Phactum - 2011 09 - September

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue Date: September 2011
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking
Document Type: Newsletter

This issue of Phactum, the newsletter and propaganda organ of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, focuses on the Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI) as its cover story. It also includes a variety of articles on science, history, medicine, and social commentary.

PhACT Meeting Announcement

A PhACT meeting was scheduled for Saturday, September 17, 2011, at the Community College of Philadelphia. The event featured Dr. David Cattell, Chairman of the Physics Department, hosting Earl Bennett, President of the Philadelphia Area Space Alliance and a SETI League member. The meeting was free and open to the public, focusing on the topic "The Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence."

The Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence

The lead article, "The Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence," discusses the long-standing quest for extraterrestrial life, from early speculative methods to modern electronic and nuclear technologies. It mentions that various groups and organizations are developing future systems for this search. Earl Bennett, the featured speaker, is introduced as the President of the Philadelphia Area Space Alliance and a SETI League member, born in Philadelphia in 1949 and a graduate of Drexel University.

The article also lists several websites related to space exploration and SETI, including those for the Philadelphia Area Space Alliance, the National Space Society, SETI League, and The Planetary Society.

A cartoon by Gruhn humorously depicts aliens discussing spacesuits and jazzercise, while another by T. McCracken humorously comments on the possibility of life on other planets.

Letters to the Editor

Several letters address various topics:

• Howard J. Wilk questions the attribution of a quote to Benjamin Franklin, suggesting it might be from Harry Hershfield or Mark Twain. He also notes Franklin's actual daily schedule, which contradicts the quote's implication of laziness. Wilk also contributes a piece on the potential interaction between human attention and cancer growth in mice, citing research on growth hormone.
• A historical quote attributed to Benjamin Franklin, "Death of a Lion," from The Pennsylvania Gazette (January 25, 1731/2), is presented.
• L. Dave Leiter is acknowledged for correcting an error regarding RPM and frequency calculations, which Paul Schlueter III corrects and clarifies.
• Paul Schlueter III also comments on an article regarding "Laying On of Hands" and cancer remission in mice, noting that the authors did not offer a religious or paranormal explanation and suggesting a correlation between human attention and remission.
• Don Nigroni provides an article discussing sea serpent sightings, referencing an 1888 Encyclopaedia Britannica entry and suggesting that resort hotels might have fabricated such tales to attract tourists. He also mentions a personal experience of seeing dolphins off Cape May Point.
• Howard J. Wilk writes again, this time referencing an article about albinos in Africa and the belief that their body parts bring good luck, questioning why this doesn't protect the albinos themselves.

Science and Medicine

• Major Medical Advance at University of Pennsylvania: Researchers have developed a promising treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) involving genetically modifying patients' T cells. Early trials show significant remission rates.
• Colonial and Civil War Medicine: Clarissa F. Dillon, Ph.D., discusses "Domestic Medicine in the 'World of William Penn,'" highlighting the role of lay practitioners, particularly women, in colonial medicine. The article contrasts this with the more formal education required for physicians and the historical perception of women's medical knowledge. It also mentions instructional materials for women and Benjamin Franklin's role in selling household medical books. Robert D. Hicks, Ph.D., is scheduled to present on "The Reality of Civil War Medicine and its Interpretation."
• Homeopathic pharmacy ordered to stop making unsubstantiated vaccine claims: Ainsworths Homeopathic Pharmacy was ordered by the British Advertising Standards Authority to cease claiming its homeopathic travel kit could protect against various diseases.
• Ernst blasts NCCAM-funded research: Edzard Ernst, M.D., Ph.D., and colleagues criticized research funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) on herbs, chiropractic manipulation, and "energy medicine," finding most studies poorly designed and reporting negative results.

Other Topics

• DARPA: The Search For Intelligent Life Comes Up Short: Dr. Robert Park expresses skepticism about a DARPA project to study interstellar travel, calling it a "preposterous proposition" and suggesting that funds could be better used for studying exoplanets remotely.
• Mystery Planet Nibiru: The "Church of Critical Thinking" is cited as concluding that Mystery Planet Nibiru (Planet X) will approach Earth in 2012, based on various ancient prophecies.
• Aliens May Destroy Humanity: A speculative paper by scientists at NASA and Pennsylvania State University, reported in The Guardian, discusses the potential consequences of Earth being discovered by an intelligent extraterrestrial civilization.
• Gambling: The issue touches on legislation to make underage gambling a criminal offense in Pennsylvania and discusses the nature of addiction, questioning the definition of addiction as a "brain disease" and its impact on stigma. Research from Harvard, funded by the gambling industry, suggests pathological gambling rates have remained stable despite increased opportunities.
• Adult Education Course Schedule: The Wagner Free Institute of Science is offering several free fall 2011 courses on topics such as human evolution, French Natural History, and birding.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes critical thinking and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, particularly in the realms of alternative medicine and pseudoscience. It encourages rigorous scientific inquiry and evidence-based reasoning. The editorial stance appears to favor a rationalist approach, questioning popular beliefs and sensationalized reports, while also engaging with historical perspectives and scientific advancements. There is a clear emphasis on education and public discourse, as evidenced by the announcements of PhACT meetings and discussion boards.

This issue of Phactum, dated September 2011, delves into historical aspects of domestic medicine, scientific inquiry, and speculative futures. It features articles on colonial-era remedies, a critique of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), and a proposal for terraforming Venus. The issue also includes historical legal information and details on colonial beer-making demonstrations.

Domestic Medicine and Colonial Life

The issue begins by examining "The Compleat Housewife," a book published in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1742. This work contained a significant number of cookery receipts alongside medicinal and household remedies. The introduction to such books explained that these receipts were often family secrets, excellent for treating various ailments and intended for charitable use by gentlewomen to aid their less fortunate neighbors. Examples of receipts are provided, including those for preventing miscarriage and for a "Spirit of Scurvygrass," with commentary on the difference between theoretical and practical effectiveness.

Further examples illustrate the perceived comparability of domestic medicine to professional practice. These include receipts for "Piony Water" and "For Childrens Fits," with discussions on the efficacy of ingredients and preparation methods. The language used in these texts was generally plain, avoiding obscure terms to ensure accessibility. The article highlights that doctors' information was also considered useful, with a physician recommending ginger over "hot Drugs at the Apothecaries."

The "Syrup of Diacodium," a narcotic concoction made from poppies and sugar, is discussed as a remedy used by colonial housewives. Its potential dangers, especially for children, are noted, with a warning from "Beeton's Book of Household Management" urging caution and professional orders for its use.

Other household books contained instructions for diagnosing and treating people and animals, with examples of opinions from a Philadelphia collection. These include remedies for ringworm, bleeding at the nose, and poisoning from poison ivy, often detailing cases where professional medical advice failed or was insufficient, leading individuals to seek help from alternative sources or experienced women.

Elizabeth Drinker's diary entries from the late 18th century provide detailed accounts of her own medical opinions and actions, often in parallel with or in contrast to physicians' advice. Her experiences with a sprained ankle and her daughter Nancy's severe illness, involving a complex series of treatments and complications, are recounted. These narratives underscore the active role women played in managing health within their families and communities, functioning as both healers and apothecaries.

Historical Legal Statute: Price of Beer

An excerpt from "The Statutes at Large of Pennsylvania 1684" details "LAW ABOUT THE PRICE OF BEER." Chapter 162 specifies penalties for selling strong beer or beer made from molasses above a certain price per quart, with convictions requiring testimony from two witnesses or the party's confession.

Colonial Beer Making Demonstrations

Announcements for colonial beer-making demonstrations are included, featuring foodways historian Clarissa Dillon discussing the art of colonial brewing at the Mill at Anselma and Pottsgrove Manor in October and November 2011. These events aim to showcase traditional brewing methods.

Book Review: The Diary of Elizabeth Drinker

A review highlights "The Diary of Elizabeth Drinker: The Life Cycle of an Eighteenth-Century Woman," an abridged edition edited by Elaine Forman Crane. The diary, spanning 1758 to 1807, is described as a significant personal record of 18th-century American life from a woman's perspective, offering insights into political, personal, and familial subjects. The abridged edition focuses on four critical phases of Drinker's life: youth, wife and mother, middle age, and grandmother.

Critique of SETI

Paul Schlueter III critiques Thomas M. Medero's essay "Has SETI Lost Its Compass." Schlueter clarifies that SETI's hypothesis is not that intelligent life *must* exist, but rather that *if* it exists and is technological and broadcasting signals, *then* it might be detectable. He argues that SETI is a passive receiver system, listening for evidence, and that Medero's criticisms are based on a misrepresentation of the SETI hypothesis. Schlueter emphasizes that SETI's ongoing efforts are a valid scientific pursuit, even if evidence has not yet been conclusively found. He also points out that science often relies on serendipitous discovery and that an overly skeptical approach can hinder progress. Schlueter suggests that Medero's critique might stem from a personal bias rather than a rigorous scientific analysis.

Speculation: Terra-forming Venus

An article by Paul Schlueter III speculates on "Terra-forming Venus, A Sci-Fi Speculation." It revisits Dr. Carl Sagan's 1961 proposal to introduce Terran algae to Venus's atmosphere to consume carbon dioxide. The author discusses the current understanding of Venus's caustic atmosphere and lack of liquid water, contrasting it with Mars. He suggests that a more comprehensive seeding effort, involving thousands of diverse microbes and a method to "fertilize" Venus, would be necessary. The article also touches upon the ethical controversies surrounding such a project, including accusations of "playing God," nationalism, and potential claims of commercial rights. It posits that a wealthy individual or consortium might undertake such a project due to the decreasing exclusivity of space exploration to governments.

Movement of Hurricanes

A letter to Jared Eliot from Philada., dated February 13, 1749/50, discusses the movement of N.E. storms. The author shares observations that these storms begin to leeward and are often more violent there. He conjectures that this phenomenon might be related to atmospheric pressure differences caused by heating and cooling of air over different geographical areas, possibly influenced by the continent's mountain ranges and coastline. The letter also touches upon valuable mines in the Jerseys, specifically Schuyler's copper mine, and the progress of a subscription for an Academy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of history, science, and speculative thought. There is a clear interest in historical practices, particularly in domestic and early scientific endeavors, as seen in the articles on colonial medicine and beer making. The critique of SETI and the speculation on terraforming Venus indicate a forward-looking perspective that engages with contemporary scientific debates and future possibilities. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous scientific inquiry, while also acknowledging the value of historical perspectives and the potential for unexpected discoveries. The inclusion of diverse topics, from historical remedies to advanced scientific concepts, suggests an aim to provide a broad and intellectually stimulating read.

Title: Phactum
Issue Date: September 2011
Publisher: The Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Phactum, dated September 2011, is primarily a calendar of events and lectures organized by or affiliated with PhACT and other Philadelphia-based scientific and historical organizations. It also features a speculative article about extraterrestrial life and a brief mention of a current legal case.

Speculative Article: Life on Venus

The issue opens with a speculative piece questioning the implications of a hypothetical company, "General Life Organisms, Inc.," secretly seeding Venus with life. The author ponders the potential for such an ecosystem to thrive, adapt, and even produce valuable resources like pharmaceuticals or efficient solar energy methods. The article raises ethical questions about ownership and control of such an endeavor, drawing a parallel to Carl Sagan's hopes for seeding Venus with algae. It prompts reflection on humanity's role in potentially creating a "Genesis Project" or finding an alternative home.

PhACT Events Calendar

The bulk of the magazine is dedicated to a detailed calendar of events for September, October, and November 2011, hosted by various institutions in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. These events cover a wide range of topics:

• Science and Technology:
• "The Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence" (SETI) lecture by Earl Bennett, President of the Philadelphia Area Space Alliance.
• Discussions on physics, cosmology, and scientific thinking, including lectures by Lisa Randall and Gino Segre.
• Events related to the history of science, such as the Joseph Priestley Society lectures on "Commercializing Green Chemistry" and "Frontiers of Discovery."
• Discussions on the history and future of cancer therapies.
• A lecture on "The Quest: Energy, Security, and the Remaking of the Modern World" by Daniel Yergin.
• A talk on "Great Riddles in Archaeology: King Arthur, Camelot and the Quest for a Holy Grail."
• A presentation on "Elephants: Past, Present, Future?"
• A Science on Tap event featuring a talk by biochemist Joseph Rucker on "Chile peppers."
• A lecture by Sylvia Nasar on "Grand Pursuit: The Story of Economic Genius."
• Discussions on "Urban Sustainability Forum - Attracting Sustainable Business."
• A lecture on "The History of, and Contemporary Advances in, Botany, Herbal and Alternative Medicine."
• A talk by Steven Pinker on "The Better Angels of our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined."
• A lecture on "Under Glass: A Victorian Obsession."
• A discussion on "Was America Founded as a Christian Nation: A Historical Introduction."

• History and Culture:
• A lecture on "The Reality of Civil War Medicine and its Interpretation" by Robert D. Hicks.
• A talk on "New Jersey in the Civil War: Remembering the Boys Beyond Our Blue River."
• A lecture on "Designing the Wild and Cultivating the City" by Fritz Haeg.
• A lecture on "Done Deaning: A View Through the Retrospectiscope" by Arthur H. Rubenstein.
• A discussion on "The Worlds of Thomas Jefferson at Laurel Hill Cemetery."
• A tour on "Laurel Hill's Newspaper Publishers."
• A lecture on "Madison and Jefferson" by Andrew Burstein and Nancy Isenberg.
• A lecture on "The Swerve: How the World Became Modern" by Stephen Greenblatt.
• A discussion on "The Worlds of Thomas Jefferson at Laurel Hill Cemetery."
• A tour on "Laurel Hill's Newspaper Publishers."
• A lecture on "The Annual Samuel X. Radbill Lecture: Measured Breath: Asthma, Diagnosis, and Death in Urban America."
• A lecture on "The Better Angels of our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined" by Steven Pinker.
• A talk on "Day of Our Dead: Marking the 175th Anniversary of Laurel Hill's First Burial."
• A lecture on "Edgar Allan Poe: Master of Macabre."
• A lecture by Dava Sobel on "A More Perfect Heaven."
• A lecture on "Under Glass: A Victorian Obsession."

• Medical and Health:
• A lecture on "The Reality of Civil War Medicine and its Interpretation."
• A discussion on "The History of, and Contemporary Advances in, Botany, Herbal and Alternative Medicine."
• A lecture on "Who's Afraid of Big, Bad Pharma?"
• The Annual Samuel X. Radbill Lecture: "Measured Breath: Asthma, Diagnosis, and Death in Urban America."

• Other:
• The "Harvest Festival: Brewing Beer in Colonial Days."
• "Mega-Bad Movie Night at the Academy of Natural Sciences."
• "Halloween Flashlight Tours" at Laurel Hill Cemetery.
• "Fall Family Day" at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Many events are free and open to the public, with some requiring registration or a fee. Contact information and websites are provided for most events.

PhACT Information and Policy

The magazine also includes information about PhACT membership, including annual dues for email and US Mail delivery, and donations for the High School Science Fair Student Prize Funds. It outlines the policy for article use, stating that materials originating in Phactum may be reprinted by groups recognized in CSI's international network of skeptics organizations, with proper credit. It also lists the PhACT Council members for 2010/11.

Other Mentions

• Paul Schlueter III is mentioned as serving life in prison in NE Pennsylvania, with supporters having created a website for him.
• The cover features classic science fiction art, including a rocket ship and illustrations from "Startling Stories" and "Martian Odyssey."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the promotion of scientific literacy, critical thinking, and engagement with historical and scientific topics through lectures and events. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging public participation in intellectual pursuits and fostering a skeptical, evidence-based approach to understanding the world. The inclusion of speculative articles on topics like extraterrestrial life suggests an openness to exploring complex and sometimes controversial ideas within a rational framework. The extensive event listings highlight a strong connection to the Philadelphia intellectual community.