Science und Séance: Die Biologin und Parapsychologin Fanny Moser (1872-1953), written in German and edited by Ina Schmied-Knittel, has been awarded the Parapsychological Association Book Award for its outstanding contribution to the historical understanding and recognition of Dr. Fanny Moser’s pioneering work in parapsychology. This compilation of insightful essays sheds light on the life and prolific research of Moser, celebrating her as an extraordinary figure in both marine biology and parapsychology.
Dr. Fanny Moser, a courageous and persistent Swiss researcher, was among the first women to study at a university in Freiburg, Germany (1896). She earned her doctorate in zoology from Munich in 1901. In the early part of her career, she made significant contributions to marine biology, with numerous publications that remain cited today. Her later work in parapsychology produced two seminal volumes: Der Okkultismus: Täuschungen und Tatsachen (Occultism: Facts and Deception) (1935) and Spuk: Irrglaube oder Wahrglaube. Eine Frage
der Menschheit (Spooks: False Beliefs or True Beliefs, A Riddle of Mankind) (1950), which have become classics in German-language literature on the paranormal.
Moser’s investigations into mediumship and paranormal phenomena were rigorous and critical, culminating in the conclusion that only a small fraction of the cases she reviewed were genuine. Her ambition to integrate parapsychology into mainstream science and the ongoing question of the existence of an afterlife are central themes in her work, which remains influential to this day.
Science und Seance combines contributions from experts in parapsychology including psychologist Eberhard Bauer, biologist Michael Nahm, and historian Uwe Schellinger, alongside insights from non-scientists Moser’s great-nephew Roger Nicholas Balsiger and curator Mandy Ranneberg. The essays offer a comprehensive overview of Moser’s private and professional life, highlighting her background from a distinguished Swiss family, her pioneering career path, and the impactful events that shaped her life’s work. Notably, a reproduced article by Moser, “A New Look at Spooks,” appears in the collection and offers readers direct insight into her perspective and research findings.
The Parapsychological Association recognizes Science und Seance for its ability to bring Fanny Moser’s groundbreaking work to the forefront of contemporary parapsychological discussions. The book not only honors her legacy but also provides inspiration for current and future researchers aiming to integrate parapsychology with other areas of study as well as into broader scientific discourse.
The Parapsychological Association Book Award was established in 2015 to recognize books in the field of parapsychology that make significant contributions to science and to the cultural conversation about the implications of parapsychology. Visit the PA Book Award Page to learn more about the award and previous winners.
