Spiritism and Psychology is a study of paranormal phenomenon from the standpoint of an accomplished psychologist. In this book, originally published in 1911, Flournoy explains why spiritism, the belief that people can speak to the dead, is impossible. He insists that spiritism can be explained through worldly and scientific means, if one admits some "supernormal" powers to average humans. Piece by piece, Flournoy deals with the major claims of spiritism, exposing how each can be explained through different means. An essential read for anyone interested in the occult, this book was considered a groundbreaking work in its time. Swiss professor THEODORE FLOURNOY (1854-1920) wrote a number of books on spiritism and is best remembered for From India to the Planet Mars (1900), which studied Hélène Smith, a medium who recalled past lives, including one lived in India.