Misc Paranormal Topics: Spontaneous Human Combustion

spontaneous human combustion (SHC) The process of a human body catching fire as a result of heat generated by internal chemical action. Many people have felt as if they were about to explode, or that their bellies were on fire, but so far there are no accounts of anyone suddenly bursting into...

Another case, that of Jeannie Saffin, included in Heymer (1996, 179-188) and Arnold (1995, 208-209), is quite instructive. Because the source of the body's ignition is not obvious in Saffin's death, paranormalists are especially quick to propose SHC. In doing so, of course, they engage in the logical fallacy called argumentum ad ignorantiam ("arguing from ignorance"), since one cannot prove a cause from a lack of facts. The case also illustrates how crucial details may be omitted and how accounts become exaggerated over time, and therefore it demonstrates the consequent need to return to original sources.

One of the really bizarre, and still unexplained, happenings is the phenomenon called "Spontaneous Human Combustion". Apparently, once every two years or so, a human being bursts into flames - for no apparent reason. It's very important to emphasise that in true Spontaneous Human Combustion (if it really exists) the human body bursts into flames without touching an external flame or source of heat. Often the whole body is reduced to ashes.

In spontaneous human combustion, a person allegedly bursts instantly into flames, immediately burning up, leaving behind only ashes and burned body parts. Incidents have been mentioned in the literature of unexplained phenomena, with the impression that peculiar, unknown forces must be responsible.

That being said, the human body does burn quite effectively once it's ignited. A Skeptical Enquirer piece by Joe Nickell entitled "Not-So-Spontaneous Human Combustion" describes a "wicking effect," in which the fatty tissues in the body burn much

Forensic scientists very rarely, if ever, mention the (alleged) phenomenon of spontaneous human combustion (SHC). After reading an article on the subject in BILD, Germany's most famous tabloid newspaper (circulation four million daily), I started to wonder about this.

The process of a human body catching fire as a result of heat generated by internal chemical action. More about Spontaneous human combustion (SHC) Intro on SHC Spontaneous human Combustion is Propaganda SHC is Fake Investigative report Investigate! More on Spontaneous human combustion Info

On the morning of July 2, 1951, Mary Reese was found dead in her apartment. Everything about her death was mysterious. To begin with, not much was left of her. There was only a pile of ashes, a shrunken skull and a completely undamaged left foot.

Like Count Dracula, the mythical specter of "spontaneous human combustion" (SHC) refuses to die. The latest book to fan the flames of belief, so to speak, is Ablaze! by Larry E. Arnold. The dust-jacket blurb states that the author "redirected a background in mechanical and electrical engineering to explore the Unconventional." Indeed

Humans have a knack for getting burned. Sip coffee that's a little too hot and you burn your tongue. Reaching the pinnacle of nervousness can cause heartburn. Remaining in the sun for too long without protection leaves you with sunburn. Play with fire and you know what happens. And that's saying nothing of rug burns that can occur when you... How about that weather?