CRYSTAL BALLS AND CRYSTAL GAZING 205
of
the polished surface of the obsidian. Mirrors of this material are said
to have been used for divination in ancient Mexico and the neighboring
countries.41 One of these Mexican mirrors seems to have been employed by Dr. Dee in his experiments in crystal vision.
A
remarkable series of tests in the art of scrying, given in the presence
of Lane, the great Arabic scholar, and translator of the Arabian
Nights, illustrates the fallibility of most of the evidence adduced in
such matters, for, at first, Lane was strongly impressed by the
exhibition. Although no crystal was used, the process of scrying was
precisely the same as in crystal-gazing,—that is to say, the vision
called for by the visitors was seen by the scryer on a polished
surface. The master of ceremonies was an Arab magician, though, of
course, he did not do the scrying himself, but employed a boy for this
purpose, for it is generally thought that half-grown boys or girls are
more receptive. Although Lane himself was perfectly familiar with
Arabic, an interpreter was always present in the interest of the other
Europeans who assisted at the experiments.
After
invoking many mysterious geniuses and burning incense and scraps of
paper inscribed with magic formulas, the magician drew a magic square
on a large sheet of paper and dropped a quantity of ink in the centre.
On this the boy was directed to fix his gaze, and after he had shown
that he was thoroughly under the magician's influence, by describing
the images suggested to him, the visitors were permitted to ask him
questions. The answers were successful in most cases; a single
instance will suffice. When the boy was asked to describe Admiral
"Nuttall, "The Fundamental Principles of Old and New World Civilization," Cambridge, Mass., 1901, p. 80.
