Théodore Flournoy was a professor of psychology who delved into the mysterious realms of parapsychology and spiritism. He gained renown for his in-depth study of the medium Helen Smith, through whom he explored phenomena such as past-life recollections and the unconscious mind. Flournoy interpreted her outpourings as manifestations of cryptamnesia and the imagination of the subconscious, thereby refuting spiritist hypotheses. His work highlighted psychological explanations for mediumistic abilities, including suggestion and telepathy originating from the subconscious.
In this groundbreaking work on the relationship between spiritism and psychology, Carrington and Flournoy offer a comprehensive analysis of paranormal phenomena and their psychological origins. This book is a must-read for individuals interested in the intersection of science and the supernatural.
The book is a facsimile reprint of a scarce antiquarian work, preserving its historical significance despite potential imperfections like marks and flawed pages. It aims to protect and promote cultural literature by offering a modern edition that remains faithful to the original text, ensuring accessibility for contemporary readers.
A Case of Multiple Personality with Imaginary Languages
Exploring the extraordinary experiences of medium Hélène Smith, the book delves into her claims of reincarnation as Marie Antoinette and a Hindu princess, as well as her alleged connections to Mars. Théodore Flournoy offers a psychological interpretation of her fantasies, highlighting the unconscious mind's creative and mythopoetic abilities. The introduction by Soriu Shamdasani contextualizes Flournoy's work within the cultural and intellectual milieu of the time, noting its influence on key figures in psychology like Freud and Jung.