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404 foot; the leg acting as a lever, the other knee, over which it is crossed, acting as a fulcrum, thus:—



The feet from the ankle must be rendered peculiarly flexible, and able, in conjunction with each other, by placing the sole of one over the top of the other, to hold and snatch away with rapidity heavy and light articles, such as slates, books, &c.



Acting in a similar manner, they must be accustomed to seize and nip substances between their sides, so that apparel can be pulled and pinches inflicted with the sharp edges of the two soles of the boots.

The feet must also be practised to clasp objects between their upper surfaces, by crossing the legs, so that, the soles of the boots not being felt, they may produce the sensation of a grasp by a hand.



I would recommend to the observant, a remarkable phenomenon which I myself perceived to be the consequence either of this facility or of the friction consequent upon other operations at the base of the table; viz., that the boots of Mediums are unusually worn in the upper leathers. I must add my conviction, however, that this indication of their activity will be carefully repaired after this communication.

The toes should also be exercised so as to enable the Medium to rap with them as easily as other people can rap with the fingers, on which accomplishment it may be as well to consult “Fox’s Confessions” in Professor Anderson’s work on “Spirit-rapping.”



The Medium must also practise writing with her feet by holding a lead or slate pencil between them. This can be easily done up to a certain point, though not to the perfection attained by the accomplished Miss Biffin. Such perfection in this really difficult operation is, however, unnecessary, as any kind of scribbling will pass for spiritual handiwork.

For the manipulation with the hands, very little practice is required, except in the production of surface raps, or rather the sounds which so nearly resemble them. These can be produced (I am stating a fact) by pressing the tip of the middle finger firmly on the polished surface of the table, and letting it start forward in short unobtrusive jerks. (Fig. 6.) If her hand be not naturally dry, the Medium should lightly rub the finger-tips with bees’-wax, or powdered resin, both of which are imperceptible at the first glance. When, however, by constant practice, the finger has become corned, this addition will not be found requisite.

If the Medium thinks that the corn on her finger may tell tales, she may make the spirits rap by another method; that is to say, by using the surface of the nail of the first finger doubled sharply under it, and pressed heavily, at the same time that it is worked backwards and forwards, thus. (Fig. 7.) In either case she must not hold her hands apart, but close together; one slightly covering the other to hide the movement, as in fig. 8.