Rufus Osgood Mason

Rufus Osgood Mason was born in Sullivan, New Hampshire, Jan. 22nd. 1830 died New York City, New York May 11, 1903. He was a Physician, Surgeon, Teacher, an early pioneer in parapsychology Research and Hypnotherapy [cite web | url = http://publicparapsychology.blogspot.com/2007/09/50th-annual-pa-convention-forgotten.html | title = 50th Annual PA Convention: Forgotten Pioneers of Parapsychology Panel, Discussion of Dr. Rufus Osgood Mason, By Carlos S. Alvarado | author = Annalisa Ventola | date = 2007-07-22 | accessdate = 2008-08-04] [cite book | url = http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=rd4NAAAAYAAJ&dq=rufus+osgood+mason&printsec=frontcover&source=web&ots=xDjV7FBN1h&sig=c8Ayqq6BIkJvjPEEqJrFUbDavCE&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result#PPP10,M1 | title = Hypnotism and Suggestion in Therapeutics, Education, and Reform | author = Rufus Osgood Mason | editor = Henry Holt and Co. | year = 1901 | accessdate = 2008-08-04]

Dr. Mason prepared for College at Thetford, Vermont and later graduated at Dartmouth College in 1854. Having a personal interest in Religion and Spiritualism, he entered The Union Theological Seminary, during the time when the careful study of theological questions were being seriously addressed. Being scholarly and having a critical analytical mind, he examined various theological issues that were presented to him. Accordingly, he abandoned his direction on being an ordained minister, thus the ministry losing one of it's bright talent toward his pursuit in the science of medicine.

In 1859, he graduated at The College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City (now a part of Columbia University). He became one of the most noted surgeons of his day in New York City.During The American Civil War, (1861-1864) he became an Assistant Surgeon for The U.S. Navy. He was appointed Oct. 21. 1861, serving on the U.S.S. Santiago diago Cuba and resigned Feb. 2, 1864.

Between the years leaving The Union Theological Seminary, and his entering the medical profession, he became an instructor at a public school in Cleveland, Ohio. It was there that he met, taught, inspired, and befriended "A small Barefoot Boy" named William Rockefeller (Brother of John D. Rockefeller). This relationship would endure through the years, and Dr. Mason becoming "A Rockefeller Patron" toward the advancing of the medical sciences.

Dr. Mason was also deeply interested in Metaphysical speculation and theory. His imput would help in the early pioneer development of Parapsychology and psychical research. These subjects were published in many books, magazines, and newspaper articles. He is accredited as "An Early Father-Pioneer of Parapsychology" and advance-supporter of the study of applied therapeutic uses of what is known today as Hypnotherapy.

He was a contributing member of The Society for Psychical Research. Much of Dr. Mason's research and observations in psychical research would be applied in early ESP, Telepathy, Astral (OOBE) research, and in present day Remote Viewing. In September 2007, Dr. Mason has been re-recognized as an early pioneer in parapsychology and psychical research.

He was married first in New York City to Marianne Isabelle Goodwin in 1871, and married second to Charlotte Louise Quick in 1866.

References

* The Genealogy of Capt. Hugh Mason, Bio, By Dr. Henry Bond, 1935 Reprint from Higgins Books
* [http://kinnexions.com/kinnexions/mason/rr01/rr01_355.htm#P6817 Rufus Ogood Mason] , Family Geneology-Bio #1168
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