…disease).9Mashour et al. (2019). However, because such episodes can also occur many weeks or months before death, paradoxical lucidity does not automatically and always imply proximity of death. Conversely, the decisive definition criterion of terminal lucidity is the proximity of death – but it is not limited to occurring in…
…random devices, but also that the complexity of the device did not matter, and, most surprisingly, that the effect could seemingly operate retroactively. To demonstrate this last effect Schmidt pre-recorded the data for entire experiments (automatically and unseen by anyone). At a later time, subjects (who generally thought they were…
…for his theory of ‘habitual memory’ and ‘pure memory’. Bergson (1896) describes ‘habitude memory’ which is replaying and repeating past action, not strictly recognized as representing the past, but utilizing it for the purpose of present action. This kind of memory is automatic, inscribed within the body, and serves a…
…with more stringent conditions, for instance using high quality casino dice and randomly choosing what face to wish for. To remove any possibility of direct physical influence, machines were introduced that tumbled the dice, released them automatically and photographed the outcome. In due course the process was standardized to a…
…released them automatically and photographed the outcome. In due course the process was standardized to a run of 24 throws where the expected number of hits would be 4 (1/6*24). In 1943, Rhine published an overview of 20 experiments carried out over nine years. The early ones were marred by…
…(W), fulfilment or non-attachment (N); it also corresponds respectively with Faith, Obedience, Active Recollection, Continuous Recollection.31Whiteman (1986). Whiteman placed great importance on this cycle having its opposites or ‘counterfeits’ of self-will, self-satisfaction, automaticity, complacency, which may lead to a corresponding cycle of ‘stresses’ of death-feeling, shame, pain, fear. This in…
After-death communications (ADCs) are spontaneous experiences in which people perceive contact from someone who has died. This overview examines their history, forms, prevalence and effects, from sensed presences and dreams to apparitions, voices and signs, and surveys psychological, neuroscientific and survival-based explanations. ADCs are distinguished from mediumship and other deliberately…
…(1838). Lee published a detailed account of thirteen sittings in his 1866 book Animal Magnetism and Magnetic Lucid Somnambulism. He noted that Didier preferred to write down his sensations and communications rather than speaking them, which he took to indicate a preference for automatic writing.7Lee (1866). Robert-Houdin Tests of Didier…
Alan Gauld (1932–2024) was a British academic who taught biological psychology and neuropsychology at the University of Nottingham. He is noted for writings on mediumship, poltergeists, parapsychology’s early history, and the history of hypnosis. The article presents him as a worker whose authority grew from patient scholarship rather than bold…
