NOTICE ON THIS NEW EDITION.

...at all identical, if not in form then at least in substance, were obtained in various locations, and this even before the publication of our book, which came to confirm them and give them a regular structure. History, for its part, proves that most of these principles have been professed by the most eminent men of ancient and modern times, and lends them its sanction.

The teaching relating to manifestationsThe physical or observable phenomena, such as table-turning or rappings, through which spirits were believed to communicate. properly so called, and to mediumsIndividuals acting as intermediaries between the living and the spirit world., forms in a sense a distinct part of the philosophy, and one which can be the object of a special study. This part having received very considerable development as a result of experience gained, we believed it necessary to make a separate volume of it, containing the answers given to all questions relating to manifestations and mediums, as well as numerous remarks on practical SpiritismThe name Kardec gave to this specific doctrine of spirit communication and reincarnation to distinguish it from general spiritualism.; this work will form the sequel or the complement to THE SPIRITS' BOOK ¹.

¹ In press. original: "Sous presse." This refers to what would become "The Mediums' Book" (Le Livre des Médiums), published in 1861.