LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT

Magazine Overview

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), Volume 5, Number 44, dated February 1962, is a monthly review founded by R. VEILLITH. The cover boldly proclaims "CHERCHEZ ET VOUS TROUVEREZ. Jésus." The main headline is "APPRENTIS-SORCIERS !" (Sorcerer's Apprentices!), featuring a quote from Dr. A. Carrel about humanity's self-destructive error in ignoring the natural order.

Main Articles and Themes

Apprentis-Sorciers! (Sorcerer's Apprentices!)

This lead article, likely by the editorial team, criticizes humanity's hubris in altering the natural world, likening it to sorcerer's apprentices meddling with forces beyond their control. It highlights several concerning facts:

1. Carlsbad Atomic Explosion: An underground atomic test at Carlsbad, USA, unexpectedly released radioactive dust into the atmosphere, contradicting predictions of no surface effects. The explosion, even at a depth of 365 meters, caused a violent shock and rock collapse, and a radioactive cloud dispersed at 20 km/h.
2. China's Sparrow Destruction: A campaign to eliminate 'harmful' animals, including sparrows, led to unforeseen ecological consequences. The absence of sparrows, which eat seeds and insects, resulted in a massive increase in insect populations, damaging crops.
3. Oil Tanker Pollution: The article points out that a single 30,000-ton oil tanker releases about 300 tons of oil into the sea per voyage, contributing to an estimated three million tons of oil pollution annually in the Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans.
4. Missile Disease: Concerns are raised about the effects of microwaves generated by rocket bases on the health of pilots and technicians, suggesting these emissions are harmful and require protection.

The article posits that humanity is either facing extinction due to mutations caused by radioactivity or must adapt to these changes mentally and physically. It suggests that the atomic experiments, while dangerous, might be a forceful way to compel humanity to adopt a new, more evolved way of life.

Hypothèse sur les Conséquences de la Radio-activité (Hypothesis on the Consequences of Radioactivity)

By André CHATILLON, this article explores the potential long-term effects of increased gamma radiation from nuclear experiments. Chatillon argues that while alpha and beta rays are easily stopped, gamma rays are highly penetrating and persistent. He notes that gamma rays cause mutations detrimental to species, leading to increased cancer rates and degeneration of the human race, citing examples in Japan post-Hiroshima and hidden accidents in US nuclear facilities. He believes the damage is already done and the focus should be on adapting to a new reality, potentially through mental and spiritual evolution rather than solely relying on scientific remedies.

"Affinités Numériques" ("Numerical Affinities")

Authored by René PRADEL, this piece discusses intriguing mathematical relationships discovered between key numbers like Pi, 'e' (Euler's number), and 'f' (Euler-Mascheroni constant). Pradel questions whether these are mere coincidences or point to deeper theoretical properties, inviting readers to ponder these connections.

À Propos des Mystérieux Objets Célestes (Regarding Mysterious Celestial Objects)

Yves DUPONT-FOURNIEUX offers a theory on the directional patterns of UFOs, particularly their NE-SW trajectory. He suggests this might be related to the Earth's magnetic field and radiation belts, implying that fast-moving UFOs would likely enter and exit the atmosphere via the poles to avoid these dangerous zones, resulting in a diagonal path due to Earth's rotation.

Relations entre l'Activité Solaire et Quelques Phénomènes Terrestres (Relations between Solar Activity and Some Terrestrial Phenomena)

This concluding part of a study by J. CARON and R. VEILLITH examines the links between solar activity and terrestrial events. The authors found:

• A clear correlation between the position of sunspot groups (between 10° and 15° heliographic latitude) and increased magnetic agitation, but note that the 'law of cosines' does not seem to apply, suggesting a more restricted cone of solar activity.
• A 60% coincidence rate between sunspots at low heliographic latitudes and maximum annual rainfall in Bordeaux-Floirac.
• No clear link between solar activity and average annual temperatures in Bordeaux-Floirac.
• A strong relationship between annual magnetic agitation and declination variations with the Sun's equatorial plane's annual shift relative to Earth, particularly in March and September, suggesting these phenomena are independent of Earth's seasons.

The study concludes that the Sun's activity, specifically the position of active solar regions, is correlated with certain terrestrial phenomena, and acknowledges contributions from various observatories.

Végétarisme! (Vegetarianism!)

This extensive section, primarily by R. VEILLITH, strongly advocates for vegetarianism. It cites historical figures like Buddha, Zoroaster, Pythagoras, and modern thinkers like Lamartine and Rousseau who supported or practiced vegetarianism. The article argues that human anatomy (teeth, stomach, intestines) is more suited for a frugivorous diet than a carnivorous one. It presents evidence from studies on monasteries and Dr. W. A. Price's research, claiming that vegetarian diets lead to better health, increased intellectual capacity, and a more peaceful disposition, contrasting this with the supposed violence and health issues associated with meat consumption.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a worldview that questions established scientific and societal norms, often exploring fringe topics like UFOs, radioactivity, and alternative health practices. There's a strong emphasis on the interconnectedness of natural phenomena and a belief in humanity's potential for spiritual and mental evolution as a response to modern challenges. The editorial stance is critical of unchecked technological advancement and industrialization, advocating for a more natural, rational, and spiritually grounded way of life. The recurring theme is the search for truth beyond conventional understanding, often framed within a spiritual or philosophical context, as suggested by the cover's reference to Jesus and the magazine's title.