I don't know if these stories are accurate but they do mesh well with
the posts on transpersonal psychology and C. Tart's classic idea of
"state specific sciences" developed in the sixties. Perhaps James was
ahead of his time and engaging in a "shamanic journey" providing an
alternative way of knowing? See also E. Taylor's recent book on "Shadow
Culture" mentioned earlier. And:
Tart, C. T. (1960). States of consciousness, and spiritual
experiences: The need for specific sciences. In C. Tart (ed.)
__Transpersonal Psychologies__ New York: Harper and Row.
Gary Peterson
Jim Dougan wrote:
>
> Back in grad school, I was told the following story:
>
> ****
>
> James experimented on occasion with nitrous oxide. One one occasion,
> while under the influence, He realized he had found the answer to the
> ultimate question of the universe (apparently, the answer was not 42).
> Unfortunately, upon recovery, he could no longer remember the answer.
>
> With the skills of a great investigator, he set out to replicate the
> experiment, but this time made sure that a notepad and pen were nearby.
> Upon recovery, he remembered writing the answer down, but could no longer
> find the notepad.
>
> When he did finally find the notepad, some time later, upon it was
> written:
>
> Higamous Hogamous woman's monogamous
> Hogamous Higamous man is polygamous
>
> ****
>
> I have always wondered if this story was apocryphal, and I have no idea of
> the source. It does sound consistent with some of the other responses to
> Michael's post. Anyone know if the story is true, and if so where it is
> recorded?
>
> -- Jim
>
>
> On Wed, 8 Mar 2000, Michael Sylvester wrote:
>
> >
> > did really William James do dope? something about him inhaling nitrous
> > oxide?
> >
> > Michael Sylvester
> > Daytona Beach,Florida
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
