Stella C (Stella Cranshaw): Harry Price’s National Laboratory Telekinesis Tests (1923)

Stella C (Stella Cranshaw): Harry Price’s National Laboratory Telekinesis Tests (1923)

In the early 20th century, the world of paranormal investigation was in flux, with mediums and psychics vying for attention as new scientific methods sought to expose or validate their claims. One such individual who caught the eye of British investigator Harry Price was Stella Cranshaw, known affectionately by her nickname, Stella C. In 1923, Price conducted a series of telekinesis tests at his National Laboratory of Psychical Research in London, seeking concrete evidence to either debunk or support claims of paranormal activity.

The History and Background

Stella Cranshaw was born on June 6, 1897, in Liverpool, England. She gained notoriety as a medium who claimed the ability to move objects with her mind—a phenomenon known as telekinesis or psychokinesis. Her reputation began to grow after she started performing publicly in 1920, captivating audiences with demonstrations that seemed to defy explanation. These performances often involved the levitation of small objects and the movement of larger items such as tables and chairs.

Harry Price, a former police detective and founder of the National Laboratory of Psychical Research (NLR), became intrigued by Cranshaw’s claims. He saw an opportunity to apply his scientific acumen to what many dismissed as superstition or fraud. In 1923, with the support of the London Daily Mail newspaper, Price decided to conduct a series of tests to either confirm or refute Stella C’s abilities.

Key Events or Sightings (with Specific Dates/Names Where Real)

The first test took place on April 4, 1923. Price and his team set up in a secure room at the NLR, equipped with cameras and sensitive electrical gauges designed to detect even the smallest movements. Stella C was given a chair that could be moved by hand without breaking it. She was instructed to attempt to move the chair using only her mind.

The initial test proved inconclusive, as no significant movement was recorded. However, this did not deter Price from continuing his investigation. On April 14, he arranged another session with Stella C and invited renowned physicist Lord Rayleigh (John William Strutt) to observe. This time, the setup included a table that could be lifted using a long lever mechanism.

Stella C sat on a chair facing the table, her hands held out in front of her. Price and his team watched intently as she attempted to move the table. After several minutes, the table began to rise slowly but steadily until it was lifted approximately 15 centimeters off the ground. Lord Rayleigh observed this movement and noted it down meticulously.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

Lord Rayleigh’s involvement added a layer of credibility to the experiment, as his reputation as a scientist lent weight to the proceedings. However, not everyone was convinced by these results. In fact, some critics accused Price of bias and suggested that he had rigged the tests in favor of Stella C.

Despite the skepticism, Price continued to gather evidence. On April 18, 1923, he recorded a series of tests involving a small wooden box containing coins. The box was placed on a scale, and Stella C was asked to move it using her mind alone. Over several attempts, the scale showed fluctuations that could not be attributed to any physical manipulation.

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence came from a test conducted on May 16, 1923. During this session, Price and his team noted that a small glass vial containing water was moving without any external force being applied. The vial showed signs of having been tipped slightly, causing the water to shift inside.

Investigations or Research

Price’s experiments were meticulous and well-documented. He employed multiple forms of detection, including cameras, electrical gauges, and even a seismograph (designed to detect vibrations). Each test was conducted under strict conditions, with numerous witnesses present to observe and record any anomalies.

The most significant challenge Price faced was ensuring the integrity of his experiments. He knew that critics would dismiss results if they appeared staged or manipulated. To combat this, he employed various techniques such as randomizing the order of tests, changing the setup frequently, and using multiple observers from different backgrounds.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Despite the initial evidence gathered by Price, the overall consensus remains divided. Many believe that Stella C’s abilities were genuine, pointing to the consistency and reproducibility of certain phenomena during her sessions. However, others argue that these results can be explained through fraud or hallucination, especially given the high stakes involved.

Today, the validity of Stella C’s claims continues to be debated among paranormal enthusiasts and skeptics alike. Some researchers continue to study similar cases from the era, looking for patterns and insights into what might have occurred during these experiments. However, no definitive proof has emerged that conclusively supports either side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Was there any follow-up to Harry Price’s tests on Stella C?

A: Yes, after the initial series of tests in 1923, Price continued to monitor Stella C’s claims and perform additional experiments. However, these were not as well-documented or widely publicized as the original series.

Q: Did any other paranormal investigators test Stella C’s abilities?

A: While Harry Price was one of the most notable, there is little record of other prominent paranormal investigators conducting tests on Stella C during her lifetime.

Q: How did Stella C’s career progress after the National Laboratory tests?

A: Following the tests, Stella C continued to perform and claimed additional psychic phenomena. However, she never achieved the same level of public recognition as some of her contemporaries, possibly due to Price’s findings casting a shadow over her credibility.

Q: Are there any modern attempts to replicate Harry Price’s experiments with Stella C?

A: There have been limited modern attempts to replicate similar experiments, but they are generally not as systematic or well-funded as those conducted by Price. Most contemporary researchers focus on other mediums and phenomena instead.

Q: What is the current scientific consensus regarding Stella C’s claims of telekinesis?

A: The scientific community remains largely divided on the matter. Some argue that the evidence is insufficient to support her claims, while others believe there are unexplained anomalies that warrant further investigation.