Note 41 — Chapter X · A CURIOUS EFFECT IN ACOUSTICS.

The reader will note with interest the impartial spirit in which Robert-Houdin approaches the vexed question of spiritualism—in his day a comparative novelty. In default of absolute certainty, he wisely reserves his opinion. Where, however, as in the case of the Davenports, he had an opportunity of personally observing the alleged “phenomena,” he has neither difficulty in penetrating nor hesitation in denouncing the imposture. (See page 181, et seq.) We venture to believe that any of the so-called spiritualistic manifestations which had come under the test of Robert-Houdin’s examination would have met a similar fate, and that Mr. Home showed a very sound discretion in not submitting his “levitation” and “elongation” to so keen a critic.—Ed.