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Cottin’s parents took her to a local priest to be exorcised , but the priest had her sent to a doctor instead. The doctor was convinced of her powers and called a physicist friend to confirm his impressions. The physicist set up a committee to determine whether the girl’s condition was real. Though they observed only one example—a chair shaking when she sat in it—it was enough for the committee; they published a report in the pages of a scientific journal that Cottin’s power was legitimate.

Learn more about the girl with electric powers.

Cottin’s abilities reportedly ceased in April 1846, though this may have been a way for her to avoid further tests with the committee. Nonetheless, her parents persisted in exhibiting her

Séances are gatherings where people try to communicate with the dead.

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PSYCHIC Abilities