1957 12 00 Fantastic Universe - Requiem for a scientist - Kornbluth and Sanderson

Magazine Overview

Title: FANTASTIC UNIVERSE SCIENCE FICTION
Issue: December
Price: 35c

This issue of Fantastic Universe Science Fiction features a cover illustration depicting a surreal scene with a robot painting a rocket, a spaceman, and a woman holding a star, set against a rocky, alien landscape. The cover headlines highlight "BEAR TRAP A New Suspense Novel by ALAN E. NOURSE," "Stories by KENNETH BULMER - THEODORE PRATT - HENRY SLESAR," and an "EXCITING REPORT by CIVILIAN SAUCER INTELLIGENCE."

Articles and Content

"Requiem for a Scientist" by C. M. Kornbluth

This lengthy article is a critical review of the work of Ufologist Ivan T. Sanderson. Kornbluth begins by acknowledging Sanderson's book "ANIMAL TREASURE," praising its popularized science writing and its exploration of zoology. He notes Sanderson's ability to write engagingly about animal behavior and his effort to explore the unknown. However, Kornbluth expresses disappointment with Sanderson's later work, particularly his book on zoological exploration in South America, which he found to be mediocre with little scientific content and rampant "adventure" and "human interest."

Kornbluth's main critique focuses on Sanderson's article "UFO-Friend or Foe" in the August 1957 issue of Fantastic Universe. He argues that Sanderson has moved away from science and into entertainment. Kornbluth challenges Sanderson's use of authority, particularly the "official pronouncement" from the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP), which he points out is a private organization. He disputes Sanderson's claim that "the science of Ufology has been established," comparing it to outdated philosophical debates and asserting that Ufology lacks tangible evidence and is based on anecdotes and hypotheses.

Kornbluth dissects Sanderson's discussion of UFO hypotheses, including those involving living creatures from the upper air or outer space, and alien space ships. He criticizes Sanderson's surprise at the astrological leanings of proponents of some theories, suggesting it reveals a willful ignorance of the anti-scientific nature of many UFO enthusiasts. Kornbluth also questions Sanderson's assertion that modern science can accurately predict things, contrasting it with Sanderson's earlier dismissal of established science.

"Comments from a Scientist" by Ivan T. Sanderson

Ivan T. Sanderson responds to C. M. Kornbluth's critique, acknowledging Kornbluth's points and welcoming the opportunity to reply. Sanderson begins by addressing the term "popularized science writing," stating that his first book, "Animal Treasure," was not popularized but straight narrative, and became popular through a Book-of-the-Month Club choice. He clarifies that his subsequent works, "Caribbean Treasure" and "Living Treasure," did include scientific passages and some "adventures" and prices, contrary to Kornbluth's interpretation.

Sanderson then delves into his definition of science, contrasting the American view of "science" as "technology" with the rest of the world's view of "science" as "philosophy." He argues that Kornbluth labors under "colonial delusions" regarding these semantic differences. Sanderson asserts that he was trained as a scientist with degrees in Zoology, Geology, and Botany, and has never stopped original research, thus he can never "stop" being a scientist. His approach to Ufology, he states, is not that of a technologist or an "Expert," but that of a scientist pursuing the unknown.

Regarding Kornbluth's critique of his UFO article, Sanderson defends the pronouncement from Admiral Delmar S. Farnhey, suggesting that the Navy, through its rocketry involvement, may possess more UFO facts than the Air Force. He argues that Ufology can be considered a science if approached scientifically and technically, noting the variety of UFOs. He suggests that testing UFOs requires funding, similar to geophysical studies.

Sanderson also addresses the hypothesis of intelligently-piloted intraspace craft, referencing a previous article in FU. He criticizes the public, sceptics, "experts," and technologists for not reading the published works of scientists. He defends the idea of Russian UFOs, stating that after years in intelligence, he is less sure of their impossibility. He expresses surprise that Kornbluth is surprised by his consideration of the Grafin Zoe Wassilko-Serecki theory, suggesting Kornbluth does not know the Countess and that the theory itself makes more sense than Kornbluth implies.

National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP)

A section details important additions to the NICAP Board of Governors and panel of Special Advisers. Notable new members include Vice Admiral Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter (former Director of the CIA), Rear Admiral Herbert B. Knowles (submarine expert), and Major Dewey Fournet, Jr. (former liaison officer for Project Blue Book). Advisers include Wilbert B. Smith (Canadian UFO investigation), Albert M. Chop (Air Force press official for UFO information), and Kenneth Steinmetz (Denver Astronomical Society).

Information is provided for associate membership in NICAP, headed by Major Donald E. Keyhoe, at $7.50 per year, which includes "The UFO Investigator" and special bulletins. Inquiries are directed to Major Keyhoe at the National Investigations Committee in Washington, D. C.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly engages with the nature of science, scientific methodology, and the distinction between genuine scientific inquiry and popular entertainment or pseudoscience. The debate between Kornbluth and Sanderson highlights differing perspectives on what constitutes a scientist and how scientific claims should be evaluated, particularly in the controversial field of Ufology. The editor, Hans Stefan Santesson, is portrayed as a wily professional who facilitates such debates, allowing different viewpoints to be aired, even if it means presenting a counter-argument to an established writer like Sanderson. The inclusion of NICAP's membership further emphasizes the growing interest and organization within the UFO community during this period.

Title: FANTASTIC UNIVERSE
Issue: 82
Date: Not specified

This issue of "FANTASTIC UNIVERSE" presents a collection of speculative and somewhat critical commentary on scientific understanding and popular misconceptions, alongside a lighthearted poem.

Article 1: Speculations on Extraterrestrial Life and Dinosaur Misconceptions

The primary article, presented under the "FANTASTIC UNIVERSE" banner, begins by dismissing the "hot air" of Dr. Menzel and introduces a theory that challenges conventional scientific beliefs about life. This theory suggests that life might not be exclusively founded on hydrocarbons, require oxygen, or be limited to planets within a specific temperature range (0°-100° centigrade). The author notes that technicians, despite spending significant funds to investigate planetary effects on life, often adhere to these rigid definitions. The article then pivots to address a perceived misrepresentation, attributing a "preposterous idea" to Mr. Kornbluth, specifically that the author claimed Brontosauruses live in Africa. The author clarifies that "dinosaur" is a popular term for "terrible reptile" and that the creatures typically referred to were about the size of a large dog, not the immense beings commonly imagined. The author asserts that such animals, or at least representatives of their ancient orders, could exist in places like Africa, drawing a parallel to the Tuatara found in New Zealand, which belongs to a more ancient reptilian order. The author laments a lack of proper scientific education as the cause of these widespread misconceptions.

Poem: GOOD-BY, TERRA

This section features a short, humorous poem by Zelda Kessler titled "GOOD-BY, TERRA." It tells the story of a Martian explorer named Klimp who visits Earth. Klimp finds humanity boring and the Earth's weather disagreeable, prompting him to quickly depart in his blimp. The poem is a lighthearted take on extraterrestrial encounters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around challenging established scientific dogma, correcting popular misunderstandings of scientific terms (like "dinosaur"), and exploring the possibilities of life beyond Earth. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, advocating for a broader and more nuanced understanding of scientific concepts and encouraging readers to question conventional wisdom. There is a clear disdain for what the author perceives as rigid, unimaginative thinking within the scientific and technical communities, contrasted with a more open, albeit speculative, approach to the universe.