Author: R. Osgood Mason

Dr. R. Osgood Mason (1830–1903) was an American physician and author known for his work in the field of psychical research, with a particular focus on hypnosis and psychic phenomena. As part of the intellectual milieu of late 19th-century America that was fascinated by the possibilities of the mind, Mason”s contributions were noted among spiritualists and early psychologists. His work “Telepathy and the Subliminal Self” (1897) remains his most recognized literary contribution, wherein he explores the then-controversial subjects of telepathy and the possibility of a subconscious mind influenced by hypnotism and other altered states of consciousness. Mason”s literary style reflects the scientific approach of his era, blending empirical observation with speculative inquiry. As such, his work sought to bridge the gap between the nascent field of psychology and the realm of spiritual experiences. While his writings did not achieve significant acclaim in the academic community, they were reflective of a time of vigorous exploration of the boundaries of human cognition and consciousness. His explorations can be seen as precursors to later psychological theories and continue to be of historical interest to those studying the evolution of psychological and parapsychological thought.