Pursuit - No 22 - Vol 06 No 2 - 1973

Magazine Overview

Title: PURSUIT
Issue: Vol. 6, No. 2
Date: April, 1973
Publisher: SOCIETY FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF THE UNEXPLAINED
Tagline: "SCIENCE IS THE PURSUIT OF THE UNEXPLAINED"

This issue of PURSUIT, the quarterly journal of the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU), is dedicated to exploring phenomena that are "customarily discounted." The cover features the magazine's title in a distinctive font, the society's tagline, and the issue's volume, number, and date. A stylized graphic of a winged object is also present.

In Memoriam: Ivan T. Sanderson

The issue opens with a poignant tribute to Ivan T. Sanderson, the magazine's Editor & Publisher, who passed away on February 19, 1973, after a battle with cancer. The obituary, written by his wife Sabina W. Sanderson, details his life, his illness, and his enduring spirit. Sabina describes Ivan's unconventional approach to life and death, his intellectual connection with her, their marriage in May 1972, and the subsequent health challenges he faced, including a car accident and double pneumonia. Despite his pain, Ivan's mind remained sharp until the end. He left his body to medical science and requested no funeral ceremonies, only that those left behind "carry on." The tribute highlights the profound impact Ivan had on many people, including those who never met him, who knew him through his books and radio/TV appearances. Sabina shares a quote from a friend who described Ivan as "the fullest person I will ever know," emphasizing the legacy of his contributions.

Editorial: The Sensible Breakthrough At Last

This editorial, noted as the last written by Ivan T. Sanderson for Pursuit, advocates for a more scientific approach to studying phenomena like ESP. Sanderson expresses his belief that parapsychology should be divorced from the field of 'Intangibles' and studied from the standpoint of physics or chemistry. He references an article in Science News that highlighted a survey in The New Scientist, indicating that a significant majority of scientists and technologists consider ESP an established fact or a likely possibility, though only 30 percent believe parapsychologists are attacking the problem correctly. Sanderson criticizes the historical association of ESP with psychology, suggesting it has hindered progress, and calls for a focus on the physical basis of these abilities.

UFOLOGY: A Possible Alien Space Probe

This section reports on an announcement by the British Interplanetary Society (B.I.S.) that they are attempting to make contact with a potential alien space probe believed to be orbiting Earth. The probe's existence is suggested by delayed radio echoes first noted in the 1920s. Duncan Lunan, president of the Scottish Association for Technology and Research in Astronautics, analyzed these echoes and plotted them as star maps, identifying the constellation Bootes and Epsilon Bootes as a potential origin point, approximately 103 light-years away. The B.I.S. is using powerful radio transmitters for this attempt. The article notes that the B.I.S. is not expecting 'little green men' but rather a sophisticated computer. It also references a piece in The New Scientist discussing the possibility of past alien visitations to our solar system, citing G.V. Foster's calculation of up to 420 visitations.

EAGLE REQUIEM

Authored by Col. Stanley W. Tyler, this piece recounts a striking event witnessed by his wife and himself in southern Ethiopia in November 1963. While stationed there, they observed approximately twenty Fish Eagles forming a perfect circle around a recently shot and dead eagle. The eagles performed a ritualistic display of bowing and circling for about ten minutes before flying away. The author interprets this as a ceremonial farewell to a dead member of their group, an event that left a lasting impression.

UNNATURAL DARKNESS

A reader shares an account of an unexplained phenomenon experienced in London in 1925 (or possibly 1924). During a school day, a yellow glow appeared in the sky, followed by a sudden and intense pitch blackness that lasted for about 11 minutes before vanishing in a flash. The reader describes the darkness as unusually thick, unlike normal fog. The magazine notes that similar occurrences are on file, but no satisfactory explanation has been found.

WHO'S DOWN THERE?

This section presents a curious story from a Soviet magazine, Khimiya i Zhizn', regarding an incident during the fourth voyage of the scientific research vessel Academic Kurchatov in the South-Eastern Pacific Ocean. While lowering scientific instruments, three cables carrying nets, core samplers, and dredges broke at approximately 500 meters depth. The cable ends were found to be frayed and polished to a gleam, leading to speculation about what could have caused such damage. Pilot whales were observed nearby, but the author doubts they were responsible, suggesting possibilities like swordfish or other large marine life.

WEIGHING THE SOUL

This article discusses the controversial experiments by Dr. Nils-Olof Jacobson and Dr. Duncan MacDougall, who claimed to have measured the weight of the human soul. Both researchers reported a loss of approximately 21 grams from terminally ill patients at the exact moment of death, using highly sensitive scales. The article notes that MacDougall's work was published in 1907 and Jacobson's in 1972, with both arriving at the same figure. The phenomenon is presented as a potential area of study for SITU, bridging the gap between physical evidence and the unexplained.

SPOOK LIGHTS

The magazine discusses the phenomenon of unexplained lights, often referred to as "spook lights," which are reported in various locations across the United States and globally. These lights are described as globes of light, similar in size to auto headlights, that appear, sway, and move about, always maintaining a distance from observers. Famous examples include the "Brown Mountain Lights" and the "Tri-State Spook Light." SITU expresses interest in investigating these phenomena and asks readers to submit reports of similar occurrences.

Little Wooden Airplanes

A brief note from the Soaring Society of America, Inc., questions why gliders were not invented millennia ago, given that their design does not inherently require modern technology.

Lightning Strikes Twice

A news brief from Rhodesia reports an incident where an African farm worker was killed by lightning, and a subsequent bolt struck a truck removing the body, injuring no one else.

III. PHYSICS: THE COANDA EFFECT

This section provides references and explanations for the Coanda effect, a phenomenon where a fluid jet follows a curved surface. It cites definitions from Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia and references articles from Scientific American, Bio-Med. Engineering, and The Popular Science Publishing Co. The effect is explained as a fluid's tendency to entrain molecules of slower-moving fluid near a surface, lowering pressure and pushing the flow stream along the surface. The death of its discoverer, Roumanian scientist A. Mitral, is mentioned.

V. ASTRONOMY: SATURN'S RINGS

This article discusses recent findings about Saturn's rings based on radar observations by Dr. Richard M. Goldstein and George A. Morris Jr. Contrary to the long-held belief that the rings are thin and composed of ice crystals, dust, or gas, the radar echoes suggest they are rough, jagged surfaces with solid material at least one meter in diameter. These findings indicate the rings are a significant hazard to spacecraft. The article also quotes Dr. Carl Sagan, who notes that earlier observations suggest the presence of ice.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of PURSUIT consistently explores the boundaries between the known and the unknown, with a strong emphasis on scientific investigation of phenomena often dismissed by mainstream science. The editorial stance, particularly championed by the late Ivan T. Sanderson, is to approach these unexplained events with rigorous scientific inquiry, seeking physical explanations rather than relying on spiritual or purely anecdotal accounts. The magazine actively solicits reader contributions and reports, fostering a community of researchers interested in topics ranging from ufology and parapsychology to unexplained natural phenomena and historical mysteries. The recurring theme is the pursuit of knowledge in areas that are "customarily discounted," aiming to bring them into the realm of the tangible and understandable.

Title: Pursuit
Issue: Vol. 6 No. 2
Date: February 1973
Publisher: International League for the Preservation of Psychic Experiences
Country: USA
Price: $1.00

This issue of Pursuit magazine delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, ranging from geological shifts and mysterious animal sightings to archaeological enigmas and cryptozoological investigations.

Has the Earth Shifted?

The lead article explores a theory presented by G. S. Pawley and N. Abrahamsen, popularized by Walter Sullivan in The New York Times, suggesting that the Earth's spin-axis or geography may have changed in ways not yet understood. Evidence cited includes the slight twist in the orientation of the Great Pyramid of Cheops, which is oriented almost exactly north, south, east, and west, but deviates slightly. The authors suggest that megalithic monuments and the Nazca Lines might provide clues. This theory is linked to Professor Charles Hapgood's book "Earth's Shifting Crust," which postulates periodic shifts of the Earth's entire crust to explain geological and biological mysteries.

Erupting Rocks

This section details an incident near Elk City, Oklahoma, where 30-ton rocks, along with smaller ones, erupted from a previously smooth field overnight. The event, which created a shallow cavity and tilted surrounding rocks and trees, was initially attributed to a "gas blow-out." Investigations by the Oklahoma Geological Survey, led by Dr. Robert O. Fay, suggested the cause was likely a non-explosive blowout due to the buildup of low-pressure propane gas from a nearby Shell Oil Company well. The area was closed to visitors due to the presence of gas.

More New Cats?

Ivan T. Sanderson recounts a trip to Sonora, Mexico, in 1940, where he encountered skins of animals that did not match known species. He describes a large cat-like animal with distinctive features, including a ruff around its neck and unusually large paws. He also notes seeing numerous other unknown animal skins in markets in Mexico and Central America, suggesting the existence of undiscovered species.

Current Search and Research of ABSMs

This section provides brief updates on ongoing research into cryptids. It mentions organizations dedicated to researching Bigfoot and Sasquatch, and notes that reports of these creatures have become widespread across the United States. It also reports on a team of American biologists in Nepal conducting an ecological survey of the Arun Valley, investigating reports of the Yeti, with initial findings including plaster casts of large primate-like tracks.

Beware an Alleged 'Bigfoot' Skeleton

This piece critically examines the "Wonders of the World Museum" in Port Costa, California, and its director, Clayton Bailey. It discusses alleged finds such as an enormous sea monster skeleton and a "complete skeleton of the North American ape-man 'Giganticus Erectus Gladstonii.'" The author expresses skepticism about the authenticity of these exhibits, suggesting they are likely made of plastic, ceramic, or clay, and criticizes the amateur palaeontology of the museum.

Florida's Wild Wildlife

The article discusses the phenomenon of "out-of-place animals" in Florida, where numerous exotic species have become established. It lists imports such as giant toads, African snails, jaguars, and various birds. The section also highlights the presence of Rhesus Monkeys along the Silver River, descended from animals used in Tarzan films.

Nomeus: A Fish That Disappears

By Craig Phillips, this article details the perplexing behavior of the Nomeus fish, which lives among the stinging tentacles of the Portuguese man-of-war. Captive specimens have repeatedly disappeared under baffling circumstances, even from secured tanks and live-wells, with no trace left behind. The author recounts several personal experiences and investigations into this phenomenon.

'Horrors' From the Mesozoic

Mark A. Hall investigates reports of a large, mysterious aquatic animal in Alkali Lake, Nebraska, dating back to the early 1920s. Fishermen reported boats being pitched into the air, and a fisherman's body was recovered. Witnesses described an alligator-like creature, approximately 40 feet long, with a stubby head and a horn-like projection. The article also touches upon Native American legends of "water monsters" and discusses potential prehistoric survivors like Phobosuchus (Horror Crocodile) as possible explanations for such sightings.

The Julsrud Ceramic Collection in Acambaro, Mexico

This section examines the controversial collection of approximately 32,000 ceramic figurines discovered by Waldemar Julsrud in Acambaro, Mexico. The collection is debated regarding its authenticity and age, with archaeologists largely branding it a fraud, while others, including Professor Charles Hapgood, Ivan Sanderson, and Wendell Skousen, have investigated its potential validity. The article details the various types of materials found and the results of carbon-14 and thermoluminescence dating, which have yielded dates ranging from circa 1640 B.C. to 4530 B.C., though with cautionary notes about potential inaccuracies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, challenging conventional scientific understanding. The magazine presents evidence and theories that push the boundaries of accepted knowledge, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond mainstream explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into mysteries, whether they involve geological anomalies, zoological puzzles, archaeological enigmas, or cryptozoological reports, while also maintaining a critical approach to evaluating evidence, as seen in the critique of the "Wonders of the World Museum."

This issue of Pursuit magazine, dated October 1972, delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena and historical enigmas. The cover headline highlights "KIRKBRIDE'S WALL AND THE GREAT WALL OF PERU," setting the tone for explorations into ancient mysteries.

The Julsrud Collection and Acambaro

The issue begins by examining the Julsrud Collection, a group of artifacts found in Acambaro, Mexico. The author discusses the classification of these artifacts into seven types, with a particular focus on Type 4, described as "Horny-Black," which precisely matches the reconstruction of a Brachiosaurus. The text questions the authenticity of these pieces, noting that while some claim they are modern fakes, the dates obtained by the Pennsylvania Museum suggest otherwise. The article concludes that the Acambaro site deserves further investigation, despite lingering questions about the origin of the pieces.

Kirkbride's Wall and the Great Wall of Peru

The magazine then shifts focus to two mysterious stone walls. Sir Alec Kirkbride reported on a 20-mile stone wall near Petra in Jordan, which he found to be a "great jumble" with no apparent defensive purpose. His theory suggests it was built by the Nabateans in the early Christian era, but its function remains unexplained. The article also references a report from the January 1932 issue of Popular Science Monthly about the "Great Wall of Peru." Discovered by the Shippee-Johnson Expedition, this barricade, made of stones cemented with adobe and rising up to thirty feet high, was believed to have been erected by the Chimus to protect their civilization.

Translating Charles Fort's Notes

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the ongoing work of translating Charles Fort's extensive notes. Carl J. Pabst details the challenges involved, including the notes being written in pencil, in a personal shorthand, on various scraps of paper that are now discolored and crumbling. The process is described as a monumental job, undertaken with enthusiasm despite the labor. The article includes an example of a translated note from December 11, 1875, detailing a reported streak of light seen near Aden.

Book Reviews

The "Book Reviews" section offers a critical look at several recent publications:

• The Curious World of Twins by Vincent and Margaret Gaddis.
• Psychic Discoveries Behind the Iron Curtain by Shiela Ostrander and Lynn Schroeder.
• 1973 Guinness Book of Records.
• Loch Ness Monster by Tim Dinsdale.
• The Mechanism of Mind and The Five-Day Course in Thinking by Edward de Bono.
• The Children of the Sun: A Study in the Early History of Civilization by W. J. Perry, which explores the theory of diffusionism in ancient civilizations, suggesting origins in Egypt.
• Before Columbus: Links Between the Old World and Ancient America by Cyrus H. Gordon, who also supports diffusionist theories and argues for early trans-oceanic contact.
• Pharaoh's Pump by Edward J. Kunkel, which proposes that the Great Pyramid of Cheops was a gigantic pump used during its construction.
• Body Time by Gay Gaer Luce, discussing biological rhythms and their impact on human physiology.

The reviews critically assess the authors' arguments, methodologies, and the overall contribution of the books to their respective fields.

Department of Loose Ends

This section addresses various miscellaneous topics:

• A follow-up on a reported underwater explosion north of Puerto Rico from a previous issue, noting a lack of corroborative evidence.
• A discussion on allegedly fallout-free water, suggesting it is likely due to lack of circulation.
• Information about NASA's Mariner 7 mission, which experienced a decrease in velocity near the "Great Galactic Ghoul."
• An inquiry into "Life on the Moon?" based on information from Aviation Week, detailing bacteria found on a Surveyor III camera and plant growth in "moon dust."

Other Sections

• The Ivan T. Sanderson Memorial Fund is announced, aiming to support the work of the Fortean Society.
• A quote from Israel Zangwill is presented: "... Science as an interpreter of the mysteries of the Universe is a dismal failure."
• A review of Clifford Wilson's Crash Go The Chariots: An Alternative to Chariots of the Gods? is highly critical, labeling it as a "fundamentalist" response to Erich von Däniken and accusing Wilson of similar speculative leaps.
• The issue also mentions Time-Life Books' "The Emergence of Man" series, with a cautionary note to readers regarding its definitive statements on human origins.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Pursuit include the investigation of historical and archaeological anomalies (Julsrud Collection, Great Walls), the challenges of interpreting ancient evidence and texts (Charles Fort's notes, diffusionism theories), and the exploration of unexplained phenomena in science and history. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging thorough investigation and questioning conventional explanations, while also being skeptical of unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the reviews of books by von Däniken and Wilson.

This document is a page from "THE SOCIETY FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF THE UNEXPLAINED," detailing its organizational structure and key personnel. It does not appear to be a typical magazine issue with articles, but rather a directory of its leadership and advisory committees.

Governing Board

• The Governing Board is listed with specific roles and terms of service:
• President: Hans Stefan Santesson (elected for 5 years)
• Vice-President: Edgar O. Schoenenberger (life)
• Secretary: Sabina W. Sanderson (life)
• Treasurer: Allen V. Noe (elected one year)
• Board Members: Daniel F. Manning, Robert C. Warth, Mark A. Hall, R. Martin Wolf (each elected one year)

It is noted that the trustees are in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey.

Executive Board

• The Executive Board comprises the following individuals and their roles:
• Acting Director: Mark A. Hall
• Executive Secretary: Marion L. Fawcett
• Technical Director: Robert C. Warth
• Technical Consultant: Robert J. Durant
• Research Consultant: Carl J. Pabst
• Mass Media: Walter J. McGraw

Editorial Board

• The Editorial Board is composed of:
• Editor and Publisher: Hans Stefan Santesson
• Executive Editor: Marion L. Fawcett
• Consulting Editor: Walter J. McGraw
• Assistant Editor: Robert J. Durant

Scientific Advisory Board

• This board is extensive and includes specialists from numerous institutions and disciplines:
• Chairman: Dr. George A. Agogino (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 (Assistant Director, Baltimore Zoo, Baltimore, Maryland - Ecologist & Zoogeographer)
• Dr. Frank B. Salisbury (Head, Plant Science Department, College of Agriculture, Utah State University - Phytochemistry)
• Dr. Berthold Eric Schwarz (Consultant (Brain-Wave Laboratory), Essex County Medical Center, Cedar Grove, New Jersey - Mental Sciences)
• 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)

Printing Information

The reverse side of the page (Page 2) contains information about the printer: Hicks Printing Company, located at 37 Belvidere Avenue, Washington, New Jersey, with telephone number 201-689-0194.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This document primarily focuses on the organizational structure and the expertise of its members and advisors. The extensive Scientific Advisory Board, with members from diverse fields and international institutions, suggests a broad and interdisciplinary approach to the society's investigations. The society appears to be a formal organization dedicated to the study of unexplained phenomena, drawing on scientific and academic expertise.