The Law of Psychic Phenomena

The Law of Psychic Phenomena is a book by Thomson Jay Hudson, first published in 1893. This influential classic of psychic literature offers a comprehensive working hypothesis for the systematic study of paranormal and mental science topics including hypnotism, spiritism, suggestion, and mental therapeutics. Written at the height of late-Victorian psychological inquiry, Hudson’s work bridges early psychology and spiritual investigation, appealing to readers interested in the history of parapsychology and the foundations of psychic thought. In this seminal exploration of psychic phenomena, Hudson introduces the idea that the human mind operates through two distinct mental faculties — what he terms the “objective mind” and the “subjective mind.” Through this dual-mind framework, he examines how suggestion, memory, and trance states can produce experiences that have historically been labeled clairvoyance, telepathy, or even supernatural visions. The book’s thoughtful links between subconscious processes and psychic expression help explain phenomena without resorting purely to mysticism, making it of enduring interest to students of hypnosis, subconscious influence, and metaphysical psychology. Hudson’s discussion of paranormal subjects ranges from hypnotic suggestion and mesmerism to case histories of spiritistic encounters, exploring how mental suggestion can influence both behavior and perceived psychic events. While grounded in the thinking and scientific curiosity of the late 19th century, the work remains relevant for modern readers fascinated by the history of psychic research, the psychology of the mind, and the broader study of human consciousness.