Pursuit - No 45 - Vol 12 No 1 - 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: PURSUIT
Issue: Vol. 12, No. 1, Whole No. 45
Date: Winter 1979
Publisher: The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU)
Focus: The journal is dedicated to the investigation of "Things" that are customarily discounted, with this issue featuring a detailed statistical analysis of UFO electromagnetic interference events.

Articles and Content

A Statistical Analysis of UFO Electromagnetic Interference Events by M. J. Rodeghier

This extensive article presents a statistical analysis of 363 UFO events involving electromagnetic interference (EMI) with land vehicles. The author, M. J. Rodeghier, aims to shed light on the UFO phenomenon by treating "EM" UFO reports as hard data and critically examining the hypothesis that UFO reports are predominantly due to natural phenomena.

The study categorizes EM effects into four types: interference with ground/water vehicles, air vehicles, power failures, and interference with electrical equipment (radar, radio, television). The earliest report dates back to 1908, with a significant increase in frequency in the early 1950s. The spatial distribution of these reports aligns with general UFO case distributions, with half originating in the United States.

For this study, only reports involving interference with ground vehicles were considered, accounting for about half of all EM reports. The data was extracted from 60 sources, though only 31 original case reports were personally examined by the author.

Procedural Aspects: The analysis acknowledges difficulties in reporting, such as poor distance estimation and memory recall. Characteristics chosen for analysis include time of day, number of witnesses, witness demographics (sex, age), area of sighting (rural, urban, suburban, deserted), color, sound, size, type of EM effect, physiological effect, type of UFO, and presence of a light beam. Size was broken into intervals, and area into standard metropolitan statistical area definitions. The median distance to the UFO was reported as 200 feet.

UFO Event Characteristics: The paper presents data on the number of witnesses per case, with single witnesses being the most common. Witness age and sex distribution is analyzed, showing that while sex is not a significant factor, age is. Teenagers reported more frequently than other age groups, a finding that is statistically significant. The author tentatively hypothesizes that older persons may be less likely to report due to social status concerns or that teenagers' reports might be less believed.

• Data Analysis:
• Time of Day: The analysis of sightings by time of day, adjusted for vehicle traffic, shows a sharp increase in EM events during times when fewer vehicles are present, suggesting an unknown factor is at play.
• Sex and Age of Witness: The distribution of witness sex matches that of drivers, suggesting no preferential selection by sex. However, witness age shows a significant non-randomizing effect, with teens being the most frequent reporters.
• Pattern Analysis: Contingency tables were used to test for correlations between various characteristics. Significant correlations were found between:
• Light beam presence and the severity of EM and physiological effects (effects increase with a light beam).
• Type of UFO and sound (linked to the paucity of 'light' UFOs reported with sound).
• EM effect and light beam presence.

Discussion: The findings suggest that the EM effect is a short-range phenomenon, possibly attenuated by atmospheric absorption. The correlations found challenge the natural phenomena hypothesis, particularly the sudden appearance of EM effects starting in 1949. The skewed distribution of events by time of day and occurrence in unpopulated areas are difficult to explain by natural causes.

Key Facts from the Article:
1. UFO EM vehicular interference began in 1949.
2. There is a defined time of day (11 p.m. to 5 a.m.) with a proportionally higher chance of experiencing an EM event.
3. Preferred UFO sizes exist, and events tend to occur at relatively close distances.
4. UFO events occur predominantly in non-populated areas (70%).
5. UFO events occur in non-precipitating weather (94%).
6. There is no correlation between EM effect severity and distance.
7. There is a correlation between UFO type and sound, and between light beam presence and the magnitude of EM and physiological effects.

Other Articles

• An Incredible Admission: What Did the Air Force Mean? by Robert Barrow (p. 10)
• The Quest for Norumbega: Ancient Civilizations in New England (Part I) by Jon Douglas Singer (p. 13)
• The Town that Wasn't Zapped by UFOs by Barbara Jordison (p. 20)
• The Pevely Mystery Toxin by William Zeiser (p. 21)
• Mutilations: The Elsberry Enigma by R. Martin Wolf and S. N. Mayne (p. 26)
• The Central New York UFO Wave by Mark Bundy (p. 35)
• SITUations (p. 40)
• Symposium (p. 43)
• Book Reviews (p. 45)
• The Notes of Charles Fort Deciphered by Carl J. Pabst (p. 46)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal "PURSUIT" is published by The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU), which is dedicated to exploring phenomena that are often dismissed or unexplained by conventional science. The editorial stance, as indicated by the motto "SCIENCE IS THE PURSUIT OF THE UNEXPLAINED" and the subtitle "Devoted to the Investigation of 'Things' that are Customarily Discounted," is one of open inquiry into anomalous phenomena. The Society explicitly states that it does not hold political or religious views and does not express corporate views; opinions in "PURSUIT" are those of the individual authors or members. The publication aims to provide a platform for rigorous investigation and analysis of such topics, as exemplified by the detailed statistical approach taken in the featured article on UFO electromagnetic interference.

This issue of PURSUIT, dated Winter 1979, features a compelling cover story titled "AN INCREDIBLE ADMISSION: WHAT DID THE AIR FORCE MEAN?" by Robert Barrow, which scrutinizes a brief letter from the Air Force regarding the famous 1964 Socorro, New Mexico UFO incident. The magazine also presents "THE QUEST FOR NORUMBEGA: ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS IN NEW ENGLAND?" by Jon Douglas Singer (Part I), exploring archaeological mysteries and controversial theories about early inhabitants of the region. Additionally, there is an article titled "Strange Objects Sighted Over N.M." and "Says UFO Really VTO Project of AF," which provide contemporary news reports on the Socorro sighting. The issue concludes with "Shadow or Substance at Socoro?" by Edwin J. Safford, which further examines the Socorro case and includes a reproduction of the Air Force letter.

The Socorro Incident and the Air Force Letter

Robert Barrow's article focuses on a two-sentence letter from the Air Force's Office of Information, dated January 8, 1965, addressed to Mr. Barrow. The letter states that the Socorro, New Mexico sighting is still unsolved, but crucially, "no evidence was found which indicated that the vehicle was from outer space." Barrow highlights the word "vehicle" as a significant departure from typical official dismissals of UFOs, suggesting it implies the Air Force acknowledged the object was a manufactured machine of unknown origin.

He recounts the events of April 24, 1964, when Patrolman Lonnie Zamora of the Socorro police department, while chasing a speeder, witnessed a blue flash and a loud noise. Investigating near a dynamite shack, Zamora encountered a large, white, egg-shaped object resting on four legs. As he approached, the object emitted a deafening roar, ascended with a long blue flame, and disappeared at high speed. Investigations at the site revealed depressions in the ground where the object had rested and evidence of intense heat scorching the vegetation.

Zamora and Chavez were interviewed by various officials, including Dr. J. Allen Hynek, who was reportedly impressed by Zamora's integrity. Barrow notes that the Socorro incident remains listed as unidentified in Air Force files. He also critiques UFO skeptic Philip J. Klass's theory that the event was a hoax.

Contemporary news clippings from The Post-Standard (Syracuse, N.Y.) dated May 12, 1964, and May 3, 1964, are included. The May 12th article, "Shadow or Substance at Socoro?" by Edwin J. Safford, mentions an Air Force civilian investigating team and notes clues such as scorched soil and charred brush. It also references Dr. J. Allen Hynek's involvement. The May 3rd article, "Says UFO Really VTO Project of AF," reports on a University of New Mexico meteoritics expert's suggestion that the craft might have been a vertical short-takeoff and landing (VTO) aircraft. However, authorities at White Sands Missile Range and Kirtland Air Force Base stated they had no such aircraft fitting the description.

Another article, "Strange Objects Sighted Over N.M.," from an unidentified source (likely The Post-Standard, Syracuse, N.Y., April 29, 1964), details other sightings in New Mexico, including oval or egg-shaped objects ranging from car-sized to 30 feet, with reports of scorched earth and wedge-shaped depressions.

The Quest for Norumbega: Ancient Civilizations in New England?

Jon Douglas Singer's article, Part I of a series, delves into the mystery of Norumbega, a legendary city depicted on old maps of New England. Singer explores whether this legend is based on the discovery of enigmatic stone walls and earthworks attributed to the "Mound Builders." He traces the history of theories about these structures, from early ideas of Norse or Phoenician origins to the modern understanding of Native American cultures.

The article then shifts focus to perplexing stonework of pre-Colonial origin found in the Appalachians and surrounding areas, including theories linking them to Welsh explorers like Prince Madoc. However, the primary focus becomes the discovery of stone structures in New England that resemble ancient Mediterranean or European megalithic architecture.

William B. Goodwin, an historian, became a key figure in studying these sites, particularly the "Mystery Hill" site in North Salem, New Hampshire. Goodwin theorized that these structures were evidence of a ninth-century A.D. Christian Irish monastic settlement. The article details his work, including the excavation of beehive-shaped chambers, stone tables, and other features. Despite his efforts, Goodwin failed to convince the academic community.

Following Goodwin's death, the Early Sites Foundation continued the research. Frank Glynn, a Connecticut archaeologist, also studied the site, comparing its architecture to megalithic ruins in Malta. He conducted excavations from 1955 onwards, finding more evidence and using archaeological methods.

The article discusses the introduction of C-14 dating, which provided dates for artifacts and features at Mystery Hill, including a pre-Pattee date of 1810 A.D. and a pre-Colonial date of 1550 A.D. These dates were significant breakthroughs, suggesting a much older occupation than previously accepted.

However, the C-14 dates faced objections from scholars like Birgitta Wallace, Dena Dincauze, and Stephen Williams, who questioned the context and accuracy of the samples. Despite these criticisms, Robert Stone and his associates continued to believe in the pre-Columbian origins of Mystery Hill.

The article highlights the discovery of peculiar stones with indecipherable markings, which led to contact with Professor Barry Fell of Harvard University. Fell, an expert in ancient languages, identified some inscriptions as being in an ancient script called Ogam, dating them to around 800 B.C.-40 B.C., suggesting a colonization of America long before the Culdee monks.

This radical position by Fell unleashed a "war of the words" among scholars. While some, like Dr. Linus Brunner, were more open to trans-Atlantic cultural diffusion theories, others remained skeptical. The controversy intensified as new evidence emerged, including standing stones in Vermont and Massachusetts that seemed to convey astronomical symbolism.

The article concludes by describing a striking discovery in western Massachusetts: a circle of standing stones resembling Stonehenge, suggesting ancient sciences and further fueling the mystery of early inhabitants in New England.

References and Notes

The issue includes an extensive list of references, numbered 1 through 27, citing books, papers, and reports related to UFO research, archaeology, and ancient history. These references provide a comprehensive bibliography for the topics discussed in the magazine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained phenomena of UFOs, the potential for government secrecy or misdirection in handling such events, and the enduring mysteries of ancient civilizations and their presence in unexpected locations. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to question official explanations and explore alternative hypotheses, particularly in the realms of UFOlogy and archaeology. The magazine seems to favor presenting evidence and theories that challenge conventional scientific and governmental narratives, inviting readers to consider the possibility of phenomena and histories beyond established understanding.

This issue of PURSUIT magazine, dated Winter 1979, features several articles exploring unexplained phenomena, including a media-driven UFO event, a mysterious toxic death, and a series of cattle mutilations. The magazine maintains a focus on Fortean topics, presenting detailed accounts and investigations into these unusual occurrences.

The Town That Wasn't Zapped by UFOs

This article by Barbara Jordison recounts the media frenzy that erupted after UFO magazine chose the town of Chester, Illinois, for a featured story about a UFO attack. The story, which was based on an unexplained sighting from a couple of years prior, was sensationalized and spread through national newspapers, turning into a 'silly-season story.' The publisher of UFO magazine, however, insisted the story was sent by someone in Chester and took a serious stance, claiming something had happened. This led to a more discordant theme, with some media outlets treating it as a joke while others, like The St. Louis Globe Democrat, urged caution against fabricating stories. The article highlights the media's role in amplifying the event and the town's reaction to the publicity.

The Pevely Mystery Toxin

Written by William Zeiser, this article investigates the baffling case of the Boyer family in Pevely, Missouri, who were victims of an unexplained poisoning. The tragedy began with the death of Bonnie Boyer, followed by her son Barry. The investigation involved numerous experts and explored various potential causes, including carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, methane, cyanide, and even group psychosomatic effects. The primary suspect became methyl bromide (CH3Br), a chemical found in the family's tea kettle, coffee pot, and the home's air, possibly emitted from uncured Styrofoam insulation that had been brought into the house. Despite the identification of CH3Br as a likely toxin, inconsistencies in the evidence, such as the varying levels of the chemical and the differing effects on individuals exposed, left the case unresolved. The article also touches upon the role of DMSO and the possibility of a synergistic reaction with other unknown substances. The case highlights the difficulties in definitively solving complex, anomalous events.

Mutilations: The Elsberry Enigma

This article by R. Martin Wolf and S. N. Mayne delves into the cattle mutilation phenomenon reported in Elsberry, Missouri, during the summer of 1978. The authors draw a parallel to a previous investigation in Great Falls, Montana, noting a similar phone call about a mutilation. The article details several specific incidents in the Elsberry area, including the mutilation of a cow in Sandy Creek in 1975, a bull calf in April 1978, a heifer on the Forrest Gladney farm in June 1978, and a cow and calf belonging to Gary Hagemeier. A recurring theme is the precise removal of body parts, such as sex organs, tongues, and ears, often with a lack of blood and sometimes accompanied by singed hair or unusual insect findings. The article also discusses the investigation into a dead steer on the Mayes farm and a cow on the Robert Taylor farm, where lightning was suggested as a cause. The authors note the enigmatic nature of the carcasses, which sometimes decomposed slowly, and the unusual behavior of other cattle towards the mutilated animals. They also report on the SITU investigation at the Joe Vitro farm, where a calf was found mutilated, with its right front leg missing.

UFOs and Other Unusual Phenomena

In addition to the mutilations, the article notes that several people in the Elsberry area reported experiencing unusual lights in the sky. These sightings, occurring around the time of the mutilations, are documented by the magazine as potentially significant, even if a direct correlation cannot be immediately established. Examples include observations of bright, pulsating lights by the Gladney family and similar reports from Shelbina and Portageville. The article also mentions an unusual occurrence of pink eye in cows in the area.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the challenges of investigating and explaining anomalous events, the role of media in sensationalizing or misinterpreting phenomena, and the difficulties in finding definitive answers in cases involving unexplained deaths, toxins, and mutilations. The magazine's stance appears to be one of diligent documentation and exploration of these phenomena, acknowledging the complexities and often inconclusive nature of the evidence. The editorial questions whether certain locations can become 'hostile' and emit malevolent emanations, suggesting a deeper, perhaps environmental or localized, influence on these events. The publication emphasizes the importance of recording unusual occurrences, even if their significance is not immediately apparent, in the hope that future understanding may evolve.

This issue of PURSUIT magazine, dated Winter 1979, focuses on a series of unexplained phenomena primarily occurring in the Elsberry, Missouri area during 1978, alongside a significant UFO wave in Syracuse, New York. The content delves into cattle mutilations, unusual aerial sightings, strange odors, and related mysterious events, often highlighting the challenges faced by witnesses and investigators in dealing with media sensationalism and official stonewalling.

Elsberry Area Events (Missouri)

The magazine details a cluster of incidents in and around Elsberry, Missouri, beginning with cattle mutilations. The Hagemeier farm reported a bright, red-orange light making a half circle around the farm with no noise. On June 18, UFOs were reported by multiple observers in the Elsberry area. A week later, on June 25, twin circles with a strange, odd-smelling substance were found on the lawn of Ralph Gladney's clubhouse. The area also experienced a "chemical" smell reported from a farm community near Elsberry on July 19-20, which was later echoed by a more widespread "powerful odor" in St. Louis on July 25, causing dizziness and nausea.

Further incidents include a reported "non-mutilation" (possibly lightning strike) at the Taylor farm on June 24. On August 4, a cow was found mutilated on the Vitro farm, accompanied by a strange scream heard by a family member. The Vitro calf was later found mutilated and moved. An unusual "gassy" odor was noted near the Vitro property on August 12-13, and a strange sound, like a metal object hitting a house, was heard in the Elsberry area on August 14. A "mushroom-like" odor was reported on September 3.

The issue also notes a connection to mysterious illnesses and deaths, such as the case in Pevely, Missouri, where Mrs. Boyer was found dead and her husband and two children hospitalized under suspicious circumstances, with possibilities including poisoning, a virus, gas, or homicide. An earthquake, ranging between 3 and 3.5 on the Richter scale, was felt on September 20, associated with the St. Louis Fault.

Syracuse UFO Wave (New York)

The magazine also features an article by Mark Bundy detailing "The Central New York UFO Wave." This wave of sightings began in the spring of 1978, with sporadic earlier incidents in Syracuse dating back to 1960 and 1968. A notable event occurred on November 9, 1965, when the deputy aviation commissioner and other pilots saw a large, rounded fireball. In February 1978, dozens of witnesses saw a triangular object with flashing lights over Lyndon Golf Course.

The main flap started on April 6, 1978, with Officer Dennis Kiteveles and his family in Baldwinsville observing an oval-shaped object with colored lights that caused a blackout affecting 3,000 customers. A police helicopter confirmed the blackout, and Hancock Airport radar detected an unidentified object. On April 7, Robert Waltz and William Colton saw a large, bright white light moving at high speed, which then stopped and displayed red, blue, and green lights before disappearing.

Another significant sighting occurred on March 29, 1978, in Syracuse, where police officers and residents observed a diamond-shaped object with criss-cross red, blue, green, and yellow blinking lights. This object reportedly "shot up into the air and disappeared." The police investigation into these sightings was met with resistance, with reports becoming "inter-departmental memos" and unreleasable.

Later sightings included a "huge" UFO on April 7, described as being "several football fields" in length, with a row of windows and cylindrical projections. A 12-year-old boy, Paul Cunningham, took a Polaroid picture of an object in the same area. The article also mentions a sighting on May 3, 1978, near Cazenovia, New York, of a vehicle described as making a "whooshing" sound and having a "fluorescent" glow.

Investigations and Media Reaction

The magazine criticizes the media's handling of these events, noting how reporters and TV crews "trampled the area, poked fingers at carcasses and fun at witnesses, and distorted and deleted statements." The Sheriff's Department in Elsberry expressed frustration with the media's sensationalism, which they felt unfairly blamed UFOs for the mutilation incidents. The article highlights a specific instance where a vet's report about a cow carcass was misrepresented by the media.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout the issue are the unexplained nature of the events, the difficulty in obtaining credible information, and the perceived cover-up or misrepresentation by authorities and the media. The magazine adopts a pro-Fortean stance, suggesting that these unusual occurrences, despite their varied manifestations, share remarkable consistencies and point towards phenomena beyond conventional explanation. The editorial stance is one of documenting these events and questioning official narratives, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of extraterrestrial or other unknown influences.

Title: PURSUIT
Issue: Winter 1979
Volume: 12
Publisher: Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU)
Country: USA
Language: English
ISSN: 0145-9894
Price: $1.50

This issue of Pursuit magazine, published by the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SITU), delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, UFO sightings, creature encounters, and scientific inquiries into the paranormal.

SITUATIONS

MYSTERIOUS FISHING LINE

Residents of Greensburg, Ohio, reported thousands of feet of fishing line floating down from the skies in September 1978. John Wright discovered a piece snagged on a bush, and neighbors helped wind in approximately 1,000 feet before it broke. His co-worker, Ken Corasmun, visually followed the line for about 2,000 feet before losing sight of it.

PLANE VANISHES AFTER PILOT REPORTS UFO

On October 22, 1978, Frederick Valentich, a 20-year-old pilot on a training flight from Melbourne, Australia, radioed air traffic controllers reporting a UFO. He described it as having four bright lights and stated it was following him. After reporting the aircraft was not an aircraft and that it was approaching him, his transmission abruptly ended with a strange metallic sound, followed by silence. A search by the Australian Air Force found an oil slick but no trace of the aircraft or pilot. Valentich's father believes his son was 'snatched by beings from outer space.'

CHESSIE: CREATURE OF THE POTOMAC

During the summer of 1978, approximately 20 people reported sightings of a serpent-like creature, nicknamed Chessie, in the Potomac River near its confluence with Chesapeake Bay. Descriptions of the creature bear similarities to those reported at Loch Ness and other deep-water lakes. Witnesses described its movement as vertical undulation, with a stationary head, and estimated its size between 25 and 30 feet long.

MYSTERIOUS BLACK CAT?

Following up on a previous report, this article revisits the mystery of a large black cat sighted in Plainfield, Illinois. More recently, in September 1978, a similar creature was reported near Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Witnesses described a large, black, panther-like animal with a long tail. The disappearances of chickens from a local resident's farm were also noted. The suspected culprit was later captured: a black and brown mongrel dog, shot with a tranquilizer gun. Despite this, the local legend of a large cat prowling the woods persists.

BRIGHT LIGHTS OVER CHARLESTON

On October 20, 1978, multiple witnesses, including state police, observed several bright aerial objects in the night sky over Charleston, West Virginia. The objects were described as hovering or slow-moving, displaying green, blue, white, and sometimes red or yellow lights. They zipped across the sky at meteor-like speeds before abruptly slowing down. Radar at the Kanawha Airport also detected unidentifiable objects.

SPECIAL REPORTS

HARE METEOROLOGIST

A dispatch from Minsk, Soviet Union, reported that a hare in the village of Novyazki warns local peasants of impending rainfall by beating a roadside stump with its paws. This 'living barometer' has reportedly never made a mistake, providing warnings several hours in advance.

THE DESCENT OF THE GREEN SLIME

An unexplained green slime fell on Washington, D.C., on September 5 and 6, 1978. The affected area was generally bounded by Rock Creek Parkway, Pennsylvania Avenue, G Street, and 23rd Street. The slime injured plants and animals, soiled car windshields, and baffled city health officials. It was described as a green liquid, soluble in water and alcohol, which later thickened and turned more black than green. Pets reportedly became sick, and their hair changed color.

BEAMING MESSAGES THROUGH EARTH

Naval Research Laboratory physicists are researching the feasibility of sending coded messages through the Earth using coded beams of subatomic particles called neutrinos. This technique could offer highly secret communication for specialized military purposes.

SUPERTREES

A supertree, developed from sterile clones of male cottonwoods and black poplars, has been developed at the University of Wisconsin. These trees grow rapidly and are immune to most diseases that affect elms, ashes, and maples. They also do not produce cotton-like seed plumes.

GRAVITATIONAL RECALL

A team of X-ray astronomers from the Naval Research Laboratory and Northwestern University has found evidence suggesting that the universe may not be in the process of flying apart indefinitely. Their observations indicate that galaxies may eventually stop receding and come back together, suggesting a 'closed' universe rather than an 'open' one. This implies that 90% of the universe's mass exists in the form of invisible gas clouds.

SYMPOSIUM: Comments and Opinions

PAYMENT FOR PURSUIT ARTICLES

Starting with Vol. 12, No. 3 (Summer 1979), Pursuit will pay 1¢ per word for all published articles. The deadline for the Summer issue was March 15.

UFO RESEARCH PROJECT

An individual is involved in a project to create an extensive catalogue of UFO literature and thought, including a bibliography of 15,000 to 25,000 listings. Assistance is requested in the form of UFO literature donations, loans, or xerox copies, with a special emphasis on foreign literature.

KRONOS

KRONOS, a journal of interdisciplinary studies, is available for $12.00 annually (four issues) or $18.00 overseas (airmail). A sampling of its 1978 contents is provided.

S.I.S. REVIEW

S.I.S. REVIEW, the Journal of the Society for Interdisciplinary Studies, is available from the editor, Malcolm Lowery. Articles cover topics such as 'Proofs' of the Stability of the Solar System and A Philosophy for Interdisciplinary Studies.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Dover Devil?

A hypothesis is proposed to explain footprints discovered on a snowy rooftop, suggesting they were made by the impact of broken-up icy jacket fragments blown from a utility pole. The regular, square shape and co-linear spacing are noted.

"Whamond's Law"

S. Marriott responds to a letter from Mr. Diamond, acknowledging an error in a previous article but defending the general argument for 'Whamond's Law,' while criticizing its proponent for 'hidebound thinking.'

SORRY!

An apology is issued for the omission of 16 words from the article "Toward Solving the Bermuda Triangle Mystery" in the Fall 1978 issue, with the corrected text provided.

WALTER J. McGRAW 2nd (1919-1978)

A tribute to Walter McGraw, a founding member of SITU and a newsman known for his objective approach to Fortean phenomena and his book "The World of the Paranormal."

BOOK REVIEWS

OUR UFO VISITORS by John Magor

This book is reviewed as a recapitulation of UFO events in the Western Mountains/Rocky Mountain Trench area of Canada, including the 1967-68 flap. It also touches on the Moon, Mars, signals from space, and historical UFO evidence. The reviewer praises the book's photos and illustrations but notes a minor criticism regarding erroneous information about a UFO contactee.

Handbook of Parapsychology, Benjamin Wolman, Ed.

Advances in Parapsychological Research-Vol. 1: Psychokinesis, Stanley Krippner, Ed.

These two books are reviewed as providing an authoritative and accessible overview of parapsychology. Wolman's Handbook covers various aspects of the field, while Krippner's volume focuses on psychokinesis. The review highlights the scientific community's general hostility towards parapsychology, despite a significant interest among scientists.

THE NOTES OF CHARLES FORT

This section presents deciphered notes from Charles Fort's collection, meticulously transcribed by Carl J. Pabst. The notes, written in pencil and in a personal shorthand, cover a wide range of anomalous events from the 18th and 19th centuries, including strange weather phenomena, unusual animal behavior, and unexplained occurrences.

ABBREVIATIONS

A comprehensive list of abbreviations used throughout the magazine, with their corresponding meanings and sources.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Pursuit magazine include UFO sightings and encounters, mysterious creature reports, and the investigation of anomalous phenomena. The magazine maintains an open-minded stance towards these subjects, encouraging members to submit reports and presenting various theories and explanations, even those that challenge conventional scientific views. There is a clear emphasis on documenting and analyzing events that fall outside the realm of ordinary explanation, often highlighting the perceived lack of cooperation from official sources when investigating such phenomena. The magazine also engages with broader scientific and philosophical questions, such as the nature of the universe and the potential for paranormal research.

This document is the 'PURSUIT INDEX 1978' for The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained (SIU). It provides a comprehensive listing of articles and book reviews published in the magazine during that year, alongside details of the society's organizational structure.

Governing Board and Departments

The Governing Board of the SIU is listed with its President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Trustees. The society's departments include Investigations, Mass Media, Research, and Fund Raising. Key personnel within these departments are also identified, with R. Martin Wolf serving in multiple editorial and management roles.

Scientific Advisory Board

The Scientific Advisory Board is composed of a distinguished group of academics and researchers from various institutions. Members and their affiliations include:

• Dr. George A. Agogino: Chairman, Department of Anthropology, and Director, Paleo-Indian Institute, Eastern New Mexico University (Archaeology).
• Dr. Carl H. Delacato: Director, The Institute for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured, Morton, Pa. (Mentalogy).
• Dr. J. Allen Hynek: Director, Lindheimer Astronomical Research Center, Northwestern University (Astronomy).
• Dr. George C. Kennedy: Professor of Geology, Institute of Geophysics, U.C.L.A. (Geomorphology and Geophysics).
• Dr. Martin Kruskal: Program in Applied Mathematics, Princeton University (Mathematics).
• Dr. Samuel B. McDowell: Professor of Biology, Rutgers University, Newark, N.J. (General Biology).
• Dr. Vladimir Markotic: Professor of Anthropology, Department of Archaeology, University of Alberta, Canada (Ethnosociology and Ethnology).
• Dr. John R. Napier: Unit of Primate Biology, Queen Elizabeth College, University of London (Physical Anthropology).
• Dr. Michael A. Persinger: Department of Psychology, Environmental Psychophysiological Laboratory, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ont., Canada (Psychology).
• Dr. Frank B. Salisbury: Head, Plant Science Department, College of Agriculture, Utah State University (Phytochemistry).
• Dr. Berthold Eric Schwarz: Consultant (Brain Wave Laboratory), Essex County Medical Center, Cedar Grove, N.J. (Mental Sciences).
• Dr. Roger W. Wescott: Professor and Chairman, Department of Anthropology, Drew University, Madison, N.J. (Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics).
• Dr. A. Joseph Wraight: Chief Geographer, U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (Geography and Oceanography).
• Dr. Robert K. Zuck: Professor and Chairman, Department of Botany, Drew University, Madison, N.J. (Botany).

This diverse board suggests the society's broad interest in unexplained phenomena from multiple scientific perspectives.

Pursuit Index 1978 Content

The index lists numerous articles and topics covered in the 1978 issues of 'Pursuit'. These include:

• UFOs and Aerial Phenomena: "Aerial Life?", "Ahoy, Mate! Which Flamin' Phantom Ship Sails Thar? (Part I & II)", "Analogies of the Propagation Waves of the Great Fear in France, 1789, and of the Airship Flap in Ohio, 1897", "Ancient American Underground Cities?", "Sky Creatures: Living UFOs".
• Fortean Phenomena: "Acid Rain: A Formidable Dilemma", "Earthquake Lights", "Climatic Variation and the Exploration of Greenland", "Coherence in Chaos", "Cosmic Hologram", "Forteana Galactica", "Fortean Fakes and Folklore", "Fortean Times, These", "Frozen Mammoths: Volcanoes, Comet-Storms, or Permafrost?", "Weather Modification and Control?", "Whamond's Law Repealed".
• Cryptozoology and Mysteries: "The Berezovka Mammoth Mystery", "Sasquatch: The Apes Among Us", "The World's Last Mysteries", "Loch Ness Update, 1977", "Nessie Sightings Endangered by Illegal Salmon Netting", "Randazza (Not a) Sea Serpent Sighting, The".
• Archaeology and Ancient Civilizations: "Derinkuyu and Other Ancient Underground Cities", "Those Palenque Remains".
• Paranormal and Psychological Topics: "Mind Over Matter", "Paradoxical Orthodoxy in Cancer Research", "Paranormal Phenomena: The First International Congress", "Psychoanalysis Wangle, The", "Witchcraft and Weather Modification (Part I & II)".
• Scientific and Theoretical Concepts: "Beamed Power for Starships", "L5: A Settlement in Space", "Concept of Simultaneity, The", "Nailed-Down Universe, The, or Plans for the Box Box Machine", "Physics of Physics, The", "Toward Solving the Bermuda Triangle Mystery", "Transformist Myth, The".

Book Reviews

A significant portion of the index is dedicated to book reviews, covering a wide range of subjects relevant to the society's interests. Notable reviewed books include:

• "American Indian Myths and Mysteries" by Vincent H. Gaddis.
• "Biomusic Synthesis" by David Bihary.
• "Creatures of the Outer Edge" by Jerome Clark and Loren Coleman.
• "Guide to PSI Periodicals" edited by Elizabeth M. Werner.
• "Phenomena: A Book of Wonders" by John Mitchell and Robert JM Rickard.
• "Report on a Survey of the Membership of the American Astronomical Society Concerning the UFO Problem" by Dr. Peter A. Sturrock.
• "Sasquatch: The Apes Among Us" by John Green.
• "Sky Creatures: Living UFOs" by Trevor James Constable.
• "The Haunted Universe" by D. Scott Rogo.
• "The World's Last Mysteries" by The Readers Digest Association, Inc.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The index clearly indicates that 'Pursuit' magazine, published by The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained, covered a broad spectrum of topics related to anomalies, mysteries, and fringe science. The inclusion of a diverse Scientific Advisory Board suggests an attempt to approach these subjects with a degree of scientific rigor, even when dealing with phenomena that challenge conventional understanding. Recurring themes include UFOs, cryptozoology, ancient mysteries, and various paranormal and fortean events, reflecting the society's commitment to exploring the unexplained across multiple disciplines.