Psychical Research

Society for, a society organized for the purpose of investigating the claims of spiritualism and such other phenomena as cannot be explained on any generally accepted hypothesis. The English Society for Psychical Research was organized in 1882; the American, two years later. In 1890 the American society was incorporated with the British organization. Several European countries have similar societies. Such names as those of Sir Oliver Lodge, William Crookes, Cesare Lombroso, Professor James, W. H. F. Myers, Richard Hodgson, Professor James Hyslop, and those of many other scientists and learned men are found in the membership of these societies, a sufficient guarantee that the phenomena coming within the province of psychical research are no longer to be regarded as wholly due to the fraudulent practices of unscrupulous quacks, but that some of them, at least, are worthy of serious consideration.

The work of the societies includes the study of hypnosis, mesmerism, telepathy, and all forms of influence exerted by one mind over another without communication by means of the senses; of clairvoyance, spiritualism, and the claims of persons said to be "sensitive" or mediumistic; and the investigation of reported apparitions and haunted houses. The aim of the society is, by the application of scientific principles, to arrive at the truth as to the actual occurrence of such phenomena, and, in case they are found to occur, to learn the cause. The records of the society fill many volumes, and numerous works have been written upon various phases of the subject by individual members. A large amount of evidence has been collected which proves, to the satisfaction of certain investigators, that telepathy, that is, the influence of one mind upon another at a distance and without the aid of the physical senses, is a fact; that mind and personality exist apart from the physical brain; that mind and personality survive the death of the physical brain; and the possibility, at least, that the claims of spiritualism may be made good. Others believe that telepathy has been proved, and that most of the other phenomena are results of that. Still others hold the facts that have been ascertained to be wholly inadequate as proof, and that further investigations are necessary before definite conclusions can be reached.