Inferences from Haunted Houses and Haunted Men

by J. W. (John William) Harris

"Inferences from Haunted Houses and Haunted Men" by J. W. Harris is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book delves into topics surrounding the phenomena of hauntings and alleged supernatural occurrences, focusing particularly on the connections between these events and hypnotism. Through his exploration, the author aims to shed light on the often-dismissed aspects of psychical research while invoking the scientific rigor of his time. In this work, Harris examines various accounts of hauntings, including the experiences of individuals at a particular location known as B---- House. He posits that many ghostly encounters can be explained through principles of hypnotism and thought transfer, arguing that the apparitions perceived by witnesses may be the result of mental disturbances caused by lurking hypnotists rather than genuine supernatural entities. The text includes detailed anecdotes of those who have experienced such phenomena, interpretations of their experiences, and a critical assessment of both the psychological and physiological factors involved in these haunting encounters, ultimately urging for a greater understanding and scientific study of these unusual occurrences.