Pursuit - No 34 - Vol 09 No 2 - 1976

Magazine Overview

Title: PURSUIT
Issue: Vol. 9 No. 2
Date: April, 1976

This issue of PURSUIT, the quarterly journal of the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU), presents a deep dive into the works and reception of Charles Fort, a pioneer in the study of unexplained phenomena. The magazine also includes an editorial reflecting on the evolving landscape of Fortean research and practical information for members and potential contributors.

Editorial: Update on Fortean

The editorial, penned by John A. Keel, notes a significant shift in the study of Fortean phenomena. Originally focused on aspects like unknown animals, strange lights, and geographical anomalies, the field has broadened considerably. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and sociologists are now actively involved in UFO research, and traditional sciences are merging into a 'superscience' exploring 'innerspace' and the nature of reality. Books like Charles Berlitz's 'The Bermuda Triangle' have brought these subjects into the mainstream, with documentaries and newspaper accounts further fueling public interest. The editorial argues that SITU, as a leader in the Fortean field, must adapt to these changes, cautiously incorporating aspects of psychology and parapsychology into its scope. It emphasizes that the sociological impact of UFOs and the psychological effects on witnesses may offer crucial clues to the nature of these phenomena. The piece concludes by calling for contributions from members and experts to explore these interconnected fields, aiming to uncover new facts about the human race and its place in the cosmos.

Literary Chaos and Confusion: Mr. Fort

This section, authored by David Weidl, meticulously examines the critical reception of Charles Fort's seminal works: 'The Book of The Damned,' 'New Lands,' 'Lo!,' and 'Wild Talents.' The reviews highlight the perplexity and often dismissive stance of contemporary critics towards Fort's unconventional approach and his focus on 'excluded' data that did not fit within established scientific paradigms.

The Book of The Damned (1919)

Reviews from The New York Times (Maynard Shipley), The Catholic World, and The Nation reveal a common theme: Fort's work was seen as bizarre, sensational, and often lacking in coherent scientific method, despite its intriguing subject matter. Shipley described the book as a "procession of data that Science has excluded," filled with accounts of unusual phenomena like red snow and frogs in ice. However, he also noted that the book's "jerky, Rabelaisian trick of style" made it difficult to discern Fort's conclusions, potentially leading readers to be "buried alive or insane." The Catholic World found the style "staccato," and The Nation compared it to "systematic idiocy."

New Lands (1923)

Reviewed by R. Heylbut Wollstein in The New York Times, 'New Lands' was described as an "opus of inverted damnation" that championed unrecognized astronomical hypotheses. Wollstein noted that the book "scourges, abuses and flays astronomy and astronomers" for clinging to data that caused them to disregard Fort's theories. The Boston Transcript called it an "amazingly interesting book, whether Mr. Fort be regarded as a marvel or as a madman," while The Springfield Republican deemed it a "diverting if unavailing fusion of fact, fancy and philosophy."

Lo! (1931)

Maynard Shipley, writing for the March 1, 1931 issue, titled his review "Charles Fort, Enfant Terrible of Science." He described Fort as a "collector of notes upon subjects that have diversity," presenting data that orthodox science often ignores. Shipley acknowledged Fort's "utter sincerity and incredible energy" and suggested that his books offered "exciting material uniquely presented." However, he also cautioned that some literary sponsors might overdo their enthusiasm, potentially harming Fort's reputation.

Wild Talents (1932)

This review, appearing in The New York Times under "Mind and Matter," characterized 'Wild Talents' as a "wild and weird book" filled with items from newspapers detailing simultaneous disappearances, curious accidents, and unexplainable incidents. The author explored the concept of a "wild talent"—an unreliable power of the mind influencing matter—and suggested that Fort's death had brought his investigations to an untimely end. Other reviews, such as one from Books (June 5, 1932), found 'Wild Talents' to be a "miscellaneous collection" that did not seriously consider unrecognized human endowments. The Saturday Review of Literature questioned the public's interest in such "cracked wisdom."

The section also includes reproductions of advertisements for Fort's books, highlighting endorsements from notable figures and summarizing the content of 'Lo!' and 'Wild Talents.'

Guidelines for Submitting Manuscripts

This section provides detailed instructions for members and friends wishing to submit articles for publication in PURSUIT. It specifies that manuscripts should be typed, double-spaced, on 8½ x 11-inch paper. The first page requires specific identifying information, including author's name, SITU membership number, and contact details. Illustrations should be in india ink or glossy black-and-white photographs, with clear legends. Tables must also be double-spaced and include titles. All manuscripts are subject to review and potential copy editing by the editorial board. The Society retains copyright but authors are free to use their work elsewhere with proper citation. The subject matter should align with the Society's interests, focusing on "new scientific discoveries incorporating a paradoxical or 'unexplained' element" and "True Forteana."

Organization and Important Notices

Page 2 outlines the organizational structure of the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained. Its legal and financial affairs are managed by a Board of Trustees in accordance with New Jersey law, and it is advised by a Scientific Advisory Board. Important notices clarify that the Society is apolitical, does not comment on medicine, psychology, social sciences, law, religion, or ethics. Contributions are tax-deductible, but the Society offers no services to non-members and does not hold corporate views; opinions expressed in publications are solely those of the authors.

Publications

The publishing schedule consists of four quarterly issues of PURSUIT (January, April, July, October). Membership, including the journal, costs $10 annually. Libraries can subscribe to PURSUIT for $8 for four issues. The journal is listed in Ulrich's International Periodicals Directory and other guides, and is available from University Microfilms. An annual index is published in the October issue.

The Society also reports on recent changes at its Headquarters, which has been remodeled into three offices, thanks to the efforts of Carl Zwerver and his family.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the legacy and impact of Charles Fort, the evolving nature of Fortean research, and the importance of investigating unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance is one of openness to new interdisciplinary approaches, acknowledging the growing respectability of fields once considered fringe. The magazine champions the idea that rigorous investigation of seemingly disparate phenomena, from UFOs to folklore, can lead to profound insights into the human race and the cosmos. The emphasis is on critical inquiry, data collection, and challenging conventional scientific paradigms, while maintaining a focus on the unexplained and the paradoxical.

This issue of Pursuit magazine, titled "DEPARTMENT OF LOOSE ENDS," features a collection of articles exploring various unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on perception, anomalous creatures, and theoretical physics. The issue is dated August 1975 and is published by Pursuit.

BIAS IN PERCEPTION OF FORTEAN EVENTS by Charles L. Wiedemann

Charles L. Wiedemann's article delves into the concept of "Bias Level In Perception" (BLIP), arguing that individuals are conditioned from childhood to perceive the world within conventional boundaries, making them resistant to accepting unexplained or "Fortean" events. He explains that this bias leads people to rationalize or dismiss unusual occurrences, even when presented with evidence. Wiedemann illustrates this with an anecdote about colleagues' dismissive reaction to the discovery of a new primate, "Oliver." He also recounts a personal experience in 1974 where he and his wife witnessed a car seemingly appear out of nowhere and collide with a truck, an event he labels an "unexplained" or Fortean event. While acknowledging the importance of logic in scientific study, Wiedemann urges readers to actively lower their BLIP by remaining open to unexplained phenomena, conducting thorough observations, and reporting their experiences to organizations like SITU. He suggests that by doing so, we might discover that Fortean phenomena are more common than previously believed.

TEST YOUR BLIP (BIAS LEVEL IN PERCEPTION)

Following Wiedemann's article is a puzzle designed to test the reader's BLIP, followed by a self-rating scale for BLIP levels, ranging from Class 5 (strong refusal to accept the unexplained) to Class 1 (enthusiasm for research), and an inverse BLIP (blind acceptance).

INTERPLANETARY SIGNALING

This section reprints an article from The Galaxy (January 1874) by Lucius Farish, which discusses the possibility of extraterrestrial communication. A young French astronomer, M. Charles Cros, suggested using the transit of Venus to attempt communication with inhabitants of that planet. Stanislas Meunier of the French Academy proposed substituting Mars for Venus, believing Martians to be more advanced and thus better positioned to understand such signals.

INERTIAL NAVIGATION

This section provides a humorous and convoluted explanation of how inertial navigation systems in aircraft and submarines supposedly work. The "explanation" uses a circular logic involving knowing where the aircraft is by knowing where it isn't, and calculating deviations and variations to maintain course.

ORNITHOLOGY (?) PTERODACTYLS and T-BIRDS By Curt Sutherly

Curt Sutherly's article discusses two winged enigmas: the Texas pterosaur and the Thunderbird. He details the discovery of a pterosaur skeletal remains in Big Bend National Park, Texas, with a reported 51-foot wingspan, challenging previous paleontological assumptions about the size of pterosaurs. Sutherly then contrasts this with the legendary Thunderbird, which scientists claim does not exist. He recounts correspondence with the late Bob Lyman, Sr., a local historian and SITU member, who compiled accounts of Thunderbird sightings in Pennsylvania's Black Forest. Lyman himself reported seeing a large bird with a 25-foot wingspan in 1940, which he identified as a Thunderbird. Sutherly concludes that the pterosaur, with its reptilian characteristics, is distinct from the Thunderbird, which he suggests might be a large, elusive relative of the condor. He also touches upon the possibility of other unknown creatures existing in America's vast wilderness.

BIOLOGY

U.S. ARMY ENDORSES BIGFOOT

This brief report notes that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Washington Environmental Atlas mentions Bigfoot as an ecological feature of Washington State. It summarizes the general description of Bigfoot (ape-like, 8-12 feet tall, over 1000 pounds, large strides) and mentions that alleged Sasquatch hair samples yielded no human or known animal matches. The report highlights that while its existence is disputed, Sasquatch generates significant public interest.

THE ENTOMBED TURTLE by Gary S. Mangiacopra

Gary S. Mangiacopra recounts the story of a small green terrapin turtle that survived for nearly a year after being accidentally buried in cement at a Texas construction site. The turtle was discovered alive when the old sidewalk was torn up. Experts suggest its survival might be due to a low metabolic rate, absorption of air and water, and moderate temperatures. Despite surviving for thirty-six hours after release, the turtle eventually died, with dehydration listed as the probable cause. The builder planned to preserve the turtle with the piece of cement it was found in.

THE DODECATED GLOBE By William H. Whamond (continued from the October 1975 issue)

This is the second installment of a serialized article by William H. Whamond exploring theoretical physics concepts related to gravity and rotation. Whamond questions Newton's sole attribution of gravity to mass, suggesting a rotational factor might be involved. He discusses the "Principle of Equivalence" and how rotation can have weight. The article proposes an elementary theory where atomic structure and electron orbits, when forced off-center by motion, could create a net force detectable as gravity or inertia, similar to how acceleration in an elevator produces G forces. Whamond also critiques the "inverse square" law for gravity, suggesting it's a simple concept related to solid angles and omni-directional radiation. He introduces the research of Soviet astrophysicist Dr. Nikolai Kozyrev on time as energy and the possibility of levitation. The article then shifts to the concept of "circulation" and applies it to geometric solids like the Icosa and Dodecahedron. Using diagrams, Whamond illustrates how the sun's drag might create circulation eddies and how these can be modeled using geometric constructs. He discusses the dual nature of geometric solids (Icosa and Dodeca) and their potential implications for understanding phenomena like the Van Allen radiation belt and Aurora Borealis. The article concludes by suggesting the possibility of fitting conical flywheels into these geometric models and the potential for experiments involving gyroscopes.

SYMPOSIUM Comments and Opinions

FALSE FACTS by Paul G. Begg

Paul G. Begg's contribution critiques the proliferation of "false facts" in literature about unexplained phenomena. He specifically addresses the "Lost Patrol" story, a central element in the Bermuda Triangle mystery, arguing that the alleged communications between the five lost Navy aircraft never took place. Begg cites Lawrence Kusche's research and points out that the story has been perpetuated by numerous writers without proper fact-checking. He contrasts this with historical inaccuracies that would be immediately criticized, questioning why such fabrications in Fortean literature are often overlooked. Begg also mentions Richard Winer's book "The Devil's Triangle" and Allan W. Eckert's alleged origination of the spurious communications. He commends Mr. Durant for pointing out the falsity of the communications and notes that the "Lost Patrol" myth has been debunked before, including in a 1973 article in Naval Aviation News. Begg also references Frank Edwards' book "Stranger Than Science," which mentions a case of a plane crash on the Tahoma Glacier in 1947 where bodies were reportedly not found, despite an offer of a reward. He concludes by urging SITU to maintain a policy of exposing fraudulent stories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Pursuit revolve around the critical examination of evidence and perception in the context of unexplained phenomena. The magazine encourages a skeptical yet open-minded approach, urging readers to question assumptions, investigate thoroughly, and report findings. There is a clear stance against the uncritical acceptance of myths and sensationalized accounts, advocating for factual accuracy and rigorous investigation. The articles also touch upon theoretical physics, suggesting that conventional scientific understanding may be incomplete, and that phenomena like gravity and time might have deeper, less understood mechanisms. The overall editorial stance appears to be one of promoting a more informed and discerning approach to the study of Fortean events.

This issue of Pursuit magazine, dated July 1975 (Volume 1, Number 4), is published by The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained. The magazine focuses on UFOs, Forteana, and various unexplained phenomena, featuring articles, book reviews, and society news.

Jacko Reconsidered

Russ Kinne's article, "Jacko Reconsidered," examines the "Alas, Poor Jacko" article from the January 1975 issue of Pursuit, questioning whether John Green and Sabina W. Sanderson were too hasty in classifying the "Jacko" case as a hoax. Kinne breaks down the events involving three newspapers (designated A, B, and C), where newspaper A ran a story about the capture of a juvenile sasquatch, which was then reprinted by newspaper B. Newspaper C published a letter denouncing the tale as a hoax, signed by 'REX'. Kinne notes that John Green accepts the basic facts of the case and received confirmation from a respected individual from Yale, B.C.

Were the Allende Letters a College Prank?

Alan Elliott's article investigates the "Allende Letters" and an annotated copy of Dr. Morris K. Jessup's book, "The Case for the UFOs," which were sent to Dr. Jessup and the U.S. Office of Naval Research. Elliott suggests that the material, which professed knowledge of UFOs, may have been a hoax, possibly involving a prankster fabricating the name "Dr. Franklin Reno." The article explores the geographical locations mentioned in the correspondence (Du Bois and New Kensington, Pennsylvania) and links them to road signs in the area that could have inspired the name "Franklin Reno." It also notes that one of the writers may have been a student from Texas, based on a postmark and an "Happy Easter" inscription. The article concludes by questioning if these letters and the annotated book were merely the work of college pranksters.

An editor's note provides background on Carl Meredith Allen (Carlos Allende), identifying him as the author of the letters and notations, and stating that no hoax was involved, though the factual content is questionable. It also mentions the limited Varo edition of the book and a recent reprint by Gray Barker.

Jumping Carefully to Conclusions

This section cautions against jumping to conclusions, even with carefully researched information, due to the possibility of "Fortean Forces" distorting evidence. It uses the example of the "Thunderbird Picture," which many recall seeing in a newspaper but cannot be found in any archives, suggesting either collective memory tricks or the disappearance of the image from all copies. The article also discusses radio messages from a lost Naval flight in the Bermuda Triangle in 1945, noting that they do not appear in official reports and questioning if "Fortean Forces" removed them from existence.

Book Reviews

The Invisible College by Jacques Vallee and J. Allen Hynek

Reviewed by Robert J. Durant, this book is described as a "progress report on Unidentified Flying Objects." It is noted for its readability and intended audience of scientists new to UFO research. However, the review points out the surprising naiveté of the participants, including Dr. Hynek's expressed nausea towards Charles Fort's work, despite the book adhering to a "Fortean line." The review criticizes Vallee's theme shift from the extraterrestrial hypothesis to a broader phenomenon encompassing fairy lore and psychic phenomena. It highlights a sub-chapter titled "The Phenomenon Negates Itself" and suggests that Vallee is rehashing John A. Keel's "UFOs: Operation Trojan Horse" without attribution. The reviewer finds the book's premise of an informal association of scientists investigating ufology to be a "pathetic sort of groveling" and an abdication of critical faculty. The review contrasts this with the need for direct analytical techniques to understand advanced technology.

The Eighth Tower by John A. Keel

This review notes that Keel's book covers similar ground to Vallee's, focusing on traditional Fortean subjects. Keel suggests that phenomena like Bigfoot, sea serpents, and UFOs are quasi-physical manifestations of an intangible force. The review mentions Keel's belief that elaborate hoaxes have been played on humanity, particularly targeting the founders of world religions and UFO contactees. It also touches on the idea of specific sentient entities or projections from collective human minds being behind these phenomena.

The Edge of Reality by Jacques Vallee and J. Allen Hynek

This book is described as a "progress report on Unidentified Flying Objects," consisting of transcripts of discussions between Dr. Vallee, Dr. Hynek, and others. It is considered highly readable for newcomers to UFO research but is criticized for the participants' naiveté. The review mentions Dr. Hynek's dislike for Charles Fort's work and Vallee's own UFO sightings. A chapter titled "The Night an Occupant Was Shot" recounts a case from the early 1960s involving hunters firing at a being near a grounded UFO, followed by a visit from two unidentified strangers. Other chapters cover hypnosis in UFO investigations, psychical elements, and UFO literature.

The Mystery of Atlantis by Charles Berlitz

This review praises Berlitz's book for its exhaustive examination of the Atlantis myth, calling it refreshing. The book, updated for its paperback edition, reviews new discoveries related to Atlantis and peculiar stone constructions in various locations. Berlitz examines lore and evidence, weighing skeptic and advocate viewpoints, and ultimately concludes that Atlantis is real, dedicating part of his life to exploring the underwater world of the Bahamas.

Secret Doors of the Earth by Jacques Bergier

This book is described as a series of "vague potboilers about extraterrestrial life," borrowing heavily from existing literature. Bergier's concept of "secret doors" leading to the unknown is presented, with a quote from the book: "If our earth is a place of passage, there must be doors that lead to the unknown and that open from those other regions of the universe onto our world." The review notes that the book offers little practical help in finding these "secret doors."

Special Notice: A Fortean Journal Needs Help

This notice alerts readers that "The News," a Fortean journal printed in England, may cease publication if new subscriptions and renewals are not forthcoming. Readers are encouraged to subscribe.

Follow-up on the Analysis of the Fish Model

This section refers to a previous article in Pursuit about Marjorie E. Fish's astronomical model for locating stars depicted in Betty Hill's post-hypnotic suggestion. It mentions recent correspondence with Dr. Carl Sagan and highlights material from "Astronomy" magazine, including articles by Dr. Sagan, Dr. Steven Soter, and Terence Dickinson. A reprint titled "The Zeta Reticuli Incident" is available for purchase.

The UFO Newsclipping Service

This service offers a monthly delivery of newspaper clippings related to UFO reports and Fortean clippings for a fee.

Society Information

The issue includes details about the Governing Board and the Scientific Advisory Board of The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained, listing members and their affiliations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and Fortean subjects. There is a consistent questioning of evidence, a critical examination of potential hoaxes and misinterpretations, and an exploration of the boundaries between science fiction and fact. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, encouraging rigorous analysis while acknowledging the possibility of phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding. The society itself, as detailed in its structure, emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to these investigations, drawing on experts from various scientific and academic fields.