Investigating The Supernatural

Introduces the use of forensic science in cases involving the supernatural, such as those involving hauntings, werewolves or vampires, and offers scientific reasons for the alleged supernatural behavior.

A forensic analyst and a former stage magician investigate haunted houses, a crystal skull, photographs of spirits, unexplained disappearances, and more.

“A convincing account of science’s flirtation with the marginal and the marvelous” from the author of Conjuring Science (Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences). Séances were wildly popular in France between 1850 and 1930, when members of the general public and scholars alike turned to the wondrous as a means of understanding and explaining the world. Sofie Lachapelle explores how five distinct groups attempted to use and legitimize séances: spiritists, who tried to create a new “science” concerned with the spiritual realm and the afterlife; occultists, who hoped to connect ancient revelations with contemporary science; physicians, psychiatrists, and psychologists, who developed a pathology of supernatural experiences; psychical researchers, who drew on the unexplained experiences of the public to create a new field of research; and metapsychists, who attempted to develop a new science of yet-to-be understood natural forces. An enlightening and entertaining narrative that includes colorful people like “Allan Kardec”—a pseudonymous former mathematics teacher from Lyon who wrote successful works on the science of the séance and what happened after death—Investigating the Supernatural reveals the rich and vibrant diversity of unorthodox beliefs and practices that existed at the borders of the French scientific culture in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. “What is science? . . . In her engaging book, Sophie Lachapelle probes for an answer by looking at the liminal realm between science and superstition and the attempt to render the supernatural explicable in naturalistic terms.” —Isis “A welcome addition to the growing literature on spiritism, occultism and physical research in modern France.” —French History

Through detailed, real-life case studies, this series presents the history, theory, and practical application of crime solving through the use of forensics. Features include eyewitness testimony and step-by-step descriptions of techniques used in case studies.

This book is an objective look at how to conduct a safe and successful paranormal investigation. it outlines a solid scientific approach that can be used by all paranormal investigators in their research and contains example stories of previously untold paranormal events which have taken place, a ground-breaking UFO sighting, and paranormally active haunted locations. It is ideal for those who are new to paranormal investigation and ghost hunting, and for more experienced investigators who want to learn more about how to apply a critical-path scientific approach. It contains a special scientific critical path graphic page to work from when devising ghost hunting experiments, and to help train team members. The book also contains a step-by-step guide to a complete paranormal investigation, and important information about how to protect yourself from malevolent paranormal entities that can attack you.

In this book, you’ll find an assortment of resources that seriously examine various paranormal topics. You’ll also learn how you can apply the components of credibility to find additional research as well as information on conducting your own paranormal investigations.

Examines the history of forensics, from its earliest beginnings with the discovery of finger printing analysis to the development of DNA testing. It features up to 10 case studies per title explaining how forensic techniques have helped to solve crimes and also includes gritty photography and real-life images.

Dive into the ghostly world of the supernatural with America’s leading paranormal investigator Inside, paranormal investigator, star, and executive producer of The Travel Channel's hit series, Ghost Adventures and founder of the award-winning Haunted Museum (Las Vegas’ most popular attraction), Zak Bagans takes readers on an exciting journey into the supernatural world. With insider information on the history of ghost-hunting to learning about ghosts with all kinds of temperaments, Ghost-Hunting For Dummies is peppered with true accounts and stories from Bagans' famous cases and investigations. Featuring expert advice on picking a haunted location, setting up cameras, and dealing with unwieldy ghosts, this book shows how today's investigators use the tools of modern science to study a wide range of paranormal activity. Take an exciting adventure into the supernatural world Explore haunted sites Get messages from beyond the grave Read true accounts from famous cases and investigations If you're one of the countless fans of Ghost Adventures itching to get off the couch and track some spirits on your own, this book provides everything you need to know to conduct a successful paranormal investigation.