Sir, I was delighted to see that telepathy is being taken seriously, but sad to see the usual response of scientists (“Theories of telepathy and afterlife cause uproar at top science forum”, Sept 6). Certainly, telepathy and near-death experience are beyond explanation by conventional ideas. But to respond by dismissing the experience of large numbers of people is very unscientific.
The sceptics simply do not want their world view upset. While it is far more rational to accept that there is something going on that we do not understand, they struggle to find ways to ignore the evidence. I thought that scientists had learnt their lessons after the errors of continental drift, but apparently not.
It is pleasing, though, that there were enough spirited scientists at the British Association for the Advancement of Science for the subject to get an airing.
PAUL McCOMBIE
Warminster, Wilts
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Sir, Yet again, certain selfappointed gatekeepers of science are attempting to halt progress by denying fellow scientists a platform to air their views. This is not about whether their views on paranormal phenomena are correct or not, but whether certain arrogant and influential people are allowed to prevent scientists such as myself from hearing controversial ideas. These gatekeepers should read up on the history of science and recognise the damage they could be doing.
MILTON WAINWRIGHT
University of Sheffield
Sir, I think that telepathy exists and is based on natural electro-magnetic forces which we have as a race lost sight of and now only experience in times of acute need. During the war my wife and I, like many other couples, faced separation for an unknown period. Before embarkation we agreed to think of each other on the date and time of our marriage. Three months after each occasion I received a sea mail letter in India saying: “I felt your presence very strongly, but you were an hour early!” She was correct.
When much of the map was red, the Corps of Royal Engineers were responsible for finding water in remote areas. I was told by a brigadier that for decades they often paid local diviners when, as often happened, they demonstrated a genuine ability to find water.
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ALAN SHAW
Norwich