EXTRACT FROM INTRODUCTORY HISTORY

The numerous phenomena purporting to be "Spiritual Manifestations," which for the last few years have attracted the attention of many inquiring minds, induced some of the persons hereafter named, to meet together, and comply, as far as practicable, with the ostensible conditions requisite to witness them, and then investigate and ascertain, if possible, the cause.

They believed if these manifestations which were reported as having occurred, (and some of which a part of our members had witnessed,) were produced by spirits, they were in accordance with laws which God had established from the creation of the world, and which it was as much their duty to investigate, as that of any physical law whatever.

 On the evening of April 2, 1851, they met, and organized what is known as a "Harmonial Circle." The circle continued to meet regularly each week, observing, as far as possible, the forms recommended by A. J. Davis, in his "Philosophy of Spiritual Intercourse," and the advice of those who had succeeded in obtaining the responses and manifestations in this city. This consisted of adopting such simple means as were calculated to promote a harmonious calmness and concert of feeling; such as singing, reading, and cheerful conversation, alternately; selecting for these exercises subjects connected with the investigation, and avoiding discussions, especially those of a theological kind, as the circle was composed of persons entertaining various religious opinions. The members sat around a table, or tables placed together, and occasionally a complete circuit would be formed by joining hands; sometimes with, and at other times without the metallic cord recommended by Davis. …