Abstract

This reincarnation case has 3 unusual features: (a) The S was in her 30s when she began to have apparent memories of a previous life; in cases of this type memories usually begin much earlier. (b) The memories occurred only during periods of marked change in the S's personality. (c) The new personality that emerged spoke Bengali, a language that the S could not speak or understand in her normal state. A careful investigation of the S's background and early life disclosed no opportunities for her to have learned to speak Bengali before the case developed. A final interpretation of this case cannot be made on the basis of present information and knowledge. The authors believe, however, that the data of the case are best accounted for at present by supposing that the S had had memories of the life of a Bengali woman who died about 1830. (32 ref)