It is others who have labeled me “ghost hunter”. For myself, I am an investigator of the unknown and I reveal truth where there is, I am saddened to say, far too much trickery and charlatanism. Here I lay out the required qualities of a good ghosthunter.

1. Integrity.

Above all, truth must be permitted to prevail and at no time should the investigator offer the opportunity for his personal emotional motivations to taint the evidence being examined. There is no room for belief, merely sound logical conclusions from clear, empirical evidence.

2. Tuned senses

Each of the five senses - for there are but five - must be finely tuned for they will certainly be required at every junction. No manner of instrument can replace the human senses. Let the instruments verify and record while one’s senses communicate the true nature of one’s environment.

3. A gentleman

It is a known fact the very nature of the female constitution is incompatible with the exploration of the unknown. Squeals of fright, excitement and the constant danger of feinting all give rise to greater concern for the woman than for the nature of the investigation. This is a most unfortunate circumstance as it is frequently the case that a woman herself is the very focus of said investigation.

4. Knowledge of science

One may not simply take to the high street to purchase all that is required within the ghost hunter’s arsenal of measuring, test, and defensive tools. One must design such implements and have the necessary means to have them expertly manufactured to an exacting standard. Measurements are meaningless without implicit trust in the accuracy of the tool being used. I mention defensive implements for it is my experience that the charlatan can become physically violent at the ultimate realisation she is about to be exposed.

5. An understanding of deception

One must understand the nature of one’s opponent and the ghost hunter’s most commonly encountered opponent is the deceiver. I have experienced all manner of events - some of which, I will admit, defy explanation within the bounds of scientific understanding at this time - most of which have been revealed to be deliberate deceptions on the part of some person or persons. it is only through becoming learned in the vocabulary of the deceiver that one can reveal the deception.

With such qualities - and yet more - the ghost hunter may find himself revealing the truth of the matters to which he is called to investigate. Without them, he is nothing more than the charlatans he pretends to expose.