JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF PSYCHICAL RESEARCH [1885]
Book Details + Condition: Society of Psychical Research (London). First Edition, 1885. Hardcover with three-quarters leather binding; raised bands and gilt to spine. 419 pages. Illustrated. This volume covers January through December, 1885. The volume contains 12 issues, one for each month of the year. Articles and content include:
- Specimens of the Classification of Cases for "Phantasms of the Living"
- On Action of Will at a Distance
- Apparitions at the Moment of Death
- Case of Monition Succeeded by Certain Mesmeric Phenomena
- Report on a Haunted House at Norwich
- Mr. Hodgsons Investigations in India - Madame Helena Blavatsky (p 323)
- Mr. Engliton's Slate Writing
- Mesmeric Phenomena
- On Physical Tests and the Line Between Possible and Impossible
- Prediction of Recovery in Mesmerism
-Thought Reading With and Without Contact
- Phantasms of the Dead
- On the Action of Drugs at a Distance
- Report on Impromptu Replies Though a Lady Psychic of Limited Education
- Spirit Slate Writing, Mr. G.R. Vicars
- And more.
The Society for Psychical Research was created in 1882, with Henry Sidgwick serving as its first president. Its stated purpose was to apply scientific methods to the investigation of psychic phenomena and the paranormal. Areas of study included hypnotism, dissociation, thought-transference, mediumship, spirit possession, apparitions and haunted houses and the physical phenomena associated with séances. The SPR were the first to introduce a number of neologisms which have entered the English language, such as 'telepathy', which was coined by Frederic Myers. Much of the early work involved investigating, exposing and in some cases duplicating fake phenomena. Among its most renowned members were Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Harry Price, and William T. Stead.
Very scarce first edition, early copy of primary source content of the Journal, with beautiful binding. Firm binding; light shelf wear to boards, with a bit of rubbing/discoloration; interior is clean and free of markings. All books are carefully packed, and shipped in boxes.
