The Media of Mediumship

Belief in fairies, ghosts and other supernatural phenomena may seem to have little to do with science. But as this story shows, such beliefs—often called ‘occult’—have a long shared history with science.

Science has long been used to investigate seemingly supernatural phenomena. Read about some of the most famous examples—and what they tell us about the historical relationship between science and the occult.

Find out how communications technologies such as the electric telegraph, telephone and radio were used to explain and explore communication with supernatural beings, the spirits of the dead and even aliens.