THE FIRST BOOK TEST

       James J. Mapes, a professor of chemistry and natural philosophy at the National Academy of Design in New York as well as a renowned inventor in agricultural products, was disturbed by the mediumistic phenomena being reported during the 1850s.   He was concerned that his family and friends were “running to mental seed and imbecility.” In fact, Mapes was particularly concerned when his daughter claimed to have become an automatic writing medium.

      When Mapes asked his daughter to demonstrate her powers to him, she took a pen and wrote a message that appeared to come from Mapes’ father.  When Mapes asked for proof of identity, his daughter’s hand wrote: “You may recollect that I gave you, among other books, an encyclopedia; look at page 120 of that book, and you will find my name written there, which you have seen.”  Mapes had not seen the book for 27 years as it had been stored in a warehouse.  He retrieved it and found his father’s name written on page 120.  After sitting with various other mediums, Mapes wrote: “The manifestations which are pertinent to the ends required are so conclusive in their character as to establish in my mind certain cardinal points.  These are:  First, there is a future state of existence, which is but a continuation of our present state of being…Second, that the great aim of nature, as shown through a great variety of spiritual existences is progression, extending beyond the limits of this mundane sphere…Third, that spirits can and do communicate with mortals, and in all cases evince a desire to elevate and advance those they commune with.” – Michael E. Tymn

     Note:  Later “book tests” conducted by other mediums and researchers will be reported on at this site