Does the human soul exist, and if so, can it be measured? In 1901, Dr. Macdougall, a Russian physician sought to prove the human soul exists and has a measurable mass. The outcome of this experiment to discover psychic knowledge is controversial and limited, but there might just be more support for the theory than meets the eye.
Measuring the Soul
Six tuberculosis patients were the subjects of this controversial study to discover psychic knowledge about the human soul. Dr. Macdougall placed each patient and their hospital beds on a scale, carefully weighing each patient in their bed during the hours leading up to death and immediately following the actual time he believed to be their time of death.
The Weight of the Soul
Results varied slightly to an inconsequential degree due to the calibration and accuracy on the delicate scale; however, the weight of each patient upon death was measured to be 3/4 of an ounce or 21 grams less than before death. Macdougall accounted for all possible contributing factors, such as loss of air escaping the lungs, loss of bowels, etc. The variable missing from the equation weighed about 21 grams. Each patient lost approximately 21 grams, regardless of their sex or weight.
Other Studies
In his effort to prove that the human soul has a measurable mass, he expanded his study to include 15 dogs; however, a measurable weight loss did not exist. Scientists have since conducted this experiment with rats without any variation of weight. Why does a human lose this standard amount of weight, and not a dog or rat? Mixed theories of attack actually provide more support for Macdougall's research than refute it.
Until a scientist produces a study with contrasting results, we are compelled to abide by the logic that says nothing otherwise has been proven. Maybe this logic will challenge a thirsty scientist or physician to measure the weight of a human soul or continue the experiments Macdougall was just beginning before his death, which attempted to capture a photograph of a human soul leaving the body.
21 Grams
The mystery, a missing variable, was attributed to the weight of the human soul. There might just be a little more support for his claim than meets the eye. Until evidence suggests otherwise, a physician found that the human soul has a measurable mass and weight of 21 grams.