Scottish medium Helen Duncan during sance with ectoplasm
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Scottish medium Helen Duncan during sance with ectoplasm
Photograph of the Scottish medium Helen Duncan during sance with " ectoplasm" wrapped around her head and the end tucked into her nostrils, May 1931. HPG/1/4/2 (x)"
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Media ID 4421071
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10252605
Cheesecloth Curtains Duncan Ectoplasm Ectoplasmic Fake Fraud Helen Investigation Investigators Materialisation Medium Mediumship Nostrils Observers Sance Seance Spiritualism Paranormal
EDITORS COMMENTS
"This intriguing photograph captures the moment during a seance led by the renowned Scottish medium Helen Duncan in May 1931. The image, taken during an investigation by the National Laboratory of Psychical Research, shows Duncan with a mysterious substance wrapped around her head, which was believed to be ectoplasm. Ectoplasm was a key component of spiritualist mediumship, believed to be a physical manifestation of psychic energy. However, the authenticity of this ectoplasm was soon called into question. Skeptics and investigators, including those present at the seance, suspected that the material was actually cheesecloth or other fabric. The end of the 'ectoplasm' can be seen tucked into Duncan's nostrils, adding to the suspicion. Despite the controversy surrounding her seances, Duncan continued to gain a large following and was even prosecuted under the Witchcraft Act of 1735 for her alleged fraudulent practices. This photograph, along with others from the same investigation, remains a fascinating glimpse into the world of spiritualism and mediumship during the early 20th century. The investigation into Helen Duncan's seances and the use of ectoplasm was a significant moment in the history of paranormal research. It highlighted the need for rigorous scientific investigation and the importance of separating fact from fiction in the study of the unknown." This photograph is part of the Historical Photographs of Scotland (HPG) collection, and is available for research and educational use. It serves as a reminder of the complex and often controversial history of spiritualism and mediumship, and the ongoing debate between belief and skepticism.
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