What is spontaneous human combustion and are there any explanations for what causes it?
What is SHC? It’s a ticklish subject that causes arguments is what it is. It tends to get put in the big “paranormal” pot along with walls manifesting ectoplasm and that sort of thing, so it doesn’t get much discussion except by people who wear tinfoil hats. Whether it actually occurs in the colourful way it’s described as a phenomenon in itself is open to doubt. To enlarge on this point, SHC is often described as a human body spontaneously bursting into flames (with no sources of ignition nearby) and burning completely (or almost completely, occasionally leaving grisly remains like one unburned hand) while leaving nearby flammable materials (such as the floor, or possibly even the victim’s clothing) untouched. Whether this occurs as stated is in serious doubt. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not disputing that there are cases where human bodies have burned, sometimes in slightly mysterious cases, and left nearby furniture and carpets untouched. What’s in doubt is whether this is in any w
