IUSI - No 42 1982

Magazine Overview

This document is issue number 42 of "INTERN UFO-SVERIGE INFORMATION," published by the Swedish UFO organization, UFO-Sverige. It is distributed 8 times per year with a subscription cost of 40 Kronor. The editor is Bo Roslind, and the editorial address is Västmannavägen 2A, 734 00 Hallstahammar, Sweden. The publication covers a wide array of topics, blending ufology with other subjects such as medical phenomena, historical mysteries, and psychological studies.

Articles

Barnafödande Under Vatten (Childbirth Under Water)

This article reports on a new childbirth technique developed in the Soviet Union. It claims to offer a more relaxed and less painful delivery without the need for painkillers or surgical intervention. Photographs from a Moscow hospital show a mother and midwife in a warm water tank. The baby is born underwater and then brought to the surface for its first breath. This technique is the result of 20 years of research, aiming to mimic the conditions of the womb to ease the baby's transition into the world. The article is attributed to 'Gunne'.

Golfspelares Biorytmer (Golfers' Biorhythms)

The magazine "Golf" reported on a university student's thesis about biorhythms. The student compared the results of randomly selected professional golfers and found no correlation between biorhythms and success or failure. The thesis concluded that excellent, average, and poor performances can occur under any combination of biorhythms, and a 'triple peak' (physical, emotional, and intellectual) does not necessarily guarantee excellent results. This piece is credited to 'Tidskriften Golf' and 'Bosse'.

Operation Hjälper Inte Mot Förkylning (Operation Does Not Help Against Colds)

This article questions the long-held belief that removing the tonsils (the gland behind the nose) is a universal remedy for upper respiratory infections. A study conducted by ear specialist Britta Rynnel-Dagöö at Huddinge Hospital, reported in Dagens Nyheter on June 26, 1980, followed children for two years. One group had the operation, while a control group did not. The incidence of colds, ear infections, and Eustachian tube inflammation was the same in both groups. Dr. Rynnel-Dagöö suggests the operation might be justified for nasal congestion but not for preventing colds.

Voltaire-mysteriet (The Voltaire Mystery)

This section delves into the mysteries surrounding the death and body of Voltaire. After his death, his heart was removed and passed through several hands before an attempt was made to return it to his body. When his grave in the Pantheon was opened, it was found to be empty. The article speculates on the cause of misfortunes associated with Voltaire's name after his death, possibly linked to his rejection of the church on his deathbed. It then lists several publishers of Voltaire's works who subsequently faced ruin, illness, or blindness, questioning if this was a curse or a series of coincidences. Publishers mentioned include Beaumarchais, Desser, Cérioux, Perroneau, Dalibon, Touquet, Garnerry, Deterville, René, Adam Dingwall, and Lincoln Mac Veigh, many of whom met unfortunate ends after publishing Voltaire.

Den Svårfångade Bridey Murphy (The Elusive Bridey Murphy)

This article details the case of Ruth Simmons, a woman in Colorado who, under hypnosis by Morey Bernstein, claimed to be Bridey Murphy, an Irish woman who had died in the 1800s. Simmons recounted details of her supposed past life, including her childhood in Cork, her marriage to Sean Brian McCarthy, and her death and burial in Belfast. Bernstein's book, "The Search for Bridey Murphy," brought the case to public attention. However, official records for Bridey Murphy's birth and death in Ireland could not be found, and some details of her descriptions, such as the house 'The Meadows' being made of wood, were inconsistent with typical Irish construction. Despite discrepancies, some details, like the description of the Antrim coast and a journey from Belfast to Cork, were found to be accurate. The article notes that Ruth Simmons had no prior connection to Ireland and spoke without an Irish accent. The lack of official evidence led to doubts about the authenticity of the reincarnation claim.

Inga Officiella Bevis (No Official Proof)

This section continues the Bridey Murphy case, highlighting the lack of official records for Bridey Murphy's birth (December 20, 1798) and death (1864) in Cork. The description of her home, 'The Meadows,' as a wooden house was also questioned, as most Irish houses are built of brick or stone. While her husband's name, Sean Brian McCarthy, had variations in pronunciation and spelling, and Ruth Simmons' own middle name was Brian, some geographical details were correct. The article mentions that a Theresa church, where Bridey claimed to have shopped, was built in 1911, long after Bridey's supposed death. However, a shop owned by a 'Farr' was found to exist.

Inte Tala Sanning (Not Telling the Truth)

This part of the Bridey Murphy article discusses the nature of hypnosis. It suggests that a hypnotized person might be highly suggestible and try to give the answer they believe the hypnotist wants to hear, rather than the absolute truth. It's possible for a person to recall details from their childhood, even in a foreign language they haven't used since infancy. The article posits that while Bernstein may have influenced Ruth Simmons's responses, experts believe the best way to uncover the truth would be to explore Ruth Simmons's own forgotten childhood memories, particularly her relationship with her parents, rather than focusing solely on the Bridey Murphy persona.

Olösta Gåtor (Unsolved Mysteries)

This section presents the case of Lurancy Vennum, investigated by psychologist William James in 1887. Lurancy, a girl from Watseka, Illinois, fell into a deep sleep at age fourteen and awoke as Mary Roff, a girl who had died twelve years earlier in the same town. Lurancy, now claiming to be Mary Roff, moved in with the Roff family and recalled details of Mary's life. She maintained she had borrowed Lurancy's body. William James struggled to accept this explanation. The article then shifts to Thomas Alva Edison and his experiments with a device to communicate with the deceased, suggesting a potential connection to the unexplained phenomena.

Det Flitiga Biet (The Diligent Bee)

This short piece discusses the work involved in honey production. According to a circular from the German beekeepers' association, a single bee can pollinate about 700 flowers in an hour. However, to produce one kilogram of honey, bees must visit over seven million flowers. This implies a single bee would need nearly 10,000 flight hours, or about 15 months, to gather enough nectar for one kilogram of honey. The total flight distance for this would be approximately 240,000 kilometers, equivalent to six trips around the Earth at the equator.

Forskare Försöker Få Jorden Att Lätta På Gasen (Researchers Try to Get the Earth to Release Gas)

This article reports on a theory by two Cornell University researchers suggesting that large amounts of methane gas were trapped within the Earth since its formation. This challenges the traditional view that oil and gas originate from fossilized plants. The researchers found high concentrations of methane in areas like Lake Kivu in East Africa and along the Pacific underwater ridge, where there is no evidence of organic sediment. They propose that the presence of Helium-3, a rare gas that doesn't easily form compounds and isn't produced by radioactive decay, indicates that methane must have transported it. The article notes that extracting this methane, which is found at depths of 4500 to 9000 meters, would present significant challenges.

Väderkrampor Är Inte Inbillade (Weather Cramps Are Not Imaginary)

This article addresses the phenomenon of 'weather sickness,' stating that medical research now takes claims of physical and psychological ailments caused by weather conditions seriously. These problems are linked to changes in air pressure, temperature, and seasons. Low-pressure systems and bad weather can cause mild depression, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Conversely, rising air pressure brings relief and a more positive outlook. The article explains that daily fluctuations in air pressure are caused by the sun's gravitational pull, creating two daily peaks in air pressure, typically around 2 PM and 2 AM. This might explain why mornings, when the pressure is rising, are often considered the best time for work.

Kroppsliga Sjukdomar (Bodily Illnesses)

This section briefly mentions that temperature, humidity, and wind can cause severe illnesses, especially in foreign climates. While these ailments often disappear after a few days, they should be noted and prevented. It suggests that psychopharmaceuticals can be helpful for these simple psychological disturbances, but their dosage needs to be individualized.

Snarkbollen (The Snoring Ball)

This article presents various methods for combating snoring. One historical method from the American Revolutionary War involved sewing metal balls into soldiers' nightshirts to prevent them from sleeping on their backs, a position conducive to snoring. A modern adaptation suggests placing a tennis ball in a sock and attaching it to the back of pajamas. However, it notes that dedicated snorers might adapt to sleeping on the tennis ball. Other methods include earplugs (which may not be effective for loud snoring), a pillow placed under the chin to keep the mouth closed, and adjusting sleep schedules. The article also touches upon the idea that marital arguments about snoring might hide underlying relationship problems, or that snoring could be a sign of contentment.

Snarkaren Snarkar Inte Åt Någon (The Snorer Isn't Snoring at Anyone)

This section delves deeper into the physiological causes of snoring, attributing it to relaxed throat muscles and a relaxed soft palate. It estimates that 15% of people snore, with the percentage increasing among the elderly. Winston Churchill and at least 20 US presidents are mentioned as snorers. The article notes that snoring affects both men and women equally. Factors contributing to snoring include advanced age, allergies, swollen nasal passages, ill-fitting dentures, and excessive smoking, drinking, or eating. A connection is suggested between snoring and being excessively tired during the day, which could indicate sleep apnea. Sleep apnea involves pauses in breathing during sleep, lasting from a few seconds to over two minutes, which can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. The only known cure for severe sleep apnea is a tracheotomy. For less severe cases, self-hypnosis is suggested, where the snorer repeatedly tells themselves they will not snore. Other methods include waking the snorer and having them concentrate on their snoring mechanism before falling asleep again. The concept of 'threshold sleep' is introduced, where one stays on the border between sleep and wakefulness, during which snoring does not occur.

Bäva månde sportfiskarna då sirianerna återvänder (Fear, Sport Fishermen, When the Sirians Return)

This article discusses the theory proposed by British researcher Robert Temple, who claims that Earth was visited by intelligent, fish-like beings from the Sirius star system over 5000 years ago. These beings allegedly introduced civilization, agriculture, writing, and architecture. The Dogon people of Mali are presented as descendants of those who fled after the Sirians left, and they possess ancient knowledge of the Sirius system, including its planetary orbits and a planet's elliptical path, which Western astronomers only discovered in the 20th century. The Dogon people's religious practices, involving a fish-god named Nommo and rituals where they dress as fish, are described. Temple's book, "The Sirius Mystery," is mentioned. The article speculates about the return of these extraterrestrial beings and its potential impact on humanity, suggesting a possible return to a more aquatic existence.

Källa: Otroligt men sant. Det Bästas förlag. Reader's Digest AB.

Källa: Jules Verne-magasinet.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics that lie on the fringes of conventional science and understanding, including UFO phenomena, unexplained mysteries, and alternative theories about human history and consciousness. There's a clear interest in cases involving hypnosis, reincarnation, and potential extraterrestrial contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and case studies without necessarily endorsing them as absolute fact, often highlighting the lack of definitive proof or the existence of alternative explanations. The publication aims to inform its readers about a wide range of unusual and intriguing subjects.

This issue of "Sökaren" from September 18, 1970, published by UFO-Sverige, delves into a diverse range of topics, from the influence of weather on human health and the paranormal to historical coincidences and space exploration. The magazine features articles that blend scientific inquiry with more speculative or anecdotal evidence, reflecting a broad interest in unexplained phenomena and the frontiers of knowledge.

Weather and Health

The first article discusses the medical implications of weather, noting that doctors and patients are increasingly aware of the connection between climate and illness. It highlights the 'föhn' wind in Italy and Switzerland as an example of a weather phenomenon linked to increased crime rates. The article details several observed correlations: increased joint and muscle pain with weather changes, a peak in stomach ulcers in spring and autumn, a rise in acute respiratory illnesses during humid periods, and a maximum incidence of heart conditions and diabetes in March. Psychiatric conditions like depression are also noted to occur frequently during low-pressure systems, and a phenomenon called 'moon dread' (månskräcken) causes anxiety and sleep disturbances during full moons.

Parapsychology: ESP and Psychokinesis

Another significant section focuses on parapsychology, exploring concepts like telepathy and psychokinesis (PK). The article introduces Arthur Koestler's book "Slumpens rötter" (The Roots of Chance) as a catalyst for the growing acceptance of parapsychological research. It explains ESP (extrasensory perception) and describes experiments conducted in the USA since the 1930s, including card-guessing tests using Zener cards. The statistical probability of guessing correctly is compared to actual results, showing that some individuals consistently perform far above chance, suggesting the existence of hidden abilities. The concept of psychokinesis is also introduced, with suggestions for simple tests involving dice rolling to explore the ability to influence physical objects with the mind. Experiments involving telepathy during the Apollo 14 mission are mentioned, with astronaut Edgar Mitchell attempting to make telepathic contact from space.

Astrological Coincidences and Presidential Deaths

A striking article titled "SLUMP?" (Chance?) examines a series of remarkable coincidences between the presidencies of Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy. It lists thirteen points of similarity, including their election years (1860/1960), the loss of a son while in office, their assassinations on a Friday, and even the names of their secretaries. The article further details a pattern of US presidents elected at 20-year intervals since 1840 dying in office, with only two exceptions. It explores astrological explanations, particularly the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, suggesting that this alignment in earth signs may create a vulnerability for US presidents. The article notes that some astrologers predict this cycle may break due to the 1981 conjunction occurring in a lufttecken (air sign).

Archaeological Discoveries: The Grauballe Man

The issue features a detailed account of the discovery and examination of the "Grauballe Man," a well-preserved Iron Age bog body found in Denmark on April 26, 1952. The body, found in a peat bog, was remarkably intact due to the preservative qualities of the moss. Forensic examination by Willy Munck revealed the cause of death was a deep cut across the throat, indicating murder rather than suicide. The examination of the body's contents revealed a last meal consisting of a porridge made from 66 different plant species, with possible traces of meat, suggesting the man died in winter or early spring, possibly around a midwinter or spring festival involving human sacrifice.

Space and Geophysics

The final articles turn to space and geophysics. One piece discusses the concept of "empty space" (tomrum) in the universe, noting that while early vacuum technology achieved a vacuum of one billionth of atmospheric pressure, space is vastly emptier. It highlights the discovery of plasma in space and its role in phenomena like auroras, magnetic storms, and potentially weather. The article touches upon the debate about the origin of the universe, referencing Oskar Klein's theories on matter and antimatter. It also discusses how space exploration is revolutionizing astronomy by providing new perspectives beyond Earth's atmosphere, allowing for the study of phenomena like solar flares and supernovae across various electromagnetic spectrums, including infrared, ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma rays. The advancements in geophysics are also discussed, emphasizing how satellite imagery provides unprecedented insights into Earth's atmosphere, weather patterns, and geological formations, noting that the US and Soviet Union are more advanced in utilizing this data than Sweden.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Sökaren" include the intersection of science and the unexplained, the impact of environmental factors on human well-being, and the search for patterns and meaning in historical and natural phenomena. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded stance, presenting research and observations that challenge conventional scientific understanding, while also grounding some discussions in established scientific or historical facts. The editorial stance seems to encourage curiosity and exploration into areas that are not fully understood, from the paranormal to the cosmos.

This issue, titled "Fysiken och rymden" (Physics and Space), published by UFO-Sverige, likely as part of their "FoF" series (issue 2/74), dated October 2, 1982, explores the interconnections between physics and space exploration. The content spans theoretical physics, technological advancements, geological findings from space missions, and the organizational aspects of UFO research in Sweden.

Physics and Space

The lead article, "Fysiken och rymden," by Hannes Alfven, posits that 99.999...% of the universe is magnetized plasma, making plasma physics and magnetohydrodynamics dominant fields. It notes the rejuvenation of celestial mechanics, a science from 400 years ago, through computer technology and the emergence of a new celestial mechanics focused on the many-body problem of asteroids and other celestial bodies, employing plasma physics principles. Alfven advises young students interested in space research to focus on these areas rather than quantum mechanics or general relativity, which he deems less relevant. He also critiques the tendency of older scientists to cling to past breakthroughs, urging them to acknowledge current scientific progress.

Geology and Space

The section "Geologin och rymden" discusses the scientific value derived from the Apollo missions, specifically the analysis of moon rocks. Initially met with skepticism about their scientific utility, the moon samples underwent rigorous geochemical and physical analysis in Houston. Gustav Arrhenius is mentioned as a key figure in the distribution and analysis of this material. The studies allowed for the determination of the age of the lunar material, its chemical composition, temperature, and magnetization history, as well as its exposure to cosmic radiation and solar wind. Crucially, the article highlights that lunar documents offer a more profound understanding of the early history of the Earth-Moon system than terrestrial materials, as Earth's geological processes have obscured older records. This information, combined with data from meteoroids and the moons of giant planets, is presented as a potential source for a future "natural scientific creation story."

Space Exploration Technology

Another article, "Rymdverksamhetens teknologi," addresses the debate between researchers focused on immediate knowledge acquisition and technicians prioritizing long-term technological development. The author sides with the technicians, arguing that a short-sighted focus on immediate results can hinder long-term progress. The development of rocket engines, initially driven by military applications like the V-bombs, has now largely shifted towards space exploration. The article mentions Ernst Stuhlinger and the potential of a new type of space engine utilizing a mercury plasma, which could offer greater freedom of movement in space and potentially be powered by space-based plasma energy. It also highlights the advancements in electronics that enable spacecraft control and long-distance communication, citing the Pioneer 10 mission's 45-minute signal delay to Earth from Jupiter as an example of current capabilities and the vast increase in communication range over the past 15 years.

The Discovery of Earth

"Upptäckten av jorden" (The Discovery of Earth) argues that a significant, albeit indirect, result of space research is humanity's newfound understanding of Earth. Astronauts' experiences in space, seeing Earth as a small, unique sphere in a vast void, have fostered a deeper appreciation for our planet. The article contrasts intellectual understanding with visceral experience, noting that while the ancient Greeks knew Earth was a sphere, it is the visual and emotional impact of seeing Earth from space that truly conveys its uniqueness and fragility. This perspective has led to a greater emphasis on environmental protection, urging against pollution and nuclear threats. The concept of "spaceship Earth," requiring careful management of resources and waste, is presented as a consequence of this realization, with ecologists now advocating for principles similar to those needed for a spacecraft's survival.

Perspectives on Space Research

This section presents different viewpoints on space research. One perspective dismisses it as an "uninteresting space circus" or a diversion for superpowers. In contrast, Gösta Ehrensvärd's triology is cited, viewing the "space age" as the third stage of life's history, following the origin of life (yeast) and the evolution of life on land (lungfish). This perspective likens space exploration to the great geographical discoveries of the past, where the unknown frontier inspired adventurers. The article draws an analogy between the discovery of America and the space age, noting that initial expeditions were driven by intellectual curiosity, but sustained colonization required economic factors. It suggests that space exploration may follow a similar path, moving from initial enthusiasm to practical economic applications. The article acknowledges that while communication satellites exist, their commercial value is currently limited compared to costs. However, it points to new industrial processes, such as the creation of unique metal alloys in a zero-gravity environment, as potential game-changers that could justify the cost of space activities.

Science and Society

"Vetenskap och samhälle" (Science and Society) critically examines the state of scientific engagement in Sweden. The author laments an "anti-intellectual era" dominated by commercial values, where knowledge is only valued if it yields quick economic or political returns. The decline is partly attributed to a historical shift in Swedish research policy influenced by figures like Torsten Gustavsson. The article questions whether superpowers are leaders in basic research because they are superpowers, or if they are superpowers because they foster the kind of knowledge-seeking that is fundamental to dominance. It argues that the scientific revolution, which originated in Europe and gave it hegemony, is now being exported. The author criticizes the prioritization of prestige projects over fundamental research, citing the example of funding for projects in Marviken. While acknowledging the role of politicians, the article places significant blame on society itself and institutions like the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences for their passivity in allowing anti-intellectual forces to dominate. It expresses hope that a new generation will revitalize the Academy and Swedish society.

UFO-Sverige Planning Conference Protocol

The latter part of the issue details the protocol from a UFO-Sverige planning conference held on October 2, 1982. Key discussions included:

• Economic Support for Research Groups: A proposal was made to establish research groups for UFO-related tasks, with rules to be developed by a central working group. Support for I.E.T. (Institute for Ecological Technology) in Umeå, working on Schauberger's ideas, was also discussed, with a suggestion that economic support should focus on researching existing material rather than developing prototypes.
• Data Processing of UFO Reports: The conference addressed the proposal for data processing of UFO-Sverige's report material. Project URD, an international collaboration for UFO identification, was presented. The goal is to codify and data-process 100-150 reports for presentation at the 1983 Rikstämma (national meeting). Local groups were to be consulted on desired data outputs. The increased demand on field researchers due to data processing was noted, but also the potential for increased interest as reports find practical application.
• Training and Collaboration: Proposals were made to provide training to local groups on how to codify reports for data processing and to gauge interest in learning this skill. Members with contacts in other UFO organizations were urged to facilitate the sharing of their UFO reports for codification and data processing.
• Communication and Administration: A criticism was raised about the lack of responses to letters sent to UFO-Sverige. The central group explained they lack the capacity to answer all letters, and a suggestion was made to delegate this task to local groups. Another proposal was to send a short acknowledgment card with contact information for a local group representative. The handling of reports sent directly to the central office was also discussed, with a suggestion to forward them to the relevant local group for completion.
• Future Meetings and Activities: The next planning conference was scheduled for Spring 1983 in Gävle, hosted by Gävleborgs UFO-förening. Arnold Idebring offered to organize a bus trip to the 1983 Rikstämma in Vetlanda. Thomas Kjellsson offered to arrange a trip to Hessdalen, Norway. Håkan Ekstrand reported on the cost of employing a person for UFO-Sverige, estimated at approximately 125,000 SEK annually, with the possibility of a part-time position with assistance from AMS.

Twenty-nine people from 12 organizations participated in the conference.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the interconnectedness of different scientific disciplines, particularly physics, geology, and technology, in the context of space exploration. There's a strong undercurrent of advocating for long-term scientific and technological development over short-term gains. The importance of scientific inquiry and education is highlighted, with a critical stance on societal trends that devalue intellectual pursuits. The UFO-Sverige sections reveal an organizational focus on systematic data collection, analysis, and collaboration, aiming to professionalize UFO research. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting rigorous scientific investigation, technological innovation, and a broader societal appreciation for science, while also addressing the practicalities of running a national UFO research organization.