This 19th-Century 'Toy Book' Used Science to Prove That Ghosts Were Simply an Illusion
Briefly

from Smithsonian Magazine3 months ago
J.H. Brown's 'Spectropia' aimed to dispel belief in Spiritualism by showcasing how the brain creates ghostly afterimages through a scientific optical illusion.
Smithsonian Magazinehttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/this-19th-century-toy-book-used-science-to-prove-that-ghosts-were-simply-an-illusion-180985347/
Brown criticized the resurgence of Spiritualism, likening it to 'mental epidemics' that historically lead to societal obsessions with witchcraft and superstition.
Smithsonian Magazinehttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/this-19th-century-toy-book-used-science-to-prove-that-ghosts-were-simply-an-illusion-180985347/
While intended as a serious critique, 'Spectropia' was marketed as a fun party trick, highlighting the tension between science and popular superstition in 19th-century society.
Smithsonian Magazinehttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/this-19th-century-toy-book-used-science-to-prove-that-ghosts-were-simply-an-illusion-180985347/
The book was successful as a 'toy book' across multiple continents, appealing to both audiences fascinated by ghosts and those eager to understand optical science.
Smithsonian Magazinehttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/this-19th-century-toy-book-used-science-to-prove-that-ghosts-were-simply-an-illusion-180985347/
Read at Smithsonian Magazine
#spiritualism #optical-illusions #19th-century-science #jh-brown #afterimages
[
|
]