Whistling in the Dark

An alternative evaluation of the 'Scole Experiment'

© Brian Allan 2001

Word count 3,586

FOREWORD

Occasionally a project comes along that creates a considerable furore, such a project is 'The Scole Experiment', a five-year ongoing project designed to obtain verifiable proof of life after death. The evidence includes pictures, videotape, writing, symbols,' apports', (items sent from the 'spirit realm' to the physical plain) physical touches, glimpses of various spirit limbs, displays of 'spirit lights' and voice transmissions recorded on audiotape. The Scole researchers were assisted by a group of discarnate entities from the spirit realm whom they dubbed, 'the spirit team'. The 'spirit team' according to the Scole researchers was comprised of specialists in various disciplines who continued with their interests even after they passed on.

One of the items presented by the spirit team was a diagram of what appears to be a modified crystal set using a piece of Germanium (a semi-conductor) with suitable circuitry to achieve direct audio input to an tape recorder. It would be simple to de-bunk or deny the well-documented findings and reports, but this would serve no real purpose, it would certainly not present a credible explanation for what transpired. Therefore, I approached the events as described with an open mind. I shall examine the 'proof' and attempt to present an explanation which is grounded in physical terms, albeit terms of high strangeness.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of the entire project is the alleged existence of a series of parallel dimensions alongside not only our own, but also that of the inhabitants of the 'other side', our own ancestors and predecessors. There are some genuinely worrying aspects to the results and conclusions reached by the Scole team, not the least of these is the possibility that, presuming the existence of multi- layered dimensions, there are some entities best not disturbed. These entities are apparently aware of us in our physical realm and for their own reasons, permanently seek a means of entry.

The experiments and findings of the researchers were witnessed and verified by members of the SPR (Society of Psychical Research), this is presumed to provide independent corroboration of the validity of the experiments. The unopened 35-mm film cassettes used as part of the communication media were stringently controlled by SPR members to prevent the possibility of tampering by members of the research group. The same controls were also applied to videotapes used during he project. The eventual outcome of the five-year experiment was debatable 'proof' of an alternate dimension, an extension of the physical universe inhabited by non-corporeal entities, the spiritual essence that is part and parcel of humanity.

Whistling in the Dark

The Scole Experiment and the group of volunteers who participated in it intended to present proof positive of life after death, a continuing sentient existence that transcends the grave. For the outsider, from the outset it is necessary, almost a pre-requisite, to have an established belief in the validity of spiritualism and the ability of 'sensitives' to contact the spirits of the dead. This is in itself problematic and creates a mental barrier detracting from results obtained by the group. The traditional trappings of spiritualism, the prayers, darkened rooms and items such as trumpets etc. do not instil confidence in any observer intent on viewing the project both rationally and scientifically. It is perhaps the determination of the participants to attach a religious significance to the proceedings that created a mantle of superstition permeating the entire project. To be fair, although always regarded as a legitimate faith by its practitioners, it was not until the repeal of the witchcraft act in 1951 that all fears of accusations of impropriety were finally removed. This very act was last invoked during the Second World War to imprison the Scottish medium Helen Duncan who gave out information during a trance regarding the loss of a warship, information withheld by the British government. There is no doubt that the data given by the medium was accurate and the reaction of the wartime authorities reflected the security paranoia of the era. It is the same superstitious and warped reasoning by which radio broadcasting was originally rejected by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. At first, radio broadcasting was forbidden as the work of Satan, but when sutras from the Koran were read, this was deemed proof positive that radio could not be the devil's work; bear in mind this was only eighty years ago. It is interesting to note that although spiritualism currently functions as a church within the canon of Christianity, there are currently moves afoot to have it reclassified as a practise rather than a religion, a move vigorously repudiated by the movement.

Certainly, during the project every attempt was made to create conditions whereby trickery could be ruled out, particularly relating to handling recording media such as rolls of unexposed 35mm film. It must be assumed that the rigorous procedures and protocols were put in place to satisfy the suspicions of independent observers from the SPR. The use of observers from an organisation such as the SPR is in itself open to criticism. It appears implicit that the mere fact of SPR involvement guarantees impartial scrutiny and this is simply not the case. Irrespective of the number of doctors and professors who are members of the SPR and how deeply they become involved with projects like the one instituted by the Scole group, it is by no means certain that their findings are impartial. The majority of those involved with groups like the SPR are themselves already inclined to the validity of spiritualism and the alleged powers and abilities of mediums and psychics. The fact that they have letters after their name and are doubtless highly intelligent people by no means guarantees that in certain circumstances they are not as gullible as anyone else. It is therefore important to understand that supervision of this experiment by persons who are already sympathetic to the procedures used in the experiment must be reason for careful scrutiny of the findings.

The quasi-religious trappings that lie at the core of the experiment, i.e. prayers at the opening of the séances etc. are, despite the legal implications, in my opinion superfluous. If the experiment is intended to be scientific, how then can one use a foundation based on mythology and superstition? This has all the makings of appeasing the gods with offerings to ensure a bountiful harvest. Another curious aspect of the entire experiment is the insistence on complete darkness during much of the proceedings, why? According the Scole group, spirits find it difficult to operate under lighted conditions, maybe so, but there does not appear to be any justification for it. I have spoken to mediums that quite clearly state that it should make no difference whether it is light or dark, 'spirit' is there in either condition. The group and their spirit team even forbade the use of infrared viewers to observe events, which is neither conducive to accurate recording nor objective observation.

At this point I should say that the spirit team consisted of scientists and technicians from the spirit world, disincarnate intelligences who had followed the same profession while still alive. Now on the other, 'spirit side', they have lost none of their intellect or curiosity and wish to aid us, their former cousins to communicate between the two realities. As far as adherents of spiritualism are concerned, when we die, or 'pass over' our soul, spirit, essence, call it what you will, rejoins the whole once more and returns to a state of pure energy and harmony. Even on the other side, we still posses the same character we had while here on the earthly plain. However, scientists or not, some alleged manifestations in terms of the physics involved defy belief, in particular the apports. These apports are, as previously mentioned, items allegedly given to the group by 'spirits' from within their own [spiritual] domain. It is the ready acceptance of these objects by the Scole team and more importantly the independent observers that is odd. The independent observers who, if they are scientists must apply some form of 'sanity check' to the events they witness, because the physics to achieve this apparently simple phenomenon are almost beyond comprehension.

To de-materialise then re-materialise an object, irrespective of size and composition then move its location has to be nigh on impossible in physical terms, unless there is another more testable science involved: the science of quantum mechanics and in particular 'Superstring Theory'. This current theory postulates that the smallest sub-atomic particles so far discovered, 'quarks', are never seen singly, always in twos and threes, what then holds them together? The answer is; even smaller particles called 'superstrings'. To give an idea of the scale of these particles; a superstring to an atom is as an atom is to the universe. Another factor for physicists to consider is that these particles blink in and out of existence in nanoseconds, where do they go? For their theorems and equations to function, they realise there has to be, must be, a very special set of circumstances: parallel dimensions and universes, if they are not included then the maths simply do not work. These extra dimensions and universes are depicted as membranes, called 'D' branes essentially two-dimensional worlds, massive in two planes, height and width, and minute, "One ten millionth of a billionth of a millimetre in thickness, a good analogy is a huge sheet of paper" [Scientific American August 2000]. These parallel dimensions exist alongside of our own; slightly out of phase, unable to receive or emit light, the only common denominator is gravity. Nowhere in the experiments and demonstrations is there a mention of this possibility, neither by the participants nor the observers; all physical materialisations are attributed to supernatural agencies.

The subject of quantum mechanics is at the very core of reality, the study of sub-atomic particles, the building bricks of life. It is here, not in some fanciful ethereal world inhabited by spirits, ghosts and phantoms that our answer lies, not just to 'apports' but to all phenomena recorded by the group. To understand the process we must have at least a basic understanding of what is involved. Previously, it was simpler all round to simply accept what happened as, depending on your outlook and belief, either an 'act of God' or magic and not consider such unimportant issues as the 'how and why' of it. What is proposed here is in effect the matter transmitter of science fiction, de-materialise an object in one place and re-materialise it in another, reduce it to its component particles, transmit them, receive and rebuild them in precisely the same order elsewhere. In its most simplified form quantum mechanics is the study of the infinitesimally small and it is here that the answer to our puzzle lies.

Decades ago Nikola Tesla the pioneering genius and inventor of, amongst other things, A/C motors said the answer to literally everything in the known universe was based on "Vibration, resonance and frequency", how right he was. His deductions were made before the invention of sophisticated devices like particle accelerators, or as they are sometimes called 'atom smashers'. Nevertheless using his own theories and experiments he established that there was a common denominator in all things, he even claimed that if he wished, he could use the Earth's own resonant frequency against it to split the planet 'like an apple'. Fortunately, this was never put to the test, although the results would have been…interesting.

Therefore, in theory we have multiple dimensions co-existing with our own, but invisible and inaccessible to us in any physical sense. It is to these extra dimensions that we must turn in search of an answer. If as is frequently suggested by the Scole group, the other side is only attainable after death, then how are mediums and others who profess special gifts able to achieve contact? In common with tribal shamen there has to be an altered, although not necessarily elevated, state of consciousness. Correspondingly, why are 'apports' only a one-way phenomena, i.e. only available via the spirit side while we are unable to make the phenomena operate from this end? This suggests that entities from the 'other side' have solved the riddle of manipulating sub-atomic particles sufficiently to allow the transportation of items. First however we must be clear that these 'apports' are not manufactured on the 'other side', they are items created on a very earthly plain although why they should be sent at all is puzzling. Do the entities acquire the various objects on this plane and physically transport them to the site of their appearance or, are they simultaneously present on the other side and sent directly from there? Are the items personal effects previously belonging to the spirit entities or taken randomly and despatched? We shall take the points in order.

a) Why are apports one-way phenomena? This is relatively simple to answer, because they, the 'spirits' are evidently able to manipulate the items component atoms and we as yet cannot.

b) Do the entities acquire the items on this plane or are the items physically present on their plane? The answer has to be most emphatically: this plane. Unless we introduce yet another facet, that of absolutely identical, mirror image existences within the dimensions, it has to be the answer. If it were not, it would imply that when we die, we take all our baggage and belongings with us to send back as and when we see fit, this is manifestly not so. If it were, once again we are sucked remorselessly into a nebulous world where, according to animistic belief, everything, animate or inanimate has a soul and 'life' in its own right. We are already at the very edge of possibility dealing with parallel dimensions and universes without bringing in additional and unwanted philosophical considerations. Therefore, rather like physicists who had to set protocols allowing the development of 'string theory,' which in turn posits the existence of parallel realities, for our purposes we will rule out the possibility of inanimate objects possessing a soul.

For our purposes, the appearance of 'apports' is, although an amazing display of theoretical physics, still an earthly manifestation, and a manifestation that we will eventually be able to emulate. It does however tend to create an anomaly in the culture/technology of the other side. If demonstrations such as apports are possible, which suggests remarkable skills and abilities, why was no other means of communication other than what is in effect a crystal set produced? Further, it is implied that such notables as Thomas Alva Edison were on hand to aid members of the 'spirit team' in their attempts at communication with the Scole group. Why Edison? Although this perhaps explains the use of a germanium crystal, since in Edison's day, this would be hi-tec indeed. Why not Nikola Tesla, John Logie Baird or Alan Turing, why not Albert Einstein or any number of deceased geniuses more technically accomplished than Edison? Apparent lapses of logic such as this cause niggling doubts to set in. Another of the groups experiments was entitled, for obvious reasons, 'Project Alice' and involved setting up a video camera aligned to record the images on a mirror, the device is known as a 'double psychomanteum'. A psychomanteum is used in divination where the sitter is placed in front of a mirror and after some meditation is reputed to see an image of what ever they wish in the mirror. These devices were used millennia ago, fashioned from polished brass and copper to consult with oracles. This modern version was used by the Scole group for communication with the other side. It was during this particular phase that perhaps the most bizarre of all the images was captured, that of the entity 'Blue' This entity, the spirit team informed them, was transdimensional: 'Blue' is identical in appearance to a 'Grey'! If this is indeed the case, then many of the reports with regard to UFOlogy will have to be re-assessed, particularly those dealing with the origins UFO's and their occupants.

There are opinions abroad today that proclaim evil hiding at every twist and turn of life, this specifically includes contact with entities in other dimensions, let us for convenience call then the dead. Once again turning to the entity 'Blue' our eponymous 'Grey', we find in many places (chiefly among fundamentalist Christian teaching) that UFO's and their occupants are viewed as emissaries of Satan. The fundamentalist viewpoint states that they {the UFO's} are sent here to create confusion and uncertainty and divert the faithful from the path of light; this is, in certain instances, also applied to the use of computers. There are several opinions on this, all of which quote biblical references to corroborate their view, "The occultist is brought into intelligent communication with the spirits of the air, and can receive any knowledge which they possess or any false impression they care to impart…the demons seem permitted to perform various wonders at their request." [G. H. Pember, 'Earth's Earliest Ages and Their Connection with modern Spiritualism and Theosophy' (1876)]. "While the New Testament uses the Greek word 'demon' to refer to these 'sons of the mighty'. The Old Testament use revealing descriptive names, words which describe these beings, such a b'nai Elohim, 'sons of God', Zophim, 'the watchers', and Malakh, 'messengers', (translated as angels in English), are used for 'arial host' often regardless of the alignment. New Testament demons were understandably associated with evil, since originally the Greek term daimon meant 'any deity' and the Bible consistently portrays only one God. There are three main terms for demons in the New Testament: daimonion (demon 60 times, 50 in the Gospels): pneuma (spirit; some 52 times) usually with a qualifying adjective such as akatherton (unclean; 21n times) or poneron (evil; 8 times); and angelos (7 times of demonic agencies). Daimon (demon) the term commonly used in classical Greek appears only once (Mark 8:31) [Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Walter A. Elwell (Ed)]. This viewpoint serves to prove that translation is vitality important: an alternative translation of Demon is 'Teacher' [author].

To quote a proponent of similar opinions, the Rev Jim Peasboro author of the book 'The Machine', "While the computer age has ushered in many advances, it has also opened another door through which Lucifer and his minions can enter and corrupt souls". Based on his proposition that demons can possess anything with a brain the Reverend continues, "Any PC built after 1985 has the storage capacity to house an evil spirit. I learned that many members of my congregation became I touch with a demon whenever they used their computers. Decent happily married fathers were drawn irresistibly to pornographic websites and forced to witness unspeakable abominations. Housewives who had never expressed an impure thought were entering into chatrooms and spewing foul, debased language they would not use normally. One woman confessed to me that she felt as if she were taken over when she was on the computer. The minister said he probed one such case, actually logging on to the parish computer himself. To his surprise, an artificial intelligence programme fired up without being initialised. "The programme began talking directly to me, it typed out, 'Preacher you are a weakling and your God is a liar'. According to the Rev. Peasboro, the machine went haywire and printed out what appeared to be gobbledegook. "I later had an expert in dead languages examine the text, it turned out to be a stream of obscenities written in a 2,800 year old Mesopotamian dialect"

This surprising turn of events caused the Reverend to investigate the problem further and uncover some alarming facts, "I learned most of the youths involved in school; shootings like the tragedy at Columbine High were computer buffs, I have no doubt that the computer exerted an influence on them". As a parting though the minister estimates that one in ten of computers in America house some type of evil spirit. Once again this is a curious interpretation since it presumes that computer processors are independently sentient in their own right. Irrespective of memory, RAM, processor or software, domestic computers cannot in any biological sense be termed intelligent. To possess this ability, a computer would have to be capable of independent and original thought, in other words: intuition. So far this has not happened, hopefully it never will.

Irrespective of how strange it may seem everything that occurred at Scole has its basis in cutting edge rational physics. Nothing is 'supernatural' per se in terms of discarnate entities possessing magical qualities to amaze and alarm us. What is really astounding is the mechanism by which dimensional manipulation is achieved. Precisely how this is done is the final answer to the final question, a psychic philosophers stone that would explain all other enigmas, rather like physicists and their continuing search for the 'theory of everything'. How the manipulation is achieved is a matter for speculation at this time, but it may well be a factor of the varying frequencies between dimensions enabling the subatomic particles within another dimension to be manipulated at will. Whatever the cause it is only a matter of time before it is finally discovered and understood, truly, there are some interesting times ahead.

Sources:

The Scole Experiment by Grant and Jane Solomon, pub. Conversations with Mr