Doubt - No 34

Magazine Overview

DOUBT: THE FORTEAN SOCIETY MAGAZINE

This issue of DOUBT, The Fortean Society Magazine, Volume II, Whole Number 34, edited by Tiffany Thayer, was published in 1931 AD. The cover prominently features a "Pacifist Shield" with slogans such as "I HATE WAR" and "WAR MAKES ME VOMIT", alongside the motto "in hoc signo, vinces". The magazine is priced at 35c in the USA and 2/- in Great Britain.

Editorial Stance and Society Operations

The issue delves into the Fortean Society's decision-making process regarding potential political involvement. A survey among articulate Forteans revealed that 61.536% opposed the Society taking a public stance on political issues, while 38.464% felt the Society should engage where truth and decency are perverted. The editor, YS (Tiffany Thayer), emphasizes that the Society has no official means of determining such perversions and that individual members must decide for themselves. The core principle of "individualism" is highlighted as the backbone of the Society.

Unexplained Phenomena and Anomalies

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to cataloging and discussing various unexplained phenomena and unusual events from around the world and throughout history.

Meteor Sighting:
An account from Whitby describes a meteor resembling a "ball of fire" seen on November 3rd, which left a train of fire across the hemisphere.

• Earthquakes and Volcanic Activity:
• Several reports detail seismic and volcanic events:
• Shocks were felt in Lima in December 1760 and January 1761, with the latter being more violent.
• A volcanic eruption occurred in Prince George's estate in the Indina River region, described as a "curiosity of nature" with a small mountain erupting smoke, rocks, and flames.
• On April 14th, a "kind of volcanic eruption" took place in the Swiss canton of Tessino, near Monthio.
• A violent earthquake on May 26, 1819, damaged many houses in Cornetto, near Rome, and completely threw down the cupola of the Castello.
• An earthquake on June 19 destroyed the district and country of Kutch, burying an estimated 2,000 inhabitants.
• The town of Dereham, Norfolk, England, experienced a severe storm of hail, thunder, and lightning on July 13, with large pieces of ice causing significant damage.
• Paris reported frightful storm disasters on July 13, including a hail storm that desolated Malleroy and Rambouillet, with hailstones as large as five-franc pieces.
• A tremendous hail storm accompanied by thunder and lightning devastated communes near Montargis on July 7, 1793.
• Syria experienced an unusually dry spring and summer in 1759, followed by earthquakes in Aleppo, Damascus, Tripoli, Seidon, and Acri.
• On November 25, 1759, a strong earthquake shook Syria, causing damage in Antioch.
• Terceira, Azores, reported several earthquakes in April 1761, with the sea rising and falling dramatically on March 31st.

• Unusual Human and Biological Events:
• A woman in the village of Bonne Vallie was killed by a sudden eruption from the Earth, resulting in her body being severely damaged, yet with no blood at the site.
• A case of a nun turned into a man is discussed, raising questions about religious obligations.
• An anecdote from Germany describes a nurse's boy being nourished by the milk of his 60-year-old grandmother.
• A report from Hartford, England, mentions a mountain called Marsley Hill that moved three days and nights in 1479.
• In Arlington, England, a child was born with three eyes.
• A carpenter named John Hitchel and a child were burnt to death by lightning in 1613.
• A woman in London gave birth to a young kid.

• Other Anomalies:
• A "severe soot storm" in Savannah, Georgia, blackened homes and furnishings.
• The Gravity Research Foundation sent a questionnaire asking why gravity pull affects glands, brains, temperament, and personality.
• A "sinister Russell" is mentioned in relation to strange phenomena.
• A "PYROTIC" incident in St. Petersburg, Florida, involved a charred skull and remains found in a burned-out apartment.
• A "mass jet disaster" killed three and destroyed 8 jet planes near Richmond, Indiana.

Societal Commentary and Critique

The magazine expresses a strong stance on individual liberty and critiques government actions and societal norms.

Individual Liberty:
When asked if freedom is in jeopardy, nearly all respondents agreed it was already lost or in jeopardy. The magazine encourages individuals to resist dictation and assert their personal liberty, framing opposition to government overreach as patriotic rather than "Red."

Civil Defense:
The magazine criticizes Civil Defense as a "boondoggle extraordinaire" and an "alibi for wasting billions of the public money." It suggests that the government uses this to heat up feelings for war and prepare for action.

Critique of Science and Authority:
There is skepticism towards scientific pronouncements, such as the dating of the Earth and the development of new technologies. The magazine questions the motives behind scientific research and government policies, often framing them as mechanisms of control or exploitation.

Media and Public Relations:
The issue highlights the role of public relations in shaping public opinion, particularly concerning Civil Defense, and criticizes the media's portrayal of events.

Fortean Principles:
The magazine emphasizes Fortean principles such as infinite flux, the oneness of allness, the fallacies of exclusionism, and the value of perpetual dissent. It suggests that the Society's purpose should be based on these principles and on finding a "cosmic" or "infinite" pattern for living.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of DOUBT reflects a consistent Fortean perspective, characterized by a deep skepticism towards established authorities (government, science, media), a strong advocacy for individual liberty and critical thinking, and a fascination with unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance is one of perpetual dissent and a call for individuals to question and resist conformity. The magazine aims to disseminate an "intellectual attitude" that challenges conventional wisdom and promotes a broader understanding of reality beyond the mundane. The recurring themes include the critique of war and militarism, the exploration of anomalies, and the defense of personal freedom against societal and governmental pressures.

This issue of DOUBT magazine, identified by its page number '107', focuses on 'MORE NOTES of CHARLES FORT', presenting a chronological compilation of his observations and records. The publication continues its mission to document anomalous and unexplained phenomena.

Key Articles and Features

Charles Fort's Notes (1861)

The core of this issue delves into Charles Fort's meticulously collected notes, specifically focusing on events from 1861. These entries detail various occurrences, including astronomical observations of comets and meteors, unusual atmospheric phenomena, and geological events like earthquakes and sandstorms. The notes are presented chronologically, with specific dates and locations, often referencing scientific reports and newspaper clippings. For example, the entry for June 30, 1861, discusses the Thatcher Comet and its orbit, while subsequent entries detail new comets, meteor showers, and even a 'brown snow' in Marquette, Michigan, noted as potentially radioactive. The notes also include reports of unusual events such as a hotel clerk being shot with the bullet bouncing off, a pool of water appearing inexplicably in a home, and a section of highway collapsing.

WARNING

A stern warning is issued to members of the armed services, advising them to refrain from openly discussing Fortean views among their peers, as it could be difficult and dangerous to report any related incidents during wartime.

LIE STOPPER

This section humorously suggests that the Falubird system from Sudan, involving a specific chewing ritual with salt, pepper, charcoal, and wheat, is a more effective lie-detection method than the police 'poliograph,' which the magazine notes Pittsburgh county police have invested in despite previous criticisms.

THOSE B-BIRDS

Authored by Allan Clark, this piece uses a parallel structure to illustrate a point about natural struggles and power dynamics. It compares butcherbirds and sparrows, and Romans and Jews, to suggest that the Crucifixion was an act of dominance by a conquering people.

WOT HOPPEN?

This is a scathing critique of the New York Times Book Review, lamenting its perceived dullness and reactionary nature. The author expresses surprise at a recent issue that seemed to have a more lively tone, attributing it to copy-boys filling in for the regular staff. The review highlights a particularly flippant book review by a house-maid, with a headline and quotes that are presented as evidence of the publication's decline.

THE DRUG STORY

This section promotes a book titled 'THE DRUG STORY,' published by Baptists. It claims the book exposes how 'The Drug Trust' profits from 'sleeping potions' that cause train wrecks and criticizes a cancer society for not actively pursuing a cure.

DIGEST HAS START

DOUBT announces its intention to offer free subscriptions to high school valedictorians, positioning it as an antidote to 'Readers Digest' and encouraging critical thinking.

STANFORD IS HEP

This brief note congratulates Stanford University undergraduates for their satirical magazine 'Chapural,' which apparently mocked Civil Defense with humorous photos and captions.

REICH'S ORGONE

For those interested in Wilhelm Reich's work, the address for the Orgone Institute Press is provided, along with an offer for a catalog of their publications.

HYPNOSIS AND LUNA

This piece points out a coincidence between current moon-rocket plans and advertisements for William L. Ousby's book on hypnosis, suggesting a Fortean precedent for such alignments.

LAVENGRO!

This section reports on an incident where two women and a girl, identified as wives of Pakistan officials, were detained and roughly handled by New Rochelle police who mistook them for 'Gypsy shoplifters.' The article notes the lack of a delegation for Gypsies to protest such slander, but implies the Romani people deserve an apology.

HUSH!!! HUSH!!!

Reports of machine gun slugs pelting a road in Chatsworth, California, without any audible explosion or visible aircraft, are presented. A joint investigation by police, Air Force, and Navy reportedly failed to find the source.

RUN ON THE MILL

This section includes several brief reports: brown snow falling in Marquette, Michigan, noted as potentially radioactive; a hotel clerk in Portland, Oregon, surviving a gunshot wound due to the bullet bouncing off; a pool of water appearing in a Snell home in Cornwall; and a section of Highway 78 in Pennsylvania collapsing and the slag used to fill it disappearing.

INDIA AFIRE

This mentions a book by Clare and Harris Wotford, Jr., titled 'INDIA AFIRE,' which aims to explain the situation in India and foster better relations.

MFS GRANT SPEAKS

This notes that MFS Grant has been speaking to Secularists on topics like 'The Challenge and Lure of the Mysterious' and 'Psychical Research,' and that groups interested in hearing him can be put in touch with him.

LEGAL THEFT

This promotes a pamphlet by Sam Evans Hayes titled 'LEGAL THEFT,' which discusses the monetary system and offers suggested cures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the documentation of anomalous events, a critical stance towards mainstream media and scientific establishments, and a promotion of Fortean principles of skepticism and open-minded inquiry. The editorial stance is clearly aligned with the Fortean Society's mission to investigate and report on phenomena that fall outside conventional scientific understanding, often with a satirical or critical tone towards societal norms and institutions.