Fortean Society Magazine - No 09

Magazine Overview

This issue of THE FORTEAN SOCIETY MAGAZINE, identified as "SPRING" and "The Year 14 F.S. #9", priced at 25¢, was scanned by Bob Rickard in September 2018. The magazine is edited by Tiffany Thayer, Secretary of the Central Society, located at Box 192, Grand, New York City.

Society Adopts 13-Month Calendar

The lead article announces the Fortean Society's adoption of the 13-month calendar, following the example of commercial institutions. The society criticizes the delay by international bodies like the League of Nations and the United Nations in implementing calendar reform. The issue includes the "Fortean Calendar for the year 14 F.S. (1944 old-style)", which reconciles the old and new calendars with "Fortean touches". The author expresses a desire to move away from "moss-grown folly" and embrace a new era of mental freedom.

Forteana from Eric Frank Russell

This section presents a collection of unusual occurrences and observations compiled by Eric Frank Russell. It includes reports of a hopping marsupial mouse found in New South Wales, believed extinct; the mysterious disappearance of three lighthouse keepers from the Flannan rocks; a comet visible in Transylvania with unusual characteristics; the birth of a mule foal; red rain in Italy; a housebreaking suspect challenging fingerprint identification; a story about identical fingerprints; a quake in Central Anatolia accompanied by subterranean roaring; and a report on surgeons growing new nerves.

Medical and Scientific Notes

Further notes discuss a "modern miracle" of growing new nerves, with a cautious recommendation to wait for cures for cancer and the effects of sulpha drugs. The article mentions "patulin" from mould as a potential cold cure and a "demonstration model" of a machine that "WORKS, but it is not licensed," possibly related to perpetual motion. It also notes the Royal Astronomical Society awarding a gold medal to Dr. H. Spencer Jones for determining the solar parallax, with a distance of 93,005,000 miles.

A large "fish" or sea-serpent, 23 yards long and weighing over 11½ tons, washed ashore near Alexandretta, Syria.

New Life Member

Mrs. Augusta Stetter of Detroit, Michigan, has become a Life Member of the Society and donated 37 volumes from her late brother Edward Peters' library. The books are largely mystical or on comparative religions. The society welcomes her and praises her continued search for truth.

The Drayson Problem

Attention is drawn to the efforts to make the "Drayson Problem" available to students. The Society has attempted to locate books by Alfred Wilks Drayson in libraries and observatories, with limited success. Institutions that accepted offers for new copies are mentioned.

Houses Missing

An account from Brother Giles reports several instances of houses disappearing in Denver, Colorado, and Kansas City, Missouri, prompting a call for Forteans in those locations to write in.

Blish on Herrera

James Blish contributes a piece discussing the work of A. L. Herrera on plasmogenesis, the origin of life from simple chemicals. Herrera's approach is described as "cutting corners" by focusing on duplicating life characteristics rather than complex chemical synthesis. His experiments produced microscopic cellules called "colpoids" and other life-like structures, challenging the definition of life and suggesting that protoplasm may have started from simpler substances, possibly in volcanic pools.

Stop That Lie-Detector

This section strongly condemns "lie-detector" machines, questioning their availability and authority. The Society is addressing an open letter to State Bar Associations urging lawyers to dissuade clients from submitting to these tests. The article praises Judge Franklin Taylor and Judge Peter J. Brancato for scoffing at such evidence and notes that medical professionals are denouncing its use. It mentions a Toledo murder case where the machine was fooled and a Fordham University-supervised test in a "rape" case where the prisoner was freed based on the machine's results, contrasting it with another case where a guilty verdict was upheld.

Killer Dogs

Reports from England and the Niagara River area describe the slaughter of sheep and lambs attributed to "killer dogs" or "wild dogs", though the exact nature of the culprits is not definitively revealed.

Fort Inspiration

Arthur Louis Joquel II has founded "The Society for the Investigation of Unusual Phenomena" and published its first issue, "Coventry", which includes a piece on Fort and data on Donnelly's Atlantis.

Conichies Publish

The Conscientious Objectors of Civilian Public Service Camp 37 issue a magazine called "Sage Opiñon", featuring work by W. L. Janney. The Fortean Society welcomes Conscientious Objectors.

"Why?"

A review of an anonymous box in the magazine "Why?" is presented, discussing embarrassing questions children ask about God and suggesting parents might be ashamed of telling lies.

Truth

A monthly magazine called "TRUTH-TELLER" from Battle Creek, Michigan, is recommended for its anti-vivisection, anti-vaccination stance and its coverage of medical abuses.

Russell Wins

Bertrand Russell has won a lawsuit against Dr. Albert C. Barnes for back pay.

The Truth About India

This lengthy section, continued from a previous publication, discusses the political situation in India, focusing on the role of the Indian States and the Chamber of Princes. It details the promises made to the Princes, the administration of their states, and their efforts to gain influence and publicity. The article critiques the "pomp" and "lavishness" of the Princes compared to the poverty of their subjects. It describes the formation of the Chamber of Princes in 1921, its functions, and the secrecy surrounding its early meetings. The text highlights the Princes' use of publicity organizations and their attempts to counter negative press. The Butler Enquiry Committee and its cost are discussed, along with the Princes' dissatisfaction with its superficiality. The article also mentions the Princes' Special Organisation and their efforts to control publicity, questioning the necessity of these elaborate efforts and suggesting hidden motives.

Speleols Print

A bulletin titled "Speleols Print" by Don Bloch, M.F.S., is mentioned, containing an index to known caves and a bibliography.

Fortean Prescribed

George Starr White, M.D., is cited for writing about mouldy bread as a source of "penicillin" for over sixty years.

Brooklyn Blast

A report of an unexplained loud report and vibration in Brooklyn is noted.

Catholic Blessing

A rumor about a Catholic priest blessing a gorilla and its mate is mentioned, with a query for confirmation.

Princess Caraboo

This section features illustrations and notes related to "Princess Caraboo," including a memorandum of Mary Baker's birth and a portrait. It references a story told by Charles Fort in "LO!" and an index to "The Books of Charles Fort." A manuscript note by Fort, with his free-hand copy of "letters" made by "Princess Caraboo," is also shown, referencing a previous issue of The Fortean Society Magazine.

XVI (Contributed)

This contributed section discusses the "Crehore atom," characterized by elementary electrical charges in close formation near the atomic center. It contrasts this with the Bohr theory, which posits electrons orbiting a nucleus. The article suggests that the Crehore atom, with its unique properties, is not necessarily invalidated by Bohr's theory and that modern atomic theorists' reliance on spectra might be too narrow.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently champions the Fortean approach, emphasizing the investigation of unexplained phenomena and challenging conventional scientific and societal norms. There is a strong critique of established authorities, including scientific institutions, government bodies, and the press, particularly when they are perceived as suppressing truth or perpetuating fallacies. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards official explanations and a call for independent inquiry. The adoption of the 13-month calendar and the critique of "lie-detectors" exemplify this theme of challenging the status quo. The extensive coverage of Indian politics reveals a critical perspective on power structures and propaganda. The scientific discussions, while exploring unconventional ideas like the Crehore atom, also reflect a desire to question established theories. The overall tone is one of intellectual independence and a commitment to exploring the unusual and the unexplained.

This issue of THE FORTEAN, dated Spring, 14 F. S. (likely 1944), is a publication of The Fortean Society. It features a blend of scientific discussion, commentary on social issues, and the continuation of Charles Fort's extensive catalog of anomalous phenomena.

Atomic Theory and the Crehore Atom

The lead article delves into atomic theory, specifically re-examining Dr. Bohr's formulae. It questions the established interpretation of the 'most stable steady state' of an atom, which has historically led to the visualization of a 'solar system type' atom based on an assumption of unity for a key integer in Bohr's formula. The author, referencing Dr. Crehore, proposes an alternative interpretation where the integer is zero, leading to a 'quiescent form' of atom. This new interpretation suggests that there is no orbit of an electron in the most stable state, and that the major axis of the elliptical orbit would be zero. This 'quiescent small atom' opens up new fields of thought and has already proven of practical value. The article argues that this interpretation is supported by the mathematical formulae expressing the frequencies of vibration in hydrogen spectra, which, when traced to their origin, indicate a zero frequency condition demanded by the quiescent atom. The author contends that the absence of fixed axes, a characteristic of modern atomic investigations stemming from the solar system model, is a loss, whereas the quiescent form of atom, with its fixed positions and at least one geometric axis, provides a better understanding of phenomena.

Dr. Crehore is credited with addressing objections to his atomic model squarely, using the same theories that were previously cited as barriers. The article suggests that admitting the possibility of error in the current interpretation of the Bohr theory and accepting that atoms may possess axes will lead to a more serious study of the Crehore atom and its applications.

Calendar Reform

A section titled "NOT THIS CALENDAR" critiques the proposed 'World' calendar by Elisabeth Achelis. The author dismisses her book as lacking significance and filled with platitudes. The article expresses suspicion that Achelis's calendar might be pushed through due to political lobbying. It argues that Achelis's calendar fails to address the primary need for calendar reform: months of equal length. The author also points out the inaccuracy of assuming a precise twenty-four-hour day and the compass pointing to magnetic North. The piece sarcastically praises Achelis's 'lucid reasoning' and her 'whirlwind finish' with quotes about Divine Providence and making life more beautiful. The article implicitly favors the 13-month calendar, as indicated by the later mention of the Fortean calendar and its widespread use.

Human Corks

This section presents two anecdotes related to individuals with unusual buoyancy. One is about Tom Lilley, aged 76, from Philadelphia, who claims to have developed the ability to float in water only in recent years. The other is about Angelo Faticoni, aged 72, from Jacksonville, Florida, who was known as the 'human cork'. Faticoni, who came from Italy, claimed to know how he achieved this ability and exhibited it with a cannonball attached to his feet, asserting that it required 'hard work and patience'.

We Take It Back

This short piece revisits a previous suggestion in the publication that astrologers should address the common cold, proposing it might originate in interplanetary space. The article notes that a Newsweek article from February 7, 1944, quotes Professor Louis Backman of Sweden's Upsala University, who suggested that influenza and other epidemics might be caused by germs from other planets, pushed to Earth by sunlight. The clip was sent in by Laurence Weller, MFS, and the story was also covered by Hearst Columnist de Casseres.

Sex and Army

This section calls attention to the work of Dr. Harry Benjamin, M.D., M.F.S., on the sex life of soldiers. Dr. Benjamin is described as a 'celebrated gland man' who attempts to retard the aging process.

Cowles Cleared

This brief note reports that Doc (Edward Spencer) Cowles, associated with the Body and Mind Foundation, has won a legal victory against charges brought by the medical establishment. Cowles had been a victim of persecution since his psychiatric practices exposed perceived fraud in psychoanalysis and standard treatments for mental cases. The Society offers congratulations.

More Notes of Charles Fort

This extensive section continues the cataloging of anomalous events, primarily from the 19th century, organized by date and location. It includes a vast array of phenomena such as:

• Meteors and Fireballs: Numerous entries detail sightings of meteors and fireballs across various locations in Europe and North America.
• Earthquakes: Reports of earthquakes from Jamaica, Spain, Bogota, Cuba, Innsbruck, Genoa, and other regions, often noting accompanying phenomena like heavy rain or detonations.
• Auroras: Sightings of auroras are recorded in England, Scotland, and North America.
• Unusual Weather Phenomena: This includes waterspouts, heavy rains, hailstones of unusual size, a fiery whirl at Carcassone that reportedly asphyxiated sheep, and a column of Vanessa in Switzerland.
• Geological Events: Reports of volcanic eruptions in Java and Kamtschatka, and unusual geological formations or occurrences like a ditch filled with fish.
• Astronomical Observations: Mentions of sunspots, comets, and planetary conjunctions (Mars, Venus).
• Other Anomalies: This category includes reports of a 'human cork' phenomenon, a 'dark day' in St. Laurence, a 'shower of stones', and unusual animal behavior like frog falls or migrations of painted ladies.

Each entry provides a date, location, and a brief description, often referencing sources like the *American Journal of Science*, *London Times*, *Gents Magazine*, and *Phil. Mag.*. The catalog is presented in a systematic, chronological format, continuing from previous issues.

Fortean Calendar

The issue includes a calendar for the year 14 F.S. (Fortean Society), which is presented alongside the standard Gregorian calendar. It also features information about the Fortean Calendar, its availability, and the growing use of the 13-month calendar, noting the passing of its inventor, Moses B. Cotsworth.

Next Issue Preview

A brief preview for the next issue mentions articles on "The Cosmic Constant of the Loncs, father and son" and "the NEW pi and other mathematical formulas EINSTEIN can't find."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of established scientific dogma (particularly in atomic physics), the promotion of alternative perspectives and overlooked phenomena, and the advocacy for calendar reform. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical of conventional scientific explanations, championing the work of Charles Fort and presenting evidence that challenges mainstream understanding. There is a strong emphasis on cataloging and presenting anomalous events without necessarily providing definitive explanations, encouraging readers to question and investigate. The publication also engages with social commentary, as seen in the critique of Achelis's calendar and the brief notes on Dr. Benjamin and Doc Cowles, suggesting a broader interest in challenging established norms across various domains.