384 On Table-turning. [18513. 



pressure, grows up to an amount sufficient to move the table 

 or the substances pressed upon. But the most valuable effect 

 of this test-apparatus (which was afterwards made more perfect 

 and independent of the table) is the corrective power it possesses 

 over the mind of the table-turner. As soon as the index is 

 placed before the most earnest, and they perceive as in my 

 presence they have always done that it tells truly whether 

 they are pressing downwards only or obliquely, then all effects 

 of table-turning cease, even though the parties persevere, 

 earnestly desiring motion, till they become weary and worn out. 

 No prompting or checking of the hands is needed the power 

 is gone ; and this only because the parties are made conscious 

 of what they are really doing mechanically, and so are unable 

 unwittingly to deceive themselves. I know that some may say 

 that it is the cardboard next the fingers which moves first, and 

 that it both drags the table, and also the table-turner with it. 

 All I have to reply is, that the cardboard may in practice be 

 reduced to a thin sheet of paper weighing only a few grains, 

 or to a piece of goldbeaters' skin, or even the end of the lever, 

 and (in principle) to the very cuticle of the finger itself. Then 

 the results that follow are too absurd to be admitted : the table 

 becomes an incumbrance, and a person holding out the fingers 

 in the air, either naked or tipped with goldbeaters' skin or 

 cardboard, ought to be drawn about the room, &c. ; but I refrain 

 from considering imaginary yet consequent results which have 

 nothing philosophical or real in them. I have been happy thus 

 far in meeting with the most honourable and candid though most 

 sanguine persons, and I believe the mental check which I propose 

 will be available in the hands of all who desire truly to investigate 

 the philosophy of the subject, and, being con tent to resign expec- 

 tation, wish only to be led by the facts and the truth of nature. 

 As I am unable, even at present, to answer all the letters that 

 come to me regarding this matter, perhaps you will allow me 

 to prevent any increase by saying that my apparatus may be seen 

 at the shop of the philosophical instrument maker Newman, 

 122 Regent-street. Permit me to say, before concluding, that 

 I have been greatly startled by the revelation which this purely 

 physical subject has made of the condition of the public mind. 

 No doubt there are many persons who have formed a right 

 judgment or used a cautious reserve, foi I know several such, 



