§ 3. On the supposition that a close natural bond between two persons is a favourable condition for telepathic influence, there is one group of persons among whom we might expect to find a disproportionate number of instances - namely, twins. As a matter of fact, we have a certain number of twin cases, which, though actually small, is indisputably disproportionate, if we remember what an infinitesimally small proportion of the population twins form. I will quote here the three examples which properly belong to this chapter. It may be of interest to compare them with the cases given by Mr. F. Galton (Inquiries into Human Faculty, pp. 226-31), of consentaneous thought and action on the part of twins. Mr. Galton attributes the coincidences to a specially close similarity of constitution. The pair may be roughly compared to two watches, which begin to go at the same hour, and keep parallel with one another in their advance through life. This theory seems fairly to account for the occurrence of special physiological or pathological crises at the same point of the two lives. The twins, though separated, have their croup or their whooping-cough simultaneously.

The explanation, however, seems a little strained when applied to the simultaneous purchase in different towns of two sets of champagne glasses of similar pattern, owing to a sudden impulse on the part of each of the twins to surprise the other with a present. If it were possible - which it can hardly be - to make sure that there had been no previous mention of the subject between the brothers, and that the idea was really and completely impromptu, one might hint that the coincidence here was telepathic. And, at any rate, the cases to be now quoted seem outside the range of a pre-established physiological harmony; with them, the alternative is between telepathy and accident. [I omit two of these - 76 and 78 - Ed.] The remaining case is from Mr. James Carroll, who, when he wrote, was in attendance on an invalid, under the care of Dr. Wood, The Priory, Roehampton. I have had a long interview with him, as well as a good deal of correspondence; and I have no doubt whatever that the facts are correctly recorded.

"July, 1884.

(77) "I beg to forward my experience of about six years ago, while living in the employment of Colonel Turbervill, near Bridgend, Glamorgan, and a twin brother in the same capacity with a lady at Chobham Place, Bagshot, Surrey.

"I may mention that my brother and I were devotedly attached from children, and our resemblance to each other so remarkable that only one or two of our family then living, and oldest friends, could distinguish any difference between us. Up to June 17th, 1878, I had not known my brother to have one day's illness, and in consequence of having about this time recovered heavy financial loss, there was this and other unusual cause for cheerfulness. But on the morning of the date given, about half-past II, I experienced a strange sadness and depression. Unable to account for it, I turned to my desk, thinking of my brother. I looked at his last letter to see the date, and tried to detect if there was anything unusual in it but failed. I wrote off to my brother, closed my desk, and felt compelled to exclaim quite aloud, ' My brother or I will break down.' This I afterwards found was the first day of his fatal illness.

"I wrote again to him, but in consequence of his being ill I received no reply. We usually wrote twice a week. I tried to persuade myself his silence was due to being busy. On the following Saturday, the 22nd, while speaking to Mr. Turbervill, a sudden depression, which I had never before realised, and which I feel impossible to describe, came over me. I felt strange and unwell. I retired as soon as possible, thankful my state of mind had not been noticed. I would have gone to my room, but felt it might be noticed, and felt frightened too, as if something might suddenly happen to me.

"I went, instead, into the footman's pantry, where they were cleaning the plate, and sat down, suppressed my feelings, but alluded to a dulness and concern for my brother. I was speaking, when a messenger entered with a telegram to announce my brother's dangerous state, and requesting my immediate presence. He died on the following Monday morning. It is clearly proved that at the time I felt the melancholy described he was speaking of me in great distress. We were never considered superstitious, and I was never apt to feelings of melancholy.

"My brother and I were well known to Dr. Young, of 30, Westbourne Square, Paddington; and to Mr. Trollope, Solicitor, 31, Abingdon Street, Westminster. "James Carroll".

In reply to inquiries Mr. Carroll says: -

"August 8th, 1884.

"I find it difficult now, after the lapse of time and many changes, to get the memory of friends to recall the subjects of our correspondence. I left South Wales on the death of my brother, and have been moving about among strangers ever since; circumstances on this part of the matter are singularly against me.

"You asked in your previous letter, was the impression of distress and apprehension which I described, rare to me in my experience? I never before felt anything like it, except in a milder form, before the death of my mother, about 14 years ago, while I was at Lord Robarts' seat in Arnhill, and my mother in London. The sensation then was about two or three days previous to her death. I have always been an opponent to ghost theory, and till my brother's death I never thought to entertain the idea that there could be any unseen power in the thought of apparitions.

"My brother's death was from a cold neglected, and inflammation rapidly setting in.. We were twins, his age at time of death 39 about. From our extraordinary resemblance we were well known. I may mention my brother being the only near relation left.

"I sent to Ireland for signatures to a distant relative, who was with me as an adopted son shortly after my brother's death, for about two years. He is about 18 years of age; his name, too, is James Carroll. His corroboration comes very close to the time.

"An old friend, of 25 years, 30 I think, holding a good position in one of our chief banking-houses, also promised to corroborate, a day or two ago. I enclose now a note from him, just received. He remembers the subject. I often, just after my brother's death, spoke of it to him.

"J.C." A nephew and namesake of Mr. Carroll's writes as follows: -

"Clonmel, Ireland.

" August 10th, 1884.

"I hereby certify that Mr. Carroll frequently, during the early part of my residence with hin, about 5 years ago, spoke of the presentiment he describes in a letter written to you, a copy of which he has sent me.

"James' Carroll".

The following is a letter to Mr. Carroll from Mr. James Martin, of I, Oak Villa, Avenue Road, Acton.

"August 16th, 1884.

"Dear James, - From the time of your brother's death till the present, I have spent much time in your society. I remember well the account you gave me of the dreadful depression of mind you passed through just previous to his death. It was singular, but true.

" James Martin".

Mr. Carroll showed me a letter written by Mrs. Benyan, his brother's employer, at the time when the brother was dangerously ill. The letter is to a solicitor, and expresses a desire that he, James Carroll, should be informed of the illness. It proves that the illness was sudden and that Mr. Carroll was unaware of it.