What are ghosts? Ghosts are alleged spirits of the dead that make themselves known through various means including strange smells, noises, cold breezes and poltergeist activity, being seen mainly in or around dwellings. As a result of a growing interest in Spiritualist phenomena, scientific investigations in this area have become well established in the 19th century. This is known as ghost hunting and is comprised of various methods of investigating claims of ghosts, apparitions and poltergeists to determine the validity of claims. The Society For Psychical Research (SPR) in London has established guidelines for investigations pertaining to this area. They have determined five classifications of paranormal activity:
1. Unaccountable movement of objects.
2. Unaccountable noises (includes voices and music).
3. Apparitions, mysterious lights and shadows.
4. Unaccountable touches, pushes, smells, and temperature changes.
5. Feelings of fear, disgust, horror, and of an unseen presence or force.
*Investigators estimate that 70 to 98% of all reports have natural explanations.
Ghosts have been experienced in all regions of our world. Ghosts even have their own club - The Ghost Club is a London based organization, the oldest in existence (circa 1862), devoted to the investigation of paranormal phenomena and physical research.
Included In this book is the first volume of an encyclopedia of ghosts worldwide. This book is filled with reported ghosts, hauntings, terminology, and equipment used to conduct investigations. Keep an open mind when reading and enter into the world of the paranormal.
