Gustave Geley (1865–1924) was a French physician who left medicine to become one of early psychical research’s most ambitious organisers and theorists. The article focuses especially on his institutional role at the Institut Métapsychique International and on his controversial ectoplasm investigations, where tangible proof was pursued with unusual boldness. The…
WW Baggally exemplifies the technically minded psychical researcher who brought scepticism, patience and practical skill to disputed phenomena. A conjuring expert and investigator of telepathy, mediums and apparitions, he is especially remembered for the Naples sittings with Eusapia Palladino and for his cautious openness to supernormal explanations. Baggally brought conjuring…
A preacher, philosopher and influential editor, LP Jacks (1860–1955) brought psychical research into conversation with religion, dreams and wider philosophical questions. He neither dismissed mediumistic evidence nor accepted it uncritically, preferring to ask how survival claims might enlarge prevailing ideas about nature, mind and the continuing world of the dead….
Robert Hare (1781–1858), an American chemistry professor and world-renowned inventor, was one of the first scientists to take an active interest in psychical research. His 1855 book Experimental Investigation of the Spirit Manifestations describes his investigations of mediums, which convinced him he had communicated with deceased friends and family members….
Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding (1882–1970) made a name heading the RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain. In retirement, he became actively involved in spiritualist activities and authored several books. The article shows how his wartime activity helped him to promote postmortem survival and moral causes such as…
