Magonia Supplement - No 59 - 2005 11 10

Magazine Overview

MAGONIA Supplement No. 59, dated 10 November 2005, is an issue focused on critical analysis of UFO phenomena and related claims. The main article, "A MYSTERY UNTIL NOW? Dunking Dr Jacobs in the Food Vat" by Martin S. Kottmeyer, scrutinizes the origins of the 'absorption theory' concerning alien biology, particularly as presented by David Jacobs. The issue also includes literary criticism of books on UFOs, apparitions, and the afterlife, as well as a report on a skeptical challenge in Brazil.

"A MYSTERY UNTIL NOW? Dunking Dr Jacobs in the Food Vat" by Martin S. Kottmeyer

Kottmeyer critically examines David Jacobs' assertion in his 1998 book 'The Threat' that the method by which aliens obtain fuel was a mystery until revealed by an abductee in 1994. The abductee, Allison Reed, described aliens bobbing in tanks of liquid, which Jacobs interpreted as absorption through the skin. Kottmeyer points out that this 'absorption theory' was already widely discussed in UFO circles a decade prior to Jacobs' book.

He cites "The Krill Report," an infamous internet document from January 1988, which discussed Greys using glandular substances for food absorbed through the skin. This report also mentioned that Greys mix acquired substances with hydrogen peroxide for absorption. The theory was further disseminated by ufologists like Valerian (1988) and George Andrews, who described Greys absorbing nutrients through their pores and excreting waste through the skin. Earlier versions of these ideas were available on the web and included in compilations like "The Dulce Book" (1996).

Kottmeyer also notes that Lyssa Royals' "Visitors from Within" (1992) discussed Zeta Reticulans genetically altering their bodies to absorb nutrients through the skin due to nuclear war. Daryl Smith's 1996 article "Shades of Gray" also referenced this absorption method. The origins of this theory are traced back to Paul Bennewitz's work in the early 1980s, stemming from Myrna Hansen's alleged abduction experience at the Dulce Base, where she saw tanks of human and cattle parts. Bennewitz theorized that aliens create a liquid "formula" from these materials for sustenance.

The article highlights how this information became prominent with John Lear's statement in late 1987/early 1988, which discussed Greys having atrophied digestive systems and extracting enzymes from humans and animals. William Cooper's 1989 article also mentioned Greys using chlorophyll, blood, and animal fluids, excreting waste through the skin.

Kottmeyer expresses surprise at Jacobs' claim of a new discovery, given the widespread circulation of this information. He notes that even mainstream ufologists ridiculed the Dulce Base idea, with Jacques Vallée being particularly critical. The article also points out that the concept of nutrient baths for sustenance is not entirely new, referencing H.G. Wells' ideas from 1893 about future humans evolving organic chemistry to bypass eating and digestion. A significant parallel is drawn to the 1950 Dan Dare comic strip, "Pilot of the Future," which featured a "Food Bath" for a Venusian Treen, a reptilian alien, providing all necessary nutriment through immersion.

Kottmeyer concludes that while Jacobs' book is presented as bringing fresh insights, his core idea about alien nutrient absorption was already well-established in UFO lore and even present in science fiction long before his publication. He suggests that Jacobs may have been unaware of this prior history, or chose to overlook it.

Literary Criticism

"Heavenly Lights: the apparitions of Fatima and UFO phenomenon" by Joaquim Fernandes and Fina D'Armada

Peter Rogerson reviews this book, which attempts to link the apparitions of Fatima with UFO phenomena. Rogerson notes that the authors claim to have gone back to original sources but suggests a "whiff of convenient selection." He argues that the authors' reinterpretation replaces traditional religious ideas with late 20th-century extraterrestrial beliefs, using a "fundamentalist kind of ETHism" based on pseudoscientific theories. Rogerson believes a more sophisticated analysis would recognize both Marian apparitions and UFO experiences as anomalous personal experiences interpreted within their cultural context.

"Is there an Afterlife?" by David Fontana

Rogerson reviews Fontana's study of evidence for an afterlife, covering apparitions, hauntings, mediumship, and near-death experiences. While acknowledging the thoroughness of the coverage, Rogerson notes the exception of Ian Stevenson's studies on past-life memories, which Fontana seemingly overlooks, possibly because they don't fit his spiritualist beliefs. Rogerson criticizes Fontana's argument for relying on the assumption that "nice middle class people don't lie," finding his view of human nature naive. He suggests Fontana fails to adequately address fraud or perceptual errors, and that his argument often boils down to a belief in the inherent honesty of certain individuals.

"The March of Unreason: science, democracy and the new fundamentalism" by Dick Taverne

Rogerson briefly touches on Taverne's book, which critiques "unreason," particularly in the environmental lobby and opposition to GM crops. While acknowledging potential merits in Taverne's attacks on "alternative medicine" and environmental fundamentalism, Rogerson feels Taverne himself sometimes exhibits a "scientific fundamentalism" that overlooks complexities. He notes Taverne's support for Bjorn Lomborg, who opposes global warming, blurring the lines between skepticism and Forteanism.

Brazilian Ufologists Flee Skeptical Challenge

This section reports on an event in September 2004 where a member of the Brazilian UFO magazine "UFO" challenged Kentaro Mori, editor of the skeptical website "CeticismoAberto." The challenge involved ufologists, represented by Ademar Gevaerd of the CBPDV, proposing a case for the existence of intelligent extraterrestrial life, to be analyzed by skeptics and independent scientists. Despite initial agreement, Gevaerd withdrew from the contest, citing lack of obligation to prove UFO existence, his non-exclusive representation of Brazilian ufology, and lack of time. Carlos Reis, a "mediator" from "UFO" magazine, also expressed skepticism about the endeavor. Wellington Zangari of InterPsi criticized Gevaerd's abandonment as immature and irresponsible. Mori, representing the skeptics, declared the episode closed, noting Gevaerd's failure to acknowledge his mistake.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue demonstrates a critical and skeptical stance towards sensational claims within UFO research, particularly evident in Kottmeyer's deconstruction of David Jacobs' work. The magazine emphasizes the importance of tracing the origins of ideas and questioning the novelty of presented "discoveries." The literary criticism section further reinforces a preference for rigorous analysis and a cautious approach to parapsychological claims. The editorial notes a criticism of Magonia for being too theoretical and expresses a desire for more detailed reports of field work, highlighting a commitment to empirical investigation where possible. The inclusion of the Brazilian skeptical challenge underscores the magazine's engagement with the ongoing debate between ufology and skepticism.