Pursuit - No 03 - Vol 01 No 3 - 1968

Magazine Overview

Title: PURSUIT
Issue: Newsletter No. 3
Date: June 1968
Publisher: The Society For The Investigation Of The Unexplained
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of PURSUIT, designated as Newsletter No. 3 and dated June 1968, is published by The Society For The Investigation Of The Unexplained. The cover prominently features the quote "Science is the pursuit of the unknown" and states the society's purpose: "For the collection, evaluation, and dissemination of information on new discoveries in the natural sciences."

Editorial

The editorial section addresses a perceived misapprehension among potential and charter members regarding the society's objectives. It clarifies that the society is not a 'research' organization in the conventional sense, which involves re-searching the known. Instead, its core function is the "Collection (search), Evaluation (re-search), and Dissemination (publication) of INFORMATION." The editorial emphasizes that the society is a data collection outfit that analyzes and evaluates items, then publishes its findings. The scope of interest is broad, encompassing "Everything!" but with a specialization in natural sciences, including geological, biological, and anthropological fields. While established facts are valuable for the library, the focus is on non-established, or 'Fortean', facts. The society explicitly states it does not file, assess, or publish on aesthetic, ethical, religious, mystical, or occult subjects, though it acknowledges the increasing difficulty in drawing lines between these and established/non-established fields, particularly concerning mechanics of thought and EMI-effects on living entities. Selected material in these borderline departments is welcome, with Walter J. McGraw available for specialized matters.

The editorial also highlights that the society offers primarily individual services rather than massive impersonal publications.

Administrative Matters

This section details the ongoing organizational efforts of the society, which operates under a long-term master plan established two years prior. The plan has two main components: a physical building program and a bibliographic procedure. A third category, 'Special Projects,' was initially given time for organizational purposes. The office work involves sorting, classifying, and cataloging a substantial amount of material, including books, periodicals, pamphlets, informational files, correspondence, pictures, and maps. Significant progress has been made in these areas.

The society also manages routine work and current operations, which primarily involve correspondence and filing of reports and other information. This includes handling a large volume of letters related to specific cases, such as the "Patterson Affair." Translation of material from various languages is a crucial but expensive part of this process, sometimes presenting unique challenges, such as material in Cyrillic script turning out to be in Georgian.

'Special Projects' involve assisting members planning expeditions, trips, or research projects. This assistance includes helping with physical equipment, map studies, and obtaining letters of introduction. The society also engages in promotion, publicity, and public relations, leveraging the expertise of its charter members. However, it has found that a purely professional approach is not always effective for their objectives, leading to a plan to initiate these aspects internally and then employ professionals for execution.

Terence A. Roberts, a freelance public relations man, provides voluntary services to manage media appearances and publications. The administrative responsibilities also include the maintenance of the society's physical properties, which requires a considerable amount of staff time.

Membership

As of April 16th, 1968, the society had approximately 400 members. The Membership Secretary's role has been taken over by another department due to the need for physical proximity to financial handling, which is difficult for other officers in this voluntary organization. The newsletter lists four main categories of membership: Corresponding, Visiting (Committee of One Hundred), Sponsors (Individual, Corporate, or Institutional), and Honorary. The renewal date for subscriptions has been set for the end of 1968, with new members joining from June 1968 having cards valid until the end of 1969.

Establishment

This section provides a report and exposition on the society's establishment, covering three key areas:

1. General Maintenance: This includes ongoing upkeep, such as tree-trimming and clearing culverts.
2. The Old House: Renovation efforts on the old house are detailed, including sanding floors, repainting, rebuilding bookshelves, and repairing the roof. Work is also planned for the attic.
3. The 'Concrete': The construction of a 'concrete' structure, previously delayed by frost, is two-thirds complete. It is being converted into a bed-sitting-room-office with a library extension, heat, light, and other living facilities. The remaining part will be weatherproofed.

The major focus is on the 'New Library Building,' for which plans are being drawn and cost estimates prepared. The building is described as large and complex, designed to house various units including offices, a stockroom, a library-conference-room, fireproof storage, a photographic darkroom, a sound studio, and living quarters. The design aims to conform with the Old Building and local country dwellings, featuring a peaked roof for storage. Construction will utilize sprung steel, prefab concrete, aluminum windows and doors, and concrete floors, with minimal flammable material.

Current Events

This section introduces the newsletter as a medium for exchanging information and ideas among interested parties. It announces the intention to publish "news and views," welcoming communications such as questions, original reports, bibliographical references, comments, and inside stories. The newsletter also plans to introduce, evaluate, appraise, and review other organizations and their publications.

The Patterson Affair

The most significant event highlighted is the obtaining of 30-feet of 16.mm color film of a large hairy Hominid (Bigfoot) by Roger L. Patterson and his friend Bob Gimlin in Del Norte County, California, in October 1967. The story has been published in ARGOSY Magazine and aired on television. The newsletter provides a summation of the event, noting that the "real story behind the story" involves attempts to discredit Patterson, similar to experiences of other 'pioneers.' It details how the society, through its members, helped ensure Patterson received a proper hearing, despite facing financial ruin from his enterprise. The narrative recounts an offer of $500,000 for the first photograph of any ABSM (Abominable Snowman-like creature) from a senior executive of a leading news magazine. The newsletter describes the immediate actions taken upon hearing that Patterson had obtained film, including alerting LOOK Magazine and arranging meetings with media representatives. It details the film's viewing by scientists at the American Museum of Natural History, who initially deemed it "not kosher" (impossible). Following LIFE's decision not to proceed, ARGOSY publisher Hal Steeger signed a contract. The film was then sent for analysis to experts like Prof. W. C. Osman Hill, Dr. John Napier, and Vladimir Markotic. The newsletter mentions that Patterson and his brother-in-law were in Hollywood for seven weeks negotiating a documentary, but nothing materialized. The BBC later acquired rights for the UK and Commonwealth, filming Roger Patterson and discussions with Dr. John Napier. The documentary is expected to air in Europe, with LIFE INTERNATIONAL also opting to publish an article. The newsletter notes significant international interest, including a call from the editor of AROUND THE WORLD in Moscow and discussions with Dr. Boris F. Porshnev, a Russian Academy of Sciences professor investigating ABSMs.

Giant "Armadillo"?

This section discusses a report from "Life Sciences Notes" of SCIENCE NEWS regarding a "One ton Armadillo caught" in Argentina. The report, which described a male giant armadillo measuring three feet tall and six and a half feet long, claimed it was the first captured in 25 years and that scientists thought the species extinct. The newsletter criticizes this report as a "classic of misrepresentation," pointing out the lack of names, dates, and location, and the inaccuracy of the claim that the species was thought to be extinct, as the Giant Armadilla (Priodontes giganteus) is common in South America. The newsletter questions the meaning of "three feet tall" in the context of armadillos.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the collection and dissemination of information on unexplained phenomena, particularly in the natural sciences. The society positions itself as a facilitator and evaluator of such information, distinct from traditional scientific research. There is a strong emphasis on the 'Fortean' aspect of unexplained events and creatures, exemplified by the detailed coverage of the Patterson Bigfoot film. The newsletter also touches upon the challenges of dealing with the media, the scientific establishment's skepticism, and the potential for misrepresentation of discoveries. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into the unknown, while maintaining a structured approach to data collection and evaluation, and a clear demarcation of the subjects they cover.

Title: The UFO Investigator
Issue: Vol. IV., No.3.
Date: November-December 1967
Publisher: NICAP

This issue of The UFO Investigator delves into several key areas related to UFO phenomena and scientific investigation, with a particular focus on the Condon Committee and the origins of Forteanism.

The Condon Committee Controversy

The article begins by addressing the public's understanding and perception of the Condon Committee, initiated in November 1966. It highlights the initial agreement among 'believers' and 'disbelievers' that the problem was purely physical, ranging from plasma balls to extraterrestrial machines. However, doubts arose regarding the committee's composition. While Dr. Condon himself was seen as capable of handling the physical aspects, the team's heavy reliance on psychologists and human psychology specialists, rather than a broader spectrum of scientific experts like cosmologists, astronomers, chemists, and geophysicists, caused dismay. The article questions the relevance of psychologists to a 'physical' phenomenon.

Preliminary announcements led to accusations of a 'whitewash' from 'saucerians' and 'ufologists'. The press, which had previously ridiculed UFO reports, began predicting a definitive, official explanation. However, the article notes the press's tendency towards sensationalism and a lack of critical investigation. It also points out that statements in smaller papers and foreign periodicals hinted at a 'suppression of evidence' by airforces and that the committee was an attempt to maintain this position.

Contractual Basis of the Condon Committee

To clarify the committee's origins, the article reproduces details of a negotiated contract. It reveals that the initiation of the enterprise was a contract between the Office of Scientific Research of the U.S. Air Force and the Regents of the University of Colorado, dated November 1, 1966. This contract, identified as F44620-67-C-0035, was issued by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. The purpose was to obtain outside scientific assistance in evaluating UFO material, not to take the business out of the hands of the Air Force or military supervision.

An exchange of letters between the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) and Dr. Condon's office further clarifies the process. NICAP, through its Director Ivan T. Sanderson, inquired about the committee's progress and any potential results. Mrs. Kathryn Shapley, Secretary to Dr. Condon, replied that it was the policy of the project not to issue reports during the investigations. The final report was to be presented to a committee at the National Academy of Sciences for review by September 30, after which it would be turned over to the Air Force for public dissemination. The article notes that the report was anticipated to be available for public purchase by the end of the year.

Media Coverage and Misconceptions

The issue addresses media coverage, including an article by John G. Fuller in LOOK magazine titled "FLYING SAUCER FIASCO" and a New York Times story about the University of Colorado's study not disclosing results. It also mentions a National Enquirer article about a U.S. Airforce project using hypnosis to prove a "COP'S REPORT OF FLYING SAUCER". The article emphasizes that the Condon Committee's investigation was primarily a scientific endeavor, not a political one, and that its findings would be reviewed by the National Academy of Sciences.

The Nature of UFOs and Official Concern

The article speculates that the primary interest and concern of official agencies, including the Condon Committee, might not be UFOs themselves, but rather allegations of their 'occupants'. It suggests that the real 'scare' is not public panic but the possibility of leaders losing control if the public realizes the existence of superior intelligences with superior methods of control. The article posits that Dr. Condon's involvement suggests a significant underlying reason, possibly related to the 'occupant' phenomenon, which has historically been linked to official activity following 'landing' reports.

The Origin of "Forteanism"

The issue dedicates a section to the history of 'Forteanism', a field inspired by Charles Fort's work on unexplained phenomena. It mentions Damon Knight's efforts to compile a definitive history of Fort, the Fortean Society, and the activities of Tiffany Thayer. The Fortean Society, founded by Thayer, operated from 1934 to 1959. After its demise, efforts were made to reorganize and to access Fort's files, which are now housed at the N. Y. Public Library.

Book Listings

A comprehensive list of "Books in Print" and "Forthcoming Books" is provided. This section includes titles related to various scientific fields, not just Forteana, with works by members indicated by an asterisk (*). Notable authors and their works on cryptids, unexplained phenomena, and related subjects are listed, such as Bernard Heuvelmans, John A. Keel, Willy Ley, and Brad Steiger.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around skepticism towards official UFO investigations, the perceived flaws in the Condon Committee's methodology and composition, and the historical context of studying unexplained phenomena through Forteanism. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking factual clarity amidst public confusion and media sensationalism. There is a clear emphasis on scientific rigor and a questioning of the underlying motivations behind official investigations, particularly concerning the 'occupant' aspect of UFO reports.