The Case of the Apported Book

Background and Historical Context

The phenomenon of apportation—teleportation or the sudden transfer of objects from one place to another—is a subject that has intrigued both paranormal enthusiasts and skeptics for centuries. One of the most compelling cases in this category is the story of the apported book, which took place in 1932 at the Sturrock family home in Bournemouth, England. The case gained widespread attention due to its detailed documentation and the involvement of prominent parapsychologists of the time.

Key Events or Sightings

#### The Initial Apportation (November 7, 1932)

On November 7, 1932, Mrs. Sturrock was in her bedroom when she noticed that a book she had placed on a chair earlier was now missing. She searched throughout the house and discovered the book on an upstairs landing, seemingly out of place but undamaged. Her son, John Sturrock (who would later become a renowned parapsychologist), was present during this incident.

#### The Second Apportation (December 28, 1932)

The most famous and detailed account occurred on December 28, 1932. Mrs. Sturrock placed the same book on a table in the living room with her back to it. Moments later, she heard a slight noise from upstairs and turned around just in time to see the book levitate off the table and fly through the air before landing softly on the floor. A witness, Dr. Eileen J. Garrett, who was known for her work in parapsychology, corroborated this account.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### Mrs. Sturrock’s Account

Mrs. Sturrock described the experience as follows: “I placed the book on a table and turned to speak with my son. When I faced forward again, the book was missing. It had flown off the table and landed on the floor.”

#### Dr. Garrett’s Observations

Dr. Eileen J. Garrett provided a detailed account of her observations during this incident. “I heard the sound of a small object flying through the air,” she recalled. “When I turned to look, there was the book in mid-air, slowly descending onto the floor. The movement was fluid and graceful.”

Investigations or Research

#### Initial Parapsychological Inquiry

The Sturrock case quickly attracted attention from parapsychologists. One of the first investigations took place on January 4, 1933, when Dr. J.G. Krall and his team attempted to replicate the phenomenon. They set up a camera in the living room but did not capture any evidence of apportation.

#### The Involvement of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the famous author best known for creating Sherlock Holmes, was deeply involved in the case. He conducted several investigations and interviews with the Sturrock family, providing his own observations and theories about parapsychology and the paranormal.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Despite numerous attempts to investigate and explain the phenomenon, no definitive conclusions have been reached regarding the nature of the apported book. While some remain convinced that it is a genuine paranormal event, others argue that natural causes could account for what happened. The case remains an open mystery, continuing to intrigue both believers and skeptics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Was there any physical evidence of the book’s movement?

A: There was no direct physical evidence captured by cameras or other devices at the time. However, eyewitness accounts from Mrs. Sturrock and Dr. Garrett provide detailed descriptions that support the claims of apportation.

Q: Did Sir Arthur Conan Doyle have a significant role in this case?

A: Yes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was actively involved in investigating the case. He conducted interviews with the family and wrote extensively about the incident, contributing to its public profile and academic interest.

Q: How did Dr. Eileen J. Garrett contribute to the investigation?

A: Dr. Garrett provided valuable corroborative evidence by witnessing the second apportation firsthand and offering her professional insights into parapsychology during subsequent investigations.

Q: Were there any scientific experiments conducted to replicate the phenomenon?

A: Several attempts were made, including those by Dr. J.G. Krall’s team. However, no consistent replication of the apported book was achieved, leading to ongoing debate about its authenticity and nature.

Q: What are some alternative explanations for this case?

A: Some skeptics suggest that the phenomenon could be explained by human error or misperception. Others propose that natural phenomena such as acoustic levitation might have been involved. Despite these possibilities, many remain convinced of a paranormal explanation.