1870.] Light of Modem Science. 321 



entities, each capable of existing without the others ; although they 

 sometimes admit that they are mutually convertible. 



These spiritualists are certainly not much in advance of an 

 alchemical writer, who says — 



" I asked Philosophy how I should 

 Have of her the thing I would. 

 She answered me when I was able 

 To make the water malliable, 

 Or else the way if I could finde, 

 To niesure out a yard of winde ; 

 Then shalt thou have thine own desire, 

 When thou canst weigh an ounce of Fire ; 

 Unless that thou canst do these three, 

 Content thyselfe, thou get'st not me." 



It has been my wish to show that science is gradually making 

 its followers the representatives of care and accuracy. It is a fine 

 quality that of uttering undeniable truth. Let, then, that position 

 not be lowered, but let words suit facts with an accuracy equal to 

 that with which the facts themselves can be ascertained ; and in a 

 subject encrusted with credulity and superstition, let it be shown 

 that there is a class of facts to be found upon which reliance can be 

 placed, so far, that we may be certain they will never change. In 

 common affairs a mistake may have but a short life, but in the study 

 of nature an imperfect observation may cause infinite trouble to 

 thousands. The increased employment of scientific methods will 

 promote exact observation and greater love of truth among inquirers, 

 and will produce a race of observers who will drive the worthless 

 residuum of spiritualism hence into the unknown limbo of magic 

 and necromancy. 



If spiritualists would but attend to the teachings of their own 

 prophets, they would no longer have to complain of the hostile 

 attitude of Science ; for hear what Thomas L. Harris urges, in his 

 1 Lyric of a Golden Age ! ' 



" The nearer to the practical men keep — 

 The less they deal in vague and abstract things, 

 The less they deal in huge mysterious words — 

 The mightier is then power. 



* * * * 



The simplest peasant who observes a truth, 

 And from a fact deduces principle, 

 Adds solid treasure to the public wealth. 

 The theorist, who dreams a rainbow dream, 

 And calls hypothesis philosophy, 

 At best is but a paper financier, 

 Who palms his specious promises for gold. 

 Facts are the basis of philosophy ; 

 Philosophy the harmony of facts 

 Seen in their right relation." 



