VictorianaXYZ

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From "The Fasting Girl" about Mollie Fancher by Michelle Stacy

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Fasting girl Mollie Fancher, “the Brooklyn Enigma”

Mary J. “Mollie” Fancher (August 16, 1848 – February, 1916), otherwise known as the “Brooklyn Enigma”, was extremely well known for her claim of not eating, or eating very little for extended periods of time. She attended a reputable school and, by all reports, was an excellent student. At age 16, she was diagnosed with dyspepsia. At around the age of 19, reports came out that she had abstained from eating for seven weeks.

It was after two accidents, in 1864 and 1865, that she became famous for her ability to abstain from food. As a result of the accidents, Mollie Fancher lost her ability to see, touch, taste, and smell. She claimed to have powers that involved her being able to predict events as well as to read without the ability of sight.

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From Lustige Blätter, 1902.

Through the course of my research, I’ve encountered some great vintage seances, collected here.

See Seance Parlor Feng Shui.

Wondering about this post?  Wait for the dissertation (TBA). For now:  Weblog ◆ Books ◆ Videos ◆ Music ◆ Etsy

[danskjavlarna]

“He saw a ghost.”  From The Idler, 1894.

Developing: a collection of vintage spirit photography.

Wondering about this post?  Wait for the dissertation (TBA). For now:  Weblog ◆ Books ◆ Videos ◆ Music ◆ Etsy

[danskjavlarna]

From Nebelspalter, 1876.

Bubbling for a spell: vintage cauldrons through the ages.

Wondering about this post?  Wait for the dissertation (TBA). For now:  Weblog ◆ Books ◆ Videos ◆ Music ◆ Etsy

[danskjavlarna]

The devil, from inside a mirror, watches a man escape from the rheumatism spirit.  From The Devil’s Bride by Milton H. Stine, 1910.

Reflect upon my collection of vintage haunted mirrors and magic mirrors.

Wondering about this post?  Wait for the dissertation (TBA). For now:  Weblog ◆ Books ◆ Videos ◆ Music ◆ Etsy

[danskjavlarna]

From Zarnitsy, 1906.

It’s been said that we still have only the crudest understanding of ghosts. Here are a thousand vintage ghosts I’ve invited over.

Wondering about this post?  Wait for the dissertation (TBA). For now:  Weblog ◆ Books ◆ Videos ◆ Music ◆ Etsy

[danskjavlarna]

“A typical uncompleted ‘thought form’ before the face of the medium.  Taken August 5, 1909, by Madame Bisson.”  From Hearst’s International, 1921.

Through the course of my research, I’ve encountered some great vintage seances, collected here.

Wondering about this post?  Wait for the dissertation (TBA). For now:  Weblog ◆ Books ◆ Videos ◆ Music ◆ Etsy

[danskjavlarna]

“My other self had disappeared in the flash."  From The End of Dreams by Wood Levette Wilson and illustrated by A. G. Learned, 1909.

Spirit doubles and astral travel.

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[danskjavlarna]

An illustration by Anton Otto Fischer.  From Hearst’s International, 1921.

It’s been said that we still have only the crudest understanding of ghosts. Here are a thousand vintage ghosts I’ve invited over.

Wondering about this post?  Wait for the dissertation (TBA). For now:  Weblog ◆ Books ◆ Videos ◆ Music ◆ Etsy

[danskjavlarna]

From Gallery of Spirit Art, Nov. 1882. Via The International Association for the Preservation of Spiritualist and Occult Periodicals.  (Hat tip: Bizarre Chicago.)

Through the course of my research, I’ve encountered some great vintage seances, collected here.

Wondering about this post?  Wait for the dissertation (TBA). For now:  Weblog ◆ Books ◆ Videos ◆ Music ◆ Etsy

[danskjavlarna]

An entranced medium under spirit control.  From Gallery of Spirit Art, Aug. 1882. Via The International Association for the Preservation of Spiritualist and Occult Periodicals.  (Hat tip: Bizarre Chicago.)

Through the course of my research, I’ve encountered some great vintage seances, collected here.

Wondering about this post?  Wait for the dissertation (TBA). For now:  Weblog ◆ Books ◆ Videos ◆ Music ◆ Etsy

[nemfrog]

Stomach face: fake spirit photography. The physical phenomena of spiritualism, fraudulent and genuine. 1908.

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Book cover _Chronicles of spirit photography_ 1882

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Spirit photography exposed. The physical phenomena of spiritualism, fraudulent and genuine. 1908.

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Fig. 56. “Madame D’Espérance enveloped by the net.” After death–what? 1909.