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Psychics : facts and theories – M J Savage

A most intimate friend of my youth had recently died. She had lived in another State, and the psychic did not know that such a person had ever existed. We were sitting alone when this old friend announced her presence.

It was in this way : A letter of two pages was automatically written, addressed to me. I thought to myself as I read it — I did not speak —

" Were it possible, I should feel sure she had written this." I then said, as though speaking to her : " Will you not give me your name ? "

It was given, both maiden and married name.

I then began a conversation lasting over an hour, which seemed as real as any I ever have with my friends. She told me of her children, of her sisters. We talked over the events of boyhood and girlhood. I asked her if she remembered a book we used to read together, and she gave me the author's name. I asked again if she remembered the particular poem we were both specially fond of, and she named it at once. In the letter that was written, and in much of the conversation, there were apparent hints of identity, little touches and peculiarities that would mean much to an acquaintance, but nothing to a stranger. I could not but be much impressed.

Now, in this case, I know that the psychic never knew of this person's existence, and of course not of our acquaintance. But I got nothing that I did not know, and so I am not sure that this went beyond the limits of telepathy. But, if telepathy, it was entirely unconscious on the psychic's part. And in this case there was no trance.