Doubt - No 18

Magazine Overview

Title: DOUBT
Issue: No. 18
Editor: Tiffany Thayer
Publisher: The Fortean Society
Date: Approximately 1947 (based on content references)
Price: 25c

The Portland Object and Other Anomalies

The lead story of this issue of DOUBT, The Fortean Society Magazine, focuses on a mysterious object that fell in Portland, Oregon, on January 7, 1917 (FS dating). The object, described as ice chunks, reportedly bounced and was later claimed by an anonymous source to be a plaster plug from a decorative shell on the academy campus. However, the magazine presents evidence that contradicts this explanation, including the fact that the supposed hole was already present and unplugged, the object fell in a shower of ice, and the students were on vacation. The article also references similar past incidents of ice falling in Portland in 1894 and 1920.

The issue highlights the media's tendency to inject military angles into stories, with reporters asking if the object was part of a 'rocket' and contacting White Sands for information. The magazine criticizes the Chicago Tribune's editorial that claimed the object 'fitted exactly into a gap,' despite pieces being sent for analysis to various scientific bodies.

"The Song of the Damned"

A poetic section titled "THE SONG OF THE DAMNED" offers a whimsical take on the Portland object incident, questioning explanations from the Army and astronomers like J. Hugh Pruett. It satirizes the attempts to rationalize the event and suggests a more mysterious origin.

Other Fortean Data

The magazine presents a collection of other unusual occurrences and data points from its members:

• Dr. Alfred H. Joy's Fall: The internationally known astronomer Dr. Alfred H. Joy reportedly fell off the Mt. Wilson telescope and doesn't know how or why.
• Howard Shapley's Eugenics Proposal: Howard Shapley is mentioned for advocating the 'killing off' of individuals showing signs of genius or talent.
• Accidental Discoveries: The issue notes the discovery that penicillin and streptomycin decrease mental abilities, and that mathematicians sometimes struggle to understand each other.
• The "Electric Girl": Fifteen-year-old Augusta Basso is highlighted for keeping herself warm and brewing tea and coffee with her own surplus electrical current.
• Red Cross and Blood Plasma Squabble: A dispute over $975,000 claimed for the sale of 'blood plasma' involving the American Red Cross and a Chinese firm is mentioned, with the Washington Times-Herald's garbled report noted.
• Disappearing Traffic Sign: A traffic stop-sign disappeared in Burbank, California, leaving a 'smell of dynamite'.
• USS Caliente Anchor Knot: The anchor chain of the Navy oiler USS Caliente became tied in a 'lover's knot' while at anchor.
• Disappearing Sewer Pipe: A 752-foot sewer pipe disappeared from its location under Nelson Avenue in Harrison, New York.

Color Phenomena

The issue details several instances of unusual colored precipitation:

• Colored Snow in Oregon: Snowfall near Bend, Oregon, was described as 'big brown snow,' colored khaki.
• Yellow Snow: Yellow snow fell in Belgrade and Chicago, attributed to dust blown from the Sahara and the southwest plains, respectively.
• Red Rain: Red rain was reported in Genoa, attributed to ashes from Mount Etna, and also over Western Europe, linked to dust storms and the Icelandic volcano Hekla.
• Red Rain in Cleveland: A delayed report of red rain in Cleveland from May of an unspecified year is mentioned.

"Our Foot in the Door" and "More Devils"

Two newspaper columnists, members of the Society, are thanked for featuring Fortean activity. The "More Devils" section addresses the Catholic Church's reaction to a previous article on 'Satan in Iowa,' noting the Church's efforts to suppress DOUBT by pressuring booksellers.

The magazine analyzes six pieces of Catholic 'literature' on exorcism and devil possession, criticizing them as 'fraudulent' and an attempt to 'prey upon the ignorant.' The analysis includes details about specific publications like "Sequel To Begone Satan" and "Can A Protestant Minister Drive Out Devils?"

Lost Houses and Other Curiosities

• Lost Houses: An unoccupied house disappeared in Leeds, England, and a three-room structure went missing in Los Angeles, California.
• Identical Fingerprints: A third case of identical fingerprints is reported in Auto Accident Court, NYC, involving two negro brothers.
• Capistrano Swallows Arrive Early: The 'Capistrano Swallows' arrived early by four days, continuing a tradition at the Redwood City Tannery.
• Free Gasoline: A gasoline gusher appeared in Covington, Kentucky, mysteriously stopping after two days. A similar event in Arlington, Virginia, led to autos running on 'water.'
• Human Hands: Six human hands were found in a paper bag in North Riverside, Illinois, and another four hands were found in a package dragged by a dog near Pittsburgh.
• Giannini's Challenge: MFS Giannini's challenge to the Copernican picture of the cosmos is mentioned, along with other 'challenges' from P. Emilio Ameco-Roxas (living inside a shell), Dr. George Gamow, and John G. Abizaid (flat earth).
• Two Sleepless Individuals: Albert Edmelare Herpin reportedly never slept in his 95 years, and Eddie Webster has not slept since childhood.
• Buried Alive: Yogi Ramanand Swami was reportedly buried alive in concrete for 24 hours.

"Our Manneken"

This section explains the origin of the Manneken Pis statue in Brussels, linking it to a prince named Charles and Saint (Doubting) Thomas, the patron saint of the Fortean Society. A photograph of the statue is featured.

British Report

The "British Report" highlights contributions from members like Elsender and HFFS Russell, who secured feature space for Forteanism in the magazine 'New Frontiers.' It also mentions MFS Raymond Cass and Glyn Thomas's work on 'Gypsy Magic' and 'Banking.' The section notes the continued functioning of Aleister Crowley's O.T.O. in London.

More Critters and Other Reports

• Coal Miners' Deaths: Reports of coal miners killed and injured in pits in England are included.
• Maternity Ward Closures: Maternity wards were closed in several hospitals due to an 'epidemic diarrhoea' affecting babies.
• Mysterious Greyhound Deaths: Twenty racing greyhounds died in one kennel from an unexplained disease.
• Unusual Animal Sightings: Reports include a 'panther' in India that killed over 200 people, a 'Monster of Pindray' in France that killed sheep, a 'leopard' in Palestine that killed children, and a wolf shot near Moscow.
• The "Tree of Knowledge" Dies Again: The original 'Tree of Knowledge' from which Eve plucked the apple has reportedly died for the third time.
• "Mass Hysteria" in Mattoon: Dr. Winfield Scott Pugh is quoted as calling the Mattoon events 'mass hysteria.'
• Strange Animals: Reports of a 'lion-like' animal near Carthage, Tennessee, and a large snake near Petersburg, Indiana, are mentioned.
• Fawcett Alive: A claim that Colonel Fawcett and twenty-one other white men were found alive in a remote Indian village is reported.
• Sound in Moonlight: A tale of soldiers fighting each other in moonlight due to a mysterious noise is recounted.
• HFFS Bloch Profile: A profile of Don Bloch, a long-time member and contributor, is included, noting his work with the Fish and Wildlife Service and his role as editor of the National Speleological Society Bulletin.
• Five Year Marriages: Charles Wesley Amlin's proposal for five-year marriage contracts is mentioned.
• More Critters: Reports of a 'strange-looking animal' near Carthage, Tennessee, and a large snake near Petersburg, Indiana, are included.

More Notes of Fort

This section compiles various short notes and reports related to Fortean phenomena:

• Earthquake in the West Indies: Detailed accounts of a severe earthquake in the West Indies on February 8, 1843, are provided, including damage in Guadaloupe, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, and Antigua. The report emphasizes the need for government aid and supplies.
• Comet Sightings: Numerous entries detail comet sightings from March and April 1843, including descriptions of its appearance, tail length, and visibility, with references to various astronomical journals and newspapers.
• Quakes and Sounds: Reports of earthquakes accompanied by 'rushing sounds' in Vermont and Manchester are noted.
• Strange Yellow Liquid: A report from India describes a 'strange yellow liquid' that adhered to fingers and dyed the ground.
• Quake in St. Louis: An earthquake in St. Louis accompanied by a 'rushing noise' is mentioned.
• Manchester and Liverpool Events: Reports from Manchester and Liverpool describe unusual atmospheric phenomena, including explosions, dimness of the moon, and vibrations.

Back Matter and Advertisements

The back pages of the magazine feature advertisements for books related to Fortean interests, including:

• Iktomi's Book: "America NEEDS Indians" by the author, described as a practical plan for natives and guests to conserve the continent.
• Order Glacial Period and Drayson's Hypothesis: A reprint by John Millis, presented as the 'best - clearest - simplest presentation' of the Drayson Problem.
• Chakotin's RAPE OF THE MASSES: A book described as a 'living, working blue-print' for gaining domination and mentally enslaving peoples.
• The Books of Charles Fort: A four-volume collection of Charles Fort's works, including 'The Book of the Damned,' 'New Lands,' 'Lo!,' and 'Wild Talents,' with an introduction by Tiffany Thayer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DOUBT are the documentation and analysis of unexplained phenomena, anomalies, and curiosities that fall outside the scope of conventional science. The magazine consistently questions official explanations, highlights inconsistencies in reports, and presents a wide array of data from its membership. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards established narratives and a strong advocacy for the investigation of the unusual, often with a critical eye towards media and institutional explanations. The magazine champions the work of Charles Fort and aims to continue his legacy of exploring the 'damned' phenomena of the world.