ISC Newsletter - Vol 02 No 1 - 1983

Magazine Overview

Title: The ISC Newsletter
Issue: Vol. 2 No. 1
Date: Spring 1983
Publisher: International Society of Cryptozoology

This issue of The ISC Newsletter features a prominent interview with Paul H. LeBlond, a specialist in ocean waves, and Forrest G. Wood, a marine biologist. It also delves into the 50th anniversary of the Loch Ness Monster's modern public recognition and presents an analysis of a videotape of the 'Chessie' creature from the Chesapeake Bay. The newsletter includes updates on society membership, calls for contributions, and a report on the 'Champ' monster's legislative recognition.

Interview with Paul H. LeBlond and Forrest G. Wood

The interview, conducted by J. Richard Greenwell, explores various aspects of cryptozoology and marine exploration. LeBlond, affiliated with the Department of Oceanography at the University of British Columbia, highlights the vastness of the marine environment and the challenges of exploring its depths. He notes that while human activity is concentrated at the surface, submersibles have limited viewing areas, making it difficult to discover unknown species. Sonic methods are promising but face challenges with range and resolution, a field actively researched in antisubmarine warfare.

Wood, a marine biologist at the U.S. Navy's Naval Ocean Systems Center, discusses the possibility of linking cryptozoological research with established activities and preparing observers for unusual sightings. He mentions John Isaacs' plan for an immense lift net on the ocean floor and a camera-based baiting system. Wood also shares his thoughts on the potential existence of extremely large octopuses, citing evidence for their existence in deep waters, though their diet remains a mystery. He acknowledges that marine biologists do not widely recognize the 'octopus giganteus' and that its discovery would likely require a large octopus pot or a stranded specimen.

LeBlond recounts a survey he conducted with John Sibert on witnesses of sea serpents in British Columbia, noting that witnesses were generally honest and curious, not seeking to deceive. He explains that his initial interest was sparked by Bernard Heuvelmans' book, 'In the Wake of the Sea Serpents,' and the discovery of numerous reports off the coast of British Columbia.

Wood addresses the function of cryptozoology within the broader scientific framework, arguing that it stems from human curiosity and the compulsion to explore the unknown. He defends it as a valid scientific endeavor, comparing it to astronomy, which for a long time had no practical application but broadened human horizons. He emphasizes that science should be pursued for its own sake and that it's foolish to assume all animals have been discovered.

LeBlond suggests that the term 'monster' carries negative connotations and proposes that cryptozoology is a facet of human curiosity. He also touches upon the difficulty of changing public perception, especially with media influence, but notes that the term 'cryptozoology' itself has gained some recognition.

Nessie's 50th Birthday

This section commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Loch Ness Monster's emergence into popular culture. The article traces the metamorphosis of the Scottish 'water beastie' into a 'monster' starting in March 1933 with the sighting by Mr. and Mrs. John Mackay. Their account, relayed by Alex Campbell to Dr. Evan Barron, editor of the Inverness Courier, led to a sensational article published on May 2, 1983. The article notes that while seals and porpoises are not known to enter Loch Ness, James Ritchie's 1933 scientific publication in Nature suggested that 'impossibilities' like the plesiosaur could be ruled out, but a creature unusual to its surroundings might exist. The article mentions that sightings had been made for decades prior, but the 1933 event garnered widespread attention. It also notes that Alex Campbell, now 81, continues to report seeing 'the monster.' Herb MacDonald of the Courier also reported a sighting in April 1983. Research at Loch Ness is ongoing, with groups like Robert Rines' and Adrian Shine's projects continuing to monitor the lake.

Chessie Videotape Analysis Inconclusive

Seven Smithsonian Institution scientists examined a videotape of 'Chessie,' a large, serpent-like animal observed in the Chesapeake Bay on May 31, 1982. The scientists, including experts in paleobiology, zoology, and marine science, concluded that the object was animate and not a submerged log or marine animal. Dr. George Zug, who sponsored the examination, stated that the object appeared to surface and submerge, exhibiting a vertical undulation and a 'head' described as angular and shaped like an American football. The object's length was estimated to be between three and five feet above the surface, though eyewitnesses estimated 10-20 feet. The analysis of enlargements of photos taken by Katherine Pennington in 1981 was also discussed, with one photo of an animal's 'head' being identified as a muskrat. Despite the inconclusive identification, the scientists maintained a strong impression of an animate object.

Champ Passes New York Assembly

On April 18, the New York State Legislature unanimously approved a resolution recognizing the existence of the 'Champ' monster in Lake Champlain and calling for its protection. This resolution mirrors one passed by the New York Senate in June 1982 and the Vermont House of Representatives in April 1982. The resolution was sponsored by several Republican state assemblymen, who hope it will draw attention to the issue.

Message from the Editor

J. Richard Greenwell, the editor, provides an update on membership, noting that it stands at about 300 but is expected to reach 500. He clarifies membership periods and publication distribution, explaining that new members processed after March 1, 1983, receive current publications. He also appeals to members for contributions of articles, news items, and letters for the newsletter and journal, outlining deadlines for various submission types.

Cryptoletters

This section features letters from members expressing their views and feedback. Cliff Crook comments on a '2-bit' newsletter. James R. Spink praises the journal for its credibility and results. Nancy Crawford and Gordon Strasenburgh congratulate the editor and authors on the excellent first issue of Cryptozoology and the newsletters, emphasizing the importance of precise language. David Hughes expresses his satisfaction with the publications and looks forward to continued membership. Loren Coleman also expresses pleasure with the consistent format and attention to detail. Glen F. McWhorter thanks the editor for his personal attention and for producing a publication that informs both laymen and professionals. James R. McLeod responds to F. G. Wood's suggestion about the White River Monster, offering his observations on a plaster cast that he believes does not resemble an elephant seal's footprint.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the scientific investigation of unexplained phenomena, particularly in the realm of cryptozoology and marine biology. The editorial stance, as reflected in the interview and letters, is one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging rigorous research and precise language while acknowledging the challenges of public perception and funding. There is a strong emphasis on the value of curiosity and exploration as fundamental human traits driving scientific discovery. The publication aims to inform both professionals and the general public about ongoing research and significant findings in the field.

The ISC Newsletter, Spring 1983, Vol. 2, No. 1, is a publication of the International Society of Cryptozoology. This issue addresses reader feedback and features commentary on skepticism within the field.

Letters to the Editor

Letter from Henry H. Bauer

Henry H. Bauer, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, writes to express his concerns regarding the rhetorical strategy employed in the newsletter's report on the Walla Walla Bigfoot case (Autumn 1982). Bauer argues that asserting a case "could not be hoaxed" is an unfortunate and defensive approach. He believes this strategy fails to satisfy doubters and that a more effective method would be to emphasize the extensive knowledge required to produce such evidence, if it were indeed fabricated by human agents. Bauer points out that the identity of hoaxers for cases like Piltdown Man remains debated, highlighting the difficulty in inferring motives or capabilities. He also criticizes the tendency to dismiss other anthropologists' acceptance of a case, citing Dr. Krantz's admission that general acceptance is unlikely, which he feels gives debunkers an opening for ad hominem attacks. Bauer calls for a more positive strategy that includes careful documentation, such as identifying the experts who contend that certain features "could not be hoaxed."

Editor's Response to Henry H. Bauer

The editor clarifies that the newsletter never stated a hoax was impossible, quoting the previous article: "It is certainly not physically impossible to perpetrate such a hoax, given enough professional expertise, talent, time, and money." The editor also notes that the newsletter is a "news" publication with a lighter approach than a scholarly journal, and that the Society's scientific merits are better judged by its journal, Cryptozoology. The editor acknowledges space limitations and deadlines, regretting the inability to provide all up-to-date information, including expert identification, as some individuals wish to remain anonymous. The editor mentions that Dr. Krantz is preparing an article for Cryptozoology that will likely contain the information Bauer found lacking.

Letter from Elizabeth Ryan

Elizabeth Ryan of New York expresses disappointment with the ISC Board's decision to adopt the okapi as the Society's logo. She humorously suggests a "witty, attractive 43-year-old Manhattan bachelor" would have been a preferred choice and playfully requests immediate reports of any sightings of this "creature," even offering to form a "Greenwich Village Ad Hoc Branch of the Society."

Editor's Response to Elizabeth Ryan

The editor responds lightheartedly, acknowledging that while the "Manhattan bachelor" might be a threatened species, he likely wouldn't have qualified for the logo. The editor encourages Ryan to pursue sightings of any New York creatures of personal interest.

Cryptoquote

This section features a quote from George F. Will, originally published in The Washington Post on May 15, 1983, titled "Skepticism as Deep As Loch Ness." Will contrasts the public's acceptance of complex scientific concepts—such as relativity, quantum mechanics, and DNA—with a reluctance to accept the possibility of a large creature living in Loch Ness. He suggests that this skepticism towards the Loch Ness Monster stems from a desire to avoid entertaining ideas considered naive or out of place in polite society. Will argues that people often dismiss beliefs as products of neuroses or a craving for myth, rather than considering the possibility of genuine, albeit unusual, discoveries. He concludes by stating that while credulity can be costly, skepticism can lead to a "dogmatic slumber" that diminishes humanity's capacity for wonder and surprise.

The section is accompanied by a cartoon depicting a scene outside a "LOCH NESS FISH HATCHERY," with figures interacting and a sign indicating "KEEP OFF GRASS."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue highlights a recurring tension within cryptozoology: the balance between rigorous scientific inquiry and the public's perception of the field. The editorial stance, as reflected in the editor's responses, leans towards maintaining the newsletter as an accessible news publication while deferring more in-depth scientific discussion to specialized journals. There is an emphasis on the challenges of documenting cases, the limitations imposed by deadlines and anonymity, and the importance of distinguishing between a news-oriented publication and a peer-reviewed scientific journal. The issue also touches upon the psychological aspects of belief and skepticism, particularly in relation to well-known cases like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster.