Pursuit - No 02 - Vol 01 No 2 - 1968

Magazine Overview

This document is Newsletter No. 2, published in March 1968, by The Society For The Investigation Of The Unexplained. It also incorporates The Ivan T. Sanderson Foundation. The overarching mission of the Society is "For the collection, evaluation, and dissemination of information on new discoveries in the natural sciences."

Editorial

The editorial section, written by the Editor, reflects on the past year, describing it as "peculiar" but noting progress, including a legal name change. The Newsletter is presented as the primary means of communication with members, aiming to provide factual information about the organization's activities and intentions. The editorial mentions the expansion of the Newsletter and the ongoing, complex negotiations for the resuscitation of their newspaper, "THE ANIMAL WORLD." It also highlights the significant workload related to the Society's library, which is described as "literally spilling out of the doors."

Matters of Policy

This section, likely written by the President, Oliver G. Swan, details policy matters and recent challenges. It outlines the two-year process of establishing the organization's framework and complying with legal requirements. A significant hurdle arose when a potential sponsor suggested that Ivan Sanderson's involvement was a barrier to fundraising. Further complications involved the Sanderson Estate deeding property, which led to a unanimous vote to change the organization's name. This name change necessitated reworking legal processes. Another issue arose when the Township disallowed the division of the deeeded property due to local ordinances, even after legal requirements had been met. This led to the land being returned to the Sanderson Estate in exchange for a 99-year lease at a nominal fee, with further adjustments to comply with ordinances. The section also recounts a personal tragedy for the Secretary, Edna L. Currie, whose home was destroyed by fire, with only society papers being saved. Despite these setbacks, the author expresses optimism for the future, emphasizing the need for physical help and highlighting the increasing contributions from members. The development of a new Library Building is identified as a key future goal, requiring funds and demonstrating legal establishment.

Administrative Affairs

This section details the organizational structure and operational aspects of the Society. It describes a continuous process of organizing and reorganizing to streamline operations and comply with legal requirements. The structure involves a Governing Board setting policy, a Scientific Advisory Board providing pronouncements, a Trust for financial affairs, and Officers managing specialized aspects like collection, evaluation, and dissemination. The voluntary nature of the organization is emphasized, with staff and officers potentially changing frequently. A chart illustrates the organizational hierarchy, including departments such as Records, Administration, Finance, Establishment, Operations, Promotion, Collection, Evaluation, and Dissemination.

Membership

This section discusses the Society's membership, which began as an "open" invitation. The organization has discovered a large number of individuals with shared interests, leading to a paradox: while material is pouring in, the Society is struggling to keep up with cataloging and correspondence due to physical limitations and the need for more staff. The possibility of limiting membership is being considered until the new library is built and permanent staff are hired. The current membership numbers are insufficient to cover basic costs, let alone staff salaries, which require highly qualified individuals. Voluntary help is appreciated but cannot sustain the continuous work required. The need for sponsorship is highlighted, and an enhanced membership of all classes is considered desirable.

Establishment

Written by Alma V. Sanderson, this section focuses on the Society's physical establishment and the urgent need for more space. While land is plentiful, the primary issue is "housing space" for the library, files, and accumulated materials. The existing buildings include an old house with a bungalow, a machine-shop and storage building (M.S.), two converted city buses used as laboratories and workrooms, and various service items. The property also features experimental fields, a swamp pond, a swimming pool, lawns, orchards, and a stream. The plans for a new Library Building (P.N.B.) are detailed, including its size (60' x 30', two storeys), estimated cost ($70,000), and intended facilities such as a conference room, offices, an experimental kitchen, a darkroom, a sound-studio, and living quarters. The completion of the M.S. building and the attic of the Old House for storage are also mentioned. The need for funds and volunteer help for ongoing projects, including landscaping and tree-planting, is emphasized.

Promotion

This section, likely by Jack A. Ullrich, outlines the Society's approach to promotion, publicity, and public relations. It emphasizes the importance of explaining the organization's activities to the public and members, and informing the public about its identity, mission, and objectives. The Society does not actively seek publicity but welcomes it if it is on legitimate grounds, preferring to remain unknown rather than disseminate "trash." Promotion is seen as essential for the organization's survival. The best method of promotion is considered to be direct, honest appeals for help from like-minded individuals. The Society aims to present its facts clearly and simply, leveraging its professional experts in promotion, news, radio, and TV to communicate its past achievements, current efforts, and future goals.

Routine

This section, attributed to Jack A. Ullrich, highlights the significant achievement of keeping up with correspondence over the past year. Progress has been made in reclassifying files, moving material from filing cabinets to ring-binders. However, the volume of incoming material is increasing, while the time available for this work is diminishing due to increased correspondence and membership. The cataloging of hardback books is complete, but pamphlets, soft-cover collections, and maps remain to be sorted and classified due to a lack of volunteers or professional staff. The section also notes that a considerable amount of time is spent on activities other than paperwork, including visits from interested parties, interviews, and radio-taped shows.

Operations

This section, by Jack A. Ullrich, refers to a previously published classification of knowledge used for analysis and filing. A chart of this framework, a wheel numbered counter-clockwise, is reproduced. The framework is divided into eight major categories: I. Mathematics, II. Cosmology, III. Chemiphysics, IV. Astronomy, V. Geology, VI. Biology, VII. Anthropology, and VIII. Mentology. Each category is further subdivided. The author notes the confusion that arises when attempting to number the sections clockwise, attributing it to psychology.

Duodecimal System and Thirteen Month Calendar

This section discusses the application of a duodecimal system for sub-dividing the eight major categories, preferring it over the Dewey Decimal System due to its perceived outdatedness. The author suggests that a duodecimal breakdown is more practical and useful. The concept of a "Thirteen Month Calendar" is also presented as a "lost cause" of interest. This calendar proposes dividing the 365 days of the year into 13 months of precisely four seven-day weeks each, with a universal holiday on the 365th day. The author argues that this system would simplify calculations for wages, disbursements, and receipts, and could align tax cycles with the calendar year.

On Collecting

Written by Susan A. Brown, this section explains the Society's approach to collecting material, which extends beyond printed or taped information to include field work and physical specimens. The Society is interested in "oddities, enigmas, and paradoxes," particularly in Segments V, VI, and VII of their classification wheel, while other segments are handled by specialists or passed on to Walter J. McGraw. While a museum is not currently feasible, space is allocated in the new building for housing valuable items. Donated materials are periodically presented to appropriate scientific institutions.

On Projects

This section details the Society's project-based work, which is considered of great use to members and a major part of the Society's efforts. Projects involve analysis, planning, and managerial work. The process for initiating a project typically begins with a member requesting information. If the member remains interested after receiving initial materials, they can subscribe to a Corresponding Membership. For extensive research or original work, project requirements are assessed, and costs are calculated. Such full projects are usually undertaken for members of "The One Hundred" or for Sponsors, or for outside organizations under contract. Contracts are drawn up to cover expenses, ensure compensation for the Society (as a tax-deductible contribution), and outline the promotion or dissemination of results. The Society offers considerable facilities for promoting genuine efforts in its fields of contact and influence.

On Future Procedure

This concluding section announces a change in the Newsletter's format. While policy and administrative updates will continue, the major part of the space will be dedicated to a forum for members to exchange queries, ideas, and answers. Due to the volume of correspondence, the Society will need to be selective and brief in its communications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the organizational development, operational challenges, and future plans of The Society For The Investigation Of The Unexplained. There is a strong emphasis on the need for structure, legal compliance, and efficient administration, particularly in managing a growing membership and a burgeoning library. The Society appears to be in a transitional phase, moving from initial establishment to a more robust operational phase, with a focus on building its physical infrastructure (the new library) and expanding its research capabilities. The editorial stance is one of determined optimism, acknowledging setbacks but highlighting progress and the dedication of its members. There is a clear commitment to factual information and a cautious approach to publicity, preferring substance over sensationalism. The exploration of unconventional ideas, such as the duodecimal system and the thirteen-month calendar, suggests an open-minded yet analytical approach to knowledge.

This issue of PURSUIT, presented as a news 'letter', focuses on the challenges and logistics of publishing and obtaining books, particularly those related to fortean subjects. The content includes editorial commentary from Ivan T. Sanderson and Hans Stefan Santesson, alongside announcements and lists of current and forthcoming books.

Editorial: The Need for PURSUIT

Ivan T. Sanderson, in his editorial, addresses the restrictions faced by the publication and posits that the initiation of a proper magazine like PURSUIT is necessary to give full treatment to original reports and happenings. He acknowledges that only time will tell if this endeavor is successful but emphasizes that the current format is the best means available for keeping in touch. Sanderson urges readers to continue submitting material and their questions, noting that the organization has many projects on hand but lacks the space to publish them all. He believes that a free exchange of ideas is crucial for achieving their aims and yielding worthwhile results.

On Publications

Hans Stefan Santesson discusses a novel idea to address the needs of the Society and its members regarding publications. He notes that a significant proportion of members are writers and that many others frequently inquire about publications by members and of general interest. Publishers are also seeking cooperation in disseminating information about their works. Santesson explains that obtaining books has become difficult due to the immense volume published annually, physical constraints on authors, and ethical considerations. Publishers are finding it hard to manage individual orders, and bookstores are overwhelmed by new titles. He suggests that the most effective way to acquire a specific book is to place a written order with a local bookstore. He clarifies that the Society, being a non-profit organization, cannot retail or wholesale products and lacks the resources to fulfill such requests. He advises ordering directly from publishers only if they explicitly solicit such orders or advertise them.

Announcements and Forthcoming Books

The 'Announcements' section details arrangements made with publishers to provide advance information and sample 'Fliers' for forthcoming books on fortean subjects. These are to be listed in the newsletter and sent to members. The issue provides an extensive list of books currently in print, with authors, publication years, titles, and publishers. Notable authors include Tom Allen, Ted Bloecher, Tim Dinsdale, Vincent Gaddis, Jean-Pierre Hallet, Coral and Jim Lorenzen, Roger Patterson, Ivan T. Sanderson, and Brad Steiger. The topics covered range from extraterrestrial life, UFO waves, the Loch Ness Monster, and abominable snowmen to mysterious fires, lights, and general 'weird' phenomena.

The 'Forthcoming Books' section highlights titles expected in Fall 1968 and June 1968. These include 'Encounters with Aliens: Science Fiction and UFOs' by George Earley, 'In the wake of the Sea-Serpents' by Bernard Heuvelmans, and 'The Great Orm: A practical inquiry into the nature and habits of Freshwater Monsters' by Ted Holiday. Tentative titles are noted for the latter two.

The Foundation's Services

A separate section outlines the services offered by 'The Foundation'. It states that the Foundation is authorized to contract with individuals and institutions for specific projects, with special provisions for sponsors. Facilities and services are available to members through correspondence or visits, with nominal charges to cover costs. Non-members can access these services under specific negotiated contracts. All communications must be in writing and addressed to the Business office, with requests being as specific as possible.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the dissemination of information, the challenges within the publishing industry, and the specific niche of fortean literature. The editorial stance, as expressed by Sanderson and Santesson, is one of encouragement for member participation and a pragmatic approach to accessing and sharing knowledge in a complex publishing landscape. There is a clear emphasis on the Society's role as a facilitator and information hub rather than a commercial entity.