Best Evidence: An Investigative Reporter's Three-Year Quest to Uncover the Best Scientific Evidence for ESP, Psychokinesis, Mental He

by Michael Schmicker

Book Overview

" a dazzling journey into one of the most important areas of science that has ever existed" - Dr. Larry Dossey MD, New York Times best-selling author of Reinventing Medicine . " Best Evidence is... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595144640
• ISBN13: 9780595144648
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Writers Club Press
• Length: 292 Pages
• Weight: 1.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Chock full of information and references

If you want a book that has details and specific studies and bunches and bunches of references on Psi phenomena, this is it.MICHAEL SCHMICKER gives the casual skeptic and the believer all the details and information anyone could want on a multitude of topics. From the table of contents this is what is covered: TABLE OF CONTENTS: Part I: PSIentific Facts Chapter 1: Nobody Really Believes This Stuff, Right? Chapter 2: Yeah, But I Bet They're All Wierdos and Nut CasesChapter 3: OK, But Do Any Scientists take This Stuff Seriously? Chapter 4: But Science Says... Chapter 5: The Times They Are A-Changing Part II: Best Evidence Chapter 6: Extra-Sensory Perception (ESP) Chapter 7: Psychokinesis (PK) Chapter 8: Dowsing Chapter 9: The Mind-Body Connection: Mental And Faith Healing Chapter 10: Death Bed Visions Chapter 11: Near Death and Out-Of-Body Experiences Chapter 12: Ghosts and Poltergeists Chapter 13: Mediums and Channelers Chapter 14: Reincarnation Chapter 15: The Future of Science FIRST HE GIVES US INFO ON ALL THE BELIEVERS OUT THERE. This list is sprinkled with many of the top scientists and world renown people of the last 2 centuries. So much for being a minority of odd balls. THEN HE GIVES US NUTS AND BOLTS FACTS ON STUDIES DONE ON EACH TYPE OF PHENOMENA. Here is a fact-finders dream. This book references hundreds of sources of information on this phenomena. From the fringes to highly regarded institutions. When you read this, you will be astounded at the level of information provided. You could spend a lifetime reviewing all the references here. This book is a keeper once read for just this alone. IF YOU ARE OF THE SCIENTIFIC MIND, this book gives you enough information to launch your own investigation into these recorded documentations of this phenomena. Let's face it, if we can use statistics to prove quality levels, prove scientific theorems we can also use it in Psi phenomena. This books points you to studies where scientists did just that. Excellent book. I'm going to dog-ear it for the references for sure.

For the True Skeptic

Many of the people who call themselves skeptics are really cynics. Author Michael Schmicker calls them "debunkers" and says that the book is not for them. "Such self-appointed guardians of scientific truth share many of the traits of religious fanatics," Schmicker writes, pointing out that they are afflicted with a sincerity poisoned by an unshakeable belief in an immutable orthodoxy along with extreme zealousness in the hot pursuit and punishment of deviant thought and behavior as well as an atrophied sense of humor. This book is not for the cynic but for the true skeptic, someone with an open mind who is interested in examining phenomena that goes beyond the limits of science. Schmicker examines the best scientific evidence, including the pioneering works of well-known researchers such as Sir William Crookes, who is credited with discovering the element thalium, Dr. Ian Stevenson, Dr. J. B. Rhine, Dr. Karl Osis, and many others. If I were teaching an introductory course in the paranormal to college-level students, this would be the prescribed text. It touches all bases in the paranormal field, truly offering the "best evidence" in each subject matter.

Comprehensive Overview of PSI Evidence

Do you have an open mind -- and are you ready to explore one of the most interesting collections of scientific evidence for paranormal phenomena ever assembled between the covers of a book? If so, you're in luck! Michael Schmicker's book BEST EVIDENCE presents a comprehensive overview of a wide range of "psi" phenomena including: extra-sensory perception, psychokinesis (PK), dowsing, mental and faith healing, death bed visions, near death experience, out of body experiences, ghosts and poltergeists, mediums and channelers, and reincarnation. What makes BEST EVIDENCE such a gem is that it not only clearly describes each kind of psi phenomena along with the facts supporting its existence and references to the original studies and sources, but it also includes some intriguing insights about why people sometimes avoid investigating the evidence surrounding paranormal phenomena. For example, Schmicker cites the work of researchers like Kenneth Batcheldor, who has identified two blocks to PK production (ownership resistance and witness inhibition). I find it just as interesting to examine the reasons why people find the subject of the paranormal disquieting as it is to see such a thorough review of the evidence showing how psi is a real phenomena which simply won't go away.If you've ever wanted to tell your friends, colleagues and family that there is an ever-increasing body of scientific evidence proving that the paranormal is part of everyday life, this is the book for you!

Best of Evidence in Best Evidence

Being left brained and somewhat a skeptic on the subjects of the book, I found the presentation of facts and documentation eye-opening and gripping. Many have experienced the "unexplained" and cast them aside as random events of no consequence. Michael Schmicker has given in "Best Evidence" a framework to consider other possibilities. As the book was read, I began to ponder, how many unusual events would be talked about if it was acceptable to believe the possibilities for other interpretations. A highly recommended read!

Best Evidence Delivered

Michael Schmicker has produced an excellent book for all interested in the study of psi phenomena. Not only does he provide interesting descriptions of evidence supporting these events, he lists the reference that may be used to obtain more veridical data. The first section addresses important issues about belief systems as they relate to phenomena. You may be surprised at the famous scientists who have explored these areas. You may also be surprised at pronouncements made by other scientists deriding advances only to be proven wrong. After all, Lord Kelvin thought X-rays were a hoax. My favorite quote attributed to a chief skeptic was "An open mind is an empty mind."I recommend this to all who are wondering if there is a scientific data to support unusual claims. Actually, there's a lot more than you might think and this book will give it to you.