Phactum - 2016 10 - October

Magazine Overview

Title: Phactum
Issue: October/November/December 2016
Publisher: Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking (PhACT)
Description: This issue of Phactum, a newsletter and propaganda organ for the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, delves into public health, scientific achievements, and the critical examination of pseudoscience.

Diphtheria: A Triumph of Medical Science

The issue prominently features the history and successful control of diphtheria, a disease that once caused significant illness and death. The cover story, "Have you heard the recent news about Diphtheria?", highlights how widespread vaccination programs in Western countries have made the disease rare, with only two cases reported in the United States between 2004 and 2015. Historically, in 1921, the US saw 206,000 cases and 15,520 deaths. The case-fatality rate for diphtheria remains 5%-10%, with higher risks for those under 5 and over 40. The article traces the development of treatments and vaccines, noting the work of Shibasaburo Kitasato and Emil von Behring in immunizing guinea pigs with diphtheria toxin in 1890, and Von Behring's Nobel Prize in 1901 for his work on diphtheria. Penicillin's role in killing the bacteria in carriers is also mentioned, along with the development of Erythromycin in 1952. The success in controlling diphtheria is presented as a model for the methodical application of science that has brought many other communicable diseases under control.

Dr. Maurice Hilleman and Vaccine Development

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to Dr. Maurice Hilleman, a microbiologist credited with developing over 40 vaccines. A PhACT lecture on November 19, 2016, featured a video presentation titled "HILLEMAN - A Perilous Quest to Save the World's Children," by Dr. Paul Offit and Don Mitchell. This film explores Hilleman's life and his pivotal role in developing vaccines for diseases like measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and even the first vaccine against human cancer. Dr. Paul Offit, a noted vaccinologist, was present after the screening to answer questions. The magazine also lists several of Dr. Offit's books, including "Vaccinated: One Man's Quest to Defeat the World's Deadliest Diseases," which examines Hilleman's contributions and the challenges posed by the anti-vaccine movement.

Critical Thinking and Pseudoscience

The issue strongly advocates for critical thinking and skepticism towards pseudoscientific claims. Under the section "Various Ruminations of Woo Woo and Real Science and some Gossip," Ray Haupt discusses various topics. He questions the precision of "89 percent" fire containment estimates and touches upon the historical belief in witchcraft, referencing witch trials in Pennsylvania and modern-day persecution in Ghana. The article "Magical Science: Discriminating Science and Pseudoscience with Undergraduate Students" by Dr. Bernie Garrett and Dr. Roger Cutting explores pseudoscientific thinking.

A notable quote from Isaac Asimov is featured, emphasizing belief in evidence, observation, measurement, and reasoning as the foundation for accepting claims, regardless of how extraordinary they may seem.

Homeopathy Under Scrutiny

Several articles critically examine homeopathy. Dr. Stephen Barrett reports on the significant decline in homeopathic product sales in the UK and the FDA's warnings against homeopathic teething tablets and gels for infants, citing risks of seizures and other adverse effects. The FDA is investigating these products, noting that Hyland's Teething Tablets were previously recalled due to inconsistent levels of belladonna. The magazine expresses skepticism towards homeopathic vaccines, or "nosodes," which are promoted as safer alternatives but are made from diluted bodily fluids and rely on the concept of water memory.

Other Content

The "Phactum Table Of Contents" lists various articles, including "Letters to the Editor," "At the Wagner Free Institute," and "Winged Victory of Samothrace." "Phactum's Roster of I.R.E. (Infamous Rational Errors)" introduces the "Ancient Wisdom Fallacy." The "Letters to the Editor" section includes a contribution from Howard J. Wilk discussing coincidental happenings and a correction regarding a misattributed quote of Benjamin Franklin. Upcoming PhACT events are detailed, including a talk by Richard Saunders on "Thinking Critically about Money and Investing."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Phactum are the importance of scientific evidence, the successes of modern medicine and vaccination in public health, and a strong stance against pseudoscience and misinformation. The editorial stance is clearly pro-science, pro-vaccination, and pro-critical thinking, actively debunking pseudoscientific claims and promoting evidence-based reasoning. The publication aims to educate its readers and encourage them to question and analyze information critically, particularly in areas of health and science.

Phactum, October/November/December 2016 issue. This issue delves into scientific history, contemporary social issues, psychology, natural history, and archaeology.

Spectroscopy and the Aurora Borealis

The issue begins with a historical account of Anders Jonas Ångström's work in spectroscopy. In 1867, he examined the spectrum of the aurora borealis and identified the characteristic bright line of oxygen at 5577 angstroms. His 1868 publication, "Recherches sur le spectre solaire," defined the angstrom unit (10-10 metre). Ångström and his collaborator Robert Thalén measured spectral lines of various elements. However, Ångström suspected a systematic error, which was later corrected by Thalén in 1884, ten years after Ångström's death, due to an incorrect metre standard used by Ångström and Thalén. Knut Johan Ångström, Ångström's son, also pursued spectroscopy at Uppsala University.

Pediatricians and Vaccination Refusal

A Los Angeles Times article from August 29, 2016, highlights pediatricians pushing back against parents who refuse to vaccinate their children for non-medical reasons. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggested that excluding such families might be acceptable. Doctors face an ethical dilemma, balancing their oath to patients with the risk posed by unvaccinated individuals to others. The article notes that anti-vaccination sentiments, though a noisy minority, have a long history, as evidenced by an 1885 anti-vaccination poster.

The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories

A report from a PhACT meeting on September 17, 2016, details a presentation by Rob Brotherton, author of "Suspicious Minds – Why We Believe Conspiracy Theories." Brotherton discussed features common to conspiracy theories, such as conspirators being unusually evil or competent, theories being based on anomaly hunting, and being unproven or difficult to disprove. He noted that people willing to participate in hypothetical conspiracies are more likely to believe in them. Brotherton emphasized that conspiracy theories can have serious real-world consequences, citing the influence of "The Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion" on Adolf Hitler and the Holocaust, and the dangerous belief that vaccines cause Autism. He explained that humans are inherently pattern-seeking, making everyone capable of being a conspiracy theorist.

Natural History and Geology of the Susquehanna River Gorge

Kim A. Sheridan writes about an exploration of the Susquehanna River Gorge, describing it as a "garden of stone." The gorge, located 90 minutes from Philadelphia, spans Lancaster and York Counties and is characterized by steep rock faces, unique geological formations, and diverse flora and fauna. The article details the river's gradient, the metamorphic schist and gneiss boulders, and the history of hydroelectric dams (Holtwood, Safe Harbor, Conowingo) constructed in the area. It also touches upon the mystery of deep trenches in the riverbed, possibly formed during the ice ages, and the erosion patterns on the rocks from water currents. Information is provided for visitors interested in exploring the area, including contact details for the Holtwood Environmental Preserve.

Archaeology and the Stone Age

An article by Paul Schlueter III discusses archaeological surveys that push back the timeline of the Stone Age and human presence in the Americas. Citing articles by Bruce Bower in Science News, it highlights findings of stone tools in Sulawesi dated to 194-118 Kya, predating Homo sapiens' presence on the island. The article explains how archaeologists identify human-made tools from natural breaks, noting features like impact chips and worn grooves. It also discusses findings in Monte Verde, Chile, dating human occupation to 18.5 Kya, significantly earlier than previously accepted dates. The article touches upon the debate about whether early hominids learned tool-making independently or copied techniques from animals.

Poetry and Quotes

The issue includes a poem titled "Winged Victory of Samothrace" by Albert Fried-Cassorla, reflecting on victory and war. It also features a quote from George Bernard Shaw on vaccination and a quote from Paul Di Filippo on the nature of human history.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Phactum demonstrates a commitment to exploring a wide range of subjects, from historical scientific inquiry to contemporary debates and archaeological discoveries. The editorial stance appears to favor evidence-based reasoning and scientific consensus, as seen in the discussions on spectroscopy, vaccination, and archaeology. There is an underlying theme of questioning accepted narratives and exploring the psychological underpinnings of belief, particularly concerning conspiracy theories. The natural history and geological features of the Susquehanna River Gorge are presented with an appreciation for the natural world.

This issue of Phactum, dated October/November/December 2016, features a cover story titled "A Crime Punishable by Death" by Clarissa F. Dillon, Ph.D., which delves into the historical context and trials surrounding witchcraft.

A Crime Punishable by Death

The article by Clarissa F. Dillon explores the historical practice of witchcraft, distinguishing between "wise" or "cunning" women (healers and midwives) and "witches" defined as women given to unlawful arts. It highlights how knowledgeable women used plants for healing, love potions, and even death drinks. The text mentions specific plants like calamint and henbane, detailing their medicinal and toxic properties, including effects like hallucinations and convulsions. The article connects witch-hunts to periods of fear and ignorance, such as the Black Death and religious upheavals like the Protestant Reformation, where dissenters were often persecuted as witches.

Witch Trials in England and Colonial America

The issue details historical witch trials, beginning with England under Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I, and then James I, who was particularly concerned with witchcraft and authored a book on the subject, leading to increased trials. The belief in witches and fear of their powers crossed the Atlantic with colonists.

New England Trials: The first New England trials occurred in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1662 and 1663. The "sins" attributed to witches included discontent, anger, envy, malice, seduction, lying, and pride. Legal actions were taken against at least 144 people, including 58 men. The process involved household investigations, community involvement, church intervention, and formal legal proceedings.

Salem Witch Trials (1692): These are presented as the most famous, involving accusations based on "fits," the presence of "familiars," touching the afflicted, family history of witchcraft, and physical examinations. The article highlights Bridget Bishop as the first person executed in the Salem trials on June 10, 1692, after being tried by the Court of Oyer and Terminer. It also notes the coincidental relationship between Magistrate John Hathorne and author Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Pennsylvania Trials: The "world of William Penn" saw cases like that of Margaret Mattson and her daughter, Yeshrom Hendrickson, indicted in 1683. Penn himself sat as judge. Testimony from witnesses like Henry Drystreet and Annakey Coolin is presented, along with Margaret Mattson's defense. The jury found her guilty of "common fame" but not guilty as indicted, requiring bonds for good behavior.

Other Incidents: The article recounts a Pennsylvania incident in Westtown in 1785 involving Moll Otley, who was tested by weighing against the Bible and by having her touch an afflicted child. Another case from Mount Holly, New Jersey, in 1730, reported in the Pennsylvania Gazette, describes accused individuals being weighed against a Bible and subjected to trial by water. A similar event in Mount Holly in 1734, witnessed by William Moraley, involved women being ducked, with sinking considered proof of innocence. An archaeological discovery in Tinicum Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, yielded a "witch-bottle" dated circa 1740, containing pins and other items, likely used to identify a witch.

A New Planet: For Real, This Time?

This article by Paul Schlueter III discusses the ongoing search for "Planet Nine," a potential new planet in our solar system. Hints for its existence date back to 2014, with observations of Kuiper belt objects exhibiting unusual orbits. Computer simulations suggest a planet, possibly ten times the mass of Earth, is responsible. Its orbit is estimated to be at least 200 Astronomical Units (AU) from the sun. While not yet directly observed, astronomers are using telescopes like the Victor Blanco and Subaru, and the upcoming Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, to search for it. The article also touches on the potential for Planet Nine to become a feature in science fiction and the confusion that may arise, especially with Pluto's demotion.

Gravity Waves Finally Detected

Authored by Paul Schlueter III, this piece reports on the historic direct detection of gravitational waves, predicted by Einstein a century prior. The event involved the merger of two black holes about 1.3 billion years ago. The detection was made by the Advanced LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) in Hanford, WA, and Livingston, LA. The article explains how gravitational waves are ripples in space-time caused by massive accelerating objects and how LIGO detects them by measuring minute changes in the length of laser beams within its L-shaped interferometers. This detection is considered a major milestone, comparable to Galileo's observations, and opens new avenues for astronomical observation.

Eureka! 50 Scientists Who Shaped Human History

This section reviews the book "Eureka!" by John Grant, published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. The book features fifty portraits of groundbreaking scientists, including Galileo, Einstein, Curie, Darwin, and Hawking, focusing not only on their scientific contributions but also on their personal lives and quirks.

Magical Science: Discriminating Science and Pseudoscience with Undergraduate Students

This article, by Dr. Bernie Garrett and Dr. Roger Cutting, explores the prevalence of magical thinking and paranormal beliefs, particularly among undergraduate students in science-based disciplines. Surveys indicate a significant portion of the public believes in phenomena like ghosts. The research investigates how media messaging influences these beliefs, noting that exposure to paranormal investigation stories, especially those with pseudoscientific narratives, can increase belief. The study involved comparing nursing students in Vancouver and education students in Plymouth, UK, exposing them to different versions of a news story about a ghost apparition to assess the impact on their perceptions of believability, credibility, and scientific rigor.

Internet Health Scams Survey

This section announces a survey by Dr. Bernie Garrett and his research team at UBC, Vancouver, Canada, on the incidence of deceptive internet-marketed health practices and health scams. It invites participation via an online questionnaire, offering a prize draw for Amazon gift vouchers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of history, science, and belief. It presents historical accounts of superstition and persecution (witchcraft) alongside cutting-edge scientific discoveries (Planet Nine, gravitational waves). There's an underlying theme of critical thinking, encouraging readers to distinguish between established science and pseudoscience, as highlighted in the article on magical thinking and media influence. The editorial stance appears to favor empirical evidence and scientific inquiry while acknowledging the historical and cultural significance of past beliefs and practices.

This issue of Phactum, dated October/November/December 2016, features a significant study on paranormal beliefs among students and the influence of media on their interpretation of news stories. The magazine also includes a comprehensive calendar of upcoming events related to science, history, and culture in the Philadelphia area.

Research Findings on Paranormal Beliefs

The core of the issue delves into a study involving seventy students from the UK and Canada. The research explored various paranormal beliefs, finding that while general beliefs in a god (45%) and the soul continuing after death (52%) were similar to the general population, specific beliefs varied. For instance, 33% believed in communicating with the dead, 21% believed in the devil, and 23% believed in astral projection. Beliefs in psychic prediction, astrology, mind reading, and witchcraft were also explored, with 37% believing some psychics can predict the future and 34% believing mind reading is possible. Conversely, belief in moving objects by mental forces was low (13%), as was the belief in casting spells (13%).

The study identified that beliefs in monsters (e.g., Abominable Snowman, Loch Ness Monster) and luck (e.g., breaking a mirror, the number 13) yielded the lowest RPBS (likely Paranormal Belief Scale) scores.

Media Influence on Belief and Credibility

A key aspect of the research examined how different media consumption habits affected students' perceptions. Interestingly, there were no significant differences in overall responses between groups exposed to different papers, nor were there differences based on the quantity of television and web use, when accounting for initial paranormal beliefs.

However, a strong correlation was found between watching paranormal reality television and the perceived credibility and believability of ghost stories. Similarly, students who reported browsing paranormal websites found them more credible, believable, and scientific. In contrast, watching paranormal drama shows on television did not significantly affect the perceived credibility or scientific value of the stories, although it did increase believability.

Personal paranormal experience also played a significant role, with those reporting such experiences finding the stories more believable, suggesting its influence is as powerful as media consumption.

Critical Thinking and Scientific Literacy

The study highlighted that while students demonstrated higher critical reasoning skills, these skills appeared to be abstracted and deployed situationally, dependent on other belief systems. The findings suggest that pre-existing supernatural beliefs significantly influenced thinking, even when presented with scientific rebuttals. The authors question whether this constitutes authentic critical thinking and suggest that professional degree programs may need to better address critical thinking and scientific reasoning as primary learning outcomes.

Acknowledgements and Contributors

The issue acknowledges the assistance of Dr. Paul R. Brewer and Rick White. It also provides brief biographies of Bernie Garrett, Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia, and Dr. Roger Cutting, Associate Professor at Plymouth Institute of Education, detailing their research interests in nursing science, philosophy, environmental studies, and pedagogy.

Notable Quote

A prominent quote featured is from John F. Kennedy: "The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie - deliberate, contrived, and dishonest - but the myth - persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic."

PhACT Calendar of Events

The latter half of the magazine is dedicated to the "PhACT Calendar," listing numerous upcoming events in the Philadelphia area from October to December 2016. These events cover a wide range of topics including:

• Lectures and Presentations: On topics such as money and investing, the history of science, the American Revolution, the science of leeches, the American Presidency and baseball, and the science of soils.
• Performances and Screenings: Including an immersive performance of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death," a film presentation on Hilleman, and historical reenactments.
• Tours: Such as "Soul Crawl: Haunted Halloween History Tours" and "True Tales from the Tomb" at Laurel Hill Cemetery, and historical tours of various sites.
• Workshops: Including an 18th-century hearth-cooking workshop.
• Regular Meetings: Such as the Rittenhouse Astronomical Society meetings and Socrates Cafe discussion groups.

Many events are free and open to the public, with some requiring pre-registration or admission fees. The calendar provides details on dates, times, locations, descriptions, and contact information or websites for further details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of belief, science, and media. The magazine appears to promote critical thinking and scientific literacy, as evidenced by the research study and the extensive calendar of science-related events. The editorial stance seems to favor evidence-based understanding and the debunking of pseudoscientific claims, while also acknowledging the complexities of belief systems and personal experience. The inclusion of events from various scientific and historical societies suggests a commitment to public engagement with knowledge and critical inquiry.

Phactum, the main propaganda organ for the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, presents its October-November-December 2016 issue. This publication serves as a comprehensive calendar of events, lectures, and presentations happening primarily in the Philadelphia area, extending into early 2017. The magazine focuses on a diverse array of topics, including science, history, astronomy, critical thinking, and social issues.

Featured Articles and Lectures

Science and Cosmology

Dr. David Chuss, Associate Professor of Physics at Villanova University, delivers a lecture on "Microwave Polarization as a Window to the Infant Universe." He discusses the expansion of the universe, dark matter, dark energy, and the "inflation" theory, highlighting the search for gravitational waves imprinted on the cosmic microwave background by the Cosmology Large Angular Scale Surveyor (CLASS) telescope array.

Health and Vaccination

Paul Offit presents the Rhoads Medal Lecture, "The Vaccine Wars, Who's Winning?" He traces the history of the anti-vaccine movement, from smallpox to MMR vaccines, and discusses his extensive work in vaccine education and safety. His prolific writing on medical narratives and controversies is also noted.

History and Culture

Several events delve into historical subjects. "An Inventory of an Army: What the British Surrendered at Yorktown" by Bob Sullivan offers a unique perspective on the British Army's equipment. A lecture on "Great Beasts of Legend" explores Egyptian religious imagery and the sphinx. Another event, "The American Presidency | Foreign Press Panel," discusses the portrayal of the US election by foreign journalists. The "Hot Spots and Storied Plots" and "Spirits of Christmas Past" events at Laurel Hill Cemetery explore local history and traditions.

Astronomy and Space Science

The Rittenhouse Astronomical Society hosts astronomy lectures open to the public. The Franklin Institute's Fels Planetarium and Joel N. Bloom Observatory offer "Night Skies in the Observatory" events, providing views of celestial objects and presentations on astronomical topics.

Critical Thinking and Social Issues

"Science on Tap" monthly gatherings feature informal presentations by scientists. The Robert L. Sadoff Lecture addresses "The Rabbit's View of Shaken Baby Syndrome," examining clinical, biomechanical, and pathological evidence related to infant injury. Daniel Q. Gillion discusses "Governing With Words," exploring the impact of race-conscious speeches on public policy and societal behavior. Jennifer Murphy's presentation on "The Enduring Stigma of Drug Addiction" examines addiction as a disease versus a crime.

American Revolution

Christian McBurney discusses his book "Abductions in the American Revolution," detailing attempted and successful kidnappings of military and civilian leaders. The American Revolution Round Table of Philadelphia also hosts related events.

Other Notable Events

Events include a "SIP of SCIENCE - 2016 Benefit Cocktail Party" honoring Dr. Stephen Tang, and a lecture on "Plastics Now: On Architecture's Relationship to a Continuously Emerging Material" by Billie Faircloth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Phactum consistently promotes critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and an evidence-based approach to understanding complex issues. The publication champions accessible science education and encourages public engagement with scientific and historical topics. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards pseudoscience and a strong advocacy for rational discourse, as evidenced by its affiliation with the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking and its focus on scientific accuracy and historical context. The magazine also highlights events that foster community and intellectual exchange.