Research source

For if we try to picture to ourselves the process of telepathy as taking place in some manner other than…

Date of account: Published 1921
Source: The Problems of Psychical Research Experiments and Theories in the Realm of the Supernormal
Reference: The Problems of Psychical Research Experiments and Theories in the Realm of the Supernormal · selected passage 184
Rights: public_domain
Language: English
Record updated: 2026-08-24

Record summary

For if we try to picture to ourselves the process of telepathy as taking place in some manner other than physical, how are we to conceive such action?

Published source text

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Source passage

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For if we try to picture to ourselves the process of telepathy as taking place in some manner other than physical, how are we to conceive such action? Does one consciousness stretch out, as it were, and grasp the other passive mind? or does the agent project the thought from his brain and impress the mind of the percipient with it--just as a bullet might be shot from a rifle, or light waves radiate from some centre? The first of these theories would be somewhat akin to true mind-reading, the other to thought-projection or transference. But if the latter theory be correct, is all thought directed into one single channel--at a target as it were--or does it spread equally in all directions, like all other vibratory radiations? It may be conceived that telepathy is a combination of both the above processes--it being a kind of mutual action--a projection on the part of one, and a mental reception or grasping on the part of the other.

Historical context

Contextual commentary · mention only

This comes from historical psychical research. Methods, witness handling and standards of evidence differ from present-day research and should be assessed from the cited passage and edition.

Modern context

Contextual commentary · mention only

The passage can support a history of claims and recurring descriptions. It does not establish a paranormal mechanism, and competing psychological, social and physical explanations remain relevant.

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