Pursuit - No 14 - Vol 04 No 2 - 1971

Magazine Overview

Title: PURSUIT
Issue: Vol. 4, No. 2
Date: April, 1971
Publisher: The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU)
Tagline: "SCIENCE IS THE PURSUIT OF THE UNKNOWN"

This issue of PURSUIT, the quarterly journal of SITU, presents a collection of articles and editorials focused on unexplained phenomena, scientific inquiry, and the society's organizational details. The cover features the magazine's distinctive logo and title, along with the issue's date and volume information.

Organization and Participation

Page 2 details the organizational structure of SITU, managed by a Board of Trustees and a Governing Board, with various officers and committees. It is housed on eight acres in Knowlton Township, Warren County, New Jersey. The society solicits participation through various membership levels, all of which are tax-exempt. These levels range from Honorary to Reciprocating, with benefits including receiving PURSUIT and other publications. Notably, one does not need to be a professional scientist to join.

Publications and Publishing Record

SITU publishes the quarterly journal PURSUIT, which serves as a diary of current events and a critique of reports. It also issues an annual report and occasional papers. The publishing schedule is four issues per year (January, April, July, October), with volumes numbered sequentially from 1968. Back issues are limited and primarily available to libraries, with photocopies offered on request.

Important Notices

The society clarifies that it does not offer services to non-members and does not express corporate views; opinions in publications are those of the authors. It assures members that their mailing list is kept confidential and is only available to resident staff.

Contents and Key Articles

Page 3 provides a detailed table of contents, outlining the diverse topics covered in this issue:

Taxonomy of Knowledge

Page 26 features a diagram illustrating "The Taxonomy of Knowledge," categorizing all existing knowledge into ten major departments, from Mathematics and Physics to Biology and Mysticism, within a framework of Applied Knowledge, Technology, and the Useful Arts. It includes a quote from the Koran emphasizing the importance of acquiring knowledge.

Editorial: Maw or Moloch? Another Editorial

Pages 5 and 6 contain a strong editorial by Ivan T. Sanderson, criticizing the retiring president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Dr. H. Bentley Glass, for stating that science has discovered all basic laws and that the "endless horizon no longer exists." Sanderson argues that science has barely scratched the surface, particularly concerning fortean phenomena and intangibles. He laments the perceived complacency and "dry rot" in the scientific community and suggests that science has lost its original objective of distinguishing knowledge from ignorance.

Another editorial on page 6, also by Hans Stefan Santesson, President, addresses correspondence from founding members regarding the society's policy. He likens SITU to a "vacuum cleaner" (Maw) for receiving information but explains that this is necessary to protect member privacy and to serve as a clearinghouse for fortean material. He clarifies policies on crediting information and illustrations, and explains why the society cannot offer library lending facilities.

Ufology

On page 7, the "Ufology" section, now moved to the front as an editorial nature column, states that SITU has nothing factual to offer but emphasizes the need for practicality in the field. It urges readers to support APRO (The Aerial Phenomena Research Organization) by sending in all UFO reports for computerization. The article categorizes people interested in UFOs into "Saucerians," "Ufologists," publicists, and professional scientists, encouraging cooperation and discouraging "back-biting" among researchers.

Seeds from a "Contactee"

Page 8 describes a case where a man in California claimed to have received longevity seeds from "Space People." These seeds, which he claimed defied identification by botanists, were sent to SITU. After examination, both SITU and a specialist from the New York Botanical Gardens identified them as Bidens frondosa (Bur-Marigold).

Chaos and Confusion: A Splendid Rain of 'Voims'

Pages 8 and 9 detail a report from the Flying Saucer Review about an incident in Mariannelund, Sweden, on May 1, 1945. Mr. and Mrs. Gideon Johansson witnessed a rain of "worms" falling from a clear sky. The worms, described as about 12 cm long, transparent, with green intestines, covered a large area. Birds and hens avoided them. A biology teacher could not identify them, and attempts to send them to Stockholm for identification were unsuccessful. The article speculates on the nature of these "voims," noting their unusual characteristics and the mystery of their origin.

Into "Thin Air" and Out Again

Pages 9 and 10 present a case reported by member 380, involving the disappearance and reappearance of a three-bladed pocket knife. While cutting a sassafras sprout, the knife vanished from the user's gloved hand with a blurring effect. After an extensive search yielded no results, the knife reappeared about a month later in the same location. The article speculates on possibilities such as interdimensional travel or psychokinesis, acknowledging the lack of a definitive explanation.

Other Contents

The table of contents also lists articles on "Maw or Moloch? Another Editorial" (pages 28-29), "Nikola Tesla" by Gaston Burridge (page 36), "Why the Rocks Ring" (page 38), "'Nessie' is Alive and Well and Living in Urquhart Bay" by Jack A. Ullrich (page 42), and "Noah's Ark(s), Again" (page 45).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critique of conventional scientific paradigms, the importance of investigating unexplained phenomena (forteana), and the promotion of a cooperative approach to research. The editorial stance is critical of scientific complacency and advocates for a broader, more open-minded approach to understanding reality, particularly concerning phenomena that fall outside established scientific understanding. The society emphasizes the value of collecting and analyzing data, even if the ultimate conclusions are mundane, and prioritizes the privacy and reputations of its members.

This issue of FATE Magazine, dated May 1971, Volume 24, No. 5, published by Clark Publishing Company, delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena and intriguing scientific and historical topics. The cover features the headline 'THE INVISIBLE RESIDENCE' and artwork related to the Bermuda Triangle.

Dammed Tracks

The issue begins with a report from the Sunday Express of January 3, 1971, detailing mysterious footprints found in the snow at Farnborough, Hampshire, England. The prints, described as the size of a man's hand with seven claws, baffled animal experts and police. The article notes the owner's dog, Sheena, whimpered during the night. While the idea of an elusive puma was considered, animal experts dismissed it. The author expresses dissatisfaction with the lack of photographic evidence due to a British mail strike but offers commentary, suggesting that while polydactyly (extra digits) is possible, the overall scenario is unusual. The article concludes that these are unlikely to be puma tracks, and the size makes them too large for a dog, leaving the phenomenon unexplained.

More on Those Mt. Etna Tracks

This section addresses a previous suggestion that enormous tracks found on Mt. Etna were naturally enlarged tracks from a lava flow. Professor George C. Kennedy points out the impossibility of human footprints in lava. The author acknowledges the advice, leaving the tracks unexplained. A curious statement from the original report mentioned prints being 13 feet apart and one over five feet long, which the author finds highly dubious. The University of Catania is contacted for confirmation.

A letter from Dr. Marcello Piuscetti of the Istituto de Vulcanologia, Universita di Catania, clarifies that the 'footprints' were discovered by college students in loose pyroclastic material, not hard lava soil. He suggests contacting the local newspaper, 'La Sicilia', for pictures, effectively settling this particular riddle.

Just Plain Chaos: Caveat Emptor in Re The "Bermuda Triangle"

This section critiques a sensational article in 'Midnight' magazine from March 22, 1971, which alleged a 'UFO BASE OFF FLORIDA COAST' responsible for disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle. The article attributes this to a 'Dr. Jonathon Wright', supposedly heading a special UFO investigative department at NASA. The FATE author investigated this claim, finding no Dr. Wright listed in the Condon report or known to Dr. Thornton Page or Dr. Carl Sagan at NASA. The article categorically states that NASA has no such department and is not interested in UFOs. The author dismisses much of the 'Midnight' article as 'puzzling' or 'drivel', refuting claims about disappearances and emphasizing that thousands cross the area safely. The article concludes that the 'Bermuda Triangle' is not a triangle and has nothing to do with Bermuda itself.

Disappearing Plane - Well! Not Quite

This report details the disappearance of a USAF FB-111A plane on January 8th, flying at 6000 feet in a cloud bank. The pilot, Lt. Col. Bruce D. Stocks, requested to ascend to 18,000 feet and then cancelled instrument flying rules, after which all contact was lost. A massive search was initiated. The article notes the plane's automatic ejection globe for a cockpit. The search initially focused on the Gulf, but the plane and capsule were found northeast of Lake Pontchatrain, Louisiana. The article criticizes the media for not widely reporting this fact. Col. William T. Coleman, Jr., of the Pentagon, confirmed the findings: the capsule was found in a swampy area, and the plane was discovered about 700 yards away in a 'three-tier woods or forested area', indicating a steep angle of descent but no disintegration or burning. The presence of such a forest is noted as unusual outside Florida.

The article then discusses the possibility of a simple mechanical failure or an accidental button push. It emphasizes that such investigations take time and advises against jumping to conclusions about 'anomalies'.

III. PHYSICS: Nikola Tesla

This section, authored by Gaston Burridge, profiles Nikola Tesla (1856-1943), an 'electrical wizard'. Tesla is credited with the development of alternating electric power and the fluorescent tube. He also invented the 'carbon button lamp' and explored methods of utilizing solar energy. His work on the 'rotating magnetic field' and transmission of power without wires is highlighted. The article mentions his rivalry with Thomas Edison. Tesla also conducted experiments with high-frequency, high-potential alternating currents, including a 'death ray' concept. He devised a steam turbine with a smooth plate rotor, patented in 1913, but it was not commercially adopted due to resistance from conventional turbine manufacturers. Guglielmo Marconi is mentioned for his Nobel Prize for 'wireless' (radio), but Tesla had described this years earlier and also researched radio-controlled robots.

Tesla's prodigious memory is noted, with testimony that he could recall verbatim what he read without keeping notes. The article includes a reading list for further information on Tesla.

Gravity Amended

This short piece discusses the 'law of selective gravitation', humorously attributed to Edsel Murphy. It recounts an experiment by Benson Perdue, a student at the University of British Columbia, who studied why buttered toast lands butter-side down. Perdue rigged an apparatus and dropped toast 175 times, finding that the incidence of butter-side down landings increased significantly when using a worn-out carpet or a Persian rug. Perdue's amended law states: 'When an object falls, it tends to fall in such a manner as to cause the most damage'.

VI. GEOLOGY: Why the Rocks Ring

This section discusses an article in 'Natural History' magazine titled 'Rock Music' by John Gibbons and Steven Schlossman, which attempted to explain why rocks in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, 'ring'. The author critiques the article's hypothesis, stating it is founded on false observations and neglects biological and botanical aspects. Aerial photographs revealed the rock field to be circular, with a moat and ridge, suggesting ancient construction. The discovery of cut-stone blocks laid horizontally and morticed implies ancient building. The article questions the explanation for the ringing phenomenon, noting that rocks continue to ring even when removed, smashed, or submerged. Tests on different rock samples showed variations in melting points and the presence of different metals, with ringers yielding a white metal (possibly molybdenum) and non-ringers yielding copper. The biological aspects are also examined, noting the inhibition of contamination and growth on the ringing rocks, and the peculiar behavior of animals and plants in the area. Trees in marked areas exhibit 'onion-bulb trunks', possibly due to copper compounds in the soil. The article concludes that while the mechanics of ringing might be explained, the incidence of the fields and the properties of the rocks remain unexplained.

"Fairy Crosses"

This part addresses the phenomenon of 'fairy crosses', explaining that these are natural formations known as Staurolite, an iron aluminum silicate. The major deposits are in Tyrol, Switzerland, Brazil, and eastern US states. Staurolite is described as a compound penetration twin crystal. The article mentions Oscar Robertson in Ball Ground, Georgia, who helps people find these stones.

Words Should Convey Meaning

A brief note critiques an advertisement for a 'Captain's chair' that can be moved 'from one room to another as needed', questioning why 'portable' wasn't used.

Semantics

This section comments on the changing use of language, citing examples like 'custodians' for janitors and 'sanitation workers' for garbage men. It also notes a college's decision to replace 'Library' with 'Learning Resources Center'.

VII. BIOLOGY: "Nessie" Is Alive and Well and Living in Urquhart Bay

Authored by Jack A. Ullrich, this piece details an expedition to find the Loch Ness Monster. The author argues against the idea that 'Nessie' is merely a tourist attraction, noting the lack of commercial signs. He addresses the common question of why no clear pictures exist, attributing blurred images to amateur equipment and poor lighting. The expedition utilized an infra-red camera but had no success in capturing images in darkness. Their only sighting occurred on a bright, sunny afternoon: a pronounced V-shaped wake in calm water, originating from something of immense size just under the surface. The article mentions the presence of a 'three-tier woods or forested area' near Urquhart Castle, which is unusual outside Florida, and connects this to a previous report about a disappearing plane.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical yet open-minded approach to unexplained phenomena. It prioritizes factual reporting and investigation, often debunking sensationalist claims while acknowledging genuine mysteries. There is a strong emphasis on scientific inquiry, historical context, and the potential for overlooked discoveries. The editorial stance appears to favor rational explanations but does not dismiss the possibility of extraordinary events or phenomena that defy current understanding. The magazine encourages critical thinking and discourages premature conclusions based on incomplete evidence. The recurring themes include unexplained sightings (UFOs, cryptids), historical scientific figures and their often-unrecognized contributions (Tesla), and geological and natural anomalies.

This issue of Pursuit magazine, dated October 1970 (Volume 3, Number 4), published by SITU, delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena and intriguing topics. The cover features a map of Loch Ness with a caption indicating that Jack Ullrich photographed Nessie's wake from a specific spot.

Loch Ness Sighting

The issue details Jack Ullrich's experience on Loch Ness, where he observed a disturbance that formed a wake moving at approximately six miles per hour. He compared the wake to those caused by whales and noted that it appeared to be formed by a large body just under the surface. The disturbance eventually ceased, leading to the belief that the creature, 'Nessie,' had descended into the murky depths. The article clarifies that Ullrich represented SITU, not the Smithsonian Institution, correcting erroneous newspaper accounts.

The 'Bigfoot' Hunt – New Style

This section discusses Lee Trippett, a physics graduate who became interested in Bigfoot ('Sasquatches') in the early 1960s. Trippett believes in the existence of these creatures and searches for them alone, theorizing they possess a combination of 'bushcraft' and 'ESP' (extra-sensory perception). He has formed the Flora-Fauna Research Corp. to gather data and coordinate research, aiming to involve professional scientists. The article notes that scientists are often hesitant to get involved due to potential damage to their reputations.

Archaeology Anecdote

A humorous anecdote is shared about Adolph Topperwein, an exhibition shooter, who created a drawing of an Indian chief on a cave wall in Arizona using his .22 rifle. A rancher later reported that an archaeologist studied the drawing, concluding it was the work of nomadic prehistoric Indians.

Noah's Ark(s), Again

Member 281 presents theories regarding the 'Ark' reported on Mt. Ararat. The member suggests that the ark was not built due to a world-wide flood but perhaps as a means for a tribe to be carried to heaven during a rainstorm by building a boat high on the mountain. This idea is linked to the traditional view of the ark as a sealed submarine and the story of the Tower of Babel, suggesting a desire to reach the heavens. Further speculation suggests the arks might have been filled with gifts for the gods.

Book Reviews

The Scientific Basis of Astrology by Michel Gauquelin

This book is reviewed as a significant refutation of astrology, despite the magazine's usual stance. It is praised for its statistical analyses and its exploration of 'new and different cosmobiology,' including findings that the efficacy of water treatment for cleaning boilers varies with the positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun.

The Mystery of Atlantis by Charles Berlitz

Berlitz's book is described as a sane and objective presentation of the evidence for and against Atlantis. The reviewer notes Berlitz's linguistic expertise and his debunking of linguistic 'evidence' for Atlantis, such as Le Plongeon's interpretation of Mayan texts.

Understanding Mu by Hans Stefan Santesson

This review focuses on Santesson's book, which compiles the writings of Colonel James Churchward, a figure described as a 'slightly demented British ex-Army officer' who promoted theories about the lost continent of Mu. The reviewer strongly criticizes Churchward's ideas as 'drivel' and a 'monstrous effigy of insanity,' but credits Santesson for exposing this material.

Current Pursuits

This section provides updates on various ongoing investigations:

• (5) Chain in Rock: The location of an item has been pinpointed, with further investigation pending until May when snow clears.
• (13) Entombed Toads (and Other Anura): A scientist in South Africa reported witnessing a frog sealed in concrete, discovered five years later.
• (15) South New Jersey Tree Stumps: Further photographs are being sought for this case.
• (19) The Bossberg Sasquatch: Reports and film of the 'Bossberg Sasquatch' are being investigated by members with police training, who have found no evidence of fraud.
• (21) The Thunderbird Photograph: A search is underway for a photograph that may have been published in National Geographic in the 1930s.
• (22) Time Anomalies: The magazine discusses the phenomenon of 'The Bermuda Triangle' and identifies ten other similar anomalous areas worldwide. Reports of planes arriving too soon or too late are being collected, with a focus on factual statistics.

Arthur Godfrey is mentioned as having shared personal experiences related to these anomalies on a TV show, including the disappearance of a plane called 'The Mars'. The article also touches upon the idea of the Earth as a static electrical machine and hints at a discussion of the 'hollow earth' theory.

In Memory: Keith Tavernor

This section is a tribute to Keith Tavernor, a member who passed away on March 30, 1971, after being hit by a car. The tribute details his birth in Stockport, England, in 1944, and his diverse career, including trips to France for ice cave research, service in the Royal Marines with extensive field work in Africa, work at the Yorkshire Zoological Federation, conservation work in Britain, further field work in Africa, and employment at the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust. He had recently arrived in the US to pursue research on Sasquatches and Bigfeet, and had been actively involved with the organization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics on the fringes of conventional science, including cryptozoology (Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot), archaeology, ancient mysteries (Atlantis, Mu), and unexplained phenomena (time anomalies, strange occurrences). The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging members to report findings and critically examine evidence, while also debunking what it considers to be 'drivel' or 'insanity.' There is a clear interest in presenting diverse viewpoints and challenging established scientific paradigms. The inclusion of book reviews and 'Current Pursuits' sections indicates a commitment to ongoing research and information sharing within its readership.

This document is a listing of the organizational structure and key personnel of The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SIU). It details the members of the Board of Governors, the Executive Committee, Standing Committees, and the Scientific Advisory Board.

Board of Governors

The Board of Governors includes a President (and Chairman of the Board), First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Third Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. It also lists four elected members for one-year terms. Specific designations are provided for members elected for five years, permanent members without re-election, and Trustees and Life Members.

• Key individuals listed on the Board of Governors include:
• Hans Stefan Santesson (President)
• Edgar O. Schoenenberger (First Vice-President)
• Ivan T. Sanderson (Second Vice-President)
• Michael R. Freedman (Third Vice-President)
• Marion L. Fawcett (Secretary)
• Alma V. Sanderson (Treasurer)
• Walter J. McGraw
• Daniel F. Manning
• Allen V. Noe
• Adolph L. Heuer, Jr.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee comprises the Director (General Administration), Deputy Director (Establishment), Executive Secretary (and Librarian), Assistant Director (Communications), Assistant Director (Science & Technology), Assistant Director (Field Operations), and Assistant Director (Public Relations).

• Key individuals listed on the Executive Committee include:
• Ivan T. Sanderson (Director)
• Edgar O. Schoenenberger (Deputy Director)
• Marion L. Fawcett (Executive Secretary)
• Michael R. Freedman (Assistant Director, Communications)
• Adolph L. Heuer, Jr. (Assistant Director, Science & Technology)
• Jack A. Ullrich (Assistant Director, Field Operations)
• Daniel F. Manning (Assistant Director, Public Relations)

Standing Committees

• Three standing committees are listed with their members:
• The Ringing Rocks: Richard W. Palladino
• Brain Control: Alfred D. Bielek
• Physical Anthropology: Keith Tavernor

Scientific Advisory Board

The Scientific Advisory Board is chaired by Dr. George A. Agogino and includes a diverse group of academics and professionals from various institutions. The board members and their fields of expertise are:

• Dr. George A. Agogino - Chairman, Department of Anthropology, and Director, Paleo-Indian Institute, Eastern New Mexico University. (Archaeology)
• Dr. N. Burtshak-Abramovitch - Academician, Georgian Academy of Science, Palaeobiological Institute; University of Tblisi. (Palaeontology)
• Dr. Carl H. Delacato - Associate Director, Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential, Philadelphia. (Mentalogy)
• Dr. W. C. Osman Hill - Dublin and London (Comparative Anatomy)
• Dr. J. Allen Hynek - Director, Lindheimer Astronomical Research Center, Northwestern University. (Astronomy)
• Dr. George C. Kennedy - Professor of Geology, Institute of Geophysics, U.C.L.A. (Geomorphology and Geophysics)
• Dr. Martin Kruskal - Program in Applied Mathematics, Princeton University. (Mathematics)
• Dr. Samuel B. McDowell - Professor of Biology, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey. (General Biology)
• Dr. Vladimir Markotic - Professor of Anthropology, Department of Archaeology, University of Alberta, Canada (Ethnosociology and Ethnology)
• Dr. Kirtley F. Mather - Professor of Geology, Emeritus, Harvard University. (Geology)
• Dr. John R. Napier - Unit of Primate Biology, Queen Elizabeth College, University of London. (Physical Anthropology)
• Dr. W. Ted Roth - President, Roth Research-Animal Care, Inc., Washington, D. C. (Ethology)
• Dr. Frank B. Salisbury - Head, Plant Science Department, College of Agriculture, Utah State University. (Phytochemistry)
• Dr. Roger W. Wescott - Professor and Chairman, Department of Anthropology, Drew University, Madison, New Jersey. (Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics)
• Dr. A. Joseph Wraight - Chief Geographer, U. S. Coast & Geodetic Survey. (Geography and Oceanography)
• Dr. Robert K. Zuck - Professor and Chairman, Department of Botany, Drew University, Madison, New Jersey. (Botany)

Publisher Information

The back page indicates that Hicks Printing Company, located at 13 W. Church St., Washington, N. J. 07882, with telephone number 201-689-0194, is involved in the printing of this material.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This document primarily serves as an organizational directory for The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained. It highlights the society's structure, leadership, and the breadth of scientific expertise it draws upon for its advisory board. The focus is on establishing credibility through the diverse academic backgrounds and institutional affiliations of its members, suggesting a serious approach to investigating unexplained phenomena.