De L'Ester—Notwithstanding that, logically, neither time or space are realities, we, very illogically, have found ourselves somewhat impatient with your visitors, whose prolonged stay has delayed us a full hour. Ah that is well. Always secure yourself against sudden recall. We are ready, George. Yes, to-day Earth's outer atmosphere is very tranquil. You will find Ento's even more so. George, we will pass directly to the Galarēsa̤. Gentola̤, an hour hence a friend will meet us there. No, you are not acquainted with the gentleman, but you have heard of him as a guide of your very dear friend, Mrs. S——le, to whom he writes and for whom he makes slate drawings. She, for a sufficient reason, has not given you his name. Should I do so I should violate his and her expressed wishes. On this occasion he will be known as Doctor Blank. Yes, we have journeyed quickly. In seven minutes to a second. We will now proceed to the class room adjoining the one we visited three days ago.
Genessano—Gentola̤, you perceive that you and we pass through what mortals term solid substances without experiencing any resistance. I recall that after my release from my physical body I thought it one of my strangest experiences of my new state of existence, and for a time I could not realize that I could pass through a wall or other substance as easily as through an open door. Newly
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 freed spirits ever are greatly surprised upon finding themselves possessed of this ability. Indeed, Spirits of low planes of evolvement rarely realize that in order to enter a dwelling they need not await the opening of a door or window.
Gentola—I have observed and thought of it, but always there is so much that is marvellous in this new experience that I have not found opportunity to speak of it. Now I shall be pleased if some one will explain the matter.
De L'Ester—All so termed solids are composed of extremely minute particles of substance. Resolve the molecule into its most attenuated state and atoms result. All energy is atomic, hence substantial. Expressions of energy known as attraction, cohesion, gravity and others, are embraced within what your learned ones term Magnetism, and were it possible to comprehend what this term implies and involves, it might be possible to comprehend the Infinite. Atoms contain all qualities, and not only the atoms filling all space, but those composing so termed solids are each surrounded by an aura all its own. In Planetary language this aura is known as Rē, which signifies Spiritualized Substance. It is a quality of all things everywhere, and is so sublimated as to be incomparable to aught else. Yes, your learned ones admit the separateness of the molecule and the atom, but they fail to recognize the Spiritual quality of either. The Spirit body is, so to say, organized from the atomic aura of the physical body, its density depending upon the quality of the aura. The Spirit body of one on the very lowest sensual plane necessarily is dense and gross; hence, Spirits possessing such bodies find it difficult, perhaps impossible, to pass through walls or closed doors. Were your mortal existence on a low plane we could not use you for our present purpose; were it on a still more advanced plane both you and we
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 would not occasionally be at cross purposes. It is not a flattering statement, but it is a fact, and you will not misunderstand me.
Gentola—Not in the least. I am very sensible of my imperfections, and am full of regret that my entire life has not been devoted to highest aims and pursuits. I am only a little reconciled to my own shortcomings through believing that I shall have endless time in which to amend them.
De L'Ester—So you will, and though we may not hasten the passing years, we all may improve each moment of that which possesses neither beginning or ending. Oh, yes, many persons are given to flippant mention of eternity and perfection. Only the Infinite can comprehend the one or possess the other, but through constant striving all may attain to loftiest heights of Spiritual unfoldment. Yes, through constant striving for higher unfoldment, both physically embodied and freed Spirits grow wiser, purer and stronger. Spirit bodies being organized from atomic aura, it follows that if the aura be sufficiently pure, even as wind may pass through the meshes of a gossamer web, so may the sublimated atoms of Spirit bodies penetrate any aggregation of grosser atoms.
Gentola—At what period of a child's physical existence is its Spirit body fully formed?
De L'Ester—From the moment of conception the formation of the Spirit body begins, but not until the midway period of gestation does the Spirit body assume a distinctive outline. From this period onward the Law of Being compels the atoms composing the Spirit body to arrange themselves in accordance with the Divine plan of organization. At seven months' gestation the Spirit body of a child is fully formed.
Yes, the qualities of both the physical and Spirit bodies
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 of children largely depend upon parental conditions. So, also, if conditions are of a high order, children begin their mortal life journey well prepared for inevitable exigencies. If, unfortunately, conditions are of a low order, they must encounter mortal experiences handicapped from the moment of conception. Yes, this Law would seem to work an injustice to myriads of humans born under untoward conditions, but, to quote Professor Doiko, "Andûmana̤, creator and preserver, makes no mistakes." When humanity evolves sufficiently to realize the vital importance of conditions and the certain transmission of hereditary traits, children become well born and in time the peoples of all Planets do evolve to an understanding and observance of this, the most important law of the ever ascending planes of evolution.
What becomes of children prematurely born? As the doctor has not yet arrived I may briefly reply that the souls of infants prematurely expelled from the matrix, are by appointed Spirits borne to a Realm in which are conditions specially adapted to their requirements and development, where, at the full period of gestation, they, in a sense are born into conscious existence. Thenceforward until maturity, guardian Spirits continuously conduct them to the physical plane, where they are placed en rapport with their parents or with such conditions as are required for their growth and development, bodily, mentally, and to a degree Spiritually. Should the parents, especially the mother, have passed to the Spirit side, the child will be brought into contact with the family life of persons as nearly related as possible to its parents. Generally such children are attended by the Spirit Mother or one with a strong mother nature. It is a Law that children born prematurely or who otherwise have passed to the Spirit side, must become acquainted with mortal experiences; thus the unseen mem
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bers of many families outnumber the recognized sons and daughters.
On the Spirit side are countless numbers of women who, in their last re-embodiment, did not fulfill the Law of their being; gladly they become guardians of children requiring a mother's care and love. Especially do such Spirits charge themselves with the care of waifs prematurely expelled from the matrix by ignorant, thoughtless or heartless mothers, who, on passing to the spirit side, are confronted by the unlooked for evidence of their ignorant or criminal folly. Yes, children prematurely born as the result of accident or of other unavoidable conditions, are subject to the same laws that govern children purposely thrust into the Spirit World. You are aware that your sister Emma was prematurely born, consequently, her form is rather diminutive and of a substance so refined as to remind one of that of a pure white lily.
Yes, truly, it was Emma who came to Mynheer Weiss and you at Mrs. Drake's seance. We were not surprised that Mrs. Drake thought her a girl of about twelve years. Yes, it was she who knelt at the knees of Mrs. S——r, and who afterward partially materialized her form. We assisted her to our utmost, but much to her disappointment and our own, she did not quite succeed. She is very devoted to your son, who jocularly terms her the Infant Phenomenon. In form, features and traits she resembles your and her gentle, gracious, loving mother.
Yes, so far as we have learned, the law of generation on other planets is the same as that of Ento and Earth. Indeed the male and female principles appear to be so universal that all advanced Spirits firmly believe in even the duality of the Infinite Spirit. Yes, it requires very robust faith to enable any one to realize the possibility of a mother bearing a child whose father is too etherealized to
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 wear a physical body. My imagination is unequal to such a concept.
Ah, here is our friend the doctor. You are most welcome. As you all have exchanged greetings, I now shall have the pleasure of presenting you to our medium, Gentola̤.
Dr. Blank—Madame, it pleases me to meet and greet you. At the request of our mutual friend, Mrs. S——le, I have obtained permission to join for an hour these mutual friends and you who are engaged in a mission of loving endeavor which I pray may bear fullest fruition. If I also may receive your gracious permission to, for an hour, join your Band I shall feel more at ease.
Gentola—Truly, I am more than pleased to have you with us, if but for an hour.
Dr. Blank—You will not I trust esteem me churlish because I, for a well considered reason, desire that I may be known to you and to those who may peruse these pages, as Dr. Blank? You will not? I thank you. As I am something of a chemist, De L'Ester desires me to reply to such questions as may arise relating to the lesson engaging this class of students. So, madame, I am at your service.
Gentola—I perceive that the students are being taught as to the properties and effects of poisons. As I am wholly unlearned in the science of chemistry, I am not prepared to ask questions concerning the lesson, but, if you may not consider the question absurd, I should like to ask if poisons have any effect upon the spirit, either in or apart from the physical body.
Dr. Blank—Here, madame, are a collection of mineral poisons, here a collection of vegetable poisons, and here again an assortment of animal poisons. Some are in the form of powders, others in the form of liquids. All are
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 labelled poison, yet strictly speaking there are no poisons. The law of affinity, which is one expression of magnetism, rules the domains of attraction and of repulsion. That like attracts like is an axiom, and the inspired Hahnemann caught a ray of truth when he perceived that similia similibus curanter. I must not allow myself to offer a dissertation on this point, but I may say that chemical affinities are qualities inherent in all substances and in all organisms. Equilibrium of chemical affinities means health; the reverse means disease. Remember that in all atoms are all possible qualities, and that any one aggregation of atoms contains exactly the same proportion of these qualities as are in any other equal aggregation of atoms. It may come about that in a physical organism, through the energies of attraction and affinity, an undue amount of a certain quality may become preponderant; a condition of repulsion ensues, and if extremely violent it may occasion dissolution of such organism. By certain of your learned ones, so termed poisonous effects are fairly well understood, the involved principles less so.
The foregoing remarks are preliminary to a more direct reply to your question, the importance of which cannot be overestimated.
You are aware that Spirits possess tangible bodies. Tangibility implies substantiality, and substance is a more or less close impact of finer or coarser atoms. The seminal substances and all ovaria are aggregations of atoms, to a degree impressed by the personality of such creatures as may possess them. We will imagine a father addicted to drunkenness, or continually under the influence of narcotics. In such case the seminal substance being impressed or impregnated by alcoholic or narcotic atoms, the germ of a new being must, from the moment of conception, possess a bias toward alcoholism or narcotism. The mother
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 may be of a superior type of woman, but, through association with the father of her unborn child, her mental emotions, which are substantial, are reflected or impressed upon its organism, and if she is not strong enough spiritually to equalize the influences of her environment, she almost certainly will give birth to a being accursed, poisoned, if you will, through the vicious habit of its father.
During the period of gestation such unfortunates form not only the atomic physical body, but also the atomic spiritualized soul body, and every atom of the new being has, through attraction and affinity become, so to say, imbued with a tendency toward an indulgence in so termed alcoholic or other poison. We have glanced at the effect upon the physical plane and when, sooner or later, the victim must pass to the spirit side, then, alas, the laws of attraction and of affinity impel the impregnated atoms of the spiritualized soul body to gravitate to their own kind. Truly, the child of a drunken father or of an opium-eating mother is as surely poisoned as is one who swallows prussic acid, and the father or mother who indulges in alcoholics or in narcotics commits a damnable offense against their children, against humanity and against themselves, for inevitably they and their offspring enter the spirit world clothed with bodies so atomically poisoned, so out of equilibrium that they are tortured through a constant, insatiable desire for a gratification of their abnormal propensities. A desire which personally they cannot gratify and which to a degree they must outgrow before they can advance one step onward and upward. This overpowering desire for the gratification of abnormal propensities leads many spirits to strive to influence unwary ones to indulge in intoxicants, in narcotics and to commit various offences against decency and against the interests of society, and I regret to say that very frequently they succeed not only
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 to their own, but to the detriment of their victims. Yes, certainly, in time all Spirits outgrow the evil tendencies of their physical existence, but if mortals could realize that during this process, a century aye, in many instances centuries, may elapse ere the progressed spirit can endure the white light of higher realms, surely they would strive to avoid so calamitous an experience.
But I must hasten. As I have intimated, when some one quality or qualities preponderates over some other quality or qualities of an organism, non equilibrium ensues, and thus persons become ill, poisoned, so to say, through partaking of certain foods or liquids. One may become ill, poisoned, through inhaling the perfume of a flower which to another may afford exquisite enjoyment. Another may become ill, poisoned through the aura of an animal whom another will unharmed fondly caress. Thus, the fact is apparent that poisons, per se, do not exist, but that under certain conditions all qualities are inimical to physical existence.
Gentola—As you are aware, doctor, many persons with impunity consume alcoholics and narcotics sufficient in quantity to kill one unaccustomed to their use. How do you account for it?
Dr. Blank—Persons addicted to the constant use of these so-called poisons, gradually become abnormal. The atoms composing their organisms have, so to say, become saturated to a degree that will not admit of the further entertainment of the qualities offered. Just as a fully-saturated sponge, though plunged into an ocean, would reject another drop of water.
We have drifted somewhat apart from our starting point, and I regret to perceive that the lesson has disturbed your serenity, but I feel assured that you desire that humanity may come to realize that in all things cause and effect
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 go hand in hand. That both in and apart from the physical body, all are their own jury and judge. That mortal life is the preparatory school in which all learn their lessons well or ill, and that on the spirit, as on the physical side, the school of experience knows no vacation.
From what I have said you will understand that the effects of some so termed poisons are far reaching. I may add that every emotion of the mind, food, drink, the dyes in textile fabrics, especially for clothing, in fact the atoms composing all substances, more or less affect the physical, consequently the spiritualized soul body. In some persons a certain color or colors produces either exhilaration or depression. They may not be conscious of the cause, though very conscious of the effect. Your strong dislike for wholly black garments is an indication that you should not wear them. Sensitives never should wear colors darker than the red corpuscles of their blood. Azure blue, yellow, rose red, very light shades of purple and a certain light shade of green are the colors suited to your temperament. Always, advantageously, you may wear white.
I simply have touched upon some points which, with your and your friends' permission, I may at another time elaborate. In chemistry I am well enough versed to perceive that this is a splendidly equipped laboratory and I learn from his remarks that the stately Professor is a competent Instructor.
During my mortal existence I regarded myself, and was considered, an authority in the science of chemistry, but I have learned that, compared with Ento chemists, I was a mere tyro. They, through a larger knowledge of the wondrous science, have made of the elements tractable servants whose energies are tireless; whose adaptability is limitless.
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Madame, the allotted hour has quickly flown. My promise to our mutual friend is fulfilled and with measureless hopes and fervent wishes for the success of your most worthy efforts on behalf of the mission, I must bid you and these friends adieu.
Gentola—Adieu, and believe that I greatly appreciate the thoughtful kindness of our mutual friend, at whose request you have afforded me another strange and useful lesson.
De L'Ester—Gentola̤, at present we will look no further through the Galarēsa̤, but will turn our attention to the zoölogical department of this very comprehensive institution. This great corridor, lined with admirable statuary, gleaming whitely through a luxuriance of palmlike growths and blooming plants, conducts us to this broad flight of steps leading downward to the Rinvoh (aquarium) of which this spacious and imposing landing affords a fine view. You will attempt a description of some of its features.
Gentola—Extending eastward and a little northward I see a small lake divided into two sections by—and also surrounded by—a massive stone wall the top of which serves as a promenade on which many persons are passing to and fro. What appears to be heavy metal netting divides the lake into numerous compartments and there are lightly constructed bridges from which attendants are casting food to creatures in the water. A portion of the lake is roofed over by a substantial wire netting, and in many of the compartments are luxurious growths of aquatic plants. The lake extends a little further north than the northern wall of the Galarēsa̤, and bordering its northern extremity and around on its western side I see a grove of great trees and shrubbery, amid which are large and smaller structures and also numbers of men, women and children, who are
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 passing from one building to another. In front and toward our right, basking in the vertical rays of the sun, is a huge creature of familiar, if not pleasing, appearance. Do you know its Ento name?
De L'Ester—Were the repulsive creature a denizen of earth we might with propriety call it an alligator. Its Ento name is Inadillo, which I shall translate as scaly armored. It differs from the alligator of our planet in having larger and very protuberant eyes, a shorter and more bulky head, a larger body and webbed legs. It is quite as much at home on land as in the water, but is a very sluggish creature and of a species nearly extinct. The lakes, for there are two, are wholly artificial. One is supplied by fresh artesian water, the other with salt water from nearby Indoloisa̤, and in their many compartments are specimens of Ento's various amphibious creatures and fishes. Now look into the adjoining wire-covered tank. Ah! you shrink back from the hideous creature moving its sinuous length through the limpid water. Yes, it is a veritable sea serpent, and it has been in this Rinvoh for about fifty years of our time. When captured in Tsoivan Cryfimo, it was about one-third its present length which is quite eighty feet. Extending backward from its neck are large webbed appendages with which it swiftly propels itself through the water. When angered or excited those folds at the back of its broad, flat head are erected and projected forward over its vicious looking eyes, which glow and scintillate in a most alarming manner. George is endeavoring to arouse his snakeship and, evidently, is succeeding. See how he arches his long, slender neck, turning his ugly hooded head this way and that in quest of his disturber. Naturally, he does not find his enemy, and now with hisses of fear or defiance he rushes away, lashing the water into a line of white foam. Now he has
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 reached the further limit of the lake and is quieting down. George, we echo your requiescat in pace, for Gandûlana̤ rushing like a comet through the water is not a pleasing object.
From reliable authority we know that this serpent is the last of his species. In Ento's inland seas there are creatures of allied species, but in comparison with yonder great serpent, now gently rocking himself on the bosom of the tranquil lake, they are quite insignificant. If Gandûlana̤ has not quite fascinated you, you will please turn your attention toward this ungainly object which appears to be intent upon baking itself in the hot sunbeams.
George—I say, Gentola̤, if we could drop this fellow through space and he should arrive—say, in St. Louis—what do you suppose he would be taken for?
Gentola—Soup, I suspect.
George—Ah, thanks. And what, may I ask, do you imagine the soupmakers would name him?
Gentola—Without doubt they would think him a turtle.
De L'Ester—Certainly they would, for he differs very slightly from the large sea tortoises of our planet. You understand, Gentola̤, that we are not showing you these creatures for the mere purpose of gratifying a curious interest, but that you may through personal observation, note the striking resemblance of many of Ento's to many of Earth's life forms, and I pray you to observe closely, so that in coming time you may remember the object lessons we are presenting to your notice. I wish to reiterate that advanced Spirits of Planets of our, and of other Solar Systems, unite in declaring that everywhere life expressions are alike or very similar. That dissimilarities through environments pertain more to bulk and density than to form.
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As we move along you perceive that these compartments are occupied by a great variety of fishes. Some of huge proportions and voracious enough to devour their attendants; others as dainty as ever tickled palate of an epicure, and others still too minute and pretty to serve a nicer purpose than to flash their scales of gold or of silver within the crystal walls of an aquarium.
In the bass or treble notes of the croakers who hide amid the shade and coolness of those aquatic plants and grasses, is an indication that frogs of various species are quite at home with the eel-like creatures gliding through the water.
With both pleasure and profit we might devote more time to this department, but only a glance here and there is possible, otherwise our observations would fill a tome. We now will pass to the Acclinum (the zoölogical section), where Genessano and another Ento Spirit friend will join us.
Here at the entrance is an individual who regards us with both curiosity and disfavor. Did not the strong bars of his cage interfere he might attempt to resent our gazing at him. That he more or less clearly perceives us is quite apparent, and it is quite as apparent that he does not admire us. He, like many animals, possesses the ability to see what is hidden from the majority of humans. No, neither clairvoyance or clairaudience are in any sense spiritual gifts. They, so to say, are qualities of the personalities of all highly organized creatures, as the human, the anthropoid, the horse, dog and some other animals. These qualities constitute an inner perceptivity of the animal soul, by some of your thinkers designated as conscious mind or objective self. They are independent of physical visuality and are controlled through vibratory activity. You question as to how it is possible for the law
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 of vibration to affect the senses. I answer that truly, "Nature knows no vacuum," that the atom is everywhere and mind is as much substance as is the body of this forbidding looking creature in whom we see a representative of a species of anthropoid named Bomûz himmû, which in your language would signify manlike tree climber. Grasping with his great hands the strong bars of his cage, he gazes at us as though fascinated, affording us a rather disturbing spectacle. His height, his anatomical structure, his intelligent expression and pose, is painfully suggestive of a low type of the human, to whom in no sense is he allied. George, he does not regard your friendly advances with favor, he shrinks away from you, but his deeply set gleaming eyes, drawn lips, and gnashing teeth, indicate a disposition to defend his rights. If you feel poetically inclined in this adjoining compartment, is a subject for lachrymose verse. Bomûz's mate evidently is in a very despondent condition; her long, coarse hair falls over her low, retreating forehead; her face is buried in her great hands, and she is a picture of utter dejection. Pining perhaps for her home and friends in some tropical jungle, or for orphaned children, bereft of a mother's tender care, or who knows but that she bemoans a forsaken lover, or——
George—Since you have grown so sentimental I shall not be surprised to soon find my occupation gone. All I ask is that you shall wear your laurels as modestly as ever I have worn mine.
De L'Ester—With your illustrious example ever present I shall endeavor to emulate your exalted virtues. In the meantime, Madame Bomûza, aroused from her melancholy mood, appears to take a lively interest in Monsieur Bomûz who utters peculiar sounds, pounds his hands against the bars and probably is informing her of the proximity of strange, sinister looking beings. That she now perceives
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 us is evinced by her alarmed manner, whimpering cries and poundings on the bars of her cage which have attracted the attention of a keeper who hastens in this direction. Yonder, too, are our friends hastening to join us. Lohaû, Lohaû ēmanos, you are as welcome as you are prompt in keeping your appointment. Ha̤-Moûfih, the favor of your presence with us is esteemed at its full value.
Genessano—Gentola̤ ēmana̤, one is with us who has not been so long in our spirit world as have Inidora̤ and I, consequently he possesses personal knowledge of events transpiring on Ento during recent times. Like my brother and myself, he does not at all understand your language, and as a means of communication with you he must avail himself of De L'Ester's kind assistance. It is my privilege and pleasure to make known to you, Ha̤-Moûfih Ada̤ssi, whom we all hold in our hearts as a dearly beloved and valued friend.
Gentola—I regret that I cannot converse with you directly, but through this kind interpreter we shall become acquainted and I shall hope to find myself no less in your favor than are these our mutual friends.
Ha-Moufih—Gracious lady, I salute you and owe you thanks that you receive me so courteously. I too regret that we cannot more readily exchange converse, but doubtless a degree of patient persistence will suffice to make us mutually understood.
In accordance with a prearranged plan I shall undertake a relation of some events which may serve to illustrate certain points. To do so will oblige me to be more prominently personal than I could wish, but you and our friends will excuse my using such means as may seem best fitted for the accomplishment of a desired end. At the time of my birth my father, Ha̤-Moûfih Ada̤ssi, was governor of the Province of Ondû. I being the first born of my parents
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 was given the name of my father. You may not have been informed that on Ento nearly always the first born son takes the name of the father as the first born daughter takes the name of the mother. I am aware that with much of Ento's history of the past four centuries you are acquainted, so for the most part I shall confine myself to a relation of events occurring within the years of my mortal existence, and of those following my departure into Ento's Spirit World, where quickly I learned the law of return into mortal conditions, and thus through observation and association with recently freed spirits I have kept myself informed as to many things relating to Ento's peoples and affairs to which I may find it expedient to refer. During my youth I attended several Institutions of learning, but the greater part of my education I received in this Galarēsa̤ of Camarissa̤, and when my parents considered me sufficiently advanced in age and in my studies, I, with other youths under the care of a guardian, were permitted to travel through foreign countries, observing the peoples, their customs and attainments with such other features as might afford us a general knowledge of Ento.
An exhaustive investigation of natural history possessing for me an absorbing interest, on my return home I besought and obtained permission of my parents to, in my own way, pursue the engrossing study which during the remainder of my mortal existence largely occupied my time and attention.
At this moment it occurs to me that to avoid confusion of mind it may be well for me to use your standard of time. Also to state that I date my birth at a time corresponding to about the middle of your seventeenth century, hence am an Entoan of a comparatively modern time. Ere I began my journeyings a quarter of a century of my youth had
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 elapsed, and the close of anot............