PARAPSYCHOLOGY
The first use of the word was around 1889 by a philosopher, Max Dessoir & the word "para" was derived from the Greek language meaning "alongside". The previous term used prior to parapsychology was "psychical research". J. B. Rhine utilized the word parapsychology in the 1930's which popularized this new concept. Currently, parapsychology research is conducted in some 30 countries and especially popular in the United Kingdom. Earlier research was conducted by an organization known as "The Society For Psychical Research, also known as the SPR in London in 1882. It was the 1st effort to organize scientists & scholars for a critical & sustained investigation into the paranormal. Members included philosophers, scholars, scientists, educators, and politicians. The SPR published the "Census Of Hallucinations" which researched apparitional experiences & hallucinations in the sane. The resulting publication in
1886 was called "Phantasms Of The Living" & is still referenced today in parapsychological research.
A book that brought laboratory findings to the general public was published in 1937 authored by J.B. Rhine was titled "New Frontiers Of The Mind" and a Parapsychology Laboratory within Duke University was established also by J. B. Rhine and others. The journal known as the "Journal Of Parapsychology" originated at this time too & published by Duke University.
This is a brief look at the origins of the term parapsychology and some of the earliest research efforts undertaken in this field of interest.
