LennyG
December 21, 2002, 3:39pm
1
Vera Petrova of Ulyansk, Russia, is one perhaps of only a dozen peole in the world who can see through therir skin.
Another case of this phenomenon is that of the Indian writer Ved Mehta. He was totally blind. However he had the ability to see throught the skin of her face.
HOW CAN THIS BE POSSIBLE? HAVE ANY RESEARCH BEEN DONE ON SUCH PHENOMENON? CAN’T WE EXPLOIT THIS AND HELP BLIND PEOPLE SEE?
http://www.skepdic.com/dop.html
dermo-optical perception (DOP)
Dermo-optical perception (DOP) is the alleged ability to “see” without using the eyes. DOP is a conjurer’s trick, often involving elaborate blindfolding rituals, but always leaving a pathway (usually down the side of the nose), which allows for unobstructed vision.
See related entry on “extraordinary human functions”.
http://www.skepdic.com/ehf.html
extraordinary human function (EHF)
An extraordinary human function would be something like the ability to read messages with one’s ears, forehead, fingers or some other part of the anatomy besides the eyes. There have even been accounts of reading by sitting on the message. The latter was popular in China in the late 1970’s, when the study of EHF became a major research topic at Beijing University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The scientists seemed particularly interested in finding a link between EHF and qi (ch’i), believed by many Chinese to be the fundamental life force. Their research, like similar research in the Soviet Union and U.S., covered everything from using paranormal powers to catch criminals to the training of astronauts to use such powers for spying or for guiding missiles.
There are still reports from Russia alleging people can read while blindfolded and that techniques have been developed in dermo-optical perception (DOP) to teach blind people to read through their forehead or fingers using paranormal powers. Braille is a much better bet.
http://www.randi.org/jr/10-08-2000.html
When we first heard from the two chaps who answered the challenge on behalf of some Indonesian mystics/martial artists, it was perfectly clear what trick they were using to deceive them, and that was fully verified when we viewed the videotape that they sent to us. It’s a very old act, one that has been known since medieval times. The performers claim that they can see without the use of their eyes, and a great variety of explanations are given, from facial skin and fingertips being able to “read,” to just a general clairvoyant ability. In fact, a couple of decades ago, parapsychologists were exulting over their discovery of “dermo-optical perception,” and a plethora of performers from little girls to older Indian men were appearing everywhere showing how they could ride bicycles, read and write, and describe colors and actions while apparently blinded… [more]
Bottom line: it’s a trick.
DDG already hit from James Randi’s site. If this guy can do it under controlled circumstances in front of Randi & company theres a million dollars waiting for him.