Angélique Cottin: The Electric Girl

In January 1846, strange phenomena began surrounding a 14-year-old peasant girl in the village of La Perrière, Normandy. Angélique Cottin appeared to generate a force that repelled objects, sent furniture flying, and gave electric shocks to anyone who touched her. The case attracted attention from the French Academy of Sciences and became one of the most scientifically investigated poltergeist cases of the nineteenth century.

The Onset

Angélique Cottin was working at a loom with other girls on January 15, 1846, when the oak loom suddenly began moving on its own. It continued to move despite attempts to hold it still. When Angélique approached it again, it retreated from her as if repelled by an invisible force.

The other girls fled in terror, believing Angélique was possessed by evil spirits. The village priest was called to perform an exorcism, but it had no effect on the phenomena.

The Phenomena

Over the following weeks, the phenomena intensified. Heavy furniture moved away from Angélique or was violently overturned in her presence. Chairs she attempted to sit in were pushed away. Objects on tables slid or flew across rooms when she approached.

People who touched her received what felt like electric shocks. Her apron reportedly stuck to surfaces as if magnetized. The phenomena were strongest in the evenings and appeared to originate from her left side, particularly her left elbow and hip.

The force was repulsive—it pushed things away rather than attracting them. A compass needle reportedly deviated when brought near her, suggesting some form of electromagnetic effect.

Scientific Investigation

The case attracted extraordinary scientific attention. Dr. Tanchou brought Angélique to Paris, where she was examined by members of the French Academy of Sciences. Among the investigators was François Arago, the famous astronomer and physicist.

The scientists observed some phenomena under controlled conditions but found the results inconsistent. Some tests produced dramatic effects; others produced nothing. The phenomena appeared to weaken over time and were affected by conditions such as the presence of certain materials, the time of day, and Angélique’s emotional state.

The Academy ultimately reached no consensus on the case. Some members believed they had witnessed genuine phenomena that challenged existing physical laws. Others suspected fraud, though no one could explain how a peasant girl could produce such effects through deception.

Skeptical Analysis

Critics noted several problems with the case. The phenomena were never fully controlled or reproducible. Angélique’s parents profited from exhibiting her. The effects decreased over time, which could suggest either the natural end of a poltergeist episode or increasing difficulty in maintaining a deception.

Some suggested that Angélique had epilepsy or another neurological condition that produced muscular spasms strong enough to move furniture. Others proposed hysteria or a form of unconscious fraud.

The End

By late 1846, the phenomena had largely ceased. Angélique returned to normal life in Normandy and never experienced similar events again. The case faded from public attention.

Legacy

The Angélique Cottin case influenced subsequent research into poltergeist phenomena. The apparent electromagnetic qualities of the effects intrigued investigators and contributed to theories linking poltergeist activity to unusual energy emanating from the focus person.

The case also demonstrated both the possibilities and limitations of scientific investigation of paranormal claims. Despite involvement of prestigious scientists, the phenomena could not be definitively verified or debunked.

Whether Angélique generated genuine electromagnetic forces, unconsciously produced the movements through unknown mechanisms, or cleverly deceived everyone including Academy scientists remains unknown. The Electric Girl of Normandy left behind questions that science of the era could not answer.