Category: M

From the Greek magika, meaning “what wizards do”; any ritualistic practice intended to produce results without using the causal processes of the physical world. In its less elevated form, it could be any sleight-of- hand trick used by conjurers or any demonstration of mind reading or Table rapping by stage entertainers. The concept behind the…

Japanese psychic who produced paranormal photography (nengraphy) and claimed extraordinary psychokinetic powers at metal bending and nengraphy. Kiyota emerged as a teenage star in 1977, in the wake of the extensive international coverage of psychic Uri Geller. He was tested and filmed by Japanese scientists and his phenomena appeared on both Japanese and American television.…

French psychologist who attempted to use statistics to prove the validity of Astrology. Gauquelin, who earned scientific degrees at the Sorbonne, became interested in astrology at an early age, and wished to discover whether it could be substantiated scientifically. While still at the Sorbonne, he began to apply statistical analysis to astrological principles and found…

American journalist and writer known as one of the premier authors of mathematical and logical puzzles and conundrums. Although Gardner spent part of his career as a reporter for the Tulsa Tribune and as a contributing editor to the children’s magazine Humpty Dumpty, his greatest exposure came through his 1957-82 column in Scientific American, which…

A professional conjuror of the 20th century who, following in the footsteps of Houdini, put considerable effort into exposing frauds, especially claims of the occult. His investigations embraced a wide range of frauds and deceits, from psychic animals to clairvoyants, mediums, dowsers, Poltergeists, astral projections, and firewalkers. His exposures are very detailed, giving much information,…

Substance which has the ability to kill molluscs, e.g. snails.  

A papilloma that is the initial lesion of yaws, occurring at the site of inoculation 3 to 4 weeks after infection. This lesion persists for several weeks or months and is painless unless there is a secondary infection.  

A waveform used by some defibrillators that delivers a single shock of positive energy to the myocardium.  

Vulvitis caused by various fungi, most commonly Candida albicans.  

The volume of gas expired or inspired per minute in quiet breathing, usually measured as expired ventilation.