Google Books

[Brenna]

Not to over post on this subject, but I found another early attempt at ghost hunting as part of the google books project.

http://books.google.com/books?id=ghtX84t1WC8C&printsec=frontcover&dq=ghosts+and+apparitions&lr=&ei=wZD1SN3_G5W0yQS_9fnUCA#PPA12,M1

This book written in 1854 by Henry Carey Baird seems to be an early attempt at de-bunking paranormal experiences.  The frontispiece of the book reads: Ghost Stories; collected with a particular view to counteract the vulgar belief in ghosts and apparitions. The author tells a ghost story with a seemingly paranormal punch line, only to supply the reader with a logical explanation for the phenomenon at the end of the chapter. A short and spooky read.

[PPI Brian]

Hi Brenna,

This is an excellent topic. Thank you for sharing that with us!