Pursuit - No 06 - Vol 02 No 2 - 1969

Magazine Overview

Title: PURSUIT
Issue: VOL. 2, NO. 2
Date: APRIL, 1969
Publisher: The Society For The Investigation Of The Unexplained
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of PURSUIT, the journal of The Society For The Investigation Of The Unexplained, delves into a variety of topics related to unexplained phenomena, scientific inquiry, and the nature of discovery. The cover features the quote "Science is the pursuit of the unknown" and highlights the journal's role in the "collection, evaluation, and dissemination of information on new discoveries in the natural sciences."

Editorial: Breakthroughs and the Coelacanth

The editorial discusses the concept of a "breakthrough" in scientific knowledge, defining it as a sudden advance or major discovery that breaks through perceived barriers. It uses the 1938 discovery of a freshly killed coelacanth fish on the coast of South Africa as a classic example. This find stunned the zoological community, forcing a re-evaluation of theories on extinction and evolution. The editorial notes the typical scientific reaction to such discoveries, often progressing through phases of disbelief, mistaken identity, and eventual acceptance. It also recounts an anecdote about a "Doctor of Piscology" who initially dismissed the coelacanth discovery as impossible.

The 'Missing Link' Specimen

The journal reports on a significant discovery that is described as a "missing link" and a "breakthrough of a most singular status." This specimen, allegedly a form of "Hominide Vivant" (living hominid), was reportedly found and exhibited on carnival circuits for two years without anyone recognizing its significance. The Society's advisor for Zoology, Dr. Bernard Heuvelmans, along with the Director, identified the specimen. Despite attempts to obtain its origin and history, the owner refused to cooperate, and the specimen was subsequently removed. The journal criticizes the public's lack of awareness and the potential for such discoveries to be overlooked.

UFOs and the Condon Committee

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the topic of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The journal asserts that ufology has forced the world to think, albeit in a direction contrary to what "sciencedom" intended. It discusses the contract between the USAF and the University of Colorado, chaired by Dr. Edward Uhler Condon, to conduct a scientific survey of UFO evidence. The journal strongly criticizes the findings of this "Condon Committee," referring to its published report as a "boondoggle" and a "crime against real scientific endeavour." It recommends two books related to the committee: "UFOs? YES!" by David R. Saunders and R. Roger Harkins, and "SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS," which the journal deems essential reading for students to understand the state of intellectual integrity in science.

The Captured Captain Incident

This section details the disappearance of Captain Charles G. Reid from the luxury liner Argentina on the night of October 30th-31st, 1968, in the Bermuda Triangle. The incident was initially reported as "apparent suicide." However, the journal highlights inconsistencies in the official reports and suggests a possible ufological aspect. A newspaper report from MIDNIGHT is cited, claiming that an enormous, cigar-shaped aerial object with rows of port-lights approached the ship, causing the radio to go dead. Smaller objects detached from the main craft and swooped towards the ship. The journal questions why this story has not been officially refuted if untrue, suggesting a "pretty state of affairs."

Messy Little Boy Case

The "Messy Little Boy" case, originating from the files of Richard Crowe and Richard Grybos, describes a series of events in Osceola, Indiana, where furniture and household items were reportedly flung about by an "unseen force" in the homes of Walter Szlanfucht and his uncle, David Cobert. While initially treated as a potential poltergeist phenomenon, with reports of objects rising and striking surfaces, the sheriff's department, after investigation and consultation with experts from the University of Notre Dame, concluded that the incidents were caused by the actions of a juvenile. The sheriff stated the case was "closed" after a talk with the boy's parents.

Now It's Mice: Teleportation and Escape Artists

This section explores a peculiar incident involving mice that allegedly escaped from a securely closed cage multiple times. The report comes from Mrs. Frederick J. Beam, who describes her son's science project involving mice and a maze. Despite efforts to secure the cage, the mice repeatedly appeared outside. The journal connects this to a broader pattern of "escape artists" among animals, including rats, dogs, cats, horses, cows, monkeys, and raccoons. It speculates whether the "coralling" of these animals, whether for pets or experiments, might induce an enhanced ability to escape, possibly through teleportation, and questions if this ability could extend to humans or be related to suppressed abilities surfacing under necessity.

Pennies From Heaven

This brief item mentions a headline from Kent, United Kingdom, about "Pennies from heaven" falling on the community, presented as an example of British wit.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of scientific discovery, the challenges of investigating unexplained phenomena, and the critical examination of official and scientific responses to such events. The journal exhibits a skeptical yet open-minded stance towards claims of the paranormal and anomalous, often questioning established scientific paradigms and official explanations. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of rigorous investigation and a critique of what the journal perceives as intellectual complacency or suppression of potentially significant findings. The Society positions itself as a platform for the collection and dissemination of information that might otherwise be overlooked by mainstream science.

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, Volume 15, Number 2, dated March-April 1969, with a price of 3s. 6d., delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena and scientific discussions. The cover prominently features the headline "MACHINES ON THE MOON" under the section "IV. ASTRONOMY". The magazine explores reports of unusual objects falling from the sky, anomalies on the moon, and the biological implications of environmental events.

Unexplained Falls and Anomalies

The issue begins by discussing the phenomenon of "unexplained falls," citing a report from Ramsgate, England, where coins allegedly fell from the sky, and another from Marksville, Louisiana, where fish were reported to have fallen. The author expresses skepticism about "space people" manufacturing coins for such purposes but acknowledges the persistence of such reports, even those involving professional scientists.

Machines on the Moon

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the claim by a former Soviet space scientist, Professor Mohilyn, who allegedly escaped Russia and is now living in Paris. Mohilyn claims that Russia had landed two cosmonauts on the moon, who were subsequently attacked by a "machinelike creature" that emerged from the moon's surface. One cosmonaut was reportedly killed, while the other returned to Earth. The scientist asserts he was director of craft-to-earth communications and monitored the conversations. The article notes the Western world's tendency to disbelieve official Soviet accounts while readily accepting sensational claims from defectors, suggesting that such stories often sound like science fiction.

Lunar Anomalies and Theories

The discussion on the moon continues, with observations about the surface resembling Gruyere cheese rather than green cheese. The article references a symposium of selenologists in Huntington Beach, Florida, where "light flashes" on the moon were discussed. Astronomers from Mount Wilson Observatory reported "sudden reddish glows in some craters, and bright, beacon-like flashes of white light." These phenomena were also reported in The Long Beach Telegram, with a possible explanation offered by R. K. Vincent of the Air Force's Cambridge Research Laboratories, suggesting static electricity discharges caused by lunar gas emissions. Dr. Jack Green favors a volcanic origin theory. The article also touches upon the historical debate about "canals" on Mars and the interpretation of lunar surface features, including craters, rays, and rhomboidal patterns, suggesting they might not be entirely natural.

The magazine presents a "Chronological Catalogue of Reported Lunar Events" and notes the increasing number of "happenings" on the moon, questioning if this is due to a bandwagon effect among selenologists. It raises the possibility that the moon is not completely inert and that its features could be indicative of volcanic activity or subterranean life forms. The article humorously compares lunar craters to holes in a Gorgonzola cheese, exploring the concept of "green cheese" as a metaphor.

Noisy Clouds

The "Noisy Clouds" section reports on two incidents in Florida in February 1969. In Jacksonville Beach, people reported strange sounds coming from clouds, described as "someone rattling cellophane" or "someone walking on pebbles." A similar phenomenon was reported in Miami, with clouds described as "flapping, crinkling, crackling" like a large bird or crumpled wax paper. The article notes that police captains followed the clouds, which then dissolved or evaporated. It explores possibilities ranging from chemiphysical explanations like Brownian movement of ice crystals to the ufological suggestion that UFOs use clouds for concealment. The section also recounts an anecdote about Dr. Rolf Alexander's alleged ability to dissolve clouds through "thought" and a personal demonstration of similar cloud dissolution in Charleston, West Virginia.

The Great Extinctions

This section discusses the scientific debate surrounding the "Great Extinctions" of life forms on Earth. It references a 1968 Science article by K. D. Terry and W. H. Tucker, proposing that "Biological Effects of Supernovae" might be responsible for these mass disappearances and the subsequent emergence of new life forms. The article highlights the work of Dr. George Gaylord Simpson, who critically evaluated these theories. The prevailing theory suggests that deleterious radiations from supernovae, possibly cosmic rays, could have caused extinctions and mutations. The article also touches upon "unconformities" in geological strata and the absolute biological unconformity between the Cretaceous and Tertiary periods, questioning the sudden appearance of new life forms and the disappearance of others.

Biology and Hygiene

Under the heading "Biology," the article "Barthing Versus Baything" discusses hygiene practices. It quotes Dr. Ralph C. Richards of the University of Utah, who concluded that scrubbing oneself removes only an insignificant proportion of bacteria and may irritate the skin. Campers who avoid bathing for a week or two reportedly have a lower bacterial count. The article argues that terrestrial animals generally avoid water unless it's for survival, and that water can wash away essential skin exudates (oils and esters) that protect against bacteria and fungi. It criticizes the use of soap and clothes, suggesting they can create environments for parasites. The author advocates for "baything" (bathing in clean water) over "barthing" (using soap), considering the latter a "bloody menace."

Giant Snakes

This section reports on an international hunt for a legendary giant snake, the "cobra grande," in the Amazon Basin. The snake, believed to be part of local mythology, was reportedly seen by Italian ichthyologist Bruno Falci. Photographs suggest the snake measures between 100 and 130 feet and weighs one ton. The article references Dr. Bernard Heuvelmans' book "On the Track of Unknown Animals" and discusses extraordinary photographs taken in the Congo, which led to interpretations of vegetation and termite nests, potentially indicating a very large snake.

Supersensory Perception and Animal Behavior

The "Supersensory Perception" section explores the link between chemiphysics and biology, particularly concerning animal behavior before earthquakes. It cites reports of seabirds moving offshore before tremors, waterfowl disappearing before earthquakes in Montana, and zoo animals exhibiting extreme agitation in Yugoslavia prior to a devastating earthquake. The article also mentions the work of L. Mansinha and D. E. Smylie, who presented evidence linking earthquakes to the "Chandler Wobble" and the secular polar shift, suggesting that animals might be sensitive to premonitory signs of earthquakes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Throughout the issue, there is a recurring theme of questioning established scientific explanations and exploring phenomena that fall outside conventional understanding. The magazine displays a skeptical yet open-minded approach to reports of unexplained events, often drawing parallels between scientific findings, folklore, and personal anecdotes. The editorial stance appears to favor empirical observation and logical deduction, while also acknowledging the limitations of current scientific knowledge and the possibility of unknown forces or phenomena at play. There is a clear interest in fortean phenomena, extraterrestrial possibilities, and the intersection of various scientific disciplines with the unexplained.

This issue of VII. ANTHROPOLOGY, dated April 1969, is Volume 2, Number 2, published by The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained. The main focus of this issue is on "EARLY EUROAMERICANS" and explores theories of pre-Columbian trans-Atlantic contact.

Early Euroamericans

The article begins by referencing a New York Times article from October 20th, 1968, by Andrew E. Rothovius of the New England Antiquities Research Association (N.E.A.R.A.). This article discussed "Mystery Hill's Riddle," a site near North Salem, New Hampshire, featuring ancient structures, tunnels, and an altar slab. While some interpret these as colonial-era constructions like cider-presses or storage facilities, the site's history is obscure, with evidence of vandalism and other similar nearby sites.

A key point highlighted is a report by Robert A. Kennedy of the Pembrokeshire County Museum, Wales, at the 33rd annual meeting of the Society for American Archeology. Kennedy presented "substantial body of sound archeological evidence" to demonstrate that early trans-Atlantic contacts occurred between 3500 and 2000 BC, with pottery evidence being particularly strong.

The author expresses that this evidence challenges the common consensus that only the Norse discovered America before the indigenous populations. The article posits that the established theory of Amerinds and Eskimos migrating from East Asia across the Bering Strait does not preclude the possibility of trans-Atlantic voyages by Europeans during the Neolithic stage of civilization.

N.E.A.R.A. is credited with contributing to this shift in perspective by investigating numerous neolithic-type massive stone structures scattered across North and South America. This research has led to the questioning of previous assumptions, such as the idea that Northern Amerinds did not build in stone, and has brought forth alternative theories regarding early migrations and contacts, including those involving the Norse, Phoenicians, and Bronze Age cultures.

Phoenicians in South America

The article then focuses on evidence suggesting Phoenician presence in South America. It quotes from "THE LOG," Vol. II, No. 6, June 1968, which reports on Professor Cyrus Gordon of Brandeis University's translation of a tablet. This tablet, discovered in Brazil in 1872, allegedly tells the story of a ship with 12 men and 3 women that left the Gulf of Aqaba in the company of nine other ships during the reign of King Hiram of Sidon (Sixth Century BC). Gordon believes the ship was blown off course on a trip around Africa before 500 BC and ended up on the shores of Brazil.

Cumulative Bibliography

The second page presents a "CUMULATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY" of books considered of interest to members, arranged alphabetically by author. This section lists various titles related to archaeology, anthropology, history, and unexplained phenomena. Notable entries include:

• "A Stress Analysis of a Strapless Evening Gown, and Other Essays for a Scientific Age" by Robert A. Baker.
• "The Bunyip" by Charles Barrett.
• "They All Discovered America" by Charles M. Boland.
• "Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects" by Dr. Edward U. Condon (Project Director).
• The "Continent Series" of modern geographies.
• Works by Prof. Carleton S. Coon on human evolution and races.
• "Mysteries of the Universe" by William R. Corliss.
• "The Evolution of Man and Society" by Prof. C. D. Darlington.
• "The Power of Prayer on Plants" by Rev. Franklin Loehr.
• "The World of the Paranormal" by Walter J. McGraw.
• NASA's "Extraterrestrial Life: A Bibliography."
• "Flying Saucers in Fact and Fiction" edited by Hans Stefan Santesson.
• "UFOs? YES!" by Dr. David R. Saunders and R. Roger Harkins.
• "The Sky People" by Brinsley LePoer Trench.
• "Mysterious Phenomena of the Human Psyche" by L. L. Vasil'yev.

The bibliography also provides information on obtaining reports from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information and the Government Printing Office, highlighting their availability of documents on various subjects for nominal prices.

Further Notices and Publishing Record

The third page contains "FURTHER NOTICES" and a "PUBLISHING RECORD."

The "FURTHER NOTICES" section addresses membership renewals, noting that members who joined before the end of June 1968 were due to renew by January 1st, 1969. It clarifies that new members joining after June 30th, 1968, received a grace period and a copy of PURSUIT, Vol. 1, No. 3, with their subscriptions due January 1st, 1970. The society emphasizes that it does not actively "promote" membership, relying on members and friends to disseminate information. It also states that due to limited staff and workload, they can only respond to requests from members.

The "PUBLISHING RECORD" details the founding of The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained in early 1968, stemming from a bequest from the Ivan T. Sanderson Foundation. The society established the journal "PURSUIT," with its first issue distributed in June 1968. Initially, intra-society news was included in PURSUIT, but a separate, single-fold sheet titled "SITU NEWS" was initiated in April 1969 for members only. The publishing schedule aims for four quarterly issues of both PURSUIT and SITU NEWS annually, with PURSUIT numbered as annual volumes and SITU NEWS numbered serially.

A table outlines the publication history of newsletters and journals, including PURSUIT Vol. 1, No. 3 (June 1968), Vol. 1, No. 4 (September 1968), Vol. 2, No. 1 (January 1969), and Vol. 2, No. 2 (April 1969), along with SITU NEWS, No. 6 (April 1969). It notes that early newsletters (No. 1 and No. 2) are out of print.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around challenging conventional historical narratives of discovery and migration, particularly concerning trans-Atlantic contact prior to Columbus and the Norse. The editorial stance appears to be one that encourages open investigation into anomalous archaeological findings and historical possibilities, supporting research that questions established theories and explores evidence of ancient civilizations and their interactions. The publication actively promotes the dissemination of information on these topics and the services offered by the society to its members.