Fortean Society Magazine - No 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of THE FORTEAN SOCIETY MAGAZINE, dated January 1940, is the Ninth Anniversary Number. It features a prominent article titled "WE HAVE THE FREEDOM BUT WHERE'S THE PRESS?" by Tiffany Thayer, Secretary of the Fortean Society. The magazine's overall tone is critical of established institutions, particularly science and the media, and advocates for independent thought and skepticism.

"We Have the Freedom But Where's the Press?" by Tiffany Thayer

Thayer argues that a massive propaganda campaign, launched about six to eight years prior, has successfully created the illusion of a free and truthful press in the United States. This campaign, she contends, was designed to bolster public faith in 'news' before the onset of impending 'war' and atrocity stories. She asserts that while individuals may have the legal freedom to state opinions, the press itself is not truly free to publish anything detrimental to established narratives or authorities. Thayer details her personal experience of being unable to get critical viewpoints published through conventional channels, forcing her to rely on self-distribution.

She contrasts the perceived freedom of the press with the reality for those who wish to express dissenting opinions, noting that even letters to the editor or articles against prevailing views are unlikely to be published. Thayer highlights the dominance of a unified 'National press' that controls newspapers, magazines, and radio, and argues that this entity does not serve those with something critical to say.

Thayer also touches upon the impending 'war' and the date set for U.S. participation, suggesting it was likely the first week of February. She notes that the distribution of this magazine issue might be impossible after February 15th, implying potential censorship.

The Fortean Society: Aims and Philosophy

The magazine outlines the "AIMS OF THE SOCIETY," which include perpetuating the legacy of Charles Fort, challenging the authority of science, encouraging critical thinking, and removing the 'halo' from scientific pronouncements. The society positions itself as a "Red Cross of the human mind," providing an "antitoxin against all forms of mental paralysis and intellectual stagnation," particularly against terms like "faith," "belief," "authority," "education," and "patriotism."

It states that the Society does not concern itself with economics, sociology, or politics, but solely with mentality and thinking processes. Any opposition to the Fortean Society's aims is seen as an admission that intelligence is a threat to the opposing entity (Church, School, Science, Capital, or State).

Articles and Reports

The Founders

This section introduces Ben Hecht as a founder of the Society, alongside Alexander Woollcott and Booth Tarkington. A drawing by Herman Rosse is included. Ben Hecht contributes a piece titled "PHANTASMAGORIOPHOBIA," in which he declares himself a disciple of Charles Fort, praising Fort's ability to challenge scientific dogma and expose the 'lunacy' of centuries. Hecht describes Fort as an "inspired clown" who has 'shot the scientific basis of modern wisdom full of large, ugly holes.'

"The Book of the Damned" Review

Ben Hecht also provides a "book review" of Charles Fort's "The Book of the Damned," characterizing it as a work that has made a "terrible onslaught upon the accumulated lunacy of fifty centuries." Hecht humorously notes Fort's discoveries, such as the moon being a "salt mackerel" and God being "the grandfather of Ezra Pound," and emphasizes Fort's challenge to conventional astronomy, geology, anthropology, ethnology, and philology.

Growing Pains

This section discusses evidence suggesting the Earth is constantly growing larger, contrary to the textbook notion of a cooling planet. It cites observations of geological shifts, landslides, and sinking landmasses as potential indicators of this growth. The article criticizes the scientific establishment for denying or downplaying these phenomena, often attributing them to 'erosion' or 'faults.' Specific examples include landslides near Grand Coulee Dam, a sinking dam in Kansas City, and a moving mountain in California.

Quakes and Volcanoes

This report details the number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions reported to the Society between September 1937 and November 1939, noting 140 earthquakes and 21 volcanic eruptions. It mentions a "mysterious 'gas' attack" in Liverpool and a haystack that inexplicably rose into the air.

Falls of Frogs

Several instances of frogs falling from the sky are reported, including a shower in Trowbridge, England, and a rain of frogs and turtles in Indiana and New York.

Fall of Fish

Reports of fish falling from the sky are mentioned, including a dozen fish in Ontario, Canada, and a rain of fish in South Bend, Indiana.

Watch Otterson

This section introduces John E. Otterson as a prominent figure in various corporations (Electrical Research Products, Inc., Paramount Pictures, Radio Wire Television Corporation of America) and suggests that his activities are indicative of where "propaganda" originates, linking him to banks and the government.

British Correspondence

• This section features reports from Britain, including:
• Blue flashes in the sky and a mysterious burning death in Sussex.
• Termites consuming arsenic and vaseline, causing a short circuit.
• A critique of vivisection and the lack of medical remedies developed from it.
• Astronomer Royal H. Spencer Jones's criticism of astrology, with the magazine questioning what astronomy itself thrives on.
• An examination of the measurement of the speed of light, suggesting it is difficult to ascertain accurately.
• An unexplained "gas" attack in Liverpool.
• A haystack rising into the air at Eastwood, England.
• A flickering light observed at Tabor cemetery, Saskatchewan.
• A remark on the increase of fractured skulls and human burnings in England.

Since Sulfanilamide Scandal

This article discusses the dangers of sulfanilamide, a drug that allegedly caused numerous deaths in 1937. It criticizes the medical profession and the press for attempting to cover up these incidents. It also mentions cases of death due to medical errors, such as receiving the wrong injection or anesthetic.

Fortean Triumph

This piece recounts an incident in Brooklyn where a mysterious noise was heard, and scientific experts were unable to explain it, leading to a "genuine 20th century miracle" of scientific ignorance. It also mentions a potential explanation involving atmospheric conditions and steam from a gas plant.

Danger! (Lie Detector)

This section warns about the "lie detector" machine, invented by a Fordham University professor, as a new tool for "enslavement." It highlights its potential for abuse, citing a case where two convicts were condemned based on its findings, and expresses concern that it is not called a "TRUTH detector" and has no record of proving innocence.

No Meteors

This article criticizes the media's consistent announcement of meteor showers, such as the Perseids and Leonids, which often fail to materialize. It questions the scientific basis for these predictions and suggests that museums may fabricate meteorites. It recounts an instance where a farmer found a metallic object that Science dismissed as terrestrial origin.

Paradoxes

• A collection of brief, unusual occurrences are listed, including:
• A cereus flower blooming in daylight.
• A woman breaking her leg, with her husband found injured.
• Two coastguards dying on the same night.
• Brothers dying within hours of each other.
• A robin fishing.
• A car crash where the driver disappeared.
• An Indian skeleton examination leading to a death.
• A white blackbird sighting.
• A girl living alone with bears.
• A "bearded and naked" man found in a forest.
• An albino starling sighting.
• Reports of "amphibious" moose.

Back to Astrology

This short piece notes that Swami Ellsworth Huntington, a Yale researcher, has rediscovered astrology and is confirming its statements, linking it to weather patterns and sex determination.

Swallows Break Rhythm

This report mentions the Capistrano swallows departing and returning on schedule for years, but notes an untimely departure in 1939, which was linked by a "scientist" to the Northern Lights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Fortean Magazine are the critique of scientific authority and dogma, the exposure of perceived media manipulation and propaganda, and the documentation of unexplained phenomena that fall outside conventional scientific explanations. The editorial stance is one of profound skepticism towards established institutions, a strong advocacy for independent critical thinking, and a belief in the importance of investigating and recording anomalous data, even if it challenges scientific orthodoxy. The magazine champions the legacy of Charles Fort as a model for this approach, emphasizing a willingness to question and to embrace the unknown without succumbing to intellectual conformity or blind faith in authority.

This issue of THE FORTEAN, dated January 1940, is the 110th issue of Volume 11. It features a cover headline "The Jest" by Frueh, with a note that it is courtesy of The New Yorker. The magazine continues its tradition of exploring anomalous phenomena, scientific skepticism, and historical curiosities.

"Another 'Lost World'"

The lead article critically examines the 1937 expedition of Harold "Lost World" Anthony to British Guiana, sponsored by the American Museum of Natural History and Science Service. The author lambasts the expedition's claims of discovering a "lost world" on isolated plateaus in the Grand Canyon, which were later found to be accessible and inhabited by normal flora and fauna. The article accuses Anthony and Science Service of perpetrating an "intellectual fraud" through a series of articles that exaggerated the findings and presented a myth of isolation. The author sarcastically suggests that any differences found in Shiva mammals might be blamed on "St. Elmo's fire," referencing the Hindenburg disaster.

"The Jest" by Frueh

This section features a humorous illustration by Frueh, presented courtesy of The New Yorker, which appears to be a commentary on the absurdity of some claims or situations.

New Membership Cards

A notice encourages members to pay their dues for 1940 to receive new membership cards, described as "little pasteboards to carry in their wallets."

"Lobsters"

This section reports on unusual lobster catches in 1939: a blue lobster with beige claws caught in Montauk, Long Island, and a similar "light" blue lobster with beige claws spotted with bright blue caught in Guilford, Connecticut.

"Forteana" by T. Swann Harding

This regular section presents a collection of brief, often bizarre, reports and observations from various sources, categorized under "Forteana."

Niagara Falls Anomaly

The edges of Niagara Falls reportedly turned from green to velvet red, attributed by some to engineers dredging seven miles upriver. However, the engineers denied dredging that day, and they typically bring up blue clay.

Northern Cree Indians and Neuroses

Dr. John M. Cooper of the Catholic University is cited regarding the prevalence of mental and nervous diseases, particularly hysteria, among Northern Cree Indians on Hudson Bay. It is suggested that 85 percent of adult females suffer from these conditions, and a psychiatrist posits that the human race has become neurotic by straying from a "simple life of primitives."

Windigo Psychoses

Windigo psychoses were common among these Indians, characterized by the individual imagining themselves to be a supernatural being with cannibalistic urges.

Obesity and Calorie Consumption

An article by Du Bois questions why people don't all become obese, given the average calorie consumption. It calculates that a 40-year-old man consuming 2,500 calories daily would have consumed 18,250,000 calories since reaching adulthood. The article notes the body's efficiency in storing fat, with only a kilogram representing 9,300 calories, and questions why excess fat isn't more prevalent.

McGovern and the Witch Doctor

An anecdote recounts McGovern's encounter with a South American witch doctor who treated his toothache and neuralgia by passing his hands over him, spitting out "poison," and extracting "three long black thorns" from his neck, which he claimed were the cause of the pain. McGovern's symptoms immediately disappeared.

Scientific Research Pace

An item from Science for March 9, 1928, notes the English Bishop of Ripon's request for a ten-year cessation from scientific research due to mass production outpacing thought. Sir Ernest Rutherford, president of the Royal Society, is quoted expressing a desire for a "breathing space" to study existing knowledge, a wish he believed would never be fulfilled.

Mass Production of Research Papers

The article criticizes the current method of producing research papers, comparing it to mass-produced automobiles that "soon fall to pieces." It highlights the duplication of electrical patents, dubious proofs in theses, and the rush to publish new findings, contrasting it with Darwin's 20-year manuscript preparation. The author suggests a need for more philosophical contemplation and laments the overwhelming volume of literature.

"Shower of Pebbles"

A poltergeist phenomenon is reported from Port of Spain, Trinidad, where stones fell in the lobby of a hotel belonging to Monica Huggins' father. The stonings followed her to a new address, and she was eventually taken in by Benedictine monks, after which no further incidents were reported.

"Cancer Racket Novelty"

This section criticizes a new "freezing process" in the cancer industry, characterized by "showmanship that Barnum could be proud of." It suggests that drives for charity funds, government grants, and legislation are likely to follow.

"Savant Goes Sane!"

Hartvig Fritsch, a Danish delegate to the League of Nations, suggested (September 16, 1937) that an impartial history of the world be written for universal use. He was immediately placed in a straight-jacket, and the other delegates attempted to ignore his "unseemly interruption."

"10th Moon Again"

Seth Nicholson of Mt. Wilson announced (September 16, 1938) the discovery of Jupiter's tenth moon, which revolves "backwards." An eleventh moon, revolving the "right" way, was also mentioned.

"Miracle"

WBZ radio station in Boston reported (September 3, 1938) a microphone that broadcasts when "dead" (not connected to an electric circuit). RCA engineers on Long Island reported receiving telecasts, albeit distorted, from London, contrary to theory. The article notes the "technical problems" of television and suggests a political element.

"Professors – How Could You?"

This section critiques astronomical measurements. Jan Schilt of Columbia University suggested (October 9, 1939) that stars are closer than previously thought, implying astronomers had made mistakes. Dr. J. S. Plaskett of the Canadian Dominion Observatory also reportedly halved some measurements.

"The Science Follies – Glorifying the Ph. D. (and up)"

This article discusses announcements by Dr. Charles G. Abbott and W. H. Hoover of the Smithsonian regarding an "electric galvanometer" capable of detecting "one ten-trillionth of an ampere of current" to measure the heat of stars. The author finds the claim "well-nigh fantastic." It also mentions Dr. Cecilia Payne Gaposchkin and Dr. Fred Whipple's work on lowering the temperature of a super-nova from 1,000,000 to 15,000 degrees Centigrade, questioning the scientific community's pronouncements.

"Rabid Hot Dogs"

Dr. Thurlow C. Nelson is quoted as stating that 17,000,000 Americans have "trichinosis." The article suggests this is a new "Scientific bugaboo" to scare people into contributing to a "war chest" and predicts legislation against feeding swill to hogs and taxing frankfurter makers.

"How to Prevent Panic"

This section lists several reports of strange creatures and unexplained events:

• A creature the size of a "Great Dane" killed eighteen sheep by breaking their necks (January 29, 1937).
• An "animal" accused of killing poultry in Verona, Calif., described as "flame-red color, 5 feet long, shaped roughly like a pig, with forefeet like a bear and hind feet like a duck," was shot (February 13, 1936).
• "Vigilantes" searched for a "huge wild animal" in Morrison, Ill., that left large tracks (November 1, 1937).
• In Mobile, Alabama, a "thing" dubbed the "Frankenstein of Fisher's Alley" reportedly appeared and disappeared for 48 hours, frightening people and allegedly being impervious to bullets (January 29, 1938).
• In Columbus, Ohio, a "thing" gnawed a bone in a backyard, described as "the size of a dozen cats, head and feet large, fur gray with yellow stripes" (April 29, 1938).
• A "slasher" reportedly cut 13 people in the West Riding area in December 1938, but British police prosecuted the reporters, deeming the stories false.

"New Kaspar Hauser Old"

This refers to a person picked up by New Orleans police (October 25, 1937) with a name that could not be understood, booked as 63 and a beggar. The police thought he was Finnish, but the author speculates he might be a scientist.

"Yawning Continues"

Reports of yawning cases are mentioned, with the Society keeping files on such phenomena. Cases of "sleeping sickness" and deaths of alleged somnambulists are also requested.

"Earth Flames"

John Heggerson reported (November 3, 1937) that 100 square feet of his ranch in Eureka, Nevada, had been burning for nine days with an oily smell and black smoke, originating from an unknown cause on "shale formation" land where oil deposits had been found.

"Two 'Magnetic' Hills"

Reports of "magnetic" hills are presented: "Croy Brae" in England, where vehicles appear to travel uphill while coasting downhill, and a similar phenomenon in Leominster, Massachusetts (July 13, 1939), where a car rolled uphill backwards without power.

"Spook Dog Etching"

Silhouettes of a dog's head appeared in the window glass of a Brooklyn house where the late "Duke" used to sit. Chemists identified the work as "etching."

Lightning Imprints

Lightning reportedly left "perfect imprints of ferns and leaves" on the chest, arms, and legs of Ben Oliver (August 9, 1938) in Montreal. Another "fern" tattooed by lightning was discovered on the chest of Jasper Freeman (August 15, 1938) in Leicestershire.

"Do-Do On Way Back"

This section lists several instances of supposedly extinct species being rediscovered:

• Sea otters, considered virtually extinct in 1916, were found plentiful off California (June 22, 1938).
• Two students discovered two trees believed to be extinct for 100 years in the Florida Keys (July 2, 1938).
• "Tasmanian" marsupial tigers, thought extinct, were reported in Australia.
• A fish declared extinct for 50,000,000 years, the Coelacanth, was fished up off South Africa (July 1939).
• George Vanderbilt reported seeing a serinus in Sumatra, a bird thought to be extinct.

"The Notes of Charles Fort"

This section continues the chronological compilation of anomalous events from historical records, with notes and commentary by Fort himself (indicated by "T. T.").

1814 Events

Includes reports of quakes in Leghorn and Pisa, Italy; a fireball in Berlin; a quake in Innsbruck, Austria; a quake and island appearance in the Sea of Azov; a volcanic eruption on the coast of Kamchatka; hail in Ohio; and a fall of ashes and dust over the St. Lawrence River.

1815 Events

Includes reports of quakes in China and Japan; a violent quake in Kaga, Japan; and a "medium quake" in China and Japan.

1816 Events

Includes reports of Italian sound phenomena, volcanic eruptions in Java, an eruption of salt mud in Japan, a hurricane, fireballs, a "medium quake" in Formosa, a violent quake in China, and a "detonating meteor."

1817 Events

Includes reports of "sulphurous odor" and "column of fire and smoke" in Sciacca, Italy; great eruptions in Java; a volcanic eruption in Java; a shock in Mansfield, England; auroras in Sunderland and Derby; a Gothenburg fireball; a quake in Switzerland with lightning and a meteor; intense darkness, rain, and quakes in Spain; a fireball in Lot-et-Sarrone; and a volcano reported in the Sierra de Causeros.

Box A (Resumed) - CARIBOO

This extensive section details the "Caraboo" case, a woman who posed as a foreign princess. It includes correspondence with Charles Fort from George F. Stone, editor of The Western Daily Press, Bristol, regarding the difficulty in tracing Caraboo's burial place and referencing a "Mary Ann Baker" who died in 1865. The notes also discuss various accounts of Caraboo's story, her alleged language (Javanese, Malay, invented), and conflicting reports about who she confided in. It mentions that the story was printed by J. M. Culch in Bristol in 1817 and that she carried a gong. The section concludes by noting the announcement of the imposter Caraboo's death in Bristol in the Times of January 13, 1865.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes a skeptical view of official scientific pronouncements, highlighting instances of alleged fraud, exaggeration, or misinterpretation. It champions the collection and presentation of anomalous phenomena, often from historical records, as a counterpoint to mainstream scientific narratives. The magazine encourages readers to question authority and consider unexplained events. Recurring themes include unusual weather, geological events, strange creatures, and historical mysteries, all presented with a critical and sometimes sardonic tone.