Autor: Herbert Mayo

Herbert Mayo (1796-1852) was a noted British physician and physiologist, whose work extended into the consideration of psychological and paranormal phenomena. Mayo is perhaps best remembered for his treatise on folklore, „Popular Superstitions, and the Truths Contained Therein“, in which he delves into the origins and rational explanations behind the myriad of superstitions that permeated society during the 19th century. His scholarly approach aimed to dissect the superstitions of the time through the lens of emerging scientific enquiry, attempting to separate fact from fiction in an age rife with folklore. While much of Mayo“s professional life was dedicated to the medical sciences, his foray into the examination of superstitions reflected a broader Victorian fascination with the supernatural and the intersection of the known and the unknown. Mayo“s literary style in this work is characterized by a rationalistic perspective that nevertheless retains a sense of respect for the cultural contexts from which these superstitions arose. The book remains a significant contribution to the field of folklore studies, showcasing an early attempt to bridge the gap between belief and empirical evidence.