This book, first published in 1962, is based on a series of lectures first given at Cambridge University in 1959 and 1960, dealing with 'psychical research' - i.e. the scientific investigation of ostensibly paranormal phenomena. Split into three sections, Professor Broad's study examines numerous issues relating to psychical theory, including guessing, hallucinatory quasi-perception and trance-mediumship.

Contents

Part 1: Experiments in Guessing 1. Dr Soal's Experiments with Mr Shackleton and with Mrs Stewart 2. The Pratt-Pearce Experiment, and Mr Tyrell's Experiments with Miss Johnson 3. Some Points Arising out of the Experiments of Dr Soal and of Mr Tyrell Part 2. Veridical and Prima Facie Paranormal cases of Hallucinatory Quasi-Perception 4. The S.P.R.'s 'Census of Hallucinations' 5. Some Examples of well Attested Sporadic Cases Prima Facie Paranormal 6. Dreams and 'Out-of-the-Body' Experiences 7. Soem Theoretical Points arising from the Cases adduced: (I) The Nature and Classification of Hallucinations (II) Theoretical Points Arising (Continued): (II) The Notion of Telepathy in Connection with Sporadic Cases 9. Theoretical Points Arising (Continued): (III) Theories about Collective and Reciprocal Hallucinations 10. Part 3. Studies in Trance-Mediumship 10. General Account of Trance-Mediumship 11. The Phenomenology of Mrs Leonard's Trance-Mediumship 13. Saltmarsh's Investigation of Mrs Warren Elliot's Mediumship 14. The Pictures Presented Through Mrs Leonard and through Mrs Willett Compared with Each Other and with that Painted by Swedenborg. 15. A Set of Mediumistic Communications which seem to Involve Paranormal Cognition