Doubt - No 58

Magazine Overview

Title: DOUBT
Subtitle: The Fortean Society Magazine
Volume: III
Issue: Whole Number 58
Date: 1931 A D (though content appears to be from the 1950s)
Editor: Tiffany Thayer
Publisher: The Fortean Society
Country of Publication: USA
Original Language: English
Price: 35c. (USA), 2/- (Great Britain)

This issue of DOUBT, the magazine of the Fortean Society, presents a diverse collection of unusual events, scientific curiosities, and unexplained phenomena, primarily drawing from reports in the 1950s. The magazine's editor, Tiffany Thayer, curates these accounts, often with a critical or skeptical eye towards conventional explanations, highlighting the Fortean perspective that embraces the anomalous and the unexplained.

Key Articles and Reports

Many Winners This section compiles various intriguing news items. Among them: * A toy Sputnik purchased at the Brussels fair was found to be made in Switzerland. * Labor and management agreed to arbitrate a dispute at the Atomic Energy Commission's test site in Jackass Flats, Nevada. * Coyotes have reportedly taken over the girders of the new Atlas Intercontinental Ballistics Missile factory in San Diego, California, hunting small prey. * An explosion near banks in Tucson, Arizona, was attributed to birds building a nest of copper wire in a circuit breaker, though no evidence of the birds or nest was found. * Recent research suggests that 'metal whiskers' on tin, cadmium, and zinc may have caused mysterious electrical failures in World War II radio communications. * A gas well drilled in San Juan County, New Mexico, produced a large volume of gas that, however, would not burn. * A civil defense meeting in Guilford, Connecticut, discussing atomic blast survival, was cut short due to mosquitos. * A mountain in Somerset, Jamaica, is reportedly moving, engulfing homes. * In Portugese Bend, California, a large section of land with dwellings has been slipping towards the sea. * Long Beach, California, is experiencing significant land sinking, posing a flood risk. * A concrete highway in Okemah, Oklahoma, 'exploded' in five places on a hot afternoon, blamed on the heat. * Conversely, a section of highway in Grand Junction, Colorado, was thrust upward by an unknown force. * A sudden, extreme temperature rise occurred in the Oklahoma Panhandle and Kansas. * The sea temperature dropped suddenly off Shima Peninsula, Japan, destroying 70% of the next year's cultured pearl crop. * Dr. Joan Newton reported that the risk of severe paralytic polio was four times greater for those whose tonsils had been removed. * A British Navy announcement about selling obsolete craft led to Argentina purchasing the aircraft carrier Warrior. * A crude face shape was observed in the sky over London, formed by jets or sky-writers, with the word 'Lexington' also appearing in smoke. * A loud humming noise was heard from underground on a farm near Saltfleet, Lincolnshire, England, after an explosion, with a hole found under a tractor. * A British medical man and a Pakistani hypnotist are involved in a dispute over claims of increasing breast size through hypnosis. * A professor suggested removing milk glands from women past child-bearing age to reduce breast cancer incidence.

Steinberg's Best This section features various reports, often with a Fortean slant: * Dr. Viken Sassouni developed a technique using computer analysis of skull measurements for identifying individuals, potentially useful for victims of atomic explosions. * O. B. Ellis, general manager of the Texas prison system, announced that plastic surgery is being used to provide 'new faces' for prisoners, aiding rehabilitation. * The Animal Insurance Company of America insures pedigreed dogs using 'nose-prints' for identification, stating they are as infallible as human fingerprints. * Dr. Matthew Ross at UCLA treated homosexual students, reporting that treatments were as effective as any psychiatric treatment for other conditions, though none were cured. * Frank Braden brought European acts to the US, including Yvonne and her educated dogs, described as 'absolutely incredible'. * The Victoria, B.C., Humane Society is advocating for electric harpoons for whales. * A mammoth skull, 30 feet long, was recovered from 1500 feet in the Tyrrhenian Sea. * The BBC's televising of operations was condemned by the British Medical Association for encouraging morbidity, with three suicides traced to viewer suggestions. * Dr. Carl W. Flosdorf, who killed his wife and himself, was a holder of numerous medical patents. * Msgr. Irving A. DeBlanc suggested the human race find another planet rather than limit population through birth control. * The communist government of Kerala state, India, offered a small sum to individuals who would be sterilized. * A Russian ruble was found floating on seaweed off Fort Lauderdale beach, leading to speculation about Russian submarines. * Bears in Shenandoah National Park were observed chewing up 'Don't Feed the Bears' signs.

Balanced Living and The Realist This section discusses other publications and movements: * The Fortean Society has worked with various organizations, including the Friends, the Christian Science Monitor, and Humanist groups. * 'Balanced Living' magazine, published by the School of Living in Brookville, Ohio, focuses on integrating self-expression, reproduction, and survival, with adult education for normal living. * 'The Realist', edited by Paul Krassner, is described as a 'freethought criticism - and satire' publication. * 'SPAN', a literary and artistic publication, is described as a self-expression of the wife of a Fortean, focusing on the necessity for individuals to think and decide for themselves.

Speaking of Books This section reviews several books: * 'Earth's Shifting Crust' by Charles H. Hapgood and James H. Campbell is recommended, though the reviewer notes its limitation in not considering the Earth's growth in size. * 'The Brave New World' by Scott and Helen Nearing, documenting their visit to the Soviet Union and People's China, is announced. * 'Homecoming of the Martians/An Encyclopaedic Work on Flying Saucers' by Dr. Robert Ernst Dickhoff is presented as a curio for saucer enthusiasts.

Down to Earth This section addresses electronic computers and related devices, questioning their role and the data surrounding them: * The article questions the assumption that electronic computers and guidance systems are sold to governments, suggesting they might be rented. * It begins a correction of previously published data, focusing on 'Radarscopes' used for studying 'stars' invisible to telescopes. * Gene Darlington of General Electric admitted responsibility, along with an assistant, for 'signals from Mars' picked up by radios in 1924.

Radio Astronomy Reports This section details various developments and findings in radio astronomy: * Cornell University and the University of Saskatchewan were bouncing radar signals off the aurora borealis. * The Jodrell Bank radio telescope project in Manchester, England, was underway, with a significant budget and timeline. * Harvard University also announced a similar project. * Carnegie Institution of Washington announced a new narrow beam cross antenna to study radio noises from outer space. * The apparatus near Seneca, Maryland, received signals from Jupiter. * The number of known 'radio' stars increased significantly from about 100 in 1951 to 1,936. * Reports mention radio waves from the moon being detected. * The borough of Congleton had conflicts with Jodrell Bank over expansion plans and potential interference from local devices like vacuum cleaners and portable transmitters. * Dr. C. Gordon Little of the University of Alaska noted differences in how radio stars twinkle in England and Alaska. * New television receivers were found to have enough power to receive a radar signal from the moon. * A conference of radio astronomers was held at Jodrell Bank, with visible star observers presenting findings. * Dr. R. Minkowski was present, and the progress in identifying radio sources with visible objects was noted. * Burke of Carnegie accidentally detected radio emissions from Jupiter. * Dr. E. G. Bowen verified Burke's findings and pinpointed emissions to a 'white spot on Jupiter'. * Dr. Karl Jansky is credited with detecting radio emissions from 'outer space' in 1931, leading to increased antenna construction for space satellites. * The Jodrell Bank telescope was reported to be not yet operating when Sputnik I was announced. * Jodrell experienced a breakdown but was expected to resume operation. * The 'beeps' attributed to Sputnik I were received at 20.005. * A smaller radio telescope was built at Malvern, England. * The scope at Green Bank, West Virginia, was nearing completion. * A World Warning Agency was set up at the Bureau of Standards for radio forecasting. * 'Whistlers' began to gain publicity, with recording efforts underway. * A 600-foot radio telescope was proposed for Sugar Grove, West Virginia, with a substantial total cost. * Dr. Charles Townes helped develop a device using synthetic rubies to amplify radarscope beeps. * A review of the origin and development of radio astronomy was published in Fortune magazine. * Lovell accepted a BBC invitation to give lectures on tracking satellites. * Questions are raised about a $16,000 out-of-court settlement paid by the US government to Marion B. Robinson, a cartoonist whose drawings may have been used in the satellite guidance system. * The article criticizes the government's spending on 'militronics' and suggests that the inspiration for this 'gigantic hoax' might have come from comic sections. * Newspaper editors are questioned for not demanding real proof of satellites instead of accepting official statements. * The Jodrell Bank telescope could not receive waves shorter than a meter, but 21 cm waves became important during its construction. * The Newcastle Evening Chronicle reported on a 'secret meeting' at Jodrell. * Lovell was announced to deliver the traditional Christmas Day broadcast, discussing the sound of stars. * Associated Universities, Inc., a cooperative of nine universities, proposed a large radio astronomy scope to the National Science Foundation. * The proposal highlighted the need for more powerful scopes compared to existing ones. * A question is raised about whether Iowa State or the University of Iowa are part of Associated Universities Inc., given James A. Van Allen's association with Iowa State University. * Dr. Erich A. Funke developed an international language using Arabic numerals, questioning the need for expensive machine translation. * John B. Krause at Ohio State reported hearing 'radio static' from Venus. * Harvard announced its 'Big Ear' telescope was ready for use. * A Dutch scope was mentioned, but with less detail. * Krause reported receiving sounds from Venus. * Cornell H. Mayer reported a different Venus story, suggesting thermal energy caused continuous radio waves. * Krause declined to speculate on the cause of the Venus signal. * The Naval outfit in Washington announced its scope discovered that Mars' temperature is usually freezing. * The term 'beep beep' was used to describe radarscope sounds before Sputnik I was announced, with a report of the instrument's 'electronic heart' being stolen. * Dr. Blagonravov reportedly cried aloud about its voice. * Bok of Harvard sent out publicity about a scope for Columbia University. * The Navy announced a new scope would go into operation in southern Maryland, and the National Science Foundation was to build a 140-footer. * Meyer Berger mentioned Dr. Kenneth L. Franklin receiving funding to set up a scope for Columbia University. * Martin Ryall headed a new installation at Cambridge, England, called Mullard. * Critics complained about the cost of the Jodrell Bank telescope exceeding its original estimate.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DOUBT are the persistent exploration of unexplained phenomena, the questioning of official narratives, and the celebration of scientific anomalies. The magazine consistently highlights events and reports that defy conventional scientific or logical explanation, often drawing from a wide range of sources. The editorial stance, as conveyed through Tiffany Thayer's curation and commentary, is one of open-minded inquiry, skepticism towards established authorities, and a deep interest in the 'Fortean' perspective – the study of phenomena that challenge our understanding of the world. There is a particular focus on the burgeoning field of radio astronomy and the mysteries of space, alongside reports on terrestrial oddities and human behavior. The magazine encourages readers to question, to observe, and to consider the possibility of phenomena beyond our current comprehension.

This issue of DOUBT, the publication of The Fortean Society, presents a compilation of historical anomalies and unexplained phenomena, primarily drawn from the extensive manuscript notes of Charles Fort. The issue is dated November 1958 and continues the chronological transcription of Fort's research, which spans from the year 1800 AD.

Key Sections and Content

'For The Record'

This section serves as a brief repository for notable names and events. It includes a prediction by Dr. Wilbur J. Cohen of the University of Michigan that poverty would be abolished in the United States within ten years. It also notes a peculiar incident involving a 6-year-old girl in Minneapolis who was injured by a falling part of a jet fighter. Other entries include a report on a new kind of magnetic steel that can turn corners, and a curious account from Brooklyn, N.Y., where a man reportedly climbed a clothesline pole and disappeared. The section also touches upon the business dealings of Charles B. Thornton and his associates at Litton Industries, referencing an article in Fortune magazine.

'Authority Speaks!'

This section features statements and findings from various experts and authorities. Dr. Halton C. Arp of Mount Wilson and Palomar is cited for challenging the assumption that Cepheid variables are consistent yardsticks for intergalactic measurements, suggesting they can be three times brighter than others. Colonel R. C. Weller of the U.S. Air Force questions the purpose of drafting. Dr. James W. Burks of Tulane University School of Medicine discusses the obliteration of fingerprints and its legal implications. The section also includes statements from Roman Catholic Bishop J. C. Cody regarding lie detectors and truth serums, and a challenge from Leroy Abernathy to a political opponent to a lie detector test. Medical researchers Dr. Samuel H. Rosen, Dr. Benjamin Castleman, and Dr. Averill A. Liebow are mentioned for identifying a new lung disease possibly linked to modern living. A report from London suggests that thorium injections for X-ray purposes in the 1920s may be linked to cancers diagnosed decades later. Notably, psychologist Dr. Carl Jung expresses the opinion that UFOs "show signs of intelligent guidance by quasi-human beings."

Chronological Notes (1869 onwards)

The bulk of the issue is dedicated to the chronological cataloging of events from Charles Fort's notes, presented in a systematic manner. This section details numerous sightings of meteors, often with specific times, locations, and descriptions of their appearance and trajectory. For instance, entries from November 1869 describe meteors seen across England, Scotland, and Jersey, with details on their duration and perceived size. The notes also include reports of earthquakes, unusual atmospheric phenomena like sea foam falling from the sky, and astronomical observations such as spots on Jupiter and rings around it. The entries are meticulously sourced, referencing publications like the London Standard, Symons' Meteorological Magazine, Nature, and the British Association reports.

• Specific incidents detailed include:
• November 1869: Numerous meteor sightings across England and Scotland, some described as brilliant and leaving visible trails. A meteor in Torquay was visible for 50 minutes. An object near Southampton, weighing about a pound, penetrated the ground. Reports of fireworks-like meteors and streaks of light over Cornwall.
• December 1869: A great meteor observed in England. A significant earthquake in California and Nevada. A destructive thunderstorm in Yorkshire. A light quake in India. A spectacular display in the sky over Paris, described as a mirage of the Louvre. A carrier in Queensland was swept away by a sudden volume of water in a dry creek.
• January 1870: Reports of meteors observed over Persia for 16 minutes, auroras in Vendome, and meteors in Malta.

Other Content

The issue also contains advertisements for books and publications, including "America NEEDS Indians," "RAPED AGAIN" by Chakotin, and "The Books of CHARLES FORT." These advertisements reflect the interests and affiliations of The Fortean Society.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the cataloging of unexplained phenomena, the questioning of established scientific assumptions, and the presentation of anecdotal evidence that challenges conventional understanding. The editorial stance, as implied by the publication of Charles Fort's work and the title 'DOUBT,' is one of skepticism towards official explanations and an openness to investigating and recording events that fall outside the norm. The emphasis is on presenting raw data and observations, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions, while subtly highlighting the persistent presence of the unexplained throughout history and across various fields of inquiry.