Pursuit - No 05 - Vol 02 No 1 - 1969

Magazine Overview

Title: PURSUIT
Issue: VOL. 2, NO. 1
Date: JANUARY, 1969
Publisher: The Society For The Investigation Of The Unexplained

This issue of PURSUIT, the journal of The Society For The Investigation Of The Unexplained, presents a collection of articles and observations on various unexplained phenomena, framed by an editorial that champions the spirit of inquiry and criticizes dogmatism within scientific circles.

Editorial: The Arch Enemy of Science

The editorial, titled 'The Arch Enemy of Science,' defends Charles Fort against the press's characterization of him as an enemy of science. It argues that Fort was, in fact, a great ally to true science, directing his critiques not at science itself, but at the stupidity, chicanery, and self-appointed 'experts' who misrepresented or stifled genuine investigation. The piece posits that Fort advocated for common sense, logic, and honesty as a viable alternative in a world increasingly reliant on a brittle technological civilization. It highlights the human tendency to fear the unknown and the resulting resistance to new ideas, citing the immediate dismissal of Kenneth Arnold's sighting of lenticular aeroforms and the Loch Ness monster reports as examples of this ingrained skepticism. The editorial concludes by stating that the Society, as 'neo-forteans,' protests the behavior of those who, by claiming scientific authority, denigrate genuine scientific methodology, while affirming their support for true science and scientists.

Current Events

This section outlines the organizational structure and interests of the Society, categorizing knowledge into eight major areas: Mathematics, Cosmology, Chemiphysics, Astronomy, Geology, Biology, Anthropology, and Mentology. It notes that items will be arranged according to these categories.

Cosmology: The Current Status of Ufology

This article discusses the burgeoning field of ufology, suggesting that humanity is experiencing a renaissance of intellectual development, partly due to the breakthroughs forced by ufological inquiry. Despite ongoing squabbles among various parties, from mystics to 'renegade' scientists, their collective persistence has compelled scholars and the public to consider previously unsuspected possibilities. The author notes that ufology is gaining serious attention in intellectual and technological circles, citing examples like the Condon Committee, Congressional hearings, and publications in scientific and popular media. The article asserts that the phenomenon of unexplained aerial objects persists and is widely believed, with millions of Americans claiming to have seen such things. It suggests that despite public statements and official denials, a 'cover-up' exists, and that there are numerous people with information about UFOs and their occupants.

The text further explores the possibility of UFOs being more than just visual reports, referencing military and official actions in areas where UFOs have reportedly landed. It argues that the sheer volume of these incidents and the continued official interest suggest they are not mere hearsay. The article posits that the millions of people who claim to have seen UFOs or encountered their occupants have forced a broader consideration of new possibilities for existence, challenging humanity's egocentric and terracentric outlook. It acknowledges that such shifts in thinking take time, comparing it to a renaissance that unfolds over a century.

Chemiphysics: Poltergeists As Usual

This section reports on the prevalence of poltergeist cases, noting that the Society receives notice of about one case per week. It presents a detailed account from Canada, describing a two-storey house in Wooler, Ontario, owned by Mr. Fred Coulthard Sr., where phenomena such as smashed windows, flying objects, and an overwhelming odor of roses occurred. The report includes quotes from local residents, the parish priest, and Mr. Coulthard himself, who welcomed investigation. The author criticizes the typical responses to such events, suggesting the need for physichemical technicians and a multidisciplinary approach. The article discusses the common attribution of poltergeist activity to entities, rather than solely to psychological factors, and notes the historical prevalence of such phenomena in Malaya, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It touches upon the tendency to attribute these events to specific groups, like the Malays, and suggests that these phenomena are caused by entities with a 'mind' or 'intellect.' The case of the Coulthards is used to illustrate the ongoing efforts to investigate and understand these 'P.Ms.' (poltergeist manifestations).

Further details from the Coulthard case are provided, including accounts of mysterious noises, smashed objects, and attempts to photograph 'small, dark, heavy shadows.' The author expresses frustration with the lack of rigorous investigation and the tendency for the press and authorities to dismiss or misinterpret events. The piece advocates for a more serious and conceptual approach to understanding poltergeist phenomena, even considering the possibility of invisible entities.

On Wedding Rings

This section features a letter from Mrs. Dulcie Brown of Fresno, California, detailing the mysterious disappearance and reappearance of her wedding ring. The ring vanished in Los Angeles around 1955 and reappeared in 1966 in a decorated cigar box in Fresno, after Mrs. Brown's husband died. The author notes that sudden disappearances and appearances of objects, particularly artefacts, are a troublesome matter, often attributed to self-hypnosis or dismissed by simple logic when rational individuals report them.

Astronomy: Dusty Old Mars

This article critically examines the U.S.A.'s Mariner 4 fly-by of Mars in 1965 and the subsequent analysis of its photographs. The author expresses skepticism regarding the interpretation of the images, particularly the conclusions drawn about dust accumulation and the potential for river valleys. The article questions the scientific consensus on Mars's landscape, contrasting it with findings from the Moon, where close-up images revealed no dust. It highlights the ambiguity in statements about the possibility of life on primitive Mars, suggesting that the scientific community may be deliberately vague.

Geology: Living Icecaps

This section begins by referencing a paper by J. Weertman on the 'Stability of Ice-Age Ice Sheets.' The author finds the statement that 'an ice cap will grow when the snowfall on it increases or the melting at its edge decreases' to be a rather obvious observation, noting it was previously stated in 1927. The article then delves into the complex nature of ice caps, explaining their formation through snow accumulation and compression into firn and palaeocrystic ice. It describes the outward creep of ice and the influence of atmospheric conditions, including adiabatic winds, on ice cap dynamics. The author also touches upon the growth of ice caps in response to warm winds and the role of evaporation in their retreat. The section concludes by mentioning the unglaciated northern tip of Greenland, where life exists year-round, and notes the author's appreciation for critical comments from professors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of scientific dogma, the defense of unconventional inquiry, and the detailed investigation of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of Charles Fort's approach, advocating for open-mindedness, logic, and a willingness to explore the unknown, even when it challenges established scientific paradigms. The Society positions itself as a proponent of 'true science' that actively pursues the unknown, contrasting this with the 'chicanery' and 'stupidity' found within some scientific establishments. The issue emphasizes the importance of collecting and disseminating information on unexplained events, whether they be UFOs, poltergeists, or geological and astronomical anomalies, suggesting that a rigorous, yet open-minded, approach is necessary to advance understanding.

This issue of Pursuit magazine, dated October 1967, delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena and intriguing biological mysteries. The publication aims to explore subjects beyond conventional understanding, often drawing from reports and investigations that challenge established scientific norms.

The Florida Underground

The article begins by referencing a paper by F. Sharp and Dr. J. F. Nye, and then introduces Frank Shields and his observations regarding the underground river systems in Florida. While the existence of such systems is not new, Shields emphasizes their enormous scale and the potential for specialized and unknown life forms to have evolved within them. He highlights that these underground rivers and caverns are gradually being charted but remain largely unknown in their full extent. The challenge lies in devising techniques to search for this hidden world, which he believes has fascinating potential.

The discussion then shifts to the zoological aspect of subterranean river systems, focusing on aquatic fauna found in caves that differ from surface-dwelling forms. These specialized creatures often lack vision or pigment, appearing semi-transparent. The article specifically mentions salamanders, citing Dr. Leonhard Stejneger's description of *Typhlotriton spelaeus* from Missouri, and other blind salamander forms found in artesian wells in Texas and Georgia. The widespread distribution of these animals suggests they spread through underground networks, indicating a vast subterranean country beneath areas like the Ozarks. The article notes that these underground river systems can form complex, fern-leaf patterns, sometimes intermingling or lying over each other without following surface drainage.

The scale of these waterways raises questions about the size of creatures that might inhabit them. While small salamanders can navigate narrow channels, the possibility of much larger creatures is considered, drawing a parallel to the deep sea where large, unknown creatures are believed to exist. The article briefly touches upon the 'Cave Cows' of the Mayas of Yucatan, suggesting this is a topic for future investigation.

Fishing - Unexplained

This section explores unusual fishing stories and unexplained occurrences related to aquatic life. It begins by acknowledging the commonality of 'fishing stories' and the pressure on fishermen to prove their catches. A specific case highlights "Pappy" Schaible from Frenchtown, New Jersey, who reportedly caught an exceptionally large catfish. The local Fish & Wildlife Service's evasive response to inquiries about such a large catfish in the Delaware River is noted as peculiar.

The article then recounts an incident in June 1965 where Pamela Bird and Henry Englehart encountered a 30-inch shark in Budd Lake, New Jersey, an inland body of water. The shark, described as a 'Blue Sand Shark', is unusual because such marine animals cannot survive in freshwater for long. The explanation offered is that the shark was likely transported by a refrigerator truck carrying fresh sea food, and was thrown into the lake shortly before being discovered. The article questions how it survived the journey from New York.

Further examples of unexplained aquatic finds include a strange-looking fish caught in Lake Onondaga, New York, in 1902, which was identified as a squid. This led to speculation about saltwater sub-strata in the lake, potentially supporting ancient marine life. Another report from the New York Times in 1882 mentioned a seal being shot in Lake Onondaga, and a sargassum fish had also been caught there previously, suggesting these were likely strays.

The section concludes with an anecdote about a professional collecting trawler that caught a 12-foot Angler Fish, far larger than typically encountered, off the coast of England, emphasizing the 'fishy' and unpredictable nature of fishing.

Sea-Cows and Water-Horses

This section investigates the possibility of large, unknown aquatic creatures, often referred to as lake monsters. It references Prof. Roy P. Mackal's research on the Loch Ness monsters, where he deduced they were mammals based on composite eyewitness accounts. Mackal's theory posits that these creatures are a long-necked form of Sirenian, a group that includes dugongs and manatees.

The article details the history of Sirenians, including the extinct Steller's Sea-Cow (*Hydrodamalis stelleri*), which inhabited sub-arctic islands in the North Pacific and was discovered by Georg Wilhelm Steller in 1741. Steller's Sea-Cow was a large, docile mammal with a thick hide and horizontal tail flukes, and its existence in cold northern waters suggests Sirenians are not exclusively tropical.

Mackal's hypothesis is that freshwater monsters in lakes like Loch Ness and others in Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, Scandinavia, Russia, Canada, and parts of the U.S. could be large, long-necked Sirenians. This idea is partly based on composite drawings resembling such creatures.

The article then discusses the 'Ogopogos' of Okanagan Lake in Canada, where numerous sightings of large unknown animals have been reported. It mentions a report of a corpse resembling a sirenian found near the lake, described by local Indians as having whiskers and a blue muzzle, with flippers. This information was obtained from H. H. Currie. The possibility of relic Sirenians in the Caribbean and extinct ones off Siberia is also mentioned, leading to the question of whether other Sirenians could be trapped in deep-water lakes and have developed long necks.

Somebody's Sea-Cow

This sub-section reports on a brief AP release from Moscow in October 1966, stating that Soviet scientists claimed Sea-Cows weighing over three tons might be present around the Siberian peninsula of Kamschatka. The article criticizes the lack of detail in this report, questioning the sources and the basis for the weight estimation. A more detailed account from the Russian journal *Priroda* (Nature) describes observations made by the crew of the whaler *Buran* near Cape Navarin in July 1962. They saw half a dozen unusual animals, 20 to 26 feet long, with dark skin, a small head, and a fringe-edged tail, swimming in a compact group in a shallow lagoon. The article also references a report from France about a Soviet discovery of a whale with ear elements, suggesting ancient whales might have lived on land.

An Oological Oddity

This section discusses the phenomenon of 'Easter-Egg Chickens', also known as Araucarian Fowl, which have been known for over four hundred years. These birds, originating from Chile, are noted for laying blue, green, and pink eggs. The article expresses surprise that the British Agriculture Ministry seems unaware of this breed, despite their long history. The Araucarian Fowl are described as truly 'forte an' birds for several reasons, including their unusual egg colors and their supposed indigenous status in the Americas, which contradicts the theory that chickens were derived from Jungle Fowl of the Oriental Region.

The article touches upon the debate regarding the transmission of species across the Pacific, referencing Thor Heyerdahl's theories. It then focuses on the egg-laying behavior, noting that individual birds can change egg color over time and that a group of chickens with the same diet can produce different colored eggs. The lack of apparent genetic determination for egg color is highlighted as a puzzling aspect. The author expresses a desire to know if Mr. McKenner's chickens were Araucarians, as it would be significant if common breeds like Rhode Island Reds or Leghorns exhibited such variability.

An Oological Outrage

This section recounts a personal experience of finding a dime dated 1948 inside a hard-boiled egg on a train journey from New York to Wood's Hole. The author describes the revolting greenish substance exuding from the yolk and the discovery of the dime. Despite the initial shock, the egg and dime were preserved, but the cup containing them shattered after a sudden train brake, leaving only the dime intact. The article dismisses the common explanation that a chicken swallowed the dime, arguing that the digestive and reproductive systems are separate and that a dime could not pass from the former to the latter. The author also mentions other reported cases of money found in fruits, such as a $10 bill in a cantaloupe and a dollar bill in a tomato, questioning if these are related to unexplained phenomena.

More on Oofs

This brief section discusses an experiment reported in the New York Times where scientists produced a frog from a single cell. The article highlights the concept of DNA carrying the complete plan for an individual animal within genes and chromosomes. It notes the experiment involved transferring the nucleus of an alimentary tract cell to a reproductive cell (ovum) from which the nucleus had been removed. The outcome was that the transplanted nucleus received instructions to stop digesting and start reproducing, a process that remains unexplained.

More Moa Murmurs

This article presents a report from a zoologist who visited New Zealand and gathered information on the mystery of the Moas. The report details the discovery of fresh remains of a small Moa species in the montane forests of southern South Island, New Zealand. These remains, found in a dry cave, reportedly showed signs of being contemporary. The author expresses suspicion due to the lack of radiocarbon dating and the alleged cloak-and-daggerism surrounding the findings.

The article references previous discoveries that indicated Moas co-existed with humans and survived until shortly before the 19th century. It mentions the discovery of a tribal group, the Ngati-mamoe, who encountered small, forest-dwelling Moas (*Megalapteryx*) in hidden valleys around 1700. Some of these Moa remains showed signs of being butchered and engraved with cuts possibly made by a metal knife, suggesting they were eaten.

Dr. Roger Duff's booklet, "Moas and Moa-Hunters," is cited, which suggests that *Megalapteryx* might have survived until the early seventeen hundreds. The article notes that the largest Moa, *Dinornis maximus*, stood over six feet tall. However, the smaller *Megalapteryx*, described as being about three feet tall and shaped like a kiwi with a longer neck and a broad bill, is considered a more likely candidate for recent survival in rugged, forested mountains.

Society News (Operational Activities)

This section details the ongoing projects of 'The Society', focusing on search and research initiatives. The projects include:

• The Ringing Rocks: A committee is studying this phenomenon, involving field trips, discovery of new 'fields', X-ray and spectrographic analysis, aerial photography, and biological experiments.
• Stone Spheres: An investigation into large accumulations of 'stone balls' found in California, ranging in size from ten feet to granulated sugar, is underway, creating a debate between geologists and archaeologists.
• Mechanical Dowsing: A special committee is being formed to explore this procedure, with input from experts and suggestions for refining field experiments.
• Paddlebugs: Research is being conducted on rare two-winged flies known as Phantom Crane-Flies (*Ptychopteridae*), focusing on their unusual flight methods. Motion picture film will be made for detailed analysis.
• Chain in Rock: A team investigated reports of a huge iron chain embedded in a giant boulder in northern Pennsylvania, which appears to go deep into the rock. The area also contains alleged petroglyphic inscriptions.
• Oldest Plant: An investigation into a vast mass of Box Huckleberry in Pennsylvania, estimated to be 13,000 years old, is being initiated to find its original center and search for datable material free of contamination.

Society News (Administrative Affairs)

This section covers administrative matters of 'The Society'. It reports on two quarterly Board Meetings chaired by Mr. Hans Santesson. Key points include:

• Membership: A slow but steady increase in membership is noted, with an emphasis on organic growth through existing members rather than professional promotion. The objective is to increase subscribing members to cover the cost of 'PURSUIT'.
• Administrative Changes: Mr. Jack A. Ullrich has taken on the role of "Field Operations," utilizing his extensive international business travel. Miss Marion L. Fawcett, a professional librarian, has become the librarian. Miss Charlene Connelly assisted with administrative tasks, including filing and pasting.
• Editorial and Advisory Boards: The composition of the Scientific Advisory Board and the establishment of an Editorial Board, chaired by Hans Stefan Santesson, are mentioned.
• Establishment: The Society considers its physical establishment of high importance. With limited space and an increasing volume of material, including offers of entire libraries, efforts are being made to secure safe storage and create laboratory space for research. The construction of safe storage for periodicals in the attic and clearing the laboratory for experiments are noted. The possibility of building a new Research Center is also discussed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, the mysterious, and the scientifically intriguing. The magazine consistently explores phenomena that lie outside conventional understanding, from subterranean worlds and unknown life forms to unusual animal behavior and historical enigmas like the Moa. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the investigation of anomalies and challenging established scientific paradigms. There is a clear interest in documenting anecdotal evidence and pursuing research into subjects that are often dismissed by mainstream science. The publication also emphasizes the importance of meticulous research and detailed reporting, even when dealing with seemingly outlandish topics.

This issue of PURSUIT, dated 1969, focuses on the Society's operational aspects, including its physical expansion, library development, publicity strategies, and membership drive. The content details the organization's efforts to maintain its standards and grow its reach.

Organizational Development and Facilities

The Society is actively working on expanding its facilities. The Annex, a 60-ft by 20-ft concrete building with a new concrete floor, is being prepared to house a library extension. Two-thirds of this space is already filled with stored properties. The remaining area will be lined and weatherproofed. However, the organization acknowledges that the essential question of enhanced working space remains, with plans drawn but costs currently beyond their means. They politely ask those wishing to bequeath or house collections to be patient until proper fire-proof facilities are erected.

Land Use Policy

Over the past two years, the Society has engaged in extensive discussion and thinking regarding land use. The land rented from the Sanderson Estate, consisting of eight acres, is contiguous with additional acreage owned by the Sandersons. This land includes a large field of prime acreage, a flooded wood, an overgrown apple orchard, and a wooded swamp that drains into a shallow lake on the Society's property. This lake then feeds into an 80-ft by 80-ft grass-verged swimming pond. The Society's policy is to leave most of the land untouched, allowing natural growth and succession to return it to its original botanical constitution after nearly three hundred years of human interference. This approach has been followed for the past three years, and the shallow pond has already become a subject of study by a group from Rutgers University. An exception to this policy is the experimental planting of North American exotics, including a specific Umbellifer discovered by Basil Hritsco, which thrives in rocky areas and provides edible spices and roots.

Publicity and Promotion

The Society has received significant publicity, particularly through Mr. Barry Farber's radio programs on Station WOR in New York. Mentions of "Ringing Rocks" and the Society's activities have also appeared in the press. The organization's approach to publicity is to "perform first and then offer our findings to the working press later." They are not actively pushing promotion but prefer to let their work speak for itself. ARGOSY Magazine has been supportive by featuring a column written by the director as their science editor, which is seen as a dignified way to present the Society's existence and activities to a wide audience.

Publications: PURSUIT Journal

Discussions at editorial board meetings addressed technical matters related to the journal PURSUIT. It was agreed that the journal's format would remain as is for the time being. A significant decision was made to establish a new volume system starting in 1969, with each year constituting a new Volume comprising four issues. The official publication dates are set for January 30th, April 30th, July 30th, and October 30th. The aim is to have each issue released at least a month in advance of these official dates.

Library Development and Acquisitions

During the period covered, thirty-four new books were received and catalogued. The process of sorting and transferring information files to large ringbinders is underway. Four more file cabinets are expected, and the new material received amounts to about a drawer per quarter. Board Member Jack Ullrich contributed a truckload of books, including a complete medical library. To accommodate new acquisitions and reference works in the old house, about fifty feet of non-essential books were moved to the Annex. Marion Fawcett also intends to hand over her library. Furthermore, the Sandersons have accumulated a surplus of reference and other books from their New York apartment and office. Consequently, the decision has been made to pool resources and equip a 20x20 room in the Annex as a library extension. This room will be lined, sealed, insulated, and floored, with three walls fitted with bookshelves. A heating unit is available, and furniture will be provided. The room will be lined with asbestos sheeting to make it fire-resistant, allowing the Society to accept further material that does not require fully fire-proof housing.

Cumulative Bibliography

The issue includes a cumulative bibliography of books, with asterisks indicating works by members. This bibliography lists numerous titles related to geography, astronomy, history, anthropology, and ufology, with authors such as John Bartholomew, Dandridge M. Cole, P. H. Fawcett, Charles H. Hapgood, Jim and Coral Lorenzen, Desmond Morris, and Mort Young. Notable entries include "Islands in Space," "Earth's Shifting Crust," "Maps of the Ancient Sea Kings," "UFOs Over the Americas," and "UFO: Top Secret." The bibliography also references "Natural History" by Pliny, translated by H. Rackham et al., noting its importance for understanding ancient beliefs and knowledge. It also lists the "Symposium on Unidentified Flying Objects: Hearings before the Committee on Science and Astronautics, U. S. House of Representatives, July 29, 1968."

Membership Drive

To maintain its standards, the Society requires a minimum number of subscribers. The cost per issue decreases with larger printing runs, allowing for a low subscriber rate while keeping PURSUIT at its current size. However, the maintenance of the Society's work, beyond the publication of PURSUIT, relies on other means. The organization is actively seeking new members. They are requesting renewals from those who joined before June 1968 (those who joined after that date received an extension to the end of 1969). They encourage members to seek out new members, offering a brochure titled "Elaboration of Interests" and a limited supply of PURSUIT issues upon request. Gifting a subscription to the journal is also encouraged. Finally, members are asked to bring the Society and PURSUIT to the attention of local librarians and any scientific or educational institutions with which they may be associated.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the practicalities of running a research organization dedicated to exploring unusual phenomena. There's a strong emphasis on growth and expansion, both in terms of physical space (library, Annex) and intellectual output (publications, research). The editorial stance is one of methodical progress, balancing ambitious goals with realistic financial constraints. The Society appears to value rigorous research and careful documentation, as evidenced by their approach to publicity and their extensive bibliography. There's also a clear call to action for members to actively participate in the Society's growth through renewals, recruitment, and advocacy.