SYNOPSIS OF VOLUME I.

INTRODUCTION.

I.

§ 1. The title of this book embraces all transmissions of thought and feeling from one person to another by means other than the recognized channels of sense; among these cases we include apparitions. xxxv-xxxvi

§ 2. We conceive that the problems attacked here lie in the main track of science. xxxvi

§ 3. The Society for Psychical Research merely aims at the free and exact discussion of the one remaining group of subjects to which such discussion is still refused. Reasons for such refusal. xxxvi-xxxix

§ 4. Reasons for pursuing our inquiries may be drawn from the current condition of several related studies. Reasons drawn from the advance of biology. xxxix-xli

§ 5. Specimens of problems suggested by biology on which inquiries like ours may eventually throw light. Wundt's Wilhelm Wundt (1832–1920), a pioneering psychologist. view of the origination of psychical energy. xli-xlii

§ 6. The problems of hypnotism. xlii-xliii

§ 7. Hope of aid from the progress of "psycho-physical" inquiries. xliii-xliv

§ 8. Reasons for psychical research drawn from the gaps in anthropology. xliv-xlv

§ 9. Reasons drawn from the study of history, and especially the comparative history of religions. Instance from the S.P.R.'s investigation of so-called "Theosophy." An occult movement popular in the 19th century. xlvi-xlviii

§ 10. In considering the relation of our studies to religion generally, we observe that since telepathy obliges us to conceive the psychical element in man as having relations that cannot be expressed in terms of matter...