| RefNo | ACS/1/3/1/2 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from [Alan Archibald] Campbell Swinton, 40 Chester Square, London, S. W. 1, to the Editor, Nature [copy of published letter in Nature No. 2965, Vol. 118] |
| Creator | Swinton; Alan Archibald Campbell (1863-1930; British electrical engineer |
| Date | 28 August 1926 |
| Description | Commenting on Dr [Robin John] Tillyard's article under the heading 'Science and Physical Research', previously published in Nature on 31 July 1926 [catalogued as ACS/1/3/1/1]. Challenges Tillyard's opinion that scientific men who pursue the study of psychical research 'lose caste and undergo persecution from their peers', by identifying highly respected scientists such as William Crookes and Oliver Lodge, who have partaken in spiritualistic activities without any hindrance to their scientific careers. Unsure of Tillyard's surprise at the attuitude towards spiritualism adopted by most scientific men, stating it is to be explained by expositions of the subject, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s 'History of Spiritualism'. Declares that 'this so-called history is no more a scientific book than its imaginative author's recent spiritualistic novel. It is replete with what has been rather aptly described as "determined credulity", and, like most of the fantastic and amazing literature that emanates from psychic bookshops, it trades on the credulous side of human nature'. Critiques Tillyard's making light of the fraudulent aspect of spiritualism, highlighting that Conan Doyle's book is filled with 'the achievements of spiritualists against whom fraudulent practices have been alleged...on very convincing grounds, and in quite a considerable portion of the history is devoted to explaining away these unfortunate lapses, the explanation in some cases consisting of the amazing suggestion that through evidence showed that the medium did cheat on certain occasions, on other occasions no signs of cheating on the part of this particular medium could be discovered, therefore manifestations produced must be considered to be genuine!' Calls upon the reader to imagine adopting the same conditions for scientific deduction via experimentation.
Alludes to his personal experience of spiritualistic methods 'which show how little reliance can be placed upon the support that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle gives to spiritualistic phenomena', describing having read in the Morning Post newspaper that Conan Doyle had exhibited a photograph purporting to be the ghost of Viscount Combermere, Swinton's uncle by marriage. Recounts having seen the photograph in question shortly after it was taken, thirty five years ago, and that it bore no resemblance to the Viscount. Explains he publically challenged Conan Doyle to reproduce the photograph in question alongside a portrait of the Viscount, whereupon Doyle suggested to the editor of the Morning Post, that the ghost photograph cannot be reproduced owing to techincal reasons. States this was quickly refuted as he managed to obtain a high quality reproduction of it.
Below Swinton's letter is Tillyard's reply, agreeing with Swinton's opinion on the subject of spiritualism, explaining that he was hoping to draw 'a clear distinction between spiritualism and psychical research'. Accuses Swinton of confounding the two, explaining his reasoning. Denies making light of fraudulent aspects of mediumship and likens mediums to spectroscopes, suggesting that an untrustworthy medium can be replaced with a reliable one in the same manner one would discard a faulty spectroscope. Explains that his article was a 'plea for a more scientific and logical attitude of mind'. Invites Swinton to get in touch with the director of the National Laboratory for Psychical Research to make an appointment to visit the laboratory. Certain parts of Tillyard's response are underlined in pencil. |
| Extent | 1p |
| Format | Printed |
| PhysicalDescription | Carbon |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA7952 | Tillyard; Robin John (1881 - 1937); entomologist and geologist | 1881 - 1937 |
| NA8285 | Swinton; Alan Archibald Campbell (1863 - 1930); electrical engineer | 1863 - 1930 |