Pursuit - No 12 - Vol 03 No 4 - 1970

Magazine Overview

Title: PURSUIT
Issue: Vol. 3, No. 4
Date: October, 1970
Publisher: Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU)
Tagline: "SCIENCE IS THE PURSUIT OF THE UNKNOWN"

This issue of PURSUIT, the quarterly journal of the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained, presents a diverse range of topics related to anomalous phenomena and scientific inquiry. The editorial director, Ivan T. Sanderson, emphasizes the society's apolitical stance while advocating for a deeper understanding of 'biopolitics' over 'geopolitics' in comprehending human affairs. The journal covers various unexplained events, including a detailed look at 'Angel-Hair,' the concept of 'Inanimate Life-Forms' in relation to computer consciousness, and the debunking of the 'Devonshire Devil' mystery.

Editorial: The Neo-Fortean Position on Politics and Reality

Ivan T. Sanderson's editorial addresses the society's apolitical nature while acknowledging the increasing demand for their perspective on matters that intersect with politics. He critiques 'geopolitics' as a field that ignores biological realities and advocates for 'biopolitics' as a more relevant science for understanding human distribution, migration, and interactions. Sanderson argues that understanding ecology and nature is crucial for making sound decisions about human populations and that forteans, as pragmatists and realists, are well-suited to challenge conventional, often flawed, assumptions.

He uses examples like the misguided attempts to raise Hereford cattle in arid regions and the potential consequences of mismanaging human migrations to illustrate the importance of biological and ecological understanding. Sanderson concludes by urging readers to reassess their beliefs and confront reality, suggesting that the works of Charles Hoy Fort are a starting point for this re-evaluation.

Chaos and Confusion: A Spectrum of Anomalies

A Classic Case of "Angel-Hair"

This section details the persistent phenomenon of 'angel-hair,' a substance that defies easy explanation. It has been collected and analyzed multiple times, yielding baffling results for chemists and meteorologists. While UFO enthusiasts claim it as evidence of flying saucers, biologists have suggested it is spider web, specifically from mythical 'Balloon Spiders.' The article describes the material as metallic, organic, or unidentifiable. A case from St. Louis in October 1969, reported to the Smithsonian's Center for Short-Lived Phenomena, involved large globs of this material descending from the sky. Analysis by the St. Louis County Health Department found the fiber-like material to be negative for protein, casting doubt on its biological origin as spider web.

The "Missing 24 Hours"

This is a brief notice correcting a misconception that scientists at the Goddard Space Flight Center had located the 24 hours lost in Old Testament accounts. The Center denies any such work, speculating it might have been an off-duty prank.

Inanimate Life-Forms...?

The article explores the burgeoning field of computer consciousness, citing the views of Rev. Arthur Gibson, who believes computers can be 'conscious,' possess free will, and suffer 'nervous breakdowns.' Gibson suggests that advanced computers might develop neurosis when faced with moral judgments and that developing a 'computer psychiatry' is necessary. He also posits that humans are preparing for potential encounters with alien intelligence through the development of sophisticated computers.

The Devonshire 'Devil'

This piece revisits the infamous 'Devonshire Devil' incident from 1855, where miles of single-imprint tracks were found in snow, leading to absurd animal explanations. The author proposes an aerial device using a depth-probe or an electro-magnetic principle to 'melt' snow on impact as a more logical explanation. The article also references similar unexplained footprints found in Poland and near Kerguelen Island, suggesting a possible connection to aerial phenomena.

And Anent the Barbados Vault

This section features a response from a member (No. 217) to a previous report on the 'Barbados Vault.' The member challenges Cmdr. Gould's flooding hypothesis, deeming it hydraulically impossible and questioning the selectivity of the phenomenon. The author agrees with the member, noting that Gould never visited the site, whereas the member did and possesses relevant scientific experience, emphasizing the society's objective to "explain" the unexplained.

Those Colored Snows Again

The article addresses the recurring phenomenon of colored snow, particularly red and jet-black snow. It dismisses an explanation involving desert sand particles, citing a lack of evidence for airborne transport over long distances. The author suggests that such colored snows, especially red and black, are more likely to be 'meteoritic' falls, akin to micrometeorites that constantly rain down on Earth.

The Oregon "Tunnel" Cave

A brief note clarifies that a reported "40-mile-long tunnel" in Oregon is actually a 4,000-foot lava tube that is dangerous and not publicly accessible. It dismisses any notion of it being 'constructed.'

Introducing "Fafrotskies"

This section introduces the term 'fafrotskies' as an acronym for 'Things that fall from the sky,' encompassing a wide range of unexplained aerial objects beyond meteorites and man-made devices. The article highlights a report from the Potter Enterprise (August 19, 1970) about a mysterious, non-meteoritic object found in Sweden Valley, Pennsylvania. The object, described as heavy, silver and gold colored, and pitted, was reportedly examined by NASA officials and impounded by military personnel. The report notes that similar objects had fallen in the area previously, and one woman refused to give up her piece, which was later returned without explanation. The author finds the military involvement particularly suspicious, especially given the object's non-meteoritic classification.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes a fortean approach to unexplained phenomena, emphasizing rigorous investigation, skepticism towards conventional explanations, and a willingness to challenge established scientific dogma. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of exploring the unknown and questioning official narratives, particularly when evidence suggests phenomena are being suppressed or ignored by mainstream science and government agencies. The recurring theme is the importance of 'reality' and 'nature' as guides, contrasting with the flawed assumptions of 'geopolitics' and 'sciencedom.' The journal aims to be a platform for reporting and analyzing such events, encouraging members to challenge existing explanations and seek deeper understanding.

This issue of PURSUIT, dated October 1970 (Vol. 3, No. 4), published by Hicks Printing Co., delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena and historical mysteries. The magazine's tone is skeptical yet open to exploring unusual claims, often challenging conventional scientific and historical narratives.

Space Debris and International Law

The issue begins by discussing the implications of "space junk" falling to Earth and the need for international agreements on liability and compensation. The U.S. and Soviet Union have implemented such agreements, and a UN subcommittee is working on a treaty. The author suggests that publicizing these facts and the recovery of fallen objects would alleviate fears and encourage cooperation.

Anomalous Footprints in Ancient Rock

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the phenomenon of "footprints on the..." This section explores reports of imprints that appear to be from live things, possibly even wearing shoes or sandals, found in rock strata dated to millions of years before the existence of humans or even dinosaurs. The article lists several documented cases from various scientific journals and newspapers, including imprints found in limestone along the Mississippi, in West Virginia, England, Kansas, Texas (alongside dinosaur tracks), Kentucky, and Utah. Some of these imprints are described as "manlike" and others as sandal prints, with one instance in Utah containing a squashed Trilobite. The author highlights the geological impossibility of these findings according to current understanding, noting that some imprints are not of bare feet but of footwear, suggesting the possibility that these entities, or at least their footwear, originated from elsewhere. The article questions how such imprints could be found deep within rock layers, suggesting they were not surface deposits.

The 'Vaimānika Śāstra' and Ancient Aeronautics

Another major feature focuses on the "Vaimānika Śāstra," an ancient Sanskrit manuscript attributed to Maharshi Bharadwaja, which allegedly describes aeronautics and flying machines called 'Vimanas.' The magazine presents sample extracts from the text and its purported English translation. The text describes the art of manufacturing various types of 'Acroplanes' and defines a 'Vimana' as something that can travel by its own force on earth, water, or air, or between places, lands, or globes. It lists secrets related to constructing indestructible aeroplanes, making them motionless or invisible, hearing enemy conversations, receiving photographs of enemy planes, and determining the direction of enemy approaches. The article includes correspondence with Professor S. Insler of Yale University, who expresses skepticism about the text containing extraordinary scientific data, viewing the 'Vimana' as a mythological machine or a glorified flying carpet. The author of the article, however, expresses frustration with the lack of professional translation and the potential for mistranslation or fabrication in existing English versions.

The Search for Noah's Ark

The issue also revisits the topic of "Noah's Ark." It reports on the efforts of the SEARCH Foundation, Inc., to raise funds for an expedition to investigate alleged remains of the Ark on Mt. Ararat. The article cites historical accounts from Babylonian, Greek, Jewish, and medieval sources, including Berosus, Abydenos, Hieronymus, Flavius Josephus, and Marco Polo, who mention the existence of the Ark on a mountain in Armenia. Recent discoveries of wooden beams on Mt. Ararat are presented as potential evidence. However, the article notes that the Turkish Government has barred expeditions for "security reasons," possibly due to the proximity of the Turkish-Soviet border. The magazine presents conflicting reports about the nature of the findings, with some suggesting the site was blown apart by "Turkish opportunists" and yielded only rocks and dirt, while others maintain the possibility of a significant archaeological find.

Debunking and Peculiar Incidents

The magazine includes a section on debunking, specifically addressing a "deepsea 'antenna'" photograph obtained by a U.S. Naval research vessel. The object, initially speculated to be a mechanical device, was identified by biologists as a marine organism, likely a type of Coelenterate, similar to Hydras, Jellyfish, and Corals.

• Several peculiar incidents are also reported:
• A story about a headless rooster named Lazarus in California that reportedly lived for twenty days after decapitation.
• A report from Kentucky about a hog that died from freezing during a severe storm.
• A brief mention of roads in Salisbury, Rhodesia, being surfaced with molasses, which tends to run in rainy weather.

How to Win at Wordsmanship

An article titled "How to Win at Wordsmanship" presents a "Systematic Buzz Phrase Projector" developed by Phillip Broughton. This system uses a lexicon of buzzwords to create authoritative-sounding but ultimately vague phrases, designed to impress without conveying specific meaning.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the questioning of established scientific and historical timelines, the exploration of ancient texts and potential lost technologies, and the investigation of anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to question conventional explanations and to consider alternative interpretations of evidence, while also being wary of hoaxes and misinterpretations. The magazine seems to champion the pursuit of unusual knowledge, even if it challenges mainstream beliefs, and expresses a desire for more rigorous investigation and translation of ancient texts.

This issue of THE SOCIETY FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF THE UNEXPLAINED, dated Summer 1970, is identified as Volume 2, Issue 90. The cover prominently features the term "UFOLOGY" and an image of a Turkish aerial survey plane, accompanied by text discussing ancient theories and aerial phenomena.

Editorial Stance and Key Articles

The editorial section, under the heading "UFOLOGY," expresses the organization's stance on UFO research. They acknowledge receiving numerous original, unpublished UFO reports and press clippings but lament that most of this data is not utilized. The organization announces its collaboration with A.P.R.O. (Aerial Phenomena Research Association) to computerize and analyze UFO reports, urging members and the public to contribute their files. The goal is to place ufology on a more scientific footing.

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to critiquing "scientific cranks" and their theories. An editorial, reprinted with permission from the British BUFORA Journal, distinguishes between common ignoramuses and more complex "cranks" who possess scientific knowledge but are led astray by an "idee fixe." Examples cited include "Atlantologists" who believe in Plato's story of Atlantis as literal truth and proponents of pseudo-occult theories. The editorial stresses the importance of UFO researchers adhering to scientific methods, informing themselves about the scientific status of theories, and avoiding dogmatism.

Current Pursuits

The "CURRENT PURSUITS" section (pages 89-90) details ongoing investigations and projects by the Society:

• (1) STONE SPHERES: Information on stone spheres in Costa Rica has been received and sent to Barney Nashold.
• (2) STONE SOFTENING: No new developments, only inquiries from chemists.
• (3) RINGING ROCKS: A field trip was conducted at Upper Black Eddy, revealing a morticed wall of cut blocks under a "circle," which was photographed and published. The investigation is now up to professional archaeologists.
• (4) LITHIC IMPLEMENT FACTORY IN B.H.: Two groups intend to locate and survey the area.
• (5) CHAIN IN ROCK: An on-the-spot investigation was planned but could not be carried out; rescheduled for the fall.
• (6) PADDLE-BUGS: Two were sighted, but none were caught.
• (7) MECHANICAL DOWSING: No progress reported.
• (8) "BOZO": THE "ICEMAN": This case is considered closed. Reports indicate that a "specimen" was constructed by model-makers, notably John Chambers, and published in "Hollywood Studio Magazine." The Society dismisses this as an "insulting put-on" and highlights the distinct differences between this model and the original case, referencing scientific papers published on the original.
• (10) GRAVITY II: Dr. Carstiou has returned to Europe, and research is on hold.
• (11) IK-NISH: The plant did not grow again; seeds are unavailable.
• (12) ANCIENT ELECTRONICS: This topic has gained traction. New photographs of Dendera Temple petroglyphs revealed a complementary fresco and depictions of static generators. Analysis by M. R. Freedman and others is detailed in a forthcoming book. Information on Parthian batteries and early electrolysis has also been gathered.
• (13) ENTOMBED TOADS: New reports of "entombed" animals, particularly salamanders in permafrost in Siberia, are being investigated.
• (14) POLTERGEIST MANIFESTATIONS: Arrangements are being made for an investigation of a particular case, noting that such activities tend to "evaporate" when recording devices are present.
• (15) TREE-STUMPS: The Executive Secretary visited Cape May to investigate reports, obtaining official maps. Three members have offered to visit the swamps and provide reports and photographs.
• (16) LARGE "CATS" ON THE LOOSE: This has become a major project under Dan Manning. Members have offered help and submitted sighting reports. Bruce S. Wright's book "The Ghost of North America" is recommended, with a revised edition forthcoming. Illustrations of puma and wolf tracks are provided for comparison.
• (17) THE "CROOKED" HOUSE: This investigation is considered "wound up." Photographs and measurements have been taken, and the findings documented. The item will likely be dropped unless new mathematical insights emerge.
• (18) STUFF FROM THE SKY: The Society plans to investigate "items" (or reports) in the field, starting with the Coudersport incident.

Library and Publications

The Society's library has catalogued 205 "technical" maps. They are seeking contributions of local and foreign maps. The library has also been extended with new services and desk space for researchers. A separate file of photographs and illustrative material is being compiled.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed:

• John M. Allegro. *The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross* (1970): This philological study suggests that "Christ" or "Chrestus" refers to the Amanita muscaria mushroom and that Near Eastern religions originated from mushroom cults. The reviewer notes its scholarly depth, humor, and potentially shocking implications for Christianity.
• Damon Knight. *Charles Fort: Prophet of the Unexplained* (1970): The reviewer finds this biography of Charles Fort to be a "shambles," with numerous errors and excessive padding. While it covers Fort's early life and includes analyses of his work, it is considered the only biography available and thus a necessary purchase for forteans.
• Daniel S. Halacy, Jr. *Radiation, Magnetism, and Living Things* (1966): This book is recommended as an introduction to radiation and magnetism, particularly for young people. It includes "profoundly fortean material" on mental telepathy and dowsing, attributing phenomena to physical causes.
• Charles H. Hapgood. *The Path of the Pole* (1970): A revised edition of Hapgood's earlier work, this book proposes that the Earth's outer crust shifts as a whole, explaining geological and other anomalies. The reviewer defends Hapgood's theory against potential dismissal based on his abandonment of the ice-accumulation hypothesis.

Notices

• Gray Barker is mentioned for selling Ivan T. Sanderson's "Uninvited Visitors" at an inflated price, described as misrepresentation and unethical.
• Membership dues are reminded as payable by the end of the year, with the rate remaining $10 per annum. Subscriptions to PURSUIT or SITU membership are suggested as gifts.

Governing Board and Committees

The issue lists the Governing Board, Standing Committees (Activities, Library, Publications), and the Scientific Advisory Board, detailing members and their affiliations. Notable figures include Hans Stefan Santesson (President), Ivan T. Sanderson, and Marion L. Fawcett. The Scientific Advisory Board includes prominent academics in fields such as anthropology, geology, astronomy, and biology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the rigorous application of the scientific method to the study of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs. There is a strong emphasis on distinguishing between genuine research and speculative or pseudoscientific theories, often termed "crankery." The Society advocates for data collection, computerization, and objective analysis. The issue also touches upon historical mysteries, ancient civilizations, and the broader philosophical implications of unexplained phenomena, encouraging a critical yet open-minded approach from its readership.