Secondly, that this link should possess properties of a peculiar nature distinguishing it from ordinary physical substances.
Thirdly, that there are distinct evidences to be found in very independent quarters which strongly indicate that such a connecting link or substance does in fact exist.
Fourthly, that this substance does present unusual features, as for instance, susceptibility to volitional control and to forces which appear to be applied from some direction unknown to us (vide my remarks on the theory of Crawford's structure in Chapter III).
Finally, that, as it appears to be intermediate between the physical body and the post-mortem vehicle, it is well worthy of the closest study.
It will be very evident to my readers that this chapter is "extrapolatory" and speculative in the highest degree. The ideas discussed are based on experiments which are very far from being conclusive. I should be sorry indeed to guarantee them all as being of cast-iron reliability and I have no doubt that comparatively few will ever receive the amount of confirmation which is necessary before we can accept such things as proven facts.
Still, tenuous as the evidence is, it all seems to point in the same sort of direction and I have therefore thought it worth while to give it the benefit of the doubt and see what could be made of it on the temporary assumption that it is really reliable.
FOOTNOTES:
[5] Note the insensibility.—W.W.S.
[6] Note.—In future I shall borrow the term "Etheric Double" from the Theosophists and use it instead of the rather cumbrous phrase "Quasi-physical replica." I do not think that the term Etheric Double is a good one, but it is in common use, and I will adopt it until some better word is suggested.