The Personal Atmosphere Ten Studies in the Personal Atmosphere Poise and Power

The Personal Atmosphere Ten Studies in The Personal Atmosphere Poise and Power

By FRANK CHANNING HADDOCK, Ph.D.

Founder of the Power-Book L1brary Author of "Power for Success," "Power of W1ll," Ten Studies in "The Culture of Courage," Etc

JfattttbattOtt:

V1tal Educat1on as the Evolut1on of Consc1ousness Poise and Power

1918

The Pelton Publ1sh1ng Co.,

Mer1den, Connect1cut.

L. N. Fowler & Co. BY FRANK CHANNING HADDOCK,PH.D.

7 Imper1al Arcade and 4 and 5 Imper1al Bu1ld1ngs.

Ludgate C1rcus, London, England. Founnan or -rm: Powzn~Boox Lxmumv Author of “Powan x-‘on Succnss,” “ Power: or WILL,” “THE CULTURE or Cowman,” Erc.

Inunhafinn:

VITAL EDUCATION AS THE EVOLUTION OF CONSCIOUSNESS

1918 THE PELTON PUBLISHING C0., M1-:1um:N, CONNECTICUT. L. N. Fowu-:1: & Co. 7 Inranmn Anew: AND 4 AND 5 Impnum BUn.n1NG8- Luncnn Cmcus, Loxnox. ENGLAND.

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FRANK C. HADDOCK,

AUBURNDALE, MASSACHUSETTS.

REGISTERED AT STATIONERS EAU,

London, England.

J. F. TAPLEY CO

NEW YORK

I J. F. TAPLEY CO NEW vonx

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.Mtert Lpxtis TeIIou

Whose Personal Qual1t1es

llAUSTRA-fE All the Books I Have Wr1tten

For Development of

Best Ind1v1dual Eff1c1ency.

The Author.

DEDICATED TO glhert Iamnis ‘Pzltmt WHOSE PERSONAL QUALITIES ILLUSTRATEALL THE Booxs I HAVE WRITTEN FOR DEVELOPMENT OF BEST INDIVIDUAL EFFICIENCY. The Author.

the last rear of the host w1ll read traces of the earliest van." —

Carlyle.

"The air is one vast library, on whose pages are forever

written all that man has ever said, or woman whispered." —

Professor Babbage.

a Does the cause of nervous phenomena reside in these molec-

ular movements of the substance of the nerves, or is it owing to a

disturbance in the equilibrium of the ether, distributed in the

nerves? Is this disturbance the consequence of a particular move-

ment of the ether, which should constitute what we call the

nervous fluid?" — "Physical Phenomena of Living Beings?* Mat-

TBUCCX, (1848), p. 263.

"We might say that man is built up about an intricate system, “ On the hardest adamant some footprint of us is stamped in; representing, as it were, an entire electric plant. The brain may the last rear of the host will read traces of the earliest van.”— be compared to the condenser, cr storage station ; the special CARLYLE. nerves of sense, to the phase branches; and the nerve terminals

to the generating part of the apparatus." — Dr. F. S. Kolle, in "The air is one vast library, on whose are forever "The Electric Age?' Jan., 1902. pages written all that man has ever said. or woman whispered.”- Paom-:sson BABBAGE.

“ Does thecause of nervous phenomenareside in these molecular movements of the substance of the nerves, or is it owing to a disturbance in the equilibrium of the ether. distributed in the nerves ? Is thisdisturbance the consequence of a particular movement of the ether, which should constitute what we call the " “ nervous fluid? — Physical Phenomena qfL:'1/ing Beings,” MAT- TEUCCI,(1848), p. 263. “ We might say thatman is builtup about an intricate system, representing. as it were, an entire electric plant. The brain may be compared to the condenser. cr storage station ; the special nerves of sense, to the phase branches ; and the nerve terminals to the generating part of the apparatus.” —Dx. F. S. KOLLE. in “ The Electric Age,” Jan.. 1902.

This little book is a of a PREFACE. reprint chapter bearing This little book is a reprint of a chapter bearing the same title which appeared in the first edition of the same title which appeared in the first edition of

"Power of Will." The chapter seemed a trifle “Power of Will.” The chapter seemed a trifle out of place and was omitted from the second edition out of and was omitted from thesecond edition of that work. It is now given separate existence. place Revision of its pages brought out from all directions of that work. It is now given separate existence. a mass of suggestions and new material which might have swollen the volume to a much larger form. Revision of its pages brought out from all directions The original purpose of a small book, however, a mass of and new material which prevailed, and the ten studies were restricted to suggestions might the present limit. The older writing has become have swollen the volume to a much larger form. almost "a new creature." The love of creation determined thus much. Particularly has the sub- The original purpose of a small book, however, ject enlarged in the ninth and tenth studies. These and the ten studies were restricted to are especially commended to seekers after the rich- prevailed, est conscious life. It is believed that the new form the present limit. The older writing has become of the page-matter and the division into studies The will prove helpful. almost “a new creature.” love of creation

I have the faith to believe that I am doing a work determined thus much. has the sub- which is really worth while. Many declarations Particularly of practical values derived by patrons from the use ject enlarged in the ninth and tenth studies. These of the Power-Book Library deepen that conviction. are commended to seekers after the rich- Let us all hold steadfastly to the assurance that in especially good time, in one way or in another way, each way- est conscious life. It is believed that the new form farer through these fields of splendor and uplift, these paths of Earth and spaces of the Stars, shall of the page-matter and the division into studies arrive, largely and richly arrive. For, since we will crown the psychic stress of the ages, all things be- prove helpful. long to us in the plan of Life and the law of Har- I have the faith to believethat I am doing a work mony.

—THE AUTHOR. which is really worth while. Many declarations of practical values derived by patrons from the use of the Power-Book Library deepen that conviction. Let us all hold steadfastly to the assurance that in good time, in one way or in another way, each way- farer through these fields of splendor and uplift, these paths of Earth and spaces of the Stars, shall arrive, largely and richly arrive. For, since we crown the psychic stress of the ages, all things be- long to us in the plan of Life and the law of Har- mony, —-THE AUTHOR.

C0 glc Generated for John Patrick Deveney (University of Chicago) on 2015-02-26 16:07 GMT / http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uva.x030802924 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www.hathitrust.org/access_use#pd-google INITIATIVE.

I will not imitate;

I do not stoop to mimic either living or dead.

To ape the dead were robbery —

Let the man carry the fame that's his;

To imitate the living is treachery INITIATIVE.

To my own soul—and I value my soul immeasurably.

For this is all I have: better for me than other souls,

And, for my life, the whole thing, I will not imitate;

My point i the Universe,

My centre of Infinite Existence. I do not”stoop to mimic either living or dead. Therefore, I imitate not. To the dead were I merely assert myself, ape robbery— As the primitive Aryans had it, I bind myself to- Let the man carry the fame that ’s his; gether,

Freely, with never a thought of any one else. To imitate the living is treachery This do the birds, beasts, stars. They are like, yet To own soul—and I value soul unlike: my my immeasurably. Like as it pleases Nature (0, the Motherhood of For this is all I have: better for me than other souls, Nature!),

Unlike, as she pours, with the flow of her power, dnd, for my life, the whole thing, The sea of her plenitude into them. i’ the 1, now I tell you, will sing as I choose, My point Universe, Since I choose as the purple hills and the solemn My centre of Infinite Existence. stars;

I will be mine own self undaunted vi Therefore, I imitate not. I merely assert myself, /Is the primitive flryans had it, I bind myself together, Freely, with never a thought of any one else. This do the birds, beasts, stars. They are lilee, yet unlike: Lilac as it pleases Nature (0, the Motherhood of Nature I), Unlike, as she pours, with the flow of her power, ‘The sea of her plenitude into them. I, now I tell you, will sing as I choose, Since I choose as the purple hills and the solemn stars; I will be mine own self undaunted vi

Initiative

vii

If I travel a path trod by others,

Must I, forsooth, wear their clothes? If I travel a path trod by others, Must I think their thoughts? [Must wear their clothes? But the road has changed, I, forsooth,- The day and the night and the objects all Must I think their thoughts?

Have been touched by life and duty,

Which things are forever new, But the road has changed, And I, myself, am a power evolving, The and the and the all And the inner flame that flames within me day night objects Is mine by the grace of Creation, — Have been touched by life and duty, For Creation itself is eternally new and now, —

And the indwelling fire makes all things mine Which things are forever new, By a fiat Divine flnd am a Not granted any living beings in all worlds I, myself, power e=vol'ving, (But precisely the same is true of you, shadow of And the inner flame that flames within me self-reality !).

Oh, that Fire fuses the Universe anew Is mine by the grace of Creation,— Into one globular Value at my disposal. For Creation is new and now,-- I see it! I feel it! itself eternally Aye, the Me of my individual existence /ind the indwelling fire makes all things mine Sees, feels, is transfigured, and leaps to sing

With perfect abandon and trust, By a fiat Di‘uine Exactly as it will and must, Not in all worlds My song of destiny. granted any li

He confronts the worlds and conquers them, self—reality I) . ind his the sceptre of a king. that Fire the Universe anew — THE AUTHOR. Oh, fuses Into one globular Value at my disposal. I see it I I feel it! Aye, the Me of my indi*vidual existence Sees, feels, is transfigured, and leaps to sing With perfect abandon and trust, Exactly as it will and must, My song of destiny.

Whoever sings, thinks, acts for himself and freely, is original, clean-cut, a complete soul. He confronts the worlds and conquers them, 1nd his the sceptre of a king. "'-THE AUTHOR.

fjjt ®mfecr« is ffonrs!

|8ut tacb of its immntst taints:

$cal% $ rosptritg,

%nfbGmunt nub Spiritual |)ofotr,

fjfou must first ilaim fmtbjtt gour oton soul

§tfort one iota tfetttof tan apntar gonr objtttibt life

Efiz garhzlnus 3311:. @511: ‘fluihzraz is goats! ' gut 22151; of its immmsz balms: Ezaitlg, firaspzrity, finfolbmmt nub Spiritual fininzt, flan must first claim Initlgiu gout ohm soul gzfan on: ‘ma thmof mu agymr gout nhjzctih: life

C0 316 Generated for John Patrick Deveney (University of Chicago) on 2015-02-26 16:07 GMT / http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uva.x030802924 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www.hathitrust.org/access_use#pd-google THE PERSONAL ATMOSPHERE.

F1rst Study: Preliminary.

|HIS is the admission ('The Recognition

of Occult Causes') that there are phenomena which, though unable to refer to THE PERSONAL ATMOSPHERE. any known cause or class, it would imply irrational

ignorance to deny. This general proposition no

one, I presume, will be found to gainsay; for, in fact,

the causes of all phenomena are, at last, occult. I.

There has, however, obtained a not unnatural presumption against such causes; and this presump- FIRST STUDY: tion, though often salutary, has sometimes operated Preliminary.

most disadvantageously to science, from a blind and

indiscriminate application; in two ways. In the

first place, it has induced men lightly to admit

asserted phenomena, false in themselves, if only

confidently assigned to acknowledged causes. In the second place, it has induced them obstinately 1:.-'.«.i:.» nomena which, unableto refer to to disbelieve phenomena, in themselves certain though and even manifest, if these could not at once any k own cause or class, it would imply irrational be referred to already recognized causes, and This did not easily fall in with the systems prevalent ignorance to deny. general proposition no at the time. An example of the former is seen one, I will be found to for, in fact, in the facile credence popularly accorded, in presume, gainsay; the causes of all phenomena are, at last, occult. There has, however, obtained a not unnatural presumption against such causes; and this presumption, though often salutary, has sometimes operated most disadvantageouslyto science, from a blind and indiscriminate application; in two Ways. In the first place, it has induced men lightly to admit asserted phenomena, false in themselves, if only confidently assigned to acknowledged causes. In the second place, it has induced them obstinately to disbelieve phenomena, in themselves certain and even manifest, if these could not at once be referred to already recognized causes, and did not easily fall in with the systems prevalent at the time. An example of the former is seen in the facile credence popularly accorded, in Generated for John Patrick Deveney (University of Chicago) on 2015-02-26 16:07 GMT / http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uva.x030802924 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www.hathitrust.org/access_use#pd-google 2 The Personal Atmosphere

2 The Personal Atmosphere

this country, to the asserted facts of Craniology. . . . An example of the latter is seen in the diffi- this country, to the asserted facts of Craniology. cult credence accorded in this country to the phe-

nomena of Animal Magnetism; phenomena in An of the latter is the example seen in diH'i- . themselves the most unambiguous, which, for near- cult credence accorded in this to the ly half a century, have been recognized generally in country phe- Germany; while, for nearly a quarter of a century, nomena of Animal Magnetism; phenomena in they have been verified and formally confirmed by the Academy of Medicine in France. So true is themselves the most unambiguous,which, for near- the saying of Cullen: — 'There are more false facts half a have been in current in the world than false theories.' So true ly century, recognized generally is the saying of Hamlet: — 'There are more things Germany; While, for nearly a quarter of a century, in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.'" — Sir William Hamilton. they have been verified and formally confirmed by § I. The Personal Atmosphere is a reality of the the of Medicine in France. So true is greatest importance in our life. Theoretically it Academy should be understood, at least in general terms; the saying of Cullen: -— ‘There are more false facts practically it should be utilized both for betterment

and for right influence. The ends thus indicated current in the world than false theories.’ So true

constitute the object of this book. is the of Hamlet: — ‘There are more § 2. Man is person exhibiting in body. The saying things exhibit is in part body itself, in part "conscious in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in mind" — by which is to be understood the entire sum-total of personal activities within the body which your philosophy.’”—Sz'r/I/zilliam Hamziltorz.

are not involved in automatic physiological processes.

All the activities are of the self, but the self is a deeper reality than either the body or the mind. § I. The Personal is a of the The mind is not the self; the self is active in various /Itmosphere reality greatest importance in our life. Theoretically it should be understood, at least in general terms; practicallyit should be utilized both for betterment and for right influence. The ends thus indicated constitute theobject of this book.

§ 2. Man is person exhibiting in body. The exhibit is in part body itself, in part “conscious mind ”—by which is to be understood the entire sum-total of personal actzivzitzies within the body -which are not zinvolved in automaticphysiologicalprocesses. All the activities are of the self, but the self is a deeper reality than either the body or the mind. The mind is not theself; the self is activein various

The Personal Atmosphere 3 ways within the body, and those ways, when not Within the and those when not concerned in building and functioning the body, Ways body, ways, constitute a system of activities which we call the concerned in building and functioning the body, "conscious mind."

§3. ,In the scientific world it is held to be un- constitute a system of activities which We call the thinkable that a force of gravity should act through “ conscious mind.” space without an instrumental medium (the ether;

see later sections), and light and heat are explained

as certain movements of the ether within itself which affect us in ways to produce the sensations §3. .In the scientific world it is held to be un- of vision and temperature. These movements are thinkablethat a force of should act described as undulations, vibrations, and so on, gravity through and, as Professor R. K. Duncan observes: "Once space without an instrumental medium (the ether; convinced that light consists of waves, the mind (the self) insists that these waves shall inhere in some- see later sections), and light and heat are explained thing. The ocean waves are made of water, — as certain movements of the ether itself sound waves of air, — light waves of, we must say, within — something. This something cannot be air or which affect us in ways to produce the sensations water or any form of matter as we know it, for throughout that great reach of 93,000,000 of miles of vision and temperature. These movements are between the sun and us there exists but empty described as and so space. Filled this empty space is, however, and to undulations, vibrations, on, the brim. There is no such thing as emptiness. and, as Professor R. K. Duncan observes: “Once

From corner to corner of the universe, wherever a star shines or light darts, there broods this convinced thatlight consists of waves, themind (the vast circumambient medium — the ether. Not insists that these waves shall inhere in some- only through interstellar spaces, but through the self) world also, in all its manifold complexity, through thing. The ocean waves are made of water,— our own bodies; all lie not only encompassed by it sound waves of air, — light waves of, we must say, ——something. This something cannot be air or water or any form of matter as We know it, for throughout that great reach of 93,000,000 of miles between the sun and us there exists but empty space. Filled this empty space is, however, and to the brim. There is no such thing as emptiness. From corner to corner of the universe, wherever a star shines or light darts, there broods this

vast circumambient medium — the ether. Not only through interstellar spaces, but through the world also, in all its manifold complexity,through our own bodies; all lie not only encompassed by it

but soak1ng in it as a sponge lies soaked in water.

How much we ourselves are matter and how much ether is, in these days, a very moot question." * but soaking in it as a sponge lies soaked in water. § 4. So we may say that, as activities go on

within the body, some of which are concerned with How much we ourselves are matter and how much

(a) the physiological functionings, demanding no * ether in these a moot conscious willing on our part, and some of which we IS, days, very question.”

describe as Will, memory, and the like, there must

be something that acts in all these various ways.

That something is the self. When the self acts in § 4.. So we may say that, as activities go on the ways indicated by (a), it exhibits physiological within the some of which are concerned with activities. When it acts in ways indicated by (b), body, we call the sum of such activities — mind. (a) the physiological functionings, demanding no § 5. Now, mental activities seem to be divisible into conscious and subconscious. The self, com- conscious willingon our part, and some ofwhich we monly speaking, is possessed of what is called describe as and the there must "consciousness" — the sum-total of now-activities Will, memory, like, which are mental in character. But "conscious- be something that acts in all these various ways. ness" is not to be taken as mere awareness in the ordinary sense of the word; the sum-total of mental That somet/zing is the self. VVhen the self acts in activities embrace those of which we are not aware the indicated it exhibits no less than those of which we surely are aware. ways by (a), physiological That is to say, mind may be both aware-conscious activities. When it acts in ways indicated by (b), and subconscious. There is the mental self with

—— which you are very familiar; and there is the mental we call the sum of such activities mind.

self of which you know exceedingly little. The lat-

*"Tke New Knowledge," p. 4; § 5. Now, mental activities seem to be divisible into conscious and subconscziour. The self, Com- monly speaking, is possessed of what is called “consciousness” —the sum-total of now-activities which are mental in character. But “consciousness” is not to be taken as mere awareness in the ordinary sense of the word; the sum-total of mental activities embrace those of which we are not aware no less than those of which we surely are aware. That is to say, mind may be both aware-conscious and subconscious. There is the mental self with which you are very familiar; and there is the mental self of which you know exceedinglylittle. The lat-

‘‘‘The New Knowledge," p. 4.

your personality.

§ 6. "It is to the existence and vital function of ter is the subconscious self —— the of this large area of our personality," says Professor deeper reality Barret, of Dublin, "which is submerged below the your personality. level of consciousness, that I wish to draw atten-

tion, for psychologists are agreed that its range must be extended to include something more than is § 6. “It is to the existence and vital function of covered by our normal self-consciousness. What we call 'ourself is a something which lies in the this large area of our personality,” says Professor background of our consciousness, enabling us to combine the series of impressions made upon us, or Barret, of Dublin, “which is submerged below the the states of feeling within us, into a continuous level of consciousness, that I wish to draw atten- personal identity." * (See Sec. 29).

§ 7. The organ of mind, at least the central or- tion, for psychologists are agreed that its range must gan, by means of which conscious mental activities be extended to (and unconscious) are conducted, so far as we know, include something more than is but which only partially may be required for some covered our normal self-consciousness. What phases of the unconscious mental activities, is the by brain. The brain, as material, lies immersed in — we call ‘ourself’ is a something which lies in the and fundamentally is composed of—the universal ether, that common medium of all the great physical background of our consciousness, enabling us to forces of which we have knowledge. combinethe series of made us, or § 8. Human life is grounded in physiology. impressions upon Physiology is the basement of psychology — that the states of feeling within us, into a continuous is, material facts that we know underlie psychic facts * as manifested. personal identity.” (See Sec. 29).

* ''Humanitarian'' (1895).

§ 7. The organ of mind, at least the central organ, by means of which conscious mental activities (and unconscious) are conducted, so far as we know, but which only partially may be required for some phases of the unconscious mental activities, is the brain. The brain, as material, lies immersed in — and fundamentally is composed of— the universal ether,thatcommon medium of all the great physical forces of which we have knowledge. § 8. Human life is grounded in physiology. Physiology is the basement of psychology — that is, materialfacts thatwe know underlie psychic facts as manifested. * "Humam'tarian" (1895).

6 The Personal Atmosphere

§ 9. The nature of matter, force and spirit (the § 9. The nature of matter, force and spirit (the non-material self) is not certainly known. The

"new science" leans to the theory that matter is non—material self) is not certainly known. The electricity, which is a form of "material" force, and “new science” leans to the that matter is which manifests in the universal ether. By the theory words, "material force" no one can intelligently electricity,which is a form of “material”force, and mean other than a non-material somewhat which is capable of producing effects in the material world. which manifests in the universal ether. By the The only conceivable reality so capable is Will. words, “material force” no one can But Will is not material; it cannot be thought of in intelligently any terms that are appropriate to matter, and must mean other than a non-material somewhat which is

be regarded as spiritual, as non-molecular, non- atomic, non-etheric. capable of producing effects in the material world. Matter is manifestation of spiritual energy, or The conceivable so is Will. Will. only reality capable Material force is a gross effect of spiritual activity, But Will is not material; it cannot be thought of in that is, of Will in action.

Nevertheless, it is to be observed that matter and any terms that are appropriate to matter, and must spirit (or Will) are equally real. The reality of mat- be as as non-molecular, non- ter is temporal and phenomenal in Nature. The regarded spiritual, reality of Will is eternal and phenomenal in the Un- atomic, non-etheric. seen Universe.

Spiritual force is thus the fundamentally and ulti- Matter is manifestation of spiritual energy, or mately real. Will.

Material force is an exploitation of the spiritual. § 10. It is important to remember, however, that Material force is a gross eflect of spiritual activity, psychic facts as manifested imply and call for a psychic existence below them and thus below all ma- that is, of Will in action. terial facts exhibited in the bodily life. (See Sec. 4.) Nevertheless, it is to be observed that matter and spirit (or Will) are equally real. The reality of matter is temporal and phenomenal in Nature. The reality of Will is eternal and phenomenal in the Un- seen Universe. Spiritual force is thus the fundamentally and ulti- mately real. Material force is an exploitation of the spiritual.

§ 10. It is important to remember, however, that psychic facts as manifested imply and call for a psychic existence below them and thus below all material facts exhibitedin the bodilylife. (See Sec. 4.)

Co glc Generated for John Patrick Deveney (University of Chicago) on 2015-02-26 16:07 GMT / http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uva.x030802924 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www.hathitrust.org/access_use#pd-google The Personal Atmosphere 7

The Personal Atmosphere J n. II.

Second Study: The Personal Atmosphere

Suggested. §11. In "Power For Success," may be found S1-:coND STUDY: The Personal these words ("Preliminary"): "The deeper self Atmosphere (the unconscious mind) may be regarded as the Suggested. centre of several outlying spheres. It centres (a)

the body, (b) the personal atmosphere (explained below), (c) the objective arena (the sphere of one's II. In “Power For be found general influence), (d) the universal ether, (e) the § Success,” may All. Beginning with the last and returning to the these words (“Preliminary”): “The deeper self first, we see that each sphere includes all other V spheres preceding it in the order above given. (the unconscious mind) may be regarded as the § 12. The All vibrates into existence the universal centre of several It centres ether, which pervades all material realms and reali- outlying spheres. (a) ties, continually vibrating them into form and ac- the body, (b) the personal atmosphere (explained tion. It is, therefore, immanent in — that is, present and active in — and embraces, the objective below), (c) the objective arena (the sphere of one’s arena (the sphere of one's general personal influ- the universal the ence). At this point in our analysis, the self as a general influence), (d) ether, (e) vibrating power emerges. As the All vibrates the All. Beginning with the last and to the universal ether into action — revealed in heat, elec- returning tricity, magnetism, matter, so the human self vi- first, we see that each sphere includes all other brates the ether within the body, and around the it in theorder above person, and out into the objective arena. A cer- spheres preceding given.

tain region within the objective arena, and centering

in the deepest unconsc^us self-field, is distinctively § 12. The All vibrates into existence the universal ether, which pervades all material realms and realities, continually vibrating them into form and action. It is, therefore, immanent in — that is, present and active in——and embraces, the objective arena (the sphere of one’s general personal influence). At this point in our analysis, the self as a vibrating power emerges. As the All vibrates the universal ether into action — revealed in heat, electricity, magnetism, matter, so the human self vibrates the ether within the body, and around the person, and out into the objective arena. A certain region withinthe objective arena, and centering in the deepest unconscious self-field, is distinctively

8 The Personal Atmosphere individualized, given a character peculiar to each individualized, given a character peculiar to each person, so that such portion of the objective arena so that such of the arena may well be called the personal atmosphere. The person, portion objective personal atmosphere extends beyond, yet also per- well be called the personal atmosphere. The vades, the body, but is not altogether coextensive may with the entire objective arena. The personal at- personal atmosphere extends beyond, yet also per- mosphere, then, is a certain surrounding region of the but is not coextensive the universal ether which your personal activities, vades, body, altogether conscious and unconscious, maintain in a state of with the entire arena. The at- continuous and more or less unified activity. objective personal

Let us now examine the considerations which mosphere, then, is a certain surrounding region of lead to the above conclusion. These consider- the universal ether which ations may be enumerated as— your personal acti*vities, III. conscious and unconscious, maintain in a state of Th1rd Study: Certain Basic Facts.

§ 13. In our present existence matter is the usual continuous and more or less unified activzity. organ of mind. But means of communication be- Let us now examine the considerations which tween minds are of two orders, the material and the spiritual. Here observe: lead to the above conclusion. These consider-

§ 14. First Basic Fact. — Ordinary communications between human minds obtain by means of the ations may be enumerated as- senses through material media.

The author holds that "material force" is the

active Nature-manifestation of the All-Self. The

III.

THIRD STUDY: Certain Basic Facts.

§ I3. In our present existence matter is the usual organ of mind. But means of communication between minds are of two orders, the material and the spiritual. Here observe:

§ 14. First Basic Fact.—Ordinary communications between human minds obtain by means of the senses through material media. The author holds that “material force’ is the active Nature-manifestation of the All-Self. The

The Personal Atmosphere g

Infinite All-mind is eternally creative in the organi- zation of spiritual force into material or other ex- Infinite All-mind is eternally creative in the organi- istences. One of the Upanishads of India says: zation of force into material or other ex- "There is one ruler, the soul, within all things, who spiritual makes the one form manifold." The ancient istences. One of the Upanis/zad: of India says: Hindu literature also incessantly declares: "In the beginning there was that only which is, one only, “There is one ruler, the soul, within all things,who without a second." makes the one form manifold.” The ancient "The Klamaths," says Max M'uller, "one of the Red Indian tribes, believe in a Supreme God whom Hindu literature also incessantly declares: “In they call 'The Most Ancient One,' 'Our Old

Father,'or 'The Old One on High.' He is believed the beginningthereWas thatonly which is, one only, to have created the world that is, to have made Without a second.” plants, animals, and men. But when asked how the Old Father created the world, the Klamath “The Klamaths,”says Max Miiller, “one of the philosopher replied: 'By thinking and willing.' "*

We may, then, say that matter manifests through Red Indian tribes, believein a Supreme God Whom spirit. Spirit manifests and communicates, in part, call ‘The Most Ancient One,’ ‘Our Old through matter. Ultimate matter (matter in its they finest form — a complex of electricity, or a vast Father,’or‘The Old One on High.’ He is believed combination of the ether, or an exhibit of etheric activities—) may, at present in our history, serve as to have created the world that is, to have made the partial medium of communication between the animals, and men. But when asked how All-Mind or All-Self and the human mind or self. plants,

The All-Self or Infinite reveals in part through or- the Old Father created the World, the Klamath ganized matter, as seen, for example, in Nature. "* But the Infinite must also be held to reveal to the philosopherreplied: ‘By t/11in/zzingand willing.’ human by direct spiritual (mental) impact upon We then, thatmatter manifests * "Psychological Religion" (1903), p. 383; may, say through spirit. Spirit manifests and communicates, in part, through matter. Ultimate matter (matter in its finest form——a complex of electricity, or a vast combination of the ether, or an exhibit of etheric activities—)may,at present in our history, serve as the partial medium of communication between the All-Mind or All-Self and the human mind or self. The All-Self or Infinite reveals in part through or- ganized matter, as seen, for example, in Nature. But the Infinite must also be held to reveal to the human by direct spiritual (mental) impact upon

* “Psychological Religion” (1903). p. 383;

10 The Personal Atmosphere consciousness in the region of the deeper human consciousness in the of the human self. The human reveals to the human by vibra- region deeper tions in matter which induce the sensations of hear- self. The human reveals to the human by vibra- ing, smell, taste, touch and sight.

Second Basic Fact. — Matter ex1sts, so far as tions in matter which induce the sensations of hear- phenomena indicate, in the following forms, aside smell, taste, touch and from those of ordinary observation. ing, sight.

§15. I. Star Dust. "There is nothing around which the dust of time," said Professor Alexander Second Basic Fact.—Zl/fatter exists, so far as Mitchell, "does not gather. It accumulates among indicate, in the aside the shelters of mountain cliffs. It falls upon ivy. phenomena following forms, mantled towers and ruined walls, and creates a from those of ordinary observation. rooting place for many a hardy herb and a nidus for countless living germs. It clogs the water-passages 1. Star Dust. “There is around from our roofs, and fills our cisterns with soils § 15. nothing yielded by the atmosphere. It gathers about de- which the dust of time,” said Professor Alexander serted structures; it buries the foundations of columns and temples. Whence the dust which has Mitchell, “does not gather. It accumulates among buried walls and towers and cities? Much of the the shelters of mountain cliffs. It falls soil which gathers upon roofs and in the crevices of upon ivy. old walls has been lifted by the winds from bare mantled towers and ruined walls, and creates a fields and dusty streets. Even the snowy summits

Df the Alps become stained by terrestrial particles rooting place for many a hardy herb and a nidus for borne by upward currents into the mountain air. countless It the And yet I will venture the opinion that some dust living germs. clogs water—passages comes to the earth daily which had never belonged from our roofs, and fills our cisterns with soils to the earth before. Out from the depths of space

— beyond the clouds, beyond the atmosphere — yielded by the atmosphere. It gathers about de- from a granary of material germs which stock the serted structures; it buries the foundations of columns and temples. VVhence the dust which has buried walls and towers and cities? Much of the soil which gathers upon roofs and in the crevices of old walls has been lifted by the winds from bare fields and dusty streets. Even the snowy summits of the Alps become stained by terrestrial particles borne by upward currents into the mountain air. And yet I will venture the opinion that some dust comes to the earth daily which had never belonged to the earth before. Out from the depths of space ——beyond the clouds, beyond the atmosphere- from a granary of material germs which stock the

The Personal Atmosphere II

empire of the sky, comes a perpetual but invisible rain of material atoms — like the evening dew empire of the sky, comes a perpetual but invisible emerging from the transparency of space into a state of growing visibility." rain of material atoms——like the evening dew Similarly as to Cryonite — "cold-dust" — the from the of into a name given by Nordenskjold to a gray powder emerging transparency space noticed by him in various places in Greenland on state of growing visibility.” the surface of the inland ice, at a great distance from earth or rock, and which he considered to be Similarly as to Cryonite— “cold-dust"—tl'ie of cosmic origin. name to a § 16. 2. Coloring Matter of the Sky. The blue given by Nordenskjold gray powder of the heavens is owing to the diffusion throughout noticed by him in various places in Greenland on the atmosphere of fine particles of matter. Thus

Professor Tyndall has said: the surface of the inland ice, at a great distance "Everybody knows that as the sky bends toward from earth or rock, and which he considered to be the horizon, the purer blue is impaired. . . .

This diminution is a natural consequence of the of cosmic origin. predominance of coarser particles in the lower re-

gions of the atmosphere. Were the particles which produce the purer celestial vault all swept away, we § 16. 2. Matter the The blue should, unless helped by what has been called 'cos- Coloring of Sky. mic dust,' look into the blackness of celestial space. of the heavens is owing to the difiusion throughout And were the whole atmosphere abolished along with its suspended matter, we should have the the atmosphere of fine particles of matter. Thus 'blackness' spangled with steady stars; for the Professor has said: twinkling of the stars is caused by our atmos- Tyndall phere." * “Everybody knows that as the sky bends toward * "The Sky" in "Fragments of Science"

the is . horizon, the purer blue impaired. . This diminution is a natural consequence of the predominance of coarser particles in the lower re- gions of the atmosphere. Were the particles which produce the purer celestial vault all swept away, we should, unless helped by what has been called ‘cosmic dust,’ look into the blacknessof celestial space. And were the whole atmosphere abolished along with its suspended matter, we should have the ‘blackness’ spangled with steady stars; for the twinkling of the stars is caused by our atmosphere.,’ *

* “The Sky” in "FmgmenfxiofScience ”

12 The Personal Atmosphere

§ 17. 3. Emanations. The theory of emanations as furnishing explanation of light, heat, etc., § 17. 3. Emanatzionr. The theory of emana- is not now received. Nevertheless, bodies seem tions as of constantly to be giving off fine particles of their furnishing explanation light, heat, etc., substance. Sir David Brewster said: is not now received. Nevertheless, bodies seem

"All bodies throw off emanations in greater or less size and with greater or less velocities; these constantly to be giving of? fine particles of their particles even enter more or less into the pores of substance. Sir David Brewster said: solid and fluid bodies, sometimes resting upon their surface, and sometimes permeating them altogether." “All bodies throw off emanations in greater or Certain phenomena seem to indicate either ray- movements in the ether in which bodies are im- less size and with greater or less velocities; these mersed, as a sponge may be immersed in water, or even enter more or less into the of moving particles of actual matter. "If on a cold particles pores polished metal," said Prof. John William Draper, solid and fluid bodies, sometimes resting upon their "as a new razor, any object, such as a wafer, be laid, and the metal be then breathed upon, and, surface,and sometimespermeatingthemaltogether.” when the moisture has had time to disappear, the Certain seem to indicate either wafer be thrown off, though now the most critical phenomena ray- inspection of the polished surface can discover no movements in the ether in which bodies are im-

trace of any form, if we breathe once more upon it, a spectral image of the wafer comes plainly into mersed, as a sponge may be immersed in water, or view; and this may be done again and again. Nay, of actual matter. “If on a cold more, if the polished metal be carefully put aside moving particles where nothing can deteriorate its surface, and be polished metal," said Prof. John William Draper, so kept for many months, on breathing again upon it the shadowy form appears." * “as a new razor, any object, such as a wafer, be These facts were discovered by Professor Draper and the metal be then breathed * "Conflict Between Religion and Science," 1S76, p. 133. laid, upon, and, when the moisture has had time to disappear, the wafer be thrown off, though now the most critical inspection of the polished surface can discover no trace of any form, if we breathe once more upon it, a spectral image of the wafer comes plainly into view; and this may be done again and again. Nay, more, if the polished metal be carefully put aside where nothing can deteriorate its surface, and be so kept for many months, on breathingagain upon it the shadowy form appears.” * These facts were discovered by Professor Draper

"' "Confltct Between Religion and Science,” 1876, p. 133.

and M. Moser at about the same time. Professor William Denton quoted the above, with slightly and M. Moser at about the same time. Professor changed wording, from Mr. G. H. Lewis, and then went on to say, as from that writer: William Denton quoted the above, with slightly "If a sheet of paper on which a key has been laid, be exposed for some minutes to the sunshine, and changed wording, from Mr. G. H. Lewis, and then then instantaneously viewed in the dark, the key went on to as from thatWriter: being removed, a fading spectre of the key will be say, visible. Let this paper be put aside for many “Ifa sheet of paper on which a key has been laid, months where nothing can disturb it, and then in darkness be laid upon a plate of hot metal, the be exposed for some minutes to the sunshine, and spectre of the key will appear." * then viewed in the the "In the case of bodies more highly phosphores- instantaneously dark, key cent than paper, the spectres of many different being removed, a fading spectre of the key will be objects which may have been laid on in succession will, on warming, emerge in their proper order." visible. Let this paper be put aside for many The explanation given of these phenomena is the months where can disturb and then in action of exceedingly minute particles of matter nothing it, upon the surfaces referred to. darkness be laid upon a plate of hot metal, the §18. The mystery of radio-activity also intro- "' duces us to hitherto unheard-of divisions of material spectre of the key will appear." substances. The older teachings of science held “In the case of bodies more that matter consists of combinations of molecules, highly phosphores- the latter being in turn complex aggregations of cent than the of many dilferent atoms. An atom was defined as the smallest divisi- paper, spectres ble particle of matter, that is, a particle which can- objects which may have been laid on in succession not be further reduced, either mechanic?,Ily or chem- on in their order." *"The Soul of Things," 1871, p. 27. will, warming, emerge proper The explanation given of these phenomena is the action of exceedingly minute particles of matter upon the surfaces referred to. § 18. The mystery of radio-activity also intro- duces us to hitherto unheard-ofdivisions of material substances. The older teachings of science held that matter consists of combinationsof molecules, the latter being in turn complex aggregations of atoms. An atom was defined as the smallest divisible particle of matter, that is, a particle which cannot be further reduced, either mechanicallyor chem-

* “The Soul of Things,” 1871, p. 27.

14 The Personal Atmosphere

cally. It is now known that the atom is itself an assemblage of inconceivably minute particles called cally. It is now known that the atom is itself an corpuscles.

"Common objects for the microscope are blood assemblage of inconceivablyminute particles called corpuscles (corpuscles here are not to be confused with the corpuscles of the atom) and milk-globules. corpuscles. The thickness of the former, or the diameter of the “Common objects for the microscope are blood latter, is such that 10,000 could be ranged side by side within the length of an inch. The fifth part of corpuscles (corpuscles here are not to be confused the ten-thousandth of an inch covers a very small with the of the and space indeed in the field of a microscope, and a corpuscles atom) milk-globules. sphere whose diameter was equal to th-e fifth part of The thicknessof the former, or the diameter of the the thickness of a blood-corpuscle might be taken as an approximation to the smallest object of which latter, is such that 10,000 could be ranged side by a microscope can give us anything like clear vision. side within the of an inch.- The fifth of A molecule has five thousand times as small a diam- length part eter as such a sphere, and 125,000 million molecules the ten-thousandth of an inch covers a very small would be required to fill it. The very heaviest molecule has less than five thousand times the space indeed in the field of a microscope, and a weight of the lightest, and if size is proportionate to whose diameter was to the fifth of weight, their diameter will be sixteen times that of sphere equal part the smaller ones. But even they will show a diam- the thickness of a blood-corpuscle might be taken eter more than three hundred times, and a surface nearly a hundred thousand times as small as the as an approximation to the smallestobject of which minimum visible. Such, then, are the individual a can us like clear vision. particles out of which every mass in the world, and, microscope give anything so far as we can judge, every mass in all other astro- A molecule has five thousand times as small a diam-

nomical bodies, is made up." *

And all molecules are in a state of incessant activ- eter as such a sphere, and 125,000 million molecules * "Radium Explained," 1908.—W. Hampson, p. 44; would be required to fill it. The very heaviest molecule has less than five thousand times the weight of the lightest, and if size is proportionate to weight, their diameter will be sixteen times that of the smaller ones. But even they will show a diam? eter more than three hundred times, and a surface nearly a hundred thousand times as small as the minimum visible. Such, then, are the individual particles out of which every mass in the world, and, so far as we can judge, every mass in all other astro. nomical bodies, is made up.” * And all molecules are in a state of incessant activ-

“ “Radium Explained,” 1908.—W. HAMPSON, p. 44;

The Personal Atmosphere 15

ity, are constantly moving, in one way or another. "The movement may be of elastic change of shape, ity, are constantly moving, in one or another. as with a rubber ball; of vibration, as in the endsof way a tuning fork; of rotation, like that of a top; or, “The movement may be of elastic change of shape, when there is larger free space, of translation from as with a rubber of in the endsof place to place, as with a bullet. Or two or more of ball; vibration,as these kinds of movement may be combined. But a tuning fork; of rotation, like that of a or, what is certain is that all the molecules are con- top; stantly in movement, which we call for convenience when there is larger free space, of translation from vibration. The molecular vibrations are exceed- to as with a bullet. Or two or more of ingly energetic. . . . Imagine a room to be place place, pumped empty of air, so that it contained nothing these kinds of movement be combined. But to resist the movement of flying missiles. Imagine may a few thousand balls of such perfect elasticity as to what is certain is that all the molecules are con- have none of their energy lost in bouncing, to be set in which we call for convenience flying in all directions in such a room, so that they stantly movement, would go on forever bouncing against one another vibration. The molecular vibrations are exceed- and against the walls of the room. They would represent, on an enormously magnified scale, the . . a room ingly energetic. . Imagine to be structure of a gas, and the action of its molecules, of so that it contained which have had their vibrations, in the liquid or pumped empty air, nothing solid state, developed into long flights through space to resist the movement of flying missiles. in the state of a gas. When we speak, however, of Imagine long flights through space, it must be remembered a few thousand balls of such perfect elasticity as to that the expression is comparative, having reference have none of their lost in to be set to the extreme minuteness of the molecules, and the energy bouncing, spaces which separate them in liquids and solids. in all directions in such a room, so that they As a matter of fact, the average distances between flying two molecules, even when they are flying freely would go on forever bouncing against one another through space, in a gas, is so small that if a cubic and against the walls of the room. They would represent, on an enormously magnified scale, the structure of a gas, and the action of its molecules, which have had their vibrations, in the liquid or solid state, developed into long flights through space in the state of a gas. When we speak, however, of long flights through space, it must be remembered thatthe expression is comparative, having reference to the extreme minuteness of the molecules, and the spaces which separate them in liquids and solids. As a matter of fact, the average distances between two molecules, even when they are flying freely through space, in a gas, is so small that if a cubic

16 The Personal Atmosphere

inch of air were magnified to the size of a cube of sixteen miles each way, the molecules would even inch of air were magnified to the size of a cube of then be no more than one-eighth of an inch apart; sixteen miles each the molecules would even and the number of collisions that each molecule has way, with others in one second is nearly five thousand then be no more than one-eighth of an inch millions." apart;

But the molecules are composed of still finer and the numberof collisions that each molecule has

particles, the atoms, which are also in a state of in- with others in one second is five cessant activity, moving within the molecule in nearly thousand complex ways and with inconceivable rapidity. millions.”

They are so small that each molecular system may be comparable to a stellar system. But the molecules are composed of still finer

§ 19. Now, matter is everywhere disintegrating, the which are also in a state of in- going to pieces, and, since this is true of the atoms, particles, atoms, no less than of the molecules, they are thus seen to be cessant moving within the molecule in other systems of smaller size than anything the activity, human mind can conceive. That the atom disin- complex ways and with inconceivable rapidity. tegrates is observable in experiments made with are so small that each molecular radium, together with uranium, thorium, polonium They system may and actinium, forms of matter whose activity is be to a stellar scientifically marvelous. In all these substances comparable system.

the atoms are found to be constantly going to pieces. Radium, for example, gives off, without any appar- matter is ent diminution of itself, what are called alpha rays, § 19. Now, everywhere disintegrating, which are made by the emanation of rather large to and, since this is true of the atoms, particles, beta rays, which are caused by emana- going pieces, tions of smaller particles, gamma rays, which are no less thanofthemolecules, they are thus seen to be etheric vibrations, and other emanation particles dis- of smaller size than the tinguished from the rays, acting somewhat like a gas. other systems anything human mind can conceive. That the atom disin- tegrates is observable in experiments made with radium, together with uranium, thorium, polonium and actinium, forms of matter whose activity is scientifically marvelous. In all these substances the atoms are found to be constantly going to pieces. Radium, for example, gives ofT,without any apparent diminution of itself, what are called alpha rays, which are made by the emanation of rather large particles, beta rays, which are caused by emanations of smaller particles, gamma rays, which are ethericvibrations,and otheremanationparticles dis- tinguished from therays, actingsomewhat like a gas.

The Personal Atmosphere l"J

In consequence of discoveries made with these forms of matter, and other experimentation, it is now In consequence of discoveries made with these held that the atoms consist of aggregations of enor- forms of and other it is now mously attenuated particles which are called cor- matter, experimentation, puscles. "These are so small that the smallest and held that the atoms consist of of enor- lightest atom we know, that of hydrogen, contains aggregations from 800 to 1000 of these corpuscles. Radium, mously attenuated particles which are called cor- however, is a heavy substance, one of the heaviest “These are so small thatthe smallest and known, and its atom contains about 200,000 corpuscles. puscles. The corpuscles, however, are much smaller lightest atom we know, that of hydrogen, contains than is indicated by saying that their size is the two hundred thousandth part of that of an atom. from 800 to 1000 of these corpuscles. Radium,

For they do not nearly fill the space occupied by the is a one of the heaviest atom. They fill as little of the atom space, and are however, heavy substance, as far apart from one another as would be the case known, and its atom contains about 200,000 cor- with the same number of the smallest grains of dust floating in the hollow sphere of a gigantic football." * puscles. The corpuscles, however, are much smaller The corpuscles are also in a state of incessant activi- than is indicated that their size is the ty, and, while their movements are not certainly by saying known, it is thought that they are arranged in some- two hundred thousandth part of that of an atom. thing like concentric rings within the atom. If the atom of radium contains two hundred thousand For they do not nearlyfillthe space occupied by the corpuscles, all moving, there must occur collisions, atom. fill as little of the atom and are and some of the corpuscles, under certain condi- They space, tions, will finally be jostled out of the system. This as far apart from one another as would be the case would be a case of disintegration. Radium gives off rays and emanations because its atoms go to with the same numberof the smallestgrains of dust pieces. in thehollow ofa football.” * * "Radium Explained." floating sphere gigantic The corpuscles are also in a state of incessant activity, and, while their movements are not certainly known, it is thoughtthatthey are arranged in something like concentric rings within the atom. If the atom of radium contains two hundred thousand corpuscles, all moving, there must occur collisions, and some of the corpuscles, under certain conditions, will finally be jostled out of the system. This would be a case of disintegration. Radium gives oil" rays and emanations because its atoms go to pieces.

* “Radium Explained."

18 The Personal Atmosphere § 20. Finally, radio-activity is now believed to be 20. is now believed to be almost universally present in all material substances. § Finally, radio-activity "The truth probably is that, just as radium is an almost universally present in all material substances. extreme case among the radio-active substances, disintegrating more rapidly than thorium, uranium, “The truth probably is that, just as radium is an polonium, or actinium, so these altogether are mere- extreme case the radio-active ly an extreme case of ordinary matter. There is among substances, good reason to think that every element, or almost disintegrating more rapidly than thorium,uranium, every element, has a few of the atoms constantly disintegrating; but as the process is much slower than polonium, or actinium,so these altogether are mere- in the case of radium, it escaped notice till the most an extreme case of matter. There is refined methods of observation were brought to ly ordinary bear. . . All the elements in the universe, it ap- good reason to think that every element, or almost pears, are undergoing slow destruction. We cannot point to the hardest or most solid and say, here every element, has a few of the atoms constantlydis- is a substance whose particles suffer no loss by deg- but as the is much slower than radation." * Such disintegration of matter, such integrating; process continuous process of emanation, may explain the in the case of radium, it escaped notice till the most fact that a grain of musk retains its scent-giving powers for many years without apparent loss of refined methods of observation were brought to substance, or the scent of animals which is often so bear. the elements in the it . . All remarkable, and may also account for personal universe, ap- aversions and antipathies, the sense-organs being pears, are undergoing slow destruction. We can- affected by the assault of particles or corpuscles of matter flying incessantly through air and other ob- not point to the hardest or most solid and say, here jects. is a substance whose suffer no loss § 21. 4. The Ether. It is by some suggested particles by deg- * that the corpuscles are composed of "granules" of radation.” Such disintegration of matter, such * "Radium Explained." continuous process of emanation, may explain the fact that a grain of musk retains its scent-giving powers for many years without apparent loss of substance, or the scent of animals which is often so remarkable, and may also account for personal aversions and antipathies, the sense-organs being affected by the assault of particles or corpuscles of matter flying incessantly through air and other objects.

§2I. 4.. The Ether. It is by some suggested that the corpuscles are composed of “granules” of

* “Radium Explained."

C0 gle Generated for John Patrick Deveney (University of Chicago) on 2015-02-26 16:07 GMT / http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uva.x030802924 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www.hathitrust.org/access_use#pd-google The Personal fltmosphere 19

The Personal Atmosphere 19

the ether. Thus, the granules make up the corpuscles, and the latter constitute the atoms, which the ether. Thus, the granules make up the cor- combine to form the molecules, which, in turn, are and the latter constitute the which aggregated into visible matter. Matter is ether. puscles, atoms, Others hold that the corpuscle is a mode of mo- combine to form the molecules, which, in turn, are tion of the ether within itself, which mode of motion is electric — that is to say, matter is electricity and aggregated into visible matter. Matter is ether. nothing but electricity. The corpuscles are by Others hold that the is a mode of mo- these scientists, therefore, called electrons. They corpuscle "conceive of an atom as an aggregation of negative tion of the ether within itself, which mode of motion corpuscles arranged in a certain number in a certain

— way, and surrounded by a sphere of positive elec- is electric that is to say, matter is electricity and tricity which balances the negative electricity of the but The are corpuscle within it." * Negative electricity repre- nothing electricity. corpuscles by sents motion of the corpuscle. What positive elec- these scientists, therefore, called electrons. They tricity is we do not know — unless it be "a state of the ether." Now, electricity is a mode of motion “conceive of an atom as an aggregation of negative of the ether within itself. Matter is ether. in a certain numberin a certain § 22. Of the exact nature of this substance we corpuscles arranged know nothing, just as we know nothing of the exact Way, and surrounded by a sphere of positive elec- constitution of the self within the body. Certain established facts in science indicate its existence, tricity which balances the negative electricity of the however, and it is the only accepted explanation of within it.” * light, heat, electricity, magnetism and some of the corpuscle Negative electricity repre- activities of such elements as radium. sents motion of the corpuscle. What positive elec- The ether is defined as a "medium of extreme

— tenuity and elasticity supposed to be diffused tricity is we do not know unless it be “a state of throughout all space (as well as among the mole- the ether.” is a mode of motion * "The New Knowledge." Now, electricity of the etherwithin itself. Matter is ether.

§22. Of the exact nature of this substance we know nothing,just as we know nothingof the exact constitution of the self within the body. Certain established facts in science indicate its existence, however, and it is the only accepted explanation of light, heat, electricity, magnetism and some of the activities of such elements as radium. The ether is defined as a “medium of extreme tenuity and elasticity supposed to be diffused throughout all space (as well as among the mole-

* “The New Knowledge."

20 The Personal Atmosphere

cules and atoms of which material objects are composed) and to be the medium of the transmission of cules and atoms of which material objects are com- light and heat." It is declared that it can convey and to be the medium of the transmission of energy ("the power to change the state of motion of posed) a body"); that it can present it at any moment, light and heat." It is declared that it can convey partly in the form of kinetic, partly in that of poten- tial energy; that it is therefore capable of displace- energy (“thepower to change the state of motion of ment and of tension; that it must have rigidity and a that it can it at elasticity; that its density is equal to that of our at- body”); present any moment, mosphere at a height of about 210 miles, and that partly in the form of kinetic, partly in thatof poten- its rigidity is about one-billionth of that of steel; that it is easily displaced by a moving mass; that it tial energy; that it is therefore capable of displace- is not discontinuous or granular, and hence that as ment and of tension; that it must have and a whole it may be compared to an impalpable and rigidity all-pervading jelly through which light and heat elasticity; that its density is equal to that of our at- waves are constantly throbbing, which is constantly being set in local strains and released from them, mosphere at a height of about 210 miles, and that and being whirled in local vortices, thus producing its is about one-billionthof that of steel; the various phenomena of light, electricity and mag- rigidity netism, and through which the particles of ordinary that it is easily displaced by a moving mass; that it matter move freely, encountering but little retarda- tion, if any, for its elasticity, as it closes up behind is not discontinuous or granular, and hence that as each moving particle, is approximately perfect.* a whole it be to an and "But what are we required to believe regarding may compared impalpable this ether which is conceived to fill all space, and all-pervading jelly through which light and heat interpenetrate all material bodies occupying the interstices among atoms? The hypothesis is of a waves are constantly throbbing,which is constantly perfect, incompressible, frictionlesa fluid, which, set in local strains and released from them, to meet all the conditions of the problem, must be being * Bm "MoMtr, Ether and Motion." — Dolbbab. and being Whirled in local vortices, thus producing the various phenomenaoflight, electricity and magnetism, and through which the particles of ordinary matter move freely,encountering but little retarda- tion, if any, for its elasticity, as it closes up behind each moving particle, is approximately perfect?“ “But What are We required to believe regarding this ether which is conceived to fill all space, and interpenetrate all material bodies occupying the interstices among atoms? The hypothesis is of a perfect, incompressible, frictionless fluid, which, to meet all the conditions of the problem, must be

‘ Bu "Matter. Ether and Monion." —— Donaiun.

The Personal Atmosphere 21 supposed to possess the most strangely contradictory supposed to possess the most strangely contradictory properties. This fluid, Professor Jevons observes, might be regarded as an infinitely solid adamant. properties. This fluid, Professor Jevons observes, Sir John Herschel calculates the amount of force be as an solid adamant. exerted at any point in space in the propulsion of might regarded infinitely waves of light, and finds it to be more than one tril- Sir John Herschel calculates the amount of force lion times the elastic force of ordinary air at the earth's surface, so that on this supposition the pres- exerted at any point in space in the propulsion of sure of ether upon one square inch of surface must waves of and finds it to be more than one tril- be about seventeen trillion pounds. Notwith- light, standing this, we are to believe that the resistance lion times the elastic force of ordinary air at the offered to the motions of the planets and other heav- enly bodies is inappreciable. Professor Jevons earth’s surface, so that on this supposition the pres- adds: 'All our ordinary notions must be laid aside sure of ether one inch of surface must in contemplating such an hypothesis; yet it is no upon square more than the observed phenomena of light and be about seventeen trillion pounds. Notwith- heat force us to accept.'" *

"The ether, we now see, is very unlike ordinary standing this, we are to believe that the resistance matter as known to us. It may be regarded in offered to the motions of the and other heav- some respects as a liquid, in others it manifests the planets properties of a solid. It is both hard as adamant enly bodies is inappreciable. Professor Jevons and at the same time perfectly elastic. It is sensitive to every slightest impulse, and a disturbance adds: ‘All our ordinary notions must be laid aside anywhere causes a tremor felt on the surface of in such an it is no countless worlds. Why do we accept the existence contemplating hypothesis; yet of this mode of material existence, the characteris- more than the observed phenomena of light and tics of which are so contradictory to those of ordi- * nary matter as our experience reveals them to us? heat force us to accept.”’ Because the undulatory theory of light and heat “The we now is unlike * "Cosmos, The Soul and God-" — Ahnold. (1907). pp. 76-77. ether, see, very ordinary matter as known to us. It may be regarded in some respects as a liquid, in others it manifests the properties of a solid. It is both hard as adamant and at the same time perfectly elastic. It is sensitive to every slightest impulse, and a disturbance anywhere causes a tremor felt on the surface of countless worlds. Why do we accept the existence of this mode of material existence, the characteristics of which are so contradictory to those of ordinary matter as our experience reveals them to us? Because the undulatory theory of light and heat

* “Cosmos. The Soul and God."——AnNoLn. (1907)- pp. 76-77-

22 The Personal Atmosphere compels us to admit the existence of such a sub- compels us to admit the existence of such a substance. stance. "Certainly the discovery of the ether has en- large^ our experience and demands a new definition the of the ether has en-

Df matter. The ether is a kind of matter and not “Certainly discovery something other than matter. As well might we larged our experience and demands a new definition say that a quantity of gas is not matter because its matter. The ether is a kind of matter and not properties are not identical with those of a solid bf body. 'The supposition that the ether may be other than matter. As well we something entirely essentially different from matter something might is contradicted by all the terms that are used in de- say that a quantity of gas is not matter because its scribing it.' The ether, then, may be regarded as are not identical with those of a solid the primitive state of matter." * properties § 23. If, now, matter is a complex of ether in mo- ‘The that the ether be tion, or if ether is attenuated matter, and if matter body. supposition may is electricity, or, since that is disputed, a form of something entirely essentially different from matter motion of the ether within itself, and if energy is all the terms that are in de- "power to change the state of motion of a body," is contradicted by used the only reality left is energy. A single further con- it.’ The ether. then, be as clusion remains, to-wit, that energy is Will. What scribing may regarded * Will is, "the thing in itself," we do not know, except the primitive state of matter.” this one thing — it is an agent, a something capable

of causing reaction in other existences than itseli and of reacting to the influence of such other ex- § If, now, matter is a of ether in mo- istences. 23. complex

"We have, thus, reduced the universe to three tion, or if ether is attenuated matter, and if matter terms: matter -— ether — energy, and, we ought since that is now to consider whether the triune conception may is electricity, or, disputed, a form of *" Cosmos, The Soul and God.' — Abnold. (1907.) pp. 76-77. motion of the ether Within itself, and if energy is “power to change the state of motion of a body,” the only reality left is energy. A single further conclusion remains, to-wit, that energy is Will. What Will is, “thethingin itself,” we do not know, except this one thing—it is an agent, a somethingcapable of causing reaction in other existences than itself and of reacting to the influence of such other existences. “We have, thus, reduced the universe to three terms: matter ~—- ether -— energy, and, we ought now to consider whether the triune conception may

* “ Cosmos, The Soul and God.’ --ARNOLD. (1907.) pp. 76-77.

The Personal Atmosphere 23 not be capable of a deeper synthesis. We have all, not be capable of a deeper synthesis. We have all,

I imagine, a deep-seated conviction of the essential I imagine, a deep-seated conviction of the essential 'oneness' of the universe, and to justify it, we must ‘oneness’ of the universe, and to it, we must assume, either that these three things are after all justify but 'forms' or phases of an underlying and un- assume, either that these three things are after all knowable reality, or that, separate and distinct as they appear, they are themselves One, in some mys- but ‘forms’ or phases of an underlying and un- terious way altogether beyond the power of human knowable or that, and distinct as reason to grasp." * reality, separate § 24. 5. "Spirit-Matter." This combination of they appear, they are themselves One, in some mys- words is a contradiction. It is employed merely to suggest a finer phase of matter than even the ether terious Way altogether beyond the power of human itself. "That complexity which we have already * reason to been compelled to attribute to matter involves, of grasp.”

course, the possibility of still further complexity.

There may be phases of matter as much more tenuous than ether as that is more tenuous than oxygen § 24.. 5. “Spirit-Matter.” This combination of or carbon."(Let the reader here observe!) "From words is a contradiction. It is to a physiological standpoint, the condition of the per- employed merely sistence of memory and self-consciousness must be suggest a finer phase of matter than even the ether found in the continuous record of all our states of consciousness, which is made by the molecular itself. “That complexity which we have already changes going on in the brain." (The idea seems been to attribute to matter involves, of to be that the molecular and etheric structure of compelled the brain may not present a medium sufficiently fine course, the possibility of still further complexity. for the purposes indicated, and thus that a still finer phase of matter exists in the brain than atoms or There may be phases of matter as much more tenu- ether.) "Though it is impossible to say what these ous than ether as that is more tenuous than *"The New Knowledge."—Duncan, p. 7. oxygen or carbon.”(Let the reader here observe!) “From a physiological standpoint, the condition of the per- sisience of memory and self-consciousness must be found in the continuous record of all our states of consciousness, which is made by the molecular changes going on in the brain.” (The idea seems to be that the molecular and etheric structure of the brain may not present a medium suflicientlyline for the purposes indicated, and thus that a still finer phase of matter exists in the brain than atoms or ether.) “Though it is impossible to say what these

*“The New Knowledae."—DoNcAN. p. 7.

24 The Personal Atmosphere changes are, no physiologists doubt that some cer- changes are, no physiologists doubt that some cerebral change is correlated with every state of con- ebral is correlated with state of consciousness, and that thus the minute structure of change every the brain at any moment is a record of all previous sciousness, and that thus the minute structure of experiences in life." * But if the brain is immersed in the ether, or in some finer state of matter, it is the brain at any moment is a record of all previous impossible to suppose activities in that medium in life.” " But if the brain is immersed sufficient to insure a permanent record without also experiences concluding that the medium itself would be set into in the ether, or in some finer state of matter, it is motion of some kind. This points to communications between minds caused by vibrations or other impossible to suppose activities in that medium motions taking place in the medium between brains. sufficient to insure a record without also § 25. "Spirit-Matter" may be tentatively held, permanent then, as such an exceedingly attenuated state of concludingthat the medium itself would be set into ordinary matter. Certain accredited phenomena recorded by sane people are in evidence and yield motion of some kind. This points to communica- further suggestions for the present study. Thus, tions between minds caused vibrations or other a Dr. Clark, of Boston, related of the death of a by patient: motions taking place in themedium between brains. "The patient . . . dropping her head upon

her pillow as unexpectedly as she had looked up, her spirit departed. The conviction forced upon be my mind that something departed from her body §25. “Spirit-Matter” may tentatively held, at that instant of time, rupturing the bonds of flesh, then, as such an exceedingly attenuated state of was stronger than language can express." i Oliver Wendell Holmes says: "Dr. Clark men- ordinary matter. Certain accredited phenomena tioned a circumstance to me not alluded to in the recorded sane are in evidence and essay. At the very instant of dissolution, it seemed by people yield * "Chrutian Faith in an Age of Science."— further suggestions for the present study. Thus, R1ch. (1903.) a Dr. Clark, of Boston, related of the death of a patient: “The . . her head patient . dropping upon her pillow as unexpectedly as she had looked up, her spirit departed. The conviction forced upon my mind that something departed from her body at that instant of time, rupturing the bonds of flesh, was stronger than language can express.” : Oliver Wendell Holmes says: “Dr. Clark men- tioned a circumstance to me not alluded to in the essay. At the very instant of dissolution, it seemed

" "Christian Faithin an Age of Science.”—R103. (1903.)

The Personal Atmosphere 25

to him, that there arose something — an undefined to him, that there arose — an undefined yet perfectly apprehended something — to 'which something he could give no name, but which was like a depart- yet perfectly apprehended something—to which ing presence. . . I should have listened to the story less respectfully but for the fact that I had he could give no name, but which was like a depart- heard the same experience almost in the exact I should have listened to the . . words from the lips of one whose evidence is to be ing presence. relied upon; with the last breath of the patient she story less respectfully but for the fact that I had was watching, she had the consciousness that something arose, as if the spirit had made itself cogniz- heard the same experience almost in the exact able at the moment of quitting its mortal tenement." words from the of one Whose evidence is to be § 26. Thu« the human body exists in and consists lips of — matter, which is composed of molecules — relied upon; with the last breathof thepatient she which are composed of atoms — which consist of still finer particles called corpuscles — which was watching, she had the consciousness that some- may be made up of yet more attenuated "granules" arose, as if the had made itself of the ether, or may be phases of negative electricity thing spirit cogniz- surrounded by positive, and are thus modes of mo- able at the moment of quitting its mortal tenement.” tion of the ether or the finer material within itself.

But in all its forms matter certainly exists in a state of enormous molecular, atomic and corpuscular § 26. Thus the human exists in and consists activity. Everywhere there is inconceivable in- body visible movement. Man's body, then, is the theatre of —matter, which is composed of molecules- of a vast complex of such activities, and it exists in the midst of an untellable storm of vibrations, which are composed of atoms —Which consist waves, undulations, vortices, and flying particles of still finer called —which which are so minute that oftentimes they can particles corpuscles only be described in the hieroglyphics of mathe- may be made up ofyet more attenuated “granules” matics. of the ether, or may be phases of negative electricity surrounded by positive, and are thus modes of motion of the ether or the finer material within itself. But in all its forms matter certainly exists in a state of enormous molecular, atomic and corpuscular activity. Everywhere there is inconceivable invisible movement. Man’s body, then, is the theatre of a vast complex of such activities, and it exists in the midst of an untellable storm of vibrations, waves, undulations, vortices, and flying particles which are so minute that oftentimes they can only be described in the hieroglyphics of mathe- matics.

26 The Personal Atmosphere

§ 27. Third Basic Fact. — The human brain seems § 27. Third Basic Fact. — The human brain seems to be essentially a battery. Professor William Draper has said: "I find that the cerebrum is absolutely to be essentially a battery. Professor WzilliamDraper analogous in construction to any other nervous arc. has said: “I find that the cerebrum is It is composed of centripetal and centrifugal fibres absolutely (having also registering ganglia). If in other ner- analogous in construction to any other nervous arc. vous arcs the structure 18 merely automatic, can dis- play no phenomena of itself, but requires the in- It is composed of centripetal and centrifugal fibres fluence of an external agent — the optical apparatus also If in other ner- inert save under the influence of light, the auditory (having registering ganglia). save under the impression of sound — the cere- vous arcs the structure is automatic,can dis- brum, being precisely analogous in its elementary merely structure, pre-supposes the existence of some agent play no phenomena of itself, but requires the in- to act through it." fluenceof an external —— the Professor Bain wrote: "The structure of the agent optical apparatus nervous substances, and the experiments made upon inert save under the influenceof light, the the nerves and nerve centres, establish beyond doubt auditory

—— certain peculiarities as belonging to the force that is save under the impression of sound the cere- exercised by the brain. This force is of a current in its nature; that is to say, a power generated at one part brum, being precisely analogous elementary of the structure is conveyed along an intervening structure, pre-supposes the existence of some substance and discharged at some other part. The agent different forms of electricity and magnetism have to act through it.” made us familiar with this kind of action." Professor Bain wrote: “The structure of the So, Dr. M. P. Hatfield has said: "The arrange- ment of the nerve-envelopes is so like that of the nervous substances, and the experiments made best constructed electrical cables that we cannot upon help thinking that both were constructed to conduct the nerves and nerve centres, establish beyonddoubt something very much alike. I know there are those certain as to the force thatis who stoutly maintain that nerve-force is not electric- peculiarities belonging exercised by the brain. This force is of a current nature; that is to say, a power generated at one part of the structure is conveyed along an intervening substance and discharged at some other part. The different forms of electricity and magnetism have made us familiarwith this kind of action.” So, Dr. M. P. Hatfield has said: “The arrange- ment of the nerve-envelopes is so like that of the best constructed electrical cables that we cannot help thinkingthat both were constructed to conduct somethingvery much alike. I know there are those who stoutly maintain thatnerve-force is not electric-

The Personal Atmosphere

27 ity; and it is not, in the sense that an electrical bat- ity; and it is not, in the sense that an electrical battery is the same thing as a live man; but neverthe- is the same as a live but nevertheless nerve-force is closely allied to that wonderful tery thing man; thing that for the want of some better and clearer less nerve-force is closely allied to that wonderful understanding we agree to call electricity."

Certain it is that the animal system generates thing that for the Want of some better and clearer electricity — or some kindred force — however we to call small the quantity. The electrical torpedo is well understanding agree electricity.” known. Aldini's experiments with frogs' legs Certain it is that the animal system generates proved the existence of animal electricity. Mat-

— ~—— teucci demonstrated that "currents of electricity are electricity or some kindred force however always circulating in the frames of all animals." small the The electrical is well Dr. Prevost, of Geneva, "succeeded in magnetizing quantity. torpedo delicate soft iron needles by placing them near the known. Aldini’s experiments with nerves and perpendicular to the direction which he frogs’ legs supposed the electric current took. The magnet- proved the existence of animal electricity. Mat- izing took place at the moment when, on irritating teucci demonstrated that“currents of are the spinal marrow, a muscular contraction was electricity effected in the animal." In producing the effects in the frames of all animals.” muscular action and chemical change are present. always circulating

All states of body and mind involve constant molec- Dr. Prevost, of Geneva, “succeeded in magnetizing ular and chemical change. The suggestion arises delicate soft iron needles them near the that the brain, with its millions of cells and its in- by placing conceivable changes in substance, may be regarded nerves and to the direction which he as a transmitting and receiving battery. perpendicular

§ 28. The brain being a kind of battery, and the supposed the electric current took. The magnet- nerves conductors of released stored-energy to dif- took at the moment on ferent parts of the body, by a kind of action similar izing place when, irritating to the actions of electricity and magnetism, it is the spinal marrow, a muscular contraction was effected in the animal." In producing the effects muscular action and chemical change are present. All states of body and mind involve constant molecular and chemical change. The suggestion arises that the brain, with its millions of cells and its inconceivable changes in substance, may be regarded as a transmitting and receiving battery.

§ 28. The brain being a kind of battery, and the nerves conductors of released stored-energy to different parts of the body, by a kind of action similar to the actions of electricity and magnetism, it is

Go glc Generated for John Patrick Deveney (University of Chicago) on 2015-02-26 16:07 GMT / http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uva.x030802924 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www.hathitrust.org/access_use#pd-google 28 The- Personal /Itmosphere

28 The. Personal Atmosphere

suggested that, either by means of the ether, or of some still finer form of matter, discharges of brain- suggested that, either by means of the ether, or of energy may be conducted beyond the limits of the some still finer form of matter, of brain- body. If the nerve-tracks correspond to wires, discharges this refined medium may correspond to the ether- energy may be conducted beyond the limits of the field supposed to be employed in wireless telegraphy. If the As electrical movements are conducted without body. nerve-tracks correspond to wires, wires, or other visible media, so may brain-dis- this refined medium to the ether- charges be conveyed beyond the mechanism of the may correspond battery, without the intervention of nerves — except field supposed to be employed in wireless telegraphy. as they may constitute a part of the battery. Gen- As electrical movements are conducted without erally speaking, such discharges would originate in two ways: by direct mental action, or by mental or wires, or other visible media, so brain-dis- physical states — perhaps by a combination. may

Telepathy and hypnotism illustrate these sugges- charges be conveyed beyond the mechanism of the tions. Without the intervention of nerves — § 29. Fourth Basic Fact. — The brain-battery battery, except manifests, first, in ordinary conscious mental action; as they may constitute a part of the battery. Gen- secondly, in the action of the subconscious mind.

Both the conscious and the subconscious minds are erally speaking, such discharges would originate in capable of originating vibratory movements in the two direct mental or mental or ether-medium. ways: by action, by

Professor James declares for "the existence of physical states —— perhaps by a combination. two different strata of consciousness, ignorant of each other, in the same person." Telepathyand hypnotism illustrate these sugges- He also says: "The evidence for telepathy, trons. weak and strong, taken just as it comes, forms a

fagot and not a chain. No one item cites the con-

tents of another item as part of its own proof. But § 29. Fourth Basic Fact. — The brain-battery manifests, first, in ordinary conscious mental action; secondly, in the action of the subconscious mind. Both the conscious and the subconscious minds are capable of originating vibratory movements in the ether-medium. Professor James declares for “the existence of two different strata of consciousness, ignorant of each other, in the same person.” He also says: “The evidence for telepathy, weak and strong, taken just as it comes, forms a fagot and not a chain. No one item cites the con- tents of another item as part of its own proof. But

The Personal Atmosphere Atmosphere 29

taken together the items have a certain general con- taken con- sistency; there is a method in their madness, so to together the items have a certain general speak. So each of them adds presumptive value there is a method in their madness, so to to the lot; and cumulatively, as no candid mind can sistency; fail to see, they subtract presumptive force from speak. So each of them adds presumptive value the orthodox belief that there can be nothing in any to the and as no candid mind can one intellect that has not come in through the ortho- lot; cumulatively, dox experiences of icnse. . . For me the ortho- fail to see, subtract force from dox belief has not merely had its presumption weak- they presumptive ened, but the truth itself of the belief is decisively the orthodox beliefthatthere can be nothingin any overthrown." (See Sec. 5.) one intellect thathas not come in the ortho- IV through § 30. Fourth Study: Explanations. dox sense. For me the ortho- experiences of . . The above considerations suggest the following:

(1) . The theory of "Spiritualism;" dox beliefhas not merely had its presumption Weak- (2) . Mental energy conveyed by means of an in- but the truth itself of the belief is visible material medium—impressing, not only minds, ened, decisively but inanimate objects as well, as suggested above; overthrown.” (See Sec. 5.) (3) . Direct contact of man's spiritual self, by

some mysterious "astral" extension or projection of itself, with other selves or with inanimate objects: IV (4.). The existence of an universal, immaterial,

spiritual medium, in which all persons and things are immersed, and by means of which the commu- §3o. FOURTH STUDY: Explanations.

nications and impressions are conveyed.

All the phenomena attending the supposed return The above considerations suggest the following : of spirits can be accounted for, in the author's opinion, by the second explanation. This does not (1). The theory of “Spiritualism ;” (2). Mental energy conveyed by mean: of an in- -vt'.ril2lematerial medz'um——z'mpre:5z'ng,not only minds, but inanimate object: as well, as suggested above ; (3). Direct contact of man's spiritual self, by some mysterious “astral” extension or projection of itself, with otherselves or withinanimate objects ; (4). The existence of an universal, immaterial, spiritual medium, in which all persons and things are immersed, and by means of which the communications and impressions are conveyed. All the phenomena attendingthe supposed return of spirits can be accounted for, in the author’sopin- ion, by the second explanation. This does not

Cc) glc Generated for John Patrick Deveney (University of Chicago) on 2015-02-26 16:07 GMT / http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uva.x030802924 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www.hathitrust.org/access_use#pd-google 30 The Perxonal Atmosphere

30 The Personal Atmosphere

disprove "spiritualism;" it simply makes the demon- stration of the latter impossible to science, however disprove “spiritualism;”it simply makes thedemon- true it may nevertheless be.

Extension of the self and direct contact of finite stration of the latter impossible to science, however minds can never be scientifically verified by facts true it nevertheless be. sufficiently connected or cumulative to form a basis may for inevitable opinion, because all the facts can be Extension of the self and direct contact of finite

referred to the second explanation.

Sir Isaac Newton said: "It is inconceivable minds can never be scientifically verified by facts that inanimate brute matter should, without the connected or cumulative to form a basis mediation of something else which is not material, sufliciently operate upon, and affect other matter, without mu- for inevitable opinion, becauseall the facts can be tual contact; as it must do, if gravitation, in the sense of Epicurus, be essential and inherent in it. referred to the second explanation. . . . That gravity should be innate, inherent, Sir Isaac Newton said: “It is inconceivable and essential to matter, so that one body may act upon another, through a vacuum, without the medi- that inanimate brute matter should, without the

ation of anything else, by and through which their action and force may be conveyed from one to an- mediation of something else which is not material, other, is to me so great an absurdity, that I believe and affect other matter, without mu- no man who has, in philosophical matters, a com- operate upon, petent faculty of thinking, can ever fall into." tual contact; as it must do, if gravitation, in the

And Dugald Stewart, commenting upon these words, remarked: "The same train of thinking, sense of Epicurus, be essential and inherent in it.

which had led these philosophers to suppose that . . That should be innate, inherent, external objects are perceived by means of species gravity proceeding from the object to the mind, or by means and essential to matter, so that one body may act of some impression made on the mind by the brain, has suggested to a late writer a very different theory: upon another,through a vacuum,Without the medi- that the mind, when it perceives an external object, ation of anything else, by and through which their action and force may be conveyed from one to another, is to me so great an absurdity, that I believe no man who has, in philosophicalmatters, a com- petent facultyof thinking,can ever fall into.” And Dugald Stewart, commenting upon these Words, remarked: "The same train of thinking, which had led these philosophers to suppose that external objects are perceived by means of species proceeding from theobject to themind, or by means of some impression made on the mind by the brain, has suggested to a late writer a very different theory: that the mind, when it perceivesan external object,

The Personal Atmosphere 31

quits the body, and is present to the object of perception. The mind is not where the body is, when the and is to the object of it perceives what is distant from the body, either in quits body, present per- time or place; because nothing can act, but when, ception. The mind is not where the body is, when and where, it is. Now the mind acts when it per- is distant from the either in ceives. The mind, therefore, of every animal who it perceives What body, has memory or imagination, acts, and by conse- time or because can act, but When, quence exists, when and where the body is not; for place; nothing it perceives objects distant from the body both in and Where, it is. Now the mind acts when it per- time and place." That is, quits the body and ceives. The of animal who comes in contact with the object perceived. mind, therefore, every The existence of an universal spiritual medium has or acts, and conse- is a possibility too remote, in view of the equally memory imagination, by possible and more easily handled second theory, to quence exists, when and where the body is not; for require discussion. It would only demand attention it the both in after disproof of the latter. And it is immaterial, perceives objects distant from body so far as methods and results of the manifestation of time and That is, the and mind-power are concerned, whether the second or place." quits body the fourth theory be adopted. comes in contactwiththeobject perceived. The thought of science rejects the "extension" The existence medium theory. of an universal spiritual § 31. It remains, then, to affirm that the convey- is a too remote, in View of the ance of these extraordinary communications and possibility equally impressions have no explanation, or that they all possible and more easily handled second theory, to may be referred to the second statement of theory — discussion. It demand attention always excepting the action upon the finite mind of require would only the Infinite, who, in the nature of the case, does not after of the latter. And it is immaterial, necessarily require an intervening medium. disproof

The author holds that the theory of an universal so far as methods and results of the manifestationof mind-power are concerned, Whether the second or the fourth theory be adopted. The thought of science rejects the “extension" theory.

§ 31. It remains, then, to aflirm that the convey- ance of these extraordinary communications and impressions have no explanation, or that they all may be referred to the second statement of theory —— always excepting the action upon the finite mind of the Infinite, Who, in the nature of the case, does not necessarilyrequire an intervening medium. The authorholds that the theory of an universal

32 The Personal Atmosphere

material medium, at least in our present existence, is reasonable and accords with the facts brought to material medium, at least in our present existence, light by psychic investigation.

In "Mental Suggestion" Professor J. Ochorowicz is reasonable and accords with the facts brought to

indicates some detail consideration:

"Every living being is a dynamic focus. light by psychic investigation. ” "A dynamic focus tends ever to propagate the In “Mental Suggestion Professor Ochorowicz motion that is proper to it.

"Propagated motion becomes transformed ac- indicates some detail consideration: cording to the medium it traverses. is a focus. "Motion tends always to propagate itself. "Every living being dynamic "Therefore, when we see work of any kind — "A dynamic focus tends ever to propagate the mechanical, electrical, nervic or psychic — disappear without visible effect, then, of two things one, motion that is proper to it. either motion becomes transformed ac- "A transmission; or “Propagated "A transformation. cording to the medium it traverses.

"Where does the first end and where does the second begin? “Motion tends always to propagate itself.

"In an identical medium there is only transmis- “Therefore, when we see work of kind — sion. any "In a different medium there is transformation. mechanical, electrical, nervic or psychic—disap- "You send an electric current through a thick wire. You have the current, but you do not per- pear without visible effect, then, of two things one, ceive any other force. But cut that thick wire and either connect the ends by means of a fine wire; the fine wire will grow hot; there will be a transformation “A transmission; or of a part of the current into heat. Take a pretty

strong current and interpose a wire still more re- “A transformation. sistant, or a very thin carbon rod. The carbon will “Where does the first end and where does the second begin ? “In an identical medium there is only transmission. “ In a different medium there is transformation. “You send an electric current through a thick wire. You have the current, but you do not perceive any other force. But cut that thickwire and connect the ends by means of a fine wire; the fine wire will grow hot; there will be a transformation of a part of the current into heat. Take a pretty strong current and interpose a wire still more re- sistant, or a very thin carbon rod. The carbon will

The Personal Atmosphere 33 emit light. A part of the current then Is trans- emit A of the current then is transformed into heat and light. This light acts in every light. part direction round about, first visibly as light, then informed into heat and This acts in visibly as heat and as electric current. Hold a mag- light. light every net near it. If the magnet is weak and movable, in direction round about, first visibly as light, then in- the form of a magnetic needle, the beam of light will as heat and as electric current. Hold a cause it to deviate; if it is strong and immovable, it visibly mag- will in turn cause the beam of light to deviate. And net near it. If the magnet is weak and movable, in all this from a distance, without contact, without special conductors. the form ofa magnetic needle, the beam oflight will "A process that is at once chemical, physical and cause it to if it is and it psychical goes on in a brain. A complex action of deviate; strong immovable, this kind is propagated through the gray matter, as will in turn cause the beam of light to deviate. And waves are propagated in water. . . . Regarded on its physiological side, an idea is only a vibration, all this from a distance, without contact, without a vibration that is propagated, yet which does not conductors. pass out of the medium in which it can exist as such. special _ It is propagated as far as other like vibrations allow. “A process that is at once chemical, physical and It is propagated more widely if it assumes the character which subjectively we call emotive. But it psychical goes on in a brain. A complex action of cannot go beyond without being transformed. this kind is the as Nevertheless, like force in general, it cannot remain propagated through gray matter, in isolation, it escapes in disguise. waves in are propagated water. . . . Regarded "Thought stays at home, as the chemical action of a battery remains in the battery; it is represented on its physiological side, an idea is only a vibration, abroad by its dynamic correlate, called in the case a vibration that is which does not of the battery, a current, and in the case of the brain propagated, yet — I know not what; but whatever its name may be, pass out of the medium in which it can exist as such. it is the dynamic correlate of thought. .

"I have chosen to use the term dynamic correlate. It is propagated as far as other like vibrations allow. It is propagated more widely if it assumes the character which subjectively We call emotive. But it cannot go beyond without being transformed. Nevertheless, like force in general, it cannot remain in isolation, it escapes in disguise. “Thought stays at home, as the chemical action of a battery remains in the battery; it is represented abroad by its dynamic correlate, called in the case of the battery, a current, and in the case of the brain — I know not what; but whatever its name may be, it is the dynamic correlate of thought. “I have chosen to use the term dynamic correlate.

34 The Personal Atmosphere There is something more than that; the universe is There is more than the universe is neither void nor dead. A force that is transmitted something that; meets other forces, and if it is transformed only little neither void nor dead. A force thatis transmitted

by little, it usually limits itself to modifying another force at its own cost, though without suffering per- meets other forces, and if it is transformed only little ceptibly thereby. This is the case particularly with it limits itself to another forces that are persistent, concentrated, well sec- by little, usually modifying onded by their medium; it is the case with the physi- force at its own cost, though without suffering per- ological equilibrium, nervic force, psychic force, ideas, emotions, tendencies. These modify en- ceptibly thereby. This is the case particularlywith vironing forces without themselves disappearing; forces that are Well sec- they are but imperceptibly transformed, and if the persistent, concentrated, next man is of a nature exceptionally well adapted onded by theirmedium; it is the case with the physi- to them, they gain in inductive action."

V. ological equilibrium, nervic force, psychic force, F1fth Study: The Present Theory. tendencies. These en- § 32. Here, then, is a possible explanation of com- ideas, emotions, modify munications and influences conveyed from mind to vironing forces without themselves disappearing; mind without the intervention of the common, visible means, of the physical senses as ordinarily they are but imperceptibly transformed, and if the understood. next man is of a nature well The conclusion will be the same on the supposi- exceptionally adapted tion of a special refinement of sense-perception be- to them, they gain in inductive action.” yond that recognized in the text-books, so that such

impressions are still conveyed to their appropriate

nerves, the latter being, however, capable of receiv- V

ing inconceivably minute vibrations of the surrounding medium. Whether the communications are FIFTH STUDY: The Present Theory. concerned with the brain centre only, or :ththe § 32. Here, then,is a possible explanationof communications and influences conveyed from mind to mind Withouttheintervention of the common, visible means, of the physical senses as ordinarily understood. The conclusion Will be the same on the supposition of a special refinement of sense-perception beyond that recognized in the text—books, so that such impressions are still conveyed to their appropriate nerves, the latter being, however, capable of receiving inconceivablyminute vibrationsof thesurround- ing medium. Whether the communications are concerned with the brain centre only, or 7ththe

The Personal Atmosphere

35 entire nervous would seem to be an indiffer- entire nervous system, would seem to be an indiffer- system, ent question. ent question.

§ 33. And if brain-energy can thus pass the limits

of the body, and if the medium of such action is an ether-like existence in which all things are im- § And if can thus the limits mersed, may we not have here an explanation of 33. brain-energy pass the popularly-believed "influence of things"? of the body, and if the medium of such action is an

In "A Mortal Antipathy," Oliver Wendell Holmes are im- makes Dr. Butts say: "The circumstances con- ether-like existence in which all things nected with the very common antipathy to cats mersed, we not have here an of were as remarkable in many points of view as the may explanation 9!; similar circumstances in the case of Maurice Kirk- the popularly-believed“influenceof things . wood. The subjects of that antipathy could not tell what it was which disturbed their nervous system. In “A Mortal Antipathy,”Oliver Wendell Holmes All they knew was that a sense of uneasiness, rest- makes Dr. Butts “The circumstances con- lessness, oppression, came over them in the presence say: of one of these animals. ... It may be through nected with the very common antipathy to cats some emanation. It may be through the medium of some electrical disturbance. What if the nerve- were as remarkablein many points of view as the thrills passing through the whole system of the ani- similar circumstances in the case of Maurice Kirk- mal propagate themselves to a certain distance without any more regard to intervening solids than is wood. The subjects of thatantipathycould not tell shown by magnetism?"

Doctor Holmes gives, in "Over the Teacups," an what it was which disturbed their nervous system. interesting account of a breakfast conversation with All knew was that a sense of rest- the members of his own household concerning a case they uneasiness, of "trial by battel," and of his finding immediately lessness, oppression, came over them in the presence in the morning mail, a letter from an English friend

referring to the specific trial — that of Abraham of one of these animals. . It be . . may through some emanation. It may be through the medium of some electrical disturbance. What if the nerve- thrillspassing through the whole system of the animal propagate themselvesto a certain distance With- out any more regard to intervening solids than is shown by magnetism?” Doctor Holmes gives, in “Over the Teacups,”an interesting account of a breakfast conversation with the membersof his own household concerning a case of “trial by battel,” and of his finding immediately in the_morningmail, a letter from an English friend referring to the specific trial —that of Abraham

36 The Personal Atmosphere

Thornton — which had been under discussion, and Thornton — which had been under discussion, and to nothing else.

Then "Number Seven" remarks: "The impulse to nothing else. which led you to tell that story passed directly from the letter, which came charged from the cells of the Then “NumberSeven” remarks: “The impulse cerebral battery of your correspondent. which led to tell that from "What! you cannot conceive of a charge of cere- you story passed directly bricity fastening itself on a letter-sheet and clinging the letter, which came charged from the cells of the to it for weeks, while it was shuffling about in mail- bags, rolling over the ocean, and shaken up in rail- cerebral battery of your correspondent. road cars? And yet the odor of a grain of musk “What! cannot conceive of a of cere- will hang round a note or a dress for a lifetime. Do you charge you not remember what Professor Silliman says, in bricity fastening itself on a letter-sheet and clinging that pleasant journal of his, about the little ebony cabinet which Mary, Queen of Scots, brought with to it for weeks, While it was shuflling about in mail- her from France — how 'its drawers still exhale the over the ocean, and shaken in rail- sweetest perfumes'? If they could hold their sweet- bags, rolling up ness for more than two hundred years, why should road cars? And yet the odor of a grain of musk not a written page retain for a week or month the equally mysterious effluence poured over it from the will hang round a note or a dress for a lifetime. Do thinking marrow, and diffuse its vibrations to an- not rememberwhat Professor Silliman in other excitable nervous centre?" you says, In these illustrations there is at least a suggestive that pleasant journal of his, about the little ebony value. Doctor Holmes remarked elsewhere: "We know that every human being, as well as every other cabinet which Mary, Queen of Scots, brought with

living organism, carries its own distinguishing at- her from France —— how ‘its drawers still exhale the mosphere. If a man's friend does not know it, his ’ dog/ does, and can track him anywhere by it. This sweetest perfumes ? Iftheycould hold their sweet- personal peculiarity varies with the age and conditions of the individual. It may be agreeable or ness for more than two hundred years, why should not a written page retain for a week or month the equally mysterious effluence poured over it from the thinking marrow, and diffuse its vibrations to another excitable nervous centre?” In these illustrationsthere is at least a suggestive value. Doctor Holmes remarked elsewhere: “We know thatevery human being, as Well as every other living organism, carries its own distinguishing atmosphere. If a man’s friend does not know it, his dogvdoes, and can track him anywhere by it. This personal peculiarity varies with the age and conditions of the individual. It may be agreeable or

The Personal Atmosphere 37 otherwise, a source of attraction or repulsion, but its otherwise, a source of attractionor repulsion, but its influence is not less real, though far less obvious and influence is not less far less obvious and dominant, than in the lower animals." real, though The immediate vicinity of the individual or thing, dominant, than in the lower animals.” then, existing in various states and conditions, may be called the Psychic, or the Personal Atmosphere. The immediatevicinityof the individual or thing, § 34.. Let it be noted, however, that the theory of in various states and the following pages is not scientifically demonstrated then, existing conditions,may as such. It is set forth and analyzed as a basis for be called the or the Personal practical suggestions that will surely prove useful in Psychic, Atmosphere.

contact with other people. It involves many elements of truth, and the author accepts it until a bet- be that the of ter be offered. The fact that it is not new in its § 34.. Let it noted, however, theory basic idea—thought communicated through ether- the is not demonstrated vibrations — but is rather common in current liter- following pages scientifically ature, may lend weight to its analysis as given in as such. It is set forth and analyzed as a basis for these pages. The ether is accepted by science as a reality, and as a medium for light, heat, electricity, practicalsuggestions thatwill surely prove useful in magnetism, etc. The nervous system is certainly contact with other It involves ele- comparable to an electric battery with connecting people. many wires. Communications of thought and feeling ments of truth, and the authoraccepts it until a bet- without the mediation of sense-perception as com-

monly understood, is now established. Inanimate ter be offered. The fact that it is not new in its objects exert, now and then, "strange influences." basic idea communicated ether- People certainly carry with them a Personal Atmos- —thought through phere. The representation of the condition of these vibrations — but is rather common in current liter-

facts by a Ptychic Field compared to the magnetic or electric field becomes, therefore, if not plausible, ature, may lend weight to its analysis as given in at least convenient. As such a "field" exists these pages. The ether is accepted by science as a reality, and as a medium for light, heat, electricity, magnetism, etc. The nervous system is certainly comparable to an electric battery with connecting wires. Communications of thought and feeling without the mediation of sense-perception as com- monly understood, is now established. Inanimate objects exert, now and then, “strange influences." People certainly carry with them a Personal Atmos- phere. The representation of the condition of these facts by a Psychic Field compared to the magnetic or electric field becomes, therefore, if not plausible, " at least convenient. As such a “field exists

38 The Personal Atmosphere surrounding the sun, so may a "field" be assumed surrounding the sun, so may a “field” be assumed as surrounding each human individual. "We have each individual. “We have already strong grounds for believing that we live in as surrounding human a medium which conveys to-and-fro movements to for that we live in us from the sun, and that these movements are already strong grounds believing electro-magnetic, and that all the transformation a medium which conveys to-and—fro movements to of light and heat, and indeed the phenomena of life, the and that these movements are are due to the electrical energy which comes to us us from sun, across the vacuum which exists between us and the and that all the transformation sun — a vacuum which is pervaded by the ether, electro-magnetic, which is a fit medium for the transmission of the of light and heat, and indeed the phenomenaoflife, electro-magnetic waves." By means, then, of a electrical which comes to us similar theory applied to mind and brain and body are due to the energy we may find reasonable explanation of many other- across the vacuum which exists between us and the wise insoluble mysteries in our life, and, which is of more importance, deduce certain suggestions for sun—a vacuum which is pervaded by the ether, the practical regulation of life in the greatest indi- which is a fit for the transmission of the vidual interest. medium The analysis to follow stands for facts of common waves.” means, then, of a experience, and the rules that come after call for a electro-magnetic By rational and beneficial exercise of the great soul- similar theory applied to mind and brain and body power herein treated — the practical Will. By we find reasonable of other- means of the theory the facts and various practical may explanation many suggestions may now be readily indicated. Wise insoluble in our life, and, which is of VI. mysteries

S1xth Study: The Personal Atmosphere Analyzed. more importance, deduce certain suggestions for There are many kinds of Personal Atmospheres, the of life in the indi- depending, first, upon the character of the individ- practical regulation greatest vidual interest. The analysisto follow stands for facts of common experience, and the rules that come after call for a rational and beneficial exercise of the great soul- power herein treated — the practical Will. By means of the theory the facts and various practical suggestions may now be readilyindicated. VI. SIXTH STUDY: The PersonalAtmosphereAnalyzed. There are many kinds of Personal Atmospheres, depending, first, upon the character of the individ-

Tfu Ptrsonal Atmosphtre 39 ual Will, whether permanent or variable; secondly, ual Whether or Will, , upon individual gifts or endowments; thirdly, upon permanent variable; secondly, certain personal characteristics. upon individual gifts or endowments; thirdly,upon §35. First Order of Personal Atmosphere. In the first order are those suggested by the Moods of Will. certain personal characteristics.

These may be named as:—

The Atmosphere of Feeling. The Lethargic. The Atmosphere of Energy. The Indolent. § 35. First Order of Personal /Itmosphere. In the The Atmosphere of Concession. The Insistent.

The Atmosphere of Decision. The Indecisive. first order are those suggested by the Moods of Will. The Atmosphere of Continuance. The Fickle. These be named as :— The Atmosphere of Understanding. The Non-perceptive. may The Atmosphere of Reasonableness. The Irrational. The of The Atmosphere of Righteousness. The Unrighteous. Atmosphere Feeling. The Lethargic. § 36. Second Order of Personal Atmosphere. In The Atmosphere of Energy. The Indolent. the second order are those suggested by natural gifts: — The Atmosphere of Concession. The lnsistent. The Poetic Atmosphere. The Atmosphere of Decision. The Indecisive. The Artistic Atmosphere.

The Musical Atmosphere. The Atmosphere of Continuance. The Fickle. The Inventive Atmosphere. The Atmosphere of Understanding. The Non-perceptive. The Logical Atmosphere.

The Scientific Atmosphere. The Atmosphere of Reasonableness. The Irrational. The Commercial Atmosphere. The of Righteousness. The Unrighteous. The Oratorical Atmosphere. Atmosphere

The Atmosphere of Leadership.

The Executive Atmosphere.

The Judicial Atmosphere. §36. Second Order of Personal Atmosphere. In The Constructive Atmosphere. the second order are those natural The Prosaic. suggested by ’ The Non-aesthetic. gifts:-—

The Non-musical. The Non-inventive. The Poetic Atmosphere. The Prosaic. The Illogical. The Artistic The Non-aesthetic. The N on-scientific. Atmosphere. The Non-commercial. The Musical Atmosphere. The Non-musical. The Non-magnetic. The Non-inventive. The Subservient. The Inventive Atmosphere. The Non-executive. The Logical Atmosphere. The Illogical. The Non-judicial.

The Destructive. The Scientific Atmosphere. The Non-scientific. The Commercial Atmosphere. The Non-commercial. The Oratorical Atmosphere. The Non-magnetic. The Atmosphere of Leadership. The Subservient. The Executive Atmosphere. The Non-executive. The judicial Atmosphere. The Non-judicial. The Constructive Atmosphere. The Destructive.

4-0 . The Personal Atmosphere § 37. Third Order of Personal Atmosphere. In § Third Order Personal In the third order are those suggested by certain per- 37. of Atmosphere. sonal characteristics: — the third order are those suggested by certain per- The Altruistic Atmosphere.

— The Trustful Atmosphere. sonal characteristzcs:

The Intellectual Atmosphere.

The Reasonable Atmosphere. The Altruistic Atmosphere. The Selfish. The Practical Atmosphere. The Trustful The

The Sane Atmosphere. Atmosphere. Sceptical.

The Law-abiding Atmosphere. The Intellectual Atmosphere. The Emotional. The Ambitious Atmosphere. The Reasonable The Unreasonable. The Cheerful Atmosphere. Atmosphere.

The Hopeful Atmosphere. The Practical Atmosphere. The Visionary. The Inspiring Atmosphere. The Sane The Insane. The Quiet Atmosphere. Atmosphere. The Peaceful Atmosphere. The Law-abiding Atmosphere. The Criminal. The Strong Atmosphere. The Ambitious The The Brilliant Atmosphere. Atmosphere. Lethargic. The Social Atmosphere. The Cheerful Atmosphere. The Gloomy. The Attractive Atmosphere. The The The Soothing Atmosphere. Hopeful Atmosphere. Discouraged. The Polite Atmosphere. The Inspiring Atmosphere. The Depressing. The Gentle Atmosphere. The The Restless. The Pure Atmosphere. Cfiiet Atmosphere. VII. The Peaceful Atmosphere. The Stormy. Seventh Study: Advance Suggestions. The The On the basis of these analyses, we may now per- Strong Atmosphere. VVeak. ceive the value of certain advance suggestions: The Brilliant Atmosphere. The Dull. § 38. On the Will-atmospheres. These are all subject to intelligent control and development. If the The Social Atmosphere. The Solitary. The Selfish. The Attractive Atmosphere. The Repelling. The Sceptical.

The Emotional. The Soothing Atmosphere. The Irritating. The Unreasonable. The Polite Atmosphere. The Boorish. The Visionary.

The Insane. The Gentle Atmosphere. The Harsh. The Criminal. The Pure Atmosphere. The Impure. The Lethargic.

The Gloomy.

The Discouraged. VII.

The Depressing.

The Restless. SEVENTH STUDY: Advance

The Stormy. Suggestions.

The Weak. On the basis of these we now

The Dull. analyses, may per-

The Solitary. ceive the value of certain advance suggestions :

The Repelling.

The Irritating.

The Boorish. § 38. On the Will-atmospheres. These are all sub- The Harsh. to control and If the The Impure. ject intelligent development.

The Personal Atmosphere 41 directions of "Power of Will " have been followed, ” these elements of your Personal Atmosphere have directions of “Power of W111 have been followed, been already highly cultivated. Your Psychic Field these elements of Personal have is full of feeling, of energy, of a rational concession, your Atmosphere of decision, of perseverance, of intelligence, of rea- been already highly cultivated. Your Psychic Field sonableness and of righteousness.

§ 39. On the Gift-atmospheres. These are en- is full of feeling, of energy, of a rational concession, dowments of nature. Examine the illustrative lists of of of of rea- to discover corresponding qualities in your own decision, perseverance, intelligence, Personal Atmosphere. If you possess any indi- sonableness and of righteousness. cated by the left-hand column, cultivate them to the

highest possible degree, without neglecting other

elements of your character. If any are absent, or the These are en- if your Personal Atmosphere is indicated by any § 39. On Gift-atmospheres. word in the right-hand column, observe whether dowments of nature. Examine the illustrativelists attention to that matter is feasible or will avail anything. You may be hopelessly prosaic, or inartistic, to discover corresponding qualities in your own or unmusical, or subject to the Will of others, etc.

It will then be a waste of energy to attempt the de- Personal Atmosphere. If you possess any indi- velopment of what nature has not intended you to cated the left—hand column, cultivate them to the possess. But, on the other hand, you may be now by illogical, yet capable of acquiring the power of cor- highest possible degree, without neglecting other rect thinking; or a poor speaker, yet capable of improvement in that respect; or not constructive, yet elements of your character. If any are absent, or capable of growing an ability to put things or ideas if Personal is indicated in order and together. And so on. In any such your Atmosphere by any case, a demand upon your Will appears. Will to word in the right-hand column, observe whether improve in these particulars. This means self-culture and a stronger power of Will by exactly so much. attention to that matter is feasible or will avail anything. You may be hopelessly prosaic, or inartistic, or unmusical, or subject to the Will of others, etc. It will then be a waste of energy to attempt the development of what nature has not intended you to possess. But, on the other hand, you may be now illogical, yet capable of acquiring the power of correct thinking;or a poor speaker, yet capable of improvement in that respect; or not constructive, yet capable of growing an abilityto put things or ideas in order and together. And so on. In any such case, a demand upon your VVill appears. Will to improve in these particulars. This means self-cul- turc and a stronger power ofWill by exactlyso much.

42 The Personal Atmosphere § 40. On the Atmospheres of Personal Characteris- On the Personal tics. These are all subject to the determined Will. § 4.0. /Ytmorpheresof Characteris- Compare your self-knowledge with the two columns. tics. These are all subject to the determined Will. Wherever you perceive your Personal Atmosphere to be indicated by any of the left-hand words, study Compare your self-knowledgewith thetwo columns. it in that respect, note possibilities of improvement, Wherever Personal and use the Psychic Field to the utmost and for the you perceive your Atmosphere best. Wherever you see that any word on the right- to be indicated of the left-hand words, hand suggests your Personal Atmosphere, become by any study thoroughly familiar with the facts, and determine to it in that respect, note possibilitiesof improvement, eliminate from your Psychic Field all characteris- and use the Field to the utmost and for tics so indicated. Psychic the It would be well to make these studies and efforts best. VVhereveryou see that word on the subjects of special thought and Will-power for cer- any right- tain stated periods. Examples: hand suggests your Personal Atmosphere, become § 41. On the First Order.— Atmosphere of Feeling. familiarwith the and determine to Recognize the opposite. Then ignore. Throw thoroughly facts, the greatest conscious and sustained interest into eliminate from Field all characteris- everything taken hold of for a day or a week. your Psychic

Atmosphere of Energy . Throw the utmost sense tics so indicated. of Will into everything undertaken for a day or a It would be well to make these studies and efforts week.

And so on to the end of the list. of and for cer-

§ 42. On the Second Order. — The Poetic and Ar- subjects special thought Will-power tistic Atmospheres. Recognize the opposite. Then tain stated periods. Examples: ignore. Elevate the mind to the level of poetry and

art, with feeling and energy, in all things, carried on for a day or a week. Or, determine to cast out of § 4.1. On the First Order.— /ftmosphereof Feeling. Recognize the opposite. Then ignore. Throw the greatest conscious and sustained interest into everythingtaken hold of for a day or a Week. Throw the sense Atmosphere of Energy . utmost of Will into everything undertaken for a day or a week. And so on to the end of the list.

§ 4.2. On the Second Order. - The Poetic and zir- tistic Atmospheres. Recognize the opposite. Then ignore. Elevate the mind to the level of poetry and art, with feeling and energy, in all things, carried on for a day or a week. Or. determine to cast out of

The Personal Atmosphere 43 your life everything that is prosaic, or deformed, or life that is or or non-artistic. Invest all things with a sensible feeling your everything prosaic, deformed, of beauty, order, nobility. Some people do this nat- non—artistic. Invest allthingswith a sensiblefeeling urally and habitually. The masterful Will can ac- complish wonders in this direction. Make each of beauty,order, nobility. Some people do this nat- study-efFort an exercise for several weeks, to the end and The masterful Will can ac- of both lists, adapting yourself of course, to the re- urally habitually. quirements indicated by the words. complish wonders in this direction. Make each

Similarly with the third order. The exercises here suggested are entirely practical. You can ac- study-effort an exercise for several weeks, to the end quire any Personal Atmosphere, aside from some of both lists, of to the re- determined by natural endowment* you desire. It adapting yourself course, will be eminently worth your while to make an exer- quirements indicated by the words. cise as suggested of each line in the three orders of

Personal Atmosphere, and proceed methodically Similarly with the third order. The exercises to the end of all the lists. Having done this, return, here are You can ac- and make the left-hand words permanent symbols of suggested entirely practical. the Psychic Fields of your life. quire any Personal Atmosphere, aside from some

§ 43. As you proceed, call upon the deeper self to feel, to make real in your inner moods, the ideal of determined by natural endowment, you desire. It the Atmospheres indicated on the left hand of the Will be worth whileto make an exer- lists. Affirm confidently that such (named) is your eminently your Atmosphere — your mood — for a day or a week. cise as suggested of each line in the three orders of

Thus with all the Atmospheres in the lists.

We are creatures of habit, and habit has always Personal Atmosphere, and proceed methodically to do with the sub-conscious or deeper self, as to the end of all the lists. done this, return, shown in the automatic action of the physical or- Having gans, as shown also in acquired and established ways and make theleft-handwords permanent symbols of of doing things which originally demanded Will. the Psychic Fields of your life.

§ 4.3. As you proceed, call upon the deeper self to feel, to make real in your inner moods, the ideal of the Atmospheres indicated on the left hand of the lists. Aflirmconfidentlythat such (named) is your Atmosphere — your mood —— for a day or a week. Thus with all the Atmospheres in the lists. We are creatures of habit, and habit has always to do with the sub-conscious or deeper self, as shown in the automatic action of the physical organs, as shown also in acquired and established ways of doing things which originally demanded Will.

44 The Personal Atmosphere

The deeper self, in the latter instance*, comes at The deeper self, in the latter instances, comes at last to direct the necessary movements without our movements Without our being aware of the fact. But we have habits of last to direct the necessary feeling and thought as well. These also have come aware of the fact. But we have habits of under the sway of the sub-conscious self. If our being physical movements and mental states and actions feeling and thoughtas well. These also have come are habitually right it is because the deeper self has the of the self. If our been instructed thus to take charge of these matters. under sway sub-conscious That self will do as we ourselves command. When movements and mental states and actions we resolutely assume right, agreeable, ideal feelings physical resolutely assume right, true, ideal thoughts, we in- are habituallyright it is because the deeper self has struct the deeper self to form corresponding habits to of these matters. and in time we actually feel and think as thus as- been instructed thus take charge sumed. Then we become what we have assumed, That will do as we ourselves command. When felt, thought. And so, finally we develop the Per- self sonal Atmospheres indicated by such feelings and we resolutely assume right, agreeable, ideal feelings thoughts. The inner attitude, at first assumed, and ideal we in- continually asserted, then become real, or at last actu- resolutely assume right, true, thoughts, ally realized, has transformed us. This is the law. struct the to habits

It is infallible. deeper self form corresponding Before proceeding, however, read the remaining and in time we actually feel and think as thus as- pages of this book. we become what we have Wenowgo on to a further analysis of the Personal sumed. Then assumed, Atmosphere. Such analysis yields the following. flnd so, we the Per- VIII. felt, thought. finally develop § 44. E1ghth Study: Significant Propositions. sonal fltmospheres indicated by such feelings and Proposition 1. Every centre of electricity and at and magnetism has its field in which the force is thoughts. The inner attitude, first assumed, continually asserted, then become real, or at last actually realized, has transformed us. This is the law. It is infallible. Before proceeding, however, read the remaining pages of this book. We now go on to a further analysis of the Personal Atmosphere. Such analysis yields the following. VIII. §4.4. EIGHTH STUDY: Significant Propositions. Proposition 1. Every centre of electricity and magnetism has its field in which the force is

The Personal Atmosphere 45 greatest, and from which that force radiates in and from which that force radiates in every direction, if permitted to do so. greatest, "The electrical field is the portion of space in the every direction, if permitted to do so. neighborhood of electrified bodies, considered with reference to electrical phenomena." “The electrical field is the portion of space in the Proposition 2. The human brain has also its of electrified bodies, considered with Psychic Field,.the Personal Atmosphere. neighborhood Proposition 3. The body is gross matter pro- reference to electrical phenomena.” vided with a nervous system extending to various

parts of the surface. Brain-energy is transmitted through the nervous 2. The human brain has also its system. In transmission beyond the body, it may Proposition proceed directly from the brain, or it may employ Psychic Field,.the Personal Atmosphere. the nerves; or both operations may take place.

Proposition 4. The brain and nervous system is surrounded by, let us call it the ether. But it is also The is matter pervaded by such medium. It is immersed, as it Proposition 3. body gross pro- were, in an ether-bath, the material of which pene- vided with a nervous system extendingto various trates it throughout.

Proposition 5. All bodily states, all nervous ac- parts of the surface. tion, all mental activity, and mental conditions, set is transmitted the nervous the pervading and including ether-medium in mo- Brain-energy through tion, of a vibratory character, and in established system. In transmission beyond the it ways and according to established laws. And these body, may may be governed largely by Will. proceed directly from the brain, or it may employ Let us suppose a mass of jelly to be suspended in the nerves; or both operations may take place.

Propo.rz'tz°on 4. The brain and nervous system is surrounded by, let us call it the ether. But it is also pervaded by such medium. It is immersed, as it Were, in an ether-bath,the material of which pene- trates it throughout.

Proposition 5. All bodily states, all nervous action, all mental activity,and mental conditions, set the pervading and including ether-medium in motion, of a vibratory character, and in established Ways and according to established laws. And these may be governed largely by Will. Let us suppose a mass of jelly to be suspended in

46 The Personal Atmosphere water. The slightest movement taking place within water. The movement the mass will be communicated to the pervading and slightest taking placewithin surrounding water. Any movement in the water the mass will becommunicatedto the and will also be conveyed to the mass. Movement from pervading the mass will flow outward until absorbed, or di- surrounding water. Any movement in the water verted, or increased, or diminished by other move- be to the mass. ments originating elsewhere. The movements oc- will also conveyed Movement from curring in the immediate vicinity of the mass will of the mass will flow outward until absorbed, or di- course be most numerous and pronounced or appre- ciable. Some movements will continue undisturbed verted, or increased, or diminished by other move- for considerable distances. If there are similar agi- tated masses in the water, the various movements ments originating elsewhere. The movements oc- may be communicated to one another, and they may in the immediate of the mass will of be augmented, or diverted, or decreased, or neutral- curring vicinity ized, or transformed, each by the other. course be most numerous and pronounced or appre- Similarly (for the illustration is suggestive only) will with the brain immersed in the ether-medium. ciable. Some movements continue undisturbed Brain and nerve-energy create the Field, the for considerable distances. If there are similar Personal or Psychic Atmosphere. agi-

In the Field the vibrations are most numerous tated masses in the water, the various movements

and intense.

Vibrations, or movements, extend outward from may be communicated to one another, and theymay the Field, and by the Field vibrations or movements be or diverted, or decreased, or neutral- are received. augmented, In the intervening space, vibrations from Fields ized, or transformed, each by the other.

— from brains — meet, or cross, and are variously affected, as in the case of the supposed water-im- Similarly (for the illustration is suggestive only) pulses. with the brain immersed in the ether—medium.

In any Field incoming vibrations may be neutralized in many ways, thus making no impression upon Brain and nerve-energy create the Field, the the otherwise receiving brain. Personal or Psychic Atmosphere. In the Field the vibrations are most numerous and intense. Vibrations, or movements, extend outward from the Field, and by the Field vibrations or movements are received. In the intervening space, vibrations from Fields -— from brains — meet, or cross, and are variously affected, as in the case of the supposed water-impulses. In any Field incoming vibrations may be neutralized in many ways, thus making no impression upon the otherwise receiving brain.

The Personal Atmosphere 47

Or they may reach that centre, either with original force, or as augmented. Or they may reach that centre, either with origi- In the latter cases, the receiving mind may fail of nal or as recognition because of distracting conditions sub- force, augmented. merging consciousness of their reception. In the latter cases, the receiving mind may fail of Or, again, being recognized as impressions, they may. for various reasons, fail of correct interpreta- recognition because of distracting conditions sub- tion. consciousness of their They may also be transformed, so to speak, be- merging reception. fore reaching the receiving brain, and, being then Or, again, being recognized as impressions, they correctly recognized and interpreted, carry a different signification from that originally obtaining. may. for various reasons, fail of correct interpreta- If not thus modified, and if the two brains are in tion. accord, as to Fields and as to conditions, and if various possible distractions are not present, the move- They may also be transformed, so to speak, be- ments will be received, recognized and interpreted in their original character. fore reaching the receiving brain, and, being then If such harmonious conditions obtain as between and a difTer- one Field and the Fields of several people, the vibra- correctly recognized interpreted, carry tions will of course be greatly intensified. ent signification from thatoriginallyobtaining.

Let us illustrate in a general way, without specific If not thus and if the two brains are in repetitions, by coarser suggestions. If two sets of modified, water-waves, that are exactly alike in height and in accord, as to Fields and as to conditions, and ifvari- length from wave-crest to wave-crest, meet in the same line of direction, so that the crests of one set ous possible distractions are not present, the move- come exactly over the troughs of the other set, the ments will be and result will be a smooth or level surface. The waves received, recognized interpreted are neutralized. If crests chance to coincide di- in their original character. rectly with crests, there will occur increase of wave- height. Such hypothetical cases merely illustrate If such harmonious conditions obtain as between one Field and the Fields of several people, the vibrations willof course be greatlyintensified. Let us illustratein a general way, without specific repetitions, by coarser suggestions. If two sets of water-waves,that are exactly alike in height and in length from wave-crest to wave-crest, meet in the same line of direction, so that the crests of one set come exactlv over the troughs of the other set, the result will be a smoothor level surface. The waves are neutralized. If crests chance to coincide directly with crests, there will occur increase of wave- height. Such hypothetical cases merely illustrate

48 The Personal Atmosphere in a crude way the idea of coalescence of movement in a crude the idea of coalescenceof movement and increase or neutralization of vibrations. The way illustration might go on with suppositions of and increase or neutralization of vibrations. The

waves meeting "head-on" instead of coinciding in illustration on with of a forward movement, of waves making a "cross- might go suppositions sea," of waves coming together with unequal ve- Waves “head-on” instead of in locities, and so on, and so on. We may have, not meeting coinciding only up and down undulations in a medium, but a forward movement, of waves making a “cross- transverse, "right-and-left to-and-fro" movements of waves with ve- of the medium. ("All fluids that we know trans- sea,” coming together unequal mit any blow that they have received by waves locities, and so on, and so on. We have, not which undulate backward and forward in the path may of their own advance. The ether undulates only up and down undulations in a medium, but athwart the path of the wave's advance") And we to-and-fro” movements may think of rings like those thrown ofF by a transverse, “right-and-left smoker, meeting in all sorts of ways, rebounding, of the medium. (“All fluids that we know trans- merging, neutralizing one another — in part, or sufficiently to secure a smaller resultant ring,— mit any blow that they have received by waves and so on. You are invited to concentrate here which undulate backward and forward in the and to work out in your own imagination the vari- path ous consequences of such meetings "head-on"and of their own advance. The ether undulates meetings-up-with, all sorts of up-and-down waves, right-and-left waves, smoke rings — rotating from athwart the path of the wave’: az1°uance.”) And We circumference to inner hole-surface, revolving as think of like those thrown off a wholes along the line of outer circumference, wob- may rings by bling, going ahead edge-on, or sidewise, or at an smoker, meeting in all sorts of ways, rebounding, angle with the plane of whole circumference, and so on. If the effort becomes confusing, how com- merging, neutralizing one another—in part, or plex, then, the ether-movements of your Personal to secure a smaller resultant Atmosphere. sufliciently ring,- and so on. You are invited to concentrate here and to work out in your own imagination the various consequences of such meetings “head-on”and meetings-up—with, all sorts of up-and-down waves, right-and-left waves, smoke rings — rotating from circumference to inner hole-surface, revolving as wholes along the line of outer circumference, wob- bling, going ahead edge-on, or sidewise, or at an angle with the plane of whole circumference, and so on. If the effort becomes confusing, how com- plcx, then, the ether-movements of your Personal Atmosphere.

The Personal Atmosphere 49

You see, thus, that if you are in a state of agita- that if are in a state of tion, your field is full of confused movements; that You see, thus, you agita- if your energy is controlled and directed in one gen- tion, field is full of confused movements; that eral line of intention, your field is orderly and con- your veys its own movements without confusion. if your energy is controlled and directed in one gen- You see, too, that your unspoken influence over eral line of field is and con- others depends upon the energy and harmony of intention, your orderly etheric movements in your own Personal Atmos- veys its own movements Without confusion. phere for one thing, and for another thing upon the energy or lack of energy and the harmony or con- You see, too, that your unspoken influence over fusion of their Personal Atmosphere. If theirs is others the and of chaotic, your "waves" can get into such chaos only depends upon energy harmony accidentally. So also of the reverse — with their etheric movements in your own PersonalAtmos- influence upon yourself. If their etheric movements are weak and confused, your ether-waves phere for one thing,and for another thing upon the may pass into their fields, excite the brain, and be or lack of and the or con- read as signs by the mind and obeyed. If there is energy energy harmony general harmony between your field and that of fusion of their Personal Atmosphere. If theirs is another person, the desirable influence will be mutual. So also of the reverse. If other Personal chaotic, your “Waves" can get into such chaos only Atmospheres are orderly and energetic, such con- So also of the reverse——with their ditions may oppose your "wireless" movements, accidentally. nullifying them, perhaps following back along the influence upon yourself. If their etheric move- path of your defeat, and thus influencing you. (See for a fuller discussion of the matter, "Power for ments are weak and confused, your ether-Waves Success.") into their excite the and be All this, kindly observe, signifies deductions from may pass fields, brain, the very latest science given us to-day. The sug- read as signs by the mind and obeyed. If there is gestions may seem rather foolish to you, but you are invited to remember that "there are more things general harmony between your field and that of another person, the desirable influence will be mutual. So also of the reverse. If other Personal Atmospheres are orderly and energetic, such conditions may oppose your “wireless” movements, nullifying them, perhaps following back along the path of your defeat,and thus influencing you. (See for a fuller discussion of the matter, “Power for Succe:.r.") All this, kindly observe, signifies deductions from ‘the very latest science given us to-day. The suggestions may seem rather foolish to you, but you are invited to rememberthat“thereare more things

50 The Personal Atmosphere in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your phi- in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy." The author has known many a mind to begin with scouting considerations of the character losophy.” The authorhas known many a mind to of those found in this book, yet to end not only in with considerations of the character profound faith therein, but in a larger, hopefuller begin scouting and richer and more successful life as well. of those found in this book, yet to end not only in

Proposition 6. As nerve-energy may be stored up, so may thought-energy be accumulated. The profound faith therein, but in a larger, hopefuller brain may through the Will store up the force of and richer and more successful life as well. such ether-vibrations. The Field may in turn be

deliberately "charged."

Proposition J. Such impressions, similarly, may be conveyed to and stored up by inanimate objects. Proposition 6. As nerve-energy may be stored The people are familiar with facts attesting the so be accumulated. The "influence" of things not to be explained by the up, may thought-energy operation of the senses or the imagination, or of brain may through the Will store up the force of communications between minds as suggested in this chapter. Things seem to acquire a character of a such ether-vibrations. The Field may in turn be

personal nature. Beyond the philosophy of light

the words of Professor John William Draper are deliberately “charged.”

true. "Upon the walls of our most private apart-

ments, where we think the eye of intrusion is altogether shut out and our retirement can never be Proposition 7. Such impressions, similarly,may profaned, there exist the vestiges of all our acts, be to and stored inanimate silhouettes of whatever we have done. conveyed up by objects. "A shadow never falls upon a wall without leav- The people are familiar with facts attesting the ing thereupon a permanent trace, a trace which might be made visible by resorting to proper pro- “influence” of things not to be explained by the operation of the senses or the imagination, or of communications between minds as suggested in this chapter. Things seem to acquire a character of a personal nature. Beyond the philosophy of light the words of Professor John William Draper are true. “Upon the walls of our most private apart- ments, where We think the eye of intrusion is altogether shut out and our retirement can never be profaned, there exist the vestiges of all our acts, silhouettes of whatever we have done. “A shadow never falls upon a wall without leav- ing thereupon a permanent trace, a trace which might be made visible by resorting to proper pro-

The Personal Atmosphere 51

cesses. Photographic operations are cases in point. The portraits of our friends, or landscape cesses. Photographic operations are cases in views, may be hidden on the sensitive surface from The of our or the eye, but they are ready to make their appear- point. portraits friends, landscape ance as soon as proper developers are resorted to. views, may be hidden on the sensitive surface from A spectre is concealed on a silver or glassy surface until, by our necromancy, we make it come forth the eye, but they are ready to make their appear- into the visible world. ance as soon as are resorted to. "Radiant forces are passing from all objects to proper developers all objects in their vicinity, and during every mo- A spectre is concealed on a silver or glassy surface ment of the day and night are daguerreotyping the appearances of each upon the other; the images until, by our necromancy, We make it come forth thus made, not merely resting upon the surface, but into thevisible world. sinking into the interior of them; there held with astonishing tenacity, and only waiting for a suitable “Radiant forces are passing from all objects to application to reveal themselves to the inquiring gaze. You cannot, then, enter a room by night or all objects in their vicinity, and during every mo- day, but you leave on going out your portrait be- ment of the and are the hind you. You cannot lift your hand, or wink your day night daguerreotyping eye, or the wind stir a hair of your head, but each appearances of each upon the other; the images movement is infallibly registered for coming ages.

The pane of glass in the window, the brick in the thus made, not merely resting upon the surface, but wall, and the paving-stone in the street, catch the into the interior of there held with pictures of all passers-by, and faithfully preserve sinking them; them. Not a leaf waves, not an insect crawls, not astonishing tenacity,and only waiting for asuitable a ripple moves, but each motion is recorded by a thousand faithful scribes in infallible and indelible application to reveal themselves to the inquiring scripture."* You enter a room or And if this is true of inanimate objects, why gaze. cannot, then, by night * "The Saul of Thing*."—Wu. Denton, p. 278. day, but you leave on going out your portrait behind you. You cannot lift your hand, or wink your eye, or the Wind stir a hair of your head, but each movement is infallibly registered for coming ages. The pane of glass in the window, the brick in the Wall, and the paving-stone in the street, catch the pictures of all passers-by, and faithfully preserve them. Not a leaf waves, not an insect crawls, not a ripple moves, but each motion is recorded by a thousand faithful scribes in infallible and indelible scripture.”* And if this is true of inanimate objects, why

* "The Soul of Things."-—Wu. DENTON, p. 278.

52 The Personal Atmosphere should it not be equally true of living bodies, since not be here also etheric activities are incessantly going on? should it equally true of living bodies, since "All bodies, organic bodies more especially," re- here also etheric activities are on P marked Professor William Denton, "are transmit- incessantly going ting influences continually to surrounding objects, “All bodies, organic bodies more especially,” re- the tendency of which is to bring these objects into marked Professor William a similar condition to their own. . . . Not Denton, “are transmit- more certainly does a rose diffuse its fragrance than influences to human beings dispense their influence wherever ting continually surrounding objects, they go. We are each surrounded by an atmos- the tendency of which is to bring these objects into phere, which can convey to sensitives the impression similar condition a to their own. . of our character and condition. Wherever the foot . Not . touches the ground, the impression of the man is more certainly does a rose diffuse its than left upon it, so that even the dog, by means of it, can fragrance track his master hours after he has passed over the human beings dispense their influence wherever ground. . . . Houses become so imbued with We are each surrounded an atmos- the influence of the people that live in them that they go. by sensitive persons can feel that influence as soon as phere, which can convey to sensitives the they enter; and if it is unpleasant, they have a feel- impression ing of uneasiness, of positive unhappiness, as long of our character and condition. Wherever the foot

as they are subject to it." touches the the of the man is In perfect harmony with the above quotations are ground, impression the- following words from Dr. Hampson, speaking left upon it, so thateven the means ofit, can with regard to radio-activity: "When we have dog, by realized that these phenomena are shared, though track his master hours after he has passed over the in small degree (relatively — author), by common Houses . . . become so imbued with substances, we may discover therein the explana- ground. tion of many baffling puzzles. It has been an in- the influence of the people that live in them that soluble problem how an almost endless amount of scent-sensation could be produced by an almost sensitive persons can feel that influence as soon as they enter; and if it is unpleasant, they have a feeling of uneasiness, of positive unhappiness, as long as they are subject to it.” In perfect harmony with the above quotations are the. following words from Dr. Hampson, speaking with regard to radio-activity: “When we have realized that these phenomena are shared, though in small degree (re1atively—author),by common substances, we may discover therein the explanation of many baflling puzzles. It has been an insoluble problem how an almost endless amount of scent-sensation could be produced by an almost

The Personal Atmosphere 53 infinitesimally small quantity of material. A grain small of material. A of musk can, without apparent diminution, distrib- infinitesimally quantity grain ute scenting material through the frequently of musk can, without apparent diminution, distrib- changed air of a room for years. ... It may be that the olfactory nerves are sensitive to impres- ute scenting material through the frequently sions not only, perhaps not at all, from molecules It air of a for . room . . and atoms, but from the corpuscles into which they changed years. may disintegrate. . . . The simultaneous presence be that the olfactory nerves are sensitive to impres- of different corpuscles in various combinations may produce as many and complex smell-sensations as sions not only, perhaps not at all, from molecules there are compounds of the elements. So exceed- and but from the into which ingly small quantities of material in the radio-active atoms, corpuscles they state may be able to produce as definite and ap- The simultaneous disintegrate. . . . presence preciable effects upon the consciousness through the olfactory nerves as upon the electroscope by of different corpuscles in various combinationsmay ionization of the air (its decomposition into oxygen as and smell-sensations as and hydrogen gases)."* produce many complex Thus is it suggested that both by etheric vibra- there are compounds of the elements. So exceed- tions and by emanations of particles, objects may produce permanent impressions upon objects and inglysmall quantities of material in the radio-active persons, and persons upon persons and objects. state be able to as definite and Intensely suggestive, therefore, is the following may produce ap- passage from President EJdward Hitchcock, of Am- preciable effects upon the consciousness through herst College, written s'o?lorig-ago as 1851: "It is just as if the universe were a tremulous mass of the olfactory nerves as upon the electroscope by jelly, which every movement of his (man) made to ionization of the air into vibrate from the centre to the circumference. It (its decomposition oxygen is as if the universe were one vast picture gallery, and hydrogen gases).”* in some part of which the entire history of this

* "Radium Explained," p, 117. Thus is it suggested that both by etheric vibrations and by emanations of particles, objects may produce permanent impressions upon objects and persons, and personsupon persons and objects. Intensely suggestive, therefore, is the following passage from President; Edward Hitchcock, of Am- herst College, Written s’o}‘long_T3ago as 1851: “It is just as if the universe were a tremulous mass of jelly,which every movement of his (man) made to vibrate from the centre to the circumference. It is as if the universe were one vast picture gallery, in some part of which the entire history of this

‘ “Radium E:wlat'ned.” p. 117.

54 The Personal Atmosphere world, and of each individual, is shown on canvas, world, and of each individual, is shown on canvas, sketched by countless artists with unerring skill.

It is as if each man had his foot upon the point sketched by countless artists with unerring skill. where ten thousand telegraphic wires from every It man had his foot the part of the universe meet, and he were able, with is as if each upon point each volition, to send abroad an influence along where ten thousand wires from every those wires, so as to reach every created being in telegraphic heaven and in earth. It is as if we had the more part of the universe meet, and he were able, with than Gorgon power of transmuting every object each send abroad an influence around us into forms beautiful or hideous, and of volition, to along sending the transmuting process forward through those wires, so as to reach created in time and through eternity. It is as if we were every being linked to every created being by a golden chain, and heaven and in earth. It is as if we had the more every pulsation of our heart or movement of our than of mind modified the pulsation of every other heart Gorgon power transmuting every object and the movements of every other mind. Wonder- around us into forms beautiful or hideous, and of ful, wonderful is the position man occupies, and the part he acts! And yet it is not the dream, but the sending the transmuting process forward through deliberate conclusion of true science."* time and It is as if we were Thus we come to a further proposition, one of the through eternity. most practical importance. linked to created by a golden chain, and Proposition 8. But matter is never at rest, and every being as personal ether-movements are constantly passing every pulsation of our heart or movement of our from brains and constantly being received by brains, mind modified the of other heart the accumulated impressions received from person- pulsation every ality are, in weaker form, given off" or reflected from and the movements of every other mind. Wonder- immaterial objects.

Observe the following: ful, Wonderful is the position man occupies, and the * "Religion and Oeology," p. 439, part he acts! And yet it is not the dream, but the deliberate conclusion of true science.”* Thus we come to a further proposition, one of the most practical importance.

Proposition 8. But gnattgr is never at rest, and as personal ether-movementsare constantly passing from brains and constantly being received by brains, the accumulated impressions received from personality are, in weaker form, given off or reflected from immaterial objects. Observe the following:

' "Religion and Geology." p. 439.

The Personal Atmosphere 55 The clothing receives them. Do not wear the The clothing receives them. Do not wear the same outer garments for long without airing and same outer garments for long without airing and change. Do not wear those of other people. Never Do not wear of other Never put on second-hand clothing. change. those people. They are impressed upon books. In using sec- put on second—hand clothing. ond-hand books shut the Will against any influence of former owners. They are impressed upon books. In using sec- Similarly with furniture. If second-hand it ond-hand books shut the Will influence should be thoroughly renewed. Constantly used against any furniture should also frequently be renewed and re- of former owners.

arranged.

Like influences obtain with tools and various im- Similarly with furniture. If second—hand it plements. Long used, they acquire some personal should be renewed. used character, and should be neither borrowed, nor pur- thoroughly Constantly chased, nor loaned. If they have passed through furniture should also frequently be renewed and re- a morose, or evil, or unfortunate history, the owner may well afford a new set. arranged. Frequented rooms and places store up this mass Like influences obtain with tools and various im- of human influences. The kitchen borrows the cook's character. The dining-room registers the plements. Long used, they acquire some personal public family life. Sleeping-chambers, especially, record the nameless history of undiscovered hearts. character, and should be neither borrowed, nor pur- The writer is convinced that he has dimly "sensed" nor loaned. If have something of the personality of former occupants in chased, they passed through various houses where he has lived. It is a common a morose, or evil, or unfortunate history, the owner thought that rooms may be pervaded by the "presence" of absent people sometime unfamiliar there. may well afford a new set. The atmosphere of a vacated saloon must differ F rooms and store this mass vastly from that of a reputable theatre, an art mu- requented places up seum, a college or a church. of human influences. The kitchen borrows the cook’s character. The dining-room registers the public family life. Sleeping-chambers, especially, record the nameless history of undiscovered hearts. The writer is convinced that he has dimly “sensed" somethingof the personality of former occupants in various houses where he has lived. It is a common thought that rooms may be pervaded by the “presence" of absent people sometime unfamiliarthere. The atmosphere of a vacated saloon must differ vastlyfrom that of a reputable theatre, an art mu- seum, a college or a church.

56 The Personal Atmosphere

Proposition 9. The Personal Atmosphere exerts Proposition 9. The Personal Atmosphere exerts a marked influence upon others in certain familiar a marked influence in certain familiar cases. It appears in the sick-room, in "magnetic" upon others persons or speakers, in successful detectives and cases. It appears in the sick—room, in “magnetic” gamesters, in famous diplomats, in some so-called

"revivals," in epidemics of a mental character, in ersons s eakers in detectives and or P , successful vast popular movements. Here, especially, the in- C I C in famous in some so-called fluence of a strong Will is apparent. gamesters, diplomats, " Proposition 10. To the Personal A&lfmosphere “revivals9 in e idemics of a mental character7 in may be attributed the origin of many de/p and last- ing friendships and loves, otherwise inexplicable, as vast popular movements. Here, especially, the in- well as of apparently causeless and groundless aver- fluence of a stron Will is a arent. sions and hates. In its occasional overmastering P

power we have an explanation of curious cases of

personal subjection to others. It is often by brain- or heart-movements not accompanied by really of- Proposition Io. To the Personal UZ‘mosphere fensive word or gesture that insult is perceived, the be attributed the of and last- mind interpreting the invisible sign unerringly. may origin many detp Personal Atmosphere often assimilates other peo- friendships and loves, otherwise inexplicable, as ple's thoughts, a spontaneous unanimity of expres- ing sion thus frequently springs up all over a country, well as of apparently causeless and groundless aver- and discoveries and inventions leap forth in surpris- sions and hates. In its occasional ing similarity. overmastering Proposition II. The Personal or Psychic At- we have an explanation of curious cases of mosphere is, therefore, a subject of influences and power communications, making for depression, exhilara- personal subjection to others. It is often by brain- tion, hope, fear, courage, loves, hates, health, illness, or heart-movements not of- moral forces, and the like. So, also, unaccount- accompanied by really fensive word or gesture that insult is perceived, the mind interpreting the invisible sign unerringly. Personal Atmosphere often assimilates other people’s thoughts, a spontaneous unanimity of expression thus frequently springs up all over a country, and discoveries and inventions leap forth in surpris- ing similarity.

Proposition II. The Personal or Psychic At- mosphere is, therefore, a subject of influences and communications, making for depression, exhilara- tion, hope, fear, courage, loves, hates, health, illness, moral forces, and the like. So, also, unaccount-

The Personal Atmosphere 57

able impulses, determinations and "freak" actions may thus originate. able impulses, determinations and “freak” actions Proposition 12. Psychic Atmospheres, as has been suggested, may mutually neutralize their in- may thus originate.

fluence upon their owners.

Or they may raise or lower one another's tone. Or they may more or less modify to effects differ- Proposition 12. Psychic Atmospheres, as has ent from those of either originally.

Or they may co-ordinate, and thus cause mutual been suggested, may mutually neutralize their in- benefit or injury. fluence their owners. Proposition 13. The Psychic Atmosphere is in upon character both positive and negative. Or they may raise or lower one another’s tone. One Field may be, now positive, now negative, to another. Or they may more or less modify to eliects differ- One may also be negative to that of a second per- ent from those of either son, while positive to that of a third. • originally. Proposition 14. Personal Atmosphere has further Or they may co-ordinate, and thus cause mutual character:

It may be "good." In a moral sense; because of benefit or injury.

endowments; because of a healthy body or mind;

because of helpfulness; because of its tone. And so on. An artist may possess a good moral Field, Proposition 13. The Psychic Atmosphere is in or a Field that is artistic whether moral or no; or a

Field determined by a healthy body, or a healthy character both positive and negative. mind; or a Field that is easily and beneficially ex- One Field be, now now to cited toward others; or a Field characterized by may positive, negative, cheerfulness, or courage, or vigor, or dignity, or another.

high purpose. One may also be negative to thatof a second person, while positive to thatof a third. .

14. Personal has _ Proposition Atmosphere further character: It may be “good.” In a moral sense; because of endowments; because of a healthy body or mind; because of helpfulness; because of its tone. And so on. An artist may possess a good moral Field, or a Field that is artistic whether moral or no; or a Field determined by a healthy body, or a healthy mind; or a Field that is easily and beneficiallyex- cited toward others; or a Field characterized by chcerfulness, or courage, or vigor, or dignity, or high purpose.

58 The Personal Atmosphere It may be "evil." In a moral sense; bcause of It may be “evil.” In a moral sense; bcause of unenviable endowments; because of ill-health, bodily or mental; because of indifference toward others; unenviable endowments; because of ill-health,bod- because of a low tone. The artist may not be moral; or becauseof indifferencetoward if moral, he may be endowed for inferior kinds of ily mental; others; work; his body may be consumptive, or his mind becauseofa low tone. The artist not be moral; may be more or less unsound or ill-balanced; his may tone or temper may be low. if moral, he may be endowed for inferior kinds of

Proposition 15. The Personal Atmosphere is his be or his mind usually partly good, partly evil. The items enu- work; body may consumptive, merated in the two above paragraphs suggest a may be more or less unsound or ill-balanced; his large number of possible combinations. Good health, bad morals, high and correct artistic influ- tone or temper may be low. ences, a melancholy tone, may combine to dc-er-

mine the Field of one person. Proposition 16. The Psychic Atmosphere of one I 5. The Personal Atmosphere is mind may be good in its action upon that of an- Propo.rz'tz°on other, but evil in its action upon that of a third. usually partly good, partly evil. The items enu- The brain-vibrations of Fields do not always har- merated in the two above a monize, do not always synchronize. "He is not paragraphs suggest to my mind." Apart from morals, the influence large number of combinations. Good of a Personal Field is relative; whether k is good or possible evil depends greatly upon the relation of one per- health, bad morals, high and correct artistic influ- son to another, either permanently or occasionally. a combine to deter- Some Fields complement others, supplying what ences, melancholy tone, may they lack: "She is just his mate." Some Fields mine the Field of one excite others to intenser activity: "That person person.

inspires me." Some Fields lower the intensity or Proposition 16. The Psychic Atmosphere of one mind may be good in its action upon that of another, but evil in its action upon that of a third. The brain-vibrations of Fields do not always har- monize, do not always synchronize. "He is not to my mind.” Apart from morals, the influence of a Personal Field is relative; whether it is good or evil depends greatly upon the relation of one person to another, either permanently or occasionally. Some Fields complement others, supplying what they lack: “She is just his mate.” Some Fields excite others to intenser activity: “That person inspires me.” Some Fields lower the intensity or

Co 816 Generated for John Patrick Deveney (University of Chicago) on 2015-02-26 16:07 GMT / http://hdl.handle.net/2027/uva.x030802924 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www.hathitrust.org/access_use#pd-google The Personal 14tmo:p/zere 59

The Personal Atmosphere 59

tones of others: "What a depressing person!"

The vibrations of some Fields entering others over- tones of others: “What a depressing person!” whelm the latter: "In his presence he seems to The vibrations some lose his personality." of Fields entering othersover- " Proposition 17. The Personal Atmosphere va- whelm the latter: In his he seems to ries from time to time in the same person. Now presence the good or evil character prevails; now the ether- lose his personality.” movements of the Field are numerous, active, in-

tense, forceful, clear of confusion; now they are fewer, languid, weak and confused. The Personal va-

Proposition 18. The laws of action in Personal Proposition 17. Atmosphere Atmosphere are simple: ries from time to time in the same person. Now

1. Every good or evil condition of the Field is the or evil attractive toward a like condition in another Field, good character prevails; now the ether- and repellent toward an opposite condition. movements of the Field are numerous, active, in- 2. If a person's Psychic Atmosphere is good, either now and then, or prevailingly, he will, by so tense, forceful, clear of confusion; now they are much, infallibly send out beneficial ether-movements to all similar persons around him, and will fewer, languid, weak and confused.

receive from them like beneficial influences.

3. Conversely, a false or evil Field makes itself felt upon people of its kind, and as well receives Proporzitzion 18. The laws of action in Personal readily their ether-vibrations.

4. A perfect and healthy Psychic Atmosphere, Atmosphere are simple: morally, intellectually and emotionally, possessed 1. or evil condition of the Field is of a strong Will intelligently employed, would never Every good jteld to influences of an evil nature. attractive toward a like condition in another Field,

But in all human beings the Personal Atmos- and repellent toward an opposite condition. 2. If a person’s Psychic Atmosphere is good, either now and then, or prevailingly,he will, by so much, infallibly send out beneficial ether-movements to all similar persons around him, and will receive from them like beneficial influences. 3. Conversely, a false or evil Field makes itself felt upon people of its kind, and as well receives their ether-vibrations. _ readily 4. A perfect and healthy Psychic Atmosphere, morally, intellectually and emotionally, possessed of a strong Will intelligently employed, would never yield to influences of an evil nature. But in all human beings the Personal Atmos-

60 The Personal Atmosphere phere is of a mixed character. Hence, every per- is of a mixed character. son, even though possessing a Psychic Field in the phere Hence, every per- main good or healthy, throws out vibrations of an son, even though possessing a Psychic Field in the evil and injurious kind, and the Atmosphere of each is, therefore, subject to mal-influences swarm- main good or healthy, throws out vibrations of an ing around it in inconceivable numbers and com- evil and and the of plexity. injurious kind, Atmosphere So, also, few, if any, people are absolutely bad, each is, therefore, subject to mal-influences swarm- but are causes of various good influences, and subject to the vast sea of benevolent ether-movements ing around it in inconceivable numbers and com- surrounding them.

Proposition 19. The great and predominant plexity. characteristics of Psychic Atmosphere in its best So, also, few, if any, people are absolutely bad, estate may be expressed in the following words: ttealtb. 5elt=control. Intelligence. Galent. but are causes of various good influences, and sub- Education. TOUll. Energy, love, pride. t>ope. to the vast sea of benevolent ether-movements Cbeertulnees. JSeliet friendship. Benevolence. ject Justice. Grutb. flSoral purpose. TKHorsbip. surrounding them. Proposition 20. The evil Personal Atmosphere

may be symbolized by opposite words: Ill-health

— weakness — dullness — ignorance — flabby Will Proposition 19. The great and predominant — indolence — lovelessness — vanity — prideless- characteristics of in tits best ness — discouragement — irritability — melancholy Psychic Atmosphere — scepticism — unfriendliness — low purpose — estate be in the Words: selfishness — in justice — untruthfulness — indiffer- may expressed following

ence and irreverence.

Proposition 21. Personal Atmospheres differ ‘bealtb. Seltscontrol. intelligence. talent. in nature as well as in character. The nature of Bbucation. 11111111. Energy. love. mine. ‘bope. Gbeertulnesa. Jseltet. frtenbsbtp. menevolence. Suettce. trrutb. moral purpose. worship. Proposition 20. The evil Personal Atmosphere may be symbolized by opposite words: I11-health

—— —-- wea/mess — dullness ignorance — flabby Wzill

— -— -— indolence lovelessness vanity — pr1'deless- ness —- zlzscouragement -- zrrztalnlzty — melancholy ——- scepticism —— unfrzemllzness —— low purpose —— selfishness -— ziniiustice -— untrutlzfulness —— ina'i/fer- ence and irreverence. Proposition 21. Personal Atmospheres differ in nature as well as in character. The nature of

The Personal Atmosphere 61

the Psychic Field is determined by the individual's original constitution; its character by the quality the Field is determined by the individual’s of personality behind it. Psychic

Character is the sum total of traits and qualities original constitution; its character by the quality acquired by the use or modification of original en- of behind it. dowments. Nature is the force with or against personality which every individual must work in determina- Character is the sum total of traits and qualities tion of his character. Both the nature and the character of the Psychic Field are, therefore, su- acquired by the use or modification of original en- premely matters of Will. dowments. Nature is the force with or Proposition 22. The laws and operations of against Psychic vibrations constitute the natural causes of which individual must Work in determina- social groupings. All other influence drawing every individuals into combinations are accidental and tion of his character. Both the nature and the artificial. Psychic segregation is of the nature of character of the Field su- things, and tends to permanency. Here is the Psychic are, therefore, othodoxy of reason in "Heaven" and "Hell." matters of Will.

Proposition 23. Inevitably, now, it must appear premely

that the Will is the secret spring and power in all Psychic Atmospheres. The Every human being has the privilege to make Proposition 22. laws and operations of his Personal Atmosphere largely what he will as to vibrations constitute the natural causes of modifications of original endowments, and alto- Psychic gether what he will as to character. social groupings. All other influence drawing

The Psychic Field is the Throne-room of the Will. individuals into combinations are accidental and A weak Will means a feebly vibrant Personal

Field, whatever the man's character. artificial. is of the nature of

A feeble Will cannot control its own Atmos- Psychic segregation things, and tends to permanency. Here is the othodoxyof reason in “Heaven” and “Hell.”

Proposition 23. Inemitahly, now, it must appear that the Wz'Il is the secret spring and power in ah Psychic Atmospheres. Every human being has the privilege to make his Personal Atmosphere largely what he will as to modifications of original endowments, and altogether what he will as to character. The Psychic Field is theThrone-roomoftheWill. A Weak Will means a feebly vibrant Personal Field, Whatever the man’s character. A feeble Will cannot control its own Atmos-

62 The Personal Atmosphere

phere, nor send out strong influences, nor repel the ether-movements proceeding from others. It can phere, nor send out strong influences,nor repel the only yield its Field to psychic control. ether-movements from others. It can A strong Will vibrates its Field, fills it with pow- proceeding erful ether-movements, and repels or receives ap- only its Field to control. proaching influences as it chooses, equally irre- yield psychic spective of its owner's character. A strong Will vibrates its Field, fills it with pow- A strong and good Will attunes with the nature erful and or receives of things, which is God. The region of noble ether-movements, repels ap- character is here. proaching influences as it chooses, irre- Proposition 24. It is for the Will, then — equally

1. To originate and maintain and control the spective of its owner's character. best possible Personal Atmosphere. A and Will attunes withthe nature 2. To draw into its own Field the ether-vibra- strong good tions of others at its sovereign election. of things, which is God. The of noble 3. To permit the incoming of ether-movements region at it may determine. character is here.

4. To repel all evil and injurious influences.

Remember! The attracting and repelling power

— of Will acts through the Psychic Atmosphere of the Proposition 24. It 1': for the Wzill, then

individual. The weak cannot attract or repel the strong, except by the affinity or repulsion of moral I. To originate and maintain and control the conditions. The good Atmosphere will attract, not the evil, but its own kind alone, and will repel best possible Personal Atmosphere. the evil. The evil can attract, not the good, but its 2. To draw into its own Field the ether-vibra- own kind alone, and will repel the good. Similar laws obtain as to the nature of Personal tions of others at its sovereign election. Atmosphere. 3. To permit the incoming of ether-movements as it may determine. 4.. To repel all evil and injurious influences.

Remember! The attracting and repelling power of Will acts through the Psychic Atmosphere of the individual. The weak cannot attract or repel the strong, except by the affinity or repulsion of moral conditions. The good Atmosphere will attract, not the evil, but its own kind alone, and will repel the evil. The evil can attract, not the good, but its own kind alone, and will repel the good. Similar laws obtain as to the nature of Personal Atmosphere.

The Personal Atmosphere 63

Hence, the vast importance of intelligent Will- culture. Hence, the vast importance of intelligent Will- § 45. The development and control of a good Per- culture. sonal Atmosphere, with endowments improved and

character built up, must, therefore, for highest success

in life, be powerfully and constantly willed.

Ill bodily conditions attract evil physical influ- § 4.5. The development anal control of a good Per- ences— unless Will steadfastly opposes them, cre- sonal with endowments and ates counter vibrations, and invites healthful incom- Atmosphere, zimproved ing ether-movements. character built must, therefore, for highest success "Flabby" intellectuality creates a bad Personal up,

Atmosphere, which must be transformed into a in life, he powerfully and constantly -willed’. higher, the latter to be mantained by resolute

determination to cultivate a vigorous and reasonable mind. Ill bodily conditions attract evil physical influ- The Personal Atmospheres of health, self-control, intelligence, education, Will, energy, love, ences—-unless Will steadfastly opposes them, cre- pride, hope, cheerfulness, belief, friendship, benev- ates counter invites healthful incom- olence, justice, truth, moral purpose, worship, are all vibrations,and products of strong, persistent and right Will-power. ing ether-movements. And of nothing else, for "the Power not-ourselves that makes for righteousness" co-operates “Flabby” intellectuality creates a bad Personal with Will, and never transcends it. which must be transformed into a These Atmospheres may be created and mightily Atmosphere, urged to attract their kind and to repel their op- higher, the latter to be mantained by resolute posites. If you will take these words just above, one at a time, and make each for a day, or longer, determination to cultivate a vigorous and reasonable mind. The Personal Atmospheres of health, self-control, intelligence, education, Will, energy, love, pride, hope, cheerfulness, belief,friendship, benevolence, ustice, truth,moral purpose, Worship, are all products of strong, persistent and right Will-power. And of nothing else, for “the Power not -ourselves that makes for righteousness” co-operates with Will, and never transcends it.

These Atmospheres may be created and mightily urged to attract their kind and to repel their op- posites. If you will take these Words just above, one at a time, and make each for a day, or longer,

64 The Personal Atmosphere

the centre of thought and feeling, wherever you are, whatever you may be doing, seeking to know all its the centre of thought and feeling, wherever you are, meaning, trying to make it a part of yourself, en- whatever be to know all its deavoring to be and to live that word, you will un- you may doing, seeking failingly develop its corresponding, that is, a strong meaning, trying to make it a part of yourself, en- and good, Personal Atmosphere. Sink them into the latent mind. deavoring to be and to live that word, you will un- So, also, the Atmospheres suggested by the op- its that a posite set of words may be gradually eliminated failinglydevelop corresponding, is, strong from your life by resolute and persistent exertion and good, Personal Atmosphere. Sink them into of the Will. But this is to be accomplished, not by

thinking of the words or their conditions and try- the latent mind. ing to repel them, but by dwelling upon their op- the the posites, and by determined shutting of the Personal So, also, Atmospheres suggested by op- Field igainst evil vibrations, whenever made known posite set of words may be gradually eliminated in consciousness, and as a permanent attitude in life. from your life by resolute and persistent exertion Interlude. of the Will. But this is to be not § 46. And now we come to a very sovereign con- accomplished, by ception, one which at a certain stage in the individ- thinkingof the words or their conditions and try- ual's career places the whole responsibility for his body, his mental life and his moral character upon ing to repel them, but by dwelling upon their op- the intelligent use of his Will. When you perceive and determined of the Personal the force of the following paragraphs you will see posites, by shutting that your Personal Atmosphere is a matter of your Field against evilvibrations,whenever made known own choosing.

All the activities which take place throughout the in consciousness, and as a permanent attitude in body have been induced by processes which have life. appropriated activity from nature, decomposed INTERLUDE.

§ 46. And now we come to a very sovereign conception, one which at a certain stage in the individual’s career places the whole responsibilityfor his body, his mental life and his moral character upon the intelligent use of his VVill. When you perceive the force of the following paragraphs you will see that your Personal Atmosphere is a matter of your own choosing. All the activitieswhich take place throughoutthe body have been induced by processes which have appropriated activity from nature, decomposed

The Personal Atmosphere 65

and reconstructed such activity, and finally utilized its various phases in building structure and carry- and reconstructed such activity,and finally utilized ing on function. These processes have for cause, its various in structure it is reasonable to say — what other can be said ? — phases building and carry- the psychic factor, that is, the self. ing on function. These processes have for cause, Thus Lotze said: "So long as the soul was re-,

— — garded as indivisible substance, it could only be sup- it is reasonable to say What other can be said P posed to enter the body at a single instant and in its the that the self. entirety; whereas, if we renounce these ideas of an psychic factor, is, external conjunction (or introduction of soul into Thus Lotze said: “So long as the soul was re. body at some period of body's history), we need no longer wish to fix the moment at which the soul garded as indivisiblesubstance, it could only be sup- enters into a development which at first is supposed to enter the at a instant and in its to produce only physical actions. There is nothing posed body single to prevent us from looking at the formation of the entirety; whereas, if we renounce these ideas of an soul as an extended process in time, a process in which the Absolute gradually gives a further form external conjunction (or introduction of soul into to its creation."* So, Professor Stumpf observes: at some of We need no "I would even find no serious difficulty in the as- body period body's history), sumption that psychical life (soul) was produced longer wish to fix the moment at which the soul by organic processes (organic material) in particular stages of their development, and is even now enters into a development which at first is supposed produced in the development of every individual."* to actions. There is When we reduce matter from a hard, abiding produce only physical nothing stuff to a complex of etheric or finer movements, to prevent us from looking at the formation of the and conceive of the medium of such movements as the thought-stuff of an Infinite Reality within and soul as an extended process in time, a process in behind all Nature, such a theory of the origin of which the Absolute a further form our psychic personality seems entirely admissible. gradually gives Quoted by R1ce in "Religion in an Age of Science " (1903), p. 269, to its creation.”* So, Professor Stumpf observes: “I would even find no serious difliculty in the assumption that psychical life (soul) was produced by organic processes (organic material) in particular stages of their development, and is even now produced in the development of every individual."* When we reduce matter from a hard, abiding stuff to a complex of etheric or finer movements, and conceive of the medium of such movements as the thought-stuffof an Infinite Reality Within and behind all Nature, such a theory of the origin of our psychic personality seems entirely admissible.

Quoted by Rxcn‘. in "Religion in an Age of Science ” (1903). D. 269.

66 The Personal Atmosphere

But it should be observed that the command of the soul over its material environment must begin But it should be observed that the command of

somewhere in its career, even though it have its the soul over its material environment origin in a material basis. The self is certainly to must begin be regarded as a product of material activities pre- somewhere in its career, even it have its ceding its birth, but it is evident that birth begins though responsibility in self and the power in self to draw origin in a material basis. The self is certainly to- to its use those activities called matter which it re- be as a of material quires as a temple-system in which to exist and un- regarded product activities pre- fold by reaction its wonderful possibilities, to unify its birth, but it is evident that birth a complex of activities thus appropriated and re- ceding begins arranged, and to hold together such a system as responsibilityin self and the power in self to draw the human body. to its use those activities called matter which it If, then, we conceive of the self as the final builder re- of the body, we must remember that it can do this quires as a temple-system in which to exist and un- successfully only as it works in conjunction with law. The law of laws of the whole process above fold by reaction its wonderful possibilities,to unify indicated is the Law of Harmony. By this is meant a of activities thus and re- a demand for action in accord with the require- complex appropriated ments of the highest self and the nature of the body and to hold together such a as and the universe in which it exists. The power by arranged, system which the whole process is conducted and by which the human body. it may be brought under the law of harmony is -— we conceive of the self as the final builder the Will. (See "The Culture of Courage" on the If, then, body considered as a system.) of the body, we must rememberthat it can do this § 47. Let us think a moment of a magnetic field.

"The process of magnetization," says Sir Olive successfully only as it works in conjunction with Lodge on the older theories, "as conducted with a law. The law of laws of the whole above steel magnet on other pieces of previously inert process indicated is the Law of Harmony. By this is meant a demand for action in accord with the require- ments of the highest self and the nature of the body and the universe in which it exists. The power by which the whole process is conducted and by which it may be brought under the law of harmony is -- the Will. (See “The Culture of Courage” on the body considered as a system.)

§ 47. Let us think a moment of a magnetic field. “The process of magnetization,” says Sir Olive Lodge on the older theories, “as conducted with a steel magnet on other pieces of previously inert

The Personal Atmosphere 67 steel, in no case really generates new lines of mag- steel, in no case new lines of netic force, though it appears to generate them. really generates mag- We now know that the lines which thus spring into netic force, though it appears to generate them. corporeal existence, as it were, are essentially closed curves or loops, which cannot be generated; they We now know that the lines which thus spring into can be expanded or enlarged to cover a wide field, existence, as it were, are closed and they can be contracted or shrunk up into in- corporeal essentially significance, but they cannot be created, they must curves or loops, which cannot be generated; they be pre-existent; they were in the non-magnetized steel all the time, though they were so small and can be expanded or enlarged to cover a wide field, ill-arranged that they had no perceptible effect and can be contracted or shrunk into in- whatever; they constituted a potentiality for mag- they up netism; they existed as molecular closed curves or significance, but they cannot be created, theymust loops, which, by the operation called magnetization, could, some of them, be opened out into loops be pre-existent; they were in the non-magnetized of infinite area and spread out into space, where steel all the time, were so small and they are called 'lines of force'. They then con- though they stitute a region called a magnetic field, which re- ill-arranged that they had no perceptible effect mains a seat of so-called 'permanent' magnetic activity, until, by lapse of time, excessive heat, or whatever; they constituted a potentiality for mag- other circumstance, they close up again." * netism; existed as molecular closed curves or This much might have been said in the older they works. Even now, in the age of the "generation" loops, which, by the operation called magnetiza- of magnetism by electricity, the same conclusion must hold good, so far as it means that magnetism tion, could, some of them, be opened out into loops is not newly created. Whether or no, the older of infinite area and out into where conclusion serves the present purpose. All that spread space, man rightly is he transforms from an infinite source. they are called ‘lines of force’. They then con- • "Lffe and Miter" (1905), p. 124. stitute a region called a magnetic field, which remains a seat of so-called ‘permanent’ magnetic activity, until, by lapse of time, excessive heat, or other circumstance, they close up again.” * This much might have been said in the older works. Even now, in the age of the “generation” of magnetism by electricity, the same conclusion must hold good, so far as it means thatmagnetism is not newly created. Whether or no, the older conclusion serves the present purpose. All that man rightly is he transform: from an infinite rource.

‘ "LG! and Mater" (1906). p. 124.

68 The Personal Atmosphere He creates save his own and He creates nothing save his own feeling and thought; nothing feeling thought; but he may use every existing thing in the universe. but he may use every existing thing in the universe. And the meaning of life is this: that by as much as we come into harmony with Nature's laws, by so And the meaning of life is this: that by as much as much do we constitute each personality a field of we come into with Nature’s so power. We cannot create that power; we can only harmony laws, by use it. By right use we may "constitute a region much do we constitute each personality a field of called a Personal Atmosphere." Thus, whoever will think himself—assume himself in harmony power. We cannot create that power; we can only with the whole Universe, assert by his inmost men- use it. use We “constitute a tal attitude that such is surely the case, and ascend By right may region in conduct to the level of the assumption and asser- called a Personal Atmosphere.” Thus, whoever tion (see "Business Power"), shall infallibly develop a Personal Atmosphere that shall draw all will think himself—assume himself in harmony essential values to his life, adjust harmoniously with the whole assert his inmost men- with all right persons, and build within and about Universe, by him a structure of human character more stately tal attitude that such is surely the case, and ascend and fair than the Taj Mahal of India, comparable, indeed, to the majesty and order of the very Uni- in conduct to the level of the assumption and asser- verse in which, as one of its goals and triumphs, tion “Business shall de- he finds himself placed. (see Power”), infallibly For a perpetual regime, now, the student should velop a Personal Atmosphere that shall draw all observe the following

IX essential values to his life, adjust harmoniously § 48 N1nth Study: Practical Rules. with all and build within and about I. First, in a General Way—Concerning Persons right persons, and Things. him a structure of human character more stately and fair than the Taj Mahal of India, comparable, indeed, to the majesty and order of the very Uni- verse in which, as one of its goals and triumphs, he finds himself placed.

For a perpetual régime, now, the student should observe the following IX § 4.8 NINTH STUDY: Practical Rules.

1. First, in a General Way—Coneernz'ngPerson: and Things.

The Personal Atmosphere 69

Rule 1.—"Injected" Articles. Shun as much as RULE I.——“Irzfected” /Irticles. Shun as much as possible all articles, furniture, books, tools, rooms, all etc., which have been certainly or probably impossible articles, furniture, books, tools, rooms, pressed by evil or non-helpful Atmospheres. etc., which have been certainly or probably im- Rule 2.—Mental Attitude. In the necessary use of such, maintain the two attitudes of Will: pressed by evil or non-helpful Atmospheres. that of positive repulsion as to injurious influences;

that of assertive invitation to beneficial influences from other sources. RULE 2.--Mental Attitude. In the necessary Rule 3.—Renovation. When an unpleasant or injurious Atmosphere is perceived in connection use of such, maintain the two attitudes of Will: with an article, dispose of the article immediately thatof as to if possible. If this is not possible, have the article positive repulsion injurious influences; thoroughly cleansed and renewed. that of assertive invitation to beneficial influences

Rule 4. — Persons to be Avoided. Shun all persons, so far as may be, who manifest, or seem likely from other sources.

to manifest, the evil or non-helpful Atmosphere.

Rule 5.—Person-Attitude. If it is necessary to associate with them, maintain the negative and RULE —Reno=vatz'on. When an unpleasant repelling attitude of Will toward such Atmospheres, 3. but send out toward their owners all possible bene- or injurious Atmosphere is perceived in connection ficial influences for their welfare. With an of the article Rule 6.—Receptive Attitude. Maintain the article, dispose immediately receptive attitude of Will toward all good Atmos- if If this is not have the article pheres. possible. possible, thoroughly cleansed and renewed.

RULE 4.. —- Person: to be /(voided. Shun all persons, so far as may be, who manifest, or seem likely to manifest, the evil or non-helpful Atmosphere.

RULE 5. — Person-zfttitude. If it is necessary to associate with them, maintain the negative and repelling attitude of VVilltoward such Atmospheres, but send out toward their owners all possible beneficial influencesfor their Welfare. RULE 6.—Receptz've flttitude. Maintain the receptive attitude of Will toward all good Atmos- pheres.

70 The Personal Atmosphere

Rule 7.—Associations. Associate as much as RULE 7. —-/Yssociatioru. Associate as much as possible with people of sound health, of cheerful with of sound of cheerful disposition, of intelligence and education, of benevo- possible people health, lence and moral purpose. Tone up your Personal disposition, of intelligence and education, of benevo- Atmosphere by contact with such.

Rule 8.— Willed Idealism. Resolutely, persist- lence and moral purpose. Tone up your Personal ently and intelligently maintain a true and strong contact with such. Psychic Field by constant exercise of strong Will- Atmosphere by

power toward all high realities: beautiful objects,

right ideas, — health, peace, truth, success, altru- ism, — right-minded persons, the best literature, RULE 8.— Willea’ Idealism. Resolutely,persist- art, science, the noblest movements and institu- and maintain a true and tions of the times, and a true religion. ently intelligently strong Rule 9. — Environment. Surround yourself, as Psychic Field by constant exercise of strong Will- much as possible, with objects, forms, colors, circumstances, etc., that are agreeable, and exercise power toward all high realities: beautifulobjects,

a cheerful and uplifting tone upon your Personal — altru- Atmosphere. Begin by thinking beauty and good right ideas, health, peace, truth, success, cheer. ism,—-right-minded persons, the best literature, § 49. II. Secondly, as to Contact with Other

People for Legitimate Personal Ends. art, science, the noblest movements and institu- Rule I.—Magnetism. Preserve a right and tions of the times, and a true full Personal Atmosphere, in which all your ether- religion.

movements are open, frank, honest, sympathetic,

etc. RULE 9. — Environment. Surround yourself, as much as possible, with objects, forms, colors, circumstances, etc., that are agreeable, and exercise a cheerful and uplifting tone upon your Personal Atmosphere. Begin by thinkingbeauty and good cheer.

§4.9. II. Secondly, a: to Contact with Other People for Legitimate Perronal Ends.

RULE I.--Magnetism. Preserve at right and full Personal Atmosphere, in which all your ether- movements are open, frank, honest, sympathetic, etc.

The Personal Atmosphere Jl

Rule 2. — Closed Door. When desiring to maintain your own counsels, close the Personal RULE 2.——Closed Door. When desiring to Field to the interrogations and receptivity of other maintain close the Psychic Atmospheres with reference to such mat- your own counsels, Personal ters. You do this by mentally saying: "The Field to the and of other door is closed to you." interrogations receptivity Rule 3. — Discovery. Within the limits of Psychic Atmospheres with reference to such mat- good-will, open the Field to all communications proceeding unconsciously from persons with whom ters. You do this by mentally saying: “The you are dealing. You do this by mentally saying: door is closed to "I am discovering your intention and character." you.”

But these things must be said intensely within your deepest soul. RULE 3. —Dz'.cco

Rule 5. — Good Will. Meanwhile, throw out “I am discovering your intention and character.” toward such antagonistic Atmospheres intense vi- But these must be said within brations of the utmost good-will. You may not be things intensely your inclined to this, but it is a perfect policy for self- soul. interest, to say nothing of dignified moral character. deepest

Intensely wish them good will. Rule 6. — Triumph. On discovery of "in- RULE 4.. — Diplomacy. Whenever theunfriend- stinctive antipathies," felt on your own part, follow ly Atmosphere is perceived in others, keep your Field open to recognition of hostile influences, but closed to disturbance within. You should recognize these influences, but oppose to them the resolute Will.

RULE 5.—Gooz1 Will. Meanwhile, throw out toward such antagonistic Atmospheres intense vibrations of the utmost good—will. You may not be inclined to this, but it is a perfect policy for self- interest, to say nothingof dignified moral character. Intensely wish them good will.

64‘ RULE 6.——Trz°umplz. On discovery of in- stinctive antipathies,”felt on your own part, follow

The Personal Atmosphere

Rules 4 and 5. The Will may overcome these an- Rules 4 and 5. The Will may overcome these antipathies up to the point of discovery of their cause, to the of of their in yourself or in others, and it is then for Will, if tipathiesup point discovery cause, right aims in life require any attention thereto, to in yourself or in others, and it is then for Will, if set about the task of removing such cause. But if the case becomes hopeless, revert again to Rules 4 right aims in liferequire any attention thereto, to and 5. set about the task of such cause. But if Rule 7. — Resolute Friendliness. In seeking removing the legitimate control of others, bring to them the the case becomes hopeless, revert again to Rules 4. friendly, but assertive, movements of Personal At- mosphere. and 5.

Rule 8. — Friendly Authority. If you desire

them not to do or be certain things, send to their Psychic Fields resolute but kindly commands: "Be RULE 7. —Re.roIute Frziendlzinerr. In notl Do not!" seeking

Rule 9. — Friendly Demands. If you desire the legitimate control of others, bring to them the them to be or to do certain things, vibrate, by reso- but movements of Personal At- lute Will-action, appropriate requests into their friendly, assertive,

Psychic Fields.

Rule 10. — Right Attitude. Always must your mosphere.

attitude be resolute, but not harsh; kindly, but persistent. If desire Rule 11. — Poise. In contact with other peo- RULE 8.—F1't'endly /Iut/zority. you ple, maintain in your Personal Atmosphere a per- them not to do or be certain things, send to their fect and constant calm. Bring your Will to the Psychic Fields resolute but kindly commands: “Be not! Do not!”

RULE 9. — Friendly Demands. If you desire them to be or to do certain things, vibrate, by resolute VVill-action, appropriate requests into their Psychic Fields.

RULE Io.—R1'ght Attz'tua'e. Always must your attitude be resolute, but not harsh; kindly, but persistent.

RULE II.——Poz'se. In contact with other people, maintain in your Personal Atmosphere 21 perfect and constant calm. Bring your Will to the

The Personal Atmosphere 73

centre of your Field, and maintain absolute self- control. Let this be so complete that it may not centre of your Field, and maintain absolute self- betray the effort to secure it, either in disturbed ether-waves, or in movements which the other per- control. Let this be so complete that it may not son's sub-consciousness will recognize as coolness the effort to secure either in disturbed or suppressed hostility. betray it, Remember! Your Will-action in your own ether-Waves, or in movements which the other per- Field must be so strong that there may be created a surplus of commanding ether-movements above son's sub-consciousness will recognize as coolness those produced in control of self, and sufficient to or exert a controlling influence upon the Psychic At- suppressed hostility. mosphere of the person with whom you are dealing. Remember! Your Will-action in your own Avoid all excitement.

Send out no antagonisms. Field must be so strong that there may be created Reveal to the inner consciousness of other people a of ether-movements above nothing inyour mind calculated to in juretheirfeelings- surplus commanding Banish from your Field all feelings of contempt or those produced in control of self, and suflicient to ridicule.

Permit no vibrations of anger or irritation to es- exert a controlling influence upon the Psychic At- cape into your Field. of the with whom are Banish absolutely all thought-waves of fear for mosphere person you dealing. persons with whom you are dealing. Persevere! .‘/{voidall excitement.

Banish all thought-waves of distrust as to success with such persons. Send out no antagonisms. Maintain a Personal Atmosphere that is sur- Reveal to the inner consciousness of other charged with the dynamic force of confident ex- people pectancy of good desired. nothinginyour mindcalculatedto injuretheirfeelings. Rule 12. — Crowds. In dealing with people in masses, you have to contend with a constant play of Banish from your Field all feelings of contempt or ridicule. Permit no vibrations of anger or irritation to es- cape into your Field. Banish absolutely all thought-Waves of fear for persons with wlzom you are dealing. Persevere! Banish all thought-Waves of distrust as to success with such persons. ' Maintain a Personal Atmosphere that is sur- charged with the dynamic force of confident ex- pectancy of good desired.

RULE I2. — Crowds. In dealing with people in masses, you have to contend with a constant play of

74 The Personal Atmosphere

force going on around different Psychic Atmos- pheres. You must, therefore — force going on around different Psychic Atmos-

Maintain your own at its best in the midst of in- You therefore— numerable and complex ether-movements. pheres. must, With utmost alertness, keep your consciousness Maintain your own at its best in the midst of in- open to recognition of ether-movements proceeding toward you, both favorable and unfavorable. In numerable and complex ether-movements. the one case, send out vibrations with redoubled With utmost consciousness energy to return those favorable to their originators alertness, keep your so as wholly to secure such persons for your ends. open to recognition of ether-movementsproceeding In the other case, follow the above rules so far as appropriate. toward you, both favorable and unfavorable. In Rule 13.—Rest. The law of rest requires that the one send out vibrations with redoubled you should occasionally "let up" in your ether- case, assaults upon certain kinds of people. energy to return those favorable to their originators Some Personal Atmospheres may be caused to vibrate so strongly and rapidly as to confuse their so as Wholly to secure such persons for your ends. owners, or to weary them. Leave these undis- In the other follow the above rules so far as turbed for a time. case, Others cannot be made to vibrate your way ex- appropriate. cept by reaction caused within themselves after a

period of rest. Be patient.

Rule ,14.—Adjustment. In still other persons RULE —— Rest. The law of rest that the Psychic Atmosphere is unresponsive, not easily I3. requires vibrated. The problem here is to adjust yourself you should occasionally “let up” in your ether- in such a way as to induce unconscious favorable vibrations. This may require the direct, but con- assaults upon certain kinds of people. cealed assault, or the roundabout attack, or a gentle Some Personal Atmospheres may be caused to vibrate so strongly and rapidly as to confuse their owners, or to weary them. Leave these undisturbed for a time. Others cannot be made to vibrate your way except by reaction caused Within themselves after a period of rest. Be patient.

‘RULE _I4..—.4a’justmmt. In still other persons the Psychic Atmosphere is unresponsive, not easily vibrated. The problem here is to adjust yourself in such a way as to induce unconscious favorable vibrations. This may require the direct, but concealed assault, or the roundabout attack,or a gentle

The Personal Atmosphere 75

initiation of ether-movements within their Fields which their minds will come to accelerate, if they initiation of ether-movements within their Fields

do not discover your influence, into harmony with your own ether-movements. If they discover your which their minds will come to accelerate, if they influence, they will inevitably close their Fields do not discover into with thereto. your influence, harmony Rule 15.—Disguise. In another class of per- your own ether-movements. If they discover your sons the Psychic Atmosphere is always vibrant in repulsion of all influences recognized as personal. influence, they will inevitably close their Fields It is not you alone whom they antagonize; it is any- thereto. thing human. You must now transform your ether-

movements (as muscular action may be transformed

into heat or light) in disguise. Any method which

— will translate your thought-force into a suggestion RULE I 5. Dz'sguz'se. In another class of per- appearing to proceed from things, circumstances, sons the is vibrant in conditions, exigencies, a law of society or nature, etc., Psychic Atmosphere always so that it seems to originate within themselves, and repulsion of all influences recognized as personal. spontaneously, will secure their interest in the movements of your Field and induce their co-operation. It is not you alone Whom they antagonize; it is any- Rule 16. — Public Speaking. In public speak- human. You must now ether- ing, the Psychic Atmosphere must be full, free, thing transform your open, frank, honest, receptive, out-going, active, movements (as muscular action may be transformed intense, intellectual, emotional, clear of confusion, full of genuine heat and the light of the informed into heat or light) in disguise. Any method Which soul, purposeful, courageous, expectant of success, will translate into a sympathetic, with Will-pulsing vibrant force toward your thought-force suggestion the audience like a strong, steady, inexhaustible to proceed from things, circumstances, dynamo. appearing conditions,exigencies, a law of societyor nature, etc., so that it seems to originate withinthemselves, and spontaneously,will secure their interest in the movements of your Field and induce their co-operation.

RULE I6. — Public Speaking. In public speaking, the Psychic Atmosphere must be full, free, open, frank, honest, receptive, out—going, active, intense, intellectual, emotional, clear of confusion, full of genuine heat and the light of the informed soul, purposeful, courageous, expectant of success, sympathetic,withWill-pulsing vibrant force toward the audience like a strong, steady, inexhaustible dynamo.

76 The Personal Atmosphere

If you are a public speaker, carry into every effort the thought of the above words. Commit the If you are a public speaker, carry into every ef- paragraph to memory. Repeat it while facing the fort the audience prior to speaking. "Charge up" with thought of the above words. Commit the its details and become saturated with its feeling. to it while the

Then summon the interesting and masterful Will. paragraph memory. Repeat facing (See chapter in "Power of Will") audience prior to speaking. “Charge up” with Rule 17. — Mood of Success. In all things its maintain the confident and expectant mood of suc- details and become saturated with its feeling. cess. Then summon the and masterful Will. Rule 18. — Constant Practice. The substance interesting of the above principles and especially the rules (See chapter in “Power of W£11.”) should be committed to memory and constantly

employed by the Will.

Rule 19. — Practical Sanity. But the theory RULE Success. In all should not be permitted to carry you over into any I7.—Mood of things feeling or state of mysticism. It is for the right maintain the confident and expectant mood of suc- mind always to hold itself firmly to the solid ground

of common sense. cess.

Tenth Study: Higher Methods.

You have now read the rules for developing and RULE I8.—-Constant Practice. The substance

handling the Personal Atmospheres. Pardon the author for saying that a single reading cannot re- of the above principles and especially the rules should be committed to memory and constantly employed by the Will.

RULE 19. —Practical Sanity. But the theory should not be permitted to carry you over into any feeling or state of mysticism. It is for the right mind always to hold itself firmlyto the solid ground of common sense.

X. TENTH STUDY: Higher Methods.

You have now read the rules for developing and handling the Personal Atmospheres. Pardon the author for saying that a single reading cannot re-

The Personal Atmosphere 77 veal to you their deep practical meaning and util- veal to you their practical and util- ity, much less master them. You are, therefore, deep meaning invited to go over the directions given, again and ity, much less master them. You are, therefore, again, and many times. Observe, in this connec- invited to over the directions and tion, two great truths: go given, again § 50. First, that thought grows. You read, you again, and times. Observe, in this connec- understand the words, but you do not perceive the many entire thought represented in the words because it tion, two great truths: is not as yet in you to command. It is there — in the upper conscious self— in part only. It is there that You — in the deeper self wholly — but not so far as you § 50. First, thought grows. read, you know and can use it. The fullness of thought must understand thewords, but you do not perceive the have time and attention for unfolding so that the deeper self can see, know, feel, the entire significance entire thought represented in the words because it

of the words and thought employed in the rules, is not as in to command. It is there— in and then go on to cause the thought to grow up, yet you like a branching tree, into your every-day con- the upper conscious self— in part only. It is there sciousness.

— — § 51. One who had studied "Power For Success" in the deeper self wholly but not so far as you for several years wrote: "'Power For Success' know and can use it. The fullnessof must came to me immediately off the press. I went to thought work on it. It seemed meaningless to me at first; have time and attention for unfolding so that the in fact I read a good deal of it before I found anything that I understood very well. The subject deeper self can see, know, feel,theentire significance was new to me. But when I did strike something of the words and in the that I understood, I saw it was what I needed and thought employed rules, wanted. I failed to follow your directions specifi- and then go on to cause the thought to grow up, cally, but I read over about six or eight lessons.

Then I went back, and found I was able to con" like a branching tree, into your every-day consciousness. § 51. One Who had studied "Power For Success’ for several years wrote: “ ‘Power For Success ' came to me immediately of? the press. Iwent to Work on it. It seemed meaningless to me at first,- in fact I read a good deal of it before I found anything that I understood very well. The subject was new to me. But when I did strike something that I understood, I saw it was what I needed and Wanted. I failed to follow your directions specifi- cally, but I read over about six or eight lessons. Then I went back, and found I was able to com’

J$ The Personal Atmosphere prehend your meaning better. Within a year I prehenzl your meaning better. Within a year I worked through the book, practised the exercises, and am still practising them. worked through the book, practised the exercises, "After working in this book one year, I put it and am still them. away six months ago. About two months ago I practising went to work again. It seems like a new book. I “After working in this book one year, I put it am getting much more now than I did the other time.

Hence I say I do not know what proportion I took away six months ago. About two months ago I in in the first trip. It is a mistake about the first Went to Work It seems like a new book. I reading destroying the novelty. The novelty or again. sense of novelty is experienced at the instant you am getting much more now than I did the other time. comprehend the thought, take in the meaning. You may read a dozen times and miss this. I have ex- Hence I say I do not know what proportion I took perienced the keenest delight and interest in pas- in in the first It is a mistake about the first sages in this book after I had read the same pas- trip. sages many times with a half-comprehension. reading destroying the novelty. The novelty or Either the truth you intended to convey or some suggested truth would open up on me." sense of novelty is experienced at the instant you § 52. Here we have a perfect illustration of the the take in the You gradual growth of thought as the result of re-reading comprehend thought, meaning. and brooding, thus giving the sub-conscious self full may read a dozen times and miss this. I have ex- opportunity. Newton was asked how he discovered the law of gravitation, and replied, " By always perienced the keenest delight and interest in pas- thinking about it." This is the secret of all suc- in this book after I had read the same cess. sages pas- One year after the date of the above quotations, sages many times with a half-comprehension. the author of them again wrote: "'Power For

Success' continues to be my favorite in a library Either the truth you intended to convey or some of 2500 volumes, gathered at an expense of #6,000. suggested truth would open up on me.”

§ 52. Here We have a perfect illustration of the gradual growth of thought as the result of re-reading and brooding,thusgiving the sub-conscious self full opportunity. Newton was asked how he discovered the law of gravitation, and replied, “ By always thinking about it.” This is the secret of all success. One year after the date of the above quotations, the author of them again Wrote: “ ‘Power For Success’ continues to be my favorite in a library of 2500 volumes, gathered at an expense of $6,000.

The Personal Atmosphere 79 As an evidence that I have worked, permit me to As an evidence that I have worked, me to say that I can repeat scores of pages word for word, permit and most of the verses. Not as evidence that I say that I can repeat scores of pages word for word, have got the vitals of the book do I say it. I sim-

ply mention it to show you I have not been idle. and most of the verses. Not as evidence that I This book has been and continues to be a wonder- have the vitals of the book do I it. I sim- ful source of strength for me. If I could have had got say it some years ago! I sometimes wonder why the ply mention it to show you I have not been idle. book is not sold by the thousands. I am looking

forward with the keenest anticipation of delight to This book has been and continues to be a wonder- your forthcoming books." ful source of for me. IfI could have had If, thus, you will return again and again to the strength present book, especially the above rules, and seek it some years ago! I sometimes Wonder why the to gather in their whole significance, you will establish the conditions for the full unfoldment of book is not sold by the thousands. I am looking the idea of the work. And the sub-conscious self forward with the keenest of to will do the rest. anticipation delight § 53. Secondly, the right Personal Atmosphere your forthcoming books.” grows — or clears up and expands and comes under control of its owner — (if evil, it comes to master If, thus, you will return again and again to the the owner). But in order to the ideal end, there the above and seek must be long practice of the thoughts and exercises present book, especially rules, and attitudes or moods of the rules. It is impossi- to gather in their whole significance, you will es- ble to achieve the best results by superficial or spas-

modic attention and effort. The Personal Atmos- tablish the conditions for the full unfoldment of phere, you see, is precisely what you make it, that the idea of the work. And the sub-conscious self is, what your body of thought or general thought- habits determine it to be. The requirement of will do the rest.

time for thought-change and new thought-growth § 53. Secondly, the right Personal /Itmosphere grow; — or clears up and expands and comes under control of its owner— (if evil, it comes to master the owner). But in order to the ideal end, there must be long practice of the thoughts and exercises and attitudes or moods of the rules. It is impossible to achievethe best results by superficial or spas- modic attention and effort. The Personal Atmos- phere, you see, is precisely what you make it, that is, what your body of thought or general thought- habits determine it to be. The requirement of time for thought-change and new thought-growth

80 The Personal Atmosphere is, therefore, the requirement for transformation is, therefore, the for transformation of your old Personal Atmosphere into, and the de- requirement velopment of, the new Personal Atmosphere which of your old Personal Atmosphere into, and the de- you may desire. The necessary time-element must the new also be accompanied by attention, deep and con- velopment of, Personal Atmosphere which stant, to the matter in hand, the elimination of any desire. The time-element must undesirable Atmosphere and the development of a you may necessary new, ideal Atmosphere. also be accompanied by attention, deep and con-

§ 54. The methods by which these results are brought about consist in — stant, to the matter in hand, the eliminationof any (1) . Ignoring any old undesirable thought, mood, undesirable and the of a tendency, habit, Atmosphere, which is practically Atmosphere development seen to be injurious, ceasing to think about or regret new, ideal Atmosphere. any and all such. No one can become learned by

dwelling on his ignorance, not hopeful by nursing his misery. Thus you should banish all attention § The methods which these results are to any Atmosphere which is not prophetic of good 54.. by to your life. brought about consist in—

(2) . Thinking, thinking, thinking, every day, for long, the ideal Atmosphere (any named one); con- (I). Ignoring any old undesirable thought, mood, sidering how desirable it is, why it is desirable, and hahit, which is as surely attainable; meaning by this, holding be- tendency, fltmosphere, practically fore the mind a picture of some definite Atmosphere seen to he injurious, ceasing to think about or regret analyzed into its attractive elements, and believing in it as altogether possible to you and in your life. any and all such. No one can become learned by (3) . Assuming, meanwhile, as much as possible, on his not that the Atmosphere craved is really yours; meaning dwelling ignorance, hopeful by nursing by such direction, getting into the mental attitude his misery. Thus you should banish all attention of the Atmosphere itself. When children play, to any Atmosphere which is not prophetic of good to your life. (2). Thinking, thinking, thinking, every alay, for long,the ideal Atmosphere(any named one); Con- sidering how desirable it is, why it is desirable, and as surely attainable; meaning by this, holding before the mind a picture of some definite Atmosphere analyzed into its attractive elements, and believing in it as altogether possible to you and in your life. (3). flssuming, mean-while, as much as possible, that the fltmosphere cra=vea' is really yours; meaning by such direction, getting into the mental attitude of the Atmosphere itself. When children play,

they always assume mentally the attitude required by the parts acted. Suppose that the goal is the At- assume the attitude mosphere of financial success: just play that you are they always mentally required successful; with might and main feel that you are by theparts acted. Suppose that the goal is theAt- success and that all good things are surely coming your way. That is the idea. At first, in this mat- mosphere of financial success: just play thatyou are ter, you will be conscious of feelings which are op- successful; with and main that are posite to any one or another of the Atmospheres might feel you listed on a previous page, but if you persevere in success and that all good things are surely coming mentally playing the part, you will at last actually That is the idea. At in this possess the feeling assumed. Then the feeling will your Way. first, mat- beget corresponding thought-action, and these fac- ter, Will be conscious of which are tors will develop the Atmosphere craved and sought you feelings opin this way. posite to any one or another of the Atmospheres

(4) . Asserting the Atmosphere desired; which listed on a but if in means that you make your whole personality, ex- previous page, you persevere ternal as well as inner, declare to the world that the part, will at last this is indeed your bona fide Personal Atmosphere. mentally playing you actually

You need not say the thing in words: you simply possess the feeling assumed. Then the feeling will "pose" for the part as a fact. and these fac- (5) . Ascending to the level of the assumption beget corresponding thought-action, and assertion; by this meaning that you force your tors willdevelop the Atmosphere craved and sought daily conduct to correspond. Assumption and assertion incessantly instruct the deeper self to be- in this Way. lieve in the Atmosphere desired as its own, and then the Which to set all sorts of mental and etheric activities tend- (4.). /Ysserting fltmosphere desired; ing to develop your Personal Atmosphere (the means that you make your whole personality, ex- same, as named, any variety suggested to the subconscious region of yourself). $ut if you act external as Well as inner, declare to the world that ternally to the contrary, you suggest to the deeper this is indeed your bona fide Personal Atmosphere. You need not say the thing in words: you simply “pose" for the part as a fact. (5). Ascending to the level of the assumption and assertion; by this meaning that you force your daily conduct to correspond. Assumption and assertion incessantly instruct the deeper self to believe in the Atmosphere desired as its own, and then to set all sorts of mental and etheric activities tend- ing to develop your Personal Atmosphere (the same, as named, any variety suggested to the subconscious region of yourself). But if you act ex- ternally to the contrary, you suggest to the deeper

82 The Personal Atmosphere

self that you do not really mean the assumption and assertion. When your external conduct agrees self that you do not really mean the assumption with assumption and assertion, all your suggestion and assertion. When external conduct runs one way, and the desirable result is as certain your agrees as anything human can be on this earth. with assumption and assertion, all your suggestion § 55. Now, we all have our existence in the In- finite. In ancient Egypt the river Nile every year runs one way, and the desirable result is as certain overflowed its banks and deposited a vast sheet of as human can be on this earth. rich soil on otherwise desert sand. On the bosom anything

of the Nile unfolded and blossomed the lotus-plant.

Thus the blue lotus of the Nile came to be poetized by the Egyptians into the Spirit of Life. So we § 55. Now, we all have our existence in the In- may say that each individual soul is a lotus-plant finite. In ancient the river Nile growing in and flowering out on the bosom of the Egypt every year Infinite All-Good. And this flowering of feeling, overflowed its banks and deposited a vast sheet of will and thought in harmonious forms is just a way of permitting that Infinite rightly to express itself rich soil on otherwise desert sand. On the bosom in our individual life, or is just a way of aiding the of the Nile unfolded and blossomed the process, which is the one normal thing in all this lotus-plant. Universe. I do not mean by this the loss of indi- Thus the blue lotus of the Nile came to be

viduality; I mean the finding of it. poetized

§ 56. By so much as we come to a sense of one- by the Egyptians into the Spirit of Life. So We ness (harmony, not identity) with the Infinite, by that each individual soul is a so much does our personal consciousness deepen, may say lotus-plant expand, enrich. There arrives a time in this pro- growing in and flowering out on the bosom of the cess when our Personal Atmosphere is relatively perfected, and such a "field " of being and activity is Infinite All-Good. And this flowering of feeling, developed as to insure the expelling and repelling will and thought in harmonious forms is just a way of permitting that Infinite rightly to express itself in our individual life, or is just a way of aiding the process, which is the one normal thing in all this Universe. I do not mean by this the loss of indi-

A viduality; I mean the finding of it.

§ 56. By so much as we come to a sense of oneness (harmony, not identity) with the Infinite, by so much does our personal consciousness deepen, expand, enrich. There arrives a time in this process When our Personal Atmosphere is relatively ” perfected, and such a “field of beingand activityis developed as to insure the expelling and repelling

The Personal Atmosphere 83

of all injurious feelings and thoughts, "charged," so to speak, with hope, courage, confidence and a of all injurious feelings and thoughts, sense of well-being and power that fills the entire “charged," personality. We are now in the full tide of success; so to speak, with hope, courage, confidence and a we have "arrived;" whatever we need for growth sense of and that fills the entire of real life we now know shall surely come to us. well-being power We are friend-masters of men and events. personality. We are now in the full tide of success; § 57. These higher lessons seek to introduce you to the later degrees of the Personal Atmosphere. we have “arrived;” whatever we need for growth Some of you may not understand at the first. That of real life we now know shall come to us. is a common experience. Persevere, however; be surely patient, think always of yourself as expressing the We are friend-mastersof men and events.

All-Life, continue trying to reach out after the

broader and higher states of being and doing: sooner or later you will grow into, or discover, that These lessons seek to introduce consciousness of the Infinite, that sense of at-home- § 57. higher you ness in the Universe as a part of its greater existence, to the later degrees of the Personal Atmosphere. that assurance of personal wealth and power which are of more value than riches and thrones. You Some of you may not understand at the first. That will have indeed what you need. is a common ' be § 58. I walked the streets of Boston. Suddenly experience. Persevere, however; it seemed that the top of my head had been lifted, patient, think always of yourself as expressing the and I became aware of an immense increase of personal consciousness. I became conscious, I say All-Life, continue trying to reach out after the — I know what I am writing — of the vast sky broader and states of and above, and the mighty deeps below, and the wide higher being doing: sweep of present human life, and the long forward sooner or later you will grow into, or discover, that and backward stretch of human history. It seemed consciousness of the Infinite, that sense of at-home- ness in theUniverse as a part of its greater existence, that assurance of personal wealth and power which are of more value than riches and thrones. You will have indeed what you need.

§ 58. I walked the streets of Boston. Suddenly it seemed that the top of my head had been lifted, and I became aware of an immense increase of personal consciousness. I became conscious, I say -—-I know what I am writing—of the vast sky above, and the mighty deeps below, and the wide sweep of present human life, and the long forward and backward stretch of human history. It seemed

84 The Personal Atmosphere

that I could "sense;' the All. Since that day all is well. Life is deeper, richer, stronger — assured, that I could “sense" the All. Since that day all is

fearless, and saturated with perennial vital interest. well. Life is richer, —— § 59. All this will read strangely to some of you. deeper, stronger assured, Very good. There is no coercion in these pages. fearless, and saturated with perennial vital interest.

But if you will digest and assimilate the suggestions

of this book, you also will feel the Eternal Nile of Life flowing onward through body and mind, and § All this will read to some of will know yourself as emerging at last into that In- 59. strangely you. finite Personal Atmosphere in which exist and re- Very good. There is no coercion in these pages. volve worlds and systems.

§ 60. "Long and persevering must the practice But if you will digest and assimilatethe suggestions and exercise be, by which power to direct thought of this book, also will feel the Eternal Nile of and feeling may be attained, and by which the you sense of identity (harmony) with the universal self Life flowing onward through body and mind, and may be established — for without this latter all our work must inevitably turn out vain and ephem- will know yourself as emerging at last into that In- eral — but when the conditions are fulfilled, then finite Personal in which exist and re- strangely obvious is the result and simple the act Atmosphere of creation" (of the higher and larger personality). volve worlds and systems.

For then "the brain is stilled. It does not cease

from its natural and joyous activities. But it ceases from that terrified and joyless quest which §6o. and must the was inevitable to it as long as its own existence, its “Long persevering practice own foundation, its own affiliation to the everlast- and exercise be, by which power to direct thought ing Being was in question and doubt. The Man at last lets Thought go; he glides below it into the and feeling may be attained, and by which the quiet feeling, the quiet sense of his own identity sense of identity (harmony) with the universal self may be established——for without this latter all our work must inevitablyturn out vain and ephem- eral —— but when the conditions are fulfilled, then strangely obvious is the result and simple the act of creation” (of the higher and larger personality). For then “the brain is stilled. It does not cease from its natural and joyous activities. But it ceases from that terrified and joyless quest which was inevitable to it as long as its own existence, its own foundation, its own affiliation to the everlast- ing Being was in question and doubt. The Man at last lets Thought go; he glides below it into the quiet feeling, the quiet sense of his own identity

The Personal Atmosphere 85

(harmony, not identity) with the self of other things — of the universe. He leans back in silence on not identity) with the self of otherthings that inner being, and bars off for a time every (harmony, thought, every movement of the mind, every im- —of the universe. He leans back in silence on

pulse to action, or whatever in the faintest degree that inner and bars off for a time may stand between him and That; and so there being, every comes to him a sense of absolute repose, a conscious- thought, every movement of the mind, every im- ness of immense and universal power, such as com- pletely transforms the world for him. All life is pulse to action, or whatever in the faintest degree changed; he becomes master of his fate; he perceives stand between him and and so there that all things are hurrying to perform his will; and may That; whatever in that region of inner Life he may con- comes to him a sense of absolute a conscious- descend to desire, that already is shaping itself to repose, utterance and expression in the outer world around ness of immense and universal power, such as com- him. 'The winds are his messengers over all the the ‘world’ him. All life is world, and flames of fire are his servants; . . . pletely transforms for and the clouds float over the half-concealed, he becomes master of his fate; he perceives dappled, and shaded Earth — to fulfil his will, to changed; fulfil his eternal joy.' that all things are hurrying to perform his will; and "For the ceaseless endeavor to realize this iden- Whatever in that of inner Life he con- tity (this harmony) with the great Self, there is no region may substitute. No teaching, no theorizing, no philos- descend to desire, that already is shaping itself to ophizing, no rules of conduct or life will take the place of actual experience. This is the Divine utterance and expression in the outer world around yoga or union, from which all life, all creation, pro- him. ‘The winds are his over all the ceeds."* messengers

It has been the purpose of this book to lead the world, and flames of fire are his servants; . . . student through those suggestions and rules which may start the personal and "atmospheric" growth and the clouds float over the half-concealed, * The Art of Creation " — Edward Carpenter, p. 217. dappled, and shaded Earth —to fulfil his Will, to fulfil his eternal joy.’ “For the ceaseless endeavor to realize this identity (this harmony) with the great Self, there is no substitute. No teaching, no theorizing,no philos- ophizing, no rules of conduct or life will take the place of actual experience. This is the Divine yoga or union, from which all life, all creation, pro- ceedsf’* It has been the purpose of this book to lead the student through those suggestions and rules which may start the personal and “atmospheric” growth

*The Art of Creation "—EDwAn.n CARPENTER, p. 217.

86 The Personal Atmosphere

to the deeper search that is an endeavor to ally self with the "Universal Forces," to use the language of to the deeper search that is an endeavor to ally self "Power For Success," with the Universal Life-Con- with the “Universal to use the of sciousness, to express the same thing here, which Forces,” language means well, in body, purse and mind to every “Power For Success,” with the Universal Life-Con- human being and will surely swing into the currents of your life the great values of the Four-Fold sciousness, to express the same thing here, which Existence — Health, Prosperity, Unfoldment and means in and,’ mind to Psychic Power. well, body, purse every The Psychic Atmosphere is, above all, the light human being and will surely swing into the cur- or shadow of what the person actually is. His influence upon others, in the last analysis, is simply rents of your life the great values of the Four-Fold a matter of intelligent adjustment—that and the Existence — Unfoldment and masterful Will. Health, Prosperity, And so the first reading closes — may it. be fol- Psychic Power. lowed by many — with words the significance of which seems well nigh inexhaustible. The Psychic Atmosphere is, above all, the light The Beg1nn1ng. Nescla virtus stare loco. or shadow of what the person actually is. His influence upon others, in the last analysis, is simply a matter of intelligent adjustment-thatand the masterful Will.

And so the first reading closes—may it be followed by many—with words the significance of which seems well nigh inexhaustible.

THE BEGINNING. Nesczia virtu: stare loco.