Bay Area Skeptics Information Sheet - 1987 09

Magazine Overview

This issue of "BASIS", the newsletter of the Bay Area Skeptics, published in September 1987, focuses on two main investigative articles: the legal case against Arthur D. Andrews for practicing medicine without a license through his fasting institute, and an examination of UFO sighting hoaxes and unconventional scientific theories.

Institute Closes After Injunction

This article by David Pressman details the civil trial in Hollister concerning medical quackery and religious freedom, centered around "Reverend" Arthur D. Andrews and his "natural hygiene" health regime. Andrews, the 65-year-old minister of "The Religious School of Natural Hygiene," operated a 12-bed institute in Hollister that prescribed extended fasts, often on distilled water alone, for various ailments. The California Board of Medical Quality Assurance (BMQA) sued Andrews in late 1985, seeking an injunction to stop his practices after former patients complained of injuries and it was learned that six people had died as a result of these extended fasts, which could last up to 8 weeks.

Andrews advertised his "school" extensively, advocating a regime that excluded conventional medicine, vitamins, drugs, and medical treatments, except in emergencies. His core belief was that disease resulted from toxin accumulation, and fasting with rest allowed the body to perform a "thorough house-cleaning." His facility was a converted farmhouse. The article notes that natural hygiene, a movement revived by Dr. Herbert M. Shelton, is generally practiced by medically trained individuals and that Andrews's institute was unique in its religious overtones and lack of medical license, leading the American Natural Hygiene Association to consider him a pariah.

In addition to the BMQA suit, Andrews had been civilly sued by four former patients, with two suits pending and two settled. The state was also considering criminal charges for two of the six deaths. A prior conviction for statutory rape in 1970 and a charge of bilking an elderly client were also mentioned. At the trial, three former patients testified to suffering permanent physical, neurological, and psychological damage from overfasting. Medical experts, including Dr. Wallace Sampson, a professor of medicine at Stanford and BAS board member, testified that fasting has no therapeutic merit and that Andrews's actions constituted practicing medicine.

Andrews defended himself on religious freedom grounds, claiming he was not practicing medicine and that injuries were not his fault. Some former patients supported his claims, stating fasts were for religious purposes and cured ailments, and that Andrews only used basic tools for reassurance. Hollywood ministers also testified to fasting's ancient religious practice. Andrews garnered support, including $25,000 for trial expenses and 500 declarations, from followers like director Peter Bogdanovich and his sister Anna.

The trial lasted about a week, and the judge granted the state's injunction, finding Andrews did practice medicine by counseling, supervising fasts, and conducting examinations. The injunction forbade him from supervising fasts or conducting medical tests. Andrews was ordered to pay $6,000 in costs and is appealing. Despite the injunction, he intended to continue "spiritual purpose" fasts, but his landlord successfully sued to evict him, and Andrews was last reported selling cookware in Boulder Creek.

Interview with Dr. Wallace I. Sampson, M.D.

This section features an interview conducted by Mark Hodes with Dr. Wallace I. Sampson, an expert witness for the prosecution. Dr. Sampson, a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Stanford, discusses the definition of practicing medicine. He explains that the legal definition is broad and includes diagnosing and treating disease, though exceptions exist for licensed professionals. He clarifies that while a parent applying a cold compress is not practicing medicine, performing procedures like incisions without a license is illegal, except in emergencies. The Brown administration's attempt to narrow the definition of medical practice was unsuccessful.

Dr. Sampson's testimony in the Andrews trial focused on the definition of practicing medicine. He argued that Andrews's actions—counseling fasts over 24 hours, monitoring individuals, and taking vital signs—constituted practicing medicine, especially given the physiological changes that occur during prolonged fasting, which can be dangerous. He stated that Andrews's supervision and record-keeping mirrored that of a doctor. The defense's religious freedom argument was countered by establishing that a fast of over 24 hours results in physiological changes that make it a medical condition, and providing advice constitutes practicing medicine.

Regarding the outcome, Dr. Sampson noted that the judge enjoined Andrews from practicing medicine but not from fasting, a resolution he found strange. He suggested Andrews might comply by not directing when to start or stop fasts or taking vital signs, leaving his followers responsible for their own fasting. He also mentioned that Andrews might face manslaughter charges, though he had no contact with the district attorney since the civil trial. Dr. Sampson believes Andrews's convictions are unshakable despite evidence to the contrary.

Newton's Out and Wright's Right

This article by Shawn Carlson investigates the claims of Walter C. Wright, Jr., a "folk scientist" who alleged his revolutionary theory of gravity was suppressed by the scientific community. Wright, inspired by his son's questioning of Newton's theory, developed "Push Gravity Theory." He established a "space-action universe museum" and crusaded to have his theory taught as an alternative to Newton's.

Wright's theory posits that gravity is a "push" from the sun's electromagnetic energy, with repulsion strength dependent on a body's chemistry. He claims this explains planetary orbits, galactic interactions, and the Big Bang. However, Carlson details Wright's lack of understanding of basic physics, including conservation of angular momentum. Wright's demonstrations, such as a bolt and magnet experiment, were easily predicted by standard physics, yet he dismissed these explanations. His mathematics are described as non-existent or bearing only superficial resemblance to accepted theory.

Wright is confused about fundamental concepts, believing Einstein supported his "push" theory and conflating electromagnetic radiation with solar wind. Carlson concludes that Wright's convictions are unshakable, as he dismisses all counterarguments and evidence, demonstrating a complete lack of understanding of established physics.

Another Cause for UFO Sightings

In this article, H. Keith Henson discusses UFO sightings, categorizing them as natural phenomena, misidentifications, or deceptions. He shares personal involvement in creating four such sightings, only one of which was exposed. Henson recounts his earliest experience in 1959, where he and friends used a flickering fluorescent light to create a UFO illusion in Prescott, Arizona. They later moved to highway locations, creating dozens of such sightings that may have contributed to Prescott's reputation as a UFO center.

In 1960, Henson began engineering studies and co-founded "The Druids." Their UFO constructions, peaking in 1962, involved launching hydrogen-filled plastic dry-cleaning bags. They used natural gas and large tubes of plastic, sometimes with streamers. One incident involved a construction picked up by news media as a "crashed plane." Other constructions included battery-powered bulbs and candles in plastic bags, and later, crepe paper bags to diffuse light, making them visible for miles.

Not all constructions were successful; one landed in a yard, causing a dog to have hysterics. Henson notes that Dr. MacDonald of UFO fame commented on this incident. They felt obliged to launch UFOs regularly due to public interest. A particularly notable event involved a two-lantern construction launched from a parking lot at the University of Arizona, which looked like two red and green UFOs playing tag. This incident attracted high-school students who alerted local reporters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards unsubstantiated health claims and pseudoscientific theories, and the importance of critical thinking and scientific evidence. The Bay Area Skeptics, through its newsletter "BASIS," aims to debunk fraudulent practices and promote rational inquiry. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific methodology and against the exploitation of public credulity, whether in the realm of alternative medicine or paranormal phenomena. The publication highlights the dangers of unverified claims and the need for rigorous investigation and legal recourse when necessary.

This document is the September 1987 issue of "BASIS", a monthly publication of the Bay Area Skeptics. It covers a range of topics, including the principles and applications of formal logic, personal anecdotes related to UFO sightings and reporting, and critiques of pseudoscientific theories. The issue emphasizes critical thinking and skepticism.

Editor's Corner: The Power and Limitations of Logic

The "Editor's Corner" section delves into the nature of formal logic, contrasting it with everyday reasoning and common sense. The author argues that formal logic, while often misunderstood, is a powerful epistemological tool that can analyze the structure of arguments independent of their content. Key concepts discussed include the Law of Contradiction and the distinction between implication and its converse. The author highlights that logic deals with the validity of arguments, not necessarily the truth of their premises or conclusions. It is noted that while an argument may be valid, its conclusion is only guaranteed to be true if the premise is true. The section also includes a challenge to readers to identify logical flaws in a statement related to parapsychology: "If there are statistical perturbations in a parapsychology experiment, psi is occurring."

Personal Anecdote: UFO Reporting

One section recounts a personal experience where the author, working as an engineer at a local TV station, was involved in a story about tracking local nighttime winds, which was a cover for a UFO sighting. The story involved local reporters and a Dr. MacDonald. The author notes that while Tucson papers treated the sighting straightforwardly, the incident led to them being caught once. The author humorously states, "When they ask me if I believe in UFOs, I say, 'Of course. I used to build them.'"

Ramparts: Critiquing Pseudoscience and Misinformation

The "Ramparts" section, which encourages reader participation by submitting examples of irrationality, features a critique of an article from "Welcome to Planet Earth," a new-age magazine. This article discussed Mayan prophecies and a cosmic event predicted for August 16. The piece was based on an interview with Dr. Jose Arguelles, a Ph.D. art historian, who is credited with inventing the term "Harmonic Convergence." The author expresses confusion about the article's content, describing it as "gaseous nonsense." The section also mentions that Garry Trudeau satirized Arguelles's ideas in his "Doonesbury" strip.

Additionally, Andrew Fraknoi, Executive Officer of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, wrote to the editor of the "S.F. Chronicle" about a one-sided article on "Return of the UFO People." Fraknoi points out the irony of the "Chronicle" boasting top science reporters while publishing such material and expresses concern that media coverage of pseudoscience is eroding the public's ability to make skeptical judgments.

Erich the Great: Examining Erich von Daniken

This section announces a presentation by James Wheeler for the September meeting, which will examine the claims of Erich von Daniken, author of "Chariots of the Gods?" Wheeler has visited sites mentioned by von Daniken, including the Easter Islands, and has conducted original research on the Easter Island monoliths. The article notes that von Daniken's books sold well in the 1960s but faced less challenge and later sales were mediocre.

Publication Information and Contact

The issue concludes with a list of the BAS Board of Directors and BAS Advisors, including prominent figures in science and skepticism. It also provides information on how to obtain a free sample copy of "BASIS" by mail or by contacting them via phone or BBS. The copyright notice indicates the publication is from 1987.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the promotion of logical reasoning and critical thinking as essential tools for evaluating claims, particularly those in the realms of parapsychology and pseudoscience. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, aiming to debunk unsubstantiated claims and encourage a rational approach to understanding the world. The publication actively seeks reader engagement in identifying and challenging irrationality. The issue demonstrates a commitment to providing a platform for reasoned discourse and scientific literacy.