1871.] on Psychic Force. 473 



These remarks imply a curious oblivion of the very func- 

 tions which the scientific enquirer has to fulfil. I am 

 scarcely surprised when the objectors say that I have been 

 deceived merely because they are unconvinced without per- 

 sonal investigation, since the same unscientific course of 

 a priori argument has been opposed to all great discoveries. 

 When I am told that what I describe cannot be explained in 

 accordance with preconceived ideas of the laws of nature, 

 the objector really begs the very question at issue and resorts 

 to a mode of reasoning which brings science to a standstill. 

 The argument runs in a vicious circle : we must not assert a 

 fact till we know that it is in accordance with the laws of 

 nature, while our only knowledge of the laws of nature must 

 be based on an extensive observation of facts. If a new fact 

 seems to oppose what is called a law of nature, it does not 

 prove the asserted fact to be false, but only that we have 

 not yet ascertained all the laws of nature, or not learned 

 them correctly. 



In his opening address before the British Association at 

 Edinburgh this year, Sir William Thomson said, " Science 

 is bound by the everlasting law of honour to face fearlessly 

 every problem which can fairly be presented to it." My 

 object in thus placing on record the results of a very 

 remarkable series of experiments is to present such a 

 problem, which, according to Sir W. Thomson, " Science is 

 bound by the everlasting law of honour to face fearlessly." 

 It will not do merely to deny its existence, or try to 

 sneer it down. Remember, I hazard no hypothesis or 

 theory whatever ; I merely vouch for certain facts, my only 

 object being — the truth. Doubt, but do not deny ; point 

 out, by the severest criticism, what are considered falla- 

 cies in my experimental tests, and suggest more conclusive 

 trials ; but do not let us hastily call our senses lying wit- 

 nesses merely because they testify against preconceptions. 

 I say to my critics, Try the experiments ; investigate with 

 care and patience as I have done. If, having examined, 

 you discover imposture or delusion, proclaim it and say 

 how it was done. But, if you find it be a fact, avow it fear- 

 lessly, as " by the everlasting law of honour" you are bound 

 to do. 



I may at once answer one objection which has been made 

 in several quarters, viz., that my results would carry more 

 weight had they been tried a greater number of times, and 

 with other persons besides Mr. Home. The fact is, I have 

 been working at the subject for two years, and have found 

 nine or ten different persons who possess psychic power in 



