Doubt - No 49

Magazine Overview

Title: DOUBT
Subtitle: THE FORTEAN SOCIETY MAGAZINE
Volume: II
Issue: Whole Number 49
Editor: TIFFANY THAYER
Price: 35c. (2/- in Great Britain)

This issue of DOUBT, the magazine of the Fortean Society, presents a collection of curious, unexplained, and often humorous items, reflecting the society's interest in phenomena that defy conventional explanation. The cover prominently features a quote attributed to Emerson: "Science does not know its debt to imagination," accompanied by an illustration titled "SCIENCE PERSECUTED BY THE UNLEARNED-RABBLE."

Editorial and Society Information

The magazine provides contact information for the Secretary of the Fortean Society, Tiffany Thayer, and details the use of the Fortean 13-month calendar, where 1931 AD corresponds to the year 1 FS. Annual dues are $2.00, with Sterling equivalents for members in other countries. Addresses for contacts in England and Italy are provided, along with information on obtaining "The Books of Charles Fort" in Great Britain. The magazine is available in principal cities worldwide and is held in many public libraries and universities. A list of back numbers is available upon request.

First Prize: Bizarre Incidents

This section highlights several peculiar incidents that would have delighted Charles Fort:

• Lakeview, Ontario: Police investigated a trailer home where two bodies were found. One man, Charles Tessier, was dead, covered in shaving cream, with foam in his orifices, and clutching an egg. The cause of death was undetermined by autopsy.
• Copenhagen, Denmark: A Danish woman reportedly causes her telephone to go out of order whenever she laughs, prompting technicians to devise a scientific explanation.
• Boston, Massachusetts: An infra-red filter photograph revealed Boston and Cape Cod, sixty miles apart, in a single shot, with a noticeably curved horizon.
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: A Civil Defense evacuation test was met with protest from Quakers who refused to participate.
• Seaford, Long Island: Three boys accidentally entered the Fort Neck National Bank by falling against its door.
• Birkenhead, England: Allegations against senior police officers were investigated, but the Chief Superintendent refused to disclose details.
• London to Bristol, Virginia: A caller made an anonymous threat to a Chief of Police.
• Washington D.C.: An announcement regarding America's first commercial electricity supply from an atomic reactor.
• Chicago, Illinois: The red neon sign of the First Methodist Church was changed to white.

Where Honor Is Due: Jennie Selby Thomas

This section pays tribute to Jennie Selby Thomas, also known as Anne Hume, a Life Member of the Fortean Society. At 86 years old, she is recognized for her early engagement with Charles Fort's work and her significant contribution to the Society. Thomas's correspondence reveals her deep interest in Fortean phenomena, including earthquakes and the potential for extrasensory perception. She played a crucial role in obtaining material for a biography of Charles Fort by corresponding with Theodore Dreiser's widow, Helen Dreiser. Her dedication and insight were instrumental in securing documents that made the completion of Fort's biography possible. The author dedicates the forthcoming biography to her. Thomas's philosophy emphasizes individuality, stating, "I belong to no organization. I once heard an eminent Philosopher remark that it was Satan's method to organize a new idea. It limits the thinking. True Forteans do not."

Russell's Best: Curiosities from Around the World

This section compiles various intriguing news items:

• Paris: An electric camera telescope capable of seeing farther than existing ones was announced.
• Lindesberg, Sweden: An explosion in a bomb factory was possibly caused by static electricity from nylon underwear.
• Singapore: A mongrel bitch was reported to be nursing a litter of kittens alongside her own pup.
• Washington D.C.: Lawyers and former police officials were reportedly selling their services as investigators.
• Capistrano, California: Swallows returned on schedule, as they have for 100 years.
• Exe River, England: A "Devil's footprints" phenomenon was explained as a balloon solution.
• Nelson, New Zealand: The Mayor resigned rather than have military personnel present during the Queen's visit.
• Blyth Quayside, England: A contradiction in coal shipping practices highlighted economic ironies.
• Isle of Wight: A bridegroom disappeared on his honeymoon.
• Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico: A "double-barrelled telescope" was developed to record a golf ball's flight eight miles away.
• Great Britain: The side-effects of cortisone were declared worse than the ailments it alleviates.
• Montreal, Canada: Thirteen women claimed to be victims of a "slasher," though police suspected mass hysteria.

Couplets - Or More: Unfinished Business

This brief section laments that a significant item has been crowded out of recent issues but cannot be relegated to the archives.

Page 352: Rocketry and Accidental Deaths

This section details two contradictory stories from White Sands proving ground regarding a rocket's performance. Initially, a rocket was reported to have achieved record altitude and speed, with detailed figures provided. A week later, a follow-up stated the rocket had not been found and might have burned up, yet the same performance figures were repeated. The text questions the reliability of the electronic equipment used for tracking.

It also lists several instances of individuals dying suddenly of heart attacks, often after routine medical check-ups or examinations, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding these deaths.

Page 353: Animal Behavior and Scientific Studies

• Animal Behavior: The section includes reports on hunters being potentially targeted by their prey, a dog drowning its owner, accidental killings of sons by fathers during hunting, a whale sinking a boat, a mouse killing a snake in a cage, a bull killing its butcher, a moose attacking a hunting suit, and a baboon using a gun.
• Scientific Research: Reports cover experiments on the "buttered toast phenomenon" (toast falling butter-side down), the discovery of a new oxygen molecule layer that could threaten life, and research on ultra-violet rays and cancer epidemics. It also notes a claim about coastal localities having no tides.
• Zoology and Ornithology: Items include a report on a woman named Marie Poland who became an ichthyologist, "volcano experts" explaining a whistle from Mount Etna, the discovery of an undersea mountain range, and studies on hedgehog egg preferences.
• Physics and Astronomy: Research on cosmic rays and nuclear plates is mentioned, as is Dr. C. F. Powell's Nobel Prize for work on mesons. The discovery of a "hot blue dwarf" star is also noted.
• Entomology: British entomologists captured female moths using specialized equipment in remote Irish regions.

Page 354: Oceanography, Psychology, and Linguistics

• Oceanography: A study on the observation of ocean waves, initiated during the war, is mentioned.
• Animal Behavior: Reports include the counting of North American ducks and geese, and studies indicating that birds, specifically jackdaws, can count.
• Meteorology: A Wyoming university course on rainmaking is noted, and a gliding correspondent reports on efforts to set a new glider altitude record.
• Psychology: A group of Yale University scientists presented evidence that a person can be scared into forming an unshakable opinion, forming the basis of a book titled "Communication and Persuasion."
• Speleology: The Devon Spelacological Society bands bats found in local caves, with records showing bats moving up to 17 miles.
• Astronomy: The Dallas News editorialized on the admission that the world is older than previously thought, questioning the precision of astronomical predictions.
• Oceanography: A Norwegian liner captain reported the disappearance of the Gulf Stream.
• Submarine Exploration: Underwater television was used to assist in locating a sunken submarine.
• Arctic Exploration: An expedition to Greenland was planned to study mountains and the "great ice cap."
• Archaeology: A French expedition returned from Greenland, discovering it is composed of three islands.
• Biblical Archaeology: An expedition was planned to search for Noah's Ark on Mount Ararat.

Page 355: Genetics, Biology, and Physics

• Genetics: University of Chicago geneticists are studying the effects of cosmic rays on seeds in Costa Rica.
• Zoology: A study on the muzzle velocity of the human cough is mentioned, along with research on the effects of electric wires inserted into monkeys' heads.
• Animal Physiology: A patent for a rotary treadmill to measure rat fatigue, involving repeated shocks, is described.
• Marine Biology: A group of scientists sailed to tag whales with identification tags.
• Paleontology: The discovery of "eight practically perfect skulls" of Eocene horses is reported.
• Entomology: The weather predictions of woolly bear caterpillars are being studied.
• Genetics: Dr. David F. Bohr is attempting to develop a strain of disease-free rats.
• Zoology: Research suggests monkeys and chimpanzees are left-handed about 50% of the time.
• Veterinary Science: New York City psychiatrists specialize in treating pet dogs.
• Geology: A massive wave in Lituya Bay, Alaska, in 1853 or 1936, is being investigated.
• Physics: Concerns are raised about "heavy isotopes of oxygen" in the atmosphere, with studies supported by the Air Force and a research fund.

Page 356: Chemistry, Evolution, and Forteanism

• Chemistry: The completion of the century of chemical elements is marked by the creation of element No. 100 by U.S. scientists at the University of California. This element was made from plutonium and heavy exposure to neutrons. Element 99 was previously made by bombarding uranium with nitrogen nuclei.
• New Books:
• "The Unleashing of Evolutionary Thought" by Oscar Riddle is reviewed as a book for those who see science as a religion, but it is deemed un-Fortean and lacking an index.
• "Focus on the Unknown" by Alfred Gordon Bennett is described as covering familiar Fortean topics like sea-monsters and black magic, with added personal insights.
• Current Affairs: A notice from the Secretary of Defense warns that believing in peace, civil rights, or opposing fluorides and police brutality can lead to being labeled a Communist.
• Credits: The magazine acknowledges numerous contributors for "saucer" items and other data.

Salk-Suckers: The Polio Vaccine Controversy

This section critically examines the Salk polio vaccine. It suggests that the public was becoming aware of the connection between tonsillectomy and polio. Since tonsillectomy is a profitable medical procedure, the magazine posits that the development of the Salk serum was a means to save the medical profession's income. The author outlines three potential effects of the vaccine: immunity, infection, or no change, implying that patients become mere statistics regardless of the outcome. The section criticizes the widespread accolades given to Jonas Salk, suggesting his primary service was to those who perform tonsillectomies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DOUBT include the inherent tension between science and imagination, the collection and dissemination of anomalous and unexplained phenomena, and a critical, often skeptical, perspective on official pronouncements and scientific claims. The magazine champions the Fortean approach, valuing curiosity, observation of the unusual, and a questioning attitude towards established norms. There is a consistent thread of humor and irony, used to highlight the absurdities and contradictions found in both human behavior and the natural world. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional understanding, while simultaneously scrutinizing claims with a discerning eye. The magazine acts as a repository for the strange and the curious, celebrating the unknown and the unexplained.

This issue of Doubt magazine, dated August 1955, with the volume and issue number as Vol. 2, No. 5, is published by The Fortean Society in the USA and is in English. The cover prominently features the headline "MORE NOTES of CHARLES FORT", indicating a significant portion of the content is dedicated to the archival work of Charles Fort.

Key Articles and Features

MORE NOTES of CHARLES FORT

The core of this issue is the continuation of the "MORE NOTES of CHARLES FORT" series. This section presents material drawn from the extensive manuscript notes of Charles Fort, which span from the year 1800 AD. The notes are printed chronologically, transcribed with an acknowledgment of the difficulty in deciphering Fort's handwriting, which often includes symbols and personal shorthand. The material is organized into 32 boxes, alternating between records of non-human phenomena and records of persons. The magazine aims to present these notes consecutively.

The notes detail a vast array of unexplained phenomena, including:

• Animal Falls: Reports of various animals falling from the sky, such as frogs, fish, and spiders, often with details on location, date, and witness accounts. Examples include a "dragon king's messenger" fish caught off Osaka, "bird-eating" spiders found in England, and crayfish appearing on lawns in Portland, Oregon.
• Meteorological Anomalies: Descriptions of strange weather events, such as chocolate-colored snow in Utah, "salty white goo" raining on Salt Lake City, yellow rain in Ceylon, and unusual hailstorms.
• Geophysical Events: Records of earthquakes and volcanic activity, with specific dates and locations mentioned, such as shocks in Peru, Guatemala, and New Zealand.
• Aerial Phenomena: Sightings of unusual aerial objects, meteors, and lights, often described with details about their appearance, behavior, and duration. This includes reports of "globes of fire," "meteors" that lasted for extended periods, and objects with peculiar shapes and movements.
• Other Anomalies: The notes also cover a wide range of other peculiar events, such as the strange case of a pigeon with unidentified markings found in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and a frozen monkey found at Epsom racecourse.

FOR THE RECORD

This section includes miscellaneous notes of potential historical interest. One item mentions a private letter from Carl M. Loeb, Rhoades and Company, estimating that six drug houses selling Salk vaccine would profit $20,000,000 in one year. Another note refers to an "open letter" by Sekai Suhn Kyokai, translated by John Kiyosi Yamaguti, which was critical of Pearl Buck's opinions.

FOR THE STUDIOUS

This section recommends several publications for the intellectually curious reader:

• The Amateur Book Collector (December 1954): Features an article by James J. Martin titled "A Beginner's Manual for Apprentice Book Burners," which is a reading list for exploring minority opinions and unpopular viewpoints.
• Year of Consent by Kendall Foster Crossen: Recommended, though out of print, and suggested for checking in public libraries.
• Periodicals: Three periodicals are recommended for regular reading: The Nation (weekly), World Interpreter (bi-weekly), and Contemporary Issues (quarterly).

THE LAUGH IS ON US

This brief item highlights a U.P. report from May 17th, where the Secretary of the Army, Robert T. Stevens, asked Congress to approve $45,000,000 for military construction work so secret that even he does not know what it is.

GET OUR PLANET

This section promotes "Our Planet," a publication by Philip Isley, which is described as vibrant with new enthusiasm for world organization. It also mentions Mary H. Weik and the World Referendum Association, encouraging readers to participate in world citizenship initiatives. The passing of Caroline Uric, a dedicated worker for world organization and peace and a founder of the Tax Refusal Committee, is noted.

EINSTEIN TOO

This short piece acknowledges the death of Albert Einstein. It notes that he had made it difficult to disagree with him in recent years, except on matters of physics. Einstein is also mentioned as being one of three Named Fellows of the Fortean Society for the year 23 FS, and the only one who did not reply. The article briefly mentions a mathematician from Darjeeling, India, named Gaganbihari Bandyopadhyah, who is suggested as a rival to Einstein.

AND LEWIS SPENCE

This brief note announces the death of James Lewis T. C. Spence, a poet and writer known for his work on Atlantis, in Edinburgh on March 3, 1955.

CARESSE AND DELPHI

This section reports on Caresse Crosby, described as "our own first citizen of the world," who has experienced personal illness and the tragic accidental death of her son. This occurred after the Greek government reversed its stance on welcoming her movement to Greek soil. It is mentioned that Caresse plans to present the full story in a book.

MITCHELL'S BEST

This section presents two brief, disparate news items:

• A "native medical orderly" is blamed for 17 deaths in New Guinea due to the injection of stale coconut milk instead of distilled water.
• A seaman named Luis Alejandro Velasco survived a shipwreck off Bogota and was found washed up alive 300 miles from the wreck.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the documentation of unexplained phenomena through the Charles Fort archives, the promotion of alternative viewpoints and critical thinking (as seen in the "For the Studious" section and the implied stance against conventional medical practices like the Salk vaccine), and an interest in globalism and world organization. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards established authorities and conventional explanations, favoring the collection and presentation of anomalous data. The magazine actively encourages readers to engage with these topics through recommended readings and participation in related initiatives.