Spectropia; or, Surprising Spectral Illusions

Published in 1864, 'Spectropia; or, Surprising Spectral Illusions' by J. H. Brown is an illustrated work that provides scientific explanations for ghostly apparitions, countering the rise of spiritualism. The book features hand-colored plates that create spectral images through the phenomenon of afterimage, demonstrating how optical illusions can mislead our senses. Brown aimed to dispel superstitions by revealing the science behind these illusions.