Jule Eisenbud

Jule Eisenbud, a psychiatrist, became a notable proponent of the work of Theodore Judd Serios, a man who claimed to produce images on photographic film using psychic abilities. Eisenbud supported Serios's claims, publishing a book in 1967 titled 'The World of Ted Serios: "Thoughtographic" Studies of an Extraordinary Mind,' in which he argued for the genuineness of Serios's purported psychic powers. Serios typically used a device he called a 'gizmo,' a tube held up to the camera lens, and was often under the influence of alcohol when producing his photographs.

Despite Eisenbud's endorsement, many professional photographers and skeptics challenged Serios's abilities. Investigations by individuals like Charlie Reynolds, David Eisendrath, and James Randi suggested that Serios employed fraudulent methods, such as concealing small images or optical devices within his 'gizmo' to project images onto the film. These critiques proposed naturalistic explanations for the photographs, contrasting with Eisenbud's paranormal interpretation. The debate over Serios's thoughtographs highlights a historical intersection of parapsychology, photography, and skepticism.

Jule Eisenbud, a psychiatrist, became deeply involved with Theodore Judd Serios, a man claiming to create images on film through psychic means, which he termed 'thoughtographs.' Eisenbud dedicated significant time, testing Serios over three years in Denver. He published his findings and strong endorsement in 'The World of Ted Serios: "Thoughtographic" Studies of an Extraordinary Mind' (1967), asserting that Serios's abilities were genuine. Eisenbud's work presented Serios's images, often blurry or distorted, as evidence of extraordinary mental projection. He even attempted to identify some unexplained photographs as images of the surface of Ganymede, though he admitted no scientific experts agreed with this interpretation.

The claims made by Ted Serios and supported by Jule Eisenbud faced considerable skepticism and counter-investigation. Professional photographers and magicians, including Charlie Reynolds and David Eisendrath, observed Serios and claimed to have witnessed him surreptitiously inserting a picture into the 'gizmo' tube he used with the camera, suggesting a deliberate deception. Magician James Randi also investigated, replicating Serios's alleged feats and asserting that Serios employed simple optical devices for trickery. W. A. H. Rushton, a professor and president of the Society for Psychical Research, proposed that Serios's photos were formed by light reflecting from a hidden luminous picture within the 'gizmo,' successfully demonstrating this with a similar setup. These skeptical analyses proposed naturalistic explanations, directly contradicting Eisenbud's paranormal conclusions.

Beyond the debate over the authenticity of the thoughtographs, Eisenbud also described Serios as exhibiting significant psychological and behavioral issues. He characterized Serios as having 'character disorders,' disregarding societal norms, and displaying a lack of self-control, often resorting to emotional outbursts when displeased. Serios was also noted to be an alcoholic, frequently drinking before attempting to produce his photographs. The method typically involved holding a tube, or 'gizmo,' against the camera lens while pointing the camera at his forehead. Critics like Terence Hines elaborated on the potential for trickery, describing a small concealed device with a lens and a piece of a 35mm slide that could project an image onto the film, small enough to be hidden in the palm.

“"Unfortunately, I couldn't get an astronomer or optical scientist to agree."”

“"Ted Serios exhibits a behavior pathology with many character disorders. He does not abide by the laws and customs of our society. He ignores social amenities and has been arrested many times. His psychopathic and sociopathic personality manifests itself in many other ways. He does not exhibit self-control and will blubber, wail and bang his head on the floor when things are not going his way."”

“'This is it, Paul,' he said on the plane coming east. 'I'll show 'em. After these cats look me over, people will have to believe.'”

“He had not been able to even fog the film.”

“"The parapsychologists who once took Ted Serios and others like him seriously had been spared their embarrassments had they known anything about magic."”