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No. 102: Nov-Dec 1995

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Fungal phantasms

Recently, it was seriously suggested that people see ghosts in haunted houses because they ingest spores broadcast by psychoactive fungi growing on the old walls! This amusing idea turns out to be an old one, having appeared in 1883 in the Gentleman's Magazine. (Goodman, Arthur; "Ghost Potions," New Scientist, p. 54, July 8, 1995.)

Comment. Seems like the skeptics are grasping for straws? Or should we say "ectoplasm?"

From Science Frontiers #102 Nov-Dec 1995. � 1995-2000 William R. Corliss