ISC Newsletter - Vol 10 No 3 - 1991

Magazine Overview

Title: The ISC Newsletter
Issue: Vol. 10, No. 3
Date: Autumn 1991
Publisher: International Society of Cryptozoology

This issue of The ISC Newsletter features a significant panel discussion on the implications of discovering evidence of the North American Sasquatch, alongside a critical editorial dissecting the fabrications of supermarket tabloids regarding cryptozoological claims. It also includes a scientific correction regarding a gecko species and information on the Society's fundraising efforts.

The Bigfoot Debate: A Panel Discussion on the North American Sasquatch

The main feature of this issue is an edited version of a panel discussion held at Washington State University in June 1989, as part of a symposium titled "Sasquatch Evidence: Scientific and Social Implications." The panel, chaired by Vladimir Markotic, included J. Richard Greenwell (ISC Secretary), Grover S. Krantz (co-organizer), John Green (Sasquatch author), Leroy Kinnie (criminal trial lawyer), Mark A. Sauter (investigative reporter), and Donald E. Tyler (physical anthropologist).

The central question posed to the panel was: "What would happen if definite evidence is found?" Dr. Krantz outlined potential forms of "definite evidence," including blood or tissue samples, fossilized Gigantopithecus bones, a Sasquatch body, a live specimen, or an observation station.

J. Richard Greenwell emphasized the ISC's policy of neutrality, stating that the Society itself takes no position on cryptozoological evidence, though individual members may hold personal views. He speculated that if a Sasquatch specimen were identified, it would eventually become accepted into the mainstream of science, much like evolution, and the controversy would fade over time.

Donald E. Tyler argued that convincing research scientists requires more than testimonials, footprints, or hair samples; a skeleton is the minimum requirement. He suggested that a "fresh kill" scenario, where a body is found, would be the most direct way to obtain definitive evidence and involve specialists.

Mark A. Sauter, from a media perspective, highlighted that anthropologists are hesitant to engage with the Sasquatch issue due to fear of embarrassment and negative press. He stressed the media's role as gatekeepers and the need for credible information to reach them.

Vladimir Markotic noted that Sasquatch could be crucial for understanding human evolution, potentially shedding light on the separation of human and ape lineages. He also mentioned other hominoid reports globally.

John Green expressed skepticism about the acceptance of blood or tissue samples and suggested that even Gigantopithecus bones might not be enough. He proposed a dramatic scenario for presenting a live specimen, involving renting a large room and ushering the creature inside.

Leroy Kinnie, a lawyer, focused on the legal aspects. He stated that evidence like hair or blood would be difficult to use in court without comparative standards. He concluded that a body, dead or alive, would be essential for scientific study and legal proceedings, and that the law currently only recognizes animals or humans, not an intermediate class.

Several audience members raised questions about legal implications, such as confiscation of a body and the need for permits. The discussion touched upon the potential for a black market and the role of government agencies like the Fish and Wildlife Service in classifying and protecting a potential Sasquatch.

Rene Dahinden questioned the emphasis on convincing scientists, suggesting that efforts should focus on finding the creature itself rather than arguing its existence.

Editorial: Tabloid Writers Sleeping Well

J. Richard Greenwell's editorial criticizes the sensational and fabricated stories published by supermarket tabloids like The Sun and Weekly World News concerning cryptozoological discoveries. He revisits his 1987 article that debunked similar stories about captured dinosaurs and Mokele-Mbembe, noting that the same tabloids have continued to print nearly identical fabrications years later.

Examples cited include a 1991 Weekly World News story about "Living Dinosaurs Found in Borneo," which was a near-verbatim repeat of a 1987 article about dinosaurs in the Amazon. Another example is The Sun's 1991 report of a "Dinosaur Egg is Hatching," which Greenwell dismisses as baseless.

Greenwell highlights common signs of tabloid fabrications: lack of institutional affiliation for named individuals, no corroboration from other news sources or scientific bodies, and the quick abandonment of the story after its initial sensational impact.

He argues that these publications, protected by the First Amendment, do a disservice to journalism and society by spreading misinformation. He notes that as tabloids face increasing costs for fabricating celebrity stories, they may increase fabrications in other areas, like cryptozoology, leaving little recourse for those seeking truth.

Greenwell concludes by urging readers and scholars to avoid referencing such fabricated stories, effectively letting them disappear from historical record.

Iranian Gecko Cut Down to Size

This section corrects a previous report about the discovery of the world's second-largest gecko in Iran. The gecko, initially named *Eublepharis ensafi* by French herpetologists, was later determined by L.L. Grismer to be a large specimen of the known species *Eublepharis angramainyu*. The error stemmed from a typographical mistake in the original description, which misstated the total length.

Drs. Bauer and Russell point out that the Iranian gecko is not even close to being the second-largest, listing other species with longer snout-vent lengths. They emphasize the importance of accuracy in scientific reporting and how miscitations can lead to widespread misinformation.

Fundraising Drive

A brief notice reminds members about the Society's 10th Anniversary Fundraising Drive, which continues through 1992. Members are encouraged to recruit new members, request library subscriptions, purchase back issues, and make donations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes a rigorous, evidence-based approach to cryptozoology, distinguishing it from sensationalism and pseudoscience. The editorial stance is critical of unsubstantiated claims, particularly those found in popular media like tabloids, while advocating for scientific inquiry and accurate reporting. The Society positions itself as a neutral platform for discussing evidence, rather than endorsing specific findings. There's a recurring theme of the challenges in gaining acceptance from the mainstream scientific community and the importance of credible evidence.

The ISC Newsletter, Autumn 1991, Vol. 10, No. 3, is dedicated primarily to an obituary for Andre Capart, a highly respected Belgian oceanographer and Honorary Member of the International Society of Cryptozoology (ISC). The issue also contains administrative and membership information for the ISC.

Andre Capart, 1914-1991

This section, written by ISC President Bernard Heuvelmans, serves as a detailed obituary for Andre Capart, who passed away on April 24, 1991. Heuvelmans recounts his long-standing professional and personal relationship with Capart, highlighting Capart's significant contributions to cryptozoological research and oceanography.

Capart was elected an Honorary Member of the ISC in 1982 due to his continuous support. Heuvelmans credits Capart with instrumental help in rapidly publishing an article about a Neanderthal form discovered in Vietnam, despite facing resistance from the establishment. The article's publication was initially overlooked by the Zoological Record and faced opposition from American zoologists who questioned the specimen's authenticity.

Andre Capart was the son of the prominent Belgian egyptologist Jean Capart. He studied zoology at the Roman Catholic University of Louvain, earning his Ph.D. in 1940. During World War II, he served in the artillery. Post-war, Capart participated in numerous scientific expeditions, including a year at Lake Tanganyika, a year in the South Atlantic, and 15 months on Lakes Kivu, Edward, and Albert in the Belgian Congo (now Zaire). He also conducted surveys of underwater canyons and fisheries in Africa.

In 1958, Capart became director of the Royal Institute of Natural Sciences of Belgium, a position he held for 20 years. From 1959, he also taught oceanography at Louvain University until his retirement in 1980. Between 1961 and 1970, he chaired NATO's oceanographic subcommittee. Through his American colleague Daniel P. Moynihan, he attempted to have the frozen Neanderthal specimen (the 'Iceman') seized by the federal government, though this effort was ultimately unsuccessful.

Capart's expeditions also took him to the Mediterranean and New Guinea (Papua and Irian-Jaya), often under the leadership of his friend H.R.M. Leopold III, King of the Belgians. He authored several popular books on oceanography and New Guinea exploration. With his wife Denise, an archaeologist, he produced significant work on the origins and periodicity of great floods, summarized in their book 'L'Homme et les Deluges' (Man and the Deluges), published in 1986.

In his later years, Capart suffered from a malignant brain tumor, which left him hemiplegic but did not impair his intellect. Heuvelmans visited him near the end of 1990, sharing memories of their shared experiences over five decades.

Professor Capart died at the age of 78, survived by his wife and six children. Heuvelmans concludes by sharing Capart's favorite proverb from China, which reflects his character: "If you want to save a starving man for a day, give him a fish. If you want to save him for ever, teach him how to fish."

Society Information

This section details the purpose and policy of the International Society of Cryptozoology, stating its role as a focal point for investigation, analysis, publication, and discussion of cryptozoological matters. It emphasizes that the Society takes no official position on the existence of supposed animals and that opinions expressed by members are personal.

Information is provided on memberships and subscriptions, with details on fees for individuals, couples, and institutions. Payment methods, including personal checks, bank drafts, and Eurocheques, are outlined, with specific instructions for members in various countries. The address for the ISC Secretariat in Tucson, Arizona, is provided.

Details on ordering back issues of The ISC Newsletter and the journal Cryptozoology are also included, along with discounts for larger orders. An alternative ordering address in Eastbourne, U.K., is given for European members.

The Field Medical Advisor is listed as Michael J. Manyak, M.D., with contact information for those planning fieldwork in tropical areas.

A list of Honorary Members is provided, including Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer (South Africa), John Green (Canada), The Lord Hunt of Llanfair Waterdine (U.K.), Marie-Jeanne Koffmann (U.S.S.R.), Theodore Monod (France), and Robert Titmus (Canada).

A list of Benefactors is also included, with names and their countries of origin.

Finally, the corporate sponsors are listed, along with the ISC's mailing address and a note indicating that the organization is a non-profit entity with U.S. postage paid in Tucson, Arizona.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the commemoration of Andre Capart's life and work, highlighting his significant contributions to cryptozoology and oceanography. The editorial stance, as expressed through Bernard Heuvelmans' obituary, is one of deep respect and admiration for Capart's scientific integrity, courage, and dedication. The issue also reinforces the ISC's role as a platform for scientific inquiry and public education in the field of cryptozoology, while maintaining a neutral stance on the definitive existence of the phenomena studied.