Spiritualistic Tricks.

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 226, 29 October 1887, Page 1

Spiritualistic Tricks.

A remarkable letter has been addressed to the London "Standard" by W. C. Faulkner, philosophical instrument maker, of London, which indicates that the so-called spiritual, ists, at least in London, have been in the habit of producing effects by means of a too materialistic nature altogether to accord with their assumed theories. Faulkner states that for many years he has had a large sale for spirit-rapping magnets and batteries expressly made for concealment under the floor, in cupboards, under tables, and even for the interior of the centre support of largo round tables and boxes. He has supplied also quantities of prepared wire to be placed under the carpets and oilcloth, or under the wainscot and gilt beading round ceilings and rooms. All these, he says, were obviously used for spirit-rapping ; and the connection to each rapper and battery was to be made by means of a small button, like those used for telegraphic bell-ringing purposes, or by moans of a brass-headed or other nail under the carpet at particular patterns known to the spiritualists. These rappers' heads, when carefully placed, are calculated to mislead the most wary. Then there are spirit-rapping magnets, and magnets constructed expressly for the pocket, and these, he tells us, will, of course, rap afc any part of the room. Ho has also made drums and bells which will ring and beat at command ; but these two latter are not so frequently used as the magnets are, because they are too easily detected.