The Reach of the Mind

J. B. Rhine and his colleagues at Duke brought interest in the "paranormal" out of the seance room and into the scientific laboratory in their program of research that began in the late '20's and continues in other hands to this day. It also put Duke University on the map of world consciousness. This book is the one that first took the work and its possible implications to a broad public, leaving behind scientific jargon but keeping the gist of the important issues. The work was fascinating, controversial, and for many an outrage arousing apoplexy. It still is, to this day. If you want to take a fresh look at what first made scientists seriously wonder if the mind had a larger reach than the solid, little skull each of us carries atop the shoulders, then dip in here. Don't be misled by the propoganda that asserts over and over that "it was all a mistake, flawed methods," etc. In fact, all the important criticisms aimed at the work have received very serious and compelling defenses in the years since this book was published. If you want to take your own look at these questions, this is a good place to begin. Then go on to see how science tries to expel findings that it doesn't yet know how to digest. That is another fascinating story.