Mesmerism, Spiritualism, etc.
Historically and Scientifically Considered

A Victorian doctor's lectures, published in 1877, using historical and scientific evidence to challenge the 'epidemic delusions' of spiritualism.

William Benjamin Carpenter (Author)

9781108027397, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 20 January 2011

178 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1 cm, 0.23 kg

William Carpenter (1813–1885) was a leading medical teacher and researcher in London. Although much of his work focused on physiology and the nervous system, he spent a considerable amount of time investigating questions surrounding the relationship between science and religion. He participated in many debates on this issue, and was a member of the prestigious Metaphysical Society, which explored scientific and religious connections. In Mesmerism, Spiritualism, etc. Historically and Scientifically Considered, two of his lectures published in 1877, Carpenter sets out to question on scientific grounds the many spiritualist beliefs that were gaining popularity throughout Britain. His work covers topics such as odylism, electro-biology, thought-reading and clairvoyance. He locates these practices in historical contexts that often stretch back to ancient times, and gives modern scientific explanations for certain phenomena, all with the aim of stifling what he called 'epidemic delusions'.

Preface
Lecture I: Introduction
Mesmerism
Odylism
Electro-biology
Pendule explorateur
Diving rod
Thought-reading
Lecture II: Introduction
Mesmeric clairvoyance
Table-turning and table-talking
Spiritualism
Appendices.

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX]