ISC Newsletter - Vol 03 No 4 - 1984

Magazine Overview

The ISC Newsletter, Winter 1984, Vol. 3, No. 4, published by the International Society of Cryptozoology, focuses on a significant controversy surrounding the 'flipper' photographs of the Loch Ness Monster and includes critical analyses of cryptozoological claims.

Retouching of Nessie Flipper Photo Claimed-Denied

The lead article addresses allegations made by Discover magazine in its September 1984 issue, claiming that the famed 'flipper' photos of Nessie, taken in 1972 by the Academy of Applied Science (AAS) using an underwater camera, were 'retouched,' implying fraudulent evidence. This is presented as the latest in a series of attacks on the Loch Ness Monster phenomenon.

Previous criticisms mentioned include those by mammalogist Maurice Burton, who suggested sightings were misidentifications of normal events like otters, and Scottish engineer Robert Craig, who proposed rotting tree trunks propelled by gas. Ronald Binns' book, 'The Loch Ness Mystery Solved,' is also cited for attempting to explain sightings through mirages and misinterpretations. More recently, Steuart Campbell claimed the 'surgeon's photo' was a hoax, and that the witness photographed an otter.

The Discover claim stems from information provided by Rochester, New York, engineers Rikki Razdan and Alan Kielar, who spent months at Loch Ness with significant equipment. Their investigation focused on debunking previous findings, particularly those by the AAS group led by Robert Rines. They reportedly asked Allan Gillespie of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for computer enhancements of the AAS pictures. Discover published a comparison of the AAS photo and an enhanced version from Dr. Gillespie, suggesting the images were grainy and indistinct, and bore little resemblance to flippers.

Discover quoted Dr. Gillespie as saying the published pictures looked 'suspicious around the margins,' and Charles Wyckoff, a member of the Rines team, stated that after JPL finished with the photographs, they were 'retouched,' with Rines being the only one who could know the extent of this. The article notes the impeccable reputations of those involved, including Robert H. Rines, dean of the Franklin Pierce Law Center, and Harold 'Doc' Edgerton, inventor of the strobe flash.

Charles Wyckoff, in a letter to Discover, accused the magazine of misquoting him and creating 'false and seriously misleading impressions.' However, Discover's managing editor, Leon Jaroff, stated the magazine stood by its article due to evidence in its files and refused to publish Wyckoff's letter, calling it full of 'errors and distortions.'

Mr. Jaroff, now at Time magazine, did not provide the Editor with documentation supporting Discover's claims. Dr. Rines stated that the Discover allegations were 'false and outrageous' and requested space in the ISC Newsletter for AAS to respond, which was agreed upon.

Dr. Gillespie confirmed sending Razdan and Kielar computer-enhanced versions of the Rines photos but was never directly interviewed by Discover. He stated that the 1972 enhancements were less clear than those published by AAS in Technology Review in 1976, suggesting AAS combined various enhancements to produce their final flipper image. He also noted that AAS should have detailed their procedures when publishing the photos.

Dr. Gillespie clarified that 'computer-enhanced' does not mean a single enhancement but many, showing different contrasts and pseudocolors. He suggested Discover's focus on 'the' enhancement implied a misunderstanding or deliberate attempt to weaken the AAS case. He also questioned why Razdan and Kielar focused on only one flipper photo when two were involved.

B. Roy Frieden, an expert in computer-enhancement techniques, felt a more detailed explanation was needed from AAS regarding their exact steps. He stated that unresolved questions remain and readers should not reach a final conclusion.

Statement by the Academy of Applied Science

The AAS issued a statement refuting Discover's claims, accusing the magazine of sensationalism and misrepresentation. They stated they have never produced or released a 'JPL computer-enhanced photograph' with 'retouching' or change, and that Robert H. Rines has had no involvement with retouching. They explained that the 1972 film was enhanced using two techniques: a composite of original transparencies with JPL computer-enhanced digital reconstructions, and photographic contrast enhancement. They acknowledged that the legend in Technology Review might not have fully described the compositing enhancement, regretting any confusion.

The AAS statement also addressed the sonar results, refuting Discover's claim that sonar detected 'wakes of boats.' They cited an article in IEEE Spectrum co-authored by Harold E. Edgerton, reporting sonar signatures similar to those in 1972, in the absence of boat wakes. The AAS extended an invitation to Razdan and Kielar to present their evidence, which was refused.

Hoax Claimed for Wilson Photo

This section reviews an article from The British Journal of Photography by Steuart Campbell, who attempts to debunk the authenticity of the 1934 Wilson photograph, considered a classic image of Nessie. Campbell's analysis, based on geometric relationships, suggests the object could not have been more than 309 feet away, contradicting Lt. Col. Wilson's earlier statement of a distance of 200-300 yards. Campbell believes the photo was taken from a specific location on the shore, implying Wilson deliberately misrepresented his position to create the impression of a large object. Campbell concludes that the object's size and shape are consistent with an otter, and that Wilson photographed an otter but concealed this fact.

Message from the Editor

Editor J. Richard Greenwell explains the newsletter's decision to allocate significant space to the Nessie photo controversy, aiming to present both allegations and responses objectively. He notes that specialists in image processing were consulted. The Editor emphasizes that the ISC Society takes no official position but serves as a forum for information.

George Gaylord Simpson, 1902-1984

This section commemorates the passing of George Gaylord Simpson, a highly influential vertebrate paleontologist and evolutionist. His article, "Mammals and Cryptozoology," published in early 1984, is reviewed. Simpson, considered the century's principal evolutionist, integrated Darwinian natural selection and genetics. His article reviewed Bernard Heuvelmans' writings and definitions, and listed newly discovered mammal genera in the 20th century, noting a decline in discoveries. Simpson argued that the premise of cryptozoology (new animals known to native peoples) is undermined by this decline. He critically examined specific cryptozoological cases, such as Catagonus, Latimeria, Okapia, the Nandi Bear, and the Orang Pendek, suggesting they were not survivors of ancient lineages or were misidentified animals. He also criticized the lack of objective evidence for Yeti and Sasquatch, despite their supposed presence in well-populated regions. Simpson concluded that cryptozoology satisfies an emotional need and predicted that new significant zoological discoveries are improbable.

Despite its negative tone, the article is seen as potentially beneficial by sharpening methodologies and definitions within cryptozoology. The ISC Society acknowledges Simpson's immense experience and knowledge.

Other Sections

• San Diego Meeting Details: Information about the 1985 Membership Meeting in San Diego, including date, location, program, and registration fee.
• Brighton Symposium Reminder: Announcement for a symposium on 'Cryptozoology: The Search for Unknown or Supposedly Extinct Animals' at the Third International Congress of Systematic and Evolutionary Biology in England, July 1985.
• Quotations: A quote from Jacob Bronowski on the virtues of scholarship and science.
• Sustaining Members: A list of 71 members who contributed above the regular fee in 1984, and a list of Benefactors.
• Membership Renewal Information: Details on renewal procedures, including payment methods for U.S. and international members, and the current membership fee.
• Cryptoletters: A letter to the editor questioning the identification of an animal seen by Marcellin Agnagna as a sauropod, suggesting it might be an unknown reptile or giant turtle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently adopts a neutral stance, aiming to present information and facilitate discussion within the field of cryptozoology. It provides a platform for detailed responses from organizations like the Academy of Applied Science when faced with allegations from popular media. The editorial stance emphasizes objectivity, the importance of detailed evidence, and the need for rigorous scientific inquiry, even when discussing controversial topics. The publication also serves to inform members about society events, membership matters, and relevant academic symposia. The critical review of George Gaylord Simpson's work highlights the ongoing tension between mainstream scientific skepticism and the pursuit of cryptozoological research.

The ISC Newsletter, Winter 1984, Vol. 3, No. 4, is a publication from the International Society of Cryptozoology. It features a collection of letters to the editor, factual excerpts, and discussions on cryptids and related scientific inquiries.

Letters to the Editor

Glen J. Kuban's Critique of the Mokele-Mbembe Sighting

Glen J. Kuban addresses Marcellin Agnagna's account of a Mokele-Mbembe sighting, arguing that Agnagna's descriptions, while suggesting a reptilian creature, also align with a sauropod. Kuban points out that Agnagna's interview and his published report in Cryptozoology (Vol. 2:103-112) present a strong implication that the sauropod explanation is the only plausible one, despite Agnagna's admission of limited observation due to distance. Kuban emphasizes the need for caution and thorough exploration of alternative explanations in cryptozoology to maintain scientific credibility, warning against premature conclusions.

Dan Gettinger on Mokele-Mbembe Hearing

Dan Gettinger, a student of hearing sciences, comments on Marcellin Agnagna's Mokele-Mbembe sighting. He questions the described reaction of the creature's head movement, stating that scientific literature suggests sauropods, with their massive stapes and low aerial ratio, would have limited auditory sensitivity, reacting only to intense substrate vibrations. Gettinger proposes that Agnagna's sighting might not be of a true Mesozoic survivor, or alternatively, that the animal reacted to the excitement of the observers rather than sound, leveraging the reptiles' developed sense of vision.

Grover S. Krantz on Sasquatch Detection

Grover S. Krantz proposes a novel method for finding the physical remains of Sasquatch (Bigfoot). This approach involves using an infrared (I-R) imager to detect dead bodies by sensing the heat of decomposition. Krantz assumes that Sasquatches die in probable locations and do not conceal themselves excessively. The search is limited to areas with severe winters, where bodies might be frozen until spring thaw, allowing a short window for detection before decomposition is complete. Krantz has acquired an I-R imager and plans to use a helicopter for aerial viewing, followed by ground searches. He seeks assistance in acquiring helicopter access, as renting one is too costly. He believes film coverage of such a search would be valuable and generate favorable public reaction.

Cryptoquote

This section features an excerpt from Sir Harry H. Johnston's account of his expedition into the Kongo forest in search of the okapi, originally published in the 1902 Annual Report of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. Johnston recounts the challenging conditions of the forest, the difficulty in finding the okapi, and how, after his expedition was forced to give up due to fever, Belgian officers kindly promised to procure a skin. This promise was fulfilled by Mr. Karl Erikson, who obtained the body of a recently killed okapi. Johnston concludes by suggesting that the forest conceals other wonders yet to be discovered.

Wood's Animal Facts

This section provides facts about the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), identifying it as the largest carnivorous fish. It notes that adult specimens typically average 14-15 feet in length, with females being larger than males. The text details several encounters and measurements: a 26-foot great white shark found in a herring weir in Canada in November 1932; sightings of sharks measuring up to 31 feet in length by California sword fishermen and a plane pilot in 1977; and an enormous individual that swam into the harbor of San Miguel, Azores, in May 1978, measuring an astonishing 29 feet, 6 inches. The information is attributed to "The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats, by Gerald L. Wood."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently explores the boundaries of scientific understanding in the field of cryptozoology. It encourages critical analysis of evidence, open consideration of alternative hypotheses, and careful methodology, as seen in the critique of the Mokele-Mbembe sighting. The publication also highlights innovative research approaches, such as Krantz's infrared detection method for Sasquatch, and provides factual information on known animals, like the great white shark and the okapi, grounding the more speculative content with established zoological data. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous inquiry, balancing skepticism with a willingness to investigate unexplained phenomena.