We extracted the following article from the chronicle of the Paris-Journal, number 44. There is no need for comments. It shows that the apparent “experts” of Spiritism are misguided, as unkindly say those who unceremoniously assume the privilege of bearing common sense judgment. We, however, can find consolation and even feel honored to be consoled, following insight at the level of Mrs. de Girardin and so many others.
“The other day I promised you the story of Mrs. de Girardin and a famous doctor. I will do that today for I was granted permission to do so. It is a very curious story. We will remain in the supernatural with which we have been involved for a long time, we, who by duty, take Paris’ pulse and feel that it is in a fervor-like disposition. Human imagination definitely has the need of knowing the future and penetrating into the mysteries of nature. When we see intelligences like that of Delphine Gay given to practices which we consider puerile, we cannot deny them a certain importance, particularly when supported by irrefutable testimonies, such as this one that I will tell you and you will learn. I refer to the testimony and not to the doctor – be aware.”
“Mrs. de Girardin had a little planchette and a pencil. She consulted with that incessantly. She thus obtained conversations with many famous people throughout History, and even the devil who also were amongst those people. Once he came in one evening, revealing himself to an important person who was not afraid since his role was to expel the devil. The great Delphine did nothing before consulting with the planchette. She asked for literary advice that was not refused. It was even considered an academic severity to the illustrious poet. Thus it constantly reiterated the request to no longer write tragedies without considering the wonderful verses of her play Judith and Cleopatra. Who is going to watch the representation of a tragedy? People who are drama and poetry fanatics. What do they seek in a tragedy? The beautiful verses, which touch and move them as well as Judith and Cleopatra, have plenty of these woman’s thoughts, expressed by the heart of a woman of eminent spirit and heart, whose talent is contested by no one. In one word, the planchette wanted no more tragedies; it was obstinate with prose and comedy; cooperated with the scripts and corrected the prolixity.”
“Delphine not only entrusted it with her literary works but also her sufferings, asking for orientation regarding her health. Ah! Those orientations dictated by the ill imagination or by the devil contributed to keep her away from us. She took incredible medicines like slices of bread with butter and pepper, bell pepper and all creations harmful to an inflammable nature like hers. Proofs of that were found after her death, from which her friends and admirers will never find consolation.”
“Everybody knows Chasseriau, also disappeared in the prime of his age. He made a great portrait of the beautiful deceased from memory. A poster image of that was made and now it can be found everywhere. He took the portrait to the mentioned doctor and asked him if he was happy with that. The doctor made some repairs. The painter was about to agree with the modifications when both had the idea of addressing the model herself. They placed their hands onto the planchette and thus Mrs. de Girardin revealed herself almost immediately. One can only imagine their commotion. Questioned about the picture, she said that it was not perfect but they should not touch it as they would take the risk of spoiling it, and since total similarity is very difficult to capture when there is no other resource but memory. They asked her other questions. She refused to answer some but responded to others.”
“They asked about the place where she was.”
- “I don’t want to say, she replied.”
“Despite every request they could not obtain any answer about that.”
- “Are you happy?”
- “No”.
- “Why?”
- “Because I can no longer be useful to those who I love.”
She became adamantly mute while she was told about the other life and gave no explanation. She did not say either if she acted in such a manner for prohibition or her own will. After a long conversation, she left. The minutes of this session were registered. The two witnesses were so impressed that they no longer dealt with the case. The doctor now could evoke the one who helped him on that day and have these two spirits guiding his planchette. How things are in this world! And what teachings come out from these strange facts, if we consider them from the philosophical and religious point of view.”
