In this article an attempt has been made to show as briefly as possible the universality of the belief in
apparitions,
and the varied forms under which this belief exhibits itself in various times and countries among savage and
civilised
peoples; and to indicate the basic principles on which it rests — namely, the existence of a spiritual world
capable of
manifesting itself in the sphere of matter, and the survival of the human soul after the dissolution of the
body. While
the beliefs in this connection of savage races and of Europeans in early and medieval times may arouse interest
and
curiosity for their own sakes, the scientific investigator of the present day values them chiefly as throwing
light on
modern beliefs.
— Lewis Spence, An Encyclopaedia of Occultism: A Compendium of
Information on the Occult Sciences, Occult Personalities, Psychic
Science, Magic, Demonology, Spiritism, Mysticism and Metaphysics (George Routledge & Sons, 1920)
