Further Tests of the Medium Rudi Schneider

Abstract

IN the Proceedings of the Society for Psychical Research for October is published a further report on the alleged psychic phenomena occurring in the presence of the medium Rudi Schneider. Under the joint authorship of Mr. T. Besterman and Mr. O. Gatty, the paper describes an attempt to look for confirmation of the infra-red phenomena previously reported, and generally to conduct tests by instrumental means. As an example of the kind of methods to be used in experimental work with the so-called physical phenomena, the report seems to be a step in advance, and the results suggest that through such instrumental means a better idea of the nature of the phenomena may be obtained. Generally speaking, the present results were negative. The interruption of the infra-red rays as previously reported by Dr. Osty in Paris and by others in Great Britain received no confirmation, in spite of a series of careful observations; and through the help of of Dr. C. G. Douglas it was ascertained that the medium's breathing, which was considered of sufficient interest to reproduce in a recent series of talks broadcast by the B.B.C., had nothing supernormal about it, being merely somewhat shallow and quite normal considering the muscular movements made by the medium during the trance. Thus the report as a whole contains no good evidence that Rudi Schneider possesses supernormal powers; and further controversy concerning the case can therefore be postponed until positive evidence is adduced based upon the kind of instrumental methods outlined in the present report.