Doubt - No 11

Magazine Overview

Title: DOUBT
Issue: Whole No. 11
Volume: Winter 14-15 F S
Date: Winter 14-15 F S (circa 1944)
Publisher: THE FORTEAN SOCIETY MAGAZINE
Editor: Tiffany Thayer

This issue of DOUBT magazine, published by The Fortean Society, delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, scientific critiques, and Fortean investigations. The cover features a striking graphic of a seahorse and a question mark, alongside the magazine's title.

Featured Articles and Reports

Forteana and Unexplained Events

The magazine highlights several notable events. A "FIRST PRIZE" is awarded to MFS Walter H. Kerr for his report on an object seen in the Midwest sky on August 18, 1944. The object, described as "about the size of a barrel," traveled from East to West. The issue also covers the "Mattoon business" of September 2, 1944, where numerous women reported being "gassed" by a "tall, thin man in a skull cap," leading to accusations of "mass hysteria." An earthquake in the East is mentioned, accompanied by violent thunderstorms and lightning. Another report details a gold ring found by Private William Strigel in New Britain, allegedly belonging to a victim of "cannibals." The "LIGHT ON GRAYDON" section introduces a manuscript by Cornelius O'Conner that challenges Orthodox Astronomy, with a reply from Thomas H. Graydon.

Scientific Critiques and Theories

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to critiquing established scientific methods and proposing alternative frameworks. Thomas H. Graydon, author of "New Laws for Natural Phenomena," argues that scientific formulae and astronomical equations follow from original concepts he has developed. He criticizes arbitrary units like miles and seconds, advocating for standards derived from the solar system itself. Graydon explains how the constant 'F' disappears when correct relationships are used for measuring, and questions the validity of formulas for gravitation that include 'F' and 'M' on one side and then reappear on the other.

He posits that wave fronts, not atomic masses or light rays, are what travel, and that masses and rays are effects of pressure phenomena. Graydon agrees with O'Conner that there is a relationship between the sun's rotation, its outward waves, and planetary effects, and suggests a connection between sunspot zones and planetary eccentricities.

Another lengthy section focuses on B. J. S. Cahill's "Butterfly Map of the World." The magazine champions Cahill's projection as a superior alternative to the Mercator map, criticizing the "wall of solid ivory" that has prevented its widespread adoption by cartographers and educators. Despite praise from figures like Rudyard Kipling and Ambrose Bierce, Cahill's work has been largely ignored by mainstream scientific institutions.

"LONC CONSTANT AGAIN"

This section discusses a photograph purportedly showing diffraction rings produced by electrons passing through a silver film, which Mr. Frank Lonc claims align with his "Cosmic Constant." The article notes irregularities in the rings and questions their interpretation, while also mentioning Mr. Lonc's application of his constant to snail measurements and other fields.

Books Received and Reviews

The magazine includes a section listing "BOOKS RECEIVED," featuring titles such as "For Unity of Mankind," "Sight Without Glasses," "Dreams," "New Concept of Gerontotherapy," and "Why the Universe?" Brief descriptions and sometimes critiques are provided for these works. Notably, "Why the Universe?" by Percy A. Campbell is described as having its ideas buried in words, making it difficult to access.

Short Reports and Notes

Several short reports cover various incidents: "GAS IN COATESVILLE" describes deaths and illnesses from a "sweet-smelling gas"; "BROOKLYN SMELLS TOO" notes a persistent stench; and "LOS ANGELES TOO" mentions eye-smarting "fumes." The issue also touches upon the "Shaks-pere-Bacon controversy," the "Historic Poltergeists," and "Meteor Crater."

The Honorary Founders

This section introduces B. J. S. Cahill as an Honorary Founder of the Fortean Society, highlighting his architectural background and his "Butterfly Map of the World." The text details the challenges Cahill faced in getting his map projection recognized by established geographical and scientific bodies.

Socratic Question and Miscellaneous Notes

A "Socratic Question" section revisits the sinking of submarines, with a revised list including the British submarine "Thetis." The "COLDS FROM MARS" section discusses an article about "Living Germs from Other Worlds Brought to Earth by Meteors," referencing work by Charles B. Lipman.

B. T. Stevens, Sr., writes about his dissatisfaction with the magazine "Tomorrow," criticizing its focus on the British Empire and its lack of analysis of "sovereignity." He advocates for a form of government based on full awareness and intelligent consent.

"The Truth About INDIA"

This ongoing section, by Kanhayalal Gauba, discusses the responsibility of Princes towards their subjects and the role of the British Government in the Indian States, noting their "backward condition" and lack of representative institutions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of DOUBT magazine consistently questions and critiques established scientific and societal orthodoxies. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards "Great God Science" and a championing of unconventional ideas and phenomena that fall outside mainstream acceptance. The magazine actively seeks to promote the work of Charles Fort and individuals who challenge prevailing paradigms, encouraging readers to question official narratives and investigate unexplained events. There is a strong emphasis on re-evaluating scientific methods and premises, with a belief that true understanding requires a departure from conventional thinking. The publication also demonstrates a commitment to uncovering and disseminating information that might otherwise be suppressed or ignored by established institutions.

This issue, identified by page numbers 163-167, presents a compilation of historical data and commentary, primarily under the banner of 'More Notes of Charles Fort.' It delves into a wide array of unusual events, alongside critical analyses of political and social issues.

Political and Administrative Commentary

The lead article discusses the responsibility of the British Government concerning the internal administration of Indian States. It argues that the Political Department has not been zealous enough in promoting good governance, leading to the 'moribund condition' of the people in these states. The text cites historical precedents and pronouncements, such as those from Lord Curzon and Lord Reading, emphasizing the Paramount Power's duty to ensure good government and prevent gross misrule. The article criticizes the 'laissez faire policy' and highlights that the 'obligations of kingship and the obligations of paramountcy have not been fulfilled.' It also references the demand from Indian States people for an inquiry into how princes have discharged their duties.

Catalog of Historical Events (1831-1833)

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a detailed, chronological listing of meteorological and geological phenomena from 1831 to 1833. This catalog includes:

• Meteors: Numerous entries describe meteor falls, fireballs, and luminous objects observed across various locations, including Spain, Sweden, Ohio, Trinidad, England, India, and the Cape Verde Islands. Specific details often include time of observation, direction, and visual characteristics.
• Earthquakes: The catalog lists significant seismic activity in places like Kioto (Japan), North of Spain, Sweden, Trinidad, India, Central Asia, Zurich, Calabria (Italy), and China.
• Volcanic Activity: Eruptions and related phenomena are noted for Vesuvius (Italy), Goentoen (Java), and Etna (Italy). Descriptions include smoke, stones, ash, and detonations.
• Unusual Weather and Phenomena: Reports include heavy showers of rain, hailstorms, red rain, a column of water boiling, a 'black snow' in Bulgaria, a 'rain of oranges' near Naples, and a 'rain of blood' in Clévis and Utrecht.
• Other Events: The catalog also notes phenomena such as spontaneous combustion of trees, a 'plague' that wiped out Indians in California, and unusual animal sightings.

Miscellaneous Reports

• Medicos Out of Order: This section critiques excessive claims made for vitamins, comparing them to 'patent-medicine' advertisements. It also expresses skepticism about 'nose drops,' particularly those containing sulfa drugs.
• Old Ladies Smoke: This report presents anecdotal accounts of individuals dying in fires, with cigarettes being identified as the likely cause.
• Cornell Censors Profs: This brief note highlights a report that Cornell University was requiring a professor to submit lectures for censorship before delivery, which was called a 'violation of academic freedom.'
• Planning "WW III"?: A short mention of a British scientific mission in Antarctica.
• Nelson Bond Writes: This section humorously debunks a poltergeist case in Bismarck, North Dakota, suggesting mundane explanations like children throwing coal and a teacher's pet.

Advertisements and Society Notices

The latter part of the issue includes advertisements for:

• The Books of Charles Fort: A collection of Fort's works, described as '4 volumes in 1,' 1151 pages, and indexed.
• World Events: A publication analyzed and interpreted by Scott Nearing, described as independent and fearless.
• Raped Again: A book by Chakotin, subtitled 'RAPE OF THE MASSES,' presented as a 'hand-book used by politicians, pulpiteers and other demagogues.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of authority and established narratives, whether political (British rule in India), scientific (vitamin claims), or social (censorship). There is a strong emphasis on documenting unusual or anomalous events, characteristic of Charles Fort's work, alongside a critical perspective on governmental and institutional practices. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards official explanations and a championing of overlooked or suppressed information, particularly concerning unexplained phenomena and critiques of power structures.