Doubt - No 46

Magazine Overview

Title: DOUBT
Volume: II
Issue: Whole Number 46
Date: 1931 A D (cover date)
Publisher: The Fortean Society
Editor: Tiffany Thayer

This issue of DOUBT, the magazine of The Fortean Society, presents a collection of articles, stories, and news items that explore the intersection of science, imagination, and the unusual. The cover features a quote from Emerson, "Science does not know its debt to imagination," setting a tone that permeates the issue.

Fortean Arts

The lead article, "On Fortean Arts," discusses how Forteanism, often associated with the works of Charles Fort, can serve as a basis and inspiration for various art forms, including music, painting, and poetry. It critiques the narrow perception of Forteanism as solely inspiring "saucer-books" and "fantastics," urging members to explore its broader aesthetic potential. The article highlights previous contributions in DOUBT #35 and encourages members to submit more material, emphasizing that the reward lies in "thinking and feeling in the Fortean manner."

It poses questions about applying Fortean principles to music, such as tuning a piano to a "cosmic constant" of 1.618, and suggests exploring new musical scales and compositions. In architecture, it notes the contributions of Frank Lloyd Wright and Buckminster Fuller, while questioning the nature of a "Fortean library." The piece concludes by urging members to engage more deeply with Forteanism beyond simply observing unusual events like "snail blizzards."

A Genesis & Exodus of the Writer as Man by Curtis Zahn

This fictional narrative, presented in three parts dated August 1940, May 1928, and October 1946, follows the character W. W. Huddleston, a writer grappling with his creative process, relationships, and the pressures of his profession. The story explores themes of inspiration, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in a world of commercial writing and personal struggles.

• Part 1 (August, 1940; The Green Years): Huddleston experiences a moment of inspiration on a launch, declaring his love for 'Galatea,' his wife, who resents his creative fantasies. The narrative touches on his writing aspirations and the disconnect between his artistic ideals and his personal life.
• Part 2 (May, 1928. Onward With The Arts): Set in a college gym, Huddleston, a youthful architect, declares his love for 'Galatea' (Margie). The scene reflects on youthful ambitions and the pursuit of art, contrasting with the mundane realities of life.
• Part 3 (October, 1946. The Incipient Ulcer): Huddleston, now a writer, reflects on his career, his past, and his current struggles with an ulcer. He interacts with a woman named Jody, contemplating his writing projects and the nature of success and failure in the literary world.

Intellectual Phases and Personal Reflections

Several short pieces and reflections are included:

• September, 1933. The Intellectual Phases: This section presents a fragmented narrative involving a woman in a fashion magazine and a character referred to as 'W.W.,' touching on themes of perception and the superficiality of appearances.
• November, 1954: Therapy as a Livelihood: This piece continues the narrative of W.W. Huddlestone, now a recognized writer, reflecting on his success, the occupational hazards of his profession (ulcers), and his potential shift towards becoming an artist. It highlights his ambition to be a "great American artist" and the possibility of his story about an ulcer becoming a best-seller.

Gould Bargains and New Book List

This section offers a list of books by Rupert T. Gould available for purchase, including "Oddities" and "Enigmas" in various editions. It also introduces a "New Book List," highlighting S. Greiner's "Crisis and Resurrection," described as a profound exploration of human reliance on senses and societal maladies. Additionally, it promotes a kit on fighting water fluoridation, available for $1.50.

Dr Hugo Fack

A tribute to Dr. Hugo Fack, who is credited with bringing the work of Silvio Gesell to the English-speaking world. The notice acknowledges his widow, Dr. Manuela Fack, for her continued efforts. It details Dr. Fack's academic background in philosophy, natural science, and economics, his experiences as a lieutenant in the German Army during WWI, and his dedication to translating and promoting Gesell's ideas on the "New Economic Order."

Prizes and News Items

• First Prize: A "Free Ticket" to Trinity Methodist Church, featuring "Roy Rogers is bringing TRIGGER to Sunday School."
• Second Prize: A report from J. R. Baldwin, deputy minister of transport, on the closure of a "dying saucer sighting station."
• Third Prize: A story about a woman in Whitefish Bay who inserts coins into parking meters to help drivers avoid tickets.

Miscellaneous Reports and Observations

This section compiles a series of short, often bizarre, news items from various sources, reflecting the Fortean Society's interest in anomalies and unexplained phenomena:

• Reports on a new windmill invention being experimented with in Scotland.
• An account of swimmer Florence Chadwick being targeted by shrapnel during a training exercise.
• A shark found with unusual items in its stomach, including "three overcoats, a nylon raincoat, and a car license."
• Dr. Harold Weaver's observation on "a group of stars (which) are running wild."
• President Eisenhower's reported order for limited development of nuclear devices due to their danger.
• J. B. S. Haldane's suggestion for alternative methods of insect control beyond insecticides.
• Reports on underwater chapels and statues in Spain.
• Deaths attributed to a French drug called "Stalinon."
• An incident in Malaysia where people reported crying after low-flying planes passed overhead, possibly due to insecticide or radioactive dust.
• The discovery of hot water and steam in a deep hole drilled in Belgium.

Russell's Best

This section features a collection of news items curated by Eric Frank Russell:

• A report on the Australian Government's controversial program of sending "civilizers" into New Guinea.
• An observation from the London Times on "recent discoveries" that suggest celestial distances are twice as great as previously thought, attributed to "Dust of Milky Way Misled Astronomers."
• An explanation by J. W. F. Juritz on how photos taken 17 miles up are used in physics studies to analyze "shattered atomic nuclei."
• A report from Manchester College of Technology about an "appalling shortage of masters" in science.
• An improvement in physics textbook analysis by David Warner, a 16-year-old student.
• An unusual incident in Tortosa, Spain, where a sparrow attacked and killed a rat that had jumped from a lorry.
• An account of fifteen eagles attacking a Greek plane.
• A report on how light from an atomic explosion can cause the fluid in the eye to turn to steam and "explode," with rabbit eyes being injured from as far as 49 miles away.

Mitchell's Best

This section, curated by Mitchell, presents a series of news items:

• A report on a TV tower that crashed in Mobile, Alabama.
• A description of people in Karimganj, Assam, praying for an end to a prolonged drought and then a downpour.
• A commentary on the "technic of modern boondoggle propaganda," using "denials" of intentions that are later acted upon.
• The suicide of Leslie G. Ritner, described as "brilliant," attributed to "depression."
• A report on sheep being urged to obey air-raid drill warnings.
• A statement from Washington about taking down "This Highway Will Be Closed" signs.
• An incident in Caracas, Venezuela, where live ammunition was used in an air raid drill, resulting in casualties.
• An account of a Civil Defense attempt to evacuate Bremerton, Washington, with a low turnout.
• A loaded excursion boat being overturned by a twister on the Lake of Ozarks, resulting in drownings and missing persons.
• A report attributing recent wavering of ships' compass needles to sailors' nylon underwear.

Germ-Warfare and Other Reports

• Germ-Warfare: Several short pieces discuss the US Army's research program on germ warfare, including defense against enemy use, development of detection devices, and potential biological agents. Reports from the N.Y. Times and Kingston, W.I., detail planned germ warfare defense trials off the Bahamas and concerns about prevailing winds carrying germs.
• Other Reports:
• A report on Professor Paul-Armand Delille, blamed for virtually exterminating rabbits in France by injecting them with myxomastosis virus.
• A court order in England to destroy 65 books deemed "obscene," including "The Decameron."
• Dr. J. D. Kershaw's opinion that some psychiatric concepts are "positively dangerous" and that "maladjustment" drives progress.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DOUBT revolve around the power of imagination, the anomalies of science, the peculiarities of human behavior, and the often-unexplained events that challenge conventional understanding. The editorial stance, as expressed by Tiffany Thayer and the contributors, is one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to question established norms and to explore the broader, often overlooked, aspects of reality. There is a clear emphasis on the Fortean approach, which seeks to document and understand phenomena that fall outside the scope of mainstream scientific or societal acceptance. The magazine champions the idea that art and literature can be powerful tools for exploring these Fortean themes, urging members to contribute their own creative and observational insights.

This issue of DOUBT magazine, identified by the page number 309, presents a collection of unusual and unexplained phenomena, drawing from various sources and dated reports. The content spans a range of topics including environmental warnings, bizarre coincidences, strange weather events, and unexplained objects.

Fluorine Warnings

The magazine highlights areas specifically warned about the contamination of their drinking water with fluorine. These warnings extend to the Province of Ontario, Canada; the States of New York, California, Illinois, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Texas, Minnesota, Alberta, Canada, Florida, and Virginia. In England, the entire Isle is mentioned, with specific locations like Anglesey, Darlington, Kilmarnock, and Watford, Norwich being called out. The article notes that while efforts to dope the water with rat poison have been defeated in some areas, the suppliers are expected to return. Credits for this section are given to Hibbert, Russell, Martin, Mitchell, Fields, Millar, Mealy, Pollard, Oltcher, Giles, Turvey, Eaton, and Barker.

Pilsner Lining

This section features an anecdote from Life magazine (11-24-52) about South Korean civilians using flattened beer cans as insulation for war-torn houses during winter. The contributor, McIntosh, humorously suggests looking for this 'Pilsner lining' whenever bombs appear in the sky. Another item mentions Naga Sadhus suggesting a nude assembly of world leaders in the Himalayas to seek peace, with Nehru as umpire, as reported by the L.A. Times (1-17-54).

Coincidence by AP

This section presents two striking coincidences reported by AP. On June 17, a Paris court awarded a man $2285 in damages from a surgeon who left a 'piece of his knife' inside him after an operation performed in the year 20 FS (likely a typo for 1950s). On the same date, Mrs. Mae Allgood Jones sued Johns Hopkins Hospital for $100,000, alleging they sewed up a pair of forceps inside her in 1952. The editor requests that contributors provide the name of the publishing paper for such clippings.

Rains Etcetera

The L.A. Examiner asks if it has ever rained hot water and answers affirmatively, citing a hurricane in the Lesser Antilles where the countryside was drenched with hot water, attributed to high temperatures at the vortex of the hurricane. No specific names or dates are provided. Another report from Victoria Grove, Kensington, mentions a large piece of ice falling from an airplane, as suggested by the police after a slate was sent to the ground.

Strange Precipitation and Objects (Page 2)

This section continues the theme of unusual phenomena with a list of various precipitation events and strange objects. A 'piece of ice as big as a bucket' crashed through a bungalow roof at Heath Walk, Downend (Cr Gee). The article mentions 'General Electric Co. scientists' claiming frog-rains are caused by floods washing frogs out of their holes, a story reported by the Cleveland Plain Dealer (5-19-54) and the N.Y. Times (6-16-54). A 'cylindrical metal object about 2 ft 6 in long and 12 in diameter, pointed at one end and blunt at the other, and weighing about 500 pounds' was found on Pond Farm, Baxley, creating a 'splash crater'. A bomb disposal unit captain stated he had never seen such a thing before, and it was suggested it was not a bomb but solid iron. Credits are given to Albert Billing and the Star (5-24-54).

Black rain fell in Tokyo on 6-2-54, with assurances that it was not dangerous despite being radioactive. Fish were reported falling on Route 16 near Dover, N.H., with highway officials being alerted by a truck driver. Yellow rain at Amuntai, South Borneo, caused stains and alarms about radioactivity, with the local meteorological bureau offering no explanation. In Merrick, Nassau, Long Island, tap water ran brown, ruining laundry and staining porcelain fixtures, leading to a 'hearing'. A sawmill cutting a rotted log poured out about 1500 live fish. Light grey, 'milky in texture' rain fell in Leicester on 6-21-54, leaving stains. A live rat fell into Capt. J. Ben Jones's boat while fishing, and after he killed it, a gull swooped down and picked it up.

Tit-Bite (Page 2)

This is a list of unusual precipitation events without specific dates, including black, radioactive rain in Calcutta; soot, sand, ashes; sprats and frogs in India; fish falling frequently; herrings in a hailstorm in Scotland; 'rains of fish' mentioned by a Greek writer; millions of grasshoppers in a cloud; water in Derbyshire that 'looks like beer'; and blue water at Crewe school. White-hot metal pellets showered near Woodside, California, setting fire to brush, with the pellets having regular markings and appearing to come from a cylindrical object.

Found on Beaches (Page 2)

James Polansky found a clay object 'curiously resembling a lamp' on a beach at Winthrop, Mass., identified by Dr. Hazel Palmer of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts as possibly a genuine terra cotta lamp from the First Century B.C. An unnamed woman picked up a 'shell-like object' on Bradley Beach, N.J., later identified by a geologist at Newark Museum as a fossil female crab, estimated to be between 1,000,000 and 50,000,000 years old.

More Notes of Charles Fort (Page 3)

This section begins a chronological transcription of Charles Fort's manuscript notes, starting from 1800 AD. The notes are described as difficult to read, often written in symbols and code, and filled into 32 boxes. The material is presented in two series: numbered boxes for non-human phenomena and lettered boxes for personal records. The publication alternates between these series to maintain chronological order. The letters 'BA' refer to the Reports of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, and numerals often refer to volume numbers or years. The magazine advises readers to mention these references when inquiring at public libraries.

1867

• November 18-19: A newspaper clipping (reprinted from the Port of Spain Gazette, Sept 21, 1925) describes a 'terrific earthquake' at St. Thomas. Captain Bosque of the brigantine 'Victor' reported that the earthquakes on the 18th and 19th destroyed nearly the whole town and harbor. The sea receded and then returned with terrific force, swamping stores and destroying vessels. Many inhabitants fled to the mountains. A report from the schooner 'Atlanta' also stated that St. Thomas had been destroyed by an earthquake.
• November 1867: Captain Qharto Wharton of the schooner 'Goldhunter' provided further details of the St. Thomas earthquake. He described a violent shaking of his boat on Monday the 18th, followed by a second shock. A tremendous eruption occurred in the sea at the harbor mouth, and a large sea wave threatened vessels. The main force of the wave hit the outer fort point and inundated the town. Wharton left on Wednesday, noting that the English consul would not venture into his office. Thirty-one shocks were recorded between 12 and 2 a.m. A small steamer was sunk, and the RMS 'La Plata' was thrown on its beams and sank.
• November 1867: A note mentions 'Dry fog and quake' at St. Thomas, referencing 'La Sci Pour Tous 14/58' and 'Oct 29'.
• November 1867: St. Thomas, Danish W.I., experienced a 'rumbling sound and violent quake' at 2:45 p.m., with the sun obscured during an eclipse. Rumbling continued for more than a day.
• November 1867: An earthquake at St. Thomas at 3 p.m. was accompanied by a rise of the sea, possibly due to a volcanic eruption on Saba Island near St. Thomas, as reported by the Guardian, Kingston, St. Vincent (Dec 14).

1868

• November 1868: The Grenadine group experienced a sudden rise of the sea, fully 30 feet high, which rushed upon the land, causing damage. Reported by The Guardian (Kingston, St Vincent) Nov 23.
• November 1868: Details of a quake at St. Thomas are provided, referencing A.J.Sci 2/45/134, noting it was 'less severe from 21st'.
• November 1868: A 'BO (1)' entry notes a hurricane in the harbor of an unnamed location, with unroofed houses, streets filled with trees, and wrecks of 80 ships in the harbor.
• November 1868: An entry references LT Jan 1, p. 10, describing a 3 p.m. shock and a water wall 30 feet high that cast a steamship ashore at St. Croix, carrying over a street of warehouses.
• December 1868: The Morning Post reported that at Douglas, Isle of Man, on the night of Tuesday the 19th or 12th, the heavens 'opened' with an illumination like the full moon, and a figure like a man waving his arms appeared before the 'opening' closed.
• December 1868: Destruction of Tortola, West Indies, is noted, referencing BA 1911-55.
• December 1868: A great gale in England occurred during the month.
• December 1868: Vesuvius experienced significant activity throughout the month, with details from LT Index and 1868 Jan.
• December 1868: A volcanic eruption in Nicaragua is noted, with details from CR 66-481 and a reference to Feb 23, 1868.
• December 1868: Gales are mentioned, referencing LT Index.

Box A (Resumed) - 1868

• December 1868: A 'Queer death' is noted, involving a woman covered with little wounds (LT p. 12).
• December 1868: The 'Body of Mrs. W. I. Petus' in Frankfort, Ind., is mentioned (See Dec 22, 1888).
• December 1868: A 'Young man a convulsionary' described as 'possessed by devil' is noted, with a reference to 'Seige. Watertown, Wis.' (See Dec 11, 1869).
• December 1868: 'Sleeper. Susan C. Godsey' near Hickman, Ky., is mentioned (See Jul 14, 1869).
• December 1868: 'H. H. Gardner, Kansas' is mentioned (See March 7, 1874).

Box 3 (Resumed) - 1868

• January 1868: An explosion of 100 tons of gunpowder in Hankow, China, caused widespread destruction.
• January 1868: Vesuvius was covered with snow, with lava flows stripping it, referencing LT of the 21st, p. 6 (BO).
• January 1868: Quakes in Montreal and Vermont occurred at 3 a.m., also affecting N.Y. state, referencing Am J Sci 2/45-135 and NY Times of the 19th p. 1.
• January 1868: A great quake in Formosa is noted (BA II).
• January 1868: A 'disap' (disappearance) in New York is noted, referencing Harper's 38/505.
• January 1868: An explosion of 100 tons of gunpowder in Hankow, China, caused whole streets to be in ruins (Standard, Jan 27, 1868).
• January 1868: Quake Tortola, W. Indies, is noted (BA 1911-55), with a reference to 'Waves'.
• January 1868: 'Morning sun spots' are mentioned (E Mec 6/363), with a note about a pencil sketch of the spots.
• January 1868: LT p. 4 and issue of the 3rd, p. 9 mention meteors.
• January 1868: A devastating storm in Teneriffe is noted (La Sci Pour Tous, 13-72).
• January 1868: Vesuvius is reported as more alarming (LT of the 6th, p.7).
• January 1868: Meteors are mentioned in Casale (3rd fall in about cinquante years), referencing La Sci Pour Tous, 13-159.
• January 1868: Casale experienced meteors between 10:30 and 10:49 a.m. (CR 67-323).
• January 1868: Montreal series of meteors are mentioned, referencing Mar 21, 1871.
• January 1868: Casale meteors are noted between Alexandria and Casale at noon, with an astronomer's observation at 3 a.m. of a meteor with a train of fire that spread rapidly.
• January 1868: A 'midnight' event in Piedmont involved a fall at Casale, with a meteor or falling object seen below clouds near Casale at 11:45 p.m. (See Feb 16, 1883).

Miscellaneous Notes and Reports (Page 4)

This section continues the chronological listing of phenomena from Charles Fort's notes, interspersed with brief reports and references.

1868 (Continued)

• January 1868: Quake Algeria at 12:43 p.m. (Details: La Sci Pour Tous 13-94).
• January 1868: Great increase in Vesuvius activity (LT of Feb 4, p. 8).
• January 1868: At 4:30 a.m. to daybreak, 130 meteors were observed over Bergamo (BA 68-360).
• January 1868: Night, after two months of eruption, the sides of Vesuvius collapsed (LT of the 30th, p. 9).
• January 1868: Bergamo is approximately 10 miles North of Spezia (Jan 30).
• January 1868: Bergamo, Italy, recorded 134 meteors (Astr. Reg 6-117).
• January 1868: Spezia is 90 miles SE of Casale.
• January 1868: Pullusk, Poland, Russia & Lerici, Spezia, Italy experienced a sulphur fall, possibly understood as 'Sulphur' (BD (F)).
• January 1868: Metite / Pulousk details are provided (La Sci Pour Tous 13-112).
• February-March 1868: Vesuvius activity is noted (Gentleman's Mag April, 1868).

Box A (Resumed) - February 1868

• February 1868: In the Spiritual Magazine (April, 1868), copying from the Reading Mercury, alarming rapping was reported at an old house at Pi?hill Bank, occupied by J. Bersley, involving a housekeeper and a 14-year-old girl. Investigations were not by human beings.

Box 3 (Resumed) - February 1868

• February 8, 1868: A morning report notes the highest tide in 30 years on the Tyne, causing great damage and overflow (LT of the 11th, p. 4).
• February 11, 1868: Quakes began in Salvador, with an eruption of the volcano Couchagua on the 23rd (La Sci Pour Tous 13-200).
• February 11, 1868: Panama experienced violent shocks up to the 23rd, approximately 150 (NY Herald of Mar 3, p. 4).
• February 12-15, 1868: Vesuvius renewed activity (YB '69-231).
• February 14, 1868: Meteors from Venus were observed in Beziers (Leo), referencing Nouvelles Meterologique 1/98 (reverse) Aphasia & Amnesia.
• February 15, 1868: A severe hurricane occurred in Honduras (NY Herald of Mar 17, p. 4).
• February 16, 1868: At 9:30 p.m., Red Sea experienced a meteor (BA 68-362).
• February 23, 1868: Eruption in Nicaragua, with shocks noted since the 11th (see 1867, Dec 2, and Nov 14 or 15).
• February 23, 1868: A tremendous gale swept the West coast of England and Wales.
• February 24, 1868: Meteors were observed (LT, p. 6).

1868 (Continued - Page 5)

• January 1868: Quake Algeria at 12:43 p.m. (Details: La Sci Pour Tous 13-94).
• January 1868: Great increase in Vesuvius activity (LT of Feb 4, p. 8).
• January 1868: At 4:30 a.m. to daybreak, 130 meteors were observed over Bergamo (BA 68-360).
• January 1868: Night, after two months of eruption, the sides of Vesuvius collapsed (LT of the 30th, p. 9).
• January 1868: Bergamo is approximately 10 miles North of Spezia (Jan 30).
• January 1868: Bergamo, Italy, recorded 134 meteors (Astr. Reg 6-117).
• January 1868: Spezia is 90 miles SE of Casale.
• January 1868: Pullusk, Poland, Russia & Lerici, Spezia, Italy experienced a sulphur fall, possibly understood as 'Sulphur' (BD (F)).
• January 1868: Metite / Pulousk details are provided (La Sci Pour Tous 13-112).
• February-March 1868: Vesuvius activity is noted (Gentleman's Mag April, 1868).

Box A (Resumed) - February 1868

• February 1868: In the Spiritual Magazine (April, 1868), copying from the Reading Mercury, alarming rapping was reported at an old house at Pi?hill Bank, occupied by J. Bersley, involving a housekeeper and a 14-year-old girl. Investigations were not by human beings.

Box 3 (Resumed) - February 1868

• February 8, 1868: A morning report notes the highest tide in 30 years on the Tyne, causing great damage and overflow (LT of the 11th, p. 4).
• February 11, 1868: Quakes began in Salvador, with an eruption of the volcano Couchagua on the 23rd (La Sci Pour Tous 13-200).
• February 11, 1868: Panama experienced violent shocks up to the 23rd, approximately 150 (NY Herald of Mar 3, p. 4).
• February 12-15, 1868: Vesuvius renewed activity (YB '69-231).
• February 14, 1868: Meteors from Venus were observed in Beziers (Leo), referencing Nouvelles Meterologique 1/98 (reverse) Aphasia & Amnesia.
• February 15, 1868: A severe hurricane occurred in Honduras (NY Herald of Mar 17, p. 4).
• February 16, 1868: At 9:30 p.m., Red Sea experienced a meteor (BA 68-362).
• February 23, 1868: Eruption in Nicaragua, with shocks noted since the 11th (see 1867, Dec 2, and Nov 14 or 15).
• February 23, 1868: A tremendous gale swept the West coast of England and Wales.
• February 24, 1868: Meteors were observed (LT, p. 6).

1868 (Continued - Page 5)

• January 1868: Quake Algeria at 12:43 p.m. (Details: La Sci Pour Tous 13-94).
• January 1868: Great increase in Vesuvius activity (LT of Feb 4, p. 8).
• January 1868: At 4:30 a.m. to daybreak, 130 meteors were observed over Bergamo (BA 68-360).
• January 1868: Night, after two months of eruption, the sides of Vesuvius collapsed (LT of the 30th, p. 9).
• January 1868: Bergamo is approximately 10 miles North of Spezia (Jan 30).
• January 1868: Bergamo, Italy, recorded 134 meteors (Astr. Reg 6-117).
• January 1868: Spezia is 90 miles SE of Casale.
• January 1868: Pullusk, Poland, Russia & Lerici, Spezia, Italy experienced a sulphur fall, possibly understood as 'Sulphur' (BD (F)).
• January 1868: Metite / Pulousk details are provided (La Sci Pour Tous 13-112).
• February-March 1868: Vesuvius activity is noted (Gentleman's Mag April, 1868).

Box A (Resumed) - February 1868

• February 1868: In the Spiritual Magazine (April, 1868), copying from the Reading Mercury, alarming rapping was reported at an old house at Pi?hill Bank, occupied by J. Bersley, involving a housekeeper and a 14-year-old girl. Investigations were not by human beings.

Box 3 (Resumed) - February 1868

• February 8, 1868: A morning report notes the highest tide in 30 years on the Tyne, causing great damage and overflow (LT of the 11th, p. 4).
• February 11, 1868: Quakes began in Salvador, with an eruption of the volcano Couchagua on the 23rd (La Sci Pour Tous 13-200).
• February 11, 1868: Panama experienced violent shocks up to the 23rd, approximately 150 (NY Herald of Mar 3, p. 4).
• February 12-15, 1868: Vesuvius renewed activity (YB '69-231).
• February 14, 1868: Meteors from Venus were observed in Beziers (Leo), referencing Nouvelles Meterologique 1/98 (reverse) Aphasia & Amnesia.
• February 15, 1868: A severe hurricane occurred in Honduras (NY Herald of Mar 17, p. 4).
• February 16, 1868: At 9:30 p.m., Red Sea experienced a meteor (BA 68-362).
• February 23, 1868: Eruption in Nicaragua, with shocks noted since the 11th (see 1867, Dec 2, and Nov 14 or 15).
• February 23, 1868: A tremendous gale swept the West coast of England and Wales.
• February 24, 1868: Meteors were observed (LT, p. 6).
• January 1868: A Toronto Globe article (26th) discusses 'the great storm' with no specific phenomena mentioned.
• January 1868: Midnight, a Montreal quake is described as a 'concussion from explosion in story' with 'loud rumbling and dashing sound' and 'entire absence of vibratory motion'.
• January 1868: An evening report mentions an 'earthquake' in Augusta, Maine (Toronto Globe, Mar 3, p. 2).
• January 1868: Another severe shock and rumbling sound occurred in Montreal at midnight (Toronto Globe, 27th p. 2).
• March 1868: B. Snow reported that snow in Sarnia was 'strangely impregnated with smoke', giving melted water an inky hue. Other localities reported snow impregnated with fine sand. This is linked to 'the late storm' on Feb 24 and March 2.
• March 1868: Black snow was reported in Quebec, though it could not be attributed to smoke as it fell over a wide region.
• March 1868: The fall at Sarnia is linked to Feb 24 and March 2.
• March 1868: No mention in NY Trib.
• February 24, 1868: Grain in Canada is mentioned, referencing D-65 / Eng Mec 7-166, and hail, not snow.
• February 25, 1868: Quake in Armenia (BA II).
• February 29, 1868: Meteors in Casale are noted (3rd fall in about cinquante years), referencing La Sci Pour Tous, 13-159.
• February 29, 1868: Casale experienced meteors between 10:30 and 10:49 a.m. (CR 67-323).
• March 1868: Montreal series of meteors are mentioned, referencing Mar 21, 1871.
• March 1868: Casale meteors are noted between Alexandria and Casale at noon, with an astronomer's observation at 3 a.m. of a meteor with a train of fire that spread rapidly.
• March 1868: A 'midnight' event in Piedmont involved a fall at Casale, with a meteor or falling object seen below clouds near Casale at 11:45 p.m. (See Feb 16, 1883).

Advertisements and Society Information (Page 6)

The final page contains advertisements for books and publications related to Fortean interests. These include:

• "BEST - CLEAREST - SIMPLEST PRESENTATION of the DRAYSON PROBLEM" by John Millis, reprinted from Popular Astronomy, for $1.00.
• "America NEEDS Indians" by the author, a 425-page book with a folding map, priced at $7.00.
• Information about FREETHOUGHT — ATHEISM, the United Secularists of America - Progressive World organization, offering a 64-page publication exposing religion, with a monthly subscription of $3.00.
• "RAPED AGAIN" by Chakotin's, priced at $2.50, described as a 'living, working blue-print' for gaining domination and mentally enslaving peoples.
• "The PERFECT GIFT for Any 'Graduation'" is presented as "The Books of CHARLES FORT" in 4 volumes, 1151 pages, indexed, containing "The Book of the Damned", "New Lands", "Lo!", and "Wild Talents", with an introduction by Tiffany Thayer, priced at $6.00.
• The Fortean Society, Box 192, Grand Central Annex, New York, is listed as a supplier for these items, with a note that supply is limited.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DOUBT magazine are the documentation of unexplained phenomena, bizarre coincidences, and unusual natural events, consistent with the Fortean tradition. The editorial stance appears to be one of cataloging and presenting these anomalies without necessarily offering definitive explanations, encouraging readers to consider the unexplained. The inclusion of detailed notes from Charles Fort's archives underscores this focus on the strange and the anomalous, while the advertisements highlight a community interested in such subjects.