Doubt - No 60

Magazine Overview

Title: DOUBT
Subtitle: THE FORTEAN SOCIETY MAGAZINE
Volume: III
Issue: Whole Number 60
Date: 1931 A D
Editor: Tiffany Thayer
Publisher: The Fortean Society
Country: USA
Price: 35c. (2/- in Great Britain)

This issue of DOUBT, the magazine of the Fortean Society, delves into a collection of unusual and unexplained events, continuing the society's mission to document phenomena that fall outside conventional scientific understanding. Edited by Tiffany Thayer, the magazine presents a diverse range of reports, from geographical and geological anomalies to peculiar human and animal incidents.

Cover Story: The European Community

The cover prominently features an outline map of the European Community, comprising Belgium, France, German Federal Republic, Italy, Luxembourg, and The Netherlands. The magazine presents this as a significant, peaceable step towards a United States of Europe, a concept viewed as crucial for achieving Perpetual Peace. The article notes the limited coverage of this organization in US press, suggesting its merit. Readers are encouraged to seek more information from the European Community's Information Service in Washington, D.C. A reproduction of a French postage stamp bearing the word 'EUROPA' is also included, symbolizing this effort.

Short Reports and Incidents

The magazine is characterized by numerous short, often anecdotal, reports of anomalous events. These include:

• Medical Anomalies: A diagnosis of "poison ivy" on a snowy day in Topeka, Kansas, and a bizarre letter to the University of Pennsylvania suggesting an "Al Capone chair on taxation" to legitimize a notorious name.
• Safety and Education: Columbia University's "safety education institute" is reportedly exploring links between personality traits and traffic violations, suggesting potential psychological evaluations for driver's licenses.
• Unusual Behavior: An Indian in Albuquerque, New Mexico, claimed he was turning into a snake and would bite someone, leading to his arrest. A man distributing book matches with the message "Burn up the school!" was followed by several fires at a girls' high school in New York City.
• Geological Events: A large limestone block fell from the Great Pyramid of Gizeh, a phenomenon also noted in 1953. A similar block had fallen previously, killing a student.
• Art and Education: An art teacher at St. Ambrose College suggested portraying Christ as a modern figure, prompting discussion on artistic representation.
• Scientific Experimentation: Experiments with colored translucent plastics as growth stimulants in greenhouses at Kansas State College are mentioned, with a nod to earlier work by Edwin D. Babbitt.
• Animal Behavior: A hen in Los Angeles laid green eggs, attributed by experts to "air chemicals" (smog), while another flock of bantams laid blue and pink eggs. The Missouri Conservation Commission's struggle to create a "recreational lake" that fails to hold water is also noted.
• Medical Research: Dr. Leon F. Whitney demonstrated the use of vivisection to alleviate human suffering, specifically mentioning a drug that caused pregnant dogs to reabsorb embryos. The article questions the lack of theorizing on human applications, linking it to a "Scientific race with Russia."
• Surgical Advice: A NANA piece from the N.Y. Times is cited, with three prominent doctors advising to "KEEP YOUR TONSILS IN YOUR HEAD!", suggesting that tonsillectomies should be minimized unless acutely infected.
• Radiation Dangers: A scientist reported on radiation dangers from television sets, noting that while manufacturers develop safe sets, testing reveals that "rigid radiation protection rules should be enforced."
• X-ray Shoe Fitting: The prohibition of "fluroscopic or X-ray shoe fitting machines" in Minnesota due to radiation hazards is mentioned, noting their prior prevalence.
• Radio Transmitters: British air force radio transmitters were reported to send beams capable of cooking a man half a mile away, with assurances that they would be located at high points.
• Radioactivity: A headline from the World-Tele reads "DULLES SLIGHTLY RADIOACTIVE," by Joseph L. Myler.

Notable Figures and Contributions

The issue pays tribute to Hereward Carrington, a renowned investigator of psychic phenomena, who passed away on December 26th. Carrington was an Honorary Founder of the Fortean Society since 1943 and was known for his rigorous application of scientific methods to paranormal research, though he remained unconvinced of genuine communication with spirits. His extensive work included investigating thousands of séances and writing numerous books and articles. The article notes that his work and the American Psychical Institute will continue in his memory.

Brother Noname is recognized for his "superior quality" contributions to the Fortean spectrum. The magazine also mentions Dr. Benjamin Schwartz of Lincoln University, who presented a clay tablet suggesting the use of movable type in Crete around 1800 B.C.

Scientific and Technological Developments

Several reports touch upon scientific and technological advancements:

• Project Argus: This project, occurring in late August to early September 1958, involved blinding rabbits, with color playing a role in the experiments. The scientists involved are listed, including James A. Van Allen and Nicholas Constantine Christofilos.
• Space Exploration: The issue discusses the Soviet moon shot, Lunik, with skepticism and admission of doubt from various sources, including U.S. News & World Report and Electronic News. The article suggests a "gentlemen's agreement" between politicians and scientists to maintain public docility.
• Computers and Micromodules: The development of a "micromodule no bigger than a cough drop" by RCA for the U.S. Army signal corps is mentioned, along with the use of computers for scientific experiments and matrimonial matching.
• Space Research: The National Science Foundation is funding research to turn a high-speed computer into a "super-chemist." The development of a "formula for moon-shot trajectories" by Republic Aviation is also noted.
• MIT and Venus: The issue concludes with a mention that MIT claimed to be talking to Venus at press time.

Fortean Notes and Errata

The magazine includes extensive lists of "Fortean Notes," cataloging various phenomena by date and location, including earthquakes, fireballs, meteors, and unusual atmospheric events. An "ERRATA" section corrects previous indexing errors in DOUBT, Volume One, and provides missing entries for the years 1802, 1803, 1804, and 1805, detailing a wide array of historical anomalies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of DOUBT reflects the Fortean Society's core tenets: a deep curiosity about the unexplained, a critical stance towards official scientific and governmental pronouncements, and a dedication to documenting anomalies regardless of their perceived significance. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards conventional explanations and an open-mindedness towards phenomena that defy easy categorization. The magazine champions the idea that "the 2% that they could not explain deserve serious and unbiased study." There is a recurring theme of questioning authority, whether it be scientific, governmental, or even religious, and a persistent effort to uncover the "truth" behind events that are often dismissed or ignored by mainstream sources. The magazine also highlights the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate events and the potential for hidden patterns in the universe.