LDLN - No 004

Magazine Overview

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), number 4, dated May 1958, is a monthly publication founded by R. VEILLITH. The cover prominently features the headline "L'HOMME, CET INSENSE." (Man, This Fool), setting a critical tone for the content. The magazine is dedicated to those seeking truth and aiming to guide humanity towards new horizons by highlighting valuable discoveries.

Editorial: L'HOMME, CET INSENSE.

The editorial expresses deep concern and troublement regarding the state of humanity, concluding that humans are "fools." It argues that human intelligence, rather than fostering well-being, is used to create misfortune and disrupt the natural laws governing life. The editorial points to the chemical era as a period where humanity has not only disturbed its own existence but also that of the entire planet. It questions how humanity, with its intelligent elite, has reached such a point, referencing Renan's quote about progress hastening death and Einstein's fear regarding the consequences of atomic discoveries used against humanity. The piece highlights the current atomic threat, both military and "peaceful," and attributes these misfortunes to a distant cause, possibly rooted in the original sin of disobeying the laws of life.

Article: UN NOUVEL ACCES AU PROBLEME DES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES (A New Approach to the Problem of Flying Saucers)

This significant article by Aimé MICHEL, written specifically for the magazine's readers, details his "extraordinary discovery" concerning UFOs. Michel, an authority in the field, spent over seven years on his extensive and in-depth investigation, culminating in what he considers truly decisive proof of the existence and extraterrestrial origin of these objects. He notes that his previous work, published over four years prior, did not offer a definitive conclusion. The wave of observations in the autumn of 1954, which he studied for nearly three years, led him to a breakthrough. This new proof is described as irrefutable and decisive enough to convince even world-renowned scientists. The article emphasizes that the verification of this discovery does not require extensive documentation, as its foundations are considered unshakeable. Michel's upcoming book, "MYSTERIEUX OBJETS CELESTES" (Mysterious Celestial Objects), is mentioned as exhaustively analyzing the problem of alignments and networks related to his discovery, leading to precise conclusions.

The article then delves into the "Foundations of a Controversy," noting that for eleven years, discussions about flying saucers have relied more on faith than science. It outlines the arguments of skeptics who deny their existence, primarily due to the lack of universally accepted decisive proof. Their skepticism is also based on a priori reasoning, such as the unlikelihood of other solar system planets supporting highly developed life (Mars, Venus) or the immense distances between star systems making interstellar travel impossible. Conversely, believers rely on testimonies. The author notes that a formerly skeptical French scientist changed his mind after a personal observation, now believing in flying saucers, though acknowledging that science cannot prove this belief as it stems from a testimony, which is a historical fact rather than scientific proof. This leads to the inherent difficulty in convincing those who do not believe.

A "New Path" is then explored. The author recounts the massive wave of UFO sightings across Western Europe in the autumn of 1954, estimating half a million witnesses in France alone. He undertook the task of studying this phenomenon, hoping that its vast scale would reveal its solution. His idea, partly inspired by Jean Cocteau, was that if flying saucers were actual craft, the 1954 wave might contain a logical order, akin to a military campaign, invisible at first glance but discernible to a historian. After three years of searching, in December 1957, he found a "glimmer of light" in the data. He began studying the disposition of observations regionally and noticed a curious rectilinear pattern in Eastern France, with five observations aligned over 130 kilometers on October 14th. These included objects on the ground, hovering, and flying low. Further examination revealed a new alignment of four cases from the same day, including Poligny, Paileau, Meursanges, and Méral, with one object reported on the ground.

A note requests readers to submit their UFO observation reports to aid Aimé Michel's ongoing research.

Article: UNE ETAPE VERS LA PAIX. (suite) L'ébauche des solutions collectives. (A Step Towards Peace. (cont.) The Outline of Collective Solutions.)

This section, continued from a previous issue and originally published in "La Persée catholique," is by J. DALEMONT, Ingénieur I.E.M. It discusses the need for a fundamental reform of human existence to achieve peace and transform the world. The author critiques the reliance on science alone to solve problems, such as finding food substitutes or improving health through synthesized nutrients. He argues that true solutions require a total reform of the human being on all levels of existence.

The article then focuses on the importance of vegetarianism, citing Dr. Bouchard's findings from 50 years prior that a nourishing bread is the source of strength. It addresses the argument that vegetarians need larger quantities of food, presenting data that suggests vegetarian diets are more calorie-efficient and lead to better health. The author references Dr. Fauvel's declaration at a 1906 congress, which acknowledged the advantages of vegetarianism while reproaching it for potentially requiring excessive food volume. Fauvel countered this by observing the extreme sobriety of healthy vegetarians, whose food intake was significantly less than that of meat-eaters.

However, the article notes that these conditions were exceptional, referring to combatants or temporary dietary supplements. It states that no methodical, long-term study has been conducted on a human group to establish indisputable averages for vegetarian diets. The potential of synthesized green algae is mentioned but deemed far from practical for human consumption in the near future.

The author expresses concern about humanity's trajectory, driven by illusion, egoism, and the pursuit of profit, leading to a "vertiginous slope." He quotes Remy from "Nous avons brûlé la Terre" (We Have Burned the Earth), warning that a 50% reduction in forests within 50 years will lead to a collapse of fertility and mass starvation. The destruction of forests is highlighted as a critical issue, with statistics showing millions of hectares of cultivable land lost annually. The article points to the decline in cereal cultivation, a reduction of 40% between 1913 and 1950, partly due to land being bought for cattle ranching. This has led to a decrease in the nutritional quality of bread and a significant drop in per capita bread consumption, from 600g in 1900 to 200g in 1954. The shift to meat consumption, which has become prohibitively expensive, leaves consumers with limited choices like processed meats or horse meat.

The text questions the role of sociologists in addressing these issues and criticizes financial advisors who encouraged farmers to buy devalued stocks, profiting from inflation. It poses the question of who can stop this destructive path, suggesting the State, but questioning its readiness to act or reform.

Article: L'ACTION DE LA PRESSION ATMOSPHERIQUE ET DE SES VARIATIONS BRUSQUES CHEZ L'HOMME (The Action of Atmospheric Pressure and Its Sudden Variations on Man)

This instructive study by Joseph ANDRE explores the impact of atmospheric pressure on living beings. It posits that living organisms are energy transformers, and human physiological energy, whether created or transformed, varies with environmental influences, particularly temperature and atmospheric pressure. The basal metabolic rate is established, and the significant influence of chemical reaction speeds, driven by temperature and pressure variations, on living organisms is explained. The article notes that the body regulates pressure primarily through the blood and lungs, leading to known ailments like "mountain sickness" and "aviator's sickness" during ascents. It references Paul Bert's experiments demonstrating that pressures above 15 atmospheres can cause notable physiological accidents in mammals, with symptoms analogous to those caused by strychnine injections.

Article: Etrange constatation d'un médecin allemand. LES CAS DE MALFORMATIONS DES NOUVEAU-NES ONT TRIPLE EN MAI 1957. (Strange Observation by a German Doctor. Cases of Newborn Malformations Tripled in May 1957.)

This report details observations by Doctor Carl BECK at a pediatric clinic in Bayreuth, Germany. Beck concluded that malformations in newborns increased following nuclear experiments conducted globally nine months earlier. He noticed a significant rise in malformations of the spine and heart in May 1957, coinciding with the dates of previous year's nuclear explosions. His clinic recorded 3.7% malformations between May and November 1957, compared to 1.1% in 1950. He also observed a decrease in malformations when nuclear test series ended, correlating with the nine-month gestation period. Beck noted that the explosions in 1956 were particularly numerous and that since then, there has been no significant increase in malformations, with any current rises being sporadic. Importantly, he stated that most of these malformations were not hereditary.

Book Selections

The magazine includes a section listing selected books for sale, with prices in French Francs. Titles cover a range of topics including UFOs ("MYSTERIEUX OBJETS CELESTES" by Aimé Michel, "ALERTE DANS LE CIEL" by Ch. Garreau, "LE LOSSIER DES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES" by Major Keyhče), Astronomy, Vegetarianism ("ENQUETES SUR LE VEGETARISME" by Dalemont), Health and Nutrition ("NOURRIS TON CORPS" by H. Ch. Geffroy, "LES HOUNZA, UN PEUPLE QUI IGNORE LA MALADIE" by Ralph Bircher), Agriculture, Atomic Dangers, Vivisection, and Vital Problems for Man.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are critical reflections on human nature and its destructive tendencies, the potential of scientific advancement versus its misuse, the advocacy for vegetarianism as a healthier and more ethical lifestyle, and the emerging concern over UFO phenomena. The magazine also touches upon environmental degradation and the potential health consequences of nuclear testing. The editorial stance is one of deep concern for humanity's current path, urging for fundamental reform and a return to natural laws, while also exploring unexplained phenomena like UFOs and advocating for healthier living choices.

Title: Lumières dans la Nuit
Issue: 12
Publisher: R. Veillith
Country: France
Language: French

Content Summary

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" features a significant philosophical piece attributed to the astronomer Camille Flammarion, titled "Belles Pensées, Toujours d'Actualité." This article, extracted from his work "Astronomie Populaire," offers a profound reflection on the human condition. Flammarion describes Earth as a small globe in the vastness of the universe, inhabited by 1.450 million beings who, despite being called 'reasonable,' are more 'reasoning' and seem lost, not knowing their origin or destination.

He laments humanity's tendency to suffer constantly, both physically and spiritually, trapped in ignorance and driven by "chimerical ambitions" rather than seeking intellectual or scientific enlightenment. Flammarion criticizes the social organization that divides people into "herds" led by "bloodthirsty malefactors," leading to cyclical wars that claim millions of lives every century. He paints a grim picture of humanity's self-inflicted suffering, suggesting that forty million men are regularly sacrificed to maintain a "microscopic division" of the planet.

However, Flammarion offers a hopeful vision for the future. He believes that once humanity understands its true place in the universe and appreciates the grandeur of nature, they will abandon their "foolishness" and "credulity." Instead, they will live in peace, pursuing truth, beauty, and goodness, developing their reason and higher intellectual faculties. He asserts that humanity has not yet reached the "age of reason" as it still struggles with base instincts but is destined to become "instructed, enlightened, intellectual, free, and great."

The article concludes with a poetic reflection on the "frozen solitudes of the pole," where heroes lie, and contrasts the "odious war of man against man" with the "conquest of nature by genius" and "the conquest of matter by spirit."

Beyond Flammarion's philosophical musings, the issue contains practical information for readers:

Subscriptions and Correspondence

Details are provided for subscribing to "Lumières dans la Nuit." An ordinary subscription for 6 issues costs 150 francs, while a "soutien" (support) subscription for 6 issues is 300 francs. International subscribers can use international money orders or other methods. Back issues of "Lumières dans la Nuit" are available for 30 francs each, with issue number 1 being out of print.

Correspondence and payments should be addressed to M. R. Veillith at "Les Pins," Le Chambon-sur-Lignon (Haute-Loire), France, with the postal account number (C. C. P.) 27-24-26 LYON.

Small Advertisements (Petites Annonces)

Advertisements are free for those who meet the conditions outlined in the "permanent contests" section. To respond to an ad, one must stamp and seal an envelope addressed to the advertiser with their number, then place this inside a second stamped and addressed envelope to R. Veillith, who will forward it. Each line of insertion contains 65 characters, including punctuation and spaces. The publication reserves the right to refuse ads that do not conform to the spirit of the review.

• Several specific advertisements are included:
• CHARTREUSE FAMILIALE Saint Marc: Located in Paquier, near Bligny sur Ouche (Côte-d'Or), this establishment welcomes naturist guests, including children with deficiencies (dietary hygiene and pedagogy provided), convalescents, and trainees, offering a natural and "supernatural" lifestyle.
• Books for Your Health: Recommendations for books published by the review, specifically "La Nouvelle Hygiène" (24, rue Chaptal, Paris 9ème). A catalog of books on human culture and health is available.

Permanent Contests (Concours Permanents)

Subscribers are encouraged to recruit new members. For each new subscriber brought in, the existing subscriber receives two free lines for small advertisements for the duration of their subscription. Those who recruit three new subscribers within three months receive two additional lines and a free six-issue subscription to "Lumières dans la Nuit."

Publication Details

The Director of Publication is R. Veillith. The publication's registration number with the Parity Commission is 35.385. The printer-editor is also R. Veillith, located in Le Chambon-sur-Lignon (Haute-Loire).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on themes of human potential, spiritual growth, and a critical examination of societal structures and human behavior. There's an underlying philosophical and perhaps spiritual current, encouraging readers to seek higher knowledge and a more enlightened existence. The editorial stance seems to be one of critical observation of humanity's current state, coupled with an optimistic outlook on its future potential, emphasizing reason, nature, and the pursuit of truth and beauty. The inclusion of classified ads and subscription drives suggests a community-oriented approach, aiming to grow its readership and engage its subscribers.