Doubt - No 53

Magazine Overview

Title: DOUBT
Subtitle: THE FORTEAN SOCIETY MAGAZINE
Volume: Vol. II
Issue: Whole Number 53
Date: 1931 A D
Editor: Tiffany Thayer
Publisher: The Fortean Society
Country of Publication: USA
Original Language: English
Price: 35c. (2/- in Great Britain)

Cover

The cover features a surreal, dynamic illustration of a winged, multi-limbed entity or object in motion. The main headline proclaims, "SCIENCE BRINGING ITS OWN GUIDING SPIRIT TO ALL MANKIND." The title "DOUBT" is prominently displayed at the top.

Contents and Articles

First Prize

This section highlights several unusual news items submitted by readers. Bob Steinberg is credited for an item about the Internal Revenue Service drafting a special income tax return for use in case of an H-bomb attack. E. M. G. Hibbert of Tasmania reported on a two-year-old bull slaughtered by Frederick Richards, in which an animal described as a rat or a calf embryo, about an inch and a half long, was found inside the brain cavity. Further details from the Hobart Mercury and Auckland Star are provided, noting conflicting descriptions and expert opinions.

Another item, from the October 1941 issue of "Sky" signed "R. K. M.," quotes Dr. Shapley stating that if a comet's image is equipped with a head and tail, it is a defect, implying that such images are not real comets.

Essenhigh of Sevenoaks reported on a study by "Scientists from the North Kiangsu medical college" concerning three 400-year-old bodies, whose cartilage cells were reportedly alive under microscopic examination. However, London University professors dismissed the report.

Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding is quoted from a gathering of spiritualists, stating he has a friend who can see and converse with fairies, and he believes implicitly in their existence.

A peculiar incident in Walworth, England, involved William Lucas, a bookmaker, who found an Irish youth tied to his door twice. The youth refused to identify his assailants. Lucas subsequently obtained a gun license and a shotgun.

Herbert Alfred Healey reported an incident near Astolat Nurseries where he saw a man raise a gun and fire, hitting him in the eye. The man was described as having a rifle with a long barrel. This event occurred amidst a series of car windscreen shatterings, with over 100 incidents reported by March 1956. The police had no explanation, and some suspected a secret research establishment using ultrasonic pressure waves.

Carcass

A strange object washed ashore at Dry Harbor, Alaska, described as over 100 feet long and 15 feet wide, with reddish-brown hair and syrupy blood. Witnesses included Earl Flemming, Dan and Clint Mortensen, and Bob Kedrick. Trevor Kincaid, a retired zoologist, stated the description fit no known creature, while Life Magazine suggested it might be a rare Baird's whale.

Figaro Reformers

This section notes two social reform movements. In New Delhi, India, high-caste barbers offered free haircuts and shaves to "untouchables." In Rome, union barbers removed "girlie" calendars and magazines, aiming to prevent juvenile delinquency.

Russell's Best

Britain's Astronomer Royal, Richard van der Riet Woolley, is quoted as calling looking through a telescope "one of the most unrewarding pastimes" and interplanetary travel "utter bilge."

In Islington, Liverpool, a house had its floor torn up six times to investigate recurring pools of water, with no explanation found.

An unusual migration pattern of storks was reported, with most staying in Africa instead of migrating north to Europe, and not breeding.

China in Essex

A violent thunderstorm in southern England caused damage to caravans, chimney stacks, and telegraph poles. A woman in Colchester, Essex, found a white ceramic object modeled as a pair of birds perched on a bough, which she believed fell from the sky during the storm.

FBI Names Wanted

A request is made for members of the Society who also draw salary from the FBI to identify themselves for Tiffany Thayer, who received a personal letter from J. Edgar Hoover asking for such names.

The Reaper Reaps

This section mourns the passing of several Society members: Tom Elsender of Newcastle, England, a prolific contributor of Forteana; "Ajax" Carlson of Chicago, an Honorary Founder; and MFS Gordon Hollyer of Buffalo, N. Y., a newspaperman and skeptic. Ella Young, an Irish poet and professor of Celtic mythology, also passed away.

Study Social Credit

An examination of Social Credit literature is recommended for those interested in economic alternatives. The section mentions Alberta, Canada, having a "Social Credit Government" and asks for member reactions.

Who Knows?

A British member inquires about American attempts to develop mental powers through brain irradiation with microwaves. The section suggests a book by Melvin Powers on sleep suggestion.

No Such Orgone

This section addresses the Society's stance on Wilhelm Reich's work. It explains that while not overtly dismissive, the Society was not enthusiastic due to Reich's perceived attempt to establish new therapeutic dogmas and concerns about potential abuses of "orgon energy." The section notes Reich's legal troubles and the FDA's decree against "orgonic energy." It also mentions a pamphlet by Raymond R. Rees and Lis Wyvell and a contribution fund for Reich's defense. Lawrence Barth is highlighted for his writings on "Cosmic Orgone Engineering" and his book "Universe Inside Me."

Wykes Whacky

An article by Alan Wykes in "Everybody's" magazine is criticized for asserting that a group of "philosophers, calling themselves forteans," in America still subscribe to the flat-earth belief. The author of this section expresses confidence that British members have corrected Wykes.

Apologies to Leitzell

This section addresses a misunderstanding in a previous issue (DOUBT #252) regarding Russell W. Gibbons' article on Dr. Cook. Mr. Ted Leitzell found the article offensive and provided corrections. The piece clarifies Leitzell's relationship with the Zenith Corporation and his work supporting Dr. Cook's polar claims, including his investigation of the McKinley area and the publication of material in "Adventure." Leitzell maintains his belief in Cook's polar success and Peary's failure.

Falls

A collection of reports on unusual precipitation, including hail of various sizes, ice chunks falling from the sky, and even fish and frogs raining down in different locations across the USA and internationally.

Colored Rains

Reports of unusual colored rain, including black rain in Spain attributed to atomic explosions, red rain in Western Australia and Sicily, mud rain in Italy, and yellow rain in Sumatra, possibly pollen. Blue rain was reported in South Australia.

Colored Sea

An extensive report by MFS Al Howe of Oahu, Hawaii, details observations of unusual sea surface conditions, potentially indicating an underwater volcanic eruption. Geologists and volcanologists are cited, with some expressing skepticism and suggesting algae as a cause. Howe's investigation involved collecting samples and posing questions to scientists.

Mealy's Grist

This section presents various curiosities, including advertisements for "Prophets" offering "blessings" from Pittsburgh Courier, a court ruling in Montreal regarding testimony about heaven and hell, and a new air force regulation defining "BINGO."

The Science Circus

This section covers several scientific claims and observations: a birth control method in Red China involving swallowing tadpoles; a drive by clergymen in Arizona to mandate blood tests before marriage; a re-dating of a fossil jaw by Hurzeler of Basle; Kuiper's assertion that Pluto was never a planet; Fritz Zwicky's ideas about rocket fuel from space and recasting solar systems with hydrogen bombs; M. H. Traphagen's work with a pendulum to study the earth's crust; and Dr. E. R. R. Holmberg's mathematical theory of the universe's eternal existence.

It also discusses Nello Pace's theory that space travelers might return younger than they left, contrasted with Dr. William R. Brewster Jr.'s skepticism about weightlessness. Finally, it mentions Dr. John L. Barnes' newly-formed Systems Laboratories Corporation, focused on space flight research.

Those Without Sin

Reports of stones falling on a farm in Mayanup, West Australia, over a 15-month period. The case is complicated by the presence of aborigines and local news reports. Similar incidents of stone-throwing are mentioned in New Jersey, USA, and Parnell, New Zealand.

Hope for India

Information about "The Indian Rationalist" and "The American Rationalist" publications for those interested in free thought.

Stop the Censor

This section discusses threats to the freedom to read, citing actions by the Post Office, Customs Bureau, and Department of Justice, as well as local censorship efforts. It mentions the National Legion of Decency and the National Organization for Decent Literature as prime offenders.

Still There?

Inquiries are made about the current status of a building in San Francisco where several "strange" deaths occurred, and the disappearance of Thomas Holland in England. A question is also posed about George J. Knapp in Pueblo, Colorado.

Fortean Advance

An excerpt from a supplementary science reader for 5th and 6th grade use, emphasizing the "scientific method as distinguished from the method of scientists."

More Notes of Charles Fort

This section continues the chronological compilation of Charles Fort's notes, starting from 1800 AD. It includes entries on insects (locusts, ladybirds, flies), spiders, and unusual atmospheric phenomena like "harpatus" and "colored hail."

Advertisements

The back pages contain advertisements for several books and organizations:

• "Glacial Period and Drayson's Hypothesis" by John Millis.
• "America NEEDS Indians" by the author, a book on conservation.
• Freethought - Atheism publications from United Secularists of America - Progressive World.
• "RAPE OF THE MASSES" by Chakotin.
• "The Books of Charles Fort" (4 volumes in 1).
• "The Book of the Damned," "New Lands," "Lo!," and "Wild Talents" by Charles Fort, with an introduction by Tiffany Thayer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DOUBT are the meticulous documentation of unexplained phenomena, the critical examination of scientific claims, and the promotion of an open, questioning approach to knowledge, often referred to as the "Fortean method." The editorial stance, as embodied by Tiffany Thayer and the Fortean Society, is one of skepticism towards conventional explanations and a dedication to preserving and investigating anomalous events that fall outside the mainstream scientific paradigm. There is a consistent effort to collect, verify, and present diverse reports from around the world, encouraging readers to think for themselves and question established narratives. The magazine also serves as a platform for members to share their findings and engage in Fortean discourse.