WCP4850

Frith Hill, Godalming

July 5^th 1884

Geo. S. Fullerton Esq.¹

Dear Sir,

In reply to your request I beg to say that my general position with regard to Spiritualism is unchanged since I wrote my "Miracles & modern Spiritualism." [one word illegible crossed out] ^Additional enquiry and observation have still further strengthened my assurance of its fundamental truths, while increasing my perception of its extent and many sidedness, & of the difficulty of arriving at any absolute conclusion as to the exact nature & source of the whole of the phenomena.

As to the best method of investigation there are several [2] very important considerations which must be attended to ensure success.

1. It is hopeless to arrive at any sound conclusions without very long and painstaking enquiry.

2. The members of a joint enquiry should make it a rule to be all present at every sitting; unless it is found that any one member acts prejudicially on the production of the phenomena— in which case he had better retire altogether. There are some such persons— not necessarily the greatest sceptics as to the facts.

3. It is essential to give up at once the idea ^assumption that these phenomena are ^necessarily all of a material nature & to be tested by the usual laws of physics— are in fact imposters[?] [3] or delusions. If tests are applied solely from this point of view, negative or fallacious results will be arrived at. Unless the members of the Commission² are prepared to consider the Spiritual origin of the phenomena an open question, they are hardly likely to come to any conclusion worthy of attention. The phenomena of "Spirit Philosophy" also affords means of rigid & scientific tests demonstrating the existence of invisible material forces.³

4. Do not be in a hurry to witness the more marvellous phenomena. They cannot be properly appreciated or tested till the less extraordinary phenomena are examined & their reality proved. If you can obtain a good medium for the phenomena usually termed "slate-writing", there is nothing so easily or satisfactorily tested, or so absolutely conclusive of the existence [4] of non-human intelligences capable of acting on matter. I would recommend that this please be exhaustively examined before proceeding to any further.

5. Lastly, do not be in too great a hurry to apply rigid & absolute tests. First get the phenomena in perspective & with care— & then modify the conditions step by step so as to exclude each possible source of error. Above all things make the medium feel at home & comfortable. The phenomena will largely depend on his state of mind & body.

Believe me | Yours very faithfully | Alfred Russel Wallace. [signature]