In order to give you the benefit of as many points of view as possible, I shall now quote from an old English writer on the subject of the use of the crystal.  I do this realizing that sometimes a particular student will get more from one point of view, than from another—­some particular phrasing will seem to reach his understanding, where others fail.  The directions of the English authority are as follows: 

“What is desired through the regular use of the translucent sphere is to cultivate a personal degree of clairvoyant power, so that visions of things or events, past, present, and future, may appear clearly to the interior vision, or eye of the soul.  In the pursuit of this effort only, the crystal becomes at once both a beautiful, interesting and harmless channel of pleasure and instruction, shorn of dangers, and rendered conducive to mental development.

“To the attainment of this desirable end, attention is asked to the following practical directions, which, if carefully followed, will lead to success: 

“(1) Select a quiet room where you will be entirely undisturbed, taking care that it is as far as possible free from mirrors, ornaments, pictures, glaring colors, and the like, which may otherwise district the attention.  The room should be of comfortable temperature, in accordance with the time of year, neither hot nor cold.  About 60 to 65 deg.  Fahr. is suitable in most cases, though allowance can be made where necessary for natural differences in the temperaments of various persons.  Thus thin, nervous, delicately-organized individuals, and those of lymphatic and soft, easy-going, passive types, require a slightly warmer apartment than the more positive class who are known by their dark eyes, hair and complexion, combined with prominent joints.  Should a fire, or any form of artificial light be necessary, it should be well screened off, so as to prevent the light rays from being reflected in, or in any manner directly reaching the crystal.  The room should not be dark, but rather shadowed, or charged with a dull light, somewhat such as prevails on a cloudy or wet day.

“(2) The crystal should be placed on its stand on a table, or it may rest on a black velvet cushion, but in either case it should be partially surrounded by a black silk or similar wrap or screen, so adjusted as to cut off any undesirable reflection.  Before beginning to experiment, remember that most frequently nothing will be seen on the first occasion, and possibly not for several sittings; though some sitters, if strongly gifted with psychic powers in a state of unconscious, and sometimes conscious degree of unfoldment, may be fortunate enough to obtain good results at the very first trial.  If, therefore, nothing is perceived during the first few attempts, do not despair or become impatient, or imagine that you will never see anything.  There is a royal road to crystal vision, but it is open only to the combined password of Calmness, Patience, and Perseverance.  If at the first attempt to ride a bicycle, failure ensues, the only way to learn is to pay attention to the necessary rules, and to persevere daily until the ability to ride comes naturally.  Thus it is with the would-be seer.  Persevere in accordance with these simple directions, and success will sooner or later crown your efforts.