The solar wind and hallucinations--a possible relation due to magnetic disturbances.

Data from the 19th century on hallucinations and magnetic disturbances were found to exhibit a direct and statistically significant correlation. The aa magnetic index over the period 1868-89 and concurrent visual hallucinatory activity were found to co-vary (Spearman coefficient = .64; P less than .05). Magnetic influences on the pineal hormone, melatonin, are suggested as a possible source of variation.