THE GELLER PAPERS: Scientific Observations on the Paranormal Powers of Uri Geller

When Wolfgang KÖhler, the Gestalt psychologist, was apprised of early successful experiments in ESP at Duke University, he is reported to have said, ""I will think of other experiments."" When his students said, ""Suppose they turn out to be successful,"" he answered, ""Then I will think of others."" So it has been with skeptics everywhere, whether scientists or laymen. Of late there has been an increasing willingness, especially among physical scientists, to investigate parapsychology scientifically. This volume bears witness to that approach. It is a collection of papers by scientists (and a few magicians) who formally and informally examined the spoon-bending, mind-reading, and magnetic-field-changing demonstrations of the Israeli Uri Geller as well as the ""Geller Effect""--his ability to induce psychic powers in others. Those included in the volume either guardedly or wholeheartedly believe that there is something there which warrants further investigation. The open-minded reader will not find any single experiment convincing. Loopholes or a lack of randomness abound, controls are often missing, and there is the inevitable admission that the power is weak in the presence of unbelievers. But taken as a whole, the laboratory approach with sophisticated equipment and observers is a healthy advance over enthusiasm, anecdote, and wishful thinking.