Science proceeds from uncontrolled observation to controlled observation to experimentation, hypothesis testing, and theory building. The controversial nature of "psychic surgery" in the Philippines cannot be resolved because it is still at the level of uncontrolled observation In this article, observations thus far are summarized including those of the author The possibilities for trickery and fraud are pointed out, and suggestions are given as to how controlled observation can be implemented If any of these phenomena are valid, a series of important implications follows As a result, serious investigation of the Filipino "healers" is warranted
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