Pursuit - No 28 - Vol 07 No 4 - 1974

Magazine Overview

Title: PURSUIT
Issue: Vol. 7, No. 4
Date: October, 1974
Publisher: Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained
Tagline: "SCIENCE IS THE PURSUIT OF THE UNEXPLAINED"

This issue of PURSUIT, the journal of the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained, delves into various anomalous phenomena, challenging conventional scientific paradigms and exploring the nature of reality itself. The content ranges from philosophical discussions on perception to detailed analyses of specific events and theories.

Fortean Phenomena and 'Separate' Realities by David Rind

This editorial, written in response to a previous discussion in PURSUIT, posits that 'hard-core' Fortean phenomena, such as UFOs and fire-walking, contradict our established view of the world. Rind argues that our perception of reality is not absolute but is historically constructed and malleable. He suggests that these phenomena might originate from 'separate realities' with their own internal logic, which are not easily explained within our current scientific framework. The author draws parallels with the experiences described by Carlos Castaneda and the transformative experiences of aborigine children, highlighting how different worldviews can accommodate seemingly impossible events. Rind concludes that understanding these phenomena may require an expansion of our own reality to accept the existence of others, suggesting that belief plays a crucial role in making any reality functional.

Evolution of the Fortean Sourcebooks by William R. Corliss

William R. Corliss, author of several Fortean sourcebooks, discusses his approach to collecting and organizing anomalous data. He distinguishes his work from Charles Fort's by focusing on reprinting and categorizing original accounts without espousing specific hypotheses. Corliss explains his motivation stemmed from George McCreedy Price's 'outlaw science' and later Charles Fort's work. He outlines his goals for the Fortean movement, including broadening its scope, engaging the scientific community, and preserving historical anomalous data. Corliss details his decision to create sourcebooks, which reproduce, organize, and index essential Fortean literature, as a financially viable and effective way to rescue and preserve data that might otherwise be lost.

Termites and 'ITF' (Instant Transference)

This section presents an account of seemingly inexplicable behavior observed in termites, paralleling earlier reports on 'ITF' (instant transference) in Atta ants. The phenomenon involves the apparent instantaneous transport of a termite queen, who grows too large for her chamber, to a newly built, larger chamber without any visible means of passage. The article references Eugene Marais' book 'The Soul of the White Ant' and Ivan T. Sanderson's work. A hypothesis proposed by Dr. Martin Kruskal suggests that the queen is not intrinsically gigantic but is filled with egg-manufacturing materials. When her chamber is damaged, workers 'unload' her, allowing her to collapse and be moved to a new chamber where she is reinflated. Ivan Sanderson's response to this hypothesis is also included, finding it a plausible explanation for the observed events.

Some More Notes Upon "Agdy" by "X"

This brief note discusses micro-barograms related to the Tunguska blast, comparing them with those from other locations. The author notes that these records register disturbances from the Tunguska event but not from hypothetical 'black hole' exits from Earth.

Tunguska Was a Comet by Daniel H. Harris

Daniel H. Harris, an astronomer, addresses perceived errors in a previous article concerning the Tunguska event. He asserts that comets can possess sufficient mass to cause such an event, citing their gravitational effects on Jupiter's moons and asteroids. Harris argues that the micro-barograph records showing multiple excursions are due to atmospheric 'ringing' from a single event, not multiple separate events. He also suggests that the presence of seismic disturbances indicates a ground impact rather than an elevated explosion, contrary to some interpretations. The article also briefly touches upon an alternative explanation from a Soviet magazine, which involved signals from an invisible planet and the Krakatoa eruption, but dismisses it as improbable.

Space Probe from Epsilon Bootis by Duncan A. Lunan

This article, reprinted from 'Spaceflight', details the theory that our Solar System may have been visited by an extraterrestrial space probe. The theory, developed by D. A. Lunan, is based on the analysis of long-delayed echoes of radio signals transmitted from Earth, which he interprets as originating from a satellite orbiting Earth. The paper is presented in two parts, with the second part to appear in a future issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of reality, the limitations of conventional scientific explanations for anomalous phenomena, and the importance of open-minded investigation. The editorial stance, as indicated by the editor's note on David Rind's article, is to provide a platform for diverse philosophical viewpoints, even those that may not strictly align with the Society's general approach, suggesting a commitment to exploring the unexplained from multiple perspectives.

This issue of Atlas Magazine, dated April 1972, features two primary articles: one exploring the phenomenon of long-delayed radio echoes and a potential extraterrestrial space probe, and another investigating the legend of the 'Dire Wolf' or 'Waheela' and its possible connection to extinct animals.

Long-Delayed Echoes and the Space Probe Hypothesis

The article begins by discussing the work of Mr. Lunan, who analyzed data from Norwegian, Dutch, and French experimenters in the 1920s regarding radio echoes with varying delay times. Lunan's interpretation suggests that a space probe near Earth might have been returning signals, possibly containing star maps identifying its origin as Epsilon Bootis and its arrival time as 13,000 years in the past. The author, Kenneth W. Gatland, presents this hypothesis, leaving the reader to consider the natural or artificial origin of these echoes and the validity of Lunan's interpretation.

R. N. Bracewell's 1960 hypothesis about advanced communities using unmanned space probes for interstellar communication is introduced. Bracewell suggested that such probes, upon entering our Solar System, might listen for and repeat our radio signals, resulting in 'echoes' with delays of seconds or minutes. He speculated that a probe's initial message might be a TV image of a constellation.

James Strong further developed this idea, suggesting the probe might be orbiting Earth in a Moon Equilateral position.

The article traces the history of reported long-delayed echoes, starting with American experimenters Taylor and Young in 1927, who detected echoes from distances of 2900 to 10,000 km. These delays were in hundredths of a second and were consistent with the inner Van Allen belt.

In December 1927, Professor Carl Störmer of Oslo met engineer Hals, who reported hearing 3-second delay echoes on signals from the Philips experimental station PCJJ at Eindhoven. Hals initially suggested these echoes came from the moon.

Störmer theorized that the echoes originated from toroidal surfaces formed by electrons within Earth's magnetic field. He conducted experiments in early 1928, with further tests arranged with Van der Pol in Eindhoven. On September 25, 1928, Hals reported receiving 3-second echoes on signals of 31.4 metres wavelength. Störmer observed delay times varying from 3 to 15 seconds over a 15-minute period. The signal pulses were transmitted at 20-second intervals to identify echoes.

Van der Pol was informed and conducted his own tests, transmitting 3 dots in rapid succession at 30-second intervals. He recorded echoes with delays of 8, 11, 15, 8, 13, 3, 8, 8, 8, 12, 15, 13, 8, 8 seconds. In some cases, two echoes were heard 4 seconds apart, and the original signal dots were blurred.

The author questions the 'unluckiness' of these events occurring when they were assumed to be natural, and notes Morrison's 1962 point that a hypothetical probe should have sent a more attention-grabbing message.

The article then delves into Lunan's interpretation of the echo delay times. By graphing the delay time against its position in the sequence, Lunan found a pattern. He suggests that the 8-second echoes form a 'vertical barrier,' and the 3-second point is isolated. When the 3-second point is moved to a corresponding position on the right, it completes a figure resembling the constellation Bootes, with the star Epsilon Boötis identified. This is presented as a potential star map from the probe.

Lunan proposes that the system of varying delay times is an efficient method for interstellar communication by proxy, potentially using blank squares on a grid. He also notes that the repetition of 3 pulses in the 3-second echo might have helped identify Epsilon Boötis by reference to nearby stars.

An objection raised is the apparent displacement of Arcturus (part of Bootes) in the diagram. Lunan suggests this could be due to Arcturus's large Proper Motion (2.29 arcseconds per year), indicating the probe arrived thousands of years ago. He estimates the probe's arrival at around 12,600 years ago, supported by the idea that the map was compiled at that time.

The article discusses the inclusion of stars in the diagram, noting that only Bootes is shown among fourth-magnitude stars. It also considers why Coronae, at magnitudes 2 and 2½, were not included, suggesting it would have obscured the 8-second barrier.

The use of the second as a unit of time by a remote probe is explained as a logical choice for a system designed for interstellar communication.

Eindhoven's transmissions were initially too short for the probe to respond effectively. When the spacing increased to 20 seconds, the probe could select material for transmission. The choice of the second as a time unit for the x-axis is considered.

On October 24, 1928, echoes ranged from 3 to 30 seconds. The published part of this sequence, when redrawn with delay time on the x-axis, covers a larger area of sky than the October 11 sequence. It resembles the 'keystone' of Hercules, with nearby stars aiding identification. Lunan suggests that point A in the diagram represents the North Celestial Pole near Vega about 13,000 years ago, and a line from A points to Epsilon Boötis.

He notes that four points (A, B, C, D) in the diagram do not correspond to known stars, with A being the rotation point. The line AB points towards Epsilon Boötis. The complete map, if recovered, would likely cover areas of Bootes, Ursa Major, Canes Venacti, Leo, and include reference points.

Lunan speculates that Epsilon Bootis, a double star 103 light-years away, might have developed intelligence due to rising background radiation during its blue star phase. He suggests the probe's mission was to find habitable worlds, possibly indicating a search for new homes for its race.

Figures illustrate the constellations Bootes and Hercules, and the published sequences of echoes.

The Dire Wolf

This section introduces the legend of the 'Dire Wolf' or 'Waheela,' a creature reported in remote areas of Canada. Ivan T. Sanderson recounts stories from Tex Zeigler, who encountered reports of exceptionally large wolves in Alaska, and from a friend named Frank, who heard similar accounts from an Amerind in the Nahanni Valley.

Frank's story involves an encounter with an enormous white wolf, described as having long, shaggy hair, a wide head, and standing about three feet, six inches at the shoulder. Frank fired at the creature, which then ambled away.

Frank's Amerindian friend revealed that the animal was not a wolf but was likely responsible for the legend of the 'Headless Valley' in the Nahanni, where prospectors had disappeared or been found decapitated. The creature is described as larger than a wolf, a 'loner,' avoiding real wolves, with smaller ears, wider heads, shorter legs, splayed feet, and thick, otter-like tails. It is considered a scavenger rather than a predator, living near the tundra but sometimes descending in winter.

Sanderson then discusses paleontological findings, mentioning Andrewsarchus, a large creodont with a skull over a yard long, discovered in Mongolia. He also refers to Amphicyonids, or 'bear-dogs,' extinct mammals from the Miocene and Pliocene periods, some of which were large and may have survived into the Pleistocene or post-glacial periods.

These 'bear-dogs' are described as having massive heads, small ears, five-toed splayed feet with sharp claws, and a plantigrade stance. The skull of one measured 20 inches. They are considered scavengers and omnivores, likely feeding on kills from larger carnivores.

The article suggests that these creatures could have survived into the age of man and possibly into the present day, similar to the Forest Bison. The Amerinds' persistence in stories of the 'Waheela' is noted.

Pennsylvania Absmery

This section presents a report on hair and feces samples analyzed by Frederick A. Ulmer, Jr. The samples, collected from the Western Pennsylvania 'monster' reports, were tentatively identified as human hair (Sample #1 and #2), cow hair (Sample #3), and cat hair (Sample #4). Sample #4 also contained claw bone and meta-tarsal bones tentatively identified as from a chicken or pheasant, along with chitinous remains of insects. The fecal samples were inconclusive or suggested a skunk or raccoon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue explores themes of unexplained phenomena, extraterrestrial intelligence, and cryptozoology. The article on long-delayed echoes presents a speculative but detailed interpretation of scientific data, leaning towards the possibility of artificial signals. The 'Dire Wolf' section delves into folklore and cryptozoology, linking anecdotal evidence to paleontological possibilities, suggesting that unknown or extinct creatures might still exist. The Pennsylvania Absmery section, while less sensational, reflects the magazine's interest in investigating purported paranormal or unusual animal encounters through scientific analysis, even if the results are inconclusive.

This issue of Pursuit, dated November 1974, focuses heavily on the Sasquatch phenomenon, featuring an in-depth look at Ivan T. Sanderson's 1970 reconstruction of the creature and a detailed biomechanical analysis of the famous Patterson film. The magazine also includes a comprehensive review of recent Sasquatch sightings in the Pacific Northwest and several book reviews on related topics.

Ivan T. Sanderson's Reconstruction of the Sasquatch

Ivan T. Sanderson's reconstruction of the Sasquatch, created in 1970, is presented with accompanying notes. Sanderson explains that the drawings, done to scale, are a compilation of alleged eyewitness reports, the Roger Patterson film, and facts from an ice-preserved specimen. He notes that while the composite of the Yeti seems zoologically sound, the Sasquatch reconstruction appears "utterly 'ridiculous'" to him, and that professional artists found it "altogether too theatrical." Sanderson details specific facial characteristics, including a naked face, no prominent brow ridge, a retroussée nose with forward-pointing nostrils, and unique bristle-like hairs on the septum. He also describes the hair growth on the forehead as forming a forward, upward, and backward curling fringe. The torso is described as massive but comparable to large human athletes, with arms and legs not excessively long or short, though hands are large. The feet are noted as being in proportion to stature, but short and broad with long, webbed toes. Sanderson reiterates his view that the Sasquatch reconstruction looks "ridiculous," comparing it to a "huge and robust Mongol wearing a peaked cap and a fur coat."

The Patterson Film: An Analysis

A report compiled by Dmitri D. Donskoy, Chief of the Chair of Biomechanics at the Physical Culture Institute of the USSR, analyzes the 1967 (Gimlin-Patterson) film footage of a Sasquatch. The analysis, based on repeated viewings and still frames, concludes that the creature's walk is a fully spontaneous and highly efficient pattern of locomotion, forming a smoothly operating and coherent system. The cross-limb coordination of the upper and lower limbs is noted as being natural for bipeds. The strides are described as energetic and large, with momentum overcoming the "breaking effect" of the legs. Arm movements are described as massive and strong. The leg's action after heel strike is compared to shock absorption, with muscles tensing for subsequent toe-off. This gait is noted as being different from a normal human walk, suggesting the creature is very heavy. The powerful toe-off contributes to rapid progression. The movement of the limbs is fluid, with the creature utilizing muscle resilience. The gait is described as confident and regular, with no signs of imbalance or wavering. Turns are accomplished with a torso rotation, indicating alertness but possibly limited head mobility. The creature spreads its arms widely during turns for stability. The foot is large with no longitudinal arch, and the heel bone protrudes considerably, facilitating standing and propulsion. The lack of an arch may be due to the creature's weight. The gait resembles modern man's but indicates greater weight, stronger muscles, and swifter movement. The movements are harmonious and exhibit "synergy." The analysis also notes an "expressiveness of movements" that suggests a neat perfection typical of habitual, automatic actions. The consistent and accurate action of the muscles, combined with the non-typical gait, makes imitation virtually impossible.

Not All Quiet on the Western Front

John Green addresses readers of Pursuit, advising them to disregard a previous report in the magazine that suggested a lack of activity in Sasquatch investigations. Green asserts that the writer of that report was aware of only 13 reports, while his own files contain significantly more. He states that in 1972 alone, Washington State had 13 sighting reports and several track reports. From 1971 to 1973, there were 39 reports from Washington and nearly 100 from the entire Pacific Northwest. Green also touches upon individuals who use the Sasquatch investigation for personal gain. He then proceeds to highlight several significant sightings from 1973:

• March 1973: Three fishermen in Bute Inlet, Canada, reported a beige-colored, manlike creature at least 10 feet tall.
• April 1973: Near Estacada, Oregon, a local resident saw a brown, erect creature, about five feet tall, tear apart an old stump.
• May 1973: Near Sitkum, Oregon, an engaged couple encountered a 10-foot, heavy, dark creature.
• June 1973: A logger near Selma Park, Canada, observed a grey-furred creature jump on logs and somersault down a hill. A footprint was photographed.
• June 1973: Near Estacada, Oregon, a man shot at a huge upright form by his campfire after it screamed and vanished into the trees.
• July 1973: A fisheries patrolman in Roscoe Inlet, B.C., Canada, observed a six-foot, grey-furred creature rooting in tide-flat vegetation.
• July 1973: A Carson, Washington woman and her daughter encountered a six-foot, ape-like animal.
• July 1973: A naturalist in the Castle Craggie Mountains, California, watched an eight-foot tall, dark, hairy creature with a humanlike face for 45 minutes.
• July 1973: Two couples near Lake Tahoe reported an upright black animal, seven feet tall and "flat faced like a Gorilla."
• September 1973: A Woodinville, Washington, man encountered a dark-haired, six-to-seven-foot creature running towards him.
• October 1973: In northwestern California, a hunter watched a dark, "barrel-like" erect creature more than six feet tall walk by.
• November 1973: Two students found tracks of the "Bossburg cripple-foot."

Green also mentions sightings near Lassen Park, California, in May 1974, involving two creatures estimated to be 12 feet tall. He notes that detailed reports are being studied at the University of B.C., and the Patterson film is undergoing "computer enhancement."

Book Reviews

Sabina W. Sanderson reviews several books:

• The Bermuda Triangle by Charles Berlitz (1974) and The Devil's Triangle by Richard Winer (1974). She finds both books cover standard cases but vary in interpretation. A less significant paperback by Adi-Kent Thomas Jeffrey is also mentioned and dismissed.
• On the Track of Bigfoot by Marian T. Place (1974) is described as a book for young people, providing a good introduction but no new information.
• There Are Giants in the Earth by Michael Grumley (1974) is a re-hashing of old material, with some new information from outside North America. However, the author apparently has never heard of Ivan T. Sanderson.

Other miscellaneous book reviews include:

• Colony: Earth by Richard E. Mooney (1974), a Fundamentalist approach to the "ancient astronauts" theme.
• Mystery of the Ancients by Eric and Craig Umland (1974), a dubious account of Mayan origins.
• Timeless Earth by Peter Kolosimo (1973), which is partially acceptable but relies on unreliable sources like Robert Charroux and James Churchward.
• Extraterrestrial Visitations from Prehistoric Times to the Present by Jacques Bergier (1974), described as a "really awful book."
• Green Silence, the last book by Ivan T. Sanderson, edited by Sabina Sanderson, is noted as being fun and in the style of his "Treasure Books."
• Uri: A Journal of the Mystery of Uri Geller by Andrija Puharich (1974) is reviewed critically. While acknowledging Puharich's sincerity and past solid work, the reviewer finds the book's claims about Geller's psychic abilities and extraterrestrial contact extraordinary and lacking evidence. Puharich's theory that Geller is an "ambassador for an advanced [extraterrestrial] civilization" and that he himself is the "principal witness and chief scribe" is questioned. The reviewer notes that Puharich admits there is no evidence for the contact and that Geller's most spectacular feats are attributed to extraterrestrials acting through him. The reviewer expresses skepticism about the messages from these "space people," finding them "seldom intelligible, and occasionally contradictory."
• Before Civilization by Colin Renfrew (1973) is reviewed positively for its detailed discussion of archaeological dating, particularly the use of tree-ring dating to correct radiocarbon dates. It is recommended as "must" reading for those interested in European prehistory.

Members' Forum and Other Sections

The "Members' Forum" includes research requests, such as finding reports on the 1924 Doheny expedition and connecting with members interested in investigating the Great Pyramid and extraterrestrial sites. Member 1615 is looking for contacts interested in a "Bigfoot" expedition in California.

An "Apology" is issued regarding an article on "The Population Density of Monsters in Loch Ness," clarifying that it was first published elsewhere and regretting the lack of proper credit.

The "Modern English" section humorously points out the increasing use of euphemisms.

"It's That Time Again" reminds members of dues payable by year-end and suggests gift memberships. It also mentions the ongoing Ivan T. Sanderson Memorial Fund.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the Sasquatch phenomenon, with detailed analysis of its physical characteristics and reported sightings, and the broader field of paranormal investigation, including extraterrestrial contact and psychic abilities. The magazine maintains a critical yet open stance, presenting detailed analyses and reports while also offering critical reviews of books and claims within these fields. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and evidence-based conclusions, as seen in the critical review of Puharich's book and the detailed biomechanical analysis of the Patterson film. There is also an underlying concern for the integrity of research and the potential for misrepresentation or exploitation within the paranormal community.

This document is a listing of the organizational structure and key personnel of 'THE SOCIETY FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF THE UNEXPLAINED'. It details the members of its Governing Board, Executive Board, Editorial Board, and its extensive Scientific Advisory Board.

Governing Board

The Governing Board is headed by Hans Stefan Santesson as Trustee and President. Robert C. Warth serves as Trustee and Vice-President, Sabina W. Sanderson as Trustee and Secretary, and Adolph L. Heuer, Jr. as Trustee and Treasurer. Other Trustees include R. Martin Wolf, Robert J. Durant, Robert E. Jones, and Albena E. Zwerver.

Executive Board

The Executive Board comprises Robert C. Warth as Administrative Director, Albena E. Zwerver as Executive Secretary, Robert J. Durant as Technical Consultant, Carl J. Pabst as Research Consultant, and Walter J. McGraw as Mass Media representative.

Editorial Board

The Editorial Board is led by Hans Stefan Santesson as Editor and Publisher. Sabina W. Sanderson is the Executive Editor, Robert J. Durant is the Managing Editor, and Walter J. McGraw is the Consulting Editor.

Scientific Advisory Board

The Scientific Advisory Board is a comprehensive list of experts from various academic and scientific disciplines. It is chaired by Dr. George A. Agogino, who is also the Chairman of the Department of Anthropology and Director of the Paleo-Indian Institute at Eastern New Mexico University.

Other notable members and their affiliations include:

• Dr. N. Burtshak-Abramovitch, Academician at the Georgian Academy of Science, Palaeobiological Institute, University of Tblisi (Palaeontology).
• Dr. Carl H. Delacato, Associate Director of the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential, Philadelphia (Mentalogy).
• Dr. W. C. Osman Hill, associated with studies in Dublin and London (Comparative Anatomy).
• Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Director of the Lindheimer Astronomical Research Center at Northwestern University (Astronomy).
• Dr. George C. Kennedy, Professor of Geology at U.C.L.A. (Geomorphology and Geophysics).
• Dr. Martin Kruskal, associated with the Program in Applied Mathematics at Princeton University (Mathematics).
• Dr. Samuel B. McDowell, Professor of Biology at Rutgers University, Newark, N. J. (General Biology).
• Dr. Vladimir Markotic, Professor of Anthropology at the University of Alberta, Canada (Ethnosociology and Ethnology).
• Dr. Kirtley F. Mather, Professor of Geology, Emeritus, at Harvard University (Geology).
• Dr. John R. Napier, associated with the Unit of Primate Biology, Queen Elizabeth College, University of London (Physical Anthropology).
• Dr. W. Ted Roth, Assistant Director at the Baltimore Zoo, Maryland (Ecologist & Zoogeographer).
• Dr. Frank B. Salisbury, Head of the Plant Science Department at Utah State University (Phytochemistry).
• Dr. Berthold Eric Schwarz, Consultant at the Brain-Wave Laboratory, Essex County Medical Center, Cedar Grove, New Jersey (Mental Sciences).
• Dr. Roger W. Wescott, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Anthropology at Drew University, Madison, New Jersey (Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics).
• Dr. A. Joseph Wraight, Chief Geographer at the U. S. Coast & Geodetic Survey (Geography and Oceanography).
• Dr. Robert K. Zuck, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Botany at Drew University, Madison, New Jersey (Botany).

Printing Information

The reverse of the document indicates that 'HICKS PRINTING COMPANY' located at 37 Belvidere Avenue, Washington, New Jersey, with telephone number 201-689-0194, was responsible for the printing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This document primarily serves as an organizational directory. It highlights the structure and the diverse expertise of the individuals involved in The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained, suggesting a broad, interdisciplinary approach to its investigations.