Protection Against the Dark Arts: A Guide to the World of Paranormal Phenomena

What and why we fear—and how house spirits came to live in our homes. A new book by the author of the bestseller "The Sum of Biotechnology," winner of the "Prosveshcheniye" (Enlightenment) award.

A gripping, research-based exploration for those who want to understand where the line is between science and mysticism, between proven fact and charlatanism, illustrated with examples from many different fields of knowledge.

When we encounter things and events beyond our understanding, we call them mysticism and attribute the action of otherworldly forces: from ghosts and house spirits to demons and monsters. We’ve gotten used to believing forecasts and performing a certain set of ritual actions to pass exams or bring good luck in a new endeavor. Alexander Panchin proves that most of our fears and mystical beliefs are caused by ignorance of the basic laws of physics, psychology, and biology. Behind each mysterious riddle, more often than not, there is a scientific fact.

For example, the feeling that someone is present in the house, a tightness in the chest, and a sinister premonition of your own death most likely mean not that a poltergeist has moved in, but that the concentration of carbon monoxide in the house is too high—and you should urgently call in gas service specialists. Because anxious thoughts, chest pain, and hallucinations are clear signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.