Doubt - No 61

Magazine Overview

Title: DOUBT
Subtitle: THE FORTEAN SOCIETY MAGAZINE
Volume: Vol. III
Issue: Whole Number 61
Date: April 4th, 1984
Editor: Tiffany Thayer
Price: 35c. / 2/- in Great Britain

This issue of DOUBT Magazine, the publication of The Fortean Society, delves into a diverse array of anomalous phenomena, scientific curiosities, and societal observations, presented through a distinctly Fortean lens. The cover itself features a striking graphic with slogans reminiscent of Orwellian dystopia, such as "WAR IS PEACE" and "IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH," edited by Tiffany Thayer.

Cover Story and Editorial Stance

The cover headline, "WAR IS PEACE IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH," immediately sets a tone of critical examination of societal norms and official narratives. The artwork, attributed to MFS Abe Gurvin, is described as being in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright of pen and ink, suggesting a blend of artistic commentary with the magazine's investigative spirit.

Medical and Scientific Observations

The issue presents several reports related to medicine and science. Sir Heneage Ogilvie, a consulting surgeon, is quoted as stating that "technolatry," the worship of the expert, is the most dangerous disease in the world, and that medicine is overloaded with experts. Dr. Paul R. Hawley, director of the American College of Surgeons, is cited for asserting that half of surgical operations in the U.S. are performed by inadequately trained doctors. Dr. R. Gordon Douglas of Cornell U. suggests that up to 50% of women who undergo repeat cesarean sections could have delivered vaginally. The magazine also notes a claim by Mrs. Suzanne Neilson of Hartsdale for having the record for cesarians, scheduled for her 9th. Furthermore, it reports on the controversial stance that groups opposing water fluoridation are "mentally unstable persons," according to various doctors. In the realm of astronomy and physics, the issue touches upon observations of Jupiter's position deviating from Newtonian predictions, with differences occurring in a 12.4-year cycle. Radio signals from Jupiter are reported to indicate incredibly high temperatures, with calculations ranging from 5,000 to 16,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The phenomenon of meteorites and their potential to create deep, smooth holes is discussed, questioning the definition of "perfection" in their surfaces.

Anomalous Events and Phenomena

DOUBT consistently reports on unusual occurrences. This issue includes accounts of a surging flood of water in Shepperton with no discernible source, a unexplained drop in sea level in Greek harbors, tremors without seismograph records, and strange noises heard during an Arizona tremor. Reports of falling objects include a metal part of a landing gear, a blue rain in Luton, England, and a nylon thread possibly dropped by a pilot. Other reported phenomena include red snow, ice balls burying themselves in lawns, and large hailstones. The magazine also notes a "red hot chain" falling from the sky in Missouri and a "balloon-like object" believed to be part of a radar target. A rocket, described as an "arrow-like" shaft of aluminum pipe, crashed through a roof in Tennessee. The issue also features a section on "METEORS," detailing a procession of lights seen in Canada in 1913, and a train of meteors observed in Bermuda. Reports of a "great meteorite" fallen near Pittsburgh and explosive sounds associated with a river event in Patagonia are also included.

Societal and Cultural Commentary

The magazine offers commentary on various societal trends and events. It discusses the concept of "beatniks" and their perceived role in society, referencing Dr. Albert Schweitzer's observations. The issue critiques government spending, particularly on space programs, and questions the logic behind building "survival" shelters. The debate surrounding the use of X-radiation from television sets and the potential risks involved is highlighted, citing an expert's concerns about larger, brighter screens and the responsibility of manufacturers. The magazine also touches upon legal and ethical issues, such as the sterilization of mothers of illegitimate children in North Carolina, and a controversial court case regarding drunkometer accuracy. The practice of "cool jazz" being used for mass celebrations is noted, as is the debate over the education of a child named Tommy Kral, who was being homeschooled. The issue also includes a piece on the potential for monkeys to be trained as servants and the perceived decline in human intelligence. The article "MONKEYS HAVE A LANGUAGE" is mentioned, referencing the work of Dr. Martin H. Moynihan and historical research by R. L. Garner.

Space Program Skepticism

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to skepticism regarding space achievements, particularly the Soviet Lunik probes. The article "THIS COMPUTER AGE or LEAVE IT TO SINGER" questions the validity of space travel claims, suggesting that the term "space" is used loosely and that the purpose of linking animals to "space" is to make lies more credible. It criticizes the idea of "survival education" and the government's allocation of funds. The magazine highlights the controversy surrounding Lloyd Mallan's article "The Big Red Lie," which claimed the Soviet Union was incapable of building effective intercontinental missiles. The article suggests that the "evidence" for all alleged satellites has been of low grade and questions the secrecy surrounding hearings on the matter. It also lists numerous financial allocations to various companies, implying significant spending on the space program.

Miscellaneous Reports

Other reports include a Navy LST getting stuck on a beach, a professor's controversial statement about suburbanites needing scandal and revolution, an official apology for the U.S. government's "mistake" in the 1942 eviction of Nisei, and a pathologist's findings on drunkometer tests. The magazine also notes a case of a mother killing herself and her child after listening to a radio program about nuclear warfare, and a housewife delivering a child while watching television. The potential for radiation from television screens to cause mutations is discussed, along with a report on a custom-built one-inch screen TV. The issue concludes with a "DEAR NO-NAME" section, offering commentary on contributions and highlighting an earthquake in Mexico accompanied by freezing weather and hurricane-force winds. It also mentions a potential saline water conversion plant in Nebraska and the disappearance of two islands from Antarctic charts. A report about a fireman lost overboard after being struck by a bird is also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of DOUBT Magazine include skepticism towards official narratives, particularly in science and government; the reporting of anomalous and unexplained phenomena; critical commentary on societal trends and authorities; and a consistent focus on the Fortean perspective. The editorial stance appears to be one of questioning, investigation, and a distrust of established institutions and claims that lack empirical evidence or logical consistency. The magazine champions the idea that the Fortean viewpoint is often validated by time, suggesting a high "batting average" for its predictions and observations.

This issue of "More Notes of Charles Fort" presents a collection of entries from Charles Fort's extensive manuscript notes, cataloging a wide range of anomalous phenomena and unusual events. The notes are presented chronologically, with a focus on the year 1870, and are drawn from various sources, including newspapers and scientific journals. The publication is by The Fortean Society, continuing its mission to document and explore the unexplained.

Fortean Losses

The section "Fortean Losses" pays tribute to several notable figures who have passed away. It begins with a reflection on the architect Frank Lloyd Wright, remembering his controversial and larger-than-life persona, which the author likens to a "splendid Fortean." The tribute notes Wright's unique approach to architecture and his ability to provoke strong reactions. The section also mourns the loss of R. DeWitt Miller, a long-time Fortean and author of "Forgotten Mysteries," and Bart Reagan, whose story of refusing an Army medical procedure is recounted.

The New Scholiasts

This segment introduces "The New Scholiasts," a group of individuals engaged in intellectual debate. The author describes being kept "abreast of a wordy wrangle" between artist Art Castillo and publisher Jack Green, noting the abstract nature of their discussions. The section references historical figures like Pico della Mirandola as archetypes of such debaters. It also mentions a publication by Jack Jones titled "To the End of Thought" and notes that Art Castillo has been traveling in Mexico.

More Notes of Charles Fort

This is the core of the issue, presenting transcribed entries from Charles Fort's manuscript notes, organized chronologically. The notes, often difficult to decipher due to Fort's unique shorthand, are presented from the year 1800 AD onwards, alternating between records of non-human phenomena and records of persons. The entries for the 1870s are particularly detailed:

• August 1870: Mentions a "huge lizard" reported near St. Asaph, North Wales, and a separate report of sheep killed near Reading, England.
• September 1870: Documents a variety of events including a "W. spout" on the Irrawaddy River, a battle of Sedan, a bluish group of spots on Plato, a swarm of beetles in Beaumaris, observations of Plato spots with variable manifestations, a meteor falling in a barnyard in Santa Clara, California, a drought, a great earthquake in Balang, and observations of spots on Jupiter.
• October 1870: Includes reports of a "haunted house" in Kinderhook, N.Y., luminous objects, a "huge lizard" story that was allegedly a hoax involving a dead body from a menagerie, and a "great aurora" observed in various locations including North Britain, Worcester, and Italy.
• November 1870: Details a "monstrous lizard" in the Vale of Clwyd, Wales, a somnambulism case in Cannington, a tornado in Kansas, and the gradual subsiding of the Tongariro eruption in New Zealand.

Additional entries from later dates and other years are also included, such as reports of luminous objects, auroras, meteors, and earthquakes from various parts of the world.

Welcome Dr. Dingwall

This section announces the appointment of Dr. Eric John Dingwall as the new Honorary Founder of the Fortean Society, succeeding Hereward Carrington. It highlights Dr. Dingwall's diverse scholarly interests, including anthropology, social customs, occultism, and parapsychology. His book, "The Girdle of Chastity," is also mentioned. The announcement coincides with the publication of the "International Journal of Parapsychology," to which Dr. Dingwall is a contributor.

Deeper and Broader

This part recommends "The Integration of Human Knowledge" by Oliver L. Reiser, a Professor of Philosophy. The book is described as a comprehensive synthesis of science and philosophy, aiming to create a universal ethics and a system of thought that weds humanity to its universe. The author praises its value for Forteans in testing and measuring their own beliefs against a broad spectrum of knowledge.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the cataloging of anomalous phenomena, the remembrance of key figures in the Fortean movement, and the promotion of Fortean research and publications. The editorial stance is one of continued dedication to documenting the unexplained, encouraging intellectual curiosity, and providing a platform for diverse and often unconventional ideas. The publication emphasizes the importance of critical observation and the willingness to consider phenomena that fall outside conventional scientific understanding.