In the case of the first class of mind-reading namely, that in which actual physical contact is had between the projector and the recipient, there has been a disposition on the part of some authorities to explain the whole matter by the theory of unconscious muscular impulse of the projector; but those who have carefully studied this subject, and who have themselves performed the feats of this class of mind-reading, know that there is far more than this to it.  Those familiar with the subject know that there is a decided transference of thought-waves from the projector to the recipient, and that the latter actually “feels” the same as they strike upon his mental receiving apparatus.  The whole difference between this and the higher forms of telepathy is that in this the thought-currents generally run along the wires of the nervous system, instead of leaping across the space between the two persons.

It is known to all who have conducted this class of experiments, that at times there will be experienced a change or shifting in the transmission of the thought-currents.  For a time, the thought-waves will be felt flowing in along the nerves of the hands and arms when, all of a sudden this will cease, and there will be experienced the passage of the current direct from brain to brain.  It is impossible to describe this feeling in mere words, to those who have never experienced it.  But those to whom it has once been manifested will recognize at once just what I mean by this statement.  It is a different sensation from any other in the experience of a human being, and must actually be experienced to be understood.  The nearest analogy I can offer is that feeling experienced by the person when a forgotten name for which he has vainly sought, suddenly flashes or leaps into his consciousness—­it is felt to come from somewhere outside of the conscious field.  Well, in the case of the thought-current the feeling is much the same, only there is a fuller sense of the “outsideness” of the source of the thought.

In order to make you understand the distinction between the two classes of mind-reading more clearly, I will say that you may think of one as akin to the ordinary telegraphy over wires; and of the other as akin to wireless telegraphy.  It is the same force in both cases, the difference being simply one of the details of transmission.  Fix this idea firmly in your mind, and you will have no trouble in always having the right conception of any kind of case of mind-reading, or telepathy.  But, you must remember, there are cases in which there is a combination of both methods of transmission, either simultaneously, or else shifting and changing from one to the other.

I will here remind the student that he will learn more by a half-dozen actual experiments in mind-reading, than he will by reading a dozen books on the subject.  It is very good to read the books in order to get the correct theory well fixed in mind, and also in order to learn the best methods as taught by those who have had a wide experience in the subject; but the real “how” of the matter is learned only through actual experience.  So, I shall now give you advice and instructions concerning actual experimental work.