Doubt - No 41

Magazine Overview

Title: DOUBT
Issue: Volume II, Number 41
Publisher: The Fortean Society
Date: 1953 A.D.

This issue of DOUBT, the magazine of the Fortean Society, delves into various topics ranging from art and world citizenship to extensive cataloging of unexplained aerial phenomena and historical Fortean accounts.

World Citizenship and the World Treasury

The cover story focuses on Caresse Crosby's initiative to establish a 'World Treasury' in Delphi, Greece. This project is envisioned as a global center for art and culture, dedicated to the ideal of 'World Citizenship'. The design on the cover is presented as the symbol of the World Citizens movement. The World Treasury is intended to be a place where individuals can realize their creative potentials, and it is consecrated to the belief that civilization can prosper when man himself becomes the unit for unity in a free world. Caresse Crosby's vision emphasizes a 'world ideal' that transcends nationalistic divisions, encouraging individuals to contribute to this endeavor. The article notes that Garry Davis, a proponent of World Citizenship, was also active around the same time, though his focus differed.

The land for the World Treasury was acquired by MFS Crosby from the Greek Government, and the site is described as the most beautiful in Greece, overlooking the Gulf of Corinth and within sight of Parnassus. An ancient Minoan city is said to be buried beneath the site. The project aims to create a chain of footprints around the globe, expanding until frontiers are crossed and barriers between peoples are abolished.

Supplementing 'Saucers': A Catalog of Unexplained Phenomena

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to cataloging sightings of 'meteors' and other unidentified aerial phenomena, supplementing previous lists. These entries, spanning from 1938 to 1953, meticulously record dates, locations, and brief descriptions of observed events. The phenomena are described using terms such as 'fireball', 'blue ball of flame', 'green rocket', 'shiny objects', 'round ball of light', 'object spouting green flame', 'brilliant white light', 'pillar of flame', 'balloon', 'plate', 'hovering blue light', 'stationary red light', 'bluish or purple light', 'shiny cigar shaped object', 'light which changed colors', 'blue-white light', 'very bright electric light bulb', 'silvery cigar-lighted on one end', 'brilliant light', 'blue-green ball of fire', 'cigar-shaped with tail like a string of beads', 'blue sausage', 'giant whirling smoke ring', 'dark cylindrical object', 'glowing pink objects', 'bluish-green, phosphorescent bubble-like sphere', 'oval red object', 'bright flashes', 'light like an inverted cone', 'soft orange yellow light', 'mysterious, weird, shiny object', 'flashing pink light trailing white smoke', 'cigar-shaped light, purple, pink and green', 'large orange object', and 'strange light'. Some entries include details about physical trace evidence, such as a 'tube of metal' found after a light burned out, or a 'rain of metallic bits'.

Third Division: Unidentified Celestial Phenomena

This section complements the 'Saucers' list by detailing celestial phenomena reported in newspapers that were not explicitly labeled as 'saucers' or 'meteors' but went largely unidentified. These reports, from 1947 to 1952, include descriptions like 'a balloon', 'ball of fire', 'flash of light and roar', 'wingless air monster', 'sky octupus', 'three distress flares', 'blue-green ball of fire', 'ball of fire', 'streak of fire', 'weird, comet-like aircraft', 'cloud of smoke', 'pencil shaped object', 'silver sphere', 'long white streak', 'lash of light', 'lights that changed colors', 'thin red streak', 'fingers of light', 'long black plume of smoke', 'colorful object shaped like an arrow-head', 'red light', 'flying lights', 'three red hares', 'flame rising from the sea', 'cigar-shaped object', 'drifting crewless balloon', 'flash of light', 'three circles of light spinning counterclockwise', 'streak of light', 'flash of blue light', 'cigar-shaped with tail like a string of beads', 'ball of fire', 'streak of blue light', 'cigar-shaped rocket', 'balls of fire', 'blue sausage', 'giant whirling smoke ring', 'dark cylindrical object', 'glowing pink objects', 'bluish-green, phosphorescent bubble-like sphere', 'balloon', 'oval red object', 'bright flashes', 'light like an inverted cone', 'soft orange yellow light', 'mysterious, weird, shiny object', 'flashing pink light trailing white smoke', 'cigar-shaped light, purple, pink and green', 'second sunset', 'large orange object', 'strange light, yellowish ail', 'shapeless incandescent flash of light', 'dot-like missiles', 'brown light', and 'colorful object shaped like an arrow-head'.

Forteanism in Education and Practice

J. T. Boulton: A Fortean Head Master

The issue features J. T. Boulton, the Head Master of the Creighton School in Carlisle, England, who is lauded as a '99 per cent Fortean'. Boulton is characterized by his independent thinking, his practice of sourcing data from books rather than newspapers, and his engagement with Fortean topics. He even incorporates discussions about Charles Fort into his school's activities, making copies of 'The Books of Charles Fort' available to students. His perspective on 'Genius' and 'Duty' reflects a Fortean sensibility, emphasizing common sense and the importance of individual thought.

Frederick Simonds Hammett: A Fortean Obituary

The magazine pays tribute to Frederick Simonds Hammett, a biologist and an Honorary Founder of the Fortean Society, who passed away. The tribute highlights his 'irreducible essence' and his significant contributions to science and Forteanism. His career is outlined, including his academic achievements and his role as the founder and editor of the journal 'Growth'. Several of his contributions to the Fortean Society archives are mentioned, including papers on ancient Hindu concepts and studies on obelia colony populations, where Charles Fort is cited.

Anton Julius Carlson: New Honorary Founder

Anton Julius Carlson is introduced as the new Honorary Founder of the Fortean Society, filling the vacancy left by Hammett's passing. Carlson's extensive list of academic achievements, affiliations, and publications in physiology and related fields is presented, emphasizing his scientific credentials and suitability to uphold the Society's position.

Ancient Accounts of Anomalous Phenomena

Egyptian Hieroglyphs and Flying Objects

A significant historical piece presents a transcription and translation of an ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic text from a New Kingdom papyrus (circa 1500 BC). The text, found among the papers of the late Prof. Alberto Tulli, describes a 'circle of fire' appearing in the sky, characterized by a foul odor and lack of sound. A second appearance involved numerous shining objects from which fishes and volatiles fell. The text suggests this was a 'marvel never occurred since the foundation of this Land' and was related to the worship of Ammon Ra. The translation notes the object's measures were approximately 50 meters in length.

Ambrose Bierce and Fortean Observations

An excerpt from Ambrose Bierce's 'The Baby Tramp' is included, which describes unusual occurrences in Blackburg, such as a shower of frogs and a 'tall of crimson snow'. The passage highlights how local inhabitants, despite witnessing these phenomena, would simply state that 'something would come of it', reflecting a passive acceptance of the unexplained.

Other Noteworthy Items

Religious and Social Commentary

The issue includes several pieces of social and religious commentary. Billy Graham's preaching in Korea is mentioned, with a peculiar incident where street lights failed during his call for sinners. The reclassification of churches in Burnham, England, as 'business premises' for rate purposes is noted. The installation of a juke box playing hymns in a Lutheran church in Harrison, N.J., is also reported. The ordination of Dr. William G. Pollard, an executive director of the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies, as a deacon in the Protestant Episcopal Church, is discussed, along with the press's reaction to his work on atomic energy.

Miscellaneous Reports

Several other brief reports are included, such as the case of an amateur astronomer in Germany who offered a reward for proving him wrong about sunspots, and a humorous anecdote about a pilot who saw a 'rain of metallic bits' below his plane.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DOUBT are the cataloging and analysis of unexplained phenomena (UFOs, meteors, strange lights), the promotion of Forteanism as a mode of inquiry, the exploration of historical accounts of anomalies, and commentary on societal and religious trends through a Fortean lens. The editorial stance, as espoused by Tiffany Thayer (YS), champions independent thought, critical examination of established knowledge, and a belief in the 'irreducible essence' of individuals and phenomena. The magazine consistently seeks to document the unusual and to challenge conventional explanations, encouraging readers to contribute their own observations and insights.

Title: DOUBT
Issue: Vol. 22, No. 39
Date: May 1953
Publisher: The Fortean Society
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of DOUBT magazine, a publication of The Fortean Society, is primarily dedicated to chronicling unusual phenomena and promoting a Fortean worldview. The issue features a significant section titled "MORE NOTES of CHARLES FORT," which presents transcribed excerpts from Charles Fort's personal handwritten notes, organized chronologically from 1866 onwards. These notes detail a wide array of strange occurrences, including meteorological anomalies, astronomical events, and peculiar incidents reported in newspapers.

Key Articles and Content

Charles Fort's Notes

The "MORE NOTES of CHARLES FORT" section is presented as a continuation of a project to publish Fort's extensive MSS notes. The material is drawn from 32 boxes, alternating between records of non-human phenomena and records of persons. The notes are transcribed with an acknowledgment of the difficulty in deciphering Fort's handwriting. The entries are dated and often include references to sources like the British Association for the Advancement of Science (BA), newspapers, and scientific journals. Examples of entries include reports of meteors, volcanic activity, unusual rain (mud, dust, colored rain), sunspots, and supposed quakes.

Recent Phenomena and Incidents

Several sections of the magazine report on recent events and observations that align with Fortean interests:

• Medical Notes: Brief mentions of medical incidents, such as a death following an anti-tetanus injection and reports on the use of immunization toxoids and potential side effects.
• Strange Occurrences: Reports of unusual events like one-ton boulders found on railroad tracks, a new species of 'fuzzbill' bug, an explosion involving ethylene gas, and a man shot during an air-raid drill.
• Weather and Atmospheric Events: A significant portion details various unusual weather phenomena. This includes reports of "ice falls" of considerable size in California and England, some weighing up to 300 pounds. There are also accounts of "mud rain" and "red dust" falling in various locations, with some samples showing slight radioactivity. The issue also notes observations of unusual atmospheric conditions, such as floating strands of 'grass ash' and a 'bluish-green phosphorescent snow.'
• Scientific and Technological Notes: Mentions of scientific developments, such as the creation of 'new and different' animals by US nuclear scientists, and theoretical concepts like Von Neumann's abstract model of a self-assembling machine.

Book Reviews and Recommendations

• "Prescription for Rebellion" by Robert Lindner: This book is heavily promoted as "easily the most important book published since the Fort omnibus." It is described as a MUST for every Fortean, encapsulating the "essence and epitome of Fortanism" and serving as a warning about the dangers of conformity and passivity. Lindner, a psychologist and psychiatrist, is lauded for his work.
• "The Best of Olaf Stapledon": This collection of five novels by Olaf Stapledon is recommended for its availability in a single volume.
• "America NEEDS Indians" by John Millis: Presented as a practical plan for conserving the continent.
• Chakotin's "Rape of the Masses": Described as a detailed blueprint for gaining domination and mentally enslaving people.

Fortean Society Activities and Members

• "We Mourn" Section: This section commemorates deceased members and fellows of the Fortean Society, including Clarence Harry Willcock, Guy F. Rogers, and Dr. Ernst Philipp Barthel. It highlights their contributions and the Society's respect for their work.
• New Members and Fellows: The acceptance of Fellowship by Justice Leo Greenberg from South Africa is noted. Frau Hede Barthel, widow of Dr. Ernst Philipp Barthel, accepts Honorary Life Membership.
• Fortean Jack-Pot: This section celebrates the Society's global reach and influence, mentioning activities and recognitions in various locations.

Other Content

• Freethought — Atheism: A section promotes the "United Secularists of America - Progressive World," advocating for Freethought and exposing what it terms the "curse of religion's ignorance and superstition."
• Whom Do You Know?: This section includes a brief commentary on the McCarran Immigration Act and a quote from James A. Farley regarding politics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of DOUBT strongly reflects the Fortean Society's core tenets: a fascination with the unexplained, a skepticism towards conventional explanations, and a critical stance towards societal conformity and established institutions, particularly religion. The editorial stance is one of active investigation and documentation of anomalous phenomena, often highlighting the perceived failures or limitations of mainstream science and government. There is a clear emphasis on individual rebellion against societal pressures and a promotion of critical thinking, as exemplified by the strong endorsement of Robert Lindner's "Prescription for Rebellion." The magazine serves as a platform for disseminating Fortean ideas and fostering a community of like-minded individuals who challenge orthodox views.