Pursuit - No 30 - Vol 08 No 2 - 1975

Magazine Overview

Title: PURSUIT
Issue: Vol. 8 No. 2
Date: April, 1975
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, presents a diverse range of articles exploring the frontiers of the unexplained, from ufology and cryptozoology to geographical anomalies and the peculiar behavior of inanimate objects.

Key Articles and Features

Hans Stefan Santesson (1914-1975)

The issue opens with an obituary for Hans Stefan Santesson, a significant figure in the Society's history, who served as its President and Chairman of the Board. The tribute highlights his multifaceted interests, his extensive editorial career in mystery and science fiction genres, and his close friendship with Ivan T. Sanderson. His passing is noted with personal warmth and professional respect.

Ufology

More on Jessup and the Allende Case by Hans Stefan Santesson: This article addresses the renewed interest in sensational explanations for the death of Morris K. Jessup. Santesson argues that attributing Jessup's death to anything other than suicide is a disservice to Ufology and a mockery of the researcher's legacy. He calls for objectivity in the field, cautioning against quasi-metaphysical interpretations and popular myths about UFO origins.

A UFO-ABSM Link? by Robert C. Warth: Warth explores the growing attention given to a potential relationship between UFO activity and Bigfoot phenomena. While acknowledging the lack of sufficient data to confirm a link, the article emphasizes the need for objective examination and warns against accepting insufficient evidence as proof. It discusses the difficulty in explaining Bigfoot's elusiveness and suggests that UFOs might be involved in its transport.

The Middletown, New Jersey Report: This section details an incident on October 22, 1973, where a 16-year-old student reported seeing an adult bear-like creature with two cubs. Despite a police search, no bears were found. The report notes that the family believes the girl saw something unusual, and that hysteria is unlikely given her character. The article also mentions a possible footprint and a subsequent sighting of a domed, oval object with colored lights by the girl's uncle and father.

The Staten Island Report: This report describes two incidents on Staten Island. The first, on December 7, 1974, involved two boys who reported seeing a large, black, fur-covered creature standing upright. Subsequent investigation found two four-toed footprints. The second incident, on January 11, 1975, involved a nurse who reported seeing a similar creature. The article also mentions a UFO sighting on February 11, 1975, where an orange, glowing object was observed, followed by the discovery of snapped trees and sheared buds, suggesting a powerful, unusual force.

Chaos and Confusion

Vile Vortices by R.J.D.: This article discusses Ivan Sanderson's hypothesis of ten geographical areas of anomalous activity, termed "Vile Vortices," with the Bermuda Triangle being the most famous. The concept is based on a study of disappearances of ships and aircraft. The article notes that a Russian research project, based on the symmetrical distribution of ancient cultures, independently identified similar areas, lending support to Sanderson's theory. The article also touches upon the idea that these areas might be ancient models of the Earth, possibly related to Plato's description of the Earth's shape.

Resistentialism by Sabina W. Sanderson: This piece introduces the concept of "resistentialism," a theory suggesting that inanimate machines may exhibit resistance to their intended functions. It recounts the story of a problematic tugboat and the author's personal experience with a temperamental toaster that behaved differently for her and her husband, Ivan Sanderson.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of unexplained phenomena, including UFOs, Bigfoot, and geographical anomalies. The editorial stance, as reflected in the articles, emphasizes the importance of objectivity, critical thinking, and a scientific approach to these subjects, while cautioning against sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. The Society positions itself as a platform for exploring these topics without succumbing to unfounded speculation.

Title: Pursuit
Issue: Vol. 7, No. 4
Date: April 1972
Publisher: International Fortean Organization
Country: USA
Price: $1.50
ISSN: 0033-4729

This issue of Pursuit explores a range of unexplained phenomena, from the peculiar behavior of machines to legendary cryptid sightings and potential correlations between natural events and human incidents.

Articles

The 'Life' in Machines

The issue opens with a discussion on the idea that machines, particularly those with electrical components, might possess a form of 'life' or personality. The author cites examples of spacecraft exhibiting 'fits of temper' and vehicles displaying unusual malfunctions that cannot be attributed to standard mechanical defects. This phenomenon is termed 'resistentialism,' suggesting machines can be 'grumpy' or even 'malicious.' The article posits that all life is electrical and questions what happens when electrical circuits 'get together,' hinting at a deeper, perhaps conscious, aspect to complex machinery.

The Thunderbird Photo

Authored by David R. Weidl, this section revisits Ivan T. Sanderson's April 1972 article on 'Thunderbirds,' described as gigantic birds from Amerindian tradition with wingspans up to 30 feet. The article focuses on a specific photograph, allegedly from 1886 Tombstone, Arizona, showing a bird nailed to a barn with six men for scale. The author details the Society's efforts to locate the original photo, which has proven elusive despite numerous reports of people having seen it. The search has involved inquiries to magazines like Fate and National Geographic, and the possibility of it appearing on television programs like 'The Pierre Berton Show' is explored. The article expresses frustration over the difficulty in obtaining concrete evidence of the photo's existence and location.

Geomagnetic Storms and Fortean Events

Livingston Gearhart's article investigates the connection between the Earth's magnetic field and unusual events, or 'forteana.' The author notes that the Earth's magnetic field is constantly fluctuating and that its theoretical explanation remains incomplete. The article highlights the established link between solar flares and magnetic storms, which can cause radio blackouts and affect communications. More speculatively, the study explores a potential correlation between geomagnetic disturbances and human-related fortean events, such as murders and spontaneous human combustion (SHC). The author presents data, including graphs of magnetic intensity, alongside a chronological list of significant events like the Lizzie Borden murders, the assassination attempt on Theodore Roosevelt, the Sacco and Vanzetti case, the Lindbergh kidnapping, and the M.L. King assassination. The article acknowledges the speculative nature of the study and the challenges in precise dating and data correlation, but suggests that peaks in magnetic activity may coincide with these intense human events.

Preliminary Description of the External Morphology of What Appeared to Be the Fresh Corpse of a Hitherto Unknown Form of Living Hominid

This section, Part I of a report by Ivan T. Sanderson, details the examination of a purported corpse of an unknown hominid. The specimen, found preserved in ice, was examined in December 1968 in Chicago. Sanderson, along with Dr. Bernard Heuvelmans, conducted a detailed morphological analysis. The specimen was encased in a large block of ice, making detailed inspection difficult due to recrystallization and gas exudation. The report describes the overall impression of a bulky, hairy, bipedal primate with features that are both human-like and pongid. Specific details of the face, torso, arms, and hands are provided, with particular attention paid to the disproportionately large hands and the unusual 'pugged' nose. The article notes the specimen's deteriorating condition and the proliferation of models claiming to be the original.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Pursuit consistently explores phenomena that lie outside conventional scientific understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into anomalous events, whether they involve the perceived consciousness of machines, the existence of cryptids like the Thunderbird, or the potential influence of natural forces like geomagnetic storms on human behavior and extraordinary occurrences. The magazine encourages investigation and the sharing of information, even when dealing with speculative or difficult-to-prove subjects.

This issue of The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained, dated 1975, delves into various unexplained phenomena, including detailed anatomical descriptions of an unknown creature, reports on Bigfoot and Pterosaur discoveries, and extensive book reviews on fortean topics.

Creature Description

The issue provides a detailed examination of the physical characteristics of an unknown creature, focusing on its hands, feet, genitalia, and legs. The hands are described as having prominent sub-digital pads and a large pad on the 'heel', suggesting a plantigrade stance. The nails are 'cropped' and flat. The feet are noted as being wide, short, with bulbous terminal pads and horny yellowish nails, and are considered 'definitely hominid' in their morphology, with proportions possibly matching those that left 'neanderthaloid' tracks. The penis is described as pale yellow, tapering to a point, with a possible pinkish emission, and the scrotum as wrinkled and brownish, potentially containing two small testicles. The legs are heavily clothed and their exact length and bulk are difficult to determine due to being buried in ice.

ABSM in New Jersey

A preliminary report details investigations into a typical Bigfoot sighting in New Jersey. Witnesses described a creature 8 to 9 feet tall with long arms and gray or brown hair, walking on its hind legs. Sketches made by a Herald staff photographer were typical of ABSM drawings. Footprints were found but were too poor to cast or determine the number of toes. Sightings have primarily occurred at night over a period of 5 to 6 weeks, with no hostile moves reported.

The Giant Pterosaur

This section discusses reports and findings related to giant Pterosaur fossils discovered in Texas. The wingspan is estimated at 51 feet, challenging previous assumptions about the size limits of flying creatures. The article explores the debate surrounding their mode of flight, with theories suggesting they leaped from high perches to catch air currents or flapped their wings to take off from level ground. The wing structure is compared to that of a bat, noting the pterosaur's single, grossly elongated finger supporting the wing membrane.

Book Reviews

Several book reviews are featured:

• Peter Costello's *In Search of Lake Monsters*: Praised for its readable style and comprehensive coverage of freshwater monsters beyond Loch Ness, including reports from various global locations and historical evidence. The reviewer considers it a classic work on the subject.
• William R. Corliss's *Strange Planet: A Sourcebook of Unusual Geological Facts*: This is presented as another in Corliss's series of sourcebooks, with other volumes on 'Strange Artifacts' and 'Strange Phenomena' also mentioned. The series is recommended for its value.
• John Keel's *The Mothman Prophecies*: Reviewed as an investigation into mysterious American visits, particularly focusing on 'Mothman' sightings in West Virginia. The review highlights the book's coverage of 'Men in Black' (MIBs) and the harassment faced by UFO investigators, noting Keel's own experiences and theories.
• Hans Stefan Santesson's *The Case for Exorcism*: Described as a well-written historical survey of exorcism and witchcraft, offering sane advice on the dangers of imprudent exorcisms. It is noted as being outside the Society's usual field but deemed worthy of comment.
• Ivan T. Sanderson's *Green Silence: Travels Through the Jungles of the Orient*: Edited by Sabina W. Sanderson, this book is reviewed as a charming and humorous escape into the jungle. It offers a glimpse into Ivan Sanderson's mind and early workings.
• June and Nicholas Regush's *Psi-The Other World Catalog*: This catalog of psychic phenomena is described as uneven but valuable as a reference work, with a warning to view the information critically.
• Don Hunter and Rene Dahinden's *Sasquatch*: The book is divided into reports of sightings, analysis of data, and profiles of 'Sasquatch hunters'. It is considered informative for those new to ABSMs, though it offers little new material for experienced readers. The review notes the lack of a table of contents and index.
• James M. McCampbell's *Ufology*: This book is recommended for serious ufologists and skeptics, focusing on a detailed investigation of documented UFO encounters and analyzing observed parameters and effects.

Members' Forum and Miscellany

The 'Members' Forum' section includes requests for contact regarding dowsing devices, anti-gravity, Tesla's work, the Murphysboro monster, and research into ABSMs, unknown animals, Thunderbirds, and sea-serpents. The 'Miscellany' section provides information on ordering out-of-print books, a notable article in *Astronomy* magazine, and details for subscribing to *The News: A Miscellany of Fortean Curiosities*.

Society Structure

The issue concludes with a listing of the Society's Governing Board, Executive Board, Editorial Board, and Scientific Advisory Board, detailing the members and their affiliations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of unexplained phenomena, including cryptids (ABSMs, Bigfoot, lake monsters), anomalous aerial phenomena (UFOs), and historical or fringe scientific topics like Pterosaurs and exorcism. The editorial stance, as reflected in the book reviews and the Society's structure, is one of open inquiry, critical analysis, and a willingness to explore a wide range of subjects, while also cautioning against blind acceptance and exploitative claims. The emphasis is on detailed investigation and the presentation of evidence, even when dealing with controversial or unusual topics.