DISTINCTION BETWEEN PSYCHOMETRY
AND
CLAIRVOYANCE.
Psychometry and clairvoyance both
begin with the impressibility of the
mind. All things have their sphere
of influence, or spirit atmosphere which
exerted on a sensitive subject is
called psychometric. The mind of the
subject simply receives. Clairvoyance
goes further and sees beyond these
impressions. It is true that the two
blend most inextricably at times.
Clairvoyance is spiritual perception
and takes cognizance of the past, present and future. Psychometry is
impressibility to past or present surroundings or influences.
It is well for the student to draw
the lines between the mingling fields of
research, and not extend the boundaries of one over an other. Psychometry
is only one expression of
sensitiveness. The subject feels impressions with
this faculty as he sees with his
eyes, and is not dependent on any other person. An impression from
another person would be thought transference; from a spirit inspiration,
a spirit communion. It is the mistake of discoverers to enhance the
horizon of their discoveries, and make their one idea extend over many
others. Dr. Buchanan, in his researches, and Wm. Denton, in his three
volumes, the Soul of Things, confused the limits of psychometry with
that of clairvoyance and spirit impression.
A careful analysis will show the
student that many of the instances detailed, may with equal propriety be
explained by spirit control, or by
clairvoyance, as by psychometry
proper. As example, a fragment from the
swathing band of a mummy is placed in
the hand of a sensitive. It retains
the original impress of the
individual it enwrapped, and of that remote age
as a whole. It also retains the
impress of the hands through which it has passed, and strongest of all,
of the immediate person who gives it to the sensitive for inspection.
Now the latter takes it and gives the character of the mummy when living
in a city by the Nile, and of the country, taking up the impressions
made three thousand years ago, and not feeling those made by the hands
which gave it! And how do we know that the psychometrist does not
receive these impressions through clairvoyance— i. e., his or her own
spiritual perception, or that they are not given from a
spiritual source? Prof. Denton gives
us no guide; in
fact did not recognize the difficulty.
On reading his record of investigations, one is constantly forced to admit that the spiritual
theory is most plausible, in a great number of instances, and this without
any disparagement to the patient research and honesty of purpose every
page displays.
With care in instituting, the research
these objections may be obviated. The psychometrist by practice, if
informed, may learn to distinguish between impressions, as he does between
them and his own thoughts.
TO IMPROVE THE FACULTY.
Development of the psychometric faculty
can be gained only by its practical use.
Psychometric readings may or may not be
given without spirit assistance.
The psychometric subject must be sensitive or impressible by a
spirit, a person near, or the influence
imparted to a letter by writing, or an object. It depends on the same laws
and conditions as mediumship, and the good psychometrist has the
capabilities of a good medium. At the same time it will be seen that he is
able to produce the readings usually given. But when the reading extends
far beyond the character of the writers, into the past, or forecast of the
future, interference on the part of higher intelligences must be admitted.
When an autograph or object is taken
in the hand, the sensation is felt in
the arm, gradually extending to the brain. The same sensation is felt,
but more rapidly, when the object is placed on the forehead. A word may be
profitably said on the choice of autographs. None are as good when long
mingled with other writing, as
the influences from the papers thus brought
together blend.
The manifestations of psychometric
influence, and of spirit control, intricately mingle; are at times
difficult to separate, and it is true that no one can be sufficiently
sensitive to give psychometric readings and not be subject to spirit
control.
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