Journal of Vampirology - 1985 - Vol 2 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: JOURNAL OF VAMPIROLOGY
Issue: VOL. II, NO.3
Date: 1985
Publisher: John L. Vellutini
Country: USA
Price: $2.00

This issue of the Journal of Vampyrology, dated 1985, focuses on the potential link between the medical condition porphyria and the folklore of vampirism. The cover features a stark illustration of a gaunt face and the journal's title.

Contents

The issue contains an editorial, a main article titled "The Epidemiology of Human Vampirology: Porphyria" (pages 2-14), and a section of "News Bulletins #1-#9" (pages 15-24), along with "Corrections" (page 24).

Editorial

The editorial, written by the editor John L. Vellutini, acknowledges a delay in publication due to procrastination and personal struggles, including illnesses and injuries. He mentions having accumulated extensive notes for future articles. To manage deadlines better, the journal will shift to a quarterly publication schedule instead of five times a year. Upcoming features include an article on mysterious blood flows and a piece titled "Jung and Irish Vampires" by Daryl R. Coats. The editor also recommends several related publications: "Shavertron" for those interested in hollow earths and UFOs, "The Vampire Journal," and "How to Become a Vampire in Six Easy Lessons" and "The Vampire in Verse, An Anthology" from the Count Dracula Fan Club.

The Epidemiology of Human Vampirism: Porphyria

This extensive article explores the theory linking porphyria to vampirism. It begins by referencing a letter from "Count Dracula" in the October 1979 issue of OMNI, which humorously suggests that his "affliction" is porphyria, not rabies. Dracula describes symptoms such as sensitivity to light and a reddish staining of the teeth (erythrodontia).

The article then delves into the medical aspects of porphyria, explaining it as a genetic disorder of porphyrin metabolism. It details various types of porphyria, particularly the erythropoietic forms, which involve excessive porphyrin deposition in bone, teeth, and tissue. Symptoms can include skin lesions, scarring, and discolored teeth. The article notes that Dr. David Dolphin, a biochemist, is a prominent proponent of the theory that porphyria explains historical vampire myths.

Dr. Dolphin's theory posits that the symptoms of porphyria, especially photosensitivity, could lead individuals to avoid sunlight and appear nocturnal, aligning with vampire folklore. He also suggests that the need for heme, found in blood, might have led porphyria sufferers to drink blood as a treatment, especially in the Middle Ages when medical interventions were limited. Inbreeding within families could have increased the incidence of the disorder and the belief in vampirism.

However, the article strongly critiques Dr. Dolphin's theory. It argues that the vampire legend is primarily about the undead, while porphyria is a disorder of the living. It points out that many vampire accounts do not align with porphyria symptoms, such as the lack of consistent facial disfigurement or the description of vampire teeth as "shining" rather than discolored. The article also questions the therapeutic value of drinking blood for porphyria and notes that iron-rich foods were available. Furthermore, it highlights that vampires were often depicted as appearing in daylight, contradicting the photosensitivity aspect.

The article also examines other aspects of vampire folklore, such as the belief in werewolves and the Pied Piper legend, exploring potential connections to porphyria or similar conditions. It discusses the physical characteristics attributed to vampires, like claw-like hands, and contrasts them with the symptoms of porphyria. The author concludes that while porphyria might share some superficial similarities with certain aspects of vampire lore, it does not adequately explain the complex phenomenon of vampirism, particularly its association with the undead.

News Bulletins

This section likely contains shorter updates or reports related to the journal's themes, though the specific content is not detailed in the provided OCR.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the exploration of the scientific and medical explanations for mythological creatures, specifically vampires. The journal's stance, as evidenced by the critical analysis of Dr. Dolphin's theory, is to investigate these connections but to maintain a skeptical and evidence-based approach, emphasizing the distinction between medical conditions and supernatural folklore. The editor's personal struggles and commitment to continuing the journal, albeit on a quarterly basis, suggest a dedication to exploring these niche topics despite challenges.

This issue of OMNI magazine, dated October 1979, focuses on the intriguing theory that legendary figures like vampires and werewolves might have been inspired by individuals suffering from a rare genetic blood disease called porphyria. The magazine explores the scientific and folkloric connections, presenting research and debates surrounding this hypothesis.

The Porphyria-Vampire/Werewolf Connection

The central theme is the work of Dr. David Dolphin, a chemist, who proposed that the symptoms of severe porphyria could explain many attributes associated with vampires and werewolves. These symptoms include extreme sensitivity to light (leading to nocturnal behavior), scarring and mutilation of the face, loss of tissue around the mouth and eyes, deformed fingers and toes resembling claws, and teeth that appear stained or fang-like. The excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis) is also noted as a common symptom.

Dolphin suggests that the need for heme, a red pigment in blood cells essential for oxygen transport, might have driven victims to seek blood. He posits that in ancient times, when heme injections were impossible, drinking blood could have been a desperate attempt to alleviate symptoms. The folklore surrounding vampires' aversion to garlic is also addressed, with Dolphin suggesting that a chemical in garlic, dialkyl disulfide, might interfere with heme production or destruction.

Historical Context and Misdiagnosis

The article delves into historical medical understanding, noting that diseases like porphyria were often misdiagnosed. Leprosy, with its disfiguring symptoms, was frequently confused with other skin conditions and potentially with porphyria. The text highlights how the rudimentary medical knowledge of the Middle Ages would have made accurate diagnosis difficult, leading to the conflation of various ailments and the perpetuation of myths.

It is argued that individuals exhibiting the ghastly symptoms of porphyria, such as being hairy, having disfigured features, and avoiding daylight, would likely have been perceived as monstrous or supernatural, thus fueling werewolf and vampire legends.

Criticisms and Counterarguments

The theory is not without its detractors. The article includes a news bulletin reporting on the American Porphyria Foundation's stance, with director Desiree Dodson calling the theory "exploitation" and stating there is no evidence linking porphyria to vampires. Dr. Karl Anderson, who has treated many porphyria patients, also disputes the link, emphasizing that victims do not develop a thirst for blood and that the disease was not understood in the Middle Ages.

Despite these criticisms, the article presents Dolphin's continued belief in the theory, suggesting that discussion should not be halted due to the suffering of patients. Another news bulletin mentions Dr. Roland Mireascu, who runs a clinic for individuals claiming to be vampires and werewolves, believing they are victims of porphyria and seeking a cure.

Specific Cases and Folklore

The issue touches upon specific historical figures and folkloric elements. St. Catherine of Bologna's incorrupt remains, which reportedly had nails that continued to grow, are mentioned as an example of unusual physical phenomena. The legend of Countess Erzebet Bathory is also brought up, with speculation that her alleged practice of bathing in blood might have been an attempt to treat a suspected case of leprosy, which in turn could have been confused with porphyria.

Scientific and Medical Details

The article explains that porphyrias are a group of genetic disorders that destroy the body's ability to produce heme. It mentions that there are several types of porphyria, with some forms being rarer than others. The treatment for severe cases involves heme infusions, with the University of Minnesota noted as a place where hematin is produced. The text also touches upon the potential for misdiagnosis, with symptoms sometimes being mistaken for insanity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the attempt to find a scientific, medical explanation for enduring myths and legends. The magazine appears to be open to exploring such theories, presenting Dr. Dolphin's research as a plausible, albeit controversial, explanation for the origins of vampire and werewolf folklore. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging scientific inquiry into unexplained phenomena, even when it challenges established beliefs or involves sensitive topics.

This issue of UFO Universe, dated September 1985, presents a collection of intriguing news bulletins and articles that blur the lines between medical science, folklore, and unexplained phenomena. The cover story, "Vampires Linked to AIDS," by Terry Connors, explores a controversial theory connecting historical vampire lore with the modern AIDS epidemic. Other features include "The Lost Village of the Wolf Kids" from Weekly World News, "Curse of the Wolf" from the Examiner, and "Baby in the Dark! Tragic Tot is Allergic to Light!" from World Weekly News.

News Bulletin #5: The Lost Village of the Wolf Kids (Weekly World News, 9/10/85)

This article reports on the discovery of a unique community in an isolated pueblo in Mexico, referred to as 'wolf people.' These individuals are described as appearing human but are covered entirely in dark, curly hair, including their faces. Scientists are baffled by their origin, with theories ranging from extraterrestrial offspring to a hereditary condition. Consuelo Flores, a local woman, states there are 16 individuals in total, descended from an old woman named Maria Luisa Diaz. The children are noted for their intelligence, but the community seeks no publicity. Scientists suggest their condition is inherited, and while not all children are born with it, they can pass the trait to future generations. An alternative theory posits they are a new race fathered by beings from another planet, supported by Maria Luisa Diaz's unknown origins.

News Bulletin #6: Curse of the Wolf (Examiner, 9/10/85)

This piece expands on the 'wolf people' story, revealing that the affliction has affected both girls and boys. The victims' faces are covered in dense hair, and their gums are shrunken, giving them a ferocious appearance. The family resides in Loreto, Zacatecas, Mexico. Dr. Marco Atonio Macias Flores examined one afflicted child, Jesus Fajardo Aceves, 10, and his cousin Gabriel Gomez, 8. Dr. Flores conducted tests at the Autonomous University of Zacatecas and plans to treat them in the U.S. He describes the condition as affecting fourteen females and seven males, with 'mutant genes' present even in unaffected family members. The family has a history of this condition dating back to 1905 when Maria Luisa Diaz was the first to exhibit extra facial hair. They have managed to hide their secret by moving frequently and keeping affected children indoors. Mrs. Maria de Jesus Fajardo Aceves expresses a desire for her children to live a normal life. Dr. Flores believes the malady is a form of porphyria, an inherited disease affecting red blood cells. The excessive hair growth and receding gums are seen as the basis for werewolf and vampire legends. Sunlight aggravates the condition, making victims 'night people.' While modern medicine can alleviate symptoms, ancient treatments involved drinking human blood.

News Bulletin #7: Vampires Hire Publicity Firm (Sun, 9/3/85)

This bulletin discusses a public relations firm hired by individuals who claim to be vampires, seeking to change their public image. Ron de la Voturie, president of the International Porphyria Society (IPS), states they want to be known as 'innocent victims of a rare, hereditary disease' rather than monsters. Stephanie Stevens, a partner at Huspens, DeMarco and Upior, is leading the campaign. She acknowledges her clients have a condition that weakens their blood but denies they have a thirst for human blood. She argues that folklore about vampires being killed by stakes is false. The disease is medically known as congenital erythropoietic porphyria, affecting an estimated 5,000 Americans. While some forms require blood transfusions, Stevens denies IPS members engage in 'do-it-yourself transfusions.' She criticizes a paper presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Los Angeles, which alleged that porphyria could cause disfigurement, photosensitivity, and a lust for blood, linking it to classic vampire characteristics.

News Bulletin #8: Baby in the Dark! Tragic Tot is Allergic to Light! (World Weekly News, 9/24/85)

This article tells the story of Katy Green, a child who is severely allergic to light. Even brief exposure to light causes her physical illness, and longer exposure can lead to skin aging and scarring. Her doctors have ordered her mother, Sonya Green, to protect her from all but the dimmest indirect light. Despite the severity of her condition, her mother attempted to celebrate her first birthday with a candle, causing Katy distress. Medical science has no cure for Katy's worsening condition, though a medicine exists to relieve pain. The family's home is heavily protected against light, and Katy's hospital trips are made in darkness. The community has raised over $7,000 to help with medical bills, and a manufacturer is developing a special solar film for windows. The family maintains a positive outlook, adapting to their challenges.

News Bulletin #9: Vampires Linked to AIDS (Weekly World News, 11/26/85)

This news bulletin presents a shocking theory from East German researchers, Drs. Bremen Fischer and Hofman Piehl, suggesting that vampires were AIDS carriers and gay. They propose that vampires were feared and killed not for supernatural reasons, but because they spread a disease to which they were immune. The theory posits that vampires spread the AIDS virus through sexual and possibly casual contact, rather than biting. Austrian virologist Karl Sauberer calls the study a 'bombshell.' The article contrasts historical accounts of vampire symptoms (weight loss, fatigue, fever) with modern AIDS symptoms. Sauberer notes the connection between AIDS carriers and homosexuality, and the historical portrayal of vampires preferring male company, citing Count Dracula as an example. The Germans suggest that Middle Ages AIDS victims may have mistaken Kaposi's sarcoma lesions for vampire bite marks. The theory also suggests that AIDS, like vampires, may have vanished due to viral mutation.

Corrections and Editor's Notes

The issue includes a section for corrections, listing several typographical errors found in previous pages. Additionally, there are editor's notes throughout the bulletins, offering commentary and posing questions to the readership, such as whether Katy Green's condition could be photosensitivity induced by porphyria, and musing on the parallels between historical vampire fears and modern AIDS anxieties.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of rare medical conditions, genetic anomalies, and historical or supernatural beliefs. Porphyria is presented as a potential scientific explanation for werewolf and vampire legends, while also being linked to a community of 'wolf people.' The issue explores the challenges faced by individuals with extreme medical conditions, such as light sensitivity. Furthermore, it delves into speculative theories, most notably the controversial link between historical vampire lore and the AIDS epidemic, suggesting a reinterpretation of past fears through a modern medical lens. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting intriguing, often sensational, news items that challenge conventional understanding, encouraging readers to consider unconventional explanations for phenomena, whether biological, genetic, or even extraterrestrial.