Author: Frank Podmore

Frank Podmore (1856–1910) was an English author, renowned for his foundational work in the field of psychical research. Born in Elstree, Hertfordshire, Podmore was a prominent member of the Society for Psychical Research (SPR), which he joined shortly after its inception in 1882. He held the position of secretary for several years and was dedicated to the empirical and critical study of paranormal phenomena. Podmore was also a key figure in the Fabian Society, an organization championing social reform and a precursor to the modern British Labour Party. His scholarship on psychical subjects is most notably exemplified in his work “Apparitions and thought-transference: an examination of the evidence for telepathy” (1894), where he systematically addressed claims of telepathy and scrutinized the evidence thereof. Known for his meticulous methodology and skeptical approach, Podmore remained open to the possibility of unexplained phenomena despite his often-critical stance. His contributions to the field have helped shape the parameters of legitimate psychical inquiry. Other significant works authored by Podmore include “Studies in Psychical Research” (1897) and “Modern Spiritualism: A History and a Criticism” (1902), both of which underscore his literary style, characterized by rigour, clarity, and a deep-seated commitment to scientific principles in the exploration of the paranormal.