ISC Newsletter - Vol 09 No 2 - 1990

Magazine Overview

Title: The ISC Newsletter
Issue: Summer 1990, Vol. 9, No. 2
Publisher: International Society of Cryptozoology
Editor: J. Richard Greenwell

This issue of The ISC Newsletter focuses on a panel discussion regarding the Loch Ness Monster and an investigation into the Chinese Wildman (Yeren). It also addresses criticisms of cryptozoology and provides updates on the Society's activities.

The Nessie Debate: A Panel Discussion on the Loch Ness Monster

The issue features an edited transcript of a panel discussion held at the Society's 6th Annual Membership Meeting in Edinburgh on July 25-26, 1987. The symposium, titled "The Search for Nessie in the 1980's," included presentations by leading authorities. The panel discussion, moderated by David Heppell, featured participants such as Henry H. Bauer (American chemist and author), Tim Dinsdale (British engineer and author), Richard Fitter (British naturalist), Paul H. LeBlond (Canadian oceanographer), Roy P. Mackal (American biologist and author), and Robert H. Rines (American engineer and patent attorney). Adrian Shine, who runs the Loch Ness and Morar Project, was also a participant.

Key points from the discussion include:

• The Wilson Photograph: The date of the famous 1934 photograph was confirmed as April 19th, based on newspaper reports.
• Aquatic Mammal Behavior: Roy P. Mackal compared potential Nessie behavior to that of the Indian Ocean dugong, suggesting that air-breathing mammals can be very surreptitious and may surface infrequently.
• Permanent Residents: Mackal opined that these animals are likely marine animals that may enter large lakes for extended periods to feed on migratory fish, or may move in and out as conditions require.
• Sightings in Rivers: Reports of animals in the River Ness were discussed, with Tim Dinsdale noting two reliable accounts.
• Physical Characteristics: Mackal described seeing a convex, black object with two small vertical protrusions, possibly breathing tubes or nostrils, and estimated the visible portion to be 2-3 meters long.
• Archive Plans: Discussions were held regarding plans to establish archives for Loch Ness research materials at the Royal Museum of Scotland and the Loch Ness Exhibition in Drumnadrochit.
• Underwater Technology: Dr. Rines alluded to declassified U.S. Navy technology that could make lake bottoms electronically transparent, but declined to provide details.
• Bones and Remains: The discussion touched upon the types of bones found washed ashore at Dores, and the improbability of large carcasses remaining intact at the bottom of Loch Ness due to decomposition and scavenging.
• Seal Hypothesis: The possibility of sightings being misidentified seals was discussed, with Mackal noting that while pinnipeds are a candidate, the size element is important. He also mentioned that seals are generally curious and respond to noises.
• The Yeren Investigation: Greenwell and Poirier visited China to evaluate evidence for the Chinese Wildman (Yeren). They reported a more positive attitude than when they departed, suggesting a large primate, possibly Gigantopithecus or an unknown orang-utan subspecies, could be responsible for sightings.
• Evidence Evaluation: The authors assigned numerical values to terrain/habitat, eyewitness testimony, footprint casts, and hair analyses. Greenwell's probability of the Yeren's existence rose from 30% to 60%, while Poirier's rose from 5% to 52%, with subsequent hair analyses increasing Poirier's probability estimate further.
• Yeren Candidates: Four possibilities were considered: the Yeren being a myth, Gigantopithecus surviving, a cryptic Chinese orang surviving, or a combination of Gigantopithecus and an orang surviving.
• New Technology: Dr. Rines mentioned new U.S. Navy technology for making lake bottoms electronically transparent.

New Chinese Wildman Investigation

J. Richard Greenwell and Frank E. Poirier conducted an investigation in China in October/November 1989, focusing on the 'yeren' or Chinese Wildman. They found that while some information has been distorted by media, reports date back to antiquity. Zhou Guoxing, a paleoanthropologist, proposed Gigantopithecus as a likely candidate. The investigation involved meeting with Professor Liu Mingzhuang, secretary of the Wildman Association, and interviewing witnesses like Cheng Lian Sheng. They also examined Yeren hair samples analyzed by particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) at Fudan University, which showed significant differences from human and primate hairs. Structural differences in Yeren hairs were also noted by Cao Hanmin at East China Normal University. The team visited the Linzhou cave in Guangxi Province, where Gigantopithecus fossil jaws were found.

Greenwell and Poirier concluded that the Yeren question could be reduced to four possibilities: myth, surviving Gigantopithecus, surviving cryptic Chinese orang, or a combination of the latter two. Their fieldwork was filmed for broadcast on Channel 4, PBS/WGBH Boston, and other international networks.

Message from the Editor

J. Richard Greenwell addresses criticisms of cryptozoology, particularly the argument that focusing on large, unknown animals neglects smaller endangered species. He clarifies that cryptozoology is concerned with any unconfirmed animal, regardless of size, and that its focus is not on conservation, which is the role of other agencies. He refutes the accusation of hypocrisy leveled against cryptozoologists by Fiona Doig in "Australian Natural History," arguing that cryptozoology is not responsible for the state of global fauna and that rediscovering presumed-extinct species can be valuable, citing the takahe bird as an example.

Sustaining Members

This section reports a gratifying increase in Sustaining Members for 1990, with 144 members contributing, surpassing the 1989 total. The Society relies solely on memberships, sales, and donations for its income.

Back Publications Discounts

The Society is offering discounts on back issues of its journal, Cryptozoology, and the Newsletter. A 10% discount is given for orders over $100 (£60), and a 15% discount for orders over $200 (£120). Vol. 1 of the journal, which is out of stock, is being reprinted, and members are encouraged to pre-order it to help fund the reprinting.

Best Named Mammal Journal Editor

Troy Best, a member of the Editorial Board of Cryptozoology, has been appointed editor of the Journal of Mammalogy, a prestigious publication in the field.

Cryptoletters

This section includes letters from members:

• George and Susan Brown of SPOOF thank the ISC for including their newsletter and congratulate the editor on persuading Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer to contribute an article.
• Jack A. Gibson corrects a detail regarding the publication date of the 1988 Centennial issue of The Scottish Naturalist, stating it was printed in 1988, not 1989.
• A letter from an unnamed member strongly defends the ISC journal's refereeing policy, emphasizing the importance of scientific rigor and objectivity in cryptozoology, and arguing that expert authors still benefit from independent review.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing debate and research into the Loch Ness Monster and the investigation of the Chinese Wildman (Yeren). The editorial stance, particularly in the "Message from the Editor," strongly defends cryptozoology against external criticism, emphasizing its scientific approach and its distinct role from conservation efforts. The importance of rigorous scientific methodology, including peer review, is also a prominent theme. The Society's financial reliance on its members and the value of its publications are highlighted.

The ISC Newsletter, Summer 1990, Vol. 9, No. 2, is published by the International Society of Cryptozoology. The issue includes a letter to the editor, a feature on cryptozoological music, factual zoological information, and notes on archival material.

Letters to the Editor

Edward B. Winn of Prangins, Switzerland, submits a drawing based on a photograph of a sarcophagus detail from the Etruscan period (c. 3rd to 2nd century B.C.) found in Etruria, Italy. The alabaster artifact, displayed at the Field Museum in Chicago, depicts a 'sea monster' that Winn believes might be related to Bernard Heuvelmans' concept of a 'merhorse'. The scene shows the animal facing a tree, with a similar animal on the opposite side, a doorway possibly representing the Underworld, and the monster's head appearing somewhat boar-like. Winn suggests this might be a fanciful Etruscan creation or evidence of independent witnessing of the same animal reported elsewhere.

Cryptozoological Sonics on CD

Great Orm Productions has released a compact disk titled "The Present Link" by composer-synthesist Keeler. This CD is described as a "fusion of science and art" and contains 12 instrumental impressions of cryptozoological phenomena. The themes include creatures such as Champ, Morgawr, Issie, Sasquatch, Almas, and the Yeti. The CD booklet provides geographical locations and brief notes on each subject. According to Great Orm, Keeler, an ISC member, aims to capture the essence of these creatures with an impressionist's brush, offering serious, optimistic musings from an informed cryptozoological enthusiast's perspective. The CD costs US$15 postpaid for U.S. and Canadian orders, and US$17 for international orders. Orders should be directed to Department C, Great Orm Productions, 496-A Hudson St., Suite D-35, New York, NY 10014.

Wood's Animal Facts

This section provides detailed information about the Alaskan moose (Alces alces gigas), the largest deer in the world, found in the forested areas of Alaska, west Yukon, and northwest British Columbia. Adult bulls typically average 6ft (1.8m) at the humped shoulder and weigh around 1,100lb (500kg), with cows being about 25 percent smaller. The article notes that shoulder heights of up to 8ft, 6in (2.59m) and estimated weights up to 2,600lb (1,179kg) have been claimed for this subspecies. However, it cites Seton (1925-27) who suggests the shoulder height might be 8-10in (20-25cm) less than measurements taken between pegs. Reliable weights for large moose shot in Alaska are scarce, but a bull standing 6ft, 6in (1.98m) at the shoulder in good condition is estimated to weigh about 1,400lb (635kg).

Two bulls shot at Funny River, Alaska, measured 6ft, 6.25in (1.99m) and 6ft, 9.25in (2.06m) between pegs. These are now displayed at the American Museum of Natural History. Whitehead (1972) suggests the Alaskan moose reaches maximum size on the Kenai Peninsula, where exceptionally large bulls may measure up to 7ft, 6in (2.29m) at the shoulder and weigh nearly 1,800lb (816kg), though this needs authentication as it is comparable to the height of an average adult cow Indian elephant. Rowland Ward (1910) offers a more conservative maximum height of 6ft, 9in (2.06m) and a weight of 1,600lb (726kg).

Probably the largest Alaskan moose on record was a bull shot by Dall de Weese on the Yukon River in September 1897, measuring 7ft, 8in (2.34m) between pegs and weighing an estimated 1,800lb (816kg). Another massive bull killed in 1918 reportedly measured 8ft, 7in (2.62m) from heel to hump, with an antler spread of 63.5in (1.61m).

The information is abstracted from "The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats" by Gerald L. Wood. The article also clarifies that in Europe, 'moose' are known as 'elk', while in North America 'red deer' are called 'elk', and 'red deer' are also called 'wapiti', which can cause confusion.

Editorial Notes and Society Information

The ISC Newsletter is published by the International Society of Cryptozoology, with offices in Tucson, Arizona. The newsletter is not intended for permanent scientific record. Members are encouraged to submit cryptozoology-related newspaper reports, magazine articles, and scientific papers to the ISC Secretariat. While acknowledgments of receipt are not usually sent due to volume, all submissions are read and preserved.

The issue lists the Field Medical Advisor as Michael J. Manyak, M.D., and provides a list of Honorary Members and Benefactors from various countries, including Andre Capart (Belgium), John Green (Canada), The Lord Hunt of Llanfair Waterdine (U.K.), Marie-Jeanne Koffmann (U.S.S.R.), and Edward B. Winn (Switzerland).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the intersection of cryptozoology with art (music) and history (Etruscan artifacts), alongside a focus on factual zoological data concerning large animal species like the Alaskan moose. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting cryptozoological research and awareness, encouraging member participation through submissions, and providing a platform for diverse aspects of the field, from artistic interpretations to scientific data. The society also emphasizes the importance of preserving archival material related to cryptozoology.