There is in genius an obscure element — that obscure element, real but difficult to define, which is called mediunnity when it assumes certain aspects. A case like that of Napoleon makes this clear. Napoleon was the medium of a vast number of tendencies of his age and time; if he had not been such a medium he would not have got hold of that age. He was sent out by it to come in to it, and commanded because it told him to command it.