In ESP testing, some experiments involve having a list of random numbers for a subject to guess. Often, such a list is developed on a computer. However, it’s difficult to progam for randomness, so usually the computer is given a complex mathematical calculation that results in a seemingly endless set of digits that do not have a pattern. Even though this is based on a formula and not truly random, such pseudo-random numbers, for all practical purposes, are unpredictable and effectively simulate a list of random numbers.
Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Sandra Kynes, author of several books, including The Herb Gardener's Essential Guide, Plant Magic, and the new Witches' Encyclopedia of Magical Plants, among many others.
Although a few old books...