ABSTRACT
The psychology then existing at the turn of the century, and still the most usual form taught in the universities, was experimental, physical, reductionist and secularized. Darwin's The Origin of Species, published in 1859, had had a major impact on assumptions about the nature of mankind in the latter part of the nineteenth century. Eastern religions slowly became known to some aware people who were able to see countries such as India not only as Empire but also as repositories of ancient wisdom with much to offer the West. Theosophists from the beginning drew on Asian religious sources, particularly Tibetan. The Buddhist Society, especially through the great influence of such people as Christmas Humphries, had particular links with Theosophists: indeed, Theosophy was known by some as esoteric Buddhism'. Annie Besant was one of the most prolific and articulate writers in the Theosophy movement at that time, and one of its leaders.
