Apparitions and Thought-Transference: An Examination of the Evidence for Telepathy

by Frank Podmore

Overview

Frank Podmore (1856–1910) was a paranormal researcher and socialist who co-founded the Fabian Society. He became interested in spiritualism while studying at Oxford and joined the Society for Psychical Research. Forced to leave his employment at the Post Office amid rumours of a homosexual scandal, Podmore was later found drowned in suspicious circumstances. This 1894 volume is a detailed and comprehensive study of a variety of unexplained phenomena. The author reviews numerous scientific tests of telepathic ability involving the transmission of thoughts, tastes and images (illustrated by reproduction of sketches purportedly sent between psychics). Also reported are researches into clairvoyance, automatic writing and even attempts to induce sleep using telepathy. The author explores a variety of rational explanations for the phenomena, including fraud and the influence of hypnosis and suggestibility. Diligent and carefully argued, Podmore's examination of the scientific study of the supernatural is also colourful and enthralling.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781108028059
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	05/19/2011
Series:	Cambridge Library Collection - Spiritualism and Esoteric Knowledge
Pages:	422
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 1.10(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Introductory; 2. Experimental transference of simple sensations in the normal state; 3. Experimental transference of simple sensations with hypnotised percipients; 4. Experimental production of movements and other effects; 5. Experimental production of telepathic effects at a distance; 6. General criticism of the evidence for spontaneous thought-transference; 7. Transference of ideas and emotions; 8. Coincident dreams; 9. On hallucination in general; 10. Induced telepathic hallucinations; 11. Spontaneous telepathic hallucinations; 12. Collective hallucinations; 13. Some less common types of telepathic hallucination; 14. On clairvoyance in trance; 15. On clairvoyance in normal state; 16. Theories and conclusions; Index.