Research source

I am of the opinion that all this is due to animal magnetism, and to the unconscious efforts of the audience,…

Date of account: Published 1911
Source: Byways of Ghost-Land
Reference: Byways of Ghost-Land · selected passage 84
Rights: public_domain
Language: English
Record updated: 2026-08-24

Record summary

I am of the opinion that all this is due to animal magnetism, and to the unconscious efforts of the audience, who are ever anxious for the ghost to come and something startling to happen

Published source text

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Source passage

Source text · mention only

I am of the opinion that all this is due to animal magnetism, and to the unconscious efforts of the audience, who are ever anxious for the ghost to come and something startling to happen. The ladies, in particular, I would point out, press a little hard with their dainty but determined hands, or with their self-willed knees resort to a few sly pushes. When this does not happen, I think it is quite possible that an elemental or some other equally undesirable type of phantasm does actually attend the séance, and, emphasising its arrival by sundry noises, is responsible for many, if not all the phenomena. On the other hand, I certainly think that ninety per cent.

Historical context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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Modern context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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