Von Humboldt—One does not desire to long remain in proximity to this underground conflagration, for, madame, that is what it is. Not for one moment could a mortal live in this mephitic atmosphere. As you perceive even Spirits are, to a degree, sensitive to it. As we return toward the upper world I shall briefly explain to you the origin of the truly wonderful spectacle. We have reached the cavern at the bottom of the chasm and if it may please you, friends, we will pause here while I shall attempt to satisfy Madame's laudable curiosity.
All over Ento in certain localities, are deposits of the various coals of sulphur, of naphtha, of natural gas, and of such mineral formations as are found on other Planets, and since remote times coal, naphtha, natural and manufactured gases as fuel and for lighting were universally used. Then came a knowledge of applied electricity, and with this knowledge a disinclination for the old, cumbrous methods of heating and lighting, and ere long, save in rural localities, electricity became almost the sole illuminant and heating energy, and coal as fuel fell into disuse; but for certain uses, to a limited extent, it yet is mined.
The region in which, for a period equaling nearly twenty years of your time this conflagration has been raging, contained vast stores of bituminous coal, sulphur and naphtha. Through some mischance a colliery became ignited, and ere the danger became apparent, the fire was inextinguishable. A large area has been burned out, extending to the southern base of the mountain where the fire burst into the immense cavern which holds, as in a basin, the terrific, raging, incandescent volume of heterogeneous matter. As the coal deposit extends no further than the base of the mountain and other inflammable materials involved finally must become exhausted, we may conclude that at no very distant time the conflagration will die out. Soon an opportunity will be afforded you for observing the devastation it has wrought elsewhere.
Madame, you owe me no thanks. It is both my duty and my pleasure to contribute what I may to the interest of our undertaking.
Medium—May I ask if you still are interested in such researches as engaged your attention while in earth life?
Von Humboldt—Madame, the bent of mind which, during earth life, has impelled mortals in certain directions or toward special pursuits, is an inherent part of each individual. Entering upon an advanced plane of existence I found myself possessed of the same inclinations and traits as formerly characterized me. The same may be said of our friends, Agassiz, Darwin, Bulwer Lytton, Bruno and others of this Band. The chemist, the mathematician, the geologist, the naturalist, the astronomer, the mystic each is true to his inherent traits or tendencies. When freed from the ills and cares incident to mortal existence, with quickened senses and desires, with enlarged abilities and the universe an open book in which all who strive for attainment may learn to read the wondrous story written by Infinite Intelligent Energy, strange, indeed, would it be did not these and all aspiring Spirits in time acquire a larger knowledge of such arts, sciences or pursuits as dominated their lives on the physical plane.
In contradistinction one must use such terms as Spirit, mortal, spiritual, physical and others. Yet, substantially, they all are states of being. Spirit, per se, as we understand it, is the vitalizing, unchanging principle which expresses the infinite, intelligent, indestructible, unvarying, all pervading energy and in every atom of the universe this indivisible spirit is manifested. As without substantiality there can be no existence or state of being, conclusively, spirit is substantial and all entities or individualized expressions of substance hold within them the spiritualized potentiality of evolution or growth. And, as in each individualized expression of substance there is a quality which may be termed plasticity, it follows that through inheritance and environment entities evolve in various directions, thus manifesting the scientific, the artistic and other tendencies.
Yes, the spirit body is as substantial as is the physical body, but of a finer expression of substance. You now are apart from your physical body, yet you are conscious that your spirit body is substantial, and where there is consciousness there is being, which is but another name for spirit. I may add that there is not an atom of the universe that is not, in a certain sense, conscious, hence, in a certain sense, individualized and intelligent.
I am aware, madame, that I have answered your questions in a superficial manner; at present I cannot do otherwise.
Our chemist is ready to light our way to the outer world and you will allow me to assist you. As we proceed, I shall, with your permission, relate a past personal experience.