Pursuit - No 11 - Vol 03 No 3 - 1970

Magazine Overview

Title: PURSUIT
Issue: Vol. 3, No. 3
Date: July, 1970
Publisher: Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of PURSUIT, the quarterly journal of the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (S.I.U.), presents a diverse collection of articles exploring phenomena that lie outside conventional scientific understanding. The cover features the magazine's title, a subtitle "SCIENCE IS THE PURSUIT OF THE UNKNOWN", and the issue details.

Organization and Participation

The Society is managed by a Board of Trustees and a Governing Board, with various officers and committees. It is counselled by a panel of scientists designated as the Scientific Advisory Board. Participation is encouraged through tax-exempt memberships, ranging from Honorary to Contributing levels, all of which receive the Society's publications. The Society publishes the quarterly journal PURSUIT and issues Occasional Papers.

Editorial

The editorial, titled "EDITORIAL", reflects on the changing societal attitude towards phenomena previously dismissed, attributing this shift partly to events like Hiroshima which forced a re-evaluation of an "infinitely competent and benign" view of nature. It notes that while nature can be cruel and inefficient in its eliminations, it is also efficient. The editorial highlights the growing acceptance of "other realities" by scientists and thinkers, citing Alfred Russel Wallace as an example. It suggests that ufology, often considered a "stepchild of reality", has been instrumental in bringing this intellectual discontent to the surface. The editorial recommends works by John Keel, Schroeder & Ostrander, Vallee, the Condon Report, and Aime Michel for those seeking to understand these new concepts.

Contents Overview

The issue features a wide array of topics categorized under "The Taxonomy of Knowledge", including:

The Tangibles: * Geology: The Famous Barbados Vault. * Astronomy: Space Is 3-Dimensional, Holes in Our Universe. * Physics: Getting With Counter-Matter. * Chemistry: Blue Again: Indigo and Woad. * Biology: More on "B.O.", Now It's Ocean-going Hippos. * Anthropology: Somebody's Ark Again. * Life Sciences: (Implied by category) * Human Enterprise: (Implied by category)

The Intangibles: * Ontology: (Implied by category) * Mathematics: (Implied by category) * Mysticism: (Implied by category) * Mental Concepts: (Implied by category)

Applied Knowledge: * Technology and the Useful Arts: (Implied by category)

Specific Articles:

• The Taxonomy of Knowledge: A diagram illustrating the classification of knowledge into various departments.
• Editorial: Discusses the evolving acceptance of unexplained phenomena.
• Chaos and Confusion (True Forteana): This section presents several intriguing reports:
• A SET OF RADIO DENTURES: A housewife in Florida reported hearing musical radio signals through her teeth, possibly due to dental fillings acting as receivers.
• RAIN-MAKING: NEW STYLE: A housewife in London claimed to be able to make it rain in Canada by concentrating her thoughts, citing her concern for animals.
• COCIJO: THE UGLY RAIN-MAKER: An article from the National Insider describes how William Payne used clay replicas of a rain god named Cocijo to induce rainfall in California.
• IT'S NOT RAINING INSIDE TONIGHT: A detailed account of Charles Mallory Hatfield, a professional rainmaker who caused a devastating flood in San Diego in 1916 by inducing torrential rain.
• Ontology:
• Space Is 3-Dimensional: Discusses the nature of space.
• Holes in Our Universe: Explores theoretical concepts.
• Physics:
• Getting With Counter-Matter: Investigates advanced physics concepts.
• Chemistry:
• Blue Again: Indigo and Woad: Explores the chemistry of dyes.
• Astronomy:
• Bagby's Babies - Earth Moonlets?: Discusses potential small moons.
• Geology:
• You Think We're Polluted: Examines pollution issues.
• Rockall-You-All: A geological feature.
• Biology:
• More on "B.O.": Further discussion on a biological topic.
• Now It's Ocean-going Hippos: A speculative biological report.
• Anthropology:
• Somebody's Ark Again: Relates to ancient myths or discoveries.
• Ufology:
• A "NASTY" FROM ON HIGH: Reports on a strange object that fell from the sky in Venezuela, described as kidney-shaped and made of solid gray material. The object's origin is speculated to be extraterrestrial or a natural phenomenon.
• Current Pursuits and Requests: Society updates and member interactions.
• Our Library: Information on the Society's library resources.
• Book Reviews: Critiques of relevant publications.

Specific Forteana Cases

• Radio Dentures: The case of a Florida housewife hearing music through her teeth, with a dentist suggesting metal fillings and saliva could create a receiving system.
• Rainmaking Claims: Reports on a London housewife's mental rainmaking and the historical account of Charles Mallory Hatfield's successful but disastrous rainmaking in San Diego.
• Trucking Levitation: Two incidents involving trucks owned by Rollo Trucking Company overturning in close succession, with one driver reporting the truck lifting and sliding over, suggesting a possible levitation phenomenon.
• The Famous Barbados Vault: An investigation into a vault in Barbados where coffins were reportedly found displaced. A scientist suggests flooding due to tropical storms as a plausible explanation.
• Object from Venezuela: A strange, kidney-shaped object found in Venezuela is described, with speculation about its origin. The accompanying photograph and diagrams compare it to marine life like Sea-Pens.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of unexplained phenomena, often referred to as "Forteana," in honor of Charles Fort. The magazine embraces an open-minded approach, encouraging the exploration of "things that are customarily discounted." The editorial stance is one of intellectual curiosity and a willingness to accept "other realities" and "other mechanics" that challenge conventional scientific paradigms. The publication aims to present evidence and encourage discussion on topics that lie beyond the current scope of orthodox science, welcoming the growing "fraternity" of individuals who are open to these possibilities. The issue emphasizes the importance of curiosity and the capacity for astonishment in scientific inquiry, as noted in the quote from Erwin Schrodinger.

This issue of PURSUIT, Volume 3, Number 3, dated July 1970, focuses on a wide array of scientific and fortean topics, with a prominent section on UFOLOGY. The magazine maintains a pragmatic and questioning stance, encouraging readers to submit their own observations and requests.

The Physical Sciences: II. Ontology

The issue begins by exploring the fundamental nature of space, questioning why it is three-dimensional. An article from the New Scientist (February 19, 1970) is cited, explaining that three dimensions are necessary for stable planetary orbits and atomic structures due to the inverse square law of gravitational and Coulomb forces. It raises further questions about whether space and time could have other dimensional properties and whether our existence can be mathematically proven.

Holes in Our Universe

Dietrick E. Thomsen's article in Science News (May 9, 1970) is summarized, discussing theories of the universe's origin: 'continuous creation' and the 'big bang.' The article critiques both theories, particularly the 'big bang,' for not adequately explaining the origin of the initial mass. It introduces Dr. Frank J. Low's theory that matter might be created in the centers of galaxies, suggesting these galactic centers could be 'holes' leading to or from other universes.

III. Physics: Getting With Counter-Matter

This section delves into the concept of 'antimatter.' It notes that while the term 'counter-matter' might be more accurate, 'antimatter' is the accepted designation. The article highlights recent discoveries by researchers at CERN and the Russian Institute of High-Energy Physics, including the identification of anti-deuterium and anti-helium-3. It questions how these antimatter particles can coexist with normal matter without immediate annihilation, as predicted by particle physics.

Don't Knock the Ladinos!

This brief segment praises South American scientific contributions, specifically mentioning a diamond knife invented by Venezuelan scientist Dr. Humberto Fernandez-Moran, used by NASA to slice lunar rocks.

IV. Chemistry: Blue Again: Indigo and Woad

This section explores the chemistry of dyes, focusing on the difficulty of extracting natural blue dyes. It discusses vegetable dyes like indigo (Oriental) and woad (European), and a West African plant. The article explains that the initial extracts are colorless, but exposure to air causes them to turn blue through a process involving enzymes and indoxyl. The chemical formula for indigo base is given as C14H17NO6H2O.

Color Vision

A brief note from The Easton Express (May 25, 1970) states that scientists at the National Bureau of Standards have found that the human eye can distinguish between 10 million color shades and tints, despite some motorists' difficulty with traffic lights.

V. Astronomy: Bagby's Babies - Earth Moonlets?

This section revisits the claims of Dr. John Bagby of Hughes Aircraft Company, who suggested that natural earth moonlets, possibly remnants of a larger meteoritic object, were causing aberrations in artificial satellite orbits. Dr. Geoffrey Falworth, an advisor on satellite activities, analyzes Bagby's statements. Falworth expresses skepticism, noting that Bagby's data comes from limited sources (Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory bulletins and NASA's Satellite Situation Report) and that such moonlets would need to be very large and massive to perturb orbits, and come very close to satellites. He also suggests that UFO reports are unlikely to be caused by these moonlets, as they would appear as faint artificial satellites.

Falworth further argues that if these objects are accurately tracked, an ephemeris should be publishable, and he requests to be kept informed of developments.

VI. Geology: You Think We're Polluted

This section addresses the topic of pollution, framing it as an intrinsic part of the environment and an ecological matter. It questions whether the current human-created environment is natural or unnatural, suggesting that as products of natural evolution, our environment is inherently natural. The article cites an extract from the Wildlife Review of British Columbia and a quote from Dr. Edward Teller in the New Scientist (February 19, 1970) regarding pollution.

It contrasts historical pollution, like London's 'pea-soupers' and Gary, Indiana's smog, with modern concerns. The article includes a historical timeline of coal usage and pollution concerns in London, dating back to 1273.

The 'Steam Ships'

This part of the section discusses the environmental impact of steam engines, particularly steam ships and locomotives. It contrasts their 'forced draft' systems, which blow smoke and 'fly ash' into the atmosphere, with factory stacks that create 'natural draft.' The author suggests that the 'old fashioned weather' was man-made due to the widespread use of portable steam engines.

Rockall - You-All

This item reports on the discovery of a sedimentary basin with potential oil or gas beneath the Rockall plateau in the Atlantic. The ownership of this area is complicated by international conventions and geophysical evidence. Rockall Island itself is stated to be British, annexed in 1955 due to its proximity to the South Uist rocket range.

Migrating Birds - A Matter of Mere "Instinct"? Or...

A brief AP dispatch notes that birdwatchers reported swallows migrating northward taking a low route through the Grand St. Bernard Road tunnel rather than flying over the Alps.

The Postal Service Again

An anecdote from Atlas describes a contest in Yugoslavia where an automobile, postal pigeon, telegram, and telephone competed to deliver a message between Zagreb and Lyublyana. The automobile was fastest, followed by the pigeon, then the telegram, with the telephone being the slowest.

VII. Biology: More on "B.O."

This section discusses research at Cambridge University into human pheromones, the chemical substances that act as sexual attractants in insects and mammals. The article suggests that discovering human pheromones could revolutionize the perfume industry. It reiterates the author's stance that natural body odors are perfectly natural and useful, contrasting them with stale perspiration, and advocates for less clothing.

Now It's Ocean-Going Hippos

A report from the Chicago Tribune describes a hippopotamus swimming eight miles in the sea off Paradise Island, Mozambique. The hippo was shot by a game ranger. The author criticizes this action, suggesting that hippos can be managed without resorting to lethal force and questions the 'official' explanation, referencing a previous claim by Aleko Lilius about a dinosaurian creature on the mainland beach.

VIII. Anthropology: Somebody's Ark Again

This section examines claims regarding the discovery of Noah's Ark. It references an article by Philip D. Carter in the Washington Post (February 23) and a publication called The Voice. Carter's article discusses Fernand Navarra's claim of finding Noah's Ark remains near Mount Ararat. Experts in archaeology, geology, and biblical history dispute Navarra's claim, with Dr. Froelich Rainey calling it 'impossible in archaeology.' Carbon dating of a wood sample submitted by Navarra yielded a date of approximately A.D. 560, which is thousands of years after Noah's flood would have occurred. Dr. William F. Albright clarifies that 'the mountains of Ararat' originally referred to a region, not the specific mountain, and that the name 'Ararat' was applied much later. The article questions the origin of the wood and the logistics of constructing such an ark.

A Primitive Sense of Humour?

An item from Atlas reports that the Australian city of Melbourne's annual festival 'Moomba' was based on a misunderstanding of the Aborigine word, which actually means 'ass' or 'backside,' not 'fun-loaded-get-together.'

IX. UFOLOGY

This section outlines the magazine's pragmatic approach to ufology, stating an interest in 'touch-downs, alleged landings, or occupants' of machines, rather than just 'funny lights in the sky.' The author explains that over 40 years of involvement have led to concepts such as the multiple forms and behaviors of unidentified objects, their ability to appear and disappear instantly (teleportation), and the possibility of intelligent, non-corporeal beings. The article criticizes the prevailing 'ufology' for being largely unaware of or ignoring historical and philosophical concepts, focusing solely on extraterrestrial machine explanations. It suggests that current technology is insufficient to probe the mystery further and that a broader understanding of other universes and non-corporeal intelligence is needed. The section concludes by quoting a NASA official who questioned why, if UFOs exist, their radio transmissions haven't been intercepted.

Current Pursuits and Requests

This section invites readers to submit clippings and information on various unexplained phenomena:

1. Stone Spheres: Three stone balls from New Guinea are mentioned.
2. Stone Softening: A project by Barney Nashold seeking references to this process.
3. Ringing Rocks: Prof. George Kennedy is offering to analyze samples.
4. Lithic Implement Factory in British Honduras: Seeking information from members in the area.
5. A Chain in Rock: A spring phenomenon being monitored.
6. Paddle-Bugs: Being watched for, weather permitting.
7. Mechanical Dowsing: A summer project involving digging.
8. "Bozo, The Iceman": Related to the 'Hansen Case,' with signs of a potential break.
9. The Largest and Oldest Plant: To be investigated by an expedition.
10. Gravity II: Seeking volunteers for further research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a pragmatic, skeptical, yet open-minded approach to phenomena, particularly those related to forteanism and ufology. It encourages empirical evidence and critical analysis, often contrasting scientific findings with more speculative or fringe theories. The editorial stance is one of questioning established norms and exploring the unexplained, while grounding discussions in observable facts and scientific principles where possible. There is a clear emphasis on the limitations of current scientific understanding and technology in fully explaining complex mysteries, advocating for a broader, more philosophical perspective.

Title: PURSUIT
Issue: 67
Volume: VIII
Date: April 1970

This issue of PURSUIT, published by The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained, features a collection of diverse reports and ongoing investigations into fortean phenomena. The content spans unusual animal behavior, cryptid sightings, paranormal events, and ufological cases, alongside updates on the society's library and book reviews.

Investigations and Reports

Miscellaneous Phenomena

• IK-NISH: A request is made for members to supply more seeds for a planting attempt, possibly due to previous failures attributed to excessive rainfall.
• Ancient Egyptian TV Etc.: Mike Freedman, an expert in electronics, is collecting material related to this subject, and Barney Nashold is working on Chimu pottery. Both are seeking leads, photographs, or ideas.
• Entombed Toads: Marion Fawcett has gathered reports of toads and other animals encased in solid rock or trees. The society is requesting any such reports, even of live animals found in seemingly impossible places. Member C. A. Eagan is also looking into recent reports.
• Poltergeist Manifestations: Board member Walter J. McGraw is particularly interested in poltergeist activity and requests that members report any instances they hear of, providing names, addresses, and dates, as he wishes to investigate them promptly.
• Tree Stumps: Members in southern New Jersey, specifically Cape May County, are asked to provide photographs of tree stumps that are snapped off a few feet above the roots, resembling breaks like matchsticks, rather than being uprooted or green-stick fractured.
• Large Carnivores on the Loose: For several years, there have been reports from the eastern United States, U.K., France, and other European countries of large, plain-colored cats, similar to lionesses or pumas, being sighted and shot in areas where they are not indigenous. The society has initiated a long-term investigation into these phenomena.
• A "Crooked" House: During the furnishing of the new library building, professional carpenters, construction workers, engineers, and helpers separately encountered inexplicable anomalies in interior measurements, the details of which are being documented and photographed.

Library Updates

The re-cataloguing of the society's book collection is nearing completion. Several changes and additions have been made to the classifications previously listed in the April issue. Three sub-categories have been added under XI. Geography: Travel, Exploration, and Atlases. In Life Sciences, Anatomy and Histology have been combined as II., and Embryology has been added as IV. Under VIII. Botany, Vegetalogy and Podology have been added as numbers (4) and (5). In section VIII. Zoology, Domestication has been added as (15). Medicine is housed as a separate collection. The collection of fortean books has been divided into six categories: General, Biology (including Sea and Lake Monsters, Extraterrestrial Life), ABSMS, Ufology, OINTS (including poltergeist manifestations), and Anthropology.

Book Reviews

• The Strange World of Animals and Pets by Vincent and Margaret Gaddis: Described as a 'splendidly fortean' book that goes beyond simple recounting of animal behavior to explore the 'whys and hows' of extraordinary occurrences, setting it apart from typical pet books.
• The Humanoids edited by Charles Bowen: A compendium of reports on 'actual landing and contacts' between beings from outer space and Earth humans, considered a serious survey of 'occupant' cases, with contributions from notable researchers.
• The Abominable Snowmen by Eric Norman and Strange Abominable Snowmen by Warren Smith: Both books are reviewed, with a critique of the inclusion of 'hogwash' material. Eric Norman's book is preferred for its fuller account, despite shortcomings.
• Strange Creatures from Time and Space by John A. Keel: This book analyzes reports of 'ordinary' ABSMS and 'monsters' associated with UFOs, speculating on their nature and existence. It is considered a companion volume to Keel's other book.
• UFOS: Operation Trojan Horse by John A. Keel: Recommended for 'every thinking person everywhere,' this book is described as not a 'seed-catalogue' and essential for understanding the future.

Notice

The society assures members and subscribers that their mailing list is available only to resident staff at headquarters, addressing concerns about junk mail.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained and the fortean. The society actively solicits reports from its members on a wide range of phenomena, from unusual animal behavior and cryptid sightings to paranormal events and UFO-related incidents. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and diligent investigation, encouraging detailed documentation and offering to send investigators like Walter McGraw to examine cases. The book reviews indicate a focus on serious research within the fields of ufology, cryptozoology, and paranormal studies, with a critical eye towards sensationalism or unsubstantiated claims. The society positions itself as a serious academic and investigative body, evidenced by its extensive Scientific Advisory Board and detailed cataloguing of its library resources.