Nessletter - No 055 - 1982

Magazine Overview

This issue of NESS INFORMATION SERVICE, Nessletter No 55, dated December 1982, is primarily dedicated to exploring theories surrounding the Loch Ness Monster and other Fortean phenomena. The publication is based in the UK, with an address provided in Co. Durham.

Theories

The main article delves into the ideas of Roland Watson, who posits that creatures like Nessie and UFOs are not biological entities in the conventional sense, but rather 'Tulpas' or materialised thought forms. He explains the Tulpa concept, originating from Tibetan mysticism, where intense thought or emotion can coagulate 'mind stuff' into a tangible form. This 'mind stuff' is described as a pervasive physical universe permeated by thought, capable of being affected by mental impressions.

Watson's theory suggests that these materialised forms can be 'living' or inanimate, initially nebulous but becoming fully realised through sustained meditation and mental visualisation. He speculates that 'mind stuff' might be an energy field or something more abstract in scientific terms.

Expanding on this, the article references a theory by Tom Bearden, published in the Fortean Times, which links these phenomena to the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics. In this model, the mind exists in a 4-dimensional space, with 'crosstalk' between orthogonal dimensions. When ordinary time coherence is achieved in stages, these forms can multiply exponentially and breach the quantum threshold, materialising into our 3-D spatial frame. The process is described as moving from zero dimensions to 1-D, then 2-D (intangible electromagnetic energy), and finally 3-D solid form. This amplification of 'jitter' on the time carrier wave is thought to be detectable via ESP.

Bearden suggests the collective unconsciousness of the human race is responsible, but Roland Watson discards this, looking instead to 'metaphysical beings' as progenitors, referring to them as 'extraneous minds'. The motivation behind producing these Tulpas remains a question, though deception is suspected, particularly with UFOs. Watson views the Loch Ness Monster as a modern portent, akin to historical figures like Mhorag and the Soe-Orm.

Roland is also attempting to integrate ley lines into his theory, investigating whether they transmit magnetic, electric, or abstract information. An alternative hypothesis suggests piezo-electric fields generated by geological faults near ley points might be involved. Loch Ness itself is identified as being situated on a giant fault.

Roland has conducted a statistical analysis of creature sightings in Loch Ness, comparing 71 surface sightings and 12 land sightings against a probable ley-line system. His findings indicate that 36 of the 71 surface sightings were within 100 meters of a ley line. Calculating the probability of a creature appearing randomly within 100m of a ley line (which covers 0.146 of the loch's area), he found the average chance to be 7 to 1. Based on this, he expected only about 10.37 sightings within ley lines, but observed 36. Using binomial expansion, he calculated the odds of 36 sightings occurring within 100m of a ley line by chance alone to be approximately 1.4 billion to one, suggesting chance cannot account for the results.

Roland welcomes comments from members and the editor notes that his ideas are not necessarily shared by the publication but expresses gratitude for his research.

Jim Skeldon's Theory

Jim Skeldon, a recently joined member, offers his own theory based on personal sightings and observations. His first sighting was in 1969 of a hump and neck. His theory was strengthened in 1977 by observing a leech. He describes how a bump on the leech elongated into a neck, fitting into the body like a horse's shoulders. The neck was thin and waved, with the effect being astonishingly wafer-thin. He noted that the neck seemed to pull part of the body into itself, leading to a transformation with humps and no neck. This action repeated before the leech entered the water.

Skeldon's 1969 sighting involved the neck moving east and west, but never submerging. He was struck by the speed with which the neck shot forward, coinciding with the disappearance of the hump, suggesting elasticity or an invertebrate nature. He likens this to the shape of the creature in Hugh Gray's 1933 photograph.

He reasons that if Nessie were a Plesiosaur, it would be an air-breather, spending much time on the surface. However, the opposite seems to be the case, with only brief glimpses above water. Skeldon suggests Nessie might obtain oxygen from water, similar to an amphibian or leech. He notes that leeches, like other invertebrates, find prey by vibration, making them sensitive to loud or sudden noises. He cites reported sightings, including his own, to support this sensitivity.

Skeldon also mentions a 1982 sighting where he photographed a patch of foam, suggesting it might be related to a creature. He questions whether Nessie makes foam patches and wonders about the 'feed' of these creatures, noting that the invertebrate nature would make them sensitive to loud or sudden sounds.

Expedition

Theo Brown, an Australian researcher, has been conducting experiments related to Loch Ness investigations. Since 1960, he has been involved in research, including work on the Australian division of the World Life Research Institute. His current work focuses on the detection of 'extraneous minds' and the investigation of the Loch Ness Monster.

Brown's research involves the study of the transmission of pulse signals from large marine predators (sharks) and sonar evaluations at Loch Ness. He led several school of fish response experiments and evaluated sonar patterns from deep water.

His current project utilizes 73 separate control periods, utilizing sonar at Loch Ness. One yield involved a sonar response of any significance. In this instance, the sonar was amplified by ESP and believed to be from a large animate object. The sonar was maintained for a period of some weeks. When sonar was examined, it suggested the target could have been between 30 and 50 feet in length. In 1979, Theo again visited Loch Ness, this time for three months, for continued experimental work with sonar. Despite an extensive program, Theo found the sonar to be negative. He decided not to use sonar for future experiments in the loch.

Theo's research is also informed by previous experimental projects at Loch Ness. He consulted with Leif Karlssen, an electronics engineer from Sydney, who devised a concept for establishing pressure-sensitive underwater corridors across the loch. These corridors would utilize pressure waves and low-frequency vibrations generated by moving objects, such as schools of fish or large animals. Underwater sensing units with pressure-sensitive transducers would provide co-ordinates and data, relayed to surface buoyed transmitters. The sensing units would be arranged in a triangular configuration, extendable to cover large areas. A shore-based or ship-board station would feed data into computers for analysis, providing a 3D graph of objects, location, size, speed, and directional movements.

This approach is designed to be undetectable by life forms, yielding quantitative data. Preliminary tests in 1983 were planned to assess computer response to various phenomena in Loch Ness, including fish, divers, surface vessels, and waves. Any intrusion by unknown animate objects would be discernible through computer analysis.

The passive underwater sensing units would consist of hydrophones capable of detecting infrasonic pressure waves and low-frequency acoustic sound emissions. These units can operate at varying depths and include a surface buoy with a transmitter and a suspended transducer assembly. The goal is to establish pressure-sensitive corridors and monitor them for a full calendar year.

Theo's papers also outline the work done and results obtained at Loch Ness since 1960, along with the necessary computer programs. The editor notes that while water cannot be compressed, the principle of following vibrations through the water is interesting. Theo's extensive experience in oceanography and Loch Ness makes him well-qualified for this project.

Post Script

A postscript announces that the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition, curated by Tony Harmsworth, has gone on the road. It features over 40 exhibits, slide shows, and lectures. Adrian Shine, leader of the Loch Ness and Morar Project, will be presenting findings and recruiting volunteers. A schedule of venues and dates across the UK from January to March is provided.

Additionally, the 17th February edition of New Scientist is highlighted as being of special interest, as Adrian Shine will be publishing an account of his project's work and findings. The exhibition is recommended as an opportunity to learn about the project and sign up for volunteer work at Loch Ness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of unconventional theories regarding the Loch Ness Monster and UFOs, particularly the 'Tulpa' theory and its connection to quantum mechanics and 'mind stuff'. The issue also highlights scientific research efforts, including statistical analysis of sightings and the development of advanced sonar and pressure-sensitive detection systems. The editorial stance appears to be open to diverse theories, encouraging member participation and research, while maintaining a distinction between the editor's views and those of contributors like Roland Watson.