Daniel Dunglas Home: William Crookes’ Levitation and Accordion Experiments (1871)

The History and Background

Daniel Dunglas Home was a Scottish medium who lived from 1833 to 1920, known for his controversial claims of supernatural abilities. In the Victorian era, he became one of the most famous and scrutinized mediums in Britain, often attracting both praise and skepticism. One of the most notable experiments involving Home took place on October 5, 1871, when renowned scientist William Crookes conducted a series of tests to investigate claims that Home could levitate an object and play an accordion with his feet.

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

The Levitation Experiment

On the evening of October 5, 1871, William Crookes, a respected chemist and Fellow of the Royal Society, conducted an experiment in Home’s home. Crookes was interested in verifying claims that Home could levitate objects at will. He had previously examined Home’s handkerchief, which purportedly exhibited strange marks suggesting supernatural forces were at play.

Crookes set up a series of tests to verify these claims. One involved placing a small table with a piece of card on top near the edge of a table and asking Home to levitate it. Home allegedly succeeded in making the card flutter upward without any physical contact, indicating some form of subtle force was at work.

The Accordion Experiment

Crookes then moved on to testing Home’s claim that he could play an accordion with his feet. He placed an accordion under a table and asked Home to start playing it by lifting one leg above the edge of the table. According to Crookes, Home managed to produce several notes from the instrument without any visible means of doing so.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

Crookes’ Observations

Crookes meticulously recorded his observations in a report published in 1872 under the title “Researches in Spiritualism.” In his account, he described the levitation experiment as follows:

> “The piece of paper was held down by its own weight and the force required to lift it could be felt. When Home attempted to do this, the paper would move as if a small current of air were blowing against it.”

He also noted that during the accordion test:

> “Home’s foot remained still until he produced sound; then his heel rose slightly from the floor and began moving up and down in rhythm with the music.”

Other Witnesses

Crookes was not alone in his observations. Several other individuals, including Crookes’ colleague Thomas Airey, witnessed these phenomena. In a letter to the Journal of the Society for Psychical Research, Airey wrote:

> “I saw Home’s foot rise and fall as if it were being moved by an unseen force, while he sat with his hands clasped together.”

Investigations or Research

Scientific Rigor

Crookes approached the investigation with scientific rigor. He ensured that all experiments were conducted in a controlled environment with minimal physical interaction between Home and the objects involved. Crookes also documented every detail meticulously to rule out any possible natural explanations.

Methodology

Crookes used a variety of techniques, including placing Home’s handkerchief under the table, which reportedly exhibited strange marks over time. He also employed photographic methods, though none from this period have survived.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Despite Crookes’ detailed reports and apparent success in verifying certain phenomena, the outcome remains controversial. Many skeptics argue that the experiments were flawed or that Home was employing subtle physical movements that were not visible to the naked eye but could be detected by sensitive scientific instruments.

Skeptical Perspectives

Skeptic James Randi often cited these experiments as examples of “cold reading” and other psychological tricks used by mediums. He pointed out that many elements of the experiments, such as the levitation tests with a card, could have been faked using simple mechanical devices or subtle movements of Home’s body.

Frequently Asked Questions (5 Q&A pairs)

Q: Did William Crookes find any evidence to support his claims about Daniel Dunglas Home’s supernatural abilities?

A: Yes, according to Crookes’ detailed report and the observations of other witnesses present during the experiments, there were instances that appeared to indicate some form of unexplained force. However, these findings remain controversial among skeptics who argue for alternative explanations.

Q: How did Daniel Dunglas Home respond to William Crookes’ investigation?

A: Home accepted the experiments as a scientific inquiry and cooperated with Crookes throughout. He reportedly believed that his abilities were genuine and was willing to undergo rigorous testing to prove them.

Q: What has been the legacy of these experiments in the field of parapsychology?

A: The experiments continue to be referenced in discussions about the history of parapsychology, often debated as an early attempt at scientific validation of mediumship. They remain a contentious issue within the fields of both paranormal enthusiasts and skeptics.

Q: Have any new technologies or methods been applied to revisit these experiments?

A: There have been no significant technological advancements that have led to a re-examination of the original experiments using modern equipment. The legacy of Crookes’ work has largely remained as historical documentation rather than being revisited with contemporary scientific tools.

Q: How did Daniel Dunglas Home’s reputation among his contemporaries change after these experiments?

A: While some continued to believe in Home’s abilities, many reputable scientists and the public at large became more skeptical. The outcomes of Crookes’ investigation contributed to a growing skepticism towards spiritualism and mediums during the late 19th century.