The "21 grams experiment," conducted by Dr. Duncan MacDougall in 1907, aimed to explore the potential physical existence of the soul by measuring weight changes in dying patients. MacDougall hypothesized that the soul, if it had mass, would result in a measurable weight loss upon death. His experiment involved six terminally ill patients, one of whom exhibited a weight loss of about 21 grams at the moment of death. This led MacDougall to suggest that the lost weight could represent the departing soul. Despite the initial intrigue, the study faced significant criticism for its small sample size and inconsistent results. Additionally, MacDougall’s later experiments on dogs yielded no similar weight loss, further complicating his claims. Ultimately, his theories have been largely discredited by modern science, categorizing the "21 grams experiment" as a pseudoscientific endeavor rather than legitimate research. The discussion surrounding the soul remains a complex intersection of faith and science, with many still pondering its implications in various cultural and spiritual contexts.
edit: @south_korea_ln