Allan Kardec

Educator and paranormal researcher Allan Kardec from France coined the name Spiritism in the 1850s, to distinguish it from Spiritualism. The information that comprises Spiritism is based on advanced communications by morally superior spirits received through different mediums from all over the world and compiled into books by Kardec and The Parisian Society of Psychological Studies.

After analyzing and collating the spirit communications received, he published several books. These books contain what is considered the basis of the Spiritist Doctrine (Spirit Science), the science of the interaction of the spirit world and material world and, its moral and philosophical implications. These important books are: The Spirits' Book; Practical Instruction Regarding Spirit Manifestations; The Mediums' Book; The Gospel According to Spiritism; Heaven and Hell — The Divine Justice Vindicated in the Plurality of Existences; and Genesis — Miracles and Prophecies.

Allan Kardec's real name was Hippolyte Leon Denizard Rivail and was born in Lyon, France on October 3, 1804. He came from a family of lawyers, and he was well-educated. He wrote books on mathematics and French grammar and did translations of French books into German. As a Professor, he taught all subjects, especially the sciences. He opened his own school in 1825. He spoke 6 languages. In 1831, he married Amelie Gabrielle Boudet, who was also a teacher. They had no children. Kardec was NOT a medium.