Rules of the Parisian Society for Spirit Studies⁹

Founded April 1, 1858, and authorized by decree of the Prefect of Police, dated April 13, 1858, on the advice of His Excellency the Minister of the Interior and of General Security.

Founded April 1, 1858. The Prefect of Police authorized it by decree on April 13, 1858. The decree followed the advice of His Excellency the Minister of the Interior and of General Security.

Note. Although these rules are the fruit of experience, we do not give them as an absolute law, but solely for the convenience of societies that may wish to form, and that can draw from them such provisions as they think useful and applicable to their own particular circumstances. However simplified the organization may be, it can be made much more so when it is a question, not of regularly constituted societies, but of simple private reunions, which need establish only measures of order, of precaution, and of regularity in their work.

Note. Although these rules are based on experience, we do not present them as absolute law. They are intended only to help societies that may wish to form. Each society can choose the provisions it finds useful and applicable to its own circumstances. However simple the organization may be, it can be much simpler for private gatherings than for formally established societies. Private gatherings need only establish measures to ensure order, caution, and regularity in their work.

We give them also for the guidance of persons who may wish to place themselves in communication with the Parisian Society, whether as correspondents or as members of the Society.

We also provide them as guidance for anyone who may wish to contact the Parisian Society as a correspondent or member.

Article 1. The object of the Society is the study of all the phenomena relating to spirit manifestations, and their application to the moral, physical, historical, and psychological sciences. Political questions, questions of religious controversy, and questions of social economy are forbidden in it.

Article 1. The Society studies all phenomena related to spirit manifestations. It also studies their application to the moral, physical, historical, and psychological sciences. Political questions, religious controversies, and questions of social economy are forbidden in the Society.

It takes the title of Parisian Society for Spirit Studies.

It is called the Parisian Society for Spirit Studies.

Art. 2. The Society is composed of titular members, free associates, and corresponding members.

Article 2. The Society consists of titular members, free associates, and corresponding members.

It may confer the title of honorary member on persons residing in France or abroad who, by their position or their labors, can render it signal services.

It may grant honorary membership to people living in France or abroad who can provide valuable services through their position or work.

Honorary members are submitted to re-election every year.

Honorary members must stand for re-election every year.

Art. 3. The Society admits only persons who sympathize with its principles and with the object of its labors; those who are already initiated into the fundamental principles of spirit science, or who are seriously animated by the desire to be instructed in it. Consequently, it excludes whoever might bring elements of disturbance into the reunions, whether by a spirit of hostility and systematic opposition or by any other cause, and so cause time to be lost in useless discussions.

Art. 3. The Society admits only people who support its principles and the purpose of its work. They must already know the basic principles of spirit science or sincerely wish to learn them. Therefore, the Society excludes anyone who might disrupt meetings through hostility, systematic opposition, or any other cause. Such disruptions waste time in pointless discussions.

All the members owe one another benevolence and courteous dealing; they should, in all circumstances, place the general good above personal questions and questions of self-love.

All members owe one another kindness and courtesy. In all circumstances, they should put the common good above personal concerns and pride.

Art. 4. To be admitted as a free associate, a written application must be addressed to the President, endorsed by two titular members, who make themselves answerable for the intentions of the applicant.

Art. 4. To become a free associate, an applicant must submit a written application to the President. Two titular members must endorse the application and vouch for the applicant's intentions.

The letter of application must state briefly: first, whether the applicant already possesses any knowledge in the matter of Spiritism; second, the state of his convictions on the fundamental points of the science; third, his engagement to conform in all things to the rules.

The application letter must briefly state three things. First, whether the applicant already knows anything about Spiritism. Second, what the applicant believes about the fundamental principles of the science. Third, that the applicant agrees to follow all the rules.

The application is submitted to the committee, which examines it and proposes, if there be occasion, admission, adjournment, or rejection.

The application is submitted to the committee, which reviews it and, if appropriate, recommends admission, postponement, or rejection.

Adjournment is obligatory for every candidate who possesses none of the elements of spirit science, and does not sympathize with the principles of the Society.

Any candidate who knows nothing of spirit science and does not share the Society's principles must be deferred.

Free associates have the right to attend all the séances, and to take part in the labors and discussions that have study for their object; but in no case have they a deliberative voice in what concerns the affairs of the Society.

Free associates may attend all the séances and take part in work and discussions aimed at study. But they have no voting rights in any matters concerning the Society.

Free associates are engaged only for the year of their admission, and their continuance in the Society must be ratified at the end of this first year.

Free associates join for one year only. Their continued membership in the Society must be approved at the end of that year.

Art. 5. To be a titular member, one must have been a free associate for at least a year, have attended more than half the séances, and have given during that time manifest proofs of his knowledge and his convictions in the matter of Spiritism, of his adherence to the principles of the Society, and of his will to act in all circumstances toward his colleagues according to the principles of charity and of spirit morality.

Art. 5. To become a titular member, a person must have been a free associate for at least a year. During that time, the person must have attended more than half the séances and clearly demonstrated knowledge of and conviction in Spiritism. The person must also have shown commitment to the Society's principles and a willingness to treat colleagues according to charity and spirit morality in all circumstances.

Free associates who have regularly attended the séances of the Society for six months may be admitted as titular members, provided they fulfill the other conditions.

Free associates may become titular members if they have regularly attended the Society’s séances for six months. They must also meet the other conditions.

Admission is proposed by the committee of its own motion, with the assent of the associate, if it is further supported by three other titular members. It is then pronounced, if there be occasion, by the Society, by secret ballot, after a verbal report from the committee.

The committee may propose admission on its own initiative, with the associate's consent and the support of three other titular members. The committee then gives an oral report to the Society. If appropriate, the Society decides on admission by secret ballot.

Titular members alone have a deliberative voice, and they alone enjoy the privilege granted by Article 25.

Only titular members have a vote in decisions, and only they have the privilege granted by Article 25.

Art. 6. The Society will limit, if it think fit, the number of free associates and of titular members.

Art. 6. The Society may limit the number of free associates and titular members if it chooses.

Art. 7. Corresponding members are those who, not residing in Paris, are in communication with the Society, and furnish it with documents useful for its studies. They may be appointed on the presentation of a single titular member.

Art. 7. Corresponding members live outside Paris, communicate with the Society, and provide documents useful for its studies. They may be appointed on the recommendation of a single titular member.

Art. 8. The Society is administered by a President-Director, assisted by the members of the bureau and by a committee.

Art. 8. The Society is managed by a President-Director, with help from the bureau members and a committee.

Art. 9. The bureau is composed of:

Art. 9. The bureau consists of:

1 President; 1 Vice-President; 1 Principal Secretary; 2 Assistant Secretaries; 1 Treasurer.

1 president, 1 vice president, 1 principal secretary, 2 assistant secretaries, 1 treasurer.

One or more Honorary Presidents may, besides, be appointed.

One or more honorary presidents may also be appointed.

In the absence of the President and the Vice-President, the séances may be presided over by one of the members of the committee.

If the President and Vice-President are absent, a committee member may preside over the séances.

Art. 10. The President-Director owes all his care to the interests of the Society and of spirit science. He has the general direction and the chief superintendence of the administration, as well as the keeping of the archives.

Art. 10. The President-Director must give full attention to the interests of the Society and spirit science. He directs and oversees the administration and keeps the archives.

The President is appointed for three years, and the other members of the bureau for one year, and they are re-eligible indefinitely.

The President is appointed for three years, and the other members of the bureau for one year. All may be reappointed indefinitely.

Art. 11. The committee is composed of the members of the bureau and of five other titular members, chosen by preference from among those who have given active aid in the labors of the Society, rendered services to the cause of Spiritism, or given pledges of their kindly and conciliatory spirit. These five members are, like the members of the bureau, appointed for one year, and are re-eligible.

Art. 11. The committee consists of the bureau members and five other titular members. Preference is given to those who have actively helped with the Society's work, served the cause of Spiritism, or shown a kind and conciliatory spirit. Like the bureau members, these five members are appointed for one year and may be reappointed.

The committee is presided over by right by the President-Director, or in his absence by the Vice-President, or by whichever of its members shall be designated for that purpose.

The President-Director chairs the committee by right. In the President-Director's absence, the Vice-President or a designated committee member chairs it.

The committee is charged with the preliminary examination of all questions and proposals, administrative and other, to be submitted to the Society; it controls the receipts and expenses of the Society and the accounts of the Treasurer; it authorizes current expenses, and decides upon all measures of order that shall be judged necessary.

The committee first examines all questions and proposals to be submitted to the Society, whether administrative or otherwise. It oversees the Society's income and expenses and the Treasurer's accounts. It authorizes routine expenses and decides on all measures needed to maintain order.

It examines, besides, the labors and subjects of study proposed by the different members, prepares some on its own part, and fixes the order of the séances in concert with the President.

It also reviews the work and subjects for study proposed by the members, and prepares some of its own. It sets the order of the séances together with the President.

The President may always oppose the treatment of certain subjects and their being placed on the order of the day, subject to his referring the matter to the Society, which will decide.

The President may always object to discussing certain subjects or putting them on the agenda. He must refer the matter to the Society, which will decide.

The committee meets regularly before the opening of the séances for the examination of current matters, and besides at any other time it may judge suitable.

The committee meets regularly before the séances begin to discuss current matters. It also meets whenever else it sees fit.

Members of the bureau and of the committee who have been absent for three consecutive months without having given notice are considered to have resigned their functions, and their places will be filled.

Bureau and committee members who are absent for three consecutive months without giving notice are considered to have resigned. Their places will be filled.

Art. 12. The decisions, whether of the Society or of the committee, are taken by an absolute majority of the members present; in case of a tie, the President has the casting vote.

Art. 12. Decisions by the Society or the committee require a majority of the members present. In case of a tie, the President casts the deciding vote.

The committee may deliberate when four of its members are present.

The committee may discuss matters when four members are present.

A secret ballot is taken as of right if five members demand it.

If five members demand a secret ballot, they have the right to one.

Art. 13. Every three months, six members, chosen from among the titular members or the free associates, are designated to fulfill the functions of commissioners.

Art. 13. Every three months, six titular members or free associates are chosen to serve as commissioners.

The commissioners are charged with watching over the order and good conduct of the séances, and with verifying the right of entry of every stranger who presents himself to attend them.

The commissioners are responsible for maintaining order and good conduct at the séances. They also check whether each stranger who comes to attend has the right to enter.

To this end, the members designated will arrange among themselves that one of them be present at the opening of the séances.

To this end, the designated members will arrange for one of them to be present at the opening of the séances.

Art. 14. The Society's year begins on April 1.

Art. 14. The Society's year begins on April 1.

The elections of the bureau and of the committee will take place at the first séance of the month of May. The members in office will continue their functions until that time.

Elections for the bureau and committee will take place at the first séance in May. Current officeholders will continue in their roles until then.

Art. 15. To meet the expenses of the Society, an annual subscription is paid of 24 francs for titular members and 20 francs for free associates.

Art. 15. To cover the Society’s expenses, titular members pay 24 francs a year, and free associates pay 20 francs.

Titular members, on their reception, pay besides an entrance fee of 10 francs, paid once only.

When admitted, titular members also pay a one-time entrance fee of 10 francs.

The subscription is paid in full for the current year.

The subscription has been paid in full for this year.

Members admitted in the course of the year will have to pay, for this first year, only the quarters yet to fall due, including that of their admission.

Members admitted during the year pay only for the remaining quarters of that year, including the quarter when they join.

When husband and wife are received as free associates or as titular members, only one subscription and a half is required for the two.

When a husband and wife join as free associates or titular members, they pay one and a half subscriptions between them.

Every six months, on April 1 and October 1, the Treasurer renders an account to the committee of the employment and the state of the funds.

Every six months, on April 1 and October 1, the Treasurer reports to the committee on how the funds have been used and their current status.

The current expenses for rent and other obligatory charges having been paid, if there is a surplus, the Society will determine its use.

After paying rent and other required expenses, the Society will decide how to use any surplus.

Art. 16. A card of admission certifying their title is given to all members received, whether free associates or titular members. This card is deposited with the Treasurer, from whom the new member may obtain it on paying his subscription and the entrance fee. The new member cannot attend the séances until he has obtained his card. If he has not obtained it within a month after his election, he is considered to have resigned.

Art. 16. All admitted members receive a card confirming their status, whether they are free associates or titular members. The Treasurer holds the card until the new member pays the subscription and entrance fee. The new member cannot attend the séances until they receive their card. If they have not obtained it within a month of their election, they are considered to have resigned.

Every member will likewise be considered to have resigned who has not paid his annual subscription within the first month of the renewal of the Society's year, after a notice from the Treasurer has remained without effect.

A member will also be considered to have resigned if they fail to pay their annual subscription within the first month of the Society's new year, after ignoring a notice from the Treasurer.

Art. 17. The séances of the Society take place every Friday at eight o'clock in the evening, subject to change if there be occasion.

Art. 17. The Society's séances take place every Friday at 8 p.m. The schedule may change if necessary.

The séances are private or general; they are never public.

The séances are private or general. They are never public.

Every person belonging to the Society, in whatever capacity, must at each séance sign his name on a list of attendance.

Everyone belonging to the Society, in any capacity, must sign an attendance list at each séance.

Art. 18. Silence and concentration are rigorously required during the séances, and especially during the studies. No one may speak without having obtained leave from the President.

Art. 18. Silence and concentration are strictly required during séances, especially during studies. No one may speak without the President's permission.

All questions addressed to the spirits must be put through the President, who may refuse to put them, according to circumstances.

All questions for the spirits must go through the President. Depending on the circumstances, the President may refuse to ask them.

Especially forbidden are all frivolous questions, questions of personal interest or of mere curiosity, or questions put with a view to subjecting the spirits to tests, as well as all those that have not an end of general utility from the point of view of the studies.

Frivolous questions are especially forbidden, as are questions driven by personal interest or mere curiosity. Questions intended to test the spirits are also forbidden. So are all questions that serve no generally useful purpose for the studies.

Likewise forbidden are all discussions that would turn aside from the special subject under consideration.

All discussions that stray from the subject under consideration are also forbidden.

Art. 19. Every member has the right to demand a call to order against whoever departs from propriety in discussion, or disturbs the séances in any manner whatever. The call to order is put to the vote immediately; if it is adopted, it is entered in the minutes.

Art. 19. Any member may call for a warning against anyone who behaves improperly during discussions or disrupts the séances in any way. The call for a warning is put to a vote immediately. If approved, the warning is recorded in the minutes.

Three calls to order within the space of a year entail as of right the expulsion of the member who has incurred them, whatever his title.

A member who is called to order three times within a year is automatically expelled, regardless of their title.

Art. 20. No spirit communication obtained outside of the Society may be read before it has been submitted either to the President or to the committee, who may allow or refuse its reading.

Art. 20. No spirit communication obtained outside the Society may be read without first being submitted to the President or the committee. The President or the committee may allow or refuse to let it be read.

A copy of every outside communication whose reading has been authorized must be deposited in the archives.

A copy of every outside communication approved for reading must be kept in the archives.

All communications obtained during the séances belong to the Society; the mediums who have written them may take copies of them.

All communications received during the séances belong to the Society. The mediums who wrote them may make copies.

Art. 21. The private séances are reserved for the members of the Society; they take place on the first, the third, and, when there is one, the fifth Friday of each month.

Art. 21. The private séances are only for members of the Society. They take place on the first and third Fridays of each month, and on the fifth Friday when there is one.

The Society reserves for the private séances all questions concerning its administrative affairs, as well as the subjects of study that call for the most tranquillity and concentration, or that it thinks fit to examine thoroughly before bringing them before strangers.

The Society reserves all questions about its administration for private séances. It also reserves topics of study that require the greatest quiet and concentration. It does the same for topics it wants to examine thoroughly before presenting them to outsiders.

Entitled to attend the private séances, besides the titular members and the free associates, are corresponding members temporarily in Paris, and the mediums who lend their aid to the Society.

Titular members and free associates may attend the private séances. Corresponding members temporarily in Paris may also attend, as may the mediums who help the Society.

No person not belonging to the Society is admitted to the private séances, except in exceptional cases and with the previous consent of the President.

Only Society members may attend private séances, except in exceptional cases and with the President's prior consent.

Art. 22. The general séances take place on the second and the fourth Friday of each month.

Art. 22. The general séances are held on the second and fourth Fridays of each month.

At the general séances the Society authorizes the admission of outside auditors, who may attend temporarily without belonging to it. It may withdraw this authorization when it thinks fit.

At general séances, the Society allows outside observers to attend temporarily without becoming members. The Society may withdraw this permission whenever it sees fit.

No one may attend the séances as an auditor without being presented to the President by a member of the Society, who makes himself answerable for his care to cause neither disturbance nor interruption.

No one may attend the séances as an observer unless a Society member introduces them to the President. The member is responsible for ensuring that the observer causes no disturbance or interruption.

The Society admits as auditors only persons aspiring to become members, or who are in sympathy with its labors and already sufficiently initiated into spirit science to understand them. Admission must be absolutely refused to whoever is drawn there only by a motive of curiosity, or whose opinions are hostile.

The Society admits observers only if they want to become members or support its work. They must also know enough about spirit science to understand that work. Anyone drawn to the Society only by curiosity, or whose opinions are hostile, must be refused admission.

Auditors are not permitted to speak, except in exceptional cases judged by the President. Whoever disturbs order in any manner whatever, or shows ill will toward the labors of the Society, may be requested to withdraw; and in every case mention of it will be made on the list of admission, and entrance will be forbidden him in future.

Auditors may not speak, except when the President allows it in exceptional cases. Anyone who disrupts order in any way or shows ill will toward the Society's work may be asked to leave. In every case, this will be noted on the admission list, and the person will be barred from future meetings.

As the number of auditors must be limited by that of the places available, those who are to attend the séances must be entered in advance in a register kept for that purpose, with mention of their address and of the person who recommends them. Consequently, every application for entrance must be addressed several days before the séance to the President, who alone issues the letters of introduction until the list is closed.

The number of listeners must be limited to the places available. So those attending the séances must sign up in advance in a register kept for that purpose. The register must include their addresses and the names of those recommending them. Therefore, every application to attend must be sent to the President several days before the séance. Only the President issues letters of introduction, and only until the list is closed.

Letters of introduction are good only for the day indicated and for the persons named.

Letters of introduction are valid only on the day specified and for the people named.

Entrance cannot be granted to the same auditor for more than two séances, except by authorization of the President and in exceptional cases. The same member may not present more than two persons at a time. Entrances given by the President are not limited.

The same attendee may attend no more than two séances, except in exceptional cases with the President's permission. A member may bring no more than two people at a time. There is no limit on the number of admissions the President may grant.

Auditors are no longer admitted after the opening of the séance.

Observers are not allowed in after the séance begins.

Art. 23. All the members of the Society owe it their aid. Consequently they are requested to collect, within their respective circles of observation, facts, old or recent, that may bear on Spiritism, and to report them. They will at the same time be good enough to inquire, as far as lies in their power, how well attested the said facts are.

Art. 23. All members owe the Society their help. They are therefore asked to collect and report facts, old or recent, that may relate to Spiritism. They should gather these facts from their own circles of observation. They are also asked to investigate, as far as they can, how well supported the facts are.

They are likewise requested to point out to it all publications that may have a more or less direct bearing on the object of its labors.

They are also asked to bring to its attention all publications that may relate more or less directly to the purpose of its work.

Art. 24. The Society makes a critical examination of the various works published on Spiritism, when it thinks fit. For this purpose it charges one of its members, free associate or titular, to make it a report, which will be printed, if there be occasion, in the Revue Spirite.

Art. 24. The Society critically examines works published on Spiritism when it sees fit. For this purpose, it asks one of its members, whether a free associate or titular member, to prepare a report. The report will be printed in the Revue Spirite if appropriate.

Art. 25. The Society will form a special library, composed of the works that may be presented to it and of those it may acquire.

Art. 25. The Society will create a special library of works donated to it or acquired by it.

Titular members may come to the seat of the Society to consult either the library or the archives, on the days and at the hours that will be fixed for that purpose.

Titular members may visit the Society's headquarters to consult the library or archives. Days and hours will be set for this purpose.

Art. 26. As the Society considers that its responsibility may be morally engaged by the private publications of its members, no one may take, in any writing whatever, the title of member of the Society without being authorized by it, and without its having first taken cognizance of the manuscript. The committee will be charged with making it a report on the subject. If the Society judges the writing incompatible with its principles, the author, after having been heard, will be requested either to modify it, or to renounce its publication, or, finally, not to make himself known as a member of the Society. If he fails to submit to the decision taken, his expulsion may be pronounced.

Art. 26. The Society considers that it may have a moral responsibility for its members' private publications. Therefore, no one may identify themselves as a member of the Society in any writing without its authorization. The Society must also have reviewed the manuscript first. The committee will report to the Society on the manuscript. If the Society judges the writing incompatible with its principles, it will hear the author. It will then ask the author to change the writing, give up publishing it, or not identify themselves as a member. If the author does not comply with the decision, they may be expelled.

Every writing published by a member of the Society under the veil of anonymity, and without any mention that might make him known as such, falls into the class of ordinary publications, the judgment of which the Society reserves to itself. Nevertheless, without wishing to hinder the free expression of personal opinions, the Society invites those of its members who may intend to make publications of this kind to ask its unofficial opinion beforehand, in the interest of the science.

Any writing a member publishes anonymously, without identifying themselves as a member, is treated as an ordinary publication. The Society reserves the right to judge such publications. Still, the Society does not wish to restrict the free expression of personal opinions. In the interest of the science, it invites members planning such publications to ask for its unofficial opinion beforehand.

Art. 27. The Society, wishing to maintain within its body unity of principles and the spirit of mutual benevolence, may pronounce the expulsion of any member who is a cause of disturbance, or who places himself in open hostility to it by writings compromising to the doctrine, by subversive opinions, or by a manner of acting that it cannot approve. Expulsion will, however, be pronounced only after a previous unofficial warning has remained without effect, and after hearing the member accused, if he sees fit to explain himself. The decision will be taken by secret ballot and by a majority of three fourths of the members present.

Art. 27. The Society wishes to maintain unity of principles and a spirit of mutual goodwill among its members. It may expel any member who causes disruption or openly opposes the Society. Such opposition may take the form of writings that compromise the doctrine, subversive opinions, or conduct the Society cannot approve. However, the Society may expel a member only after an informal warning has had no effect. It must also hear the accused member, if the member chooses to offer an explanation. The decision will be made by secret ballot and requires a three-fourths majority of the members present.

Art. 28. Any member who withdraws voluntarily in the course of the year cannot claim the difference on the subscriptions paid by him; this difference will be refunded in case of expulsion pronounced by the Society.

Art. 28. A member who voluntarily withdraws during the year cannot claim a refund of the difference in subscription payments. The difference will be refunded if the Society expels the member.

Art. 29. The present rules may be modified if there be occasion. Proposals for modifications can be made to the Society only through its President, to whom they must be transmitted, and only in case they have been admitted by the committee.

Art. 29. These rules may be changed if necessary. Proposals for changes must be sent to the President. They may be presented to the Society only through the President and only if the committee has approved them.

The Society may, without modifying its rules in essential points, adopt all supplementary measures it may judge useful.

The Society may adopt any additional measures it considers useful, without changing the essential parts of its rules.