Psychic phenomena : $b a brief account of the physical manifestations observed in psychical research

by Edward T. Bennett

"Psychic Phenomena: A Brief Account of the Physical Manifestations Observed in Psychical Research" by Edward T. Bennett is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The work explores various physical phenomena associated with spiritualism and psychical research, documenting observed occurrences that challenge established scientific understanding, such as the movement of objects without physical contact, the production of sound, and light effects in the context of séances. The author serves as the assistant secretary for the Society of Psychical Research, grounding his account in the group's investigative efforts. The opening of this study introduces the author’s intentions while outlining the scope of the book. It mentions the differentiation between physical and mental phenomena in spiritualism, indicating that the focus will be on tangible occurrences substantiated by scientific evidence. Bennett emphasizes the challenge of reproducing these phenomena under controlled conditions, suggesting that while traditional scientific methods may be impractical here, persistent inquiry could yield significant insights. He sets the stage for a detailed examination of various documented experiences, including the work of well-known mediums and reports from investigative committees to lend credibility to the discussion that follows.