Doubt - No 15

Magazine Overview

Title: DOUBT
Issue: No. 15
Volume: 16 FS
Date: Summer (1946-06-01)
Publisher: The Fortean Society
Editor: Tiffany Thayer

This issue of DOUBT, the magazine of the Fortean Society, presents a collection of unusual events, scientific curiosities, and unexplained phenomena, adhering to the Fortean tradition of documenting the inexplicable. The cover prominently features a stylized 'DOUBT' logo and an illustration of hoof-like prints, hinting at one of the featured stories.

Key Articles and Reports

The "Devil's Hoofmarks"

The most detailed account in this issue concerns the "devil's hoofmarks" observed by HFFS Russell in Belgium on January 10th, 1945 (old style). Russell describes finding a series of prints on a snow-covered hill near Chateau de Morveau. The prints, measuring approximately 24.5 inches in length and 0.5 inches in width, were spaced in pairs about nine inches apart and ran in a dead straight line for about half a mile before disappearing into a small wood. A thorough search of the wood yielded no explanation. Russell notes the depth of the prints suggested a weight comparable to an Airedale dog. He laments the lack of available cameras to document the phenomenon, which he firmly believes to be a piece of genuine Forteana. He compares the prints to those of a goat but notes that goats do not leave single-line tracks. He also mentions the lack of curiosity from those he showed the prints to, one suggesting a "gyroscopic rat" as a cause.

First Prize Contributions

This section highlights contributions from members, with special mention given to reports on the "most serious" earthquake in Seattle (February 19, 1916 FS) and the accompanying tidal wave (April 9, 1916 FS). While these events were well-reported, the explanations were considered conventionally scientific. Howard Coombs, a seismologist, noted that the tidal wave did not follow the "usual pattern" and questioned why it didn't spread in a circle. Cr Hoernlein reported a premonition of the event from a New York resident. The emergence of the new volcanic island, Yokousha, off Honshu, was also covered, though deemed natural. A less publicized twin-birth of islands off Karachi, India, in the Arabian Sea, caused a tidal wave that demolished villages and killed 4000 people, but received little notice.

Sun-Spot-Auroral Disturbance

Several members provided reports on the sun-spot-auroral disturbance affecting weather and radio from February to May. Peaks were noted in early February and late March. Special credit is given to Reagan, Elsender, Hoernlein, HFFS Russell, McMahon, Kerr, and Giles for their contributions. The aurora was particularly brilliant over New York City on March 28, 1916 FS, and had become so common in Seattle that its absence on April 5, 1916 FS, was newsworthy. The issue mentions that a Fortean paper on the "cycles" related to these phenomena is in preparation.

The Mother Country

This section compiles various news items, including: the Athenian astronomers going on strike (January 19, 1916 FS); an exploding glass tube of toothpaste in South Africa causing injury; Alfred Robert Hetherington Tedford, the first man to see a "new island in the Pacific," going missing; and reports on the "new volcanic island" named Urania. It also notes a Daily Mail report about Tedford's disappearance and the potential naming of the island after his vessel.

Other Noteworthy Items

• Exploding Toothpaste: A glass tube of toothpaste on a windowsill in South Africa exploded due to heat and moisture, forming nitroglycerine and injuring a dog.
• Vitamin Pills for Correspondents: The New York Times was reportedly sending 100 vitamin pills monthly to its foreign correspondents.
• White Flour and Cyanide: Cavalcade reported that the first mill to produce "pure white" flour was using cyanide to kill weevils.
• Atomic Bomb Secrecy: The United States Senate Committee on atomic energy learned that the process for making atomic bombs had been filed with the U.S. Patent Office.
• Atomic Energy Potential: A report suggested that the energy in a railway ticket could power a train around the globe.
• "Meson" Power: Scientists working on "meson" did not know what it was but believed it to be many times more powerful than atomic bombs.
• Atomic Energy Car: Denis Kendall, M.P., was working on a car powered by atomic energy, using "heavy water" and uranium.
• Swan and Pike Fight: A swan and a pike fought to the death at Car Mill Dam.
• Tonsillectomy Coercion: A young man was reportedly threatened with discharge from his engineering firm if he refused a tonsillectomy.
• Swiss Quakes and Meteors: British papers noted Swiss earthquakes, with the Daily Telegraph mentioning a meteor flying over the Berne area before the first shock, and a "white glow in the sky" afterward.
• T Coronae Borealis: Armain Deutsch was credited with recognizing the flare of T Coronae Borealis as unusual.
• Magnetic North Poles: The Soviet Evening Moscow announced a third magnetic North Pole on the American continent.
• Arctic Warming: Reports indicated that the "belt of permanently frozen earth" in the Archangel region had moved north, and average temperatures were rising.
• Mars Study: The Soviets were studying Mars at the Kazakh Academy of Sciences, analyzing cosmic dust.
• Dodo Search: Russians were reportedly searching for dodos in Spitzbergen and Nova Zembla, not believing them extinct.
• Television in Moscow: Television sets were to be installed in all new blocks of flats in Moscow.
• "Stag" in Devon: A "rogue" stag was causing problems near South Brent, Devon.
• "Allendale" Wolf: A postcard picture of the "famous Allendale" wolf was received, linking it to Charles Fort's past investigations.
• "Phantom Cyclist": A report of a phantom cyclist near Brighton was mentioned.

"Those Damned Reds"

This section covers Soviet announcements and activities, including the claim of a third magnetic North Pole, reports on rising temperatures and receding glaciers in the Arctic, and studies of Mars. It also mentions the Soviet search for dodos and the planned installation of television sets in Moscow.

More Empah!

This section details the "stag" incident in Devon and discusses the "Allendale" wolf and the "phantom cyclist" reports, drawing parallels to Charles Fort's previous investigations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently reflects the Fortean Society's core mission: to document and investigate phenomena that defy conventional scientific explanation. Themes include unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP/UFOs, though not explicitly named as such), unusual geological and meteorological events, historical mysteries, and the limitations of scientific understanding. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging members to submit their observations and challenging established norms. The society actively promotes its publications, such as "THE BOOKS of Charles Fort," and seeks to expand its reach by distributing these works to libraries.

Other Sections

• Named Fellows and Honorary Members: The issue lists additions and changes to the Society's roster of fellows, honorary members, and life members, including notable figures like Frederick S. Hammett and Frank Lloyd Wright.
• Fort in Prisons: An appeal is made to members to donate copies of "THE BOOKS of Charles Fort" to penitentiary libraries.
• Black Rain: Reports of black marks falling on roads, sidewalks, houses, and trees in Eriean, Ontario.
• Fort Press: Highlights the work of MFS Frederick S. Hammett in promoting Fortean ideas in science education.
• Confidential Bullock: Mentions a four-page document by William E. Bullock on "Atomic Energy: Theory and Practice."
• FBI Kills Co: Reports the killing of Danshul Stanley by FBI agents.
• Spinning Balls: Discusses the ability of the University of Virginia to spin a steel ball at an extremely high speed.
• Apologist Dietz: Critiques a science editor's defense of unrestricted funding for medical research.
• Now Both Bodies Gone: Refers to the disappearance of Mussolini's "body."
• MFS Greenleaf Writes: Discusses reports of strange animals, including a "furry elephant" and a "dragon," and the possibility of live dinosaurs in Ecuador.
• "Bullets" From Where?: Reports of unexplained bullet wounds and the difficulty in determining their origin.
• "Home, Jocko!": An investigation into hoax letters about trained apes being delivered.
• Ball of Fire: Describes a shooting star or meteor seen in Wisconsin.
• Fortean Definitions: Provides definitions for "Consent of the Governed" and "Study."
• We Fleas Perhaps: Discusses a theory about the world as a sentient being and the search for books by Doctor Jaworski.
• New Use for "Science": Critiques a scientist's claim that the 40-hour work week is too short.
• Blue Balls of Joliet: Reports of "blue balls of fire" breaking windows in Joliet, Illinois.
• Satan in Iowa: Details a case of alleged diabolical possession in Iowa.
• Lick Makes Killing: Mentions California's appropriation for a new telescope at Lick Observatory.
• Rich Man's Chas Fort: Discusses Alfred Korzybski's work and its price.
• Supreme Court Pickets: Notes women picketing the Supreme Court regarding a case of alleged murder.
• The Bet is Upped: Mentions a "young, non-professional medium" raising the speed of light figure.
• Whatever Became Of: Poses questions about the fate of the Society for Propaganda Analysis, Tyler Kent, and Town Topics.
• Ark Now Building: Reports on a 79-year-old man building an ark.
• Fortean Notes (1838-1841): A chronological listing of meteorological and geological events from historical records.
• Advertisements: Includes advertisements for "The Books of Charles Fort," "World Events" by Scott Nearing, and "Raped Again" by Chakotin.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently reflects the Fortean Society's core mission: to document and investigate phenomena that defy conventional scientific explanation. Themes include unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP/UFOs, though not explicitly named as such), unusual geological and meteorological events, historical mysteries, and the limitations of scientific understanding. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging members to submit their observations and challenging established norms. The society actively promotes its publications, such as "THE BOOKS of Charles Fort," and seeks to expand its reach by distributing these works to libraries.