Fortean Society Magazine - No 06

Magazine Overview

This issue of The Fortean Society Magazine, dated January 1942, is the sixth number and is priced at 25 cents. It features a prominent article titled "CIRCUS DAY IS OVER" by Tiffany Thayer, who also serves as the Secretary of the Fortean Society and the editor of the magazine. The cover also highlights contributions from John Cowper Powys, Ben Hecht, and Tiffany Thayer, along with "MORE NOTES of Charles Fort." A significant announcement is made that the "SOCIETY ACQUIRES DRAYSONIA."

Editorial: "CIRCUS DAY IS OVER" by Tiffany Thayer

Tiffany Thayer, in his editorial, criticizes the prevailing international hostility, labeling it the "most ghastly fraud ever perpetrated in history." He argues that the news consumed daily is not genuine news but orchestrated releases designed to manipulate the public. Thayer contends that politicians and bankers worldwide have orchestrated this "gigantic hoax" to extract wealth and control from their populations, likening radio news broadcasts to a daily dose of "unadulterated poison." He asserts that the current state of "freedom" is a facade, with citizens left with only the choice of obedience or suicide. Thayer attributes this condition to the desire of the ruling class to preserve "tottering, rotten institutions" that mankind had begun to undermine. He also touches upon the "crime" of "Authority" being used as a bludgeon, citing the example of Edward VIII's abdication, which he suggests was not solely for love of a woman but potentially to avoid participating in a planned "repetition of 1914-1918."

The Drayson Problem

The magazine dedicates a significant portion to "The Drayson Problem," an astronomical anomaly that has challenged orthodox astronomy since 1859. This problem was first brought to light by an anonymous student of Major-General Alfred Wilks Drayson. The Fortean Society has become the custodian of the literary and documentary remains of Alfred H. Barley, who was a key proponent of Drayson's work. The society pledges to continue this work by bringing the fault in astronomical calculations to the attention of younger astronomers. Several books related to the Drayson Problem are listed for purchase from the Fortean Society, including "DRAYSONIA" by Admiral Sir Algernon F. R. de Horsey, "WARMER WINTERS and the Earth's Tilt Fully Explained" and "THE ICE AGE: ITS DATE, DURATION, AND ASTRONOMICAL CAUSE" by Major R. A. Marriott and others.

Admiral de Horsey's preface to "Draysonia" is included, praising Drayson as a remarkable discoverer and detailing his scientific contributions, particularly regarding the motion of the pole and the precession of the equinox. De Horsey laments the lack of public recognition for Drayson's work and the unreasoning opposition he faced.

Major R. A. Marriott is highlighted for applying Drayson's work to dating the Ice Age. The inset on "THE GLACIAL EPOCH" notes that while not endorsing all views, it respects Dr. W. Allen Sturge, a founder of the society, who favored Drayson's contention as a "WORKING HYPOTHESIS." The text explains that geologists had struggled with the Ice Age question until Drayson's work was revivified by independent research, corroborating deductions from archaeology and ancient monuments.

Alfred Henry Barley

A biographical sketch of Alfred Henry Barley (1872-1940) is presented. Barley was a fervent adherent of Drayson's cause, initially seeking to refute it but becoming a strong supporter. He had a diverse background, including studies in music and pharmacy, and was associated with the Theosophical Society. Barley discovered the Drayson Problem through his astrological work. He married Annie Lewton, and together they pursued Theosophical studies. Barley was also an associate of the astrologer Alan Leo and an editor for "Modern Astrology Magazine." He died suddenly in Everett, Washington, in May 1940, having been a member of the Fortean Society since 1937.

"FORT ON THE AIR"

This section features a quote from Joseph T. Shipley's review of "The Books of Charles Fort" on WEVD, New York. Shipley questions commonly accepted scientific facts, such as the Earth revolving around the sun and its shape, and discusses the concept of "damned" facts – those unexplained by science that are excluded from polite society. He describes Charles Fort's work as a "devastating column" against entrenched scientists, highlighting Fort's favorites: showers of strange objects from the sky, fish, frogs, icicles, and rain of blood. Fort's method is described as sarcastically explaining away scientific explanations. Shipley notes Fort's criticism of "witch-craft in science," citing quantum theory and the sun's energy source as examples of nonsensical ideas that are more absurd than Fort's own protests. He also mentions the discovery of Neptune and the conflicting predictions by astronomers, suggesting a "gossip game" where wrong guesses are forgotten and right ones are celebrated.

"HOW LONG IS A DEGREE?"

This section presents a historical account of attempts to determine the true figure and dimensions of the Earth, quoting from Benjamin Martin's "A New and Comprehensive System of Philology" (1764). It details early measurements of degrees of latitude by Snell, Norwood, Ricciolus, Picard, Cassini, and Muschenbroek, noting discrepancies and the eventual conclusion that the Earth is a spheroid, not a perfect globe. The text explains how measurements at the Equator and the Arctic Circle were used to determine the ratio between the Earth's equatorial diameter and its polar axis, concluding that the Earth's shape is nearly a spheroid.

John Cowper Powys on Charles Fort

John Cowper Powys, author of "Wolf Solent" and other works, shares his thoughts on Charles Fort's "Book of the Damned." Powys praises Fort's "curious genius" and his ability to expose the "herd-dogmas of science." He believes Fort's book liberates the mind from scientific idolatry and encourages independent thinking. Powys finds Fort's work "extraordinary" and "shocking" to minds enslaved by the "Dominant" or pseudo-scientific codes, offering a "wonderful liberation." He compares the book's effect to a "mental keel-hauling" that helps one think for oneself. Powys admires Fort's laconic humor and sardonic implications, which create an "awe in the mind" and a "disconcerting shudder." He hopes Fort will continue his work, finding it "wonderfully good for the human intelligence."

David G. Markham Reports

This section compiles newspaper clippings from late 1933 and early 1934 concerning mysterious aerial phenomena. Reports from Stockholm detail Swedish army aviators being ordered to chase a mysterious airplane over Lapland, believed to be a smuggler. Further reports from Stockholm and Helsingfors describe "ghost" airplanes sighted over Northern Finland, Sweden, and Norway, causing apprehension and leading to large-scale reconnaissance. These flights are speculated to be test flights for Arctic icebreakers or part of a scheme to explore aviation possibilities for future war. One report mentions a mysterious airplane over London. A separate incident from New York City describes an airplane heard but not seen wandering blindly above Park Avenue and Harlem during a snowstorm, with efforts made to guide the pilot via radio. The section concludes with a report on a fruitless search for a crashed blimp in West Virginia.

Other Contributions and Society Information

The issue also includes brief testimonials from notable figures like Alexander Woollcott, Booth Tarkington, Ben Hecht, and Tiffany Thayer, all praising Charles Fort's books. A list of "Founders" of The Fortean Society is provided, including J. David Stern, Tiffany Thayer, Ben Hecht, Booth Tarkington, Aaron Sussman, Burton Rascoe, Alexander Woollcott, John Cowper Powys, and Harry Leon Wilson. Contact information for membership applications is also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critique of established science and "Authority," the promotion of Charles Fort's work as a means of intellectual liberation, and the investigation of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical of official narratives, particularly concerning international affairs and scientific dogma, advocating for independent thought and the acceptance of "damned" facts that fall outside conventional explanations. The magazine champions the pursuit of knowledge and challenges the status quo in both science and society.

Title: The Fortean
Issue Date: January, 1942
Volume: 12

This issue of The Fortean, a publication dedicated to anomalous phenomena and the work of Charles Fort, features a collection of reports on unexplained events, a review of Fort's collected works, and an in-depth look at a controversial navigation theory.

Reported Incidents and Phenomena

The magazine opens with reports of unusual aerial events. One account details a blimp accident near Point Pleasant, West Virginia, where witnesses claimed to see the blimp plunge to the ground in flames with occupants parachuting out. Despite these reports, no official missing blimp was registered. Another incident describes a trimotored airplane reportedly forced down in the woods near New Brunswick, New Jersey, though a subsequent search yielded no results, and all local aircraft were accounted for. A search was also conducted in the Folsom Swamp, New Jersey, for an aviator who allegedly fell by parachute, but no trace was found.

Minutes of the Fortean Society by Ben Hecht

This section features a review by Ben Hecht of "The Books of Charles Fort," a compilation of Fort's writings. Hecht praises Fort as a "master" who established three "great Fortean Laws": that man is a fool, his soul is a swamp in a derby hat, and his intellect is a foetus in a frock coat. Hecht argues that scientists often dismiss Fort's work as imbecilic to protect their own fields, but asserts that Fort's investigations into phenomena like "tiger children, leopard boys, red rains from the sky, meteors with writing on them, and mountains that moved themselves" were groundbreaking. He highlights Fort's meticulous collection of anomalous data from newspapers and magazines, and his efforts to prove these phenomena.

Earhart Echo and Navigation Theories

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the disappearance of Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan. Andrew W. Comrie, who holds a U.S. patent for a navigation system, claims that his method would have prevented their loss. He criticizes the current navigation system, stating it is impractical for high speeds and that its underlying theories are flawed, leading to potential "murderers from choice" among navigators. Comrie asserts that his system allows pilots to determine their position instantly without mechanical aids and can automatically show a new course. He provides details of a test conducted at sea on a yacht, which he claims validated his method. Comrie also suggests that the official estimates of Earhart's flight path and fuel consumption are inconsistent with geographical and radio signal data, implying foul play or gross incompetence.

More Notes of Charles Fort

This section comprises a chronological log of unusual events, primarily from the 19th century, drawing from various sources. Entries include:

• 1811: Reports of squirrels moving en masse and a severe earthquake in New Madrid, Missouri, causing widespread destruction and fissures.
• 1819-1821: Numerous entries detailing earthquakes, meteoric showers, fireballs, volcanic activity (Vesuvius, Etna, Kamtschatken), and unusual atmospheric phenomena such as colored rain, dark skies, and luminous spots on the moon.
• Specific Incidents:
• A report of a girl, Elizabeth Barnes, accused of setting fire to clothing through "extraordinary means."
• A "stone barrage" in Philadelphia where stones fell from the sky.
• An unidentified creature found near Vancouver.
• A "shower of stones" falling in Italy.
• A "concussion column of fire" passing over a village in Italy.
• A "poltergeist" bombardment of a house in Truro, England, with stones from an unknown source.
• Reports of aerolites and meteors in various locations across Europe and the Americas.
• Unusual phenomena in the sky, including luminous objects and a "comet" that looked like a small comet on the moon.
• Reports of "Will-o-the-wisp" and a cloud of dragonflies darkening the sky.
• Metallic nuclei found in nails in Ireland.
• A meteoric stone weighing 108 pounds found in France.
• A large aerolite weighing 220 pounds found in France.
• Hailstones with nuclei composed of ferrocyanide of potassium.

Books for Fortean

This section provides a recommended reading list for Fortean enthusiasts, including "The Books of Charles Fort," "Henry IV (a play)," "Autobiography" by Lincoln Steffans, and "Man's Own Show: Civilization" by George A. Dorsey. It also mentions "The Pamphleteer Monthly" as a guide to current pamphlets and lists several specific books related to Fortean topics, such as "DRAYSONIA," "WARMER WINTERS," and "THE DRAYSON PROBLEM."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are unexplained aerial phenomena, the legacy and philosophy of Charles Fort, and critiques of established scientific and navigational practices. The editorial stance, as implied by the content and the "More Notes of Charles Fort" section, is one of skepticism towards conventional explanations and an embrace of the anomalous and inexplicable. The publication champions the idea that many phenomena are overlooked or dismissed by mainstream science, and it actively seeks to document and explore these "exceptions."