Doubt - No 29

Magazine Overview

Title: DOUBT
Subtitle: THE FORTEAN SOCIETY MAGAZINE
Volume: Vol. II
Issue: Whole Number 29
Date: 1931 A D
Publisher: The Fortean Society
Editor: Tiffany Thayer
Price: 35c. (2/- in Great Britain)

This issue of 'Doubt' magazine, published by the Fortean Society, delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, scientific curiosities, and critical observations of societal trends. The magazine utilizes a 13-month Fortean calendar and is available through membership or purchase.

Key Articles and Reports

First Prize Entries

The magazine highlights several notable contributions from its members. MFS Lasko is credited with a brief report about yellow X's painted on the wreckage of four planes in the Catskills, intended to aid rescue pilots. Cooperstein's submission notes that the planet Pluto was photographed in 1919 but not identified until 1930, attributing the delay to an obscuring factor. A third entry, from Mrs. H. Cecil Heath, the honorary corresponding secretary of the W.C.T.U., clarifies that the Union does not oppose contraceptives but objects to their promiscuous sale in machines accessible to children.

Russell's Best and Runners-Up

HFFS Russell is singled out for his keen interest in unusual data, with his contributions to be segregated for special attention. Runners-up Morrison and Bowring reported on an explosion of 'fog' at Oleum, California, near Martinez, which resulted in one fatality and two serious injuries. The incident was attributed to a leak in an overhead pipe at the Union Oil refinery, possibly ignited by an automobile.

• Other reported incidents include:
• Howard McMath of Five Mile Lake, Washington, was killed at home by a falling tree that broke a power line, causing a furnace explosion.
• A report from Lasko about the disappearance of ballots, ballot box, and poll books after an election in Soap Lake, Washington, where the mayor was a woman.
• A witch doctor in Tanganyika sought police assistance to collect a bill for a lion sent to kill an enemy.
• A mailman in Winters, Texas, experienced his shirt smoldering due to the sun's refraction through his auto window.

Russell's Best - Scientific and Historical Oddities

• Eric Frank Russell contributes a collection of intriguing items:
• A team of atomic scientists at Berkeley produced a new element, number 98, described as a 'strange invisible substance' that quickly decayed.
• Worms reportedly ate the bases of 16 United Nations flagpoles at Lake Success.
• A colony of 100,000 specially-bred mice is being studied at Bar Harbor, Maine, to discover the cause of human wars.
• Amulets and coins were found on bodies unearthed in a 5,000-year-old cemetery in Egypt's Western Desert, suggesting payment for passage to the afterlife.

No Such Animal

• Reports of unusual findings include:
• An object washed up on the beach at Delake, Oregon, identified as 'whale blubber' by an expert, though other suggestions included a pilot from an interplanetary vessel.
• Mentions of individuals searching the sea for a 'live one' known as 'Caddy' around Vancouver, B.C.

Garry Davis Dinner

A dinner was held for Garry Davis, an Accepted Fellow of the Fortean Society, by New York City Forteans, indicating a positive exchange of understanding and respect.

Whose Universe?

This section discusses reports of an explosion on Mars, with initial announcements being made before DOUBT 28 went to press. The announcer, Tsuneo Saeki of Osaka, was described as a 'Mars expert.' The report notes the 'dirty yellow' color of the 'cloud' and contrasts it with the description of the bellies of Saeki's countrymen. The article also mentions Walter Haas of the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers and critiques a syndicated column by Pruett that discounted Saeki's observation.

Fort Influence

The growing number of magazine writers referencing Charles Fort is noted, with a call for readers to contribute to a bibliography of such references. Early examples include C. Daly King's 'Obelists Fly High' (1935) and more recent works like Bernard Newman's 'Flying Saucer' (1950) and Fredric Brown's 'Compliments of a Fiend' (1950).

Including Cancer

MFS May Cline's booklet, 'The Miracle of You', is mentioned, which includes sections on 'Cause and Care of Cancer.' The author's views on Dr. Nikola Tesla and Ernest Mach's principles of energy are discussed.

Conchy Book Ready

The book 'Prison Etiquette, the Convict's Compendium of Useful Information,' by Holley Cantine and Dachine Rainer, is announced as available for purchase.

British Dues

Members in Sterling countries can pay their dues to Eric Frank Russell in England, maintaining the previous rate of exchange.

Polio and Tonsils

An inquiry is raised about the theory that 'polio' is caused by yanking out tonsils, with a suggestion that the medical profession may have known about the organism causing the disease being harbored in 'Rathke's Pouch.' Readers are encouraged to ask their doctors about this theory.

Anon Writes

A reference is made to the 'Report of Director of Selective Service U.S. Government Printing Office, 1942,' listing conscientious objectors, including the 'Scientific Order of Spectochrome Metrists.'

More Respectability

This section expresses caution about the increasing acceptance of Fortean ideas, warning against the trend becoming universal and potentially being co-opted or abused. The increasing visibility of John J. O'Neill's lectures and the media's attention to authors like Velikovsky are cited as examples of this trend.

George F. Gillette

George F. Gillette, author of 'Orthod-Oxen of Science,' 'Rational Cosmos,' and other works, is mentioned. His books are noted as being out of print, with a proposal to reprint them through popular subscription.

Critique of Gillette's Theory

• A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a critique of George F. Gillette's 'Unitary Theory,' as presented in his book 'Rational Non-Mystical Cosmos.' The critique, attributed to MFS Brancato, questions several core tenets of Gillette's theory, including:
• The concept of 'unit reactions' and their ability to explain phenomena.
• The idea of 'maximotes' and 'ultimotes' and their relationship to space and reaction.
• The explanation of gravitation and the 'backscrewing' of solar systems.
• The notion of 'infinite velocity' and 'theoretical zero' in relation to mass and energy.
• The concept of 'cosmic rebound' and its role in the formation of the universe.

The critique argues that Gillette's theory contains logical inconsistencies and relies on undefined or contradictory concepts, particularly regarding the nature of ultimotes, maximotes, and their interactions.

The Piker

A satirical cartoon titled 'THE PIKER' is presented, featuring figures associated with the 'HYDROGEN BOMB,' 'URANIUM BOMB,' and 'BIGGER BOGIE BUREAU,' suggesting a commentary on Cold War anxieties and government propaganda.

Reformers Index

Forteans interested in reform movements are directed to 'GENERAL WELFARE,' a publication by Bert Taylor that lists organizations and their purposes.

Now You Know

An interpretation of James Joyce's work by L. A. G. Strong is mentioned, suggesting that Joyce aimed to justify the ways of man to God and show how God should be worshipped.

Perpetual Peace Plan (Continued)

This section discusses the persistent media focus on 'REDS' and 'warmongering,' suggesting that this is a tactic to create 'false news' and maintain public attention, possibly in anticipation of further global conflict. The author expresses skepticism about the likelihood of another large-scale war, believing that the current geopolitical situation is understood by the 'top brass.'

Shroyer on Buck

An item notes the death of Frank Buck and a coincidental escape of elephants from a trainer in Pomona, California, on the same night. MFS Shroyer offers a poetic reflection on the beasts' potential delight at Buck's demise.

MFS Mealy Writes

An observation is made that Dr. Immanuel Velikovsky's 'Worlds in Collision' could be used by religionists to provide a logical explanation for biblical accounts, such as Joshua's long day, by aligning them with scientific theories.

Like Gas Case

A brief mention of an 'explosion' of free gas on a California road is noted, along with a report of an oil scum blaze in Talara, Peru, that resulted in fatalities and missing persons.

Pyrotics

Several incidents of individuals suffering severe burns are reported, including Aura Troyer in Bloomington, Illinois, and three old women in England, as well as Carl Brandt in Pittsburgh.

Marie Imperia

A crewless vessel, identified as the British Army auxiliary 'Imperia,' was found drifting on the Mediterranean, with the whereabouts of the crew unknown.

Nominations

Nominations for Fortean Fellowships are received for Rainer Hildebrandt of Berlin, for founding an organization against inhumanity, and for Judge J. Waties Waring and Mrs. Waring for their activities in behalf of the Negro.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'Doubt' magazine consistently champions a critical and skeptical approach to established scientific, social, and political narratives. The Fortean Society's stance is one of questioning authority, examining anomalies, and exploring alternative explanations for phenomena. There is a strong emphasis on independent research, a distrust of mainstream media and official pronouncements, and a fascination with the unexplained. The magazine actively promotes a worldview that challenges conventional wisdom and encourages readers to maintain an open and questioning mind, encapsulated by the magazine's title, 'Doubt.' The editorial stance is one of intellectual independence and a commitment to exploring the fringes of knowledge.

Title: DOUBT
Issue: 27
Publisher: The Fortean Society
Country: USA
Language: English
Cover Headline: More Notes of Charles Fort

This issue of DOUBT magazine, number 27, continues its presentation of the extensive and chronologically organized notes of Charles Fort. The primary focus is on documenting a wide array of anomalous phenomena, historical curiosities, and unexplained events, reflecting the Fortean Society's interest in the unusual and the unacknowledged aspects of reality.

Gravity Gravy

The lead article, "Gravity Gravy," introduces the Gravity Research Foundation, established by the well-known Wall Street figure Roger W. Babson. The foundation's goal is to explore methods for manipulating gravity, a pursuit described as a step towards a perpetual motion machine. The foundation operates at a loss and offers prizes for essays on the subject, with Foster B. Elliott as Director of Research and George M. Ridcout as President. The editorial expresses a Fortean acceptance of such endeavors, regardless of their alignment with orthodox physics.

Our Cover

The cover art, created by Art Castillo, is highlighted as an improvement on previous Fortean symbols. It features a tree growing from a question mark, symbolizing Fortean inquiry. The magazine also mentions that these 'FS' symbols are being printed on gummed paper for distribution to the public and that a cut-out book-mark version is also available, free upon request.

Doubt International

A brief section appeals to members for assistance in establishing a Fortean presence in Belfast, Ireland, seeking contacts with local Forteans, booksellers, librarians, or teachers.

Run of the Mill

This section presents a collection of brief, often bizarre, reports from various locations and dates. Notable entries include:

• San Francisco, April 18, 1950: A swarm of moths so thick it broke two electric lights.
• Dallas, February 7, 1950: William Dudley Pelley was paroled.
• Sharon, Connecticut, March 1: Alfred H. Korzybski, semantics expert, died.
• Princeton, date unknown: A fire wrecked the university's cyclotron, valued at $400,000, with no clear cause identified.
• Tilghman, Maryland, September 3, 1949: A rain of a substance identified as 'sulphuric acid' fell after navy planes passed over.
• Danville, Virginia, March 29 (year not specified): Rain of mud.
• West Memphis, Arkansas, September 23, 1949: Rain of 'bullfrogs'.
• Near New York International Airport, January 29, 1950: The body of a large brown bear was found in a ditch.
• Colliery (location not specified): A pipe-fitter experienced his foot burning, and his sock burst into flame, attributed to phosphorus igniting in the air.
• Belgian Congo (before March 1, 1950): Sextuplets (four boys, two girls) were born in good health.

Credit Due

This section acknowledges individuals who provided valuable data used in the issue.

More Notes of Charles Fort

This extensive section continues the chronological listing of Charles Fort's notes, primarily focusing on events from the mid-19th century. The material is presented from Box 2 (non-human phenomena) and Box A (persons), alternating between the two series. The notes are transcribed from Fort's personal shorthand and symbols, with references to sources like the British Association (BA), Lloyds Weekly Newspaper, and various regional publications.

**Key Events Documented (1856-1857 and beyond):

• 1856:
• Cross-Maglen, Armagh, Ireland: A fall of hail consisting of icicles.
• Manningtree, Essex: A series of fires, including one in a library and parlor, with investigations yielding no clues.
• Bedford: Reports of a fine spot on the sun.
• Italy/Meteorite: A meteorite event near Civita-Vecchia.
• Luton: A luminous object larger than the moon was observed.
• Boxted farm, Essex: Ricks of hay caught fire.
• Ramsey, Hunts: A stockyard fire of unknown origin.
• Barrow: A large stack caught fire.
• Bicester: A committee was formed to investigate fires, with a reward offered.
• Malta: Sea receded two feet and a half; volcanic activity from Etna; houses damaged and persons killed by earthquakes and heavy rains.
• Sorrento, Italy: A peculiar dense and ill-smelling fog preceded a quake.
• 1857:
• India: A flash of lightning struck a cocoanut tree, causing fibrous matter to burn.
• Malta: Sound like thunder, red glare in the sky, and a subsequent quake that destroyed 6000 houses.
• Rhodes: Quake and subsequent heavy rain.
• Alexandria, Egypt: Shocks felt.
• Meteorite: Events noted in Italy, Hungary, and near Ottawa, Illinois (cinders from a cloud).
• Quakes: Numerous quakes reported in Italy, Malta, Greece, India, and Mexico.
• Atmospheric Phenomena: Unusual rains (stones, cinders, warm water drops), luminous objects, whirlwinds, and a 'stone fall' in France.
• Animal Phenomena: Unusual reports of fish falling, and a 'stone' found in a horse's stomach.
• Astronomy: Observations of Jupiter, Venus, sunspots, and a comet.
• Witchcraft: A report from Hockham.
• Mysterious Drowning: Three men drowned.
• Mysterious Disappearance: Property disappeared in Derry.
• Volcanic Activity: Etna emitted smoke; Vesuvius active.
• Unusual Lights: A bright light seen near Nottingham.

Advertisements

The final page contains advertisements for books and publications available from The Fortean Society, including:

• A reprint on the Drayson Problem by John Millis.
• "America NEEDS Indians" by the author.
• Chakotin's "RAPE OF THE MASSES."
• "The Books of Charles Fort" (4 volumes in 1), with an introduction by Tiffany Thayer.
• "The Book of the Damned," "New Lands," "Lo!," and "Wild Talents."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the documentation of anomalous events across various categories: atmospheric phenomena, geological disturbances (quakes, volcanic activity), unusual animal behavior, mysterious fires, and astronomical observations. The editorial stance, as always with The Fortean Society, is to present these phenomena without conventional explanation, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond the accepted scientific framework. The emphasis is on the collection and preservation of data that challenges mainstream narratives, highlighting the vastness of the unexplained in the world.