177. This name is given to mediums who obtain direct writing; a faculty which has hitherto remained an exceptional one, though it may probably be developed by exercise. As previously remarked, its practical utility is mainly limited to the evident proof thus afforded of the intervention of an occult power. Experience alone can show whether a person possesses it or not; each can try for himself, asking the aid of his spirit protector. According to the degree of the medium's power, he obtains simple strokes, signs, letters, words, phrases, or entire pages. It is usually sufficient to place a folded sheet of paper in the place designated by the spirit, leaving it there for a few minutes, a quarter of an hour, or a longer time, as the case may be. Concentration and harmoniousness of thought being necessary conditions of success, it would be difficult to obtain anything of the kind when the sitters have met together with no serious views, or when they are not animated by sympathetic and kindly sentiments. (See the explanation of direct writing, Chap. VIII. Laboratory of the Invisible World, No 127 et seq., Chap. XII,  Pneumatography.)

We now proceed to a fuller consideration of writing mediums.