Meaning: The quote by physicist Oliver Lodge touches upon the concept of mediumship and its varying degrees. Mediumship refers to the ability to communicate with spirits or entities from the spiritual realm. It encompasses a wide range of phenomena, from receiving impressions to more complex forms of communication with the spirit world.

Lodge's mention of "many grades" of mediumship suggests that he recognizes a spectrum of abilities within this practice. This implies that individuals may possess different levels of sensitivity or receptivity to spiritual energies or communication from the other side. Some may have a more rudimentary capacity for mediumship, such as being able to receive impressions or engage in automatic writing, while others may demonstrate more advanced abilities, such as direct communication with spirits or the ability to perceive and interpret spiritual phenomena.

The reference to "the whole subject" being too extensive to cover in the quote indicates that mediumship is a complex and multifaceted topic that cannot be fully expounded upon in a brief statement. Indeed, the study of mediumship encompasses a rich tapestry of experiences, beliefs, and practices that have been explored across cultures and throughout history.

Mediumship has been a subject of fascination and controversy for centuries, with diverse cultural and religious traditions offering their own interpretations and practices related to communicating with the spirit world. In some belief systems, mediums are revered as conduits for wisdom and guidance from the beyond, while in others, they are viewed with skepticism or fear.

The capacity for automatic writing, mentioned in the quote, is a form of mediumship where individuals allow themselves to be a channel for spirit communication through writing. This process involves entering a relaxed or meditative state and allowing the hand to move freely, purportedly guided by spiritual influences. The resulting writing may contain messages, insights, or symbols that are believed to originate from the spirit realm.

In the context of Lodge's background as a physicist, his acknowledgment of mediumship may reflect an openness to exploring phenomena that lie beyond the scope of conventional scientific understanding. While the study of mediumship may not fit neatly within the framework of traditional scientific inquiry, it has nonetheless attracted the interest of researchers and scholars who seek to understand the nature of consciousness, the human mind, and the potential for communication with realms beyond our immediate sensory experience.

In summary, Lodge's quote offers a glimpse into the diverse landscape of mediumship, acknowledging the existence of various grades of ability and suggesting that the topic is too vast to be fully addressed in a single statement. This perspective invites further exploration and contemplation of the complexities and nuances of mediumship, as well as the potential for bridging the gap between the physical and spiritual dimensions of human experience.