Clypeus - 1968 - Vol 5 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: CLYPEUS
Issue: Anno V°, n° 2
Date: April 1968
Publisher: Associazione Piemontese di Esobiologia and Grappo omonimo di Torino
Country: Italy
Language: Italian
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Editorial and Cover Story

The cover of Clypeus features a stylized paper airplane with 'UFO' and 'esobiologia' written on it, soaring through space towards a planet. The main cover headline is 'UFO'.

The editorial, titled "DISCHI VOLANTI TRA WASHINGTON E MOSCA" by Peter Kolosimo, discusses the complex relationship between the US and the Soviet Union regarding UFO investigations. It highlights a request from Dr. Edward U. Condon, head of the US official UFO investigation commission, for cooperation from Soviet scientists in February 1968. Condon, previously director of the U.S. National Bureau of Standards, formed his commission due to public dissatisfaction with previous investigations, which were perceived as downplaying UFO sightings and attributing them to natural phenomena or misidentifications. Condon's initiative to contact Moscow was prompted by the news of a Soviet commission investigating 'flying saucers'.

However, the Soviet response, published in 'Pravda', was a firm denial of the existence of 'flying saucers', stating that if they existed, scientists or air defense would have already dealt with them. Despite this, the article notes that the Soviet Union had previously shown interest, with Moscow TV dedicating a broadcast to UFOs and announcing the formation of a commission led by General Anatoli Stoljarov. The Latvian Academy of Sciences had also appealed to citizens for UFO reports.

The article mentions that US researcher J. Allen Hynek had admitted to believing in the problem of flying saucers, and another US scholar had received a note from a Soviet organization for UFO research. It also references an article by scientist Felix U. Sigel in the magazine 'Smena', which proposed the hypothesis of UFOs being 'craft from other planets' and called for extensive scientific investigation.

Several sightings from the USSR are presented: V. Garbarciuk reported seeing two pink 'balls' of different diameters flying at high speed near Kharkov. A. Poleshciuk recalled his father seeing cigar-shaped luminous objects moving at high speed along a railway line in 1914. Mikhailo Oleinik described a large yellow cylindrical object flying at high speed near Borovenki in August 1964. Robert Vitolniek, Ian Melderis, and Esmeralda Vitolniek from the Latvian section of the USSR's National Astronomy and Geodesy Society reported observing a lenticular disk with rotating globes near Ogre in July 1965.

The article concludes that for the Soviet Union, UFOs remain an enigmatic reality. It questions Moscow's refusal to cooperate with Washington, suggesting it's not for exclusive extraterrestrial contact but due to the tense geopolitical situation, espionage concerns (like the alleged NATO balloon-probe over Sofia), and the fact that both superpowers are experimenting with circular aircraft in Arctic regions. The time for military collaboration on this front is deemed not yet mature.

Table of Contents and Articles

The issue features a comprehensive table of contents:

• Dischi Volanti tra Washington e Mosca by Peter Kolosimo (p. 37)
• Popoli primitivi custodiscono grandi segreti spaziali? from "Lumières dans la Nuit" (p. 40)
• E "L'occhio discese sulla Terra..." by Solas Boncompagni (p. 41)
• I bimbi verdi by John Macklin (p. 42)
• Con R. Drake in viaggio attraverso il favoloso Tibet by Caterina Serafin (p. 44)
• In orbita con i francobolli by Phil Aster (p. 46)
• Evoluzione dei mezzi di comunicazione intellettiva by Gabriele Costetti (p. 47)
• Ha 4000 anni il più antico cinematografo del mondo by Konstantin Lauškin (p. 50)
• Gli UFO preparano un "rapporto Kinsey" interplanetario? by Gianni Settimo (p. 51)
• Cornucopia by Renato Gatto (p. 53)
• Telestar by Trifidi (p. 54)
• CLYPEUS Nei nostri scaffali (p. 55)
• Piemunt Baravantan by Gianni Settimo (p. 56)

Article Summaries

Popoli primitivi custodiscono grandi segreti spaziali?

This section, drawing from "Lumières dans la Nuit", explores ancient knowledge preserved by primitive cultures. It mentions the Shilluk people of Southern Africa who called Uranus 'three stars' long before its discovery by Herschel, suggesting an advanced astronomical understanding. The Dogon people of Mali are highlighted for their detailed knowledge of the Sirius system, including its invisible companion star ('Compagno' or Sirius B) and a third star ('Sirius C'), which predates modern astronomical discoveries. The Dogon also described a 'sagolu' material that is 'brighter than iron' and incredibly dense. The article posits that these cultures possessed traditional knowledge passed down through generations, possibly including information about celestial bodies like Mars' satellites (known before 1887) and even the Sumerians' awareness of them.

E "L'occhio discese sulla Terra..."

Authored by Solas Boncompagni, this article interprets an ancient Egyptian legend concerning the 'sacred eye' ('O' or 'ug'at'). The legend tells of the sun god Riech battling the cloud dragon Apophi, with Riech's 'eye' incinerating his adversary. This 'eye' was also attributed to the sky goddess Hathor. The legend describes the 'eye' developing a hatred for humans, abandoning its master, and descending to Earth. The text further elaborates on the Egyptian myth of 'Distruzione e salvataggio del genere umano', where Ra (Riech) uses his eye to punish the wicked. It also mentions S'u, an image of Ra, who can cause the Earth to fall into the ocean or reverse the poles, demonstrating the immense power of the 'eye'.

I bimbi verdi

Written by John Macklin, this piece recounts a strange incident from August 1887 near the Spanish village of Banjos. Two children, a boy and a girl, emerged from a cave speaking an incomprehensible language and wearing clothes made of an unknown material. Their skin was green. A local priest investigated and was convinced of the fact, though unable to explain it. The children refused to eat normal food until they were offered beans. The boy, weakened by his prolonged fasting, died a month later. The girl, who remained with the Da Calno family, eventually learned some Spanish and explained that they came from a land where the sun never rose, a place of perpetual twilight, separated from Earth by a 'great width'. She recalled a loud noise and being 'taken by the spirit' to the harvest field. She lived for five more years and was buried with her brother. The article speculates if this could be related to fourth-dimensional theories or a 'spatial vortex'.

Con R. Drake in viaggio attraverso il favoloso Tibet

Caterina Serafin reports on the theories of Raymond W. Drake, presented in his book "Spacemen in the ancient East". Drake suggests that Tibet, before the rise of the Himalayas, was a flat, fertile island inhabited by survivors of Mu, a sunken continent in the Pacific. This event is linked to the catastrophe that submerged Atlantis and raised the Andes. The article highlights that much of Tibetan history is shrouded in myth, but mentions early rulers, divine thrones, and 'six wise monarchs'. Drake emphasizes the vastness and richness of Tibetan archives, comparable to the Vatican's, containing texts like the 'Kanjur' (1083 works) and 'Tanjur' (225 volumes). These texts allegedly contain information on antigravity, telekinesis, and cosmic energy exploitation. Drake notes the prevalence of 'science fiction' themes in Tibetan traditions, such as legends of a boy with a 'deformed head' who married a celestial goddess and descended to Earth as a 'splendid duck', and a tale of a hero fighting a 'sky dragon'. A Tibetan fable describes Sudarsoma, a 'city of thirty-three gods' in space, surrounded by golden walls.

Other Articles

• In orbita con i francobolli by Phil Aster (p. 46) discusses stamps related to space.
• Evoluzione dei mezzi di comunicazione intellettiva by Gabriele Costetti (p. 47) explores the evolution of communication methods.
• Ha 4000 anni il più antico cinematografo del mondo by Konstantin Lauškin (p. 50) delves into ancient history regarding cinema.
• Gli UFO preparano un "rapporto Kinsey" interplanetario? by Gianni Settimo (p. 51) speculates on UFOs preparing an interplanetary 'Kinsey report'.
• Cornucopia by Renato Gatto (p. 53) and Telestar by Trifidi (p. 54) are shorter pieces.
• CLYPEUS Nei nostri scaffali (p. 55) is a review section.
• Piemunt Baravantan by Gianni Settimo (p. 56) is another article.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of UFOs, exobiology, ancient mysteries, and the potential for extraterrestrial influence on human history and knowledge. There's a clear interest in bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and ancient legends or unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting various theories and accounts without necessarily endorsing them as definitive truth, but rather as subjects worthy of exploration. The magazine aims to be a platform for discussing these often-unconventional topics within an Italian context.

This issue of "Clypeus" (Anno XLVII n° 3-1967) is a magazine focused on unusual phenomena, ancient civilizations, and related topics, published by Galassia and edited by La Tribuna in Piacenza. It features a mix of historical analysis, archaeological findings, and contemporary accounts of alleged extraterrestrial encounters.

Ancient Civilizations and Legends

The magazine explores ancient myths and histories, starting with a legend from Tibet about King Mandhotar and his pursuit of power, which ultimately led to his downfall. It also delves into the history of the Semitic peoples, their conquest of Sumeria, and the rise of Babylon under Hammurabi. The text highlights the advanced civilization of Mesopotamia, its fertile lands, and the constant conflicts among neighboring peoples. The Assyrians are described as a powerful and warlike people, known for their cruelty, who built a vast empire. The article details the cultural and scientific achievements of Assyria and Babylonia, including the great library of Assurbanipal in Nineveh.

Further historical exploration covers the ancient Egyptians, describing their civilization as a "citadel of science" with deep spiritual and intellectual roots. The significance of the Sphinx is discussed as a symbol of nature and the human-animal connection. The text contrasts the Egyptian civilization with the Chaldean-Assyrian one, noting the former's emphasis on the priesthood's influence over royalty, while the latter was characterized by despotic rule.

Archaeological discoveries are also featured, including Soviet findings in Karelia of villages dating back to 3000-2000 BC and primitive rock paintings. A paleolithic necropolis near Samarkand and a 1.5-million-year-old human mandible found in Ethiopia are also reported.

UFOs and Extraterrestrial Encounters

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to UFO phenomena and alleged extraterrestrial contacts. An article discusses the possibility of "Martians" invading Earth, citing Soviet scientists who claim UFOs can be invisible and change color. The issue also revisits the controversial case of Antonio Villas-Boas, a Brazilian farmer who claimed to have had sexual contact with an extraterrestrial woman. The article references an interview with Leonard H. Gross, who questions the nature of these encounters, suggesting they might be "projections of fantasy" or attempts to achieve an "interplanetary Kinsey report."

Another account describes an incident involving Diane Swanson and John Riley, who claimed to have followed a cigar-shaped UFO in the Gran Canyon, leading to them becoming lost. The article notes that their story is met with skepticism, with some suggesting it was a pretext for a private outing.

Philately and Culture

The magazine includes a section on philately, with an article by Renzo Rossotti discussing UFOs and stamps. It highlights that the Russian publication "Sovjetskaja Latwia" reported on UFO sightings, and that Russia has issued stamps featuring space subjects with visible "discs." The article also notes the growing interest in space-themed stamps among collectors.

Another piece, titled "The World's Oldest Cinematograph," speculates that primitive artists on the shores of Lake Onega created a form of early cinema through rock engravings that appear to move when illuminated by the setting sun. This phenomenon is explained by the reflective properties of the granite.

News and Awards

The "Comunicato" section announces the awards given at the "2nd National Congress of Avant-Garde and Anticipation Literature." Peter Kolosimo received a gold medal, while Solas Boncompagni and Raymond W. Drake received commemorative cups and medals. Phil Aster received an art volume. Awards were also given to Casa Editrice SUGAR, Casa Editrice BOMPIANI for publishing Coral Lorenzen's "DISCHI VOLANTI," and Casa Editrice LIBRA for "NOVA SF."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Clypeus" are the exploration of ancient mysteries, the investigation of UFO phenomena, and the connection between these topics and historical or cultural artifacts. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories without necessarily endorsing them as absolute fact. There is a clear interest in bridging the gap between ancient legends and modern scientific or pseudoscientific claims, particularly concerning extraterrestrial life and advanced ancient technologies. The editorial stance seems to be one of curiosity and a desire to uncover hidden truths, whether in ancient texts, archaeological sites, or contemporary reports of the unexplained. The inclusion of philately suggests an effort to connect these themes to popular culture and collectibles.

Title: C L Y P E U S
Issue: No. 2
Volume: Year 5
Date: April 1968
Publisher: Edoardo Marini Editore
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

Content Summary

Nei Nostri Scaffali... (In Our Shelves...)

This section explores the profound question of whether the universe harbors other reasonable beings, akin to humans, who might share cosmic spaces. The author posits that the existence of 'astral beings' is not only possible but probable, suggesting their interactions would be characterized by friendship and cordiality, much like angels. This contemplation is drawn from P. Luigi Majocco S.J.'s work "L'UMANESIMO CELESTE" (The Celestial Humanism), specifically page 100, published by La Fiamma del Sacro Cuore in 1967.

The text further argues against a narrow, Earth-centric view of life, asserting that life's ultimate nature and its capacity for adaptation suggest vast possibilities across the universe. It challenges the notion that life is precarious or that the universe is indifferent or hostile. The author believes that intelligent life is a normal manifestation of the universe's matter, comparable to stars and galaxies. This perspective is supported by excerpts from Michael W. Ovenden's "LA VITA NELL'UNIVERSO" (Life in the Universe), pages 119-120, from the Biblioteca di Monografie Scientifiche Zanichelli, Bologna, 1965.

Torino and Piossasco Legends

The magazine presents two local legends:

Torino: The legend tells of Eridanio, an Egyptian prince, who arrived in Liguria with his sisters and founded a colony on a fertile plain by a river, naming it "Taurinia." The bull became the town's totem. Eridanio later drowned in the river, and his grieving sisters were transformed into trees, their leaves symbolizing falling tears.

Piossasco: This legend recounts an enormous dragon that terrorized the region, descending from Monte San Giorgio. It was eventually confronted by nine robust sons of a carbonaio (charcoal burner) named Merlo. Using a bull as bait, they lured the dragon into a fight. After a fierce battle, the dragon fled into the woods. The sons then set fire to the forest, destroying the dragon. The king, grateful, rewarded Merlo and his sons, making Merlo a count and granting them the territory, which became the county of Piossasco, symbolized by nine black merles.

Advertising and Bibliographical Services

Libreria Stampatori: This bookstore, located at Via Stampatori nº 21 in Torino, is highlighted as the place to acquire the recommended books. Their phone number is 54.79.77.

CLYPEUS Advertising: The magazine itself, CLYPEUS, is presented as a weekly publication for bibliophiles and scholars, circulating among antiquarian bookstores in Italy and abroad. It offers a free service for readers to list their book requests, interests, and addresses to receive catalogs from bookstores. The publication details are provided: CLYPEUS, Year 5, No. 2, April 1968, with direction and administration by Gianni V. Settimo, P.O. Box 604, 10100 Torino, Italy. Edoardo Marini Editore, based in Trieste (CAS. POST. 1283), is the editor and offers a free sample issue.

Libreria Antiquaria G. Berruto: Located at Via S. Francesco da Paola, 10 bis in Torino, this antiquarian bookstore publishes a periodic list of catalogs and offers to purchase old and second-hand books.

Cover and Promotional Text: The cover and internal pages feature promotional text such as "STRAORDINARIO," "UN'OCCASIONE UNICA," "ECCEZIONALE," "NOVITÀ," "BIBLIOTECA," "LIBRI," and "NON INDUGIATE," encouraging readers to engage with the magazine's offerings and services.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of the unknown, particularly concerning extraterrestrial life and the vastness of the universe, juxtaposed with the preservation and dissemination of local folklore and legends. The editorial stance appears to be one of intellectual curiosity, encouraging readers to broaden their perspectives beyond the terrestrial and to engage with both scientific speculation and historical narratives. The magazine also actively promotes bibliographical research and the acquisition of books, positioning itself as a hub for knowledge and discovery for its readership.