Phactum - 2009 07 - July

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue: July/August 2009
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Phactum, the newsletter of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, features a striking cover with a mushroom cloud and the headline "Gehennical Fire." The issue includes a quote from Louis D. Brandeis and Nathaniel Hawthorne. The content spans a variety of topics, emphasizing critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims.

PhACT Calendar

The "PhACT Calendar" section details upcoming events hosted or sponsored by PhACT and related organizations in the Philadelphia area. These include:

• Monthly PhACT Meetings: Hosted by Dr. David Cattell at the Community College of Philadelphia, focusing on various scientific and critical thinking topics.
• Annual PhACT Picnic: Scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2009.
• Lectures: Featuring speakers like Dr. Alan Mann (Princeton University) on human evolution, Dr. Paul Halpern on the Large Hadron Collider, and Dr. Robert L. Park on superstition and science.
• Delaware Valley Mensa General Membership Meeting: Held monthly at the Police Administration Building.
• Theta Healing Lecture: Discussing a technique combining science and spirituality for healing.
• Science on Tap: A monthly science cafe held at National Mechanics, featuring informal presentations and discussions.
• Wagner Free Institute of Science: Promoting summer visits and its natural history collection.
• Socrates Cafe: A discussion group moderated by PhACT member Sam Frederick.
• Opera Performances: Featuring "Cinderella" and "La bohème" by the Delaware Valley Opera Company.
• Buzz Aldrin Lecture: On the 40th anniversary of the moon landing, discussing his book "Magnificent Desolation."
• Dr. Harold Varmus Lecture: On "The Art and Politics of Science."

The calendar also includes information on how to submit announcements for events of interest to the skeptical or scientific community.

Articles and Discussions

"Gehennical Fire" and Cover Art: The cover's imagery and title suggest a theme related to powerful, potentially destructive forces, possibly metaphorical or literal.

Quotes: The issue features several notable quotes, including one from Albert Einstein on individual development and freedom, and a quote from the Dalai Lama on the relationship between science and Buddhism.

Errors Section: This section corrects a photo credit error from a previous issue, noting that Bob Clark, not Bruce Clark, photographed Don Nigroni's Blue Hole article.

• Letters to the Editor:
• Howard J. Wilk shares an epitaph composed by Benjamin Franklin.
• Howard J. Wilk also shares a quote from Benjamin Franklin to Joseph Priestley, reflecting on the potential advancements of science and the hope for moral improvement.
• Tom Napier responds to a suggestion about changing the PhACT acronym, proposing several alternative acronyms for related organizations, such as "PhICTION" (Philadelphians Investigating Crazy Theories, Ideas and Outlandish Notions) and "PhOOLS" (Philadelphians Observing Obscure Lights in the Sky).
• Elaine Brody humorously questions the century Tom Napier was referring to.
• Ed Gracely, PhD poses a question about defining skepticism for someone unfamiliar with the concept, suggesting a definition focused on claims not tested by standard, peer-reviewed methods.
• Dr. Leonor Sierra (Sense About Science) provides an update on their network's call for an international condemnation of homeopathy for treating serious diseases like TB and HIV.

• "Various Ruminations" by Ray Haupt:
• Jeepers, creepers, where'd you get those peepers? A lighthearted piece about the silent film comedian Ben Turpin.
• Rocket Fuel: We're going back to the Moon to get water? Discusses the possibility of lunar ice being used for rocket fuel, referencing a Science magazine article and Dr. Bob Park's newsletter.

"Louisiana mariners eschew rum!": Reports on the sighting of a rare albino bottlenose dolphin, presented as evidence against the myth that cryptozoological sightings are only observed by inferior photographers.

"Faith Healing disaster: Jury Convicts Mother Who Prayed for Daughter Instead of Treating Her Diabetes": Details a case where a mother's reliance on faith healing led to her daughter's death from diabetes, resulting in a murder conviction. The article questions the sentence and highlights the role of religious zealotry.

"How Anti-Vaxxer Madness Leads To Dead Babies": Links to disturbing videos about infant deaths from preventable diseases due to vaccination fears, emphasizing the resurgence of diseases like whooping cough.

"Australian homeopath and wife convicted of manslaughter": Reports on the conviction of Thomas and Manju Sam for the manslaughter of their infant daughter, who died from malnutrition and eczema due to the parents' reliance on homeopathic remedies instead of conventional medical care.

"British libel ruling arouses international furor": Discusses a case where a science writer, Simon Singh, was sued for using the word "bogus" to describe chiropractic claims. The article highlights the UK's libel laws and the campaign by Sense About Science to reform them.

"Birds are not ex-dinosaurs?": Presents research by John Ruben and Devon Quick suggesting that the femur bone structure in birds and theropod dinosaurs is dissimilar, questioning the direct evolutionary link. The article frames this as an example of science updating itself.

"Zeroing In On a Lymphoma Vaccine": Reports on encouraging results from a Phase III clinical trial for an anti-cancer vaccine called BiovaxID, which delayed relapse for patients with advanced follicular lymphoma.

"Zicam and loss of smell": Discusses the anti-cold remedy Zicam and its potential side effect of permanently affecting the sense of smell (anosmia) due to its active ingredient, zinc. It notes that homeopathic organizations are distancing themselves from the product.

Soundbites

Compiled by Becky Strickland, this section offers brief quotes and news items:

• George Monbiot on British research councils and commercialization.
• Ben Goldacre on bad information in medical literature and drug company influence.
• Arden Bement Jr. on the Obama administration's priorities regarding science.
• A poll result indicating that 72% of Americans believe scientific research will improve their quality of life.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum are the promotion of critical thinking, the importance of scientific evidence, and skepticism towards pseudoscience, alternative medicine, and unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science and anti-dogma, advocating for evidence-based reasoning and challenging beliefs that lack empirical support. The newsletter actively debunks health fads, questions the efficacy of unproven medical treatments, and highlights the potential dangers of relying on non-scientific approaches. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between scientific consensus and fringe theories, and on the process of scientific discovery and self-correction. The publication also seems to engage with broader societal issues through a critical lens, such as the role of science in policy and the impact of media on public perception.

Title: Phactum
Issue: July/August 2009
Volume: 13
Publisher: Phactum
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Phactum magazine features a collection of articles exploring historical mysteries, paranormal phenomena, and philosophical inquiries.

The Screaming Lady of Fort Mifflin

This article by Don Nigroni investigates the legend of the 'Screaming Lady' at Fort Mifflin. The story attributes the haunting to Elizabeth Pratt, who allegedly committed suicide out of remorse. However, Nigroni presents conflicting accounts, including one from "Philadelphia Ghost Stories" which places her death and suicide around 1801, predating the current Officers' Quarters building built in 1814. He also suggests a possible natural explanation, such as the sound being made by a red fox vixen, noting the proximity of the Tinicum National Wildlife Refuge.

The Zionitic Brotherhood, Count Cagliostro and Physical Regeneration

Don Nigroni explores the purported alchemical practices of the Zionitic Brotherhood at the Ephrata Cloister, focusing on their quest for physical regeneration. Drawing from Julius Friedrich Sachse's "The German Sectarians of Pennsylvania," the article describes a candidate's forty-day ritual involving seclusion, fasting, prayer, and the consumption of an elixir. The process allegedly led to shedding of skin, hair, and teeth, followed by complete rejuvenation, granting an extended lifespan. The article also discusses similar accounts attributed to Count Cagliostro (Joseph Balsamo), citing "The Life of Joseph Balsamo" and W. R. H. Trowbridge's "The Splendour and Misery of a Master of Magic." It notes that Cagliostro was eventually imprisoned by the Inquisition. Nigroni concludes that while the brotherhood may have believed in a rigorous method for regeneration, Cagliostro likely did not promote such a complete rejuvenation process, and the accounts may stem from satirical pieces or enemy propaganda.

Count Alessandro di Cagliostro

This section provides a biographical sketch of Count Cagliostro, born Guissiepe Balsamo. It details his claims of noble parentage, his travels, his involvement with Freemasonry (founding the Egyptian Rite), and his reputation as a magnetic healer. The article notes his arrest in 1789, imprisonment in Castel Sant'Angelo, and eventual death in 1795, following a sentence for being a Mason.

To Question Authority: When, How, and Why?

By Paul Schlueter III, this article delves into the philosophical imperative to question authority. Schlueter, reflecting on his '60s and '70s upbringing, distinguishes between blind rebellion and reasoned skepticism. He argues that while questioning authority is crucial, it must be informed, timely, and purposeful, aiming for improvement rather than mere hindrance. The article outlines criteria for when to question: after becoming competent in the subject, weighing options, and identifying flaws in the authority's position. It also emphasizes the importance of the 'why' – the need to disrupt for a valid reason, aiming to improve fairness, rationality, or efficiency. The author suggests that in a public forum, questions should be articulated clearly and concisely, and that sometimes a more suitable venue is needed for complex inquiries. He concludes by advocating for respectful questioning that aims to improve understanding and knowledge.

"GRASPING THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD"

Paul Schlueter III outlines the steps of the Scientific Method, emphasizing its self-correcting nature as its key strength. He contrasts it with art, music, and religion, highlighting science's ability to identify and correct flaws through public scrutiny. The article presents an eight-step process: 1. Ask a Question, 2. Specify Definitions, 3. Research the Literature, 4. Form a Hypothesis, 5. Test the Hypothesis (including controls), 6. Document Test and Results, 7. Publish Documentation, and 8. Obtain Peer Review. It stresses the importance of detailed records, replication, and the iterative nature of scientific knowledge, which is always subject to revision based on new evidence. The article concludes by noting that while the core method has remained consistent, its application has evolved, leading to significant advancements.

SYLVIA

Daniel Glass recounts an event where a group protested psychic Sylvia Browne's "Farewell Tour" in Philadelphia. The protesters distributed envelopes containing information critical of Browne's methods, such as cold-reading, and advised against taking medical advice from her. They stationed themselves outside the venue and attempted to distribute the information to attendees. The article describes the challenges faced, including security intervention and audience hostility, and notes that while many envelopes were confiscated, the effort aimed to make attendees think critically about Browne's claims.

The Horned Giants of Bradford County, PA

Don Nigroni examines the historical accounts of giants found in Bradford County, Pennsylvania. He references "Weird Pennsylvania" and "Great Unexplained Mysteries," which describe an 1880s expedition led by Dr. G. P. Donehoo, Prof. A. B. Skinner, and Prof. W. K. Morehead, who allegedly discovered skeletal remains of giants averaging seven feet tall with protuberances above their eyebrows. However, Nigroni critically analyzes these accounts, pointing out discrepancies in the dates and affiliations of the individuals involved. He cites "American Men of Science" to show that Skinner and Morehead were too young to have participated in an 1880s expedition. Furthermore, he references a review of the 1916 Susquehanna River Archeological Expedition, co-led by Skinner and Morehead, which explicitly stated that no abnormal skeletons or giants were found. Nigroni concludes that the reports of horned giants are likely unsubstantiated.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes critical thinking, skepticism, and the importance of evidence-based reasoning. Articles on the Scientific Method and the debunking of paranormal claims and historical legends underscore this stance. The editorial approach appears to favor rational inquiry and the examination of claims through historical analysis and scientific principles, challenging unsubstantiated beliefs and promoting a discerning approach to information.

Title: Phactum
Issue: July/August 2009
Volume: 21

This issue of Phactum, the propaganda organ for the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT), explores a diverse range of topics from historical accounts of giants and the practice of alchemy to modern physics and the enduring nature of superstition.

Ancient Giants and Archaeological Mysteries

The issue begins by examining accounts of unusually large skeletons found in Athens, Pennsylvania, dating back to the late 19th century. Louise Welles Murray's 1921 article in the American Anthropologist is cited, detailing findings in her own garden (Site 2) and at Site 1, the location of the Tioga Point Museum. Skeletal remains, often indicating men six feet and more in height, were noted. A physician, after examining some of these skeletons, suggested they were seven feet tall, based on measurements of femurs. Murray also referenced encounters with the Susquehannock people in 1608 by Captain John Smith, describing them as "a man of gigantic size" and "great and well-proportioned men," seeming like giants to the English.

A specific incident involving the Susquehanna Archaeological Expedition of 1916 is discussed, where deer antlers were found in a grave. This discovery, combined with the existing accounts of large skeletons, apparently led to the myth of horned giants, with a visitor misinterpreting a bundle burial covered in antlers as skulls with horns. The article notes that while the expedition found no unusually large skeletal remains, previous findings had already established the presence of large skeletons and implements in the area. The Susquehannocks were considered by the English to be extraordinarily tall, though they did not possess horns.

Gehennical Fire: Alchemy and the Scientific Revolution

Another significant section focuses on the book "Gehennical Fire: The Lives of George Starkey, an American Alchemist in the Scientific Revolution" by William R. Newman. The article introduces George Starkey, an American alchemist of the 17th century who used the pen name Eirenaes Philalethes. Newman's book, published in 2003, explores Starkey's life and his impact on figures like Isaac Newton and Robert Boyle.

The piece draws parallels between ancient alchemy and modern science, noting that while alchemists sought 'elixirs of life' and transmutation of metals, modern scientists pursue similar goals through different means. The development of the Periodic Table in 1869 is mentioned as a key step in understanding elements, a concept unknown to alchemists. The discovery of phosphorus by Henning Brand in 1669 and oxygen by Joseph Priestly in 1774 are highlighted as early scientific breakthroughs. The article posits that modern medicine, with its development of vaccines and drugs, and the ability of physicists to transmute substances, are continuations of alchemy's aims. It also references Albert Einstein's letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt about the potential for building a fission bomb, noting that heavy elements were transmuted into lighter ones through "Gehennical Fire."

The article concludes that while bombs are not ideal, the knowledge gained from "new alchemists" is applied to beneficial uses like electrical power production and medical imaging.

Collider: The Search for the World's Smallest Particles

This section reviews Paul Halpern's book, "Collider: The Search for the World's Smallest Particles." The book discusses the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), an experiment designed to smash particles to understand the fundamental building blocks of the universe. It aims to test theories like string theory and the existence of the Higgs boson. Halpern, a Professor of Physics and Mathematics, explains the scientific quest to understand the universe's composition and the potential breakthroughs in particle physics.

Superstition: Belief in the Age of Science

Another book review covers "Superstition: Belief in the Age of Science" by Robert L. Park. Park, a science writer, argues that superstition remains pervasive despite scientific evidence to the contrary. He examines various supernatural beliefs, from religion and the afterlife to New Age spiritualism and faith-based medical claims, asserting that science is the only reliable method for understanding the world. The book challenges concepts like reincarnation, astral projections, and the idea of heaven, and highlights how blind faith and confidence in suspect phenomena are manipulated for political ends.

May 2009 Meeting Report

This section details the PhACT's May 16th meeting, featuring science writer and journalist Faye Flam as the speaker. Flam discussed her Philadelphia Inquirer column "Carnal Knowledge" and her book "The Score: How the Quest for Sex has Changed the Modern Man." The column explored various aspects of sex and human sexuality, receiving mixed reader reactions. Her book delves into the history of sex, drawing on scientific information and her experience attending a "Seduction Boot Camp."

PhACT Annual Picnic and Science Fair Support

The magazine announces the upcoming PhACT Annual Picnic on Sunday, July 19, 2007, at Mondauk Commons Park. It also highlights PhACT's involvement in the Delaware Valley Science Fair, where members chipped in to create a $100 prize for outstanding student participants. The organization is soliciting donations to fund similar prizes for the 2010 event, aiming to raise $300. Eric Krieg is mentioned as the contact person for those interested in judging or donating.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Phactum consistently promotes a skeptical and rationalist viewpoint, evident in its critical examination of paranormal claims, its exploration of scientific history and advancements, and its reviews of books that challenge pseudoscientific beliefs. The magazine champions science as the primary means of understanding the world and encourages critical thinking among its readers. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of evidence-based reasoning and against the uncritical acceptance of myths or unsubstantiated claims, as exemplified by the discussions on ancient giants, alchemy, and superstition.