Adventurings in the Psychical

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Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Adventurings in the Psychical

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

H. Addington Bruce offers a skeptical yet curious early twentieth-century exploration of séances, telepathy, and apparitions. Blending scientific inquiry with historical case studies, this work examines supernatural claims through reason, aiming to naturalize the seemingly paranormal and reveal the practical value of psychical research.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Adventurings in the Psychical*, H. Addington Bruce presents a sequel to his earlier work, *The Riddle of Personality*, aiming to clarify the nature of the human self and the possibility of survival after death. Bruce systematically investigates psychical phenomena, moving beyond superstition to apply rigorous scientific methods. He begins by addressing ghosts, arguing that while many experiences are fraudulent or psychological, genuine apparitions exist. Citing investigations at historic locations like Hampton Court Palace and Versailles, Bruce details how scientific inquiry has objectively studied these events. He recounts specific instances, such as the experiences of Miss Goodrich-Freer at Hampton Court and Miss Morison and Miss Lamont at the Petit Trianon, where locked doors and barricaded rooms were breached by authentic manifestations. The narrative expands to telepathy, presenting evidence for communication between minds. Bruce highlights the famous case of Sir Oliver Lodge and his late uncle, mediated by Mrs. Piper, suggesting complex chains of thought transmission known as *telepathie à trois*. He also examines clairvoyance, automatic writing, and poltergeists, often attributing these to subconscious processes or hypnosis rather than supernatural intervention. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the concept of the 'larger self.' Bruce challenges the materialist view that personality ceases at death, proposing instead that the ordinary self is merely a fluctuating aspect of a continuous, unitary ego. He discusses dissociation, disease caused by emotional shock, and the potential for mental healing. Through detailed accounts of mediums like Mrs. Holland and Mrs. Verrall, Bruce illustrates 'cross-correspondence,' where independent mediums produce identical, specific details about deceased figures, suggesting a connection that transcends physical limitations. He argues that while some faculties may be latent for earthly use, the true nature of the soul and its continuity points toward a future state where these powers are fully realized. Ultimately, Bruce posits that the brain is merely an organ of the body, perishing with it, yet an abiding, indwelling principle superior to the physical organism persists. This larger self remains unaffected by the vicissitudes of the organism, possessing powers that can be utilized for material, intellectual, and moral betterment, thereby vindicating the traditional conception of personality and the continuity of the ego.

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4.2/5

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Categories

• Psychology
• Religion
• Paranormal