Phantasms of the Living - Volume I.. Frank Podmore

of Physics, University College, Liverpool.

      A. MACALISTER, M.D., F.R.S., Professor of Anatomy, Cambridge

      FREDERIC W. H. MYERS, M.A.

      FRANK PODMORE, M.A.

      LORD RAYLEIGH, M.A., F.R.S.

      C. LOCKHART ROBERTSON, M.D.

      E. DAWSON ROGERS.

      HENRY SIDGWICK, Lit. D., D.C.L., Knightbridge Professor of Moral Philosophy, Cambridge.

      HENRY A. SMITH, M.A.

      J. HERBERT STACK.

      BALFOUR STEWART, F.R.S., Professor of Physics, The Owens College, Manchester.

      J. J. THOMSON, M.A., Professor of Experimental Physics, Cambridge.

      JAMES VENN, D.Sc., F.R.S.

      HENSLEIGH WEDGWOOD, M.A.

      HONORARY TREASURER.

      HENRY A. SMITH, 1, New Square, Lincoln’s Imi, W.C.

      HONORARY SECRETARY.

      EDRUND GURNEY, 14, Dean’s Yard, Westminster, S.W.

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      SYNOPSIS OF VOLUME I.

      ________

       INTRODUCTION.

       I.

       § 1. The title of this book embraces all transmissions of thought and feeling from one person to another, by other means than through the recognised channels of sense; and among these cases we shall include apparitions

       § 2. We conceive that the problems here attacked lie in the main track of science

       § 3. The Society for Psychical Research merely aims at the free and exact discussion of the one remaining group of subjects to which such discussion is still refused. Reasons for such refusal

       § 4. Reasons, on the other hand, for the prosecution of our inquiries may be drawn from the present condition of several contiguous studies. Reasons drawn from the advance of biology

       § 5. Specimens of problems which biology suggests, and on which inquiries like ours may ultimately throw light. Wundt’s view of the origination of psychical energy

       § 6. The problems of hypnotism

       § 7. Hope of aid from the progress of “psycho-physical” inquiries

       § 8. Reasons for psychical research drawn from the lacunæ of anthropology

       § 9. Reasons drawn from the study of history, and especially of the comparative history of religions. Instance from the S.P.R.’s investigation of so-called “Theosophy”

       § 10. In considering the relation of our studies to religion generally, we observe that, since they oblige us to conceive the psychical element in man as having relations which cannot be expressed in terms of matter, a possibility is suggested of obtaining scientific evidence of a supersensory relation between man’s mind and a mind or minds above his own

       § 11. While, on the other hand, if our evidence to recent supernormal occurrences be discredited, a retrospective improbability will be thrown on much of the content of religious tradition

       § 12. Furthermore, in the region of ethical and æsthetic emotion, telepathy indicates a possible scientific basis for much to which men now cling without definite justification

       § 13. Investigations such as ours are important, moreover, for the purpose of checking error and fraud, as well as of eliciting truth

       II.

       § 14. Place of the present book in the field of psychical research. Indications of experimental thought-transference in the normal state. 1876-1882

       § 15. Foundation of the Society for Psychical Research, 1882.

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