Are crystals alive? Were the great pyramids of ancient Egypt capped with giant crystals? Do crystals repel fleas and other pests? Can crystals record thoughts and heal human ills?
Crystals - the ubiquitous symbol and tool of trade for the growing New Age movement - have had many powers attributed to them, ranging from the physical (improving gas mileage) to the psychic (increasing ESP powers and channeling).
Crystal Power critically examines claims of crystal power from a variety of viewpoints: historical, scientific, theoretical and experimental. The book explores the history of crystal use in witchcraft, shamanism and mysticism and the many uses of natural and manufactured crystals in technology.
Lawrence E. Jerome finds that there are, in fact, many scientific properties inherent in crystals - properties that are (mis)translated by the New Age movement into the spiritual and medical realm. Incorporating an extensive national survey of crystal advocates, Jerome reveals that the human brain and the placebo effect far surpass any of the substantial claims of crystal power. He discovers in most cases of crystal healing, as in conventional medical studies, that 30 - 50% of those tested are "healed" through a placebo effect. This fascinating book proves that the power of crystals is not in the stones themselves - but in the mind.