Table-turning was a form of seance that became especially popular in England and America around 1852-3, coinciding with the growth of the Spiritualism movement. Some religious figures, such as the author of this pamphlet, considered the practice to be sinful, associating it with devil worship.
Pamphlet “Table-Moving Tested. And Proved to be the Result of Satanic Agency,” The Rev. N.S. Godfrey, S. C. L. of St. Catherine Hall, Cambridge, and Incumbent of Wortley, Leeds. Fourth Edition. Seeleys, Fleet Street, London. Riche, Clapham Road. Cullingworth, Briggate, Leeds. 1853, Folder “Table-turning,” Box 34, Eileen J. Garrett Parapsychology Foundation Collection, Collection 331, Special Collections, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (Baltimore, MD).