1960 02 00 Fantastic Universe - Bigfoot

Magazine Overview

This issue of FANTASTIC SCIENCE FACT & FICTION UNIVERSE is dated FEBRUARY 1960 and is priced at 35¢. The cover prominently features the headline "THERE IS AN ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN" by Ivan T. Sanderson, alongside other story titles and author names. An illustration of a peculiar object is also present on the cover.

Featured Articles and Stories

There Is An Abominable Snowman by Ivan T. Sanderson

This extensive article delves into the case of the "People versus Yeti," which was being tried in an international court. Sanderson reports on the court proceedings, noting the unusual situation where the defendant, Yeti, is alleged to be non-existent, yet the prosecution claims an international conspiracy to defraud the public by fabricating its existence. The article critiques the prosecution's lack of concrete evidence and the defense's peculiar plea to produce witnesses for Yeti's existence but against the conspirators.

Sanderson discusses the legal technicalities of the case, highlighting the difficulty in comprehending its legal phraseology. He notes that the court case has become international, involving cases from four continents and seventeen countries. Several cases, including those of Sasquatch, Bigfoot, Dwendi, and Loy's "Ape," are mentioned, with some being dropped or facing further legal challenges. The article focuses on cases stemming from the Asiatic region, encompassing a vast area from Bokhara to China and the Himalayas.

The writer emphasizes the lack of exploration and mapping of this vast territory, describing it as largely unknown, arid, mountainous, or covered in dense forests. He contrasts the popular perception of the region with its actual geography, which includes extensive forests and valleys.

A significant portion of the article is dedicated to the classification of creatures intermediate between humans and apes. Sanderson argues that the existence of such creatures is supported by fossil evidence, citing examples like Dryopithecus, Australopithecines, Pithecanthropines, Neanderthalers, Gigantopithecus, and Oreopithecus. He criticizes the common misconception that evolution is a simple linear progression and highlights the existence of numerous fossil hominoids that challenge current anthropological understanding.

Sanderson posits that the core question of the case is not whether Yeti exists, but what it is. He outlines three potential alternatives for the nature of Yeti and similar creatures: primitive human beings, species of primate mammals (anthropoid division), or intermediate species between apes and humans (submen, ape-men).

He stresses the importance of understanding physical anthropology and the range of possibilities for life forms, arguing that many people lack the basic knowledge to assess claims about such creatures. The article also touches upon the difficulty in defining "human" features and the possibility of creatures exhibiting a mix of human and apelike traits.

Sanderson concludes that the current case is being tried on an inadequate basis, focusing on existence rather than the nature of the alleged creatures. He points out that the world is far less explored than commonly believed, and that large, unknown animals, including potential hominoids, could still exist in remote areas.

To Mars and Venus in the Gay Nineties by Sam Moskowitz

This feature by Sam Moskowitz explores early speculative ideas and journeys to Mars and Venus during the "Gay Nineties" (the 1890s). It likely discusses the scientific understanding and fictional portrayals of these planets during that era.

Stories by J.T. McIntosh, Randall Garrett, and Howard Fast

The issue also includes fictional stories by established science fiction and fantasy authors J.T. McIntosh, Randall Garrett, and Howard Fast, though specific details about their contributions are not provided on the cover.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on speculative science, factual features on mysteries and anomalies, and science fiction. The editorial stance, as suggested by the prominent placement and detailed discussion of the Abominable Snowman case, leans towards exploring controversial or unexplained phenomena with a degree of scientific inquiry, while also acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge and the potential for new discoveries. The inclusion of both factual features and fictional stories indicates a broad interest in the realms of science and imagination.

Title: FANTASTIC UNIVERSE
Issue: 25
Volume: 26
Date: circa 1953

This issue of Fantastic Universe features an in-depth article titled "THERE IS AN ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN," which critically examines the evidence and theories surrounding the existence of this cryptid.

The Case Against and For the Abominable Snowman

The article begins by emphasizing the need for logical conclusions based on verifiable evidence, cautioning against accepting statements without proper investigation. It argues that allegations of the Abominable Snowman's existence, if unsupported by evidence, should be ignored. The author stresses that only statements from individuals who have personally investigated the area and approached the matter logically and without prejudice should be considered. Even then, the background knowledge of the reporter is crucial; for instance, an explorer with no background in anthropology might misinterpret findings.

Possible Classifications of ABSMs

The article explores various hypotheses regarding the nature of Abominable Snowmen (ABSMs). It suggests that some could be escaped criminals from known tribes or members of un-contacted human races. More plausibly, some ABSMs might be primitive illiterates, akin to the Almas of central Asia. The possibility that some are anthropoids, particularly the large Abominable Snowman or Dzu-teh, is considered probable, possibly even Gigantopithecus. The author notes that the discovery of primitive, apelike Australopithecines in South Africa using bone tools blurs the line between anthropoids and humanoids, suggesting ABSMs could belong to any of these categories.

Evidence Linking ABSMs to Hominoid-Anthropoids

The article posits that evidence exists linking ABSMs to intermediate hominoid-anthropoid types. Beyond the potential consanguinity between the large Abominable Snowman and Gigantopithecus, it mentions the Agogwe of East Africa and Australopithecus, and the Orang Pendek of Sumatra. The author expresses surprise that this connection, despite being published with photographs in reputable scientific journals, has been overlooked. A particular likeness is drawn between the middle-sized Abominable Snowman (Mih Teh) and the European Neanderthaler.

The Italian Cave Discovery

A significant piece of evidence presented is a discovery made in the fall of 1953 by two caretakers of a cave north of Florence, Italy. They noticed a passage blocked by a solid wall of flowstone. After obtaining government permission, they blasted through eleven feet of this barrier, revealing an extensive series of tunnels. These tunnels had been sealed for an estimated 70,000 years, dating back to the last southward ice-advance in Europe. The caves were smooth-walled and floored with a fine, clayey mud. Preserved on this floor were endless lines of footprints belonging to three types of creatures: an enormous bear, some modern-type humans, and Neanderthalers.

In addition to the footprints, the site yielded bones and stone artifacts left by both modern and Neanderthal man. Charcoal circles on the walls suggested a form of game. Crucially, casts of the Neanderthaler footprints were taken. These prints were described as odd and unlike those of bears or modern humans, being short, very broad, with large, square toes, and measuring eight to ten inches long. The article states that casts of the middle-sized Abominable Snowman (Mih Teh) from the Himalayas are identical to these Neanderthaler prints and can be fitted exactly into negative size casts of the Neanderthalers found in the Italian cave. The author asserts that no known creature, living or extinct, makes tracks like these.

The Psychology of Mystery

The author questions why, despite such compelling evidence, discussion about the Abominable Snowman persists. A suggested reason, based on a letter from a correspondent, is that some people, even those actively seeking evidence, prefer to keep the mystery unsolved rather than have it fully explained. This human tendency is presented as a factor that must be considered when evaluating evidence for ABSMs and attempts to discredit it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the critical examination of evidence related to the Abominable Snowman, emphasizing logical deduction and firsthand investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one that acknowledges the possibility of the Abominable Snowman's existence, particularly in light of the Italian cave discovery, while maintaining a skeptical approach to unsubstantiated claims. The article advocates for a scientific and open-minded approach, yet also recognizes the psychological element that may contribute to the enduring mystery of such phenomena.