ISC Newsletter - Vol 01 No 4 - 1982

Magazine Overview

The ISC Newsletter, Winter 1982, Vol. 1, No. 4, published by the International Society of Cryptozoology, focuses on recent developments and debates within the field of cryptozoology. The issue features a prominent article on the Loch Ness Monster, alongside updates on Sasquatch investigations, the establishment of a new expedition sponsorship mechanism, and reports on unique scientific discoveries.

The Loch Ness Monster: Under Scrutiny

The lead article, "Log Ness Monster?", addresses the ongoing debate surrounding the Loch Ness Monster ("Nessie"). It highlights recent attempts to debunk the phenomenon by British mammalogist Maurice Burton and Scottish electronics engineer Robert P. Craig. Burton, who previously suggested otters and vegetation mats as explanations, now argues that stern waves from ships are significant, and that evidence or its interpretation must be flawed after nearly 50 years. Craig proposes a "tree trunk explanation," suggesting that old pine logs, compacted by pressure and buoyed by trapped gas, rise to the surface, mimicking monster sightings. He notes that Loch Ness, along with Loch Morar and Tay, are the only Scottish lochs harboring the Scott's pine, linking this to his theory. The article critiques these explanations, noting that they selectively ignore substantial data, such as subsurface sonar and time-lapse photography, which suggest the presence of large, mobile objects with appendages.

Despite these debunking efforts, the article acknowledges that Nessie sightings continue. A recent report from the Glasgow Daily Record describes tourists spotting "three black humps" in Loch Ness. The article also touches upon the broader context of cryptozoological animals, noting that while the "monster" aspect garners attention, the scientific community remains divided, with recent surveys indicating about 40% of American and Canadian aquatic biologists accept the possibility of an unknown species.

Sasquatch Investigations: Gray's Harbor and Walla Walla Updates

The newsletter provides updates on two significant Sasquatch investigations. The "Gray's Harbor Update" discusses footprint casts recovered by the Sheriff's Department. ISC Board member Grover S. Krantz, a physical anthropologist, has examined four original casts and tentatively considers them "legitimate," suggesting they could be from a single, large, unknown bipedal primate. He notes biomechanical features that authenticate the casts but points out the absence of dermal ridges. The casts were examined by University of Arizona faculty and FBI fingerprint experts.

The "Walla Walla Update" focuses on casts with clear dermal ridges, considered the strongest case on record due to forensic features and eyewitness testimony. Dr. Krantz has sought interest from other specialists for a joint study. He sent photographs of the dermal ridges to numerous paleoanthropologists, but received little positive response, with many dismissing the evidence as a hoax without examination. Forensic specialists, however, have responded more favorably, not feeling "intellectually threatened" by the evidence. The article contrasts the dismissive attitude of anthropologists with the more objective approach of forensic scientists.

Society Operations and Future Plans

Society Expeditions Mechanism Established

A significant development reported is the establishment of a mechanism for the ISC to sponsor cryptozoological expeditions. Under this new system, ISC members can donate "expedition funds." Proposals must be submitted to the Secretary, reviewed by the ISC Board for scientific soundness, and then funded. Proposers benefit from the Society's name and prestige, while the Society gains visibility. Donations are tax-deductible for U.S. members. Requirements include being a paid-up member, submitting a typed proposal of 1,000-2,500 words with a budget, and submitting a report after the expedition. The mechanism does not affect private expeditions.

First Issue of Cryptozoology Published

The first issue of the Society's journal, "Cryptozoology," has been published and distributed. Initial response has been positive, and material for the second issue is being submitted. The journal includes a "Comments and Responses" section to encourage reader engagement with published material, provided it aligns with biological principles. The newsletter also encourages libraries and institutions to subscribe to the journal.

Sustaining Members

The newsletter acknowledges and thanks its Sustaining Members for their generous contributions, which are crucial for the Society's operations and publications. Gale Raymond of Houston, Texas, is highlighted for providing significant financial support that enabled the publication of the first journal.

Other Reports and Features

Cryptotrips

Brief reports detail recent field investigations by ISC members: Dmitri Bayanov traveled to Soviet Central Asia to investigate reports of unknown hominoids; Richard and Susan Greenwell visited Bear Lake, a reputed "monster" lake; and Tony Healey conducted inquiries in Australia, interviewing a "black panther" witness.

Sea Monster Exhibit at the Seattle Aquarium

The Seattle Aquarium is hosting a temporary exhibit, "Sea Monsters, Real and Unreal," designed to raise public awareness of marine cryptozoology. The exhibit covers historical sightings, the giant squid, the coelacanth, and optical distortion hypotheses. It takes an objective stance, acknowledging the possibility of further discoveries. The ISC collaborated with the Aquarium, and an article on the exhibit's opening mentions a lecture by Paul H. LeBlond and the exhibit's designer, Ms. Bergen.

Mini-"Lost World" at 8500 Feet

A fascinating discovery is reported: a unique deep-sea ecosystem located at 8,500 feet in the Pacific Ocean. Scientists aboard the U.S. Navy's submersible Alvin have been studying volcanic vents that support new species of invertebrates, including enormous worms, snails, crabs, and jellyfish. These organisms derive energy from bacteria that feed on hydrogen sulfide, existing entirely independently of the sun. This discovery is considered a significant scientific find, highlighting a life form that could survive even if the sun ceased to exist.

Errata

A list of corrections is provided for the previous (Autumn 1982) Newsletter, addressing errors in page numbers, line references, and specific words.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the scientific investigation of cryptozoological phenomena, encouraging rigorous methodology and evidence-based analysis. It highlights the challenges faced by researchers in gaining acceptance from the broader scientific community, particularly when dealing with controversial subjects like Sasquatch. The ISC positions itself as a platform for disseminating research, fostering discussion, and supporting fieldwork. There is a clear editorial stance favoring the exploration of unexplained phenomena, while also acknowledging the need for critical evaluation and the debunking of hoaxes. The publication aims to inform members about ongoing research, society activities, and significant discoveries in the field.

The ISC Newsletter, Winter 1982, Vol. 1, No. 4, is a publication from the International Society of Cryptozoology. This issue features correspondence and commentary on topics related to cryptozoology, including alleged sightings of unknown creatures and skepticism towards certain claims.

Cryptoletters: Discussion of the Chessie Videotape

One section, titled "Cryptoletters," presents two letters to the editor. The first, from Craig Phillips, discusses the "Chessie videotape" (previously featured in the Summer 1982 issue). Phillips viewed the tape at the Smithsonian Institution on August 20, 1982, and offered his observations. He stated that the object on the tape did not appear to be an artifact like a floating branch but rather a living creature, either elongate or serpentine, possibly with two or more parts swimming together. He estimated its length at 40 feet and could not identify it as any known creature with such size and shape. Phillips cautiously considered if it could be an eel, but noted that eels typically do not breach the surface. He compared its appearance to a swimming snake, but ruled out known sea snakes (Hydrophiidae) due to their size limitations. He also considered large tropical snakes like the regal python (up to 30 feet) and the anaconda (up to 20 feet), but noted that anacondas are aquatic boas and do not normally enter salt water. Phillips recounted an experiment in 1953 where a young anaconda released into the surf at Key Biscayne, Florida, immediately headed for shore, suggesting tropical snakes would not survive long in such an environment. He also considered large oarfishes or ribbonfishes, but stated the object on the tape did not resemble these silvery, compressed fish with dorsal fins. Other possibilities mentioned included schools of fish, otters, muskrats, or harbor seals, but he concluded that the object did not fit these descriptions. Phillips expressed hope that the "thing" would eventually be identified.

The second letter, from John E. Edgerly of Honolulu, Hawaii, addresses a "questionable Duffy film of a Mokele-Mbembe" shown on "That's Incredible." Edgerly asserts that the film was a "shabby hoax" and that the excuse of faking it for entertainment purposes was an error. He draws a parallel to the historical claims of Dr. Frederick Cook, who allegedly "discovered" the North Pole in 1908, and later passed off photographs of a mountain in Alaska as Mount McKinley. Edgerly points out the significant difference in altitude between "Fake Peak" and the actual Mount McKinley, suggesting Cook had substituted the lesser mountain's highest point photos to create a false impression. Edgerly concludes by asking if Duffy's excuse for "creating" the Mokele-Mbembe film rings any bells, implying a similar pattern of deception.

Cryptoquote: On Novel Discoveries and Probability

The "Cryptoquote" section features a quote from George Gaylord Simpson, taken from a review of Bernard Heuvelmans' book "On the Track of Unknown Animals" in Natural History, November 1959. Simpson discusses the nature of new animal discoveries, noting that while many are not novel, exceptions do exist. He argues that while romanticists focus on these exceptions, scientists must judge probabilities. Simpson states that proving a negative is difficult, but he compares the probability of finding living dinosaurs to the infinitesimal probability of finding "little men on the far side of the moon," suggesting the former is only "a little larger."

Simpson's quote elaborates on the idea that while some living animals belong to ancient groups and some believed-extinct groups have living representatives, generalizing this to all "extinct" groups, like dinosaurs, is problematic. He suggests that the probability of finding living dinosaurs is extremely low, akin to finding extraterrestrial beings on the moon.

Institute of Cryptozoology Graphic

A graphic depicts the "Institute of Cryptozoology" with divisions for "Mokele-Mbembe Division," "Loch Ness Monster Division," and "Sasquatch Division." The illustration shows two figures in suits carrying briefcases, entering doors labeled with these cryptid names. The graphic is signed "Ron Quinn."

Publisher Information

The International Society of Cryptozoology is listed as the publisher, with a P.O. Box in Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A. The issue is also noted as being sent via bulk rate U.S. postage paid from Tucson, Arizona, under permit number 1786.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of unexplained phenomena and creatures, particularly the Chessie videotape and the Mokele-Mbembe. There is a clear tension between the romantic fascination with the possibility of undiscovered or surviving ancient creatures and a scientific skepticism that emphasizes probability and evidence. The editorial stance, as reflected in the letters and the "Cryptoquote," appears to lean towards critical analysis and a demand for rigorous evidence, while acknowledging the allure of the unknown. The critique of the Duffy film and the Simpson quote highlight a cautious, evidence-based approach to cryptozoological claims.