n of those to whom it
was addressed.

The process by which the papers were given was that of dictation through
the clairvoyant while in an abnormal or trance condition and with her
eyes closed. The matter was written in pencil as it fell from her lips,
and subsequently transcribed for the press.

The difficulties attending the transmission of ideas through the medium
of another mind, even under ordinary circumstances, must be apparent to
all, and the unprejudiced reader may readily perceive obstacles to the
literal reproduction of their respective styles and language by the
various contributors.

Yet, notwithstanding the impediments to felicity of expression, I feel
assured that persons at all familiar with the characteristics of the
originals will readily perceive a marked resemblance in style to that of
the authors named.

In the delivery of the articles, their composers would usually assume or
personate their own individual characteristics; thus, Artemus Ward's
conversation and gestures were exceedingly ludicrous. He was the very
personification of mirth, occasionally going to the wall and humorously
"chalking out" his designs. Archbishop Hughes expressed himself in a
quiet, earnest, and eloquent manner. Lady Blessington was full of
vivacity, and Margaret Fuller was our Presiding Angel; while Booth would
become vehement to an intense degree, and at times would mount some
article of furniture in the room, becoming passionately eloquent, as if
again upon the "mimic stage of life."

An intelligent public will perceive the mental effort incident upon the
production of a series of articles so unusually varied; embracing the
distinctive qualities of Philosophy, Science, Religion, Political
Economy, Government, Satire, Humor, Poetry, Fiction, Narrative, Art,
Astronomy, etc., etc.; and the query has fitly been advanced,--what mind,
in the exercise of its normal functions,--has furnished a consecutive
number of essays so surprising in novelty, so diverse in sentiment, so
consistent in treatment, and so forcibly original, as those embraced in
this volume? What intellect so versatile as to reproduce in song and
narrative the characteristic styles of so many, and yet so dissimilar
authors?

In designating the locality of the Second Life, frequent repetition of
certain terms, such as spirit world, etc., were unavoidable. For weeks
and months the unseen visitors were punctual to their appointments, and
this novel mode of b