Ectoplasm refers to a mysterious substance often depicted as a ghostly, semi-transparent material believed to be emitted by spiritual mediums during séances. This concept has permeated popular culture, particularly within paranormal lore. However, the term also holds a distinct meaning in biology, referring to a specific component of certain living cells.
Paranormal Origins and Beliefs
The concept of ectoplasm gained prominence during the Spiritualism movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Mediums claimed this substance was a physical manifestation of spiritual energy, allowing spirits to interact with the physical world. It was believed to exude from bodily orifices, such as the mouth, nose, ears, or eyes, of a medium in a trance state. This material was then purportedly used by spirits to form visible shapes, including faces, hands, or complete figures of the deceased.
Ectoplasm was described as a milky-white, sometimes grayish, creamy, or cloudy substance, varying in consistency from vaporous to a plastic paste or a fabric-like tissue. Mediums like Eusapia Palladino and Mina Crandon (“Margery”) were associated with ectoplasm production. They often insisted on dim lighting during séances, claiming bright light would cause the ectoplasm to disintegrate or injure them.
Investigating Ectoplasmic Claims
Skeptical investigators and magicians frequently challenged claims of ectoplasmic manifestations. Harry Houdini dedicated significant effort to exposing fraudulent mediums, often attending séances in disguise to observe and reveal deceptive methods. Houdini, a skilled illusionist, understood the techniques used to create convincing but fake paranormal phenomena. He joined a Scientific American committee, which offered a reward for legitimate psychic demonstrations, and was instrumental in discrediting mediums like Margery Crandon.
Common materials used to fake ectoplasm included cheesecloth, muslin, gauze, paper, and concoctions of soap, gelatin, or egg whites. Mediums would swallow and regurgitate these materials or conceal them within their clothing to produce “ectoplasm” during a séance. Investigations often revealed that alleged ectoplasmic photographs contained visible fold marks, cut-outs from magazines, or pins used to manipulate the material.
The Scientific Definition of Ectoplasm
Beyond its paranormal association, ectoplasm is a defined term in cell biology. In a scientific context, it refers to the outer, clear, non-granular layer of cytoplasm in certain cells, located immediately beneath the plasma membrane. German biologist Ernst Haeckel coined the term in the late 19th century to describe this part of the cytoplasm, particularly in single-celled organisms like amoebas.
Ectoplasm plays a significant role in the movement and shape maintenance of these cells. It is a rigid, gel-like substance rich in actin filaments, protein fibers that provide structural support and aid cellular motion. In amoebas, the contraction and relaxation of ectoplasm drive the formation of pseudopods, allowing the organism to move and engulf food.