(3) Physical Expenditure Modified By Spirit-Control

(A) Mechanical Efficiency Increased And Fulcrum Displaced

Having thus dealt briefly with spirit-influence as exercised upon the processes of nutrition, let us go on to consider in what way this influence seems to affect the output of energy, - streaming from the organism into the molecular or the etherial world. And, first, let us consider mechanical work done in simple, molar form - the movements of heavy untouched objects which recur so habitually in records such as these. When we hear of such a movement we ask ourselves whether it can be shown to be consistent with the ordinary mechanical law of action and reaction, and with the wider generalisation of the conservation of energy. Where is the fulcrum? How great, and whence derived, is the energy employed? The question of the fulcrum might conceivably be settled by actual experiment. In its present condition it forms part of the more general problem of so-called "ectoplasy," or extrusion from the organism of vital energy, which will be considered under a later heading. As to the source of the energy, we must needs suppose that to be in the organism of the medium, unless it should be shown to exceed any amount of which we can suppose his organism capable. At first sight it has sometimes seemed (as with D. D. Home) to exceed this amount.

But in our estimation we must bear in mind that (as was said above) an increase of at least momentary muscular power may come from one of two causes - may be either the result of integration or the concomitant of disintegration. As the concomitant of disintegration, in hysteria or mania, the symptom is a familiar one, and indicates the unequal conservation of efferent and inhibitory stimuli. A reckless order - as for a Balaclava charge - is given to the muscles, and there is no wise superior officer to countermand or restrain. vol. II. 2 L

But, on the other hand, the weakness of the general, while it permits of rashness in the army which has got out of hand, may also fail to utilise the healthy ardour of an obedient host. The strong-willed, educated savant can sometimes compress the dynamometer more forcibly than the robust ploughman; - not because his hands are stronger, but because he can at a given moment throw a greater proportion of his total energy into them. How far such increase of power might go we know not. The limit of the force which human muscles could theoretically exert is far from being reached in common life.

If, then, it is asked whether these phenomena appear to transgress the law of Conservation of Energy, we can affirm that they do not, - in the sense that the work done, so far as measurable in foot-pounds, does not manifestly exceed the work which the sensitive's organism, could we suppose it handled as a familiar instrument by a mind completely understanding it, could probably accomplish without permanent injury. And we may add that, according to statements made by the controls in Mr. Moses' and other cases, some of the force thus used is taken from other persons present; in which case there would probably be an ample surplus, after all the recorded feats had been performed.

But the possible satisfaction - in some obscure manner - of the law of Conservation of Energy brings us but little nearer to a justification of the alleged phenomena. We do not know, in fact, how much energy such phenomena would need, for no amount of energy, applied in any way known to ourselves, could possibly produce them.