Pursuit - No 38 - Vol 10 No 2 - 1977

Magazine Overview

Title: PURSUIT
Issue: VOL. 10 NO. 2
Date: SPRING 1977
Publisher: Robert C. Warth
Editor-in-chief: John A. Keel (on Sabbatical)
Cover Headline: RELATIVITY: LITTLE MEN, AN INQUIRY INTO THE LAW OF DYNAMICAL SIMILARITY, DINOSAURS, AND AN INVISIBLE STAR

This issue of PURSUIT, the journal of the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained, presents a diverse range of topics, from the seemingly illogical nature of scientific inquiry to the potential implications of gravity on human physiology and structures, and even touches upon the existence of dinosaurs and invisible stars.

Little Green Men and the Law of Dynamical Similarity by William H. Whamond

Whamond begins by critiquing the perceived infallibility of science, arguing that logic is an acquired, not innate, human characteristic. He contends that science, like other human institutions, is prone to inconsistencies and 'illogical' practices, citing examples such as the inconsistent use of units for power (Kilowatt vs. Horsepower) and the concept of 'power factor correction' in electrical engineering, which he likens to tuning a radio. He also points out that the I²t formula, crucial for understanding electrical shocks, is often omitted from textbooks, and that scientific understanding of gravity is limited to inverse square laws for spheres or points, neglecting other shapes like cylinders.

The author highlights significant 'blanks' in scientific knowledge, including gravity, time, and death, and criticizes the lack of practical application of scientific principles, such as calculating light refraction or sound transmission through walls. He argues that science often requires individuals to 're-tailor' existing formulas to their specific needs rather than providing direct answers.

Whamond then connects these observations to the UFO phenomenon, suggesting that the initial scientific disbelief in UFOs stemmed from the need to reconcile their existence with existing scientific paradigms. He posits that the concept of UFO occupants, often described as 'mini-men,' is not inherently ridiculous, especially when considering that UFOs must be built by something. He challenges the notion that such occupants are merely a product of imagination, pointing to the widespread and consistent description of saucer-shaped UFOs, a shape not commonly found in early science fiction.

The core of Whamond's argument lies in the "Law of Dynamical Similarity," which he applies to the concept of 'mini-men.' He explains that this law, commonly used in engineering for scaling models, dictates that linear dimensions must be reduced proportionally to increased gravity. For instance, on a planet with twice Earth's gravity (G=2), a person would need to have their linear dimensions halved to maintain the same stress level on their body as they would experience on Earth.

He illustrates this with examples of scaling photographs and buildings, noting that area scales with the square of length, and volume with the cube. This leads to the "Square/Cube Law" in architecture, where doubling a building's dimensions increases its weight eightfold but only quadruples its base area, potentially leading to collapse. Whamond suggests that anti-gravity technology could overcome these limitations.

Applying this to hypothetical 'Hi-G' and 'Lo-G' planets, he argues that inhabitants would need to be proportionally smaller or larger, respectively, to survive. He critiques science fiction for often overlooking this fundamental aspect of scaling, leading to unrealistic portrayals of aliens. He concludes that a person's height on a planet with gravity 'G' would need to be reduced by a factor of 'G' to maintain Earth-normal stress levels. This leads to his "Whamond's Inverse Solely Law of Gravitation," which posits that linear dimensions must be reduced inversely to the planet's gravity.

He speculates that the frequently reported height of UFO occupants (around 2.6 inches) could be explained if they originate from a planet with significantly higher gravity, such as Jupiter (G=2.65), where a normal-sized human would be reduced to approximately 27.25 inches, and a smaller being could be even more scaled down.

Other Articles and Sections

A Few Small Steps on the Earth: A Tiny Leap for Mankind? by Fred H. Bost
This article is not detailed in the provided text, but its title suggests a discussion on human progress or significant events on Earth.

The Relativity Racket by Dr. Silvano Lorenzoni
Lorenzoni's article likely examines the concept of relativity, possibly questioning or reinterpreting established theories.

The Invisible Star by Carlos Miguel Allende
This piece appears to explore astronomical phenomena, specifically focusing on an 'invisible star,' suggesting a topic related to astrophysics or cosmology.

Fluidice: Time as a Function of Prana by E. Macer-Story
This article delves into a more esoteric subject, linking fluid dynamics ('Fluidice') with 'Prana,' a concept often associated with vital life force in Eastern philosophies, suggesting a blend of physics and metaphysics.

Extant Dinosaurs: A Distinct Possibility by Dr. Silvano Lorenzoni
Lorenzoni revisits a topic of popular fascination, arguing for the possibility that dinosaurs might still exist in some form or location.

Dinosaur Graffiti - Hava Supai Style by John Guerrasio
Guerrasio's contribution likely discusses ancient art or petroglyphs found in the Hava Supai region, potentially depicting dinosaurs or related imagery.

Symposium: Comments and Opinions and Book Review are standard sections for a journal, providing a platform for reader interaction and critical evaluation of relevant literature.

Organization and Membership Information

The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained is based in Columbia, New Jersey. Membership is $10 per year, which includes the quarterly journal PURSUIT and an Annual Report. Members can visit the Headquarters by appointment. The Society is apolitical and does not comment on medicine, psychology, social sciences, law, religion, or ethics. Contributions are tax-deductible, but the Society does not express corporate views.

Publications include the quarterly journal PURSUIT, which is abstracted in several directories and available on microfilm. Back issues can be ordered.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around questioning established scientific paradigms, exploring the implications of physical laws (like gravity and dynamical similarity) on speculative concepts (like UFO occupants and alien physiology), and investigating phenomena that lie outside conventional scientific understanding. The editorial stance, as reflected in the journal's title and content, is one of open inquiry into the unexplained, encouraging a critical yet curious approach to subjects often dismissed by mainstream science. The emphasis on 'Science is the Pursuit of the Unexplained' underscores a commitment to investigating anomalies and challenging conventional wisdom.

This issue of PURSUIT, dated Spring 1977, volume 41, delves into complex physical and theoretical concepts, primarily focusing on "Whamond's Law" and the "Law of Dynamical Similarity." The central theme revolves around the implications of miniaturization, particularly in relation to gravity and the potential existence of "mini-men."

Whamond's Law and Dynamical Similarity

The article introduces "Whamond's Law," which posits an inverse relationship between an object's linear dimensions and gravity. This is presented as a fundamental principle that, unlike Newton's inverse square law, suggests that as an object's size decreases, its interaction with gravity also decreases linearly. This is illustrated with diagrams and equations, showing how stress and other physical properties scale with size and gravity.

The "Law of Dynamical Similarity" is presented as a predictable consequence of Whamond's Law, suggesting that 3-dimensional objects would scale "holographically" when subjected to different gravitational fields. This means that a mini-man on a high-gravity planet would experience forces and stresses proportionally to his size, allowing him to function effectively.

Mini-Men and High-Gravity Planets

A significant portion of the article explores the concept of "mini-men" – small human-shaped beings – and their potential ability to inhabit high-gravity planets. The author argues that if such beings exist, their small size would naturally equip them to cope with higher gravitational forces, contrary to the common science fiction trope of super-strong beings on high-gravity worlds. The article contrasts this with the "Square-Cube Law," which is often misapplied to explain miniaturization.

Examples are given to illustrate how a mini-man might function. For instance, a normal man can lift about his own weight, overstressing his frame by 100%. A mini-man on a planet with G=2.6 (like Jupiter) could lift a concrete block proportionally smaller to his size, effectively experiencing the same stress level as the normal man on Earth. This leads to the idea of a "mini-city" with mini-infrastructure.

Non-Structural Realms and Possibilities

The article then moves into "non-structural realms," discussing how the "Law of Dynamical Similarity" might apply to aspects beyond physical strength, such as brainpower. It challenges the notion that smaller brains are inherently less intelligent, citing examples of Pygmies and children who exhibit normal cognitive abilities despite their size. The author suggests that nature might have ways of cheating the strict scaling of brainpower, possibly by utilizing a larger fraction of the brain or requiring less brainpower for basic functions.

Aerodynamics and Terminal Velocity

The concept of "terminal velocity" is explored in relation to mini-men. Newton's aerodynamic drag formula is applied to a hypothetical 1/2-sized mini-man. It's calculated that without any modifications, a mini-man's terminal velocity would be reduced, but not enough to guarantee survival from a fall. However, the article proposes that equipping a mini-man with an artificially doubled frontal area (like a "Batman's cape") could reduce his terminal velocity to a survivable level, around 65 mph.

The Bending Moment

The "Bending Moment" is introduced as a crucial concept in engineering and architecture, representing the internal forces within a structure that resist bending. The article investigates how this concept would be influenced by Whamond's Law. It suggests that a 1/Gth-scaled mini-beam on Planet G would experience a bending radius scaled holographically, meaning its resistance to bending would be proportionally maintained.

Centrifuges and Gravity

Figure 7 illustrates the concept of a centrifuge designed to simulate high-G environments. A 5:12:13 Pythagorean triangle is scaled down to 1:2.4:2.6, and when spun at 2.4G horizontally, it creates a resultant 2.6G field. This setup could allow for experiments on how life might adapt to different gravity levels, such as growing plants on a simulated Jupiter environment.

Conclusions and Author's Stance

The author concludes by reiterating the importance of understanding the distinction between different gravity situations (Lo-G vs. Hi-G) and the implications of Whamond's Law. He expresses frustration with the lack of scientific exploration in this area, particularly within science fiction, which he believes has largely overlooked the potential of miniaturization to overcome gravity. The author is satisfied that UFOs exist and that Lt. Plantier likely holds the correct technical answers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the fundamental laws of physics as they relate to size and gravity, the speculative but scientifically grounded concept of "mini-men," and the potential implications for extraterrestrial life and technology. The editorial stance is one of rigorous scientific inquiry, challenging conventional assumptions and encouraging a deeper exploration of these theoretical possibilities.

A FEW SMALL STEPS ON THE EARTH: A TINY LEAP FOR MANKIND?

This section, authored by Fred H. Bost, presents a separate, albeit related, account of a reported sighting of a "little man" near Dunn, North Carolina. The article details the discovery of small footprints, suggesting the presence of a diminutive being. Bost, as managing editor of The Daily Record, investigated the claims, finding curious residents drawn to the scene. The footprints were described as those of "little boots" with discernible cleat marks, adding a layer of empirical evidence to the unusual report.

PURSUIT, Spring 1977 issue, presents a diverse range of topics, from unexplained phenomena and scientific critique to speculative biology and theoretical physics. The magazine features accounts of alleged encounters with small beings, a re-examination of dinosaur extinction, and critical analyses of established scientific theories.

The Little Man of Dunn

The issue opens with a detailed account of two separate incidents in Dunn, North Carolina, involving sightings of a small, human-like figure. The first report centers on Tonnlie Barefoot, an 8-year-old boy, who claimed to have seen a 'little man' not much bigger than a Coke bottle. The figure was described as wearing specific clothing, including black boots, blue trousers, and a black hat. Tonnlie's mother, Mrs. Roland Barefoot, initially dismissed the story but later confirmed finding unusual footprints in the field where her son claimed the encounter occurred. The article notes that the footprints were too small to belong to any of Tonnlie's dolls, and a search for a matching doll's boot proved unsuccessful.

The second sighting occurred approximately two weeks later, involving Shirley Ann McCrimmon, a 20-year-old woman. She reported seeing a small man outside her home just before dawn. She described him as wearing boots and possibly a thin garment or being naked, with light brown skin. The little man reportedly emitted a 'tiny, very bright yellow light' before disappearing. The investigation into the footprints found at her home was hampered, with one print being accidentally obliterated and another found on the driveway. The footprints in both cases reportedly ended abruptly, with no clear trail leading away.

The Relativity Racket

Dr. Silvano Lorenzoni contributes two articles. The first critically examines Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity. Lorenzoni argues that Relativity, rather than being a groundbreaking theory, is a systematization of Lorentz's contraction, a concept developed earlier by Hendrik Lorentz. He contends that the theory is not only unnecessary but also a 'straightjacket' for scientific thought, particularly in areas like communications over astronomical distances. Lorenzoni suggests that the results attributed to Relativity actually corroborate Lorentz's contraction, which he believes can be derived from more fundamental principles, such as classical thermodynamics, as demonstrated by Hasenöhrl. He criticizes Relativity's postulates, such as the 'equivalence of all inertial systems' and the 'invariance of the velocity of light,' as arbitrary and leading to 'side effects' that contradict observed phenomena. He also briefly mentions an alternative theory proposed by Ritz, which revised electromagnetic laws instead of mechanical ones to reach Lorentz's contraction, but notes that Ritz's theory was largely ignored.

Extant Dinosaurs: A Distinct Possibility

In his second article, Dr. Silvano Lorenzoni explores the possibility that dinosaurs may not have become entirely extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period. He dismisses common explanations for their disappearance, such as seismic or volcanic cataclysms, drought, or temperature decreases, arguing that these do not adequately account for the worldwide disappearance or the extinction of marine dinosaurs. Lorenzoni posits that dinosaurs were a vast group, including many small species, and that their sudden and catastrophic disappearance, for which no good reason has been given, leaves open the possibility of their survival in secluded areas. He contrasts this with the accepted extinction of other species, suggesting that the dinosaur extinction event remains unexplained.

Fluidice: Time as a Function of Prana

E. Macer-Story presents an article titled 'Fluidice: Time as a Function of Prana.' This piece attempts to explain the nature of 'pranic energy exchange' and its relationship to time. Macer-Story proposes that time is not a substance but a variable within energy systems, distinguishing between 'gravitational' or 'large time' and 'vibrational' or 'small time.' The article focuses on electromagnetic time, suggesting that pranic action influences the structure of time, which in turn affects the electromagnetic spectrum. The concept of 'fluidice' is introduced as a geometric representation of this time-space compartment, which can stretch and bend. Prana, described as an energy generated by living beings, is seen as acting on fluidice, changing shared time. The author suggests that death is the disintegration of the electro-magnetic organization by the withdrawal of the pranic operator. The article also touches upon the idea that stars might be living beings and that their 'explosive' behavior could be related to pranic action. Macer-Story concludes by suggesting that force-field activities, such as those investigated by Michelson and Morley, inherently affect the speed of light, and that the speed of light may be variable outside our solar system's magnetosphere.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of PURSUIT magazine revolve around challenging established scientific paradigms and exploring unexplained phenomena. The magazine exhibits a critical stance towards widely accepted theories like Einstein's Relativity, advocating for alternative interpretations and overlooked research. The inclusion of reports on the 'little man' sightings and the speculative survival of dinosaurs suggests an editorial interest in cryptozoology, ufology, and fringe science. The theoretical articles on prana and fluidice indicate a broader interest in consciousness, energy, and the nature of reality beyond conventional scientific understanding. The overall tone is one of inquiry, skepticism towards mainstream science, and an openness to unconventional explanations for observed phenomena.

Title: PURSUIT
Issue: Spring 1977 (Volume 10, No. 1)
Publisher: The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained
Cover Headline: DINOSAUR GRAFFITI - HAVA SUPAI STYLE

This issue of PURSUIT magazine explores the possibility of surviving prehistoric species and examines alleged evidence of ancient human interaction with these creatures. It features articles on cryptozoology, unusual geological formations, and the ongoing work of the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU).

The Case for Surviving Prehistoric Species

The lead article, "The Auyantepuy from the South," by an unnamed author, posits that environments like the Guyanese plateaux in South America could be havens for surviving Cretaceous species. The author argues that extreme isolation and physical barriers, such as the 600-meter vertical walls of the Auyantepuy, would protect such species from competition with modern life. The coelacanth, a fish species thought to be extinct for millions of years but found alive, is cited as an example of a species that "should not exist" but does. The article suggests that if dinosaurs are not extinct, their last representatives "MUST be in the Guyanese plateaux."

The author highlights the unique ecological conditions of these plateaux, characterized by high precipitation, dense vegetation, and endemic flora and fauna, making them biologically interesting and potentially suitable for ancient life forms. The Auyantepuy itself is described as an extensive plateau, covering 800 square kilometers with an average height of 2,000 meters. The Chimanta and Roraima plateaux are also mentioned as similar, unexplored formations.

A particularly intriguing anecdote involves a witness who claims to have seen three "plesiosaur-like things," approximately 50 cm long with 25 cm necks, swimming in a river atop the Auyantepuy. While the witness is described as an adventurer rather than a scientist, his account is presented as a significant piece of information.

Dinosaur Graffiti - Hava Supai Style

Authored by John Guerrasio, this article critically examines the claims of the Doheny Expedition, which in 1924 reportedly found rock carvings of a dinosaur and an imperial elephant in Hava Supai Canyon, Arizona. The article includes excerpts from Dr. Samuel Hubbard's original report, detailing the carvings' location, depth, and the unique "desert varnish" technique used by the primitive artist. The dinosaur carving is described in detail, with measurements provided for its height, width, leg, body, neck, and tail, suggesting a creature that stood about fifteen feet high and seventy to eighty feet long, depicted in a rearing, possibly feeding or fighting, stance.

The imperial elephant carving is noted for its lack of tusks, suggesting it represents a female. The depiction includes a man being attacked by the animal, standing in a wavy line representing water. The article notes that the local Native American tribes have no knowledge or legends of these carvings or their makers.

Guerrasio also discusses similar alleged finds in Utah, including a carving of a wooly rhinoceros. This carving is presented as evidence that humans encountered and depicted this powerful prehistoric animal. However, the article also introduces skepticism, referencing Campbell Grant's book "Rock Art of the American Indian," which suggests that a similar carving known locally as a "mastodon" in southeastern Utah might be a hoax due to its brightness, lack of patina, and the fact that it appears newer than surrounding, older designs.

The article acknowledges the debate surrounding the authenticity of these carvings, particularly in relation to the work of Col. James Churchward and his "Lost Continent of Mu." It aims to present more information for discussion rather than definitively resolving the Hava Supai question.

Illustrations and References

• Several figures are included to illustrate the discussed carvings and prehistoric animals:
• Figure 1: Reprint of the dinosaur carving from Hava Supai.
• Figure 2: Reprint of the imperial elephant carving from Hava Supai.
• Figure 3: Reprint of the woolly rhinoceros carving from Utah.
• Figure 4: Illustration of a woolly rhinoceros, reprinted from Bernard Heuvelmans' "On the Track of Unknown Animals."
• Figure 5: Illustration of a woolly rhinoceros, reprinted from Daniel Cohen's "The Age of Great Mammals."
• Figure 6: Reprint of a carving from Col. James Churchward's "The Lost Continent of Mu."

The article provides a list of references, including works by Bernard Heuvelmans, Pierre Leonardi, P. Cox, E. Mayr and W. Phelps, and Enrique Lorenzoni & Silvano Lorenzoni.

Society News and Member Communications

This section includes various updates and announcements from The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU):

• South American Explorers Club: An announcement describes the club's mission to connect researchers and enthusiasts interested in South America, offering a lounge, library, and a monthly magazine, "The South American EXPLORER."
• Sanderson's Books: The magazine offers members a chance to receive donated copies of Ivan T. Sanderson's books in exchange for contributions to the fund-raising campaign.
• Member Contact: Judie Wyler from Connecticut is seeking to connect with other SITU members in her area.
• Renewals: A reminder to members to renew their subscriptions, as SITU's funding relies heavily on membership support.
• Patrick Macey: SITU member Patrick Macey is available for contact regarding Bigfoot and related phenomena, and invites members in the Los Angeles and Southern California area to visit him.
• Printer Error: An apology is issued for damaged copies of the winter issue due to a printing error, with instructions for members to return damaged copies for replacement.
• Charles Berlitz: Berlitz is available for lectures.
• David Mace: A member named David Mace will be in the Loch Ness area in July and is available to meet with members conducting research there.
• Lake Champlain Sea Serpent: A preliminary report on the Lake Champlain Sea Serpent is mentioned, with information on how to obtain it.
• Helicopter Correction: A correction is made regarding a "typo" in the previous issue concerning Huey helicopters and "jolly green giants" in Vietnam.

Book Review

"The Doomed Unsinkable Ship" by William H. Tantum IV is reviewed. The book examines Morgan Robertson's 1898 novel "The Wreck of the Titan" and its remarkable similarities to the sinking of the R.M.S. Titanic in 1914. The review also notes the inclusion of nineteen paranormal experiences reviewed and analyzed by Dr. Ian Stevenson.

Society Structure

Pages 5 and 6 detail the organizational structure of The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained:

• Governing Board: Lists the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Trustees, including names such as Robert C. Warth, R. Martin Wolf, and Steven Mayne.
• Departments: Outlines the roles of Editor-in-Chief (John A. Keel, on sabbatical), Executive Editor (R. Martin Wolf), and other editorial staff and consultants.
• Scientific Advisory Board: A comprehensive list of academics from various fields, including anthropology, astronomy, geology, biology, mathematics, and botany, who serve as advisors to the society. Notable members include Dr. George A. Agogino, Dr. J. Allen Hynek, and Dr. Kirtley F. Mather.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the possibility of undiscovered or surviving species (cryptozoology), the examination of anomalous historical accounts and artifacts (like the Hava Supai carvings), and the promotion of scientific inquiry into unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting evidence and theories for consideration by the readership, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for further research. The inclusion of a detailed organizational structure and a broad scientific advisory board suggests a commitment to a structured and credible approach to exploring the unexplained.