GEPO No 24 - OVNI & Cie - GEPO Informations - No 24 - sept - dec 1981

Magazine Overview

This issue, OVNI & COMPAGNIE GEPO INFORMATIONS N°24, published for September, October, November, and December 1981, is the bulletin of the G.E.P.O. (Groupe d'Etude du Phénomène O.V.N.I. - Ufology Study Group), specifically its local Ufology section. The secretariat is located at 42470 Saint Symphorien de Lay, France, with a telephone number of (77)64.72.51. The publication was officially declared on June 4, 1980, with legal deposits made at the Bibliothèque Nationale de Paris, Bibliothèque Municipale de Lyon, Prefecture de la Loire, Mairie de Saint Symphorien de Lay, and Prefecture de la Loire. The bulletin is distributed exclusively free of charge in a limited print run to other ufological groups, associations, and members. The editorial stance is that pages are open to all, but each article or document published engages only its author, with the editorial staff disclaiming responsibility for the content. Reproduction is permitted provided the source and references are clearly cited. The editors apologize for any typographical errors.

The Redactors & Responsibles are MM. DELILLE, ROCHER & JUILLE. The cover art is by Thierry Rocher (reproduction prohibited). The bulletin is edited in Paris and St Symphorien and printed and laid out in St Symphorien. The realization is voluntary, with the responsible parties covering the costs. The publication comprises two distinct parts: OVNI and COMPAGNIE, covering mysteries, parapsychology, astronomy, science fiction, cinema, etc. Starting in January 1982, the publication will revert to a quarterly rhythm, with four issues per year.

Articles and Content

Critique: LE GRAND REVEIL (R.JUILLE)

This section reviews a book titled "Ne résistez pas aux extra-terrestres!" by Roger-Luc Mary, which is based on the testimony of Mr. Dewilde. The review focuses on two specific cases attributed to Mr. Dewilde:

• September 10, 1954, Quarouble (North of France): A dog barks, and a man observes humanoids and their craft near a railway track. The humanoids flee in their craft.
• October 10, 1954, same location: A child alerts his father to a lenticular craft on the railway track. One of the five humanoids present invites the man and his son into the craft. Shortly after, they disembark, and the craft flies away.

The review notes that this case is among the most famous in ufology. The book, written by Roger-Luc Mary, is presented as a rewrite of Mr. Dewilde's manuscript. The reviewer expresses skepticism about certain claims made in the book, particularly regarding an object allegedly taken by the army from Dewilde's property and a mysterious object found behind the patient's ear during a hospital stay, which Dewilde claims allowed extraterrestrials to manipulate him remotely. The reviewer questions Dewilde's motives for providing details 26 years later and doubts the seriousness of the claims, suggesting there might be nothing substantial behind them.

Enquête: A UFO Sighting from 1956

This section presents a summary of a UFO observation from August 1956, reported by a witness identified as Mr. A., who was 20 years old at the time and doing his military service in Mailly (Aube), France.

• August 1956, 18:00-18:30: Mr. A. and fifty other soldiers were resting after strenuous maneuvers when they heard a loud humming sound. Initially thought to be a tank, the sound attracted their attention. Upon investigation, they found no tanks but observed a saucer-shaped craft hovering over a nearby wood. The craft was described as a large, red-mat disc topped with a dome adorned with three or four gold-colored portholes. Its diameter was estimated to be about ten meters. The craft hovered at approximately fifty meters altitude and moved at a speed comparable to a small touring plane. It flew over the group of stunned soldiers and continued towards the horizon. Mr. A. stated that the craft was close enough that anyone in the windows would have been visible. As it reached the visual horizon, the saucer suddenly tilted and descended behind the hills.

Complementary Notes: At the time, the witness knew little about the UFO phenomenon or ufology. He noticed a slight smoke when the craft flew over the wood but could not determine if it came from the saucer or a campfire. No report was made to superiors. The hypothesis of a hoax is considered unlikely. The witness is described as having healing gifts, sometimes clairvoyance, and successfully practices radiesthesia and astrology. Over 25 years later, he often has strange dreams that seem related to these gifts.

OVNI, MYTHES, CONTES ET LEGENDES (T. ROCHER)

This extensive article explores the deep-seated connection between the UFO phenomenon and human mythology, folklore, and legends throughout history.

• The Pervasiveness of the UFO Phenomenon: The author notes that for nearly thirty years, the UFO phenomenon has preoccupied nations globally, suggesting it might be intrinsically linked to human existence and potentially a recurring event throughout millennia.
• Defining Myth, Tale, and Legend: The article clarifies the distinctions between these terms. A myth is a sacred, orally transmitted story about events at the origin of time, often considered a fabulous narrative at odds with rational discourse but increasingly recognized by historians of religion as reflecting moral, religious, social, or practical needs. A tale (conte) is a narrative of imaginary facts, often fabulous, written or recited for entertainment, which may feature invisible characters and explain certain aspects of the visible world (etiological tales). A legend is a popular narrative, often with historical basis, that embellishes the exploits of historical figures, making them seem extraordinary and almost unbelievable. Archeology has sometimes confirmed historical elements within legends.
• The Problem of Truth: The author acknowledges the difficulty in definitively proving the truth or falsity of these narratives, emphasizing the challenge of judging facts outside their original context.
• UFOs and Legends: The article posits that the UFO phenomenon might be present at the root of many legends, not necessarily proving all legends are UFO-related but suggesting a possible connection in some cases. Examples are given of peasant encounters in the Middle Ages that could be interpreted as UFO sightings, with witnesses describing phenomena like fairies and goblins.
• Analogies with UFO Phenomena: The author draws numerous parallels between elements in ancient myths and legends and reported UFO characteristics and behaviors:
• Propulsion Systems: Symbols like straight furrows, grains of barley, lentils, white pebbles, or aligned breadcrumbs in myths are compared to potential UFO propulsion methods. The multiplication of loaves by Jesus, or jets of rock by Melusine, are also mentioned.
• Movement and Displacement: The '50 Argonauts' and '100 Fleeces' becoming invisible, the fourteen stations of Jesus, seven-league boots, and the checkerboard pattern in chess are suggested as possible symbolic representations of UFO displacement (saccadic or disintegrating movements).
• Anti-Gravitational Aspects: The 'anti-gravitational lassos' of some UFO occupants are compared to the sirens in mythology. Transparent occupants in legends (Apectiens, Celtic fairies) are likened to invisible UFOs or fields of invisibility used by UFOs.
• Complex Trajectories: The myth of Sisyphus, constantly rolling a boulder uphill, and the myth of Tantalus, unable to reach his goal, are presented as possible analogies for the complex and broken trajectories of UFOs, perhaps symbolizing a mobile that never follows the same path.
• Physical Effects on Witnesses: Legends of witnesses losing hair or dying after an encounter (e.g., Argonaut Mopsos bitten by a serpent, Heracles losing hair after being in a monster's belly) are compared to reports of witnesses experiencing hair loss or other physical effects after UFO sightings.
• Symmetry and Magnetic Fields: The symmetry of magnetic fields used by UFOs is linked to representations like the fleur-de-lis, the number eight, card symbols (hearts, spades, diamonds, clubs), blazons, and twin figures. The behavior of bees, spiders, and ancient sacred animals are also cited for their eight-legged or eight-part symmetry.
• Colors: The colors mentioned in legends (black, red, white, gold, green) are questioned for their potential link to UFOs, as well as the colors associated with Venus, Mars, and mythical creatures.
• Time Distortion and Immortality: Legends of heroes experiencing temporal distortions or beings becoming immortal are seen as potential indicators related to UFO displacement and temporal relativity.
• Cosmic Journeys and Vessels: The story of Parzival's vermilion armor, the carbuncle stone, and the concept of a cosmic liquid in which planets float are discussed in relation to UFOs. The Argo ship's ability to become light and hover is compared to UFO capabilities. The reasoning, pilotless ships of the Phaeacians in the Odyssey are also mentioned.
• Symbolic Representations: The Siamese alphabet and its letters are noted for their potential connection to complex and broken UFO trajectories. French crowns with red and green gems are linked to UFOs with red and green lights.

• Conclusion on Myths and UFOs: The author concludes that many ancient facts appear strangely related to UFO manifestations. While it's difficult to definitively link these to the phenomenon, it's interesting to note that some ancient cults might have originated from UFO-related experiences, and that UFO activities might have been transformed symbolically by ancient peoples, making them difficult to decipher later.

The UFO Phenomenon and Human History

This section, attributed to Thierry Rocher, summarizes the pervasive nature of the UFO phenomenon throughout history.

• Historical Presence: The author states that the UFO phenomenon, whether intentionally or not, has been less discreet and more frequently manifested throughout the centuries. It raises the question of whether it is intrinsically involved in human history.
• Revelatory Examples: The examples cited in the preceding pages, though potentially exaggerated, are presented as facts. While not tangible proof, they are considered highly revelatory.

Principal Source: LA MEMOIRE DES OVNI by Jean BASTIDE (scrivein-ufologue), published by Editions MERCURE DE FRANCE.
Annex: Encyclopédie ALPHA (ed; Grange Batelière).

The Ufological Press

This section provides a directory of other ufological publications and organizations:

• UFO INFORMATIONS N°31 SPECIAL (AAMT): Features an article on "Numerous bizarre phenomena in a Colorado ranch" by J. Derr and R. Sprinkle, with a French translation by Jean Sider.
• Association des Amis de Marc Thirouin: Contact information provided for Mr. Dorier in Saint Donat.
• UFOLOGIA Nº26 (CFRU): Reports on a close encounter of the 3rd kind in New Zealand, with information from France and the World (press clippings). Contact for the Cercle Français de Recherche Ufologique.
• UFO BULLETIN NOA (SLUB): Discusses the relationship between parapsychology and ufology and hypotheses on the functioning of flying saucers. Contact for the Section Locale d'Ufologie de Buis les Baronnies.
• OVNI-INFO NOS (PALMOS): Covers the Romeo Charlie case and the question of how UFOs move. Contact for PALMOS in Montpellier.
• L'INSOLITE NOII (LES AMATEURS D'INSOLITE): Articles on "Magouille, etrange magouille" and aerostats of the past, including the P.K. effect. Contact for Les Amateurs d'Insolite in Macon.
• RECHERCHES UFOLOGIQUES N°12 (GNEDUNT): A regional information bulletin (quarterly). Contact for GNEOVNI in Lestrem.
• VAUCLUSE UFOLOGIE N°21 (GREPO): Continues a catalog of regional observations. Contact for GREPO in Lyon.
• Bulletin du GRIPHOM Ier Trimestre 1981: Contact for GRIPHOM in Marseille.
• Bulletin de l'AESV N°IS-16 (AESV): Reports from Montluçon 1980, CECRU, ASCRU, PICUFOR, BUFORA, the Hélène Guiliana affair, and an interview with A. Ribera. Contact for AESV in Vevey, Switzerland.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent nature of the UFO phenomenon throughout history, its potential connection to ancient myths and legends, and the detailed examination of specific UFO sightings and alleged contactee experiences. The editorial stance, as stated in the introductory pages, is to provide a platform for open discussion, with individual authors responsible for their content, while maintaining a critical yet open-minded approach to the subject matter. The publication emphasizes the importance of citing sources and encourages the sharing of information within the ufological community. There is a clear effort to bridge the gap between historical accounts and modern UFO reports, suggesting that the phenomenon may be a long-standing aspect of human experience.

This issue of LE GEPAN AU BOURGET focuses on the activities and findings of the GEPAN (Groupe d'Etude des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non Identifiés) organization. The magazine details their presence at the CNES building, their investigative methods, and specific case studies. The publication date is noted as June 14, 1981, with the issue being the 9th volume, number 9.

GEPAN's Role and Methodology

The GEPAN stand at Le Bourget attracted significant public interest. The organization employs several permanent staff and collaborates with scientists. Their primary source of information comes from gendarmeries, which provide copies of official reports, and from eyewitness accounts via telephone.

GEPAN's investigative process involves classifying phenomena. Currently, 22% of reported phenomena fall into category 'D', meaning they cannot be identified by experts despite detailed reports. The organization is also exploring the role of psychology in perception and the semantic challenges in witness descriptions. They are developing a simulator, SIMOUNI, to help witnesses reconstruct observations by overlaying images onto observed landscapes.

A subtle relationship between the phenomenon and the observer has been noted. GEPAN has equipped half of the gendarmeries (2000) with light diffraction grids. As of June 14, 1981, only three photos had been received, all showing the planet Venus. GEPAN has requested photos of UAP taken at close range.

Key Findings and Conclusions

Based on work since 1977, GEPAN has concluded that some "non-identified" phenomena are not immediately reducible to classical physical or psychological schemas. There is a strong presumption that these phenomena have a physical component. The observation of unidentified phenomena does not depend on the presumed 'competence' of the witnesses, who come from all population categories.

Statistical studies by Claude Fonar suggest that the descriptions of unidentified phenomena align with classical perception rules. While this doesn't confirm a physical nature, it necessitates further investigation within that hypothesis. GEPAN's investigations since 1977, based on generally independent witnesses with coherent and credible testimonies, demand confirmation through further inquiries.

To advance understanding, GEPAN is initiating a new phase of studies focusing on physical sciences (data improvement, analysis of observations) and human sciences (perception, memory, and semantics).

Ufological Activity and GEPAN's Work

The ufological scene has been relatively calm since the beginning of the year, but GEPAN is working on several interesting cases described as 'few but of very high quality'.

Case Study: Corsica - A UAP Base?

The issue features a review of Jean-Pierre Chambraud's book, "La Corse, base d'OVNI" (Corsica, UAP Base). Chambraud, known for his work on the paranormal and hypnosis, presents an adventure in Corsica that aims to make the reader doubt and question their perception of reality. The book is described as more of a novel than a factual report, though it is praised for its narrative quality and its exploration of the 'other'.

Chambraud's research in Corsica involved hypnosis to gather information from a contactee who claimed to have observed UAP and encountered luminous beings. The contactee described these beings as highly perfected biological robots. The book suggests that the subject was likely manipulated remotely during hypnotic sessions, leading to potentially distorted information. Chambraud posits that UAP phenomena manipulate humans before, during, and after encounters.

The investigation in Corsica, starting in the winter of 1976, involved observations and hypnotic sessions. The contactee described a base invisible to humans, possibly in another dimension. The lack of physical evidence, such as footprints or clear photographs, is a recurring issue. The book questions whether Corsica's megalithic sites and telluric/magnetic properties play a role in UAP activity.

Chambraud's contactee claims to maintain contact through a mental code. The article questions the validity of such encounters if they modify both the human and the 'other'. The use of hypnosis is presented as a double-edged sword, capable of providing new elements but also potentially distorting reality.

Information and Reports

An article from OUEST-FRANCE dated May 18, 1981, reports on a European coordination committee for geological research, where 90 European specialists met near Saint-Etienne to discuss UAP. This meeting led to the foundation of a French Ufology Federation.

Another section discusses a historical UAP wave in the 16th century, referencing observations by Simon Goulart, a Protestant pastor who documented 'admirable and memorable facts' across Europe.

A report from Billy-sur-Cisy details daily appearances of a luminous object in the sky during February 1981. Gendarmes photographed the phenomenon and sent the equipment to GEPAN. The village's imagination ran wild with various hypotheses, but initial investigations suggested it was neither an airplane nor a weather balloon, possibly a satellite.

Case Study: Saint-Symphorien de Lay (Loire)

On November 25, 1980, two witnesses observed a luminous phenomenon in the sky at Saint-Symphorien de Lay. Described as a 'segment suspended in the air' or a 'neon tube', it was noted for its luminosity and immobility. One witness observed it intermittently due to obstructions, while the other saw it more clearly. The phenomenon appeared to rotate or diminish before disappearing instantly. It reappeared briefly, thinner and more luminous, before vanishing again.

Complementary notes suggest the phenomenon might have been present before being observed and appeared 'matte rather than brilliant'. One witness suggested it could be a reflection of the sun. Information regarding the sun's position and meteorological conditions was provided. A regular flight from Roanne to Paris occurred during the observation period, but its timing and direction did not match the observed phenomenon. Satellite passes were also considered but did not align.

Witnesses included Mr(I), President of the local association "Les Chemins du Passé," interested in regional history and the paranormal, and Mr(2), a postal worker with an interest in UAP and science fiction. Mr(2) had a previous strange observation in 1956 of a red-orange ball descending into a forest.

The conclusion for this case is that it remains an unidentified phenomenon, with possibilities including optical illusions, solar phenomena, weather balloons, airplanes, or satellites.

CECRU 9th Session: 'Nous y étions'

The issue concludes with a report on the CECRU 9th session held on May 9, 1981, near Saint-Etienne. GEPAN participated, meeting various ufological groups. The session was described as positive, allowing for encounters with like-minded individuals and fostering a sense of belonging.

Key discussions during the session included 'veillée-détection' (detection vigils) and 'contactés' (contactees).

Detection Commission

Significant work is needed to achieve effective UAP detection. Recommendations include intensifying the recensement of physical phenomena that could trigger or interfere with detectors, improving detector calibration to be insensitive to common interference but sensitive to UAP, and acknowledging regional parameter differences that complicate calibration. The commission aims to develop mobile detectors and a regional/inter-regional network.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of unidentified aerospace phenomena (UAP), the challenges of witness testimony, the role of psychology and hypnosis in understanding perception, and the development of detection technologies. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation, acknowledging the complexities and limitations of current knowledge, and advocating for continued research and data collection. There is a clear emphasis on scientific methodology, even when dealing with phenomena that defy easy explanation. The publication also highlights the collaborative nature of ufological research through GEPAN's involvement with other groups and organizations.

This issue of "LA MEMOIRE DES OVNI" (The Memory of UFOs), identified as issue N°124 and volume Vol.12, dated July-August 1981, published by Mercure de France, focuses on "CRASHS D'OVNIS : VERS UNE EXPLICATION" (UFO Crashes: Towards an Explanation). The price is 18 francs.

Investigations and Case Studies

The issue delves into several significant UFO cases and investigations. A prominent section discusses the 1948 crash near Laredo, Mexico, where a flying object allegedly crashed, and a mutilated humanoid creature was found. Initially, extensive photographic evidence was gathered. However, later analysis, including by GSW (Ground Saucer Watch), suggested the remains might have been from an experimental rhesus monkey, though discrepancies in size compared to the recovered body raised questions. The article highlights the difficulty in definitively concluding the nature of the crash, weighing military experimentation against extraterrestrial hypotheses.

Another key case examined is the 1964 Socorro incident in New Mexico, USA. The CIA declassified a document stating that the US Air Force was "puzzled" by this case, considering it the "best-documented case on record." The document emphasizes the honesty and credibility of the witness, Lonnie Zamora, a police officer, and the thoroughness of the investigation, which failed to identify the vehicle or stimulus that caused Zamora's alarm.

Witness accounts from France are also featured. A soldier, identified as D.C., reported a silent, orange, oval-shaped object with luminous debris on Christmas night 1980 near Joigny, Yonne. The observation lasted a few minutes, and the object moved in a curve before disappearing. Another witness, a second-in-command officer, corroborated the sighting.

The issue also revisits the case of Rose C. (also known as Roméo Charlie), who claims to have had contact with a normal man and two 2.50m tall beings in 1952. She has written a book with Jimmy Guieu detailing her experiences. Her claims include receiving images and explanations, and she provided a method for contacting extraterrestrials involving a specific geometric pattern.

Ufological Methodology and Organization

The magazine discusses the practical challenges of organizing UFO vigils (veillées), including logistics, timing, and the importance of detailed reporting, even when no phenomena are observed. It emphasizes the need for coordination between different ufological groups, suggesting the CECRU could play a role in this.

The publication also lists various ufological groups and their publications, such as ADRUP, CEMOCPI, CLLDLN, PALMOS, SLUB, SVEPS, VERONICA, GEPO, GNEOVNI, CFRU, and CAUS. It highlights the work of organizations like CUN (Centro Ufologico Nazionale) in Italy, which seeks information on specific sightings and publishes bulletins.

Critiques and Debates

There is a section dedicated to "COURRIER" (Correspondence) and "TRIBUNE LIBRE" (Open Forum), featuring critical letters. One letter from a colleague criticizes the illustrations in the "LA MEMOIRE DES OVNI" dossiers by Mr. JC Beurret and Mr. Patrick Claeys, arguing that the drawings of beings and objects do not accurately reflect the descriptions from original reports, particularly concerning the Cussac case. The author expresses indignation at what they perceive as a "parody of ufology" and a lack of honest information being provided to the public.

Another letter discusses the "imposture" in ufology, noting that some physicists use inconsistencies to discredit ufologists, claiming they "tell anything." The author acknowledges the existence of impostors but stresses the difficulty in identifying them due to the complex nature of the phenomenon.

UFO Press Review

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to reviewing ufological publications from various countries, including France, Italy, Canada, and the UK. These reviews provide brief summaries of the content, contact information for the publishers, and sometimes editorial comments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO crashes, the nature of alleged extraterrestrial encounters, the challenges of ufological research, and the critical examination of evidence and reporting within the ufological community. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous investigation, acknowledging both the potential for genuine phenomena and the prevalence of misidentifications, hoaxes, and psychological factors. There is a clear emphasis on presenting detailed case studies and fostering critical discussion among researchers and the public.

This issue of 'ASTRONOMIE' magazine, identified as issue number 3 and dated April 1981, presents a diverse range of articles covering astronomy, ufology, historical interpretations, and science fiction. The cover features a simple, bold orange design with the text ".....et compagnie".

Astronomy: Spiral Galaxies

The magazine begins with an in-depth exploration of spiral galaxies. It highlights the challenges in observing our own galaxy, the Milky Way, due to its structure and dust obscuration, necessitating the study of external galaxies. While optical observations are primary, radio astronomy, infrared, X-rays, and gamma rays provide complementary data, less affected by interstellar dust. The article explains that the spiral structure of galaxies is thought to be inspired by the theory of density waves, which are gravitational instabilities that cause matter to concentrate, forming the characteristic arms. These arms are regions of star formation. The text also touches upon the difficulty of observing galactic centers and the position of our solar system within the galaxy.

Nostradamus: Interpretation vs. Prophecy

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to analyzing the prophecies of Nostradamus. The article scrutinizes the interpretation of a specific quatrain, "Roman Pontiff," and discusses the varied meanings attributed to phrases like "the city watered by two rivers" and "when the rose will bloom again." It questions the methodology and validity of historical rapprochements made by "specialists," suggesting that many interpretations are subjective and driven by mystical or speculative motives rather than concrete evidence. The author posits that the "specialists" often impose their own ideas onto the prophecies, leading to a "pure interpretation" rather than a direct reflection of events.

Press Information (Presse-Info)

This section provides brief news items:

• The Dogon Star: It recounts ethnologist Marcel Griaule's research among the Dogon people of Mali, who possess ancient knowledge about the star Sirius (Sirius B) that predates its modern discovery.
• OVNI Soit! Mal y Fait: Colonel James Irwin, an Apollo XV pilot, expresses skepticism about UFOs, stating he doesn't believe in them unless they are piloted craft, and questions their origin.
• Meteorite Dating: Geologist Gerald We suggests that meteorites can be dated using a technique involving the decay of aluminum-26, a method that provides a more precise age than previous techniques.
• Gandhar vs. The Machined Men: This is a brief mention of a French animated film directed by René Laloux, based on a novel, scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of 1983.
• Safari Dinosaurs: A note about an expedition in the Congo to search for evidence of a prehistoric aquatic creature known as the "Mokele-Mbembe."
• Contact Information: A new address for the CEMOCPI in Saint-Etienne is provided.

Book Review: The Man Who Shrank

The magazine features an excerpt and review of Richard Matheson's novel "The Man Who Shrank" (translated by Ed. Deroel). The excerpt describes the protagonist Scott Carey's harrowing experience of shrinking to a microscopic size, his struggle for survival in a cave, and his eventual adaptation to a new, microscopic universe. The review highlights the hallucinatory nature of the story and mentions that a film adaptation was made.

New Dirigibles

This section reviews an article from the magazine "Çà m'intéresse" about new dirigible designs. It highlights two concepts:

• EW SKYEMEN: A lenticular dirigible designed by the French firm SEAB, capable of lifting 300 tons and operating without communication means.
• THERMO WAYSHR100 (Skyship): A British-designed, saucer-like dirigible using helium, capable of carrying 100 passengers at 160 km/h at an altitude of 600m. It is planned to fly between London and Paris.

The article notes that these dirigibles, due to their unusual shapes, could be misinterpreted as UFOs.

Science Fiction: Book Review

For science fiction enthusiasts, the issue recommends Ian Watson's book "The Visitors of the Miracle." It notes that Bertrand Méheust, in his book "Science Fiction and Flying Saucers," had previously observed that no sci-fi author had imagined the theme of UFOs as a central plot. This new book by Watson, which builds on Méheust's work, is presented as filling that gap.

Hors-Circuit: Evolution or Degeneration?

This philosophical essay, addressed to "Dominique," discusses the human tendency to seek the gradual suppression of physical effort throughout history. The author argues that this pursuit, initially for comfort and progress, has become detrimental, leading to a society reliant on "pills" for every emotional or physical need. The essay criticizes the modern reliance on tranquilizers, stimulants, and aphrodisiacs, suggesting that this abdication of effort leads to a loss of vitality and could ultimately cause societal collapse. It presents a hypothetical range of "pills" for various states, including a "Thanatine" for death, symbolizing the ultimate escape from effort.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, speculation, and the unexplained. There's a clear interest in astronomical phenomena, particularly galaxies, and a fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial life or advanced technology, as evidenced by the UFO and dirigible articles. The inclusion of Nostradamus interpretations suggests an openness to exploring historical mysteries and alternative explanations, while also maintaining a critical stance on unsubstantiated claims. The philosophical piece on human evolution and degeneration reflects a broader concern with societal trends and the potential consequences of technological advancement and a decline in personal effort. The editorial stance appears to be one of intellectual curiosity, encouraging readers to question, analyze, and consider diverse perspectives, from hard science to speculative fiction and historical enigmas.