THE 
JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. 
FEBRUARY, 1882. 
I. MIND-READING OR MUSCLE-READING. 
UR readers are of course acquainted with the theory 
of so-called mind-reading put forward by Dr. G. M. 
Beard, in our number for July last.* It will be re- 
membered that this investigator refers the phenomena pro- 
duced to a power of detecting and interpreting involuntary 
and unconscious muscular movements, and declares that 
“ mind-readers are only able to find direction and locality , and 
in order to find even these they must be in physical connec- 
tion with the subject, who must move his body or some 
portion of it. ... Mind-readers never tell what an objedt 
is, nor can they describe its colour or appearance.” We 
may add that in most cases Mr. Irving Bishop is not content 
to lead the subjedf about, but drags him or her in a some- 
what tumultuous manner. This seems to speak in favour 
of Dr. Beard’s theory, as if during violent motion uncon- 
scious muscular adtion on the part of the subject were more 
likely to be produced and recognised. 
By way of throwing further light upon this theory we 
reproduce the following letter, which has been forwarded to 
us by the writer. We may remark that Mr. Edmonds, as a 
graduate of London University and as the head-master of 
the Brighton School of Science and Art, may be accepted 
as a qualified and trustworthy observer, not likely to be 
himself deceived or to attempt any imposition upon the 
public. He writes - 
* Journal of Science, Third Series; iii. } p. 407. 
VOL. IV. (THIRD SERIES.) P 
