Although the word parapsychology suggests a field of research that exists "beside psychology," its studies are not only related to psychology but to religion, anthropology, physics, and other areas as well. Parapsychology's history may be divided into three periods: from prehistory to the latter part of the nineteenth century; the last three decades of the nineteenth century and the first decades of the twentieth; and the present period. This essay, chapter 1 from Psychic Exploration, details the history of parapsychology. The full volume of Psychic Exploration can be purchased as an ebook or paperback version from all major online retailers and at cosimobooks.com.