Forensic Image Analysis of Physical Mediumship Involving Table Levitation: Hamilton Family Fonds, University of Manitoba

Forensic analysis of image titled “Oct. 26, 1927. Levitation and partialinversion [sic],” taken from the Hamilton Family Fonds. The original images are on the left with the enhanced images on the right.

The forensic image analysis here attempts to illuminate what mechanisms might have been employed to create the illusion of a paranormal experience.



The enhanced images were obtained through backlighting, negative image and edge-detection controls The image negative very clearly shows a wire attached to the ball of the uppermost leg of the table. The wire runs from the table leg into the back wall of the medium booth Edge detection reveals airborne debris above the medium booth which is indicative of a substantial force impact from below. The effect is less visible in the normal exposure where it is against a light background

The seances in Dr. T.G. Hamilton’s home in Winnipeg were held in completely darkened conditions.

The medium in this session was Elizabeth Poole. Dr T.G. Hamilton is seated in the foreground. Imagery data in connection with the photograph (camera model, exposure, shutter speed, aperture) is unknown. However it would appear that short-exposures were involved in making the photograph.

NOTE: Click on the images to enlarge them and to better view the above reported detail. Recommend viewing on a smartphone.

IMAGE

Annotated Photo Album, Telekinesis - Levitation and Partial Inversion (Oct 26, 1937), University of Manitoba Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, Psychical Research and Spiritualism Collections, Hamilton Family Fonds