Alan Gauld

Born in 1932, Alan Gauld is a British parapsychologist, psychologist, and writer with spiritualist beliefs. He pursued his academic career at Harvard and Cambridge, later teaching psychology at the University of Nottingham. Gauld also served as President of the Society for Psychical Research from 1989 to 1992.

Gauld's research has often focused on the history of hypnotism and spiritualist mediumship. While generally skeptical of physical phenomena like ectoplasm, which he often suspects of fraud, he has expressed belief in genuine evidence for object movement during séances, particularly in relation to the medium Daniel Dunglas Home. He has also critically examined specific cases, such as the Scole experiment, pointing out potential methodological flaws.

Alan Gauld is recognized for his extensive research into parapsychology, with a particular focus on the history of hypnotism and the complex field of mediumship. While he has often voiced skepticism regarding claims of physical mediumship, such as the materialization of ectoplasm, which he suggests often involves trickery, he has also acknowledged evidence for genuine phenomena. Specifically, Gauld has indicated belief in the reality of object movements observed during séances, citing the work of Daniel Dunglas Home as a case in point, a position that diverges from researchers who have accused Home of fraud. His work also involves critical analysis of documented paranormal investigations, including the Scole experiment, where he identified potential weaknesses in experimental design that could allow for manipulation.

Gauld's scholarly contributions have been met with varied reception. His 1968 book, 'The Founders of Psychical Research,' which explored early investigations into paranormal phenomena, received praise for its research but was also noted for a perceived bias favoring the authenticity of the findings by some reviewers. Other critics, like C. E. M. Hansel, have suggested that Gauld overlooked significant historical evidence that might point to mundane explanations for the reported abilities of spiritualist mediums. His 1992 book, 'A History of Hypnotism,' however, garnered positive reviews from medical and psychological historians, who commended its thoroughness and utility as a reference work.

“smack very strongly of fraud and conjuring”

“easily opened in the dark, which allowed for easy substitution of film rolls.”

“report important observations that suggest physical rather than psychical explanations.”