One aspect of that knowledge is that the learned can read the minds, the thoughts of those with whom they come into contact." The ladies began to express an intense desire to hear a story of magic and mystery, and to assure him that his name was a delightful one.
"I trust I am not the disciple of either the men whose name I bear.
Certainly I am susceptible to the influence of ladies"-- and he smiled, thereby showing his white, shining teeth--"but I am a great admirer of honest men, whoever they may be, or whatever be their opinion.

I am not a follower of Voltaire, although I admire his genius.

He believed but little in the powers of the soul, or in the spirit world; I, on the other hand, believe it to be more real than the world in which we live." "We are not altogether strangers to stories about spiritualism or mesmerism here," said Miss Forrest, "but the votaries of these so-called sciences have been and are such miserable specimens of mankind that educated people treat them with derision." There was decision and energy in her voice.

Evidently she was not one to be easily deceived or trifled with.
"Counterfeits prove reality," said Voltaire, looking searchingly at her; "besides, I seek to impose none of my stories on any one.

I am not a professional spiritualist, psychologist, or biologist.