A Brief History of Mind Machines

A brief History of Mind Machines

An illustrated timeline of the development of Mind Machines

A LONG TIME AGO

CAVE PAINTINGS

CAVE PAINTINGS

When our ancestors gathered around the fire for safety, warmth, rituals or to socialize – they saw their art brought to life by the flickering flames.

Mid 1500's

NOSTRADAMUS

NOSTRADAMUS

Nostradamus watched the sun through his waving hand to induce visions – at the bequest of Catherine de’Medici.

1819

FOUNDATION

FOUNDATION

Czech physiologist J. E. Purkyně started his research that lead to developing the Phorolyt – later renamed the Kinesiscope

In the 1940's

MEASURING BRAINWAVES

MEASURING BRAINWAVES

Neurophysiologist’s William Grey Walter’s research confirmed the geometrical illusions phenomenon associated with changes in the electrical activity of the brain. In a sense he is the first to employ Electroencephalograph’s accurate measurements to his research.

Late 1950's

The DreamMachine

The DreamMachine

Brion Gysin and William S. Burroughs together with Ian Sommerville created the Dreamachine. The device was described as “the first art object to be seen with the eyes closed” and it was able to induce alpha brainwaves and relaxing mental states.

1970's and 80's

EEG CONFIRMED BENEFITS

EEG CONFIRMED BENEFITS

Using EEG feedback, Jack Schwarz developed the ISIS, the first device to use lights in goggles to produce certain mental states. Years later, scientific researches discovered numerous benefits attributed to Mind Machines, such as increased intellectual functioning and hemispheric synchronization.

Present time

MODERN DAY TECHNOLOGIES

MODERN DAY TECHNOLOGIES

Nowadays we are able to harness light and sound to achieve greater effects. Besides the software and hardware’s upgrades in past years, the continuous stream of scientific research data allowed the community to refine user guidelines regarding the use of Mind Machines.

Continue learning more here!

Want to learn more about the fascinating discovery of flicker induced hallucinations and the past of mind machines ? Check out the extensive version of this post by going through the Resources section of the website!