Doubt - No 47

Magazine Overview

Title: DOUBT
Issue: Vol. II, Whole Number 47
Date: 1931 A D (equivalent to year 1 FS in the Fortean calendar)
Publisher: The Fortean Society
Editor: Tiffany Thayer
Cover Headline: Joy To The World

This issue of DOUBT, the magazine of the Fortean Society, delves into a variety of unusual phenomena, scientific curiosities, and societal observations, all filtered through a Fortean lens. The publication emphasizes a critical and often skeptical approach to established norms and scientific consensus, highlighting anomalies and unexplained events.

Articles and Features

HELP!!!

The editorial section opens with a plea for assistance in compiling the Index to Volume One of DOUBT, as the previous work was lost. The editor seeks volunteers to help reconstruct this index from scratch.

FIRST PRIZE

This section features a letter from MFS Albert E. Page, who argues that the release of radioactive energy for domestic or peaceful purposes is as dangerous as its use for war. This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Herman E. Hilleboe, N. Y. Commissioner of Health, who notes the rapid increase in radiation use in industry and community life, posing a future health problem. The article also discusses attempts to dispose of radioactive waste, mentioning a proposed method using a clay-like substance. It touches on the potential for this waste to be used as energy sources and satirically suggests dentists might later promote radioactive noodles for dental health.

News and Snippets

This section presents a collection of brief news items and observations:

• Arco, Idaho: An experiment resulted in a "large instantaneous release of energy" accompanied by radioactivity.
• Free-flying radioactivity: Data is being assembled on this phenomenon, with "Siamese twins" becoming commonplace.
• Human monsters: Dr. George Volkoff, a Canadian physicist, warns that nuclear poisoning of the atmosphere could create a race of human monsters.
• Los Angeles smog: Attributed to "Southern California's much-touted sunshine" and the formation of ozone, with research ongoing into its exact cause.
• Deland, Fla, Sun-News: A sizable blank space was left on page one daily, reserved for actions by the County Crime Commission, from which the press was barred.
• Shellfish and disease: Shellfish have been implicated in typhoid fever and other enteric diseases globally.
• Orthodox Jewish dietary laws: Shellfish have long been forbidden to orthodox Jews.
• Glasgow vaccinations: "Several hundred" people were vaccinated aboard a liner due to a suspected smallpox case, which turned out to be a skin ailment.
• Hailstones: Cubical hailstones, the size of sugar cubes, fell in Bonhill and Alexandria, Scotland.
• Strange pond creatures: Four fish-like creatures with red whiskers and legs were found in a pond, reportedly barking.
• Deer swimming: A herd of 12 deer were found swimming five miles offshore near Ketchikan, Alaska, with some requiring artificial respiration.
• Blueberry bushes: In New Brunswick, snow-covered blueberry bushes remained green and fruit-laden through winter, attracting deer.
• Suicide attempt: An elderly German man attempted suicide by taking sleeping pills and tying stones to a briefcase, then rowing into the Rhine River.
• Tax protest: A Belgian farmer set fire to the local tax office due to high taxes.

COUPLETS IN THE NEWS

This section presents paired, often unusual, news items:

• Octopus and wallet: An octopus caught in Tokyo had a wallet with $20 clutched in its tentacles.
• Baby octopus death: A man died in Darwin an hour after playing with a baby octopus.
• Two hearts: A Brazilian man is alleged to have two hearts, with a medical school offering money for his body.
• Twin births: A Detroit woman bore twin girls, followed three weeks later by a boy, reportedly due to having two wombs.
• Switzerland and UN: Switzerland refused to allow a U.S. Loyalty Board to investigate Americans employed by the United Nations.
• US tariffs: President Eisenhower raised tariffs on Swiss watches, leading to a diplomatic dispute.

BLACK WIDOWS

This article discusses the black widow spider, noting an increase in sightings on Long Island. It provides a detailed description of the female spider, including its glossy black body and red hour-glass marking. It also describes the male, which is smaller, less conspicuous, and of a henna color. The author advises caution regarding bites but notes that children are the primary targets.

SNAKES AGAIN

This piece debunks a news report about police hunting a "deadly cobra" that escaped from a dancer in Baltimore. The author, an experienced snake dancer, clarifies that such snakes are typically boas or pythons, not cobras. The incident led to a police evacuation and fumigation of a city block due to a mistaken identity, highlighting the reporter's sensationalism.

GOOD OLD WALDEMAR!

This section praises Waldemar Kaempffert, Science Editor of the N.Y. Times, for receiving the Kalinga Prize from UNESCO for 50 years of science writing. The author commends Kaempffert for his work, noting his ability to avoid "jingo" in his field.

DOC COWLES GONE

This is an obituary for Edward Spencer Cowles, MD, who is described as a thorn in the side of local psychiatry and the local American Medical Association. He is credited with fighting against organized medicine and its attempts to discredit him.

DIAGNOSIS BY IRIS

This article discusses a method of diagnosing human ailments by examining the irises of the eyes, a practice attributed to ancient times and revived by Dr. Ignaz von Peczely. The modern practitioner, Emil Stramke of Hamburg, is presented in a "trial" that appears to have been a publicity stunt, with witnesses and professors testifying to the benefits of the method. The theory is that irises map the human anatomy, reflecting the condition of various organs.

ABOUT FACE

This section addresses the issue of water fluoridation. It explains that fluorine is a waste product of aluminum manufacturing and criticizes industrialists for not admitting the lethality of their "waste" products. The article questions the motives behind promoting fluoridation, suggesting it is driven by industry and potentially by dentists who would lose business from treating cavities. It cites a 1931 report by V. H. Churchill linking fluorine to mottling and blackening of teeth.

MITCHELL'S BEST

This section includes several translated items contributed by MFS Mitchell:

• Scaphiopus Holbrook (Spade-foot toad): The article questions the assertion that these toads need hurricanes to breed, suggesting it might be an "afterthought" to explain "toad falls."
• Polio and cold snaps: A news report suggests that a cold snap in Tallahassee, Florida, might be helping to subside a polio outbreak.
• Boxers' oath: Boxers in Indiana are required to take a non-Communist oath before appearing in rings.
• DDT in meals: Measurable quantities of DDT were found in every restaurant meal analyzed, with concerns raised about whether it contains arsenic or other carcinogens.
• Air Force container: The Air Force warned of a dangerous container of rockets dropped over Vermont that had not been found.
• Fuel tank: A British Air Force base in Germany reported a 7000-gallon tank, supposed to contain jet fuel, was found to contain only water.
• Elephants and sugar cane: In India, elephants that were trying to eat sugar cane crops were reportedly hosed down by natives using water from a nearby stream.

SAUCERZINES

This piece discusses the proliferation of "flying saucer" and "flying cigar" stories in the French press, noting that the mayor of Chateau Neuf du Pape has decreed that no such craft shall land or take off in his jurisdiction. It mentions the involvement of French coverage by Jimmy Guieu and correspondent Larry Wilson. The article also touches on the rise of "FANZINEs" among pulp readers, which have now evolved into "International or Interplanetary Saucer Bureaux."

ASTRONAUTS

A group has formed the American Astronautical Federation, an association of societies and clubs interested in space travel. The Federation aims to serve as a clearing house for information and will publish a journal. Membership is restricted to organizations.

BLUE MOON

Reports of a "blue moon" in London and parts of England on October 7-8 are discussed, with an explanation that "tiny transparent particles of uniform size high in the air" caused the phenomenon.

FALLS

Several instances of objects falling from the sky are reported:

• Bristol: A fall of ice was confirmed on June 8.
• Eltham, London: Something struck a chimney, causing damage to the house and blowing out fuses.
• Sweden: Two brothers reported a meteorite, described as "big as a box of matches," landing near them.
• Leeds: A woman sitting on a cliff was struck on the head by something falling from the sky.
• Los Angeles: A woman heard a loud thump in her backyard, and a waxy substance was found that was identified as micro-crystalline wax.

CHINA RECONSTRUCTS

This section promotes a monthly magazine called "China Reconstructs" for those interested in learning about China, available for subscription.

RUSSELL'S BEST

This item reports on Hollis Wyman of Monterey, Mass., who publicly proclaimed his guilt for burning fellow human beings during WWII and H-bomb tests, now identifying as a "Christian Pacifist."

• New Guinea expedition: An expedition to the Peaceful Valley of Southern New Guinea was postponed due to "private fights among the Tari tribes."
• Hitler's daggers: A manufacturer in Solingen, Germany, is making replicas of Hitler's "dress daggers" for sale as souvenirs in the US.
• Danish newsman's deception: A Danish newsman, disguised in uniform garments, successfully infiltrated Danish ports and forts by speaking German and receiving salutes.
• Malayan "Hideous Hairies": Reports suggest that "Hideous Hairies" in Malaya carried off and ate two members of the Semai tribe. The incident is met with skepticism by authorities.
• "Onges" tribe: A "lost" tribe, the "Onges," living on one of the Andaman Islands, has been found by Dr. N. Datta-Majumdar.
• Canadian dog attack: In Blanc Sablon, Canada, two young girls were allegedly eaten by a pack of "mad" dogs.
• Montana glacier: A glacier in Montana is said to be "striped with layers" of frozen grasshoppers.

ANTI-CLERIC MEXICO

This brief note states that in Mexico, priests and clergy are forbidden to wear attire that designates their calling, including the clerical collar.

CORRECTING FACKS

This section clarifies that there is no "official" connection between proponents of Gesell and the widow of Hugo Fack. It provides contact information for Mrs. Fack for those seeking books from Dr. Fack's library and suggests looking into Henry George through the Henry George School of Social Science.

ACTUALLY!

This part discusses the growing interest in Gesell, Henry George, and critics of the Federal Reserve System. It references a 1951 NANA piece in the Times about the "Greenback Bill" and recommends reading "Mullins on the Federal Reserve."

MEDICAL NOTES

• Samuel Cliff: A man given a short life expectancy by doctors at age 14 and 2 years at age 58, celebrated his "tooth birthday" at age 58.
• Christopher Youngs: A young man named Christopher Youngs, who claimed to have inherited a prep school, created a hoax that allowed him to inspect the school and gave classmates a holiday.
• Tokio ragpickers: The ragpickers of Tokio have founded their own newspaper.
• Inspectoscope: A new device, the Inspectoscope, used by U.S. Customs to detect contraband in baggage without unlocking or unpacking, is described. The article suggests it might be used to prevent Atom Bomb Smuggling, but notes that the British Daily Telegraph had previously reported on it in relation to diamond smuggling arrests.
• Hair growth: Dr. John Kelvin treated two patients for "cramps" with a drug that caused them to grow "full crops of hair on their bald heads." The article notes this is not an unknown phenomenon and has been observed with "vitamin D" as well, but the results are inconsistent.
• Plane crash coincidence: A coincidence is noted between a plane crash at Shannon and one off the coast of Holland, occurring at practically the same degree of latitude.

Birds and Bats Deaths

On October 7, 1954, birds and bats were found dead under various circumstances. The Empire State Building had casualties including 123 birds and 4 bats. Autopsies on birds found at Mitchell Field showed some cracked skulls, while others appeared to have died of heart attacks. Similar incidents were reported in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Kansas, and Tennessee.

Walrus Deaths

An estimated 200 walruses were killed, likely by concussion from an explosive force, in the Bering Sea.

Civil Defense "Bomb" Incident

A Civil Defense "bomb" demonstration in Port Jefferson, Long Island, involving 20 pounds of magnesium powder, resulted in smashed windows, injuries, and damaged property. The Director of Civil Defense was unavailable for comment.

Unmitigated Assaninity

This section criticizes the concept of town auxiliary police forces and the authority granted to "badge-happy, gun-toting" individuals, calling it an "outrage" and suggesting participants should be taught to play checkers instead.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DOUBT include the critical examination of scientific claims, the exposure of anomalies and unexplained phenomena, and a skeptical stance towards official explanations and industrial practices, particularly concerning radioactivity and public health. The editorial stance is one of questioning authority, highlighting the unusual, and encouraging readers to seek facts and question the status quo. The magazine acts as a repository for odd news and Fortean observations, often with a satirical or critical undertone.

This issue of "More Notes of Charles Fort" (Issue 127, July 1955) continues the publication's mission of documenting and exploring unexplained phenomena, historical curiosities, and Fortean events. The cover prominently features the North Pole, hinting at explorations and claims related to this region. The magazine is published by The Fortean Society and is written in English.

Cover Story: North Pole

The cover story focuses on the North Pole, referencing claims and events from the era. It mentions MFS Jerry Wimmer's advocacy for Frederick A. Cook's claim to have reached the North Pole, noting that Cook's book "Return From the Pole" (1951) might be available in libraries. The issue highlights several news snippets from 1954: a US expedition reportedly reached the magnetic north pole, the Soviet Union claimed to have installed a microphone at the North Pole, and they also reported a parachute jump in the area. These entries suggest a renewed interest or competition regarding Arctic exploration.

Global Weather Anomalies

The magazine reports on extensive and unusual weather events occurring globally. Southern Morocco experienced record rainfall, with three days of rain exceeding the normal three-year total. Europe, including Italy, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Wales, and France, along with Mexico, Honduras, South America, and Australia, was also deluged. In Asia, Tibet, India, Pakistan, and China saw unprecedented rainfall, leading to twenty million people being made homeless. The issue notes that the 15-nation Executive Committee of the World Meteorological Organization began an investigation in Geneva regarding these weather patterns, though their findings were inconclusive, with the public remaining unconvinced that atomic explosions were not a factor.

Algeria Shakes

Algeria experienced a week of intense seismic activity starting around September 9th, with 69 shocks counted on one day. By September 17th, Reuter estimated the death toll at 1800. A survivor from Orleansville, which was destroyed, described a "great ball of fire" appearing in the sky before the shaking, accompanied by a tempest and lightning. The Arabs refer to earthquakes as "the thunder under the earth."

Patton Marches On

This section briefly touches on a violent incident involving Lt. Col. John Samuel Arnold, described as a "much-decorated hero of World War II." Before November 20, 1954, Arnold reportedly went berserk in St. Petersburg, Florida, killing his wife, mother-in-law, and himself. The article implies that this might be a reflection of the "fighting spirit" of "Patton alumni."

Hitler a Sioux Now

A peculiar and surreal account details MFS Pfaus' encounter with a Sioux Indian on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Pfaus and a companion were approaching the tepees when Pfaus was struck by the Indian's resemblance to Adolf Hitler, noting the absence of a mustache and the presence of long dark hair with an eagle feather. The narrative becomes increasingly bizarre as Pfaus attempts a Heil salute, is met with a spitting hiss, and his companion captures the image on film. The Sioux elders explain the man is "Chief Mocking-Bird," a powerful magician. The writers, unnerved by the perceived presence of Nazi-era organizations, flee the scene. The druggist who develops the film identifies the subject as the departed chief "Two Strikes" from the Brulé Sioux tribe, suggesting Pfaus had photographed a ghost.

Nominations

The magazine solicits nominations for "Named Fellow FS 24" by January 26th. Notable nominations include Mrs. Margaret Mullen, aged 90, who was found sleeping on Brighton beach; Herbert C. Holdridge, a monetary reformer; Charles Addams, the cartoonist; and Robb Sagendorph, editor of the Old Farmers Almanac.

More Notes of Charles Fort

This extensive section continues the chronological catalog of Charles Fort's notes, detailing unexplained phenomena from the 19th century. The entries are presented with dates, locations, and brief descriptions, often referencing newspaper articles or scientific journals. The catalog covers a wide range of events, including:

• Mysterious Fires: Occurrences in Martinique and Guadaloupe.
• Volcanic and Seismic Activity: Vesuvius, Mauna Loa eruptions, and numerous earthquakes in various locations like Sandwich Islands, Hawaii, South Wales, Mexico, and Austria.
• Atmospheric Phenomena: White spots on Venus, bright spots resembling projections on the sun's limb, detonating meteors, unusual fog (red, dry, thick), violent storms, auroras, and a "black snow" in Michigan.
• Geological Events: Tidal waves, ground covered in fine sand and pumice stone, and volcanic eruptions.
• Unusual Reports: A "great ball of fire" over Algeria, a "gigantic bird" described in a Chilean newspaper, and a "dark spot" on the moon's surface.
• Meteorites and Aerolites: Reports of stones falling from the sky and aerolite events.
• Zoological Oddities: A "wolf" devouring lambs in Monmouthshire, and showers of frogs.

The notes are presented in a dense, coded format, with references to specific publications and page numbers, reflecting Fort's meticulous research method. The editors explain that the material comes from Fort's 32 boxes of notes, alternating between records of non-human phenomena and records of persons.

Advertisements and Society Information

The final page contains advertisements for books and publications relevant to the Fortean Society's interests. These include "Order Glacial Period and Drayson's Hypothesis" by John Millis, "America NEEDS Indians" by the author, "FREETHOUGHT — ATHEISM" from the United Secularists of America, "Chakotin's RAPE OF THE MASSES," and "The Books of Charles Fort" (four volumes in one) with an introduction by Tiffany Thayer. The Fortean Society's address in New York is provided, and readers are encouraged to order materials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of the unknown, the cataloging of anomalous events, and the questioning of official explanations. The editorial stance, as embodied by Charles Fort's work and the Fortean Society, is one of skepticism towards conventional scientific and governmental narratives, and a deep interest in phenomena that defy easy categorization. The magazine champions the idea that there are many unexplained aspects of the world that deserve investigation and documentation, often drawing from historical records and obscure publications. The emphasis on detailed, chronological cataloging of events underscores a commitment to empirical observation, even when the phenomena themselves are extraordinary.