ISC Newsletter - Vol 01 No 1 - 1982

Magazine Overview

Title: The ISC Newsletter
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 1
Date: Spring, 1982
Publisher: International Society of Cryptozoology
Editor: J. Richard Greenwell

This inaugural issue of The ISC Newsletter marks the official launch of the International Society of Cryptozoology (ISC). It serves as a quarterly publication for Society members, providing news items and updates on the field of cryptozoology.

Formation of the Society

The International Society of Cryptozoology was officially formed on January 8-9, 1982, during a meeting of its Board of Directors in Washington, D.C. The meeting was hosted by the Department of Vertebrate Zoology at the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution. The idea for the society had been discussed for about a year and a half, stemming from the recognition that many scientists worldwide were engaged in cryptozoological work but lacked a central forum for information exchange. The ISC aims to provide a platform for publishing articles, stimulating international exchange, fostering interest among scientists, serving as a resource for the public and media, legitimizing cryptozoology as a biological sub-discipline, and establishing a historical archive.

The Board of Directors was carefully selected to represent various biological disciplines and countries. Key figures include President Bernard Heuvelmans, Vice President Roy P. Mackal, and Secretary/Treasurer J. Richard Greenwell. The Board also features members from France, the USSR, USA, Canada, Bulgaria, South Africa, China, and other nations.

Discussions during the founding meeting focused on defining cryptozoology. It was agreed that the term should encompass the existence of known animals in unexpected locations, as well as the persistence of presumed extinct animals. The society's purpose was formally stated as promoting scientific inquiry, education, and communication among people interested in animals of unexpected form or size, or unexpected occurrence in time and space.

Two items remained unresolved: the appointment of Honorary Members and the creation of a Society logo. While the okapi was initially considered, it was not approved. Other proposals included an aquatic animal or the Yeti. The Board will continue to deliberate on the logo, and member suggestions are welcome.

Future activities discussed include supporting cryptozoological expeditions and research, though these depend on increased income.

Congo Expeditions Inconclusive

A scientific expedition, led by Dr. Roy P. Mackal, investigated reports of a large unknown animal known as Mokele-Mbembe in the Likouala Region of the Republic of the Congo. The expedition, which included J. Richard Greenwell and others, spent a month in the swampy region. Descriptions from natives suggest an animal similar to a small sauropod dinosaur. Despite extensive efforts, including sonar work and forays into the swamp, the expedition found no conclusive proof. While villagers claimed knowledge of the creature, they were reluctant to share exact locations with outsiders. The planned continuation to Lake Telle was cancelled due to impassable terrain and logistical challenges. Surveillance did produce an interesting result: a large wake observed on the Likouala River, suggesting the submersion of a large animate object. The expedition also investigated a trail that may not have been made by an elephant. Samples of 'molombo' (Landolphia) were collected for analysis. The expedition members faced strenuous conditions and infections.

Separately, Herman and Kia Regusters claimed to have seen and photographed Mokele-Mbembe surfacing and diving in Lake Telle. However, subsequent investigation revealed they were the sole witnesses, and their photograph was reportedly overexposed. The ISC Newsletter has only received second-hand reports of their evidence.

"Mystery Cats" Stalk Again

Reports of "expected" animals observed in unexpected locations continue. This section details sightings of pumas (mountain lions) in England, Scotland, Wales, and various Eastern U.S. locations, with a recent "rash" in Massachusetts. In Truro, Massachusetts, reports included domestic cats being killed, hogs being clawed, and a direct sighting by William and Marsha Madeiros. Police and park rangers investigated but found no definitive tracks, with some concluding it was a wild dog or a figment of imagination. A sighting by a police officer in February 1982 is also mentioned.

Another report concerns a "black panther" seen in Arizona, which the Fish and Game Department hypothesized could be a dark mountain lion. Other possibilities suggested include jaguars, dogs, javelinas, or even distorted house cats.

"Extinct" Bird Found

The yellow-fronted gardner bowerbird (Amblyornis Flavifrons), previously thought extinct since 1895, has been rediscovered in New Guinea by University of California physiologist Jared Diamond. Diamond observed 30 individuals and believes thousands may exist in the mountainous rainforest. However, his camera and film were lost, leaving only his anecdotal report and sound recordings as evidence. Ornithologists have expressed no reservations about the claim.

Hoax Claimed for Ape Canyon Incident

A classic Sasquatch report from 1924, concerning five miners attacked by hairy giants near Mount St. Helens, has been challenged by an announcement from 86-year-old retired logger Rant Mullens. Mullens claims he and his uncle, George Ross, hoaxed the incident by rolling rocks down at the miners' cabin. He also dismisses other Sasquatch reports. Grover Krantz, a physical anthropologist, expressed satisfaction with Mullens' confession, stating it removed a "deviant story" from Sasquatch accounts. Rene Dahinden, another Sasquatch researcher, doubts Mullens' claim, finding the earlier evidence more reliable.

Neanderthal Survival Proposed

Reports of "wild men" from the Soviet Union and Outer Mongolia have led to speculation that they might be living Neanderthals. British archaeologist Myra Shackley proposes that Neanderthal bands may have survived in the rugged Altai Mountains. She reviews evidence suggesting that modern humans may have forced Neanderthals into remote areas. Shackley recovered Mousterian stone tools from surface sites in Mongolia, which local herders attribute to the "Almas" (relict hominoids). She plans further fieldwork to uncover evidence of possible living Neanderthals.

Aquatic Animal Puzzles Ohioans

An unknown animal was observed in the Olentangy River in Columbus, Ohio, by law enforcement officers and firemen. Descriptions varied, with one officer suggesting a hippopotamus and firefighters mentioning an otter. The animal disappeared without a clear description. Possibilities considered include a male northern elephant seal.

Recent Scientific Literature 1981-1982

This section reviews several scientific articles relevant to cryptozoology:

• "The Norse Merman as an Optical Phenomenon" by W. H. Lehn and I. Schroeder in *Nature* suggests that medieval "merman" sightings were accurate observations of natural phenomena distorted by atmospheric refraction.
• "Attitudes of Physical Anthropologists Toward Reports of Bigfoot and Nessie" by J. Richard Greenwell and James E. King in *Current Anthropology* found that only 12.8% of surveyed American and Canadian physical anthropologists accept Bigfoot as real, though 57% believe its discovery would significantly impact science.
• "On the Taxonomic Status of Sasquatch: An Anthropological Consensus" by Greenwell and King in *Northwest Anthropological Research Notes* indicates that 80% of respondents favor Gigantopithecus as the taxonomic candidate for Bigfoot.
• Review of "Manlike Monsters on Trial: Early Records and Modern Evidence" by Barry L. Isaac in *American Anthropologist* calls the book "exactly what is needed at the moment."
• Review of Alvin Novick's review of Roy P. Mackal's "Searching for Hidden Animals" in *Bioscience* criticizes cryptozoological expeditions as a "misfortune" for science.
• "The Case for Neanderthal Survival: Fact, Fiction or Faction?" by Myra Shackley in *Antiquity* discusses the possibility of surviving Neanderthals and proposes future fieldwork.

Cryptoletters

Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote on the inexhaustible wealth of Nature is cited by Ralph Waldo Emerson in a letter, expressing anticipation for the ISC's role in exploring these depths.

Joseph Zarzynski congratulates the ISC on its "long-awaited birth" and looks forward to working with the society.

Ron Westrum, a sociologist, applauds the formation of the ISC and its journal for providing a much-needed central point for disseminating information on anomalous events.

Ron Quinn shares an account from his friend, the late Mr. Workman, about a possible kangaroo sighting in Arizona in the mid-1960s. The animal was described as about four feet high, with a greyhound-shaped head, walking upright, and resembling a kangaroo but with leaner proportions and a different tail. The animal left no recognizable tracks and was not seen again.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the establishment of the International Society of Cryptozoology and its initial activities, including expeditions and the review of scientific literature. The editorial stance, as expressed in the "Message From the Editor," is one of seeking news items and encouraging member contributions to build the society's knowledge base. There is a clear effort to legitimize cryptozoology by defining its scope and promoting scientific inquiry, while also acknowledging the controversial nature of the field and the need for rigorous evidence. The inclusion of scientific literature reviews and discussions on debated topics like Neanderthal survival indicates a commitment to engaging with both popular and academic aspects of cryptozoology.

The ISC Newsletter, Spring 1982, Volume 1, Number 1, published by the International Society of Cryptozoology, is an English-language publication focusing on cryptozoological topics and related scientific discussions.

Articles and Content

Misidentified Kangaroo Sighting

The newsletter addresses reports of wild kangaroos in the U.S., particularly in the East and Midwest. It suggests these are often escaped animals or misidentifications of native fauna. The possibility of feral kangaroos is considered, but their distinct quadrupedal locomotion and tail carriage (vertical with a curl) are noted as differences. The article proposes that a sighting described by Mr. Workman might have been a coati (Nasua nasua), a carnivore related to raccoons found primarily in northern Mexico and increasingly in southern Arizona. Coati populations had reportedly dropped significantly between the mid-1950s and mid-1960s, the period of Mr. Workman's observation. A drawing of a coati by Sandy Truett is included, and readers are invited to comment.

The Plural of 'Octopus'

This section addresses a linguistic query regarding the correct plural form of 'octopus', prompted by its appearance in a Society brochure. The author, identifying as the founder of the 'Society for the Elimination of the Term Octopi from the English Language' (SETOEL), argues that 'octopi' is incorrect. The word 'octopus' derives from Greek ('oktōpous' meaning 'eight-footed'). Therefore, the Greek plural is 'octopodes'. The author denounces 'octopi' as having a 'phony air of scientific snobbery' and being derived from a mistaken assumption that 'octopus' is a Latin word. While 'octopodes' is linguistically accurate, it is deemed unsuitable for everyday use. SETOEL advocates for the English plural 'octopuses', drawing parallels to other foreign words that have been anglicized, such as 'cactuses' instead of 'cacti'. The preferred plural is thus 'octopuses'.

Cryptoquote: The Coelacanth

A 'Cryptoquote' section features a compelling quote from J.L.B. Smith's book, 'Old Fourlegs: The Story of the Coelacanth' (1956). The quote expresses the profound disbelief and astonishment surrounding the discovery of a living Coelacanth, a fish previously believed to have been extinct for approximately 50 to 70 million years. The author describes the experience of seeing the Coelacanth as overwhelming, making him feel shaky and queer, yet undeniably confirming its identity, scale by scale, bone by bone, and fin by fin.

Announcement: Cryptozoology Course

An announcement details a one-week course titled 'Mysteries of the Deep: Champ, Nessie and Other Aquatic Phenomena,' to be held at the University of Vermont from July 25-30. The course will be led by Joseph Zarzynski, a well-known investigator of the Lake Champlain monster. Interested individuals are directed to contact Vacation College at the University of Vermont or Mr. Burt Sisco for a brochure.

Cartoon

A cartoon by R. Quinn illustrates a humorous exchange about the size of an octopus. One character states that 50 feet is the maximum size they can accommodate, posing the question: "the problem with a 200 foot octopus is, what would it eat?"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter demonstrates a commitment to exploring unusual zoological phenomena and linguistic accuracy within the field of cryptozoology. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous linguistic analysis, as seen in the 'octopus' plural debate, and the presentation of intriguing, though often debated, zoological discoveries like the Coelacanth and potential misidentifications of known animals. The inclusion of a cryptozoology course announcement indicates an effort to educate and engage the public in the study of unknown or legendary creatures.