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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the drawback to the "visionary arts" mentioned in Appendix 3?
(a) They require a great deal of time, effort and expense to put on.
(b) They are ephemeral, and earlier masterpieces have been lost to us.
(c) They are experienced differently by each individual, so no one understands how another experiences them.
(d) They can only be experienced in large groups.

2. According to the author, what did one subject see while under the effects of mescalin and the second technique described in Appendix 1?
(a) A phoenix of undulating rainbow colors.
(b) A vision of Heaven.
(c) A vision of Hell.
(d) A Japanese landscape.

3. What film does the author reference as an example of the distorted documentary?
(a) "NY, NY."
(b) "Queen Mab."
(c) "The Revolt of Islam."
(d) "The Living Desert."

4. How does mescalin affect the user's brain function?
(a) It affects the user's ability to react appropriately to potentially dangerous situations.
(b) It blocks the brain's ability to filter sensory input.
(c) It makes users unable to recognize or remember familiar people, places and objects.
(d) It affects the brain's enzymes and absorption of glucose.

5. Which of these is NOT a vision which the author thinks might be produced by prodding the brain with an electrode?
(a) Nostradamus's visions of the future.
(b) Blake's visions of the Cherubim.
(c) The author's friend's vision of a colorful Japanese landscape.
(d) Weir Mitchell's visions of the Gothic tower.

6. To what researcher does the author refer when commenting on the first technique in Appendix 1?
(a) Tamachi.
(b) Meduna.
(c) Klein.
(d) Kristoff.

7. What is known about the substance being tested as of the year the experiment is performed?
(a) It alters one's mental state, but often induces anxiety or panic.
(b) It can alter the subject's mental state without any noticeable side effects.
(c) It can have serious or even fatal side effects, but only in a very small percentage of people who use it.
(d) It is only safe to use in small doses.

8. What is the biggest difference between dreams and visions, according to the author?
(a) Color is rare in dreams, but is always present in visions.
(b) Visions can be induced, while dreams only happen randomly.
(c) Dreams can be had while awake or asleep, while visions only occur when one is awake.
(d) Visions are often similar to religious experiences, but dreams usually aren't.

9. Why are marble and stone often particularly impressive materials in art?
(a) Because they are so hard to find.
(b) Because they are more difficult to work with than other media.
(c) Because they last longer than many other pieces of art.
(d) Because the pieces made from them are usually very large.

10. What is the main quality of the drug being tested?
(a) Hallucinogenic.
(b) Sedative.
(c) Stimulant.
(d) Psychedelic.

11. What is the second technique, described by the author in Appendix 1, for inducing a visionary state?
(a) Use of various sound frequencies.
(b) Use of a stroboscopic lamp.
(c) Use of ambient music.
(d) Use of a repetitive hand movement.

12. What practice has been undertaken by almost all religious aspirants, according to the author?
(a) Meditation.
(b) Bodily mortification.
(c) Pilgrimage.
(d) Fasting.

13. According to the author, what are the two ways to achieve a level of consciousness that allows for exploration of the undiscovered areas of the mind?
(a) Drugs and fasting.
(b) Fasting and meditation.
(c) Meditation and drugs.
(d) Drugs and hypnosis.

14. From whence does the author believe visionary experiences originate?
(a) From the user's imagination.
(b) From the Mind-at-large.
(c) From the user's memories.
(d) From the user's racial memory.

15. Why was Holy Week such an effective spiritual practice, according to the author?
(a) Because it was preceded by Lent.
(b) Because the faithful were gathered in large groups for the services.
(c) Because it worked upon the penitents' feelings of guilt.
(d) Because there is vivid and graphic mythology associated with it.

Short Answer Questions

1. The author feels that all human beings are naturally what?

2. What are the first objects upon which the author intently focuses during the experiment?

3. Which is NOT a practice that mimics the effects which result from the first technique described in Appendix 1?

4. When did fireworks re-enter the world of popular entertainment, according to the author?

5. How do utilitarians feel about art?

(see the answer keys)

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