During the 1920's most scientist were very apprehensive about
doing any type of Psychic research. The field was so disrespected
that one University Psychologist stated that he would not even
keep the Journal of the Society for Psychical Research in the
library or it may "Inflame the imaginations and corrupt the minds
of the student's."
The field needed someone who had credibility to take an interest
in it. Then in 1920, William McDougal came from England to
Harvard. He had already earned enough respect in mainstream
science to make his own area of study. He openly expresses an
interest in the paranormal. He later adapted the term parapsychology
from German for serious exploration of paranormal areas. Among
McDougal students was a brightyoung man, Joseph Banks Rhine,
who would become the father of modern parapsychology.
Rhine read a book entitled "The Survival of Man" by Sir Oliver Lodge,
A Respected British psychologist. In the book the author claimed to
communicate with his deceased son through the use of a medium,
Gladys Osborne. This book changed Rhine�s life. Here is an
internationally respected scientist telling people that he believes in life
after death. Then Rhine read McDougal's book, "Body and Mind"
which concluded that it is "unpardonable for the scientific world today
to overlook evidence of the supernormal in the world - if there are
such." Rhine then left and headed for Boston to meet McDougal
and to try and become affiliated with The American Society for
Psychical Research.
Resource:
Science Of Psychic's