927 B. The experiences described in connection with Miss White and Miss Lottie Fowler (both of whom are now dead) seem analogous to experiences with Mrs. Piper. The case of Miss White comes from America, and is specially interesting both in the apparent fulfilment of the promise made by the alleged discarnate spirit control to appear to the narrator's sick wife, and in the apparent knowledge shown of the immediate approach of death.

From Proceedings S.P.R., vol. viii. p. 227.

January 28th, 1891.

About eleven years ago I was much distressed owing to the illness of my wife, who suffered from cancer in the stomach. I heard about a medium, Miss Susie Nickerson White, who was said to have given some remarkable tests, and I called on her as a stranger and requested a sitting. My wife's sister purported to "control," giving her name, Maria, and mentioning facts about my family which were correct. She also called my wife by her name, Eliza Anne, described her sickness, and said that she would pass over, but not for some months. I said, "What do you call this? Is it psychology, or mesmerism, or what?" Maria said, "I knew you were going to ask that; I saw it in your mind." I said, "Do you get all the things out of my mind?" She replied, "No. I'll tell you some things that are not in your mind. Within three days Eliza Anne will say that she has seen me and mother, too, if I can get mother to come along." (My wife's mother had died about forty-five years previously, and my wife's sister had been dead from six to eight years).

I kept these circumstances to myself, but within three days the nurse who was in attendance upon my wife came running to me and said that my wife was worse, and was going out of her mind; that she had called upon Maria and mother, and had sprung out of bed and ran towards the door crying, "Stop, Maria! Stop, mother! Don't go yet! "

I soon consulted Miss White again, and Maria again purported to control. My wife had been unable for some days to retain any food in her stomach, could not keep even water or milk, and was very weak and also unable to sleep.

Maria told me to give her some hot, very strong coffee, with plenty of cream and sugar and some cream toast. This prescription amazed me, but it was prepared. My wife ate and drank with relish, and slept soundly afterwards. She lived upon this food for some days, but gradually became unable even to take this.

I consulted Miss White again, and Maria told me to get some limes, and to give my wife some pure juice of the lime several times a day; she said that this would give her an appetite and enable her to retain food. The prescription was a success; but gradually my wife failed, and I consulted Miss White again, and asked Maria how long my wife would continue to suffer. She said she could not tell exactly when she would pass away, but would give me a warning - "The next time she says she has seen me, don't leave her afterwards".

Some days later, as I was relieving the nurse about three or four in the morning, the nurse said, "Mammie" (meaning my wife) "says she has seen Maria again." In a few minutes my wife said, "I must go." And she expired. (Signed) E. Paige, Mary A. Paige.

[Formerly Mary A. Dockerty, the nurse].

[I have had long interviews with Mr. Paige. He seems to be a shrewd and careful witness. - Richard Hodgson].