Speleology meteorology and cartography to develop portraits of caves as complex, evolving systems. Prior to the mid-nineteenth century the scientific value of caves was considered only in its contribution to other branches of science, and cave studies were considered part of the larger disciplines of geography, geology or archaeology. Very little cave-specific study was undertaken prior to the work of Édouard-Alfred Martel (1859–1938), the 'father of modern speleology', who through his extensive and well-publicised cave explorations introduced in France the concept of speleology as a distinct area of study. In 1895 Martel founded the Société de Spéléologie, the first organization devoted
Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena on the paranormal which are available for members. Since 2006 the charity launched Project Albion, creating a database with the goal of recording every fortean event in the country. The Coventry Paranormal Investigators (or Midlands Ghost Research Society) is a paranormal investigation group founded in 2002 by Martin and Amanda Higginson. The group is affiliated with the Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena. Martin said he was inspired to start the group after seeing his grandmother's ghost when he was eight years old. They group serves the entire UK with the Higginson's frequently travelling to investigate paranormal claims.