Pursuit - No 42 - Vol 11 No 2 - 1978

Magazine Overview

This issue of PURSUIT, Volume 11, Number 2, dated Spring 1978, is published by The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU). The cover features a striking graphic of radiating light and the prominent headline "SKYQUAKES."

L5: A SETTLEMENT IN SPACE by Curt Sutherly

This article explores the concept of a space settlement at the L5 point, a stable orbital location between the Earth and the Moon. The author notes that the yearning for space exploration is archetypal, even linking it to ancient gods and the UFO phenomenon. The L5 settlement is presented as a potential solution to socio-environmental problems on Earth, including the "energy crunch." The concept was popularized by physicist Gerard K. O'Neill and former astronaut-scientist Dr. Brian O'Leary. Despite initial skepticism, NASA recognized the potential of O'Neill's vision, particularly as a means to escape insufficient energy reserves and potentially boost NASA's budget. The article details the proposed location at F5 (Lagrange point 5), where objects in orbit remain fixed. The technology for building a vast orbital platform is considered available, with the primary challenge being convincing governments of its value. The plan involves establishing a lunar mining base to extract necessary minerals, which would then be launched via a mass accelerator to the L5 point. Crews using the space shuttle would then construct the platform. O'Neill and O'Leary estimate the first settlement could be ready for inhabitation within 25 years. The interior of the settlement is envisioned as "aesthetically pleasing," with a combined cylinder/spherical design, unlike the sterile environments often depicted in science fiction. It would accommodate around 10,000 residents and include elements like a man-made river stocked with fish, and recreational activities such as hang-gliding and human free-fall flight. Beyond habitation, the L5 settlement's most important use is seen as collecting solar energy from the sun and transmitting it to Earth. It is estimated that within 20 years of operation, space-born solar power transceivers could supply the entire electrical needs of the mainland United States, and eventually the entire planet. This solar power scheme involves constructing giant solar collectors in orbit, focusing the energy into a microwave beam, and transmitting it to Earth. The project is presented as a fraction of the cost of Project Independence and a viable alternative to nuclear power or the depletion of fossil fuels. The article concludes by suggesting that a successful L5 project could lead to a new energy-sufficient world and renewed interest in space exploration.

SKYQUAKES—THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT by Jon Douglas Singer

This article investigates the phenomenon of "skyquakes" or unexplained blasts occurring along the East Coast, particularly in December 1977. The blasts were recorded by instruments at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory, with some giving off a force equivalent to 100 tons of dynamite. Reports came from Connecticut to South Carolina, causing evacuations at nuclear power plants due to fear of earthquakes. The Federal Aviation Agency ruled out supersonic aircraft as the cause, and microbarograph readings indicated the blasts were not nuclear in origin. Several theories are explored: Dr. William Donn's hypothesis of methane gas bubbles escaping from cracks in the continental shelf and igniting in the atmosphere; Dr. Stanley Klemetsen's similar theory involving gases from submerged sludge deposits; and a theory posed by Dr. Donn suggesting secret military tests, though the Pentagon denied knowledge of such tests. Bob Warth, president of SITU, speculated that the blasts might be related to preliminary soundings for offshore oil drilling, but Dr. Donn dismissed this due to the blasts' power. The article also notes that light flashes were reportedly seen accompanying the blasts, which did not correspond with seismic activity. The phenomenon is linked to reports of eerie light flashes and UFO sightings. Several specific incidents are detailed, including blasts in New Jersey and Charleston, South Carolina, and light flashes seen in New Canaan, Connecticut, accompanied by a ball of fire. UFO sightings are described in Plymouth, New York, and near George Richard's farm. The article also mentions a sighting by teenagers and police in Long Beach, New Jersey, of peculiar yellowish lights. The connection between UFOs and eerie airquakes is further explored through reports from Ocean County, New Jersey. The article then transitions to discussing "earthquake lights" (EQLs), luminous phenomena seen during earthquakes, citing reports from Japan, China, and the United States. Theories for EQLs include violent low-level air oscillation, piezoelectric effects in quartz-bearing rocks, and stress changes preceding earthquakes. The possibility of using these phenomena for earthquake prediction is raised. The article concludes by noting that reports of eerie skyquakes have been recorded globally for centuries, citing examples like the "Moodus Noises" in Connecticut.

EARTHQUAKE LIGHTS

This article, reprinted from Geotimes, investigates "earthquake lights" (EQLs) – luminous phenomena observed during earthquakes. John S. Derr of the U.S. Geological Survey highlights that few scientists have studied EQLs due to most reports coming from untrained observers, but asserts their existence is well-established. Early investigations in the 1930s by Japanese seismologists Torahiko Terada and Inkkiti Musya documented numerous reports of lights during the Idu Peninsula quake, described as sheet lightning, auroral streamers, beams, columns, or a ruddy glow. Reports of EQLs at sea are also mentioned, including a glow off the coast of northern California in 1922 and a flash near Monterey Bay in 1926. Yutaka Yasui collected photos of lights during the Matsushiro earthquake swarm in Japan (1965-1967), with many sightings unexplained by conventional phenomena. The article details sightings during the Santa Rosa earthquake in 1969 and the disastrous T'angshan earthquake in China in 1976, where the sky was lit up like daylight. Theories for EQLs include violent low-level air oscillation, space charge transport via aerodynamic drag from landslides, and piezoelectric effects in quartz-bearing rocks, which could generate a seismoelectric potential and lead to discharges. The possibility of using these effects for earthquake prediction is suggested.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of PURSUIT focuses on unexplained atmospheric and geological phenomena, particularly "skyquakes" and "earthquake lights," exploring various scientific and speculative theories, including the potential involvement of UFOs. It also presents a forward-looking vision of space settlement as a solution to Earth's challenges. The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU) maintains an open-minded stance, encouraging the investigation of phenomena that are "customarily discounted," as indicated by its motto and the content of its articles. The editorial notes that while the military has admitted some experimental flights caused unexplained sky blasts, this explanation is deemed insufficient to cover all cases. The magazine appears to be a platform for exploring fringe science and anomalous events, encouraging participation from both professionals and amateurs.

This issue of PURSUIT, dated Spring 1978, focuses on unexplained phenomena and historical perspectives on weather control. The cover prominently features the word "LIGHTS" and includes photographs of earthquake lights from Matsushiro, Japan, taken during the 1965-1967 earthquake swarm. The issue delves into the mysterious "skyquakes" or " or "airquakes" that affected the US East Coast in late 1977, exploring various explanations and the challenges in finding a definitive cause.

Bumps in the Night

This section, continuing from page 47, discusses the "Moodus Noises" and similar phenomena reported in India and at the Seneca Indian Reservation, suggesting that simple explanations may be too simplistic and that UFOs might even be studying these events. A series of odd electromagnetic phenomena are noted, including mysterious radio signals that interfered with a NASA rocket launch on November 21, 1977. Another peculiar incident involved the Southern Television channel in England being blocked by a voice claiming to be "Asteron" from an intergalactic mission, urging peace and the destruction of weapons.

The article then references the famous KLEE-TV case, where a Texas TV station's call letters briefly replaced a British TV show, an event that baffled experts. As the article goes to print, news reports from the New York Times suggest that the "skyquakes" might be explained by supersonic aircraft engaging in combat maneuvers, with booms bouncing off warm air layers at high altitudes. However, the author points out that this explanation doesn't account for similar blasts reported in 1813, before the advent of supersonic flight.

"Skyquakes"-And Separate Realities

Authored by Dr. David Rind of the Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory, this article details the unexplained shock waves recorded on the US East Coast starting December 2, 1977. These "airquakes" were felt from South Carolina to Connecticut, causing houses to shake and windows to rattle. The pressure wave was significant, comparable to the noise level of a Concorde supersonic plane. The phenomena were not associated with earth tremors and occurred at various times of day, sometimes coinciding with dome-like bursts of light seen offshore. Despite investigations ordered by the White House, no obvious source was identified, and the author critically examines proposed explanations.

Dr. Rind first addresses the hypothesis that the sounds resulted from supersonic planes, either military or enemy. He notes the lack of visual confirmation of such flights and the military's denial, while also acknowledging their apparent willingness to investigate. He dismisses the possibility of natural phenomena explaining the localized and simultaneous occurrences. The author concludes that no offered explanation adequately fits all the observed facts, suggesting that these "skyquakes" might be a feature of other realities not easily integrated into our current understanding of the world.

An addendum responds to explanations proposed by the Naval Research Lab (military planes) and the Federation of American Scientists (Concorde SST). Dr. Rind provides a detailed discussion of sound propagation in the atmosphere, including Snell's Law of Refraction and the factors affecting sound velocity (temperature and wind). He argues that the conditions required for sound to reflect back to the ground from high altitudes, necessary for long-distance propagation, were not met during the period in question. He also explains why the Concorde sonic boom, even if it propagated offshore, would likely dissipate before reaching the affected areas with sufficient amplitude to cause the observed effects. He criticizes the scientific explanations offered by the Naval Research Lab and FAS as being driven by a demand for conclusions rather than rigorous science, ultimately hindering the exploration of other aspects of reality.

Witchcraft and Weather Modification - Part I

By George M. Eberhart, this article explores the historical and cultural practices related to weather control. It begins by noting that weather modification is a significant business today, with companies using techniques like cloud-seeding with silver iodide and dry ice particles to influence rainfall and hail. The article contrasts this with historical attempts to control weather, which were often rooted in folklore and magical practices.

Folklore and Immitative Magic

Non-western agricultural societies frequently employed imitative magic, where rituals mimicked desired weather conditions. Examples include the Omaha Indians filling a pot with water and dancing to simulate rainfall, and the Zuñi and Tesuque Indians performing rain and rainbow dances. Greenland Eskimo women were said to have the power to calm storms by blowing air outdoors. The Wotjobaluk Aborigines of Australia wetted hair and twirled it to create a rain-like spray, while the Dieri staged blood ceremonies to appease ancestral spirits for rain. In China, gods were supplicated, and their images sometimes desecrated if they failed to provide rain. Prayer was a common rain-compelling ceremony in India and Nepal, with specialists like the Barotse "raindoctors" (basitondo) who could ward off storms or direct lightning.

The Kgatla tribe in Botswana believed their chief had sole rainmaking powers, banishing shamans who attempted to conjure storms. European weather lore, influenced by classical antiquity, often attributed storms to demonic powers. Practices included throwing brooms to reverse winds, reciting prayers and immersing statues of saints, pouring oil into streams, and making pilgrimages to sacred springs.

Witchcraft and Weather

Sacred wells in Scotland and Wales were believed to influence storms. Magic stones, like the Kempock Stane, were thought to provide favorable winds. In the 19th century, Swiss peasants used scythes to ward off storms attributed to witches, and Romanians stuck knives into bread loaves during storms for protection. Transylvanian beliefs included a "devil school" called the Scholomance, where graduates learned magic spells to generate storms. Romanian "Paparuda" girls sang for rain, and Macedonian rituals involved parading a boy dressed in natural elements.

The article distinguishes between "white magic" (for beneficial purposes) and the idea of witch-produced weather for harmful purposes, which gained prominence with Christianity. It notes that prior to Christianity, bad weather was usually attributed to whimsical gods or spirits rather than sorcerers.

Classical Antiquity

Greek and Roman authors commented on folk beliefs regarding weather magic. Homer mentioned wind knots given by Aeolus to Odysseus. Diodorus Siculus described the Telchines of Rhodes as magicians capable of shape-shifting and weather control. The Geoponica provided methods for warding off hail. Seneca recounted how at Cleonae, "hail guards" were appointed to watch for hailstorms, with people offering sacrifices. Pliny recorded rumors about burning chameleon heads to cause thunderstorms, attracting lightning with prayer, driving away storms with menstrual blood, and burying toads to avert storms.

Emperor Augustus carried a sealskin for protection against thunder. Pausanias described a ritual to quell the southwest wind involving chopping a rooster in half. The Theodosian Code (321 A.D.) made distinctions between harmless superstitions and maleficia (injury to person or property) by sorcerers, with the latter being punishable by death. An example is the case of Sopater, put to death at Constantinople for "binding the wind."

The Middle Ages to 1435

Laws against storm-raisers multiplied. The Visigoths punished malefici by shaving heads and giving lashes. A Bavarian synod recommended imprisonment for those raising tempests. French bishops proposed similar measures. Agobard, Archbishop of Lyons, criticized the belief in "tempestarii" who charged peasants to keep storms away, mentioning "Magonia" as a region from which ships sailed in the clouds.

Ecclesiastical law specified penances for confessing to storm production. By 1025, merely believing that witches could raise storms carried a year's penance. The article notes that the problem of weather magic persisted, with a letter from Pope Gregory VII to King Harald of Denmark addressing the blame placed on priests and women for storms and plagues. Famine and flood were attributed to demons, and a magical smoke aided the Mongol invasion of Poland.

Works attributed to Albertus Magnus claimed coral-stone could pacify tempests and that sage plants could produce rainbows and thunder. An early trial for weather magic occurred in 1326 at Agen, France, involving a canon accused of invoking evil spirits for hail and thunderstorms. Another trial in 1326 at Boltigen, Switzerland, involved a man named Stedelen who confessed to hailstorm production and lightning control, describing a ritual involving a "prince of devils."

Books of ritual magic, often attributed to King Solomon, contained spells for demonic conjuration. The Lemegeton, or Lesser Key of Solomon, listed demonic spirits associated with weather phenomena, such as Agares for earthquakes, Furfur for thunder, Procel for tempests, and Vepar for sea storms. The Testament of Solomon also listed demons involved in weather control.

By 1402, Owen Glendower was accused of sending hailstorms against King Henry IV's army. John Hardyng blamed this on witches. Johannes Nider, in his Formicarius (ca. 1435), hinted at an organized sect of witches or sorcerers who used storm-raising with demons as one of their many tricks.

The Fifteenth Century

In 1437, Pope Eugene IV reminded inquisitors to watch for sects of heretics who worshiped demons to generate unseasonable weather. Trials for storm-raising were recorded in Lausanne (1438) and la Tour du Pin.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent human fascination with unexplained phenomena, particularly those related to atmospheric events like lights and sounds, and the historical human desire to control or understand weather. The magazine explores both scientific and pseudoscientific explanations, critically examining official accounts of events like the 1977 East Coast "skyquakes." The editorial stance, particularly in Dr. Rind's article, suggests a skepticism towards overly simplistic scientific explanations that dismiss anomalous evidence, advocating for an open mind to possibilities beyond current scientific paradigms. The extensive historical review of weather modification, from folklore to witchcraft, highlights the enduring human engagement with atmospheric forces and the diverse ways in which these phenomena have been interpreted and manipulated across cultures and time periods.

This issue of PURSUIT, Spring 1978, delves into a diverse range of topics, from historical accounts of witchcraft and weather manipulation to complex physics theories on simultaneity and relativity, and finally to speculative explanations for the preservation of mammoths. The magazine features articles that blend historical research with theoretical exploration, aiming to provide unique perspectives on phenomena that challenge conventional understanding.

Witchcraft and Weather Modification

The issue opens with a historical examination of witchcraft, focusing on the belief that individuals could influence weather through occult means. It details confessions and accusations of weather modification, citing cases from the 15th century. Pierre Vallin confessed to using 'maleficia-by-request' to produce tempests, leading to his condemnation. The article highlights the widespread paranoia surrounding witchcraft, where old church laws were disregarded in favor of believing in witch-originated weather. Specific incidents include King Henry VI being caught in a hailstorm in 1441, which was attributed to conjured demons. Else von Meersburg was accused in Lucern around 1450 of causing a hailstorm with the devil's help. A woman in Provins in 1452 was accused of plotting with demons to cause lightning, and in Metz in 1456, several individuals were burned for destroying crops with cold drizzles. Early writers like the author of 'Errores Gazariorum' and inquisitors in Savoy and Lyons expressed fears of witches manipulating weather. The issue notes Pope Innocent VIII's 1484 bull, which mandated the Inquisition to identify witches, including those who destroyed crops, a practice that became official Church dogma for two centuries. The Malleus Maleficarum authors, Sprenger and Kramer, incorporated cases of storm-raising aided by demonic assistance. Other demonologists, including Ulrich Molitor, Geiler von Kaysersberg, Abbot Trithemius, and Paulus Grillandus, also condemned demonic weather modification. The 15th century saw numerous trials and burnings for storm-raising, with specific mentions of female hail and storm-makers in Metz in 1488, Elena Dalok in London in 1493 for rainmaking, and the first witch burned in Zürich in 1493 for causing hail and hoarfrost. Witches in Cavalese, Italy, were burned between 1501-1505 for instigating tempests and floods.

The Concept of Simultaneity

Part I of "The Concept of Simultaneity" by Harry E. Mongold explores operationalist definitions of simultaneity in physics. It begins by discussing the significance of physical observables and the acceptance of unobservables, citing the unseen side of the moon as a practical example. Operationalism, however, rejects 'conceived physical situations' that are not directly observable, such as the precise shape of an electron. The article critiques the operationalist stance that concepts must be observable through known scientific principles, suggesting that this approach can lead to rejecting potentially useful concepts.

Two Operationalist Concepts of Simultaneity

Mongold outlines two operationalist concepts. The first relates to the significance of physical observables, where a word's meaning is tied to physical operations. This leads to rejecting concepts not observable by any known scientific principles. The second concept relates to motions, where Einstein's operational definition of simultaneity is examined. The article questions whether this procedure should be universally demanded, especially when dealing with constructs that are useful but not empirically established. It notes Einstein's rejection of absolute simultaneity but his acceptance of a 'midpoint' comparison for moving sources.

Simultaneity and Distance

The third concept discussed relates simultaneity to distance, particularly in the context of light reflection. The operationalist approach, as described by Reichenbach, defines simultaneity strictly in terms of certainties, avoiding the impracticality of referring to simultaneity over great distances. A stream of events on one planet is simultaneous to an event on another if it's impossible to determine which occurred first. This is linked to causal interaction, where the observation of a light signal implies it arrived no sooner than any other cause-effect sequence from the source.

Criticism of Operationalist Definitions

Part II of Mongold's article offers a criticism of these operationalist definitions. The assessment of the second concept (simultaneity referring to distance) highlights how it can lead to a naive refusal to acknowledge that light takes time to travel, despite the complex reasoning. The article argues that while operationalism aims for exactness, it can lead to rejecting the reality of physical phenomena if they cannot be directly measured. It posits that absolute simultaneity, while perhaps not directly observable in all scenarios, is a necessary assumption for conceptualizing reality.

The first concept, emphasizing the space-time continuum, is also critiqued. The article questions the idea of all historical and future states being coexistent and the convenience of a four-dimensional manifold primarily for mathematics. It argues that time, as a dimension, offers no explanation for the course of events and makes cause and effect appear coincidental. The perception of change is presented as fundamental, suggesting that time, or the capacity for change, is as fundamental as space.

Einstein's attack on conventional simultaneity is linked to explaining the constant velocity of light for all observers. The article uses Einstein's train-and-lightning thought experiment to illustrate how conceptions of simultaneity differ based on motion. It argues that the experiment demonstrates how observers with different motions perceive events differently, but it does not necessarily negate the possibility of absolute simultaneity. The article concludes that operationism's insistence on direct measurement can lead to an impractical limit, and that while relativity mathematics may aid prediction, its current theory may not be entirely true.

The Synchro Data

Barbara Jordison's article, "The Synchro Data," explores the challenges of studying 'meaningful coincidences' or synchronicities. Jordison notes that these events are difficult to study scientifically because they are unique and cannot be easily replicated, likening the endeavor to catching laboratory mice that do not breed under ordinary conditions. She references Carl Jung's theory of synchronicity, which proposed an important acausal linking rule but lacked a method for empirical study. The article mentions the work of Ira Progoff and Timothy Leary in continuing Jung's research. Jordison describes an experimental setup for monitoring synchro data, involving two input channels: one listening to a broadcasted television or radio talk show (input channel #1) and another representing a person reading at the same time (input channel #2). The goal is to detect instances where the same word is spoken simultaneously across both channels. A table provides a frequency distribution of synchronous events over 5-minute intervals from 1972-1976, indicating that synchro data occurrences varied significantly throughout the hour.

Frozen Mammoths

Two articles present hypotheses for the preservation of mammoths in frozen environments.

1. The Berezovka Mammoth Mystery by Leo Trunt

Leo Trunt offers a theory for the Berezovka Mammoth's preservation, diverging from Ivan T. Sanderson's explanation involving volcanic dust and gases. Trunt proposes that volcanic eruptions released a high concentration of carbon dioxide and other gases, creating a greenhouse effect that rapidly heated the Northern Hemisphere. This heatwave could have caused the permafrost to melt rapidly, trapping mammoths in watery 'slew' conditions. A subsequent wave of volcanic explosions would then have sent dust clouds into the atmosphere, freezing the creatures in situ. Trunt suggests this rapid heating and subsequent freezing could explain how mammoths were preserved in the muck.

II. Mammoth Problem - Two Solutions by Member #340

This article presents two distinct hypotheses for the quick-freezing and burial of mammoths.

Solution One, an Hypothesis (Comet-Storm): This theory posits that a comet, composed of dust and frozen methane, ammonia, and water, struck the Earth's atmosphere at a low angle. The comet's passage created a dense, high-tensile strength meteor that vaporized, spreading 'ice' chunks thinly. This process rapidly transferred mass, temperature, and speed to the atmosphere, resulting in a sudden, cold, and violent wind. This phenomenon, affecting a small part of the Earth due to the comet's head being tiny, could have blown mammoths into gullies and filled them in, thus burying them beneath the frozen tundra.

Solution Two, an Alternative Hypothesis (Permafrost): This hypothesis draws from an article in 'Petroleum Today' discussing permafrost. It explains that permafrost, or perennially frozen ground, covers vast areas of the Soviet Union, Canada, and Alaska. The article describes how the natural insulating layer of vegetation keeps the permafrost from thawing too deeply. When this layer is disturbed, the permafrost melts, creating ponds and destabilizing the ground, affecting structures and landscapes. The phenomenon of 'icing,' where water beneath the surface is put under immense pressure as it freezes, is also discussed. This pressure can lead to catastrophic events if the water finds an escape valve, potentially related to the burial of mammoths.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of PURSUIT are the exploration of phenomena that lie outside conventional scientific paradigms, including historical beliefs in the supernatural (witchcraft and weather), the philosophical underpinnings of modern physics (relativity and simultaneity), and speculative scientific explanations for natural mysteries (frozen mammoths). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider alternative theories and to engage in empirical observation, as exemplified by the call to start a record notebook for 'synchro data.' The magazine seems to champion a perspective that challenges established scientific dogma and embraces the possibility of phenomena not yet fully understood or explained by mainstream science.

This issue of PURSUIT, dated Spring 1978, features a critical look at the popular phenomenon of the Bermuda Triangle and a lengthy philosophical and scientific critique of evolutionary theory. The magazine also includes a collection of unusual reports and observations.

Articles

MR. BERLITZ-AGAIN!

This article by Paul G. Begg is a strong critique of Charles Berlitz's books on the Bermuda Triangle, particularly 'Without A Trace.' Begg argues that Berlitz's work is far from factual, relying on misquotations, misinterpretations, and fabricated evidence. He highlights specific cases, such as the National Airlines 727 incident and the malfunctioning weather satellite, which he claims have been distorted or explained away by Berlitz. Begg points to Lawrence David Kusche's research as providing devastating proof that many Triangle mysteries are based on faulty information. He criticizes Berlitz for not engaging with critics and for perpetuating a myth rather than presenting facts. The article also touches on the 'Sea Venture' incident and the alleged connection to Shakespeare's 'The Tempest,' dismissing supernatural explanations.

THE TRANSFORMIST MYTH

Authored by Dr. Silvano Lorenzoni, this extensive article challenges the scientific validity of 'evolutionism' and 'transformism,' particularly Darwinism. Lorenzoni defines evolution as the acknowledgement of changes in living forms over geological time and transformism as the doctrine that these forms originated by transformation of older ones. He defines Darwinism as the theory that natural selection is the cause of these transformations. Lorenzoni argues that Darwin was incorrect in his interpretations and that his theory has been disproven by accumulated data, yet it remains a dominant 'force-idea.' He critically examines the concepts of mutations and isolation, suggesting that mutations are rare, often produce maladapted individuals, and that the conditions required for Darwinian evolution are highly improbable. The article quotes Leon Croizat, who describes Darwinism as 'mystical and mythological,' and suggests that evolution is driven by internal biological agents rather than external factors.

A LITTLE RIDDLE

By Jasper McKee, this short piece poses a question about what common factor links phenomena such as spontaneous human combustion, dowsing, hauntings, poltergeists, inexplicable condensation of liquids, and bizarre falls from the sky. The answer provided is that these phenomena frequently take place in the immediate vicinity of a specific wooden object, such as a house, furniture, or a tree.

SITUATIONS

This section reports on various curious and unexplained events. It includes:

• MYSTERIOUS, BIG BLACK CAT IN PLAINFIELD, ILLINOIS: Reports of a large, black cat, described as the size of a police dog, seen in Illinois. Footprints found were larger than a woman's shoe, leading to speculation it was a medium-sized black panther.
• BIGFOOT: Claims of Bigfoot sightings in northeastern Siberia, with descriptions of a creature about six and a half feet tall with long arms. The article also mentions alleged Bigfoot sightings in South Dakota, with descriptions of a slumped posture and five-toed footprints.
• ICE FALL IN NEW JERSEY: An account of a large chunk of ice, weighing approximately 25 pounds, falling into a backyard during a thunderstorm in 1967.
• SEA CREATURE A PLESIOSAUR?: A Japanese professor, Tokio Shikama, identified a 44-foot-long sea creature found off the coast of New Zealand as a plesiosaur, a species thought to be extinct for over 100 million years.
• TOOTH GROWING IN BOY'S FOOT: A 13-year-old boy had a fully grown tooth removed from his foot, which had been causing pain and wearing out shoes.

COMMENTS AND OPINIONS

• ANOTHER BIGFOOT HOAX: This piece by Dennis Gates debunks a film of an alleged Sasquatch, calling it an obvious fake. Gates recounts how the filmmaker, Frank White, initially sought information about Bigfoot but later seemed more interested in the film's monetary value.
• RENEWALS: A brief note to members about the late mailing of the journal due to weather and the need to consolidate mailings for bulk mailing permit efficiency.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance appears to be critical of sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, particularly concerning the Bermuda Triangle. It champions rigorous investigation and factual evidence, contrasting this with what it perceives as the 'mythical' and 'mystical' nature of some popular theories, including evolutionism. The 'SITUATIONS' section, while reporting on unusual events, also seems to encourage thoughtful review and detailed reporting, suggesting a desire to separate genuine phenomena from hoaxes or misinterpretations. The critique of Darwinism indicates a skepticism towards established scientific paradigms when they are perceived as dogmatic or lacking empirical support.

This issue of Pursuit, the quarterly journal of The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU), dated Spring 1978, features a cover story titled "AMERINDS, COLUMBUS AND THE 'TEN LOST TRIBES'" by E. J. Toner, Jr. The magazine includes a book review, a critique of articles, a membership directory update, and an invitation for book review submissions. The publication is supported by membership and emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to unexplained phenomena.

Articles and Contributions

Amerinds, Columbus and the "Ten Lost Tribes"

E. J. Toner, Jr. presents a speculative theory connecting Native Americans (Amerinds) with Columbus's voyages and the biblical 'Ten Lost Tribes' of Jews. He suggests that the Amerinds' prophetic nature and their accounts of cataclysm and flood might stem from a connection to Atlantis. Toner also challenges the traditional narrative of Columbus's origins, proposing he was a simple weaver and a Sephardic Jew, and that his voyage was financed by Luis de Sant Angel, a Sephardic Jew seeking a new home for his people. The theory posits that the Amerinds could be survivors of Atlantis who were also the ten lost tribes.

Critique of "Mind Over Matter" and "The Cosmic Hologram"

Harry E. Mongold offers a critical commentary on articles by T. B. Pawlicki concerning "Mind Over Matter" and "The Cosmic Hologram." Mongold questions Pawlicki's assertion that "field is identical to space" and challenges the concept of 'standing' waves and their conservation of energy. He also raises questions about the nature of radiation, the consistency of objects based on continuous radiations from 'infinity,' and the mechanism of vibration, emphasizing the need for careful reasoning.

Book Review: "The Haunted Universe" by D. Scott Rogo

Lucius Farish reviews D. Scott Rogo's book, "The Haunted Universe." Farish acknowledges Rogo's extensive background in parapsychology but criticizes his application of these concepts to UFOs. He argues that Rogo's knowledge of the UFO subject is lacking and that his statement about UFO evidence resting solely on disjointed observations is questionable. Farish highlights Rogo's theory that UFOs are "psychic realities" created by the human mind, but notes that Rogo fails to offer concrete explanations for the nature of these "physical realities." The review points out factual errors and suggests the book is a superficial "pot-boiler."

Membership Directory and Book Reviews

An announcement regarding the upcoming Membership Directory encourages members to contact Martin Wiegler by July 1st with their details to be included. The magazine also invites members to contribute book reviews, preferring shorter submissions (up to 500 words) to allow for broader coverage. Contributors are asked to provide author, title, publisher, and price, and to specify if they wish to be identified by name or membership number.

Organization and Editorial Information

Governing Board and Departments

The issue lists the Governing Board of The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained, including Robert C. Warth as President and Publisher, R. Martin Wolf as Vice President and Managing Editor, Albena E. Zwerver as Secretary, Steven Mayne as Treasurer, and trustees Gregory Arend and Susan Malone. Departments include Pursuit, Investigations, Mass Media, Research, and Fund Raising.

Scientific Advisory Board

A comprehensive Scientific Advisory Board is detailed, featuring numerous academics and researchers from various institutions, including Dr. George A. Agogino (Anthropology), Dr. Carl H. Delacato (Mentalogy), Dr. J. Allen Hynek (Astronomy), Dr. George C. Kennedy (Geology), Dr. Martin Kruskal (Mathematics), Dr. Samuel B. McDowell (Biology), Dr. Vladimir Markotic (Anthropology), Dr. Kirtley F. Mather (Geology), Dr. John R. Napier (Physical Anthropology), Dr. Michael A. Persinger (Psychology), Dr. Frank B. Salisbury (Phytochemistry), Dr. Berthold Eric Schwarz (Mental Sciences), Dr. Roger W. Wescott (Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics), Dr. A. Joseph Wraight (Geography and Oceanography), and Dr. Robert K. Zuck (Botany).

Papers Invited

An invitation for manuscript submissions to Pursuit is included, seeking articles of 1,000 to 5,000 words (or longer) on unexplained phenomena. The journal emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach and, being non-profit, does not offer payment but returns copyright rights and may provide a complimentary membership for longer articles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of unexplained phenomena, including historical mysteries (Amerinds, Columbus), parapsychology, and UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging diverse theories and critical analysis, as evidenced by the inclusion of speculative articles, critical reviews, and a broad scientific advisory board. There is a clear emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach to understanding these phenomena.