The belief in intercourse with the spirits of the dead may be said to begin in modern times with Swedenborg. Prior to his time, indeed, alchemists and magicians believed themselves to have opened up communication with the world of spirits; but the entities with whom they came into contact were conceived of as creatures of the elements, or spiritual beings parasitic on mankind. Contents: older spiritualism, Daniel Dunglas Home; levitation and the fire ordeal; Eusapia Palladino; Eusapia Palladino and the S.P.R.; nature of the problem; mediumship of Mrs. Piper and Mrs. Thompson; some recent communicators; cross correspondences; most recent evidence; stage setting of the trance; conclusion.