A PARANORMAL RESEARCHER PROVIDES DETAILS OF HIS RESEARCHES
Author Carl A. Wickland wrote in the Preface to this 1974 book, “In offering this book to the public, there is no desire to promulgate any ism or cult, but to present the records and deductions of thirty years experimental research in the science of normal and abnormal psychology, as the same pertains to the obscure problems of a life hereafter and its relation to human affairs, which all thinking minds muse recognize a being of the utmost importance.”
He wrote in the first chapter, “Psychical Research belongs especially to the domain of science; common sense and discrimination are essentials in all such experimental work, as well as a thorough mastery of the laws involved. Under these conditions scientific research becomes an invaluable factor in the investigation of Spiritual Sciences.” (Pg. 25)
He outlines, “The purpose of our work has been to obtain reliable and incontestable evidence at first hand regarding ‘after death’ conditions, and detailed reports of hundreds of experiences have been stenographically made in order to record the exact situation of the communicating intelligences.” (Pg. 35)
Before describing some of his experiences (some of which were conducted with his wife), he argues, “Any attempt to explain our experiences on the theory of the Subconscious Mind and Auto-Suggestion, or Multiple Personalities, would be untenable, since it is manifestly impossible that Mrs. Wickland should have a thousand personalities, and since it is so readily possible to cause transference of psychosis from a supposedly insane person to Mrs. Wickland, relieving the victim, and in this way discovering that the disturbance was due to a discarnate entity, whose identity can often be verified.” (Pg. 43)
He concludes, “Demonstrative evidence clearly indicates that much which now sees mysterious can be brought to light by appropriate research… Psychical research should be placed on a scientific basis, and made safe and sane by eliminating the dwellers on the threshold of the unseen, who, through deception and falsehood, frequently pervert the truth which the enlightened spirit intelligences are constantly endeavoring to convey to humanity. Advanced intelligences on the invisible side continually urge that broad-minded investigators on the physical plane co-operate with them in establishing research centers in asylums, churches, universities and other institutions. It is imperative the psychical research should be in the hands of men of science, men who are willing to set aside prejudice and, with unbiased minds, weigh the evidence and classify findings.” (Pg. 389)
He continues, “Psychic research circles, formed to learn the truth of life and spirit existence should be of inestimable value to churches, for such investigation and would prove positively the continued existence of the soul, and convert mere faith and belief in a life hereafter into definite knowledge.” (Pg. 390)
This book will interest some who are studying psychical research.