Phactum - 2012 10 - October

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue Date: October 2012
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT)

This issue of Phactum, the newsletter and propaganda organ of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, centers on the complex relationship between science, pseudoscience, and public perception, with a particular focus on the controversial figure of Immanuel Velikovsky.

PhACT Meeting Announcement

A PhACT meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 20, 2012, at the Community College of Philadelphia. The event will feature Michael D. Gordin, a professor from Princeton University, who will speak on his book, "The Pseudoscience Wars: Immanuel Velikovsky and the Birth of the Modern Fringe." Dr. David Cattell will host the event. The meeting will cover Velikovsky's influential book "Worlds in Collision," published in 1950, which proposed that Earth had undergone near-collisions with comets and planets in historical times, explaining ancient catastrophes. Despite its popularity, the book faced strong criticism from the scientific community. Gordin's work examines Velikovsky's career and the shifting definitions of science and pseudoscience.

Featured Book: The Pseudoscience Wars

The issue provides details about Michael D. Gordin's book, "The Pseudoscience Wars: Immanuel Velikovsky and the Birth of the Modern Fringe." The book analyzes Velikovsky's theories, which suggested a comet caused natural disasters around 1500 BC, and explores how the line between legitimate scientific inquiry and what is deemed 'bunk' has evolved. Gordin's research draws on Velikovsky's archives and discusses connections to other fringe doctrines like creationism and parapsychology. The book also touches upon contemporary debates surrounding evolution and climate change.

Other Books by Michael Gordin

Several other books by Michael D. Gordin are listed, including "Red Cloud at Dawn: Truman, Stalin, and the End of the Atomic Monopoly," "A Well-ordered Thing: Dmitrii Mendeleev And The Shadow Of The Periodic Table," "Five Days in August: How World War II Became a Nuclear War," and "Utopia/Dystopia: Conditions of Historical Possibility."

PhACT Plans for Philadelphia Science Festival

PhACT has significant plans for the 2013 Philadelphia Science Festival, aiming to raise $7000.00 to cover expenses. A key goal is to have James 'The Amazing' Randi speak at the festival. Donations are being sought, with a cutoff date of the November 17 PhACT meeting. The date and location for Randi's lecture are pending.

Dreary Organizational Business: By-Laws Changes

Proposed amendments to PhACT's bylaws are detailed, aimed at streamlining the organization's management. These changes will be voted on at the November 17 meeting. Key amendments include modifications to membership options (removing 'Life membership'), voting rights, quorum requirements for meetings, the role of past presidents on the council, officer terms, and committee appointment processes. The 'Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal' is also noted to have been changed to 'Committee for Skeptical Inquiry'.

Upcoming PhACT Meeting: Science vs. Politics

An upcoming PhACT meeting on November 17, 2012, will focus on "Science vs. Politics: A Post-Election Look at the Political Climate for Science." Kenneth Silber, a political writer, will discuss concerns about "anti-science" tendencies in U.S. politics and analyze how the political climate for science has evolved. The discussion will cover issues such as climate change, evolution, GMOs, and vaccines, acknowledging that accusations of being anti-science can come from both conservative and liberal factions.

Letters to the Editor

Two letters address topics previously covered in Phactum. The first, by Don Nigroni, discusses the 'mermaid myth' of the Azores, referencing a 1930 article about a hoax perpetrated by a hotel owner involving his daughter and a waitress dressed as mermaids. The second letter, by Paul Schlueter III, critiques the documentary "Mermaids: The Body Found" as pseudoscience and a conspiracy theory, urging skeptics to watch and debunk such programs. Schlueter also praises the website quackometer.net.

Various Ruminations

Ray Haupt contributes a section titled "Various Ruminations." It includes a humorous translation of the first chapter of the Book of Genesis into Pig Latin, with a link to a website for the full translation. Another piece discusses the health concern of arsenic in rice, citing Consumer Reports and noting that arsenic exposure can be linked to cancer and other health issues. The section also mentions the 'ancient art of Rumpology' discovered by PhACT's webmaster, Wes Powers, based on the work of Jacqueline Stallone.

Antiques and Collectibles Forum

Christine Mifsud has organized an antiques forum as part of the Abington Township Adult School. The forum offers a series of six-week classes starting mid-October 2012, covering topics such as antique silver, Pennsylvania design, medical instruments, and postcards. Information on registration and contact details are provided.

Royal Astronomer Discusses UFO's

This section reports on a statement by Lord Martin Rees, the UK's Royal Astronomer, who dismissed UFO reports as not credible to serious astronomers. The article contrasts this with the historical portrayal of aliens in films, mentioning "Aelita: Queen of Mars" (1924) and "Le Voyage dans la lune" (1902). It suggests that UFOology is a harmless pursuit, unlike homeopathy, which is described as more insidious.

Quantum Quackery Criticized

An item from Dr. Stephen Barrett's Consumer Health Digest warns that health-related claims invoking quantum mechanics should be considered pseudoscientific. Physicist Lawrence Krauss is quoted stating that while quantum mechanics can sound magical, claims linking it to consciousness or offering products should be viewed with extreme skepticism, as they often aim to sell something.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum revolve around critical thinking, the demarcation between science and pseudoscience, and the examination of controversial or fringe ideas. The publication consistently promotes skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, as seen in its coverage of Velikovsky, UFOs, and quantum quackery. The editorial stance encourages readers to engage with ideas critically, submit their own well-reasoned papers, and participate in discussions on a wide range of topics, while explicitly rejecting partisan politics and complaints about religious belief. The organization also focuses on its internal governance and future events, such as the Philadelphia Science Festival.

Title: Phactum
Issue Date: October 2012

This issue of Phactum, a publication focused on science, skepticism, and critical thinking, features a diverse range of articles, from critiques of pseudoscientific practices to discussions on cutting-edge scientific discoveries and historical perspectives.

Articles and Features

Quantum Quackery and Energetic Medicine

The "Cosmic Log" section begins by agreeing with Professor Krauss's critique of quantum quackery, citing an abundance of websites that promote such ideas. The website http://www.quantumenergywellness.com/index-7.htm is highlighted as an example, specifically discussing the SCIO system. SCIO is described as a "Scientific Consciousness Interface Operation system" derived from the Latin "I know." It is presented as a sophisticated energetic medicine system that uses electro-dermal screening, stress testing, and biofeedback to test and balance the body at a subtle energy level. The system integrates mathematics, quantum physics, fractal dynamics, subspace theory, electronics, and computer programming, offering therapies such as naturopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic, energetic medicine, psychology, aromatherapy, reflexology, color therapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, biofeedback, and Rife Resonator. Notably, "science based medicine" is absent from its listed therapies, leading the author to express shock.

A quote from Henry David Thoreau is featured: "Nothing more strikingly betrays the credulity of mankind than medicine. Quackery is a thing universal, and universally successful. In this case it becomes literally true that no imposition is too great for the credulity of men."

Trituration and Dream Proving of Hedgehog

This section reports on an unusual homeopathic remedy derived from hedgehogs. A young woman in Wales, suffering from various ailments including an ovarian cyst and endometriosis, was prescribed "Thujia, a homeopathic remedy derived from Thujia occidentalis." When the treatment plateaued, a 40C compound of Hedgehog was prescribed. The story, found at http://hpathy.com/clinical-cases/a-case-of-hedgehog/, details how a student at the Welsh School of Homeopathy, Chloe Foss, devised and proved the hedgehog remedy. The process involves grinding hedgehog spines and lactose into a powder, with a specific mention of Withold Ehrler's Cosmology requiring dilution and succussion in powers of six for the C4 trituration process.

The article also provides background on hedgehogs, noting there are 17 species in the Old World, and they are nocturnal insectivores. The International Hedgehog Association is mentioned as dedicated to their care. A website, http://hedgehogclub.com, is provided for more information.

Gay Conversion Therapy

Becky Strickland, a psychologist and member of PhACT's Council, reports on California Governor Jerry Brown signing a bill into law that bans "gay conversion" therapy. This law prohibits mental-health providers from engaging in sexual orientation change therapy with anyone under 18. Brown is quoted as stating, "These practices have no basis in science or medicine, and they will now be relegated to the dustbin of quackery." The article expresses hope that other states will follow this lead.

Meeting Report - September 2012: The Golden Age of Cosmology

Akim Adams, a physics student, reports on a PhACT meeting featuring a talk by Dr. Paul Halpern, author of "Edge of the Universe: A Voyage to the Cosmic Horizon and Beyond." Halpern discussed the current state of cosmology, noting how much has changed since Richard Feynman's assertion that "all things are made of atoms." Current understanding is that atoms comprise only about 5% of the universe, with Dark Matter (23%) and Dark Energy (72%) making up the rest.

Halpern explained that cosmology is in a "Golden Age" of precision, with the universe's age estimated at 13.75 billion years, traceable to a single point. However, the concept of the "observable universe" versus the "actual universe" is explored. The expansion of the universe is accelerating due to Dark Energy, described as "negative pressure" or "anti-gravity." This acceleration could lead to a "Big Rip" event in about 16.7 billion years, tearing everything apart, or a slower "Big Stretch" where galaxies become stranded and everything stretches out.

The talk also touched upon the questions facing the next generation of cosmologists, such as the origin of Dark Matter and Dark Energy, and the ultimate fate of the universe. Paul Halpern's research interests include complex and higher-dimensional solutions in general relativity, and the relationship between science and culture.

Book Reviews/Features

Edge of the Universe: A Voyage to the Cosmic Horizon and Beyond by Paul Halpern is featured. The book is described as investigating questions about the universe's size, composition, and what lies beyond, including the Big Bang, unseen dimensions, and cosmic phenomena.

VOYAGE TO JAMESTOWN: Practical Navigation in the Age of Discovery by Robert D. Hicks is also presented. This book explores sea navigation methods and tools during the era of discovery, using a fictional voyage from England to Virginia in 1611 as a narrative framework. It covers navigational theory, methods, and instrumentation within historical, economic, political, scientific, and religious contexts. Robert D. Hicks is Director of the Mütter Museum/Historical Medical Library in Philadelphia.

How Stem Cell Research Might Cure Menopause

This article by Paul Schlueter III discusses the potential of stem cell research to address menopause. It references a Science News article by Tina Hesman Saey, which reported that adult women might replenish eggs. The research, led by reproductive biologist Johnathan Tilly, found that stem cells in mouse ovaries could create new mouse eggs. Further studies on human ovaries revealed that about 1.7% of cells are stem cells capable of making egg precursors. The research involved studying ovaries from women who had undergone sex reassignment surgery. While human ovarian stem cells can make egg precursors, it is not yet shown they can become viable eggs or be fertilized. However, eggs grown from mouse ovarian stem cells have been fertilized, resulting in healthy baby mice.

The article also touches upon the potential for stem cell research to restore youthful hormonal production, which could help with issues like osteoporosis in older women. It mentions that cell mitochondria, inherited from mothers, become less efficient with age and may play a role in diminished egg and sperm production. Tilly's team has already stopped the progression of menopause in mice and is working on human applications, possibly through revitalizing mitochondria or using stem cell manipulation techniques.

A quote from James Thomson, the first scientist to isolate and culture embryonic stem cells, is included regarding the moral implications of using human life components for research. He states that using frozen embryos that would otherwise be discarded makes more sense to help people.

Blood Cancer Fund Raising Walk

PhACT member Eric Hamell reports on the "Light the Night" walk against blood cancer, where "Hitchens' Hikers" are participating. The event benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

"The Higgs Boson, at Last"

This article by Paul Schlueter III explains the concept of the Higgs boson. It traces the evolution of understanding elementary particles, from Newtonian physics to the discovery of quarks and fundamental forces (strong, weak, electromagnetic, gravitational). The article defines a boson and discusses the "electroweak" force and the concept of "symmetry breaking." The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN was built to provide the high energies needed to find evidence of the Higgs boson. The article reports that the LHC successfully found the Higgs boson, filling the last gap in the Standard Model of Physics. Peter Higgs, who proposed the particle nearly 50 years ago, was present for the announcement. The mass of the Higgs boson is reported to be around 125.3 billion electron volts. The article also briefly mentions "Supersymmetry" as an extension theory that proposes supersymmetric partners for all particles, some of which might account for dark matter.

A cartoon titled "A Higgs Bosun" is included.

PhACT Calendar

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

• October 20, 2012: Michael Gordin on "The Pseudoscience Wars: Immanuel Velikovsky and the Birth of the Modern Fringe."
• November 17, 2012: Ken Silber on "Politics vs Science."
• January 19, 2013: TBA.
• February 16, 2013: John Ruscio on fallacies and new technology related to lie detector tests.
• September 21, 2013: Nicoli Nattrass on AIDS Denialism.

The calendar also notes that PhACT accepts submissions for events of general interest to the skeptical or scientific community within a reasonable radius of Philadelphia, and that Phactum does not accept paid advertising.

Other Events and Information

Several other events are listed, including:

• The Philadelphia Area Center for the History of Science (PACHS) maintains a calendar of events.
• October 8, 2012: "The Science of Vampires" talk at National Mechanics, exploring science and superstition in Dracula.
• October 9, 2012: "Spirits and Spiritualists of Laurel Hill Cemetery" walking tour.
• Tuesday, October 9, 2012: "Reading the Body" event at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, featuring fiction writers.
• Wednesday, October 10, 2012: "Anatomical Cartography: Mapping the Internal Landscape of the Human Body" lecture by Susan Standring at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.
• Wednesday, October 10, 2012: Philadelphia Nerd Nite.
• Wednesday, October 10, 2012: Rittenhouse Astronomical Society meeting on Maya culture and calendar.
• Wednesday, October 10, 2012: "IT'S ABOUT TIME: SHORT FILMS FROM THE SECRET CINEMA ARCHIVE" at the American Philosophical Society Museum.
• Thursday, October 11, 2012: "Theology of the Dead Sea Scrolls" discussion at The Franklin Institute.
• Saturday, October 13, 2012: "Protecting the High Seas: The Naval Personnel of Laurel Hill" talk.
• Saturday, October 13, 2012: "Ghosts Among Our Graves: Paranormal Investigation of Laurel Hill Cemetery" workshop.
• Saturday, October 13, 2012: Center for Ancient Studies Symposium on "The End of Time," exploring comparative perspectives on universal cataclysm.
• Sunday, October 14, 2012: "Fall Family Day" at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

SOCRATES CAFE

A philosophical discussion group moderated by Lewis Mifsud, meeting every Monday evening.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of Phactum is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims. The magazine actively debunks or questions practices like quantum quackery and homeopathy, while enthusiastically reporting on advancements in physics, cosmology, and medical research. There is a consistent theme of promoting rationalism and evidence-based understanding, as seen in the coverage of the ban on gay conversion therapy and the detailed explanations of complex scientific topics like the Higgs boson and cosmology. The publication also serves as a community bulletin for like-minded individuals, listing numerous events related to science, history, and critical thinking in the Philadelphia area.

Phactum, October 2012 issue. This publication serves as the primary organ for the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT), distributing information on a wide array of events, lectures, and discussions primarily focused in the Philadelphia region. The magazine highlights a diverse range of topics, reflecting PhACT's commitment to critical thinking across various disciplines.

Featured Events and Articles

Film and Music

The issue promotes the "SCOPITONE PARTY" on Sunday, October 14, 2012, at the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville, PA. This event showcases "Scopitone" music films from the early to mid-1960s, originally made for French film jukeboxes. The presentation includes a talk on the history of film jukeboxes, illustrated with slides.

Medicine and Health

On Monday, October 15, 2012, the College of Physicians of Philadelphia hosts a presentation titled "Authentic Voices in the Exam Room: The Use of Poetic Imagery in Medicine," exploring the role of poetry and art in clinical encounters. On Tuesday, October 16, 2012, a talk at the Chemical Heritage Foundation discusses "Psychopharmaceuticals, 1953–2013: Evolution, Questions, and Controversies," examining the increasing role of pharmaceuticals in mental illness treatment and the globalization of psychiatric disorders. Mat Savelli, a historian of medicine from the University of Oxford, will lead this discussion. Another event on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, at the College of Physicians, focuses on "Food & Thought: 'Just Add Water: A Guide to Water-Drinking Myths,'" reviewing common claims about water intake and its effects on the body. Later, on Tuesday, October 30, 2012, Sherwin B. Nuland will deliver the Annual Robert L. Sadoff, MD, FCPP Lecture on "The Goodness of the Physician: Hippocrates to High Tech." On Tuesday, November 6, 2012, Sarah Milov will discuss "'Quality Tobacco': The Making of the Concept and the Crop," exploring the historical debates surrounding tobacco quality. Finally, on Wednesday, November 7, 2012, the Kate Hurd-Mead Lecture will cover "The History of Cystic Fibrosis, and the Future of Genetic Medicine."

History and Culture

Laurel Hill Cemetery is a prominent venue in this issue, hosting several events. On Tuesday, October 16, 2012, Terri Greenberg leads "Specters of the Silent City after Sunset: Stories for the Spirited Soul," a walking tour focusing on the cemetery's mysterious aura. On Friday, October 19, 2012, the "8th Annual Gravediggers' Ball" is held to benefit the Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery. On Tuesday, October 23, 2012, a tour titled "Edgar Allan Poe: Deep into that Darkness Peering" explores Poe's connection to the cemetery. On Friday, October 26, 2012, "Laurel Hill: The Hot Spots and Storied Plots" offers an overview of the cemetery's history and art. The cemetery also hosts "Halloween Flashlight Tours" on Tuesday, October 30, 2012.

Beyond the cemetery, other historical events include a talk by Honduran archaeologist Ricardo Agurcia Fasquelle on "Temples that Speak: Art and Architecture at Copan, Honduras" on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, at the University of Pennsylvania Museum. On Thursday, October 18, 2012, the Academy of Natural Sciences hosts a forum on "Is Sustainable Agriculture Bad for the Planet?" featuring author James E. McWilliams. The Free Library of Philadelphia features Camille Paglia discussing "Glittering Images: A Journey through Art from Egypt to Star Wars" on Thursday, October 18, 2012. On Saturday, October 20, 2012, the Philadelphia Film Archivists Collective presents "HOME MOVIE DAY" at PhillyCAM. Historian Clarissa Dillon discusses "How the Civil War Influenced the American Revolution" on Sunday, October 21, 2012. The American Philosophical Society hosts George Daughan discussing his book "1812: The Navy's War" on Friday, October 26, 2012. The Mütter Museum holds its "Annual Day of the Dead Festival" on Saturday, October 27, 2012. The University of Pennsylvania Museum features a lecture on "The First Crusade: Three Battles for Latin Christendom" on Wednesday, November 7, 2012. Heidi Voskuhl speaks on "Engineers' Class Struggle and the Question of 'Technology' in German and American High Industrialism" on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at the Chemical Heritage Foundation. Joseph Seymour discusses his book "Pennsylvania Associators, 1747-1777" on Wednesday, October 24, 2012. Celia E. Deane-Drummond presents on "Christ and Ecology: Deep Incarnation" on Thursday, October 25, 2012. Ari Gross discusses "Representations of Chemical Entities in the Late 19th Century" on Tuesday, October 30, 2012. Mark Bowden discusses his book "The Finish: The Killing of Osama Bin Laden" on Monday, November 5, 2012.

Science and Technology

The Rittenhouse Astronomical Society holds its monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at the Franklin Institute, offering free meetings for those interested in astronomy. The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University hosts "Mega-Bad Movie Night - You Call It" on Thursday, October 25, 2012, featuring scientific absurdities in movies. Philadelphia Nerd Nite is scheduled for Wednesday, November 7, 2012.

PhACT Activities

PhACT is grateful for the hospitality of the Community College of Philadelphia. The organization also highlights its "PhACT's High School Science Fair Student Prize Funds," encouraging donations to support student prizes. Information is provided for membership and for submitting content to Phactum. The PhACT Council for 2011/12 is listed, including key roles such as President, Webmaster, and Editor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Phactum strongly emphasizes critical engagement with various fields, including history, science, medicine, and culture. The editorial stance appears to be one that encourages intellectual curiosity, rigorous examination of evidence, and open discussion. The publication actively promotes events that delve into historical contexts, scientific inquiry, and societal issues, fostering a community interested in learning and debate. The focus on skepticism, as indicated by the mention of Skeptical Inquirer and the policy for article use, suggests an underlying theme of critical analysis and a questioning of established narratives or pseudoscientific claims.