Transcendental Physics
An Account of Experimental Investigations from the Scientific Treatises

In this book, translated by Charles Massey and published in London in 1880, an astrophysicist investigates spiritualism.

Johann Carl Friedrich Zöllner (Author), Charles Carleton Massey (Translated by)

9781108073271, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 June 2011

316 pages, 11 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 1.8 cm, 0.4 kg

A pioneer in the field of astrophysics, Johann Zöllner (1834–1882) was a professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Leipzig and an associate of the Royal Astronomical Society. Zöllner was best known for his work on astronomical photometry and spectrum analysis, on which he published widely. He invented the astronomical photometer used for measuring stellar magnitudes. He was also interested in optical illusions: the 'Zöllner illusion' consists of straight parallel lines which appear to be unparallel. This book, published in German in 1878–1879 and translated into English by Charles C. Massey in London in 1880, exemplifies the shift in Zöllner's interests in later life: he became involved in the public debate surrounding the scientific veracity of spiritualism. Here Zöllner describes his observations of experiments conducted by the medium Henry Slade in his own home.

Translator's preface
Author's dedication to Mr. William Crookes, F.R.S.
1. Gauss's and Kant's theory of space
2. Magnetic experiments
3. Permanent impressions obtained of hands and feet
4. Conditions of investigation
5. Production of knots in an endless string
6. Theoretical considerations
7. Various instances of the so-called passage of matter through matter
8. The phenomena suitable for scientific research
9. Theoretical – the 'fourth dimension'
10. An experiment for sceptics
11. Writing through a table
12. A 'fault' in the cable
13. Phenomena described by others
Appendices.

Subject Areas: Psychology [JM]