Cahn, Harold A(rchambo) (1922-)

A professor of biology who developed an interest in psychical research. Born July 1, 1922, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he studied at the University of Minnesota (B.A., zoology, psychology), the University of Wyoming (M.A., zoology, biochemistry), and the University of Iowa (Ph.D., physiology). In 1962 he began teaching at Utica College of Syracuse University. He moved on to Northern Arizona University in 1971.

Cahn gave special attention to parapsychology in relation to problems of psychophysiology. He collaborated in experiments with Dr. Joseph Rush on subjects under mescaline narcosis and in experiments investigating sensory deprivation in relation to mental imagery. He reported on preliminary investigations of the Boulder (Colorado) Psychical Research Group at the first conference of the Parapsychological Association in 1958 and presented a paper entitled "Image Subsception as a Method of Eliciting Psi" at the fifth conference of the Parapsychological Association in 1962.

In later years, Cahn concerned himself with research in such areas as biosystem characteristics, the abstract structure of biological organization, circadian rhythms, and physiological correlates of claimed paranormal phenomena. Cahn has been a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Society for Psychical Research (London), the Parapsychological Association, and the Society for Psychophysiological Research.

Sources:

Pleasants, Helene, ed. Biographical Dictionary of Parapsychology. New York: Helix Press, 1964.