Sinclair, Mary Craig, 1883-1961; Sinclair, Upton, 1878-1968; Telepathy; Telepathy -- Case studies
13. The last experiment of this date resulted in two percipient drawings
(Fig. 149a), similar but with differences as noted below. Presumably the
“arm” of the upper drawing is a reflection of the neck of the violin
(Fig. 149), the “hand” of its bridge, the “strings” of the violin
strings, while the “something” very imperfectly stands for the body of
the instrument. The bracelet (?) on the arm may result from an obscure
impression of _something_ curving in that region, really the volute
termination above the keys. The lower drawing stops with the strings,
but makes them more nearly parallel, like those of the violin.
[Illustration: Fig. 149]
[Illustration: Fig. 149a]
No exact mathematics can be applied to such experiments as these. But,
considering the multitude of objects and shapes which must have been
familiar to both experimenters, do you believe that there was 1 chance
in 16 of the successes in Experiments 10, 11 and 12? Or more than 1
chance in 4 for Experiments 5, 6 and 7? Or more than an average of 1 in
2 for such small degree of success as is discoverable in the rest,
excluding the failure of the first? Multiply accordingly, and divide the
product, let us say, by 2 for this failure. The result, on what I think
a moderate basis, is 1 chance in 16,777,216. Figure any other way you
like, but be reasonable.
Or substitute the first above percipient drawing for that in any and
every one of the above 12 pairs. Then take the next drawing and match it
with the other originals. And thus with the others, if your patience
holds out to the end of 132 exchanges. Have you found a single one which
will suit as well as in its actual position?
COUNTER-TESTS WHICH PROVE THE VAST DISPARITY BETWEEN THE RESULTS
OBTAINED IN THE SERIES OF FEBRUARY 15TH AND THOSE OBTAINED BY GUESSING
It is proposed at this point to interrupt the review of Mr. Sinclair’s
report of his experiments for telepathy by a test applied to the series
which has just been exhibited. In the light of the test, as it proves,
the evidential weight of both the earlier series and those which will
come later ought to be better appreciated. The only way to explain (?)
such results is to hazard the conjecture that they were due to the
possibilities of chance guessing. Well then, let us have a lot of
guessing done on the basis of the same originals and see what we get and
how it compares.[15]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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