fashion； was far too reasonable to endure。 There came a rumour of Oriental magic； （how the world repeats itself！） and presently every one who had nothing better to do gossipped about 〃esoteric Buddhism〃……the saving adjective sounded well in a drawing… room。 It did not hold very long； even with the novelists； for the English taste this esotericism was too exotic。 Somebody suggested that the old table…turning and spirit…rapping； which had homely associations； might be re…considered in a scientific light； and the idea was seized upon。 Superstition pranked in the professor's spectacles； it set up a laboratory； and printed grave reports。 Day by day its sphere widened。 Hypnotism brough