There are alternative explanations which have been suggested for the various types of psychic experiences. For example, it has been found that electrical stimulation of the temporal lobes during neurosurgery can produce dreamy, aura-like effects, deja vu, awe, OBE, extremely lifelike hallucinations, perception of intense meaningfulness, convictions of cosmic consciousness and peak experiences.³... There is also evidence that these same types of phenomena might be triggered by "the chemical consequences of personal crisis, anxiety, hypoxia, hypoglycemia, and fatigue." (Persinger, 1983.).⁴

There would in fact appear to be marked similarities between psychic experiences which can be artificially induced, or caused by certain disease states, and those which have been perceived to be mystical in origin. The question has been posed, how does one differentiate "real transcendence" from the various neuropathies that produce the same extreme realness, profundity, ineffability and sense of cosmic unity?.⁵

In developing the Integrated Theory of Intelligence, I have not so much attempted to establish the ultimate source of P.E. as to determine whether the information, insight and understanding gained is valid.

Prior to my having a peak experience I had never heard the term nor had any knowledge of it. I had read about near-death experiences several years before, but that is as close as I had come. Neither was I familiar with the various altered states of consciousness that one might experience. It was only because of the exceedingly profound effect that the peak experience had upon me that I was stimulated to explain and understand it. To say that it has completely changed my life is not an overstatement. It has led me in several different directions, not the least of which is the generation of this book.

Soon after having had the peak experience, I described the event as best I could to a friend, Lloyd Campbell, a practicing psychologist. He directed me to the works of Abraham Maslow. I began by reading several of Maslow's books. This in itself was a profound experience in that as I began to read, I felt as if I knew what he was going to say before he said it. There was no doubt in my mind that what I had experienced was exactly what Maslow described. It was also clear to me that the only way he could be so perfect in his eloquence on the subject was that he had experienced at least one P.E. himself.

Although the theory is not yet complete, I believe it to be far enough along at this time for public presentation and scientific scrutiny. Given time, the theory will eventually be expanded by myself and hopefully others. I choose to publish it now to begin the process of debate.

The theory interrelates concepts from virtually every scientific discipline and merges current teachings of many prominent leaders in each field.

Even though my peak experience was something that undeniably occurred, it is still necessary to constantly question the concepts gained. Even though I am now certain that a substantial increase in our knowledge of reality can be obtained in non-scientifically recognized ways, I believe that any new concept still must be scientifically validated to the greatest extent possible. Science in general has tended to ignore the presence of consciousness and how it relates to the more measurable aspects of our material existence. As others have stated more eloquently than I, it is time that all fields of science recognize the existence of intelligence and consciousness, and devise ways to integrate them with our physical concepts.

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