Research source

As anthropology becomes popular, every inquirer knows what customs he ought to find among savages, so, of…

Date of account: Published 1897
Source: The Book of Dreams and Ghosts
Reference: The Book of Dreams and Ghosts · selected passage 6
Rights: public_domain
Language: English
Record updated: 2026-08-24

Record summary

As anthropology becomes popular, every inquirer knows what customs he ought to find among savages, so, of course, he finds them

Published source text

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Source passage

Source text · mention only

As anthropology becomes popular, every inquirer knows what customs he _ought_ to find among savages, so, of course, he finds them. In the same way, people may now know what customs it is orthodox to find among ghosts, and may pretend to find them, or may simulate them by imposture. The white sheet and clanking chains are forsaken for a more realistic rendering of the ghostly part. The desire of social notoriety may beget wanton fabrications. In short, all studies have their perils, and these are among the dangers which beset the path of the inquirer into things ghostly. He must adopt the stoical maxim: "Be sober and do not believe"--in a hurry.

Historical context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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Modern context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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