De Studievereeniging / The S.P.R. Under Heymans

“It is impossible to report on our activities, since no phenomena have occurred.”

In 1921 the Dutch Society for Psychical Research, the S.P.R., was founded. Its president was dr. Gerard Heymans, professor in philosophy and psychology at the University of Groningen.
From his inauguration speech:

“…We don’t desire to arrange interesting shows a la Rubini, nor to collect sensational stories, nor to satisfy higher or lower emotional needs, or the need for comforting views or nervous shivers. We want to study the phenomena involved scientifically, and without prejudice…”

"The S.P.R. under Heymans" deals with the first, trying years of the S.P.R.
Starting point for "The S.P.R. under Heymans" were the beautiful minutes and proceedings of the meetings of the S.P.R. from 1921 to 1925, the year in which Gerard Heymans gave up his presidency.
An installation concerning psychogalvanic phenomena, wild metaphysics and hyperaesthesia.