"The amount of sophistication varies according to the quality of the medium, and to the state of the same medium at different times; it must be attributed in the best cases physiologically to the medium, intellectually to the control"
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Oliver Joseph Lodge was a prominent physicist and writer who explored a range of subjects, consisting of the intersection of science and spirituality. In the supplied quote, Lodge is most likely attending to the concept of mediumship, which includes a medium who supposedly communicates with spiritual entities or assists in the transfer of details from one world to another.
The expression, "The quantity of sophistication differs according to the quality of the medium", recommends that the efficiency and complexity of the communication or phenomenon depend on the intrinsic qualities of the medium. Here, "medium" can be analyzed both as the individual who serves as a channel for interaction and the environment or technique used for such exchanges. The "quality of the medium" suggests that some people or techniques are more attuned and capable than others, resulting in more sophisticated results.
Lodge more notes that the "state of the same medium at different times" likewise contributes in this variability. This recommends that even a top quality medium might experience variations in their abilities or efficiency due to numerous elements such as emotional state, physical condition, or environmental influences. This recognition of irregularity highlights the dynamic nature of mediumship or communication through varied mediums.
In the next part, "it must be attributed in the very best cases physiologically to the medium, intellectually to the control", Lodge differentiates between the physiological and intellectual contributions to effective communication. The physiological aspect might refer to the medium's natural abilities or physical state that allow a rich and nuanced transmission. On the other hand, "intellectually to the control" implies that intellectual discernment or oversight plays a vital function, whether by the medium maintaining an awareness and focus or by external entities offering assistance.
In general, Lodge's quote emphasizes the complexity and nuanced nature of mediumship and communication, associating success to both intrinsic qualities of the medium and the intellectual engagement and control applied throughout the procedure.
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