 26, 1889:
“With Mr. W. and Mrs. R. at the board, Planchette writes: ‘A spirit is here who thinks he will be able to write, through the medium. Hold very steady, and he will try first to draw.’ We turned the page, and a sketch was made, rudely enough, of course, but with much apparent care. Planchette then wrote:
“‘Very sorry can’t do better; was meant for test; must write for you instead. (Signed) J. G.’
“We did not fully understand this drawing; and Mr. W. asked, ‘Will J. G. try again?’ which it did. Below the drawing it wrote: ‘Now look.’ We did, and this time clearly comprehended the arm and sword. Mr. W. asked, ‘What does the drawing represent?’
“‘Something given to me.’
“Mrs. R. asked, ‘Are you a man or a woman?’
“‘A man—John G.’
“Mr. W. asked, ‘How was it given to you?’