To the Editor of The New York Times:

While Marconi and Tesla are solving the problems of, wireless telegraphy so as to make the system of commercial value, it has occurred to me that we who are not experts in the mechanical construction of such instruments as they need might with profit study another question suggested by the passing of invisible currents through such obstacles hitherto regarded as solid and impenetrable.
What is ‘‘ thought transference,” “mental telepathy,” ‘‘ mind reading,” and so on?
What causes the so-called “remarkable coincidences” with which we are all familiar? If my theory is correct, the answer to these questions is not difficult. It is brain telegraphy. The human brain is the most perfect storage battery known. it is easily discharged and again recharged by rest and sleep. It can be "short circuited" by any cause which would so affect the common storage battery. A violent blow or improper material supplied to it is sufficient to disable it temporarily or permanently. The brain contains the “best transmitters and receivers known to man". It can even produce force by its subtle fluid in many ways. It can send out mental impressions and receive them from afar. I regard the mind, intellect, or soul as using this wonderful mechanism as one uses the common storage battery for any mechanical device.
The brain power increases, up to its capacity, by use. When the soul is first placed in possession of this wonderful battery but little is required beyond the mere animal wants. As it grows, more is demanded, and soon the battery is working to its limit, according to the ideas of its proprietor. When I wish to make an impression near or far, I set the battery in motion according to fixed but poorly understood rules if I am to get the desired effect. I transmit my ideas or my power and then watch the receiver to see what answer comes back.
When I say to my friend, “I know what you are thinking of,’’ I have simply heard what my brain receiver has told me. My brain has received certain impressions sent out by the other transmitter. When I will a certain person in an audience to look at me, I send out another force, which, acting on ‘his brain receiver, causes him to look around until he recognizes me. I believe it is possible to so adjust these delicate instruments as to transmit and receive messages from all manner of people. I look forward to the time when the rules governing the subtle fluid controlled by the mind may be formulated so that even more wonderful things than are now of daily occurrence may be observed.
C.
New York, April 19, 1899.

Published: April 24, 1899
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