Doubt - No 36

Magazine Overview

This issue of DOUBT, The Fortean Society Magazine, Volume II, Whole Number 36, edited by Tiffany Thayer, presents a collection of unusual and unexplained events from around the world. The magazine uses a 13-month calendar, dating this issue as 1931 AD, the Year 1 FS. Membership in The Fortean Society is available for $2.00 annually, with a separate address for Sterling countries.

Contents and Featured Articles

First Prize

The "First Prize" section highlights peculiar occurrences, including a report from Columbus, Ohio, where honeybees were blamed for a gummy rainfall due to an excess of honey in their load. Another item details a fire in Irwin, Pennsylvania, that destroyed farm buildings and Holsteins, with the owner suggesting a bird might have caused it by dropping a lighted cigarette. A third report from New Haven, Connecticut, describes an FBI man who shot himself, attributed to 'conscience'.

Runners-Up and Notable Mentions

Several other curious incidents are noted:

• Hong Kong: The Governor, Sir Alexander Grantham, abolished the search warrant, allowing police to search at discretion due to slow procedures.
• Devonshire, England: A church, seemingly from the 14th century, was discovered on a farm with no prior records or knowledge of its existence.
• London, England: Dr. A. S. Parkes of the National Institute of Medical Research developed 'The Souvenir Bank' for indefinitely preserving sperm.
• Dallas, Texas: A pecan tree, 12 feet in circumference, exploded, with the blast heard for 15 miles, leaving the tree blackened and bark hurled 50 feet.
• Abercarn, Wales: A coal mine explosion in 1878 killed 260 men. In 1911, bones of three men were found and later buried.
• New York City: Two subway trains collided in the Park Avenue subway, injuring 27 people, occurring a year after a major Long Island Railroad wreck.
• New Orleans: A dozen rhesus monkeys escaped their cage.
• Florida Scientists: Developed 'mushroom soup from fruit-cannery wastes'.
• Japan to Korea: A C-82 'flying box-car' flew 200 miles after being abandoned before being shot down.
• Ivory Coast: An African Senator was reportedly eaten by his constituents.
• West Virginia: Senator M. M. Neely defended Mrs. T. B. Loudin in a damage suit, with a notable courtroom outburst.

Economy

The magazine announces the discontinuation of acknowledgment data cards due to increased postal rates. A list of members who have contributed data is provided, noting that 158 pieces concerned saucers, disks, meteors, and lights in the sky, with efforts underway to categorize this material.

Russell's Best

This section compiles various odd news items:

• US Army: Insists G.I. pants have suspender-buttons, but soldiers are forbidden to wear suspenders.
• California: Recommends television for 39,000 mental hygiene patients.
• Florida Scientists: Claim oil from citrus peelings prevents tuberculosis germs.
• Washington D.C.: The National League of Mental Health is funded to study 'what love is' and 'unconscious factors governing courtship'.
• Michigan: The University of Michigan has a similar racket in its Institute of Human Biology.
• Cambodia: The King shipped a white elephant to Truman.
• British Columbia: Tuna failed to show for the first time in 13 years, with their disappearance being investigated.
• Hiroshima: An American 'Superfortress' was scheduled to drop a wreath on the anniversary of the atomic bombing.

Poison Bread

Lord Teviot expressed belief that there is something poisonous in the national bread, grinding his own flour. Agene is mentioned as a deleterious agent. The British press attacked Agene as a 'nerve poison'. An incident in Pont-Saint-Esprit, France, involved 200 people seeking urgent care with symptoms of vomiting and chills, attributed to bread.

Falls

Reports of unusual falls include a 'lump' damaging a store roof in Brentford, Middlesex, and pigs falling in the 'Mediway towns'.

Frog Invasions

Several instances of frogs falling from the sky are reported, including 'thousands' at Hunmanby, England, and a 'river of tiny frogs' in Washington and Kalama, USA.

Castillo in Toils

Artist Art Castillo was arrested in Chicago for refusing army induction, with his trial set for February 26.

Authorities Baffled

Sweaters bought from peddlers reportedly burst into flame, baffling authorities.

Pretty Hot Paper

An advertisement for 'EXPOSE' magazine is included.

What Ever Became Of Pvt. George L. Mark?

This section recounts Pvt. George L. Mark's views on the War Department's plan for peacetime military conscription, which he called a 'plot' by 'aristocratic phoneys and Pentagon Toy Scouts' to maintain high rank. He criticized the Army for its wastefulness, citing examples like dumping surplus jeeps and destroying food.

Patton Marches On

An article discusses Admiral William M. Fechteler, described as a 'Gen. Patton-on-a-battleship' type leader. It also mentions a report of an unidentified youth breaking into a private home and chopping up two rabbits.

Germ Theory Deloused

LMFS Guy Rogers and his wife Nell challenge the germ theory of disease, promoting their booklet 'The Medical Mischief'.

In Broader Vein

This section features R. Jaque, who compiled 'Freefolk Guide', a manuscript on living free from societal constraints. It also notes that India's Independence Day, January 26, is the anniversary of The Fortean Society's Founder's Dinner.

Heads Up!

Members are asked to send recent issues of newly founded daily papers from specific cities.

Algernon Blackwood

Noted that Algernon Blackwood died at 82, and his last act was signing the Authors' World Peace Appeal.

Fortean-Anarch Birth

Announces the birth of Theres Christine Cantine.

Wallander's Out

Notes the resignation of Arthur W. Wallander, NYC Director of Civil Defense.

About Fatima

MFS Paul Kiepe inquires about world weather reports for October 13, 1917, the day of the Fatima event, to see if people at distant places observed the sky.

Earth Burns

A plumber in Newman, California, encountered earth that ignited when disturbed, with suggestions of former drugstore contents buried there.

First Time Again

This section presents instances of humans being injured by meteorites, including a 5-year-old girl in Japan and a report of a meteorite shower in Iran that killed 12 people and flattened buildings.

Dry Lightning

A lightning stroke knocked down Mrs. Russell Haskin in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, who refused treatment.

By Their Words

Professor Pietro Romanelli's statement about an event being 'scientifically unquestionable' is discussed, along with the Oklahoma City Times' use of 'hunch' regarding cancer causes.

Scots Please Write

An appeal for Forteans in Glasgow to correspond with a fellow enthusiast.

Make Up Your Mind

Notes the planned removal of sails from the Heckington Mill, a landmark.

Julsrud's Figurines

A defense of Waldemar Julsrud's figurines, with mention of giants and pseudo humans, and the large number of figures found.

Polio by Gang-Plow

Discusses the Army's development of a 'pressure injection apparatus' for delivering vaccines and antibiotics.

Introducing Karl E. Neupert

Introduces Karl E. Neupert and his 'Cellular Cosmogony of Koresh' theory, which proposes that the firmament is an optical illusion and space is a curved, hollow area. The magazine offers his book, 'Geokosmos', for $4.00.

"Measurements" In The Universe

Explains the parallax method for measuring distances and contrasts it with the 'Geokosmos' theory, which suggests curved paths of light and closer distances.

The Firmament Picture Is An Optical Illusion Around Us

This section elaborates on Neupert's theory that the visible picture of heaven is an optical illusion, a 180-degree enlargement, and that the firmament picture revolves with the earth.

Hi-Spots in the Mail

Includes reports from Bombay about a star visible in the daytime sky, and from Sudan, an appeal for more positive contributions to the magazine's content.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DOUBT are the documentation and dissemination of unexplained phenomena, anomalies, and curious events that challenge conventional scientific and societal beliefs. The editorial stance, as embodied by Tiffany Thayer and The Fortean Society, is one of open-minded investigation, encouraging members to contribute their observations and to question established certainties. The magazine actively seeks out and presents a wide array of oddities, from meteorological curiosities and biological anomalies to historical mysteries and unusual human experiences, fostering a spirit of inquiry into the unknown.

This issue of DOUBT magazine, identified as issue 139 and part of volume 21, appears to be from 1952. The publisher is The Fortean Society, based in the USA. The original language is English. The cover headline is "IN CONTEMPLATION OF DISSOLUTION", a poem by George Sylvester Viereck.

Economic Theories and Experiments

The magazine begins with a discussion on Swiss monetary policy and the Gesell ideas. It details two Gesell experiments: one in Schwanenkirchen (Bavaria) in the late twenties, which proponents called "the miracle of Schwanenkirchen" and opponents deemed a failure, and another in Worgl (Tyrol) from the summer of 1932 to September 1933. The Worgl experiment aimed to alleviate local economic crises and unemployment, reportedly improving communal finances and tax payments. However, opponents argued it was an emergency currency, not true "free money," and that the general economic situation remained unchanged. The experiment was terminated by order of the Tyrolean Government. The largest amount of this money in circulation was 7000 Schilling. The article also briefly mentions a "Social Credit" experiment in Alberta Province that was later repudiated by its advocates. Prominent pro-Gesell writers mentioned are Fritz Schwarz and F. Salzmann.

Poetry

"IN CONTEMPLATION OF DISSOLUTION" is a poem by George Sylvester Viereck. The poem uses imagery of death's messengers, a struggling heart, and faltering pulses to convey a sense of approaching finality. The speaker reflects on a life lived with great figures, fame, love, and adventure, now awaiting the "final knell that rings the curtain down."

Nominations and Individuals

The issue lists "FINAL NOMINATIONS" for "Named Fellow, 21 FS," including L. Ron Hubbard for his Dianetics, Frank J. Allen for resigning from a Draft Board, A. J. Liebling for his work on the "Wayward Pressman," and Gerald Heard for a book about saucers.

"FIRST NOMINATIONS" for "Named Fellow, 22 FS" include Clair Wilcox (editor of "Civil Liberties Under Attack"), Claude M. Feuss (reviewer of the same book), Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas for an article in The Times, Mrs. Irene B. Whetstone (who went to jail rather than obey an income tax court order), L. L. Whyte (author of "The Next Development in Man"), Senator Wayne Morse for opposing the "lie-detector," and Federal Judge Harry Watkins for a ruling on conscientious objectors.

A notable mention is Mrs. Kathleen Chaffey of Eltham, London, who "cannot catch cold" and is considered a "medical puzzle."

The issue also reports on a severe fog in St. Louis that covered 200 miles, killed 2, and injured 8.

An "ACCOLADE!" section includes a humorous quote from a short-time member finding the magazine "absurd." It also references a letter from Charles Fort predicting "tremendous success" for "Supercheckers."

The Rival Wyper

A German paper, Ostfriesische Nachrichte, reported on a curious case in Rome involving a 3-year-old boy whose tongue daily displayed letters of the alphabet from A to Z in a bluish color. Italian specialist doctors were studying the case.

The Baby with the ABC Eye

An article by Eric Robins from Capetown details the case of Peter Jacobs, a nineteen-month-old baby whose eyes reportedly have the letters of the alphabet and numbers imprinted in the irises. His foster-mother, Mrs. D. S. Jacobs, notes the markings are getting more distinct. Eye specialists believe it's a "billion to one" chance in the breaking up of eye pigment.

Books About Fort

This section highlights a publication: "Molesworth, Vol., Blinded They Fly, A Fantasy," published in Sydney, Australia, in 1951, limited to 200 copies, with a dedication to the memory of H. P. Lovecraft and Charles Fort.

Max Stirner - The Author

An article by M. F. S. Wakefield discusses Max Stirner (Johann Schmidt), born in 1806 in Bayreuth. Stirner was the son of a mentally unbalanced mother. His book, "Max Stirner, Sein Leben und sein Werk," had three editions in 1914. An English translation by Benjamin Tucker was planned but never published due to a fire. Stirner met Marie Dachnhardt, and they married but later separated. He lived in poverty, was arrested for debt, and died at fifty of blood poisoning. The article notes he had no disciples due to his aloofness and lack of friends. His book's title in German is "Der Einzige und Sein Eigenthum," translated by Byington as "The Ego and His Own." The Spanish translation is "The Individual and what belongs to Him." Only 1,000 copies of the 1845 Leipzig edition were sold. Stirner is described as an egoist, but his philosophy is considered unselfish. The article emphasizes the need to study the book within the context of 1840s Germany and government censorship. It clarifies that Stirner's philosophy diverges from Nietzsche's, particularly regarding the "Superman" concept. The author suggests that understanding Stirner provides the "key to original thinking."

More Notes of Charles Fort

This extensive section presents a chronological catalog of unusual phenomena and events, transcribed from Charles Fort's manuscript notes, starting from 1800 AD. The entries are organized by date and include a wide variety of reports:

• 1853-1863: Mentions of stones, frogs, and bodies found in various locations, as well as earthquakes and meteors.
• 1863: Reports of a "magnificent meteor" over Rhodes with detonations and humming sounds, a bolide explosion, a quake in Rhodes, an eruption in Mexico, and meteors over the Isle of Rhodes. Also includes reports of "dry fog" and auroras.
• 1864: Details of meteors in England, Scotland, and Europe, including spectacular ones and those described as "electric appearances." Reports of "red snow" or dust falling in France and Spain, attributed to pollen or organic matter. Mentions of volcanic activity (Etna) and a submarine volcano creating an island.
• 1865: Notes on meteors, quakes in various locations, and unusual atmospheric phenomena.
• 1866: Reports of meteors, auroras, and a "dust of det" in the Canaries.
• 1867: Mentions of meteors, quakes in Switzerland, and a "large fireball."
• 1868: Continued reports of meteors and quakes.
• 1869: A "magnificent meteor" over Brighton, described as a "fiery red object like a moon."
• 1870: Mentions of meteors and a "dry fog."
• 1871: Reports of meteors, including a "great sunset meteor" and "falling stars."
• 1872: Mentions of quakes and "dry fog."
• 1873: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor" in England.
• 1874: Mentions of meteors and a "fireball at noon."
• 1875: Reports of "stimulating meteors" and a "large meteor" in London.
• 1876: Mentions of Perseids and meteors.
• 1877: Reports of meteors, including one described as a "fire balloon."
• 1878: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1879: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1880: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1881: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1882: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1883: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1884: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1885: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1886: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1887: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1888: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1889: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1890: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1891: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1892: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1893: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1894: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1895: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1896: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1897: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1898: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1899: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1900: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1901: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1902: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1903: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1904: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1905: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1906: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1907: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1908: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1909: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1910: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1911: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1912: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1913: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1914: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1915: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1916: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1917: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1918: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1919: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1920: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1921: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1922: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1923: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1924: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1925: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1926: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1927: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1928: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1929: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1930: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1931: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1932: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1933: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1934: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1935: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1936: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1937: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1938: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1939: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1940: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1941: Reports of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1942: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1943: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1944: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1945: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1946: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1947: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1948: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1949: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1950: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1951: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."
• 1952: Mentions of meteors and a "great meteor."

Books and Publications

The issue advertises several books and publications:

• "BEST - CLEAREST - SIMPLEST PRESENTATION of the DRAYSON PROBLEM" by John Millis, reprinted from Popular Astronomy, for $1.00.
• "America NEEDS Indians": Copiously illustrated, 425 pages with a large folding map, priced at $7.00 from The Society.
• "RAPED AGAIN" by Chakotin, described as a "living, working blue-print" for gaining domination, 310 pages, cloth-bound, for $2.50.
• "The PERFECT GIFT for Any 'Graduation'": The Books of Charles Fort, 4 volumes in 1, 1151 pages, indexed, for $5.00.
• "The Book of the Damned", "New Lands", "Lo!", and "Wild Talents" by Charles Fort, with an introduction by Tiffany Thayer, also available for $5.00.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features a focus on anomalous phenomena, unusual events, and alternative theories, particularly those associated with Charles Fort. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained occurrences, often presenting information that challenges conventional scientific or societal views. The inclusion of economic theories like Gesell's and Stirner's philosophy suggests an interest in radical or unconventional ideas that question established systems. The "More Notes of Charles Fort" section underscores a commitment to documenting and cataloging a vast array of peculiar events, implying a belief in the significance of the unexplained.