Doubt - No 32

Magazine Overview

DOUBT - The Fortean Society Magazine

This issue of DOUBT, Volume II, Whole Number 32, edited by Tiffany Thayer, was published in 1931 AD. The cover boldly proclaims a strong anti-communist sentiment, linking opposition to 'red' teachers with a political stance. The magazine is priced at 35c in the USA and 2/- in Great Britain. The Fortean Society uses a 13-month calendar and offers annual dues of $2.00. Membership is available to all, with contacts for Sterling countries in England.

Contents and Articles

First Prize: Want-Ad Oddities

MFS Milton Smith submitted a peculiar want-ad from the Los Angeles Daily Mirror seeking a 'girl, must be attractive, to live in supervised iron lung respirator for 8 hours a day for 8 weeks.' The ad claimed 'no danger or discomfort involved.' The caption added, 'No wonder the dimes march!'

Two other notable items are mentioned: the Oakland (Calif.) Commission of Public Charities refused permission for the March of Dimes to conduct its annual fund-raising campaign. Additionally, a UP despatch quoted Dr. William G. Meyers, who studied the Bikini A-bomb experiment, stating that the radioactivity of the A-bomb is 'pure bunco.'

Guess Who: Telephone Troubles and Strange Voices

This section highlights peculiar incidents involving telephones. The Buffalo (N.Y.) Coast Guard Base receives calls from a woman who 'just giggles and hangs up.' In London, a journalist seeking information from a foreign embassy received the response, 'Zis is nobody at all speaking.' Coin phones in London are noted to 'croon' when a coin is inserted, a phenomenon explained by a 'telephone official' as a new current induced by the coin's suspension.

Buy Windmill Stock!

This article suggests investing in windmill stock due to the depletion of global oil reserves. It references a recent invention for capturing energy from air currents, previously mentioned in DOUBT. A Staff Reporter of the Daily Express is quoted describing a search for the 'windiest spot' in North Wales, which led to the planned construction of a 130 ft. windmill on Mount Anelog. The British Electricity Authority is reportedly developing an experimental windmill for electricity generation, with plans for more if successful, aiming to power 100 houses by 1952.

Nominations

The first nominations for Named Fellow of the Society in 21 FS are mentioned, including P. J. Wood, Secretary of the Independent Theatre Owners of Ohio, who is noted for his 'short propaganda.' Vivien Kellems of Connecticut is nominated for her opposition to the Department of Internal Revenue. The article also references a propaganda film endorsed by President Truman and John R. Steelman, which Mr. Wood opposed.

The Cloth Speaks: Unexplained Aerial Phenomena

This section compiles reports of unusual atmospheric and visual phenomena:

• Rev. Padre Nicolas Pereira of Wacalla, Ceylon, is cited as authority for the sun spinning rapidly and appearing deep blue during a pilgrimage.
• On October 7th in Necedah, Wis., a Roman Catholic priest reported seeing the sun whirl over barren terrain where the Virgin Mary was claimed to have appeared.
• On December 8th, a 'fiery red sun spinning like a pinwheel' was observed near Pittsburgh, with similar reports from Peoria and Springfield, Ill., describing 'two suns intermittently changing in color.'
• A 'mock' sun was reported over the Straits of Dover.
• The sky over London turned purple at sunset on October 28th.
• Vienna was 'bathed in violet light for 8 minutes at dawn' on November 11th.
• Fog over London on November 25th changed color from 'light grey and blue to orange, deep yellow and brown.'

Hail Carrington!

This section discusses an attack on Hereward Carrington, HFFS, by Ralph C. Pressing, editor of the Psychic Observer. Pressing criticized Carrington's disappointment with 'ghosts around Los Angeles.' The article defends Carrington, suggesting that Pressing and his wife are associated with table-tipping and spiritualism.

Ice Falls: A Global Phenomenon

This extensive section details numerous reports of ice falling from the sky across England and other locations:

• England (November 8th onwards): Ice falls were reported on North Devon farms, with a sheep found dead. Lumps of ice, some weighing up to 14 lbs, were found scattered. The phrase 'flying saucer' was introduced into published accounts. Ice was found scattered over several farms near North Molton and Simonsbath. Professor H. T. S. Britton viewed the natural production of these lumps as unlikely, and the Meteorological Office noted that conditions did not suggest a normal meteorological phenomenon.
• Wandsworth, London (November 24th): A 'block of ice a foot square' hurtled through a garage roof, described as 'brown in colour.' The police put it in a refrigerator for examination.
• Air Ministry Statement: An Air Ministry Meteorological Office spokesman stated that a lump of ice of that size could not be a normal weather phenomenon.
• Empire News: Reported the weight as 5 lbs.
• News Chronicle (November 27th): Stated the ice had a 'cloudy appearance, indicating it contained de-icing fluid.'
• Reuters: Interpreted this for American consumption as possibly dropped from an aircraft, containing traces of de-icing fluid.
• Third Instance: A 'block of ice a foot long and four inches thick' landed unbroken near Braughing, Herts.
• Stebbing, Essex (November 26th): Reginald Butcher found pieces of a substance that looked like ice but was not, described as a 'one-pound brick' that did not melt.
• Air Ministry Investigation (November 28th): The Air Ministry reported to the House of Commons that it was investigating.
• Hampstead, Norris, Berks.: J. C. Holmes reported a block of ice 15 by 7 by 4 inches falling into his garden, making a hole six inches deep and melting quickly.
• Roanoke (Va.) World News (November 30th): Coupled ice falls with a Soviet scientist's theory of an interplanetary spaceship crashing in Siberia in 1908.
• Lessons from the Ice Falls: The article draws three lessons: that a 'scientist' has finally suggested a theory of interplanetary spaceships (echoing Charles Fort's 1919 suggestion), that the Roanoke World News associates English ice falls with 'Reds in Moscow,' and that the Soviet propaganda machine is also 'space-ship-minded.'
• Official Decision (December 2nd and 3rd): The official explanation came from 'outlets of wash-hand-basins in passenger planes.'
• Wandsworth (December 3rd): A piece hit a kitchen roof and shattered, with fragments gathered by police.
• Greenfield, Penna. (December 7th): John Collins reported an ice block 'about a foot square' falling very near him.
• Chicago Tribune: Called a chunk of ice 'No. 9.'
• London Evening Standard: Added that 'Kitchen waste was found in the ice which fell at Wandsworth.'
• Helensburgh (December 26th): A block of ice weighing about 100 pounds fell, bearing 'unmistakable signs of rivet marks and slots identical with an aircraft wing.'
• Tooting (December 28th): Miss Dougal was struck on the head by a 1 lb. block of ice.
• Seattle, Wash. (December 28th): A chunk of ice made an 8-inch hole in a skylight.
• General Observation: In practically all these ice-fall reports, 'saucers' are mentioned, even if distant. The article notes that separating meteors from other objects is impossible, and most accounts describe the object as either a saucer or a meteor.

It's Jet Exhaust!

This section compiles reports of unexplained blasts and explosions:

• Seattle, Wash. (September 18th, 1950): An unexplained 'blast.'
• Anchorage, Alaska (September 18th): An explosion appeared to come from Fort Richardson, in the same area where forest fires broke out.
• Modesto, Calif. (October 3rd): A mystery explosion so severe that a general fire alarm was sounded.
• Thanet and Margate, England (October 19th): Described as the 'biggest explosion since the war.'
• Seattle, Wash. (November 1st): A 'loud blast' heard as far away as Renton, with reports of two blasts half an hour apart, blamed on pranksters.
• Canada (Lower St. Lawrence River): A 30-mile area was jolted by a mysterious explosion.
• Quebec City (November 10th): A federal transport department official suggested the blast may have been caused by a bomb dropped from a U.S. Air Force plane making a forced landing.
• Tacoma, Wash. (November 14th): Military Police combed the area for the source of a blast, initially classified as confidential, later explained as TNT demolition during an Engineer battalion training problem.
• Seattle (November 18th): Two booms ten minutes apart.
• Seattle (November 19th): A man was arrested for shooting a 'flare gun.'
• South Hills, Pittsburgh, Penna. (November 19th): 'Heavy blasting or an explosion' with no explanation.
• Elko, Nevada (December 30th): A 'rocking blast and a brilliant red flash in the sky.'
• Santa Monica Bay area (January 6th): An 'explosion rocked' the area, initially suggested as possibly caused by a jet in a supersonic dive, but later attributed to jets by the press.
• Culver City: Windows were broken by the sonic boom.
• Greenfield, Penna. (January 20th): 'Loud, violent blasts' were believed to be caused by youngsters setting off dynamite caps.

Stinks Etc.

Reports of mysterious odors and fumes:

• Grape (near Monroe), Mich.: School children were overcome by 'mysterious' but odorless fumes.
• Chelsea, Boston: The area was choked by a stench, with no source found.
• Petroleos, Mexico (early morning): Persons were killed by 'gasses from an oil refinery.' Reports varied on the number of casualties and sickened individuals. The case was likened to Donora.
• Glasgow (December 16th): Fourteen persons overcome.
• Detroit (December 29th): A ten-mile area experienced 'foul-smelling smog.'

Philly Sniper Scare

This section details a series of shootings in Philadelphia:

• November 23rd: A cop's wife was shot in the ankle while waiting for a bus.
• November 24th: A woman was shot in the hip by 'two small calibre bullets.'
• December 1st: A man felt a 'sting in his right arm' after hearing three shots, with no gunman seen.
• December 17th: A woman, identified as the 'seventh' victim, was killed while washing dishes in her parent's home, in the same locality as previous shootings. Two shots were heard, and a 'greatest manhunt' was launched.
• December 18th: Jack-the-Ripper was mentioned in the Bulletin.
• December 19th: The number of 'attempted' shootings was placed at 13, with speculation that a silencer might have been used.
• December 20th: A man was shot while talking to two friends on the street.

Our Feathered Friends

A brief mention of starlings arriving in Britain and Sir Herbert Williams, M.P., asking the Minister of Health what would be done about them fouling public buildings.

Great Day for St. Andrew

Reports that the Stone of Scone, stolen from Westminster Abbey, might be in Dewlish, claimed by Irish Forteans as 'Lia-Fail.' Also noted is the theft of antique coffins from the British Museum shortly before November 15th. Lia-Fail was taken on Christmas Day. A bronze sword was stolen from Britannia in Waterloo Palace, London.

Simpson's Grist: Forteana from 1761

M. F. S. Simpson extracts notable items from the British Annual Register for 1761:

• March 31st, 1761: Loch Ness experienced an unusual phenomenon where the water rose and fell by two feet, causing a galley to break its moorings and driving boats ashore. The water swelled like a mountain and appeared muddy, despite a calm preceding the event.
• April 25th, 1761 (Bordeaux): A shower of yellow powder, resembling brimstone, fell, later identified as pollen from pine flowers.
• February 6th, 1761 (Sturminster, Eng.): An earthquake shock accompanied by a rumbling noise.
• April 24th (P-102): A fire in Bristol stables consumed writings, an iron chest, and cash, which had also melted.
• April 14th (P-105): A fisherman in the river Elbe caught a 'sea dog,' believed to have been brought up by a great inundation.
• P-105: Nine healthy children were born within 28 months to a tradesman's family in Brentford.
• May 3rd: A sea monster, 24 ells round and seven long, washed ashore at Candia, Valencia, producing 1250 quintals of oil.
• P-119 (May 22nd, Paris): Cassini, with a 34 ft. telescope, thought he perceived a satellite which revolved around Venus.
• June 9th: A considerable earthquake shock was felt in Sherborne, Shaftesbury, and other places.
• July 5th: A violent shock of an earthquake was felt in Madeira.
• July 18th: A comet was seen off the quarter of H.M. ship Princess Royal, described as bright with a long tail.
• July 28/30: The sea flowed at Plymouth and ebbed rapidly, a phenomenon that continued all day and was observed in other locations.
• August 5th: A violent storm of thunder and lightning, with hail weighing up to 1 lb., caused damage to crops and broke windows.
• August 14th: A 'very sensible quake shock' was felt in Guernsey, accompanied by a hollow rumbling noise and a sudden swell of the sea.
• Late August: A violent storm with thunder and lightning in Cumbernauld, Scotland, killed over 1000 crows, whose flesh was black and inedible.
• August 14th-27th: Two violent quake shocks were felt at Santa Cruz in South Barbary.
• September 11th: A storm at Enfield Marsh, London, brought hailstones measuring 5 inches round, tore down branches, and caused widespread damage.
• October 16th (Gt. Malvern): A 'shocking and dismal noise' was heard, followed by a prodigious smoke and a column that descended and rose again, filling the air with a 'nausous sulphurous smell.'

Run of the Mill: Strange Occurrences

• Kansas: A two-year-old girl had a sunflower shoot removed from her lung.
• Australia: Four thousand square miles of desert turned into a salt sea, and a new snake species was found.
• Australia: Cows that are jolted or frightened before slaughter may result in steaks that do not keep well after being frozen.
• Palomar Observatory: Astronomers discovered that the snow on the planet Pluto is 'very dirty.'
• Reading, England: Television viewers received pictures from Leningrad and music from Stockholm.
• Hamamatsu, Japan: A police recruit was discovered to have no fingerprints, and his mother also lacked them.
• Los Angeles (November 14th): Mysterious Nylon runs were reported by telephone operators.
• Michigan (January 15th): A hunter shot a rabbit that had no head.
• New Zealand (January 11th): A 'monster' turned out to be a whale.
• Laholm, Sweden (November 30th): A crocodile swam ashore.

Who Paid?

A member in Spokane sent two dollars for dues without including their name or address. A member in Chicago sent a cashier's check without identification.

Replies: Seeking Unbiased News

MFS Leavens inquired about reliable, unslanted, unpropagandized periodicals dealing with politics, government, military, and religious affairs. The Secretary of the Fortean Society responded that such a paper is difficult to find, stating that the search has been ongoing since 1936. The Christian Science Monitor is considered the best general daily but is deemed insufficient. The Journal of Commerce is recommended for those interested in business and finance, as it reports events in terms of making money. The weekly 'In Fact' is mentioned as having been valuable until it folded, and 'The Nation' is recommended as it is barred from New Jersey public schools. A postscript mentions Worldover Press as issuing a newsletter that has been 'above reproach' but is prohibitively expensive.

Russell's Best: Critical Observations

This section critiques 'top secret' diplomacy between the US and Russia, as reported by the New York Times, questioning the acceptance of such secrecy in a supposed democracy. It also notes the Witchegan tribe of Indians in Canada who refused to swear allegiance and accept government provisions, with honorary memberships in the Fortean Society being extended to their chief and adherents.

Remarkable Phenomenon: A Meteor Shower

A brilliant purplish meteor with a yellowish-red tail crossed the firmament over Aberdeen, shooting out a small fiery ball horizontally.

Mother Goose and the UN

Geoffrey Hall, a textile manufacturer, proposed a 'Mother Goose with the sadism extracted' to the United Nations, with altered rhymes focusing on less violent themes.

It's Jet Exhaust! (Continued)

More reports of unexplained blasts and explosions, including a sonic boom in New York City, and the use of an anti-aircraft gun as a mounting for radar equipment at the Festival of Britain site in London.

Stinks Etc. (Continued)

Further reports of foul odors and industrial gasses causing illness.

Philly Sniper Scare (Continued)

More details on the Philadelphia shootings, including the mention of Jack-the-Ripper and speculation about the use of a silencer.

Our Feathered Friends (Continued)

Brief mention of starlings in Britain.

Great Day for St. Andrew (Continued)

Further details on the Stone of Scone and stolen artifacts.

Simpson's Grist: 1761 Forteana (Continued)

More extracts from the 1761 British Annual Register, including phenomena related to Loch Ness, a shower of yellow powder, an earthquake, a fire, a sea monster, and astronomical observations.

Run of the Mill: Oddities (Continued)

More strange stories, including a sunflower growing in a child's lung, desert turning to salt sea, Pluto's dirty snow, and a police recruit with no fingerprints.

Damned Socialists

This brief section criticizes Britons for their perceived embrace of 'socialized medicine' and 'Trooping of the Colours,' linking it to fraternization with 'Damned Reds' and questioning the presence of Japan in a whale hunt.

Replies: Seeking Unbiased News (Continued)

Further discussion on the difficulty of finding unbiased news sources.

Russell's Best: Critical Observations (Continued)

Continued critique of government secrecy and a note on the Witchegan tribe.

Remarkable Phenomenon: A Meteor Shower (Continued)

More on the meteor shower.

Mother Goose and the UN (Continued)

Further details on the proposed UN Mother Goose.

It's Jet Exhaust! (Continued)

More on jet exhaust phenomena.

Stinks Etc. (Continued)

More on mysterious odors.

Philly Sniper Scare (Continued)

More on the sniper scare.

Our Feathered Friends (Continued)

More on starlings.

Great Day for St. Andrew (Continued)

More on the Stone of Scone.

Simpson's Grist: 1761 Forteana (Continued)

More 1761 phenomena.

Run of the Mill: Oddities (Continued)

More odd stories.

Ego and His Own: Max Stirner's Philosophy

This section discusses Max Stirner's book 'Ego and His Own,' describing it as the 'Bible of extreme individualism' and a negation of state, property, religion, and morality. It highlights Stirner's philosophy that the individual ego is the supreme arbiter of all things. The book is noted to have gained popularity alongside Nietzsche's philosophy, with which it shares essential points.

Dreiser Biography

Mentions a biography of Theodore Dreiser written by Robert H. Elias, noting that it contains five entries under Charles Fort's name, though the references are considered insufficient given their close friendship.

Anybody Know?

Poses a question about why pigeons fly or change course when an automobile backfires, suggesting it might be an inherited defense mechanism against hunters, and questioning how far back this characteristic goes.

Damned Socialists (Continued)

Further commentary on perceived radicalism in Britain.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DOUBT include the reporting of unexplained phenomena (ice falls, explosions, strange lights, unusual weather), skepticism towards official explanations and government pronouncements, and a critical view of societal trends, particularly concerning propaganda and political ideologies. The editorial stance, as reflected in the cover and various articles, is strongly individualistic and critical of collectivist movements, with a pronounced anti-communist sentiment. There is a consistent effort to highlight anomalies and challenge conventional wisdom, encouraging readers to question and think independently.

This issue of "More Notes of Charles Fort" (Issue No. 75, dated May 1950) continues the ongoing project of transcribing and publishing the extensive manuscript notes of Charles Fort. The magazine is published by The Fortean Society and is priced at $1.00. The cover headline prominently features "MORE NOTES of CHARLES FORT."

Fort's Notes: 1859-1860

The core of this issue is the chronological presentation of Charles Fort's notes, primarily focusing on events recorded in 1859 and 1860. These notes are transcribed from 32 boxes, with the material presented alternating between records of non-human phenomena (Box 2) and records of persons (Box A).

**Key Events and Phenomena Documented:

• 1859:
• December 15: A report of a "Ghost Maidstone."
• January: A "piracy extraordinary" and "colored snow" in Germany.
• January 20-29: Reports of "colored snow" in various German locations and Westphalia.
• 1860:
• Early: "Soldiers 210 plus" and "frogs" reported in Glamorganshire, England.
• January: "Organic matter" fell in Hessle, Sweden. A "fearful shock" and "rumbling from the earth" were felt in Dhurmsala, Punjab, India, accompanied by falling stones.
• February: A "medium quake" in Guatemala and a "meteor" in Plombieres.
• February 29: A "perfectly round black object" was observed passing over the sun in London.
• March: A "morning quake and th. storm" in Athens, Greece. A "stone" fell in Alexandria, Italy. "Remarkable disturbances" were noted on Jupiter. A "new star" appeared near Moscow.
• March 1-2: Meteors observed in Bradford, Cheshire, and Leeds.
• May 1: An "explosion full of stones" occurred over Guernsey County, Ohio.
• May 16: A "violent quake" in Turkey.
• May 19: Reports of "blood" falling in the Jellasore district, India.
• May 21: A "nova" in Scorpio was observed, diminishing in magnitude. A "great storm" occurred in Yorkshire.
• June: Reports of "meteors" and "lightning" in France, and "singular phenomena" in Spain. A "comet" was observed.
• July: "Shower of live fish" in Benares, India. "Exceptional numbers of meteors" near Santander, Spain. A "comet" was reported from various parts of India. "Quakes" and "thunderstorms" occurred in Athens. "Small meteors" were seen from Polestar. "Detonated meteor electric phenomena" were noted in Baton Rouge. "Many meteors and lightning" in France. A "singular phenomenon" was observed in Spain. A "great year" for meteors in India.
• July 14: The "Dhurmsala" (Kangra) event is detailed, describing "fearful shocks" and falling stones, with the date given as July 28th by a correspondent.
• July 17: Observations of Mars.
• July 18: A "solar eclipse" and an "unusual point of light" observed during the moon's eclipse in Algeria.
• July 19: Venus in conjunction with the sun, and an "eclipse of sun."
• July 20: A "quake" in Treviso, Italy. The "aerolites" at Dhurmsala are further detailed, along with lights like "fire balloons" and an "aurora" at Delhi.
• July 20-23: A "great meteor" from Lake Michigan to Atlantic, preceded by "brilliant Auroral flashes."
• July 23: "Thousands of little toads" fell in Aldeby, England, during a storm.
• July 28: A "dark substance" fell with noise and light in Little Bridy, Dorset.
• July 31: A "tornado" in Marshall County, Kansas.
• August 2 & 9: "Fireballs" and "meteors" observed in the Southern States, U.S.
• August 6: A "great meteor" observed in New York and Pennsylvania.
• August 9-12: "Auroras" observed in France.
• August 10-11: An "aurora" was unusually fine in Chicago.
• August 11: A "waterspout" near Calcutta.
• August 13: "Venus" was observed shining in daylight in New York.

Other Articles and Features

• Reynolds News Report: Notes a consignment of books and pictures for Dr. Kinsey being seized in Indianapolis, and a farmer's furniture being destroyed by an explosion after being sprayed with an anti-moth preparation in Copenhagen.
• Fortean Society Magazine Note: A quote from Tiffany Thayer questioning the end of the "war."
• "KEEP YOUR TONSILS": A brief case report from Southport, England, concerning John Leo Anderson, who collapsed and died, with his father mentioning a previous throat operation and resulting huskiness.
• "HERE IT COMES": A report from Seattle about a potential move to transfer all propaganda efforts, including "Voice of America," from the State Department to a separate bureau.
• "FOUL PLAY": A report from the London Times about "fowl pest" attacking poultry in Britain, with concerns about its spread and potential vaccination policies, noting precautions taken by American camps.
• "NON-JUDICIAL ASTROLOGY": Discusses solar granules and "titanic tornadoes" on the sun's surface, as reported by the Spokane Chronicle. It also mentions the distance to the Andromeda galaxy (Messier 31) as calculated by the "White Elephant of Palomar."
• "SOME FISH FALL": Reports of unusual fish falls, including a trout found in a tree knot-hole in Ireland, a bullhead coming through a window in Alaska, and small fish falling in California during a windstorm.
• "END OF WORLDERS": An account of members of the "Children of Light" (Church of God) who expected the world to end on December 23rd, and later January 9th.
• "SPONTANEOUS BABY": A tragic report of a four-month-old child in Leeds, England, who burned to death in a pram.
• "ON SNAKES IN TREES": Cites the Encyclopedia Britannica regarding the habit of "Shrike" or butcher-birds catching insects, frogs, lizards, or small birds and impaling them on thorns or forked branches to eat.

Scientific Attitude Chart

Page 76 features a chart titled "THE CHARACTERISTICS OF ONE WHO POSSESSES A TRULY SCIENTIFIC ATTITUDE," attributed to Dr. A.D. Graves, Professor of Education at Humboldt State College, Arcata, California. The chart lists 12 characteristics, including having an inquiring turn of mind, holding conclusions subject to revision, being unprejudiced and impersonal, being careful and accurate, freedom from dogma and superstition, tolerance toward new ideas, planning before execution, distinguishing fact from opinion, respecting expert judgment, appreciating the value of silence, critical thinking ability, and developing wholesome intellectual interests.

The caption below the chart states: "THIS CHART, THOUGH WRITTEN FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE FORMATIVE STAGE OF LIFE, MIGHT WELL BE STUDIED BY ALL WHO WANT TO KEEP THEIR MINDS YOUNG."

Books and Publications

The final page (page 6) advertises several books available from The Fortean Society:

• "Order Glacial Period and Drayson's Hypothesis" by John Millis ($1.00).
• "America NEEDS Indians" by the author (425 pages, large folding map).
• "Chakotin's RAPE OF THE MASSES" ($2.50).
• The complete text of "The Books of Charles Fort" (4 volumes in 1, 1151 pages, indexed) for $5.00.
• "The Book of the Damned," "New Lands," and "Wild Talents" by Charles Fort, with an introduction by Tiffany Thayer ($5.00).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the meticulous cataloging of anomalous events (Forteana), a critical examination of scientific claims, and the presentation of unusual or unexplained occurrences from historical records. The editorial stance, as implied by the publication of Charles Fort's notes and the promotion of his books, is one of open inquiry into phenomena that fall outside conventional scientific or societal explanations. The inclusion of the "Scientific Attitude Chart" suggests an emphasis on the importance of critical thinking and intellectual curiosity, even when dealing with the extraordinary.