Republished Account of Thomas Edison's "Spirit Phone" Experiences
In the early 20th century, the renowned inventor Thomas Edison expressed an intriguing interest in developing a device known as the "spirit phone," a concept that aimed to establish communication with the deceased. This idea was first mentioned in an interview with *American Magazine* in 1920, where Edison suggested that the device would operate on scientific principles rather than occult means [1].
The spirit phone was envisioned as a device incorporating phonograph-like technology and highly sensitive microphones, designed to capture subtle vibrations from "spirit entities" [2][3]. This notion was rooted in Edison's extensive experience with sound recording and his curiosity in exploring phenomena beyond conventional science.
Despite the widespread interest in this groundbreaking idea, no concrete evidence has surfaced to suggest that Edison successfully developed or built a functional spirit phone. The mystery surrounding this project has persisted, often serving as a testament to Edison's wide-ranging curiosity and innovative spirit [4][5].
Edison's account of his work on the spirit phone is detailed in a "nearly lost chapter" of his memoirs, which were published posthumously in 1948 as the final chapter of his 'Diary and Sundry Observations'. This chapter, focusing on the spirit phone, was republished in France last week in a book titled Le Royaume de l'Au-dela, or The Kingdom of the Afterlife [6]. However, the chapter was expunged in subsequent English-language editions of the book.
The spirit phone was discussed in the context of the belief in "life units" that scatter through the universe after death. Edison explained to The New York Times that his spirit phone would measure these life units [7]. This concept is reminiscent of modern-day discussions about electronic voice phenomena and instrumental transcommunication in the paranormal sphere.
The spirit phone was a topic of interest during the time when spiritualism was in full swing, a period characterised by spirit photography and psychic mediums. Edison spoke about his spirit phone in several magazines, contributing to the broader conversation about spiritualism during its peak [8].
The question of whether there is another side and if we can communicate with it remains a profound question in the paranormal sphere. Edison's spirit phone, despite its elusive nature, continues to captivate the imagination and spark debate among those seeking answers to life's great mysteries.
[1] American Magazine, 1920 [2] New York Times, 1920 [3] Diary and Sundry Observations, 1948 [4] Le Royaume de l'Au-dela, 2021 [5] Various magazines, 1920s [6] Le Royaume de l'Au-dela, 2021 [7] New York Times, 1920 [8] Various magazines, 1920s
The spirit phone, a device proposed by Thomas Edison in the early 20th century, is related to his scientific quest to explore and capture subtle vibrations from "spirit entities." This notion, reminiscent of modern-day discussions about electronic voice phenomena and instrumental transcommunication in the paranormal sphere, also touches on the broader aspect of mental health, as it raises questions about life after death and communication with the deceased.
