Pursuit - No 35 - Vol 09 No 3 - 1976

Magazine Overview

Title: PURSUIT
Issue: VOL. 9 NO. 3
Date: SUMMER 1976
Publisher: THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF THE UNEXPLAINED
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of PURSUIT, the journal of the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained, delves into the mysteries of "Freshwater and Land Monsters" and "Ufology." It also features articles on physics and geometric theories, reflecting the society's broad interest in unexplained phenomena.

Editorial: No News Is Bad News

John A. Keel, the editor-in-chief, laments the deterioration of American news media, noting a shift towards political gossip and superficial coverage. He argues that the rise of "New Journalism" has led reporters to focus more on personal feelings than objective reporting, resulting in fewer Fortean events being noted. Keel highlights the increasing difficulty in uncovering and investigating new events, suggesting that even significant occurrences like a Sasquatch sighting might go unnoticed unless accompanied by a political statement. He points to the apathy of the press and public as the primary form of censorship, rather than a hidden conspiracy. Keel uses the example of tombstones being ripped from their foundations and overturned in cemeteries, a phenomenon often dismissed as teenage vandalism, to illustrate how important Forteana can be ignored by the press, sometimes due to local police requests to suppress such stories. He concludes that modern Forteans must rely on their own initiative to track down such events, as traditional clipping collection and armchair research are becoming obsolete.

Physics (?): The ALSEP That Returned From the Dead

This article by Curt Sutherly discusses anomalous behavior in NASA and Soviet space equipment. It focuses on a specific case involving an "automatic isotope-powered instrument array" (ALSEP) left on the moon's surface during the Apollo missions. The ALSEP package deployed by Apollo 14 in 1971 ceased functioning on January 18, 1976, but inexplicably began working again on February 19, operating even better than before. The receiver, which had failed over a year prior, was functioning again, and a charged-particle detector, previously limited to nighttime operations, was now working around the clock. NASA engineers initially suspected that high lunar temperatures (400°F) caused the shutdown, but the subsequent reactivation led them to consider a jammed relay. However, the article suggests a more intriguing explanation: that someone may have picked up the unit, tampered with it, and then returned it after making technological improvements. The author poses the questions: "Who did the tampering and why?"

Geology: The Dodecated Globe

William H. Whamond continues his exploration of geometric theories, building upon the work of Dr. Fuller and Ivan T. Sanderson. He discusses the properties of geodesic domes and the concept of vortices, noting that they cannot "lock" like rigid gears. Whamond examines the idea of equipartitioning and its potential connection to the expansion or contraction of the Earth. He introduces the concept of a satellite tracing a sinusoidal track and suggests that by selecting a proper orbital speed, this track could coincide with a "sawtooth pattern" related to "tropic 10 triangles." Whamond references Jacques Vallee's book "Challenge to Science - The UFO Enigma," noting Vallee's analysis of UFO sightings along a line connecting Bayonne and Vichy. Whamond suspects this line might represent the ground track of an orbiting device. He illustrates how an Icosa spherical triangle can be split to form diamonds and triangles, relating this to the Dodeca/Icosa dual grid. He discusses the concept of "Vile Vortices" and their potential locations, suggesting that a "hexagon-pentagon 'football'" structure could map these anomalies. The article explores the golden ratio and its connection to the proportions of a decagon, and how this relates to the geometry of the Icosa and Dodeca. Whamond also touches upon the idea that the equipartitioning might be based on greatest rigidity, possibly related to the tetrahedron.

Ufology: Man-made UFOs?

This section presents a symposium with comments and opinions on the topic of man-made UFOs. The article discusses the Russian Dodeca/Icosa superposition and the concept of 62 anomalous foci. It highlights the perpendicularity of the Dodeca and Icosa grids as a fundamental scientific principle, comparing it to graphs and conjugate functions. The author notes that this relationship occurs on a sphere and may not have been widely realized. The article suggests that this geometric relationship could facilitate stress analysis in geodesic dome structures or tectonic plates and enable precise location finding on a sphere. It also discusses the possibility of mapping Sanderson's "Vile Vortices" using a truncated Icosa or an Icosa with lopped-off corners, forming hexagons and pentagons. The article mentions the "golden ratio" and its connection to the proportions of a decagon. It proposes that once Sanderson's 12 Vile Vortices are located, they could be marked by colored pentagons. The author also discusses the significance of the tetrahedron as a rigid structure and its potential connection to the Icosa triangle.

Freshwater Monsters

I. Homing in on Nessie

This section provides an update on the 1975 American studies at Loch Ness, excerpted from "Technology Review." It highlights the history of legends about aquatic creatures in Scottish lochs, particularly the "water horse" or "kelpie." The modern legend of the Loch Ness Monster gained prominence in 1933. Descriptions of the creature typically include a length of about 20 feet, one or two humps, a long, slender neck, and a small head. Sightings are consistent, and verified photographs and motion pictures align with these descriptions. The article notes that sonar has detected large, moving objects in the loch, distinguishable from fish schools. The Academy of Applied Science, founded in 1963 and comprising about 350 members dedicated to unusual research, began investigations in cooperation with the British Loch Ness Investigation bureau.

The Camera-Strobe System

The 1970 expedition used a high-frequency, side-scan sonar, detecting large objects. In 1972, the Academy added a camera-strobe light system developed by Harold E. Edgerton for the National Geographic Society. For the 1975 expedition, a high-speed Ektachrome tungsten-type film was used to compensate for the yellow filtering effect of the murky water. The camera was linked to the sonar system, triggering only when a large object was detected. The peat-stained waters limited photographic range to about 30 feet, but the optical density of the exposed film could be used to estimate the distance of an object.

Side-Scan and Other Sonars

The 1970 expedition utilized a Klein Associates HYDROSCAN side-scan sonar operating at a frequency of 50 kHz.

Land Monsters

I. Recent Evidence of the Yeti, an Unknown Primate, from the Himalayas

This article presents recent evidence concerning the Yeti, an unknown primate from the Himalayas. (Details not fully provided in the scan.)

II. Bigfoot, Homo Nocturnis, Update for 1976

This section provides an update on Bigfoot, also referred to as "Homo Nocturnis," for the year 1976. (Details not fully provided in the scan.)

III. Quebec Sasquatches, A Brief Note

A brief note on Sasquatch sightings in Quebec. (Details not fully provided in the scan.)

IV. The Kalimantan Monster

This article discusses a monster found in Kalimantan. (Details not fully provided in the scan.)

Ufology: Man-made UFOs?

This section features a symposium with comments and opinions on the possibility of man-made UFOs. It delves into geometric theories, including the Dodeca/Icosa dual grid and its 62 anomalous foci. The article highlights the perpendicularity of these geometric structures and their potential application in mapping and analysis. The concept of "Vile Vortices" and their possible locations is discussed, along with the role of the golden ratio and the tetrahedron in understanding these phenomena.

Book Reviews

This section contains reviews of books related to the topics covered in the magazine. (Specific titles and content not detailed in the scan.)

Notice: Membership Directory

The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained announces the discontinuation of its Membership Directory due to misuse. Members who contributed financially are invited to request a refund, with unclaimed funds used for ongoing investigations. Members are urged to report any perceived misuse of the directory to the Society's office.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of PURSUIT consistently explores the unexplained through a multidisciplinary lens, blending cryptozoology (freshwater and land monsters), ufology, physics, and geometry. The editorial stance, as articulated by John A. Keel, emphasizes the importance of independent investigation and critical analysis in the face of media apathy and sensationalism. The journal promotes a scientific yet open-minded approach to phenomena that are "customarily discounted," encouraging members to contribute to the pursuit of knowledge beyond conventional understanding. The Society itself is presented as apolitical and focused solely on the investigation of unexplained phenomena.

This issue of Pursuit magazine, dated July 1977, delves into recent evidence and ongoing research concerning various cryptids, including the Loch Ness Monster, the Yeti, and Bigfoot. The publication focuses on scientific investigations, eyewitness accounts, and the challenges faced in gaining acceptance from the mainstream scientific community.

Loch Ness Investigations

The issue details expeditions to Loch Ness in 1972 and 1975. The 1972 expedition utilized side-scan sonar and a camera-strobe system. Sonar was mounted on a stationary platform to detect moving objects. While the sonar produced characteristic traces, the camera did not intersect the beam at that time. However, later, salmon were seen jumping away from something, and sonar detected large objects. Photographs were taken, and computer enhancement revealed images of a flipper and two blobs, with one picture potentially showing a head and neck.

The 1975 expedition incorporated new techniques, including a more sensitive film and a system to reduce backscatter. A new triggering system linked the camera-strobe to the sonar, activating the camera when an object of a certain size entered the beam. Despite issues with silt blocking the main camera, an auxiliary camera provided photographs, including one from June 20th, appearing to show the upper torso, neck, and head of a creature. Measurements from this photograph suggest a body about 25 feet from the camera, with a neck extending about ten feet and a head about 15 feet away. The torso was estimated to be about 6 feet across.

Dr. Jan-Olaf Willums' computer study of 258 sightings between 1961 and 1970 indicated that sightings were most frequent during calm conditions in June, July, and August, often near river mouths and bays. Urquhart Bay alone accounted for 57 sightings.

Experts like George R. Zug, Ph.D., and A. W. Crompton, Professor of Biology, found the photographs intriguing and suggestive of a large aquatic animal, urging further investigation. However, scientists from the Natural History Museum, London, found the evidence insufficient for identification, with only one frame producing a 'flipper-like object' after enhancement. Christopher McGowan, Ph.D., concluded there was sufficient evidence for an unexplained phenomenon and the presence of large aquatic animals.

Sir Peter Scott has proposed the scientific name *Nessiteras rhombopteryz* for the creature, combining the loch's name with Greek terms for 'marvel' and 'fin/wing'.

The Yeti Evidence

Edward W. Cronin, Jr. reports on recent evidence of the Yeti in the Himalayas. On December 17, 1972, while camping at 12,200 feet in eastern Nepal, large, unidentified footprints were discovered. These spoor matched descriptions of yeti prints and suggested a bipedal creature with a foot morphologically similar to *Gorilla gorilla*, featuring a large, opposable hallux and an asymmetrical arrangement of other digits. The prints were approximately 8.6 inches long by 4.7 inches wide, with a stride of about 21 inches. The creature's weight was estimated to be around 165 lbs. The tracks indicated the creature approached the camp from a natural spur, passed between the tents, and continued towards the forest. Cronin concludes that the prints are not referable to any known animal and strongly support the existence of an unknown anthropoid in the Himalayas, undermining hoax theories.

Bigfoot Research Update

Peter Byrne provides an update on Bigfoot research in 1976. The Bigfoot Information Center has been active for six years. In March, a sighting occurred south of The Dalles, Oregon, where a woman and her sons saw a large, dark creature climbing a hillside. Night vision apparatus and a dawn search yielded no definitive evidence. Two sets of footprints found in north central Washington were considered valid Bigfoot tracks, though the original prints were not fresh enough for positive identification, receiving a credibility rating of 6/10.

Byrne outlines two research methods: the Geo Time Pattern Method, used to identify probable habitat areas and times, and the PR (public relations) Method, which encourages public reporting of sightings to bridge the time gap between an event and its reporting. The center is accepting volunteer work to increase its research team.

Other Cryptid Reports

Quebec Sasquatches

Michael Bradley notes that both Cree and Montagnais Amerindians in Quebec have traditions of Sasquatch-like creatures, categorized as 'good' (*Mistabew*) and 'bad tempered' (*Atchen*). Chief Kirby and Richard Wood reported knowledge of such creatures, with Wood's grandmother having seen one in the 1920s.

The Pohénégamook Creature

Michael Bradley also discusses the Pohénégamook Creature in Canada. Reports of a large, unidentified animal in this lake date back to the late nineteenth century. Sightings intensified in 1958, prompting a government investigation that, while inconclusive, led one biologist to believe in the creature's existence. Descriptions often involve 'long necks' or 'backs' compared to 'overturned boats'. A 'flap' of sightings occurred around 1957-58 during road construction, leading to demands for government action. A government biological survey team was dispatched and, under pressure from villagers, conducted a search with herring nets. Eyewitnesses, including Abbe Plante, reported seeing large 'backs' and creatures with 'flippers'. The correlation of sightings with road construction suggests these creatures may be disturbed by vibrations.

The Goro Monster

Edoardo Russo reports on the 'Goro Monster' in Italy. In June 1975, a farmer near Goro saw a large snake with legs, described as three meters long and thick as a dog. The creature, quickly dubbed the 'Goro Monster', became a celebrity. It has been described as resembling a mutated, multi-legged centipede and has been heard to emit a wolf-like howl. Some theories suggest it is a crocodile that escaped from a zoo.

African and Indonesian Creatures

Jan-Ove Sundberg reports on a 'freakish creature' photographed in Tanzania in May 1975. Described as a roundish lump of animal matter, it had two legs, two arms, two eyes, a horn, an ear, a hump, and a toothless mouth. It was caught by fishermen at Kilwa Masoko. Another report from November 1975 details the capture of an unusual animal in Kalimantan, Indonesia, described as resembling a tiger, bird, goat, and elephant, with goat-like legs, chicken-like claws, a lion-like neck, and cow-like ears.

Scientific Establishment Opposition

James M. Breece, III critiques the scientific establishment's resistance to cryptid evidence. He notes that figures like E.G. Boulenger, J.R. Norman, and W.T. Calman dismissed early reports, often demanding physical specimens. Sir Arthur Keith and Sir Arthur Smith-Woodward argued against the possibility of prehistoric reptiles. Breece points out the irony that these scientists championed the hoaxed 'Piltdown man'. He argues that the establishment's opposition stems from a fear of challenging reigning theories, a reluctance to accept revolutionary ideas, and a concern for their livelihoods and professional credibility. He suggests that scientists may privately acknowledge the fascination of such research but publicly conform to the establishment's stance.

Analysis of Footprints and Methods

Cronin's analysis of the Yeti footprints compares them to known animals, including bears, langur monkeys, and gorillas, concluding they are distinct. He discusses bipedalism in primates and its relevance to the Yeti. The article includes detailed figures of various footprints for comparison.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently highlights the theme of unexplained phenomena and the challenges of investigating them. There is a clear emphasis on presenting evidence, whether photographic, sonar, or testimonial, and on applying scientific methods to analyze this evidence. A recurring theme is the strong opposition from the scientific establishment, often characterized as dogmatic and resistant to new ideas that contradict established theories. The magazine appears to advocate for open-minded investigation and a willingness to consider evidence, even if it challenges conventional scientific understanding. The editorial stance supports the pursuit of knowledge regarding these phenomena, encouraging further research and public participation while acknowledging the long-term nature of such investigations.

This issue of UFOLOGY, dated July 1976, features a cover story by John A. Keel titled "MAN-MADE UFOS?". The magazine is published by The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU) and is priced at $2.00.

Man-Made UFOs? by John A. Keel

John A. Keel's cover story posits that flying saucers might not be extraterrestrial but rather a product of American know-how and a massive propaganda effort. He references claims from scientists like Dr. Leon Davidson and reports from Tass, the Soviet news agency, suggesting the CIA created the UFO hysteria to cover up intelligence activities or distract from nuclear tests. Keel asserts that a well-financed, worldwide organization has been deliberately spreading false information for decades, dating back to phantom "dirigibles" in 1897. He argues that the CIA, under Allen Dulles, became autonomous and its budget allowed for the creation of illusions, including the existence of flying saucers, without building any.

The Phony Reports

Keel discusses how individuals have appeared at UFO sites to provide false information about government research, and how officials have "leaked" fake UFO stories. He claims many "classics" of Ufology never happened, with civilian investigators publishing reports without verification. These hoaxes, particularly in the 1960s, were elaborate and suggested the work of a well-financed organization.

How Real Is Real?

Historical records show sightings of disc-shaped objects for centuries, predating the CIA. Keel points to "mystery men" and "foreigners" in earlier eras who spread false evidence. He notes that in 1947, reported objects were often aerial lights or "fireballs," not metallic craft. The modern period has seen an increase in landing reports and contactee stories, which Keel, following Dr. Davidson, believes were influenced by hypnotism, drugs, and psychological warfare. He suggests that the aerial phenomena were used to create a lore about alien visitors, with contactees acting as propagandists to disguise the terrestrial origin of the phenomenon. Davidson speculated that the CIA used this as a system for circulating propaganda, potentially influencing the nuclear test ban treaty.

The Men in Black

Keel describes the "Men in Black" (MIBs) as well-dressed, olive-skinned individuals with Oriental features who appeared during earlier UFO waves and the 1947 wave. These agents allegedly threatened witnesses, posed as Air Force officers, discredited investigators, and collected earthly artifacts. Their efficiency is highlighted, with Keel stating that almost no one now believes UFOs are terrestrial, a testament to the success of this propaganda effort.

The Secret War

Despite the Air Force's anti-UFO stance, the MIBs' activities continued. By 1968, investigators realized multiple organizations were using the UFO phenomenon for their own ends, possibly in conflict. Keel raises the possibility of the CIA using hypnosis and drugging to spread propaganda, while another group used similar tactics, targeting police and security guards. He describes how individuals under hypnosis recalled being taken into trucks, injected, and subjected to treatments, believing they were on UFOs. Keel calls this "the perfect crime," suggesting these people were kidnapped and deceived into believing they had alien encounters.

He concludes that these events, occurring for years and requiring significant resources, are part of a psychological warfare campaign. The true reasons remain speculative, possibly involving cults or ancient myths.

Symposium: Comments and Opinions

Anatomy of a Bore

This section critiques the interpretation of the Piri Reis map as evidence of ancient alien technology. Donald Keyhoe and others have cited it as proof of spacecraft surveying Earth thousands of years ago. However, the article presents the notation by Admiral Piri Re'is himself, stating he prepared the map using about twenty old charts and eight Mappa Mundis, including charts from Alexander the Great's era and those of the West Indies and Portuguese explorers. Captain Arlington Mallery's suggestion of an "aerial survey" was a jocular remark taken out of context by UFO enthusiasts. The article argues that the map's accuracy, while notable for its time, is explainable by cartographic practices and the available charts, not by alien intervention. It criticizes the myth's propagation through UFO magazines and authors like Erich Von Däniken, noting that Professor Charles Hapgood's research on ancient charts did not support the "aerial survey" concept.

Burying the Hatchet

This section highlights two British publications that need support: "Flying Saucer Review" and "The News" (soon to be renamed "Fortean Times"). It describes "Flying Saucer Review" as a high-quality UFO publication with a 25-year history facing financial troubles, costing $9.00 annually. "The News" is presented as a vital publication covering Fortean events, with a subscription dipping to 140 subscribers, costing $6.00 annually. Addresses for both are provided.

Book Reviews

Uri by Andrija Puharich

This review discusses Puharich's book about Uri Geller, a psychic who performed feats like bending spoons. The reviewer, J.A.K., notes that Geller was exposed as using magic tricks by magicians. Puharich, a parapsychologist, became Geller's advocate, even claiming to witness an ethereal UFO contact experience with him. The review suggests Puharich himself was the focus of phenomena, with Geller acting as a medium. It criticizes Puharich's claims, including the erasure of tape recordings and a "Man in Black" encounter. The reviewer states that Geller's success is due to his showmanship and the gullibility of scientists and the public, who are eager to believe. The review also mentions James Randi, an escape artist who exposed Geller's tricks and duplicated his feats, often making Geller fail on live television. Randi's book is described as explaining Geller's methods using testimony from Geller's ex-girlfriend and chauffeur.

The Magic of Uri Geller by The Amazing Randi

This review, also by J.A.K., focuses on James Randi's book exposing Uri Geller. Randi, a magician, is presented as having thoroughly investigated Geller's psychic feats, exposing them as illusions. Randi's approach is described as professional, and he was able to duplicate Geller's abilities, even improving on them. The book reportedly includes testimony from Geller's former girlfriend and chauffeur. The review notes that Geller's career has brought psychic phenomena to public attention, but his ultimate contribution to science is deemed nil.

The Mendelov Conspiracy by Martin Caidin

This review of Martin Caidin's novel describes it as a "nerve-snapping novel of nuclear age suspense." Caidin, an aviation expert, is critiqued as a failure as a novelist, with strained dialogue and wooden characters. The plot involves a secret base in South America manned by human nuclear scientists. Despite its literary shortcomings, the book is noted for containing considerable information about UFOs and the Bermuda Triangle, with non-fiction passages providing the main merit. The reviewer suggests Caidin should stick to writing about planes and flying.

Three Corners to Nowhere by Martin Caidin

This review of another Martin Caidin novel describes it as a "dreary tale about life in the Bermuda Triangle." The plot involves a plane caught in a time warp. Similar to "The Mendelov Conspiracy," the book is noted for containing information about UFOs and the Triangle, but its literary quality is criticized.

Beyond the Time Barrier by Andrew Tomas

This review of Andrew Tomas's book finds it to be a mediocre work with one redeeming quality: initiating thought. The book offers a "laundry list" of truisms and quotations about time, with simplistic statements. Its main thrust is exploring the nature of time and perspective, with a brief mention of scientific discoveries related to time reversal. The latter half of the book focuses on prophecy and precognition, including a retelling of the "Petit Trianon" mystery and discussions of Tarot, Nostradamus, and St. Malachy. The reviewer concludes that the book "never begins to get anywhere... except in the mind of the imaginative reader."

Departments and Notices

SITU Member Notices

Several notices are included for SITU members:

• Early issues of "Pursuit" are now available.
• Member #1777 is seeking information on the ley system research in North America.
• Member #1052 is interested in aviation pioneers in Texas prior to the 1903 Wright Brothers flight and reported sightings of sea serpents.
• Member #279 is researching "spook light" phenomena and seeks experiences or knowledge from others.
• The journal has acquired an addressing machine to improve mailings, and members are invited to contribute financially.

UFO & Fortean Books

Loren E. Gross has published "Charles Fort, The Fortean Society, & Unidentified Flying Objects." Other works by Gross mentioned are "The UFO Wave of 1896" and "The Mystery of the Ghost Rockets." A new booklet, "The UFO Mystery: 1948-1951," is planned for summer 1979. A paperback titled "Creatures of the Borderland" by Loren Coleman and Jerome Clark is also forthcoming.

Bigfoot Expeditions

William F. Beamer is organizing Bigfoot expeditions in southwestern Oregon and northwestern California, offering 22-day wilderness trips.

Membership Dues

New and renewing members outside the U.S. are asked to include an additional $2.50 for postage with their $10.00 annual dues. Overseas airmail requests are an additional $5.00.

Investigations

Robert E. Jones is no longer a member of the Governing Board of SITU and has been dismissed for refusing to turn in information acquired during Bigfoot investigations. The authenticity of reports obtained by Mr. Jones cannot be guaranteed.

T-SHIRTS!

SITU is offering a unique T-shirt for $4.00 each, with an additional $1.00 for postage and handling.

The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained

This section lists the Governing Board, Departments (Pursuit, Investigations, Mass Media, Research, Fund Raising), and the Scientific Advisory Board. Notable members of the Scientific Advisory Board include Dr. J. Allen Hynek (Astronomy), Dr. George C. Kennedy (Geology), and Dr. Kirtley F. Mather (Geology).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the idea that UFO phenomena may be deliberately manufactured or manipulated by human organizations for propaganda and disinformation purposes. The magazine actively debunks popular UFO myths, such as the Piri Reis map interpretation, and exposes alleged hoaxes and staged events. There is a strong emphasis on critical thinking and skepticism towards claims of extraterrestrial visitation, favoring explanations rooted in psychological warfare, government cover-ups, and even outright fraud. The editorial stance is one of rigorous investigation and a willingness to challenge widely accepted beliefs within the UFO community, as exemplified by the critical reviews of books on Uri Geller and the Piri Reis map.