| RefNo | ACS/1/3/1/3 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Draft copy of letter from Alan Archibald Campbell Swinton, 40 Chester Square, London, S. W. 1., to The Editor, Nature |
| Creator | Swinton; Alan Archibald Campbell (1863-1930; British electrical engineer |
| Date | 11 September 1926 |
| Description | In response to [Robin John] Tillyard's rejoinder to his initial letter, published on 28 August 1926 [catalogued as ACS/1/3/1/1], as well as in response to the allegations made against him by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Begins by refuting Conan Doyle's accusation against him, of making innacurate and misleading accounts, drawing attention to inconsistent statements made by Conan Doyle in relation to the Combermere photograph controversy. Quotes Conan Doyle's claim that he sent the photograph 'without any suggestion whatever that it would not reproduce. That statement is a pure invention on the part of Mr. Campbell Swinton', followed by an additional quote from Conan Doyle's opening sentence to the Editor of the Morning Post, where he claims the photograph will not reproduce. Questions the validity of any statements made by Conan Dolye on the basis of these contradictions.
Continues with his response to Tillyard, appreciative of his acceptance Swinton's 'somewhat provocative criticism', adding further criticism. Disrgards Tillyard's judgement that he is unable to distinguish between spiritualism and psychical research, adding that 'though the heading under which it appeared was "Science and Psychical Research", Dr. Tillyard's article purported to be a review of a "History of Spiritualism." Disagrees with Tillyard's judgement that the medium and spectroscope are both instruments. Discusses fraudulent mediums, stating that William Crookes would not adopt the strategy of finding a more trustworthy one, alluding to the case of Miss Cook, who was exposed on more than one occasion. Answers Tillyard's points in relation to eminent scientists studying spiritualistic phenomena, naming individuals who have 'made sufficiently serious investigations into the subject...having come to the conclusion that there was nothing genuine in the phenomena warranting further research.' Recalls that a special committee formed of eminent photographic experts in 1908 'failed to secure proof that spirit photography is possible.' Refuses Tillyard's invitation to visit the National Laboratory of Psychical Research, displeased with its name closely resembling that of the National Physical Laboratory, but being a private concern with no national ties. Belives that thermographic phenomena connected with mediums is more appropriate for investigation by a physiologist, rather than a physicist, stating 'that emotional disturbances affect the temperature of the body.' |
| Extent | 8p |
| Format | Typescript |
| 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 |