Pursuit - No 46 - Vol 12 No 2 - 1979

Magazine Overview

Title: PURSUIT
Issue: Vol. 12, No. 2, Whole No. 46
Date: Spring 1979
Publisher: Robert C. Warth
Managing Editor: R. Martin Wolf
Assistant Editor: Steven N. Mayne
Consulting Editors: John A. Keel, Sabina W. Sanderson
Founded by: Ivan T. Sanderson

This issue of PURSUIT, the journal of the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained, is dedicated to the investigation of "Things" that are customarily discounted. The Spring 1979 issue delves into numerous historical accounts of alleged lake monsters, primarily from the 19th century, with a strong focus on the Midwestern United States.

Contents

The issue features a variety of articles, including:

• "Water Monsters of the Midwestern Lakes" by Gary S. Mangiacopra
• "Lake Monsters" compiled by Joseph S. Haas, Jr.
• "Is the Panther Making a Comeback?" by Susan Power Bratton
• "Black 'Mountain Lions' in California?" by Loren Coleman
• "The Search for Norumbega (Part II: Stars, Symbols, and Scholars)" by Jon Douglas Singer
• "What Is Time?" by Harry E. Mongold
• "The Time Pump or Speculations on the A-Spacial Energies of Chronicity" by E. Macer-Story
• "The Known and the Unknown" by Steven Mayne
• "Count Saint-Germain: Where Are You?" by Curtis Sutherly
• "Time Travel" by T. B. Pawlicki
• "SITUations"
• "Book Reviews"
• "Symposium"
• "The Notes of Charles Fort"

Article Summaries

Water Monsters of the Midwestern Lakes by Gary S. Mangiacopra

This article examines historical newspaper accounts of lake monster sightings, beginning with a reference from Charles H. Fort concerning a Chicago Tribune article from July 24, 1892, which detailed ten reports from Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The author emphasizes the importance of careful research beyond superficial newspaper accounts.

I. The Lake Mendota and Lake Monona Monster:

The article recounts the story of Billy Dunn, a fisherman who claimed a hand-to-hand conflict with a "sea serpent" in Lake Mendota in June 1883. Dunn described a large, snake-like creature with a hissing sound and forked tongue, which he fought off with an oar and hatchet. The creature was described as light greenish with large white spots. Investigation by the author, involving the Madison Public Library and Wisconsin State Historical Society, confirmed the newspaper account but added details: the incident occurred at 11:00 a.m. on June 27, the animal was many feet long and several inches in diameter, its color was light with white spots, and its tongue was jet black. The oar with the embedded fangs was reportedly purchased by a Chicago drummer and displayed in a museum.

A second account from June 11, 1897, describes a "Monona sea serpent" seen in Lake Monona. Witnesses claimed it was at least 20 feet long and moved at high speed. Eugene Heath fired shots at it, causing it to disappear. Mr. Schott described its shape as like the bottom of a boat, about twice as long, and moving at high speed, especially after being shot at. The creature was described as a "thing" and not necessarily a serpent, but its appearance was frightening.

The author concludes that two possible lakes, Mendota and Monona, may contain unknown aquatic species, warranting further investigation.

II. The Muskegon, Michigan, Lake Michigan Monster:

This section details the sinking of the schooner Cheney Ames near Muskegon, Michigan. The account involves a seaman named Ed Maloney who reportedly placed tarred canvas over a rent in the ship. Maloney claimed to have seen a serpent coiled around the rudder, about sixty feet long, with glossy black upper parts and a yellowish, pink, and white lower body, and gleaming eyes. The article notes that the ship's sinking was attributed to a strong wind and treacherous seas, and the lake monster account is considered a hoax.

III. The Lake Geneva Monster:

Reports from Lake Geneva describe a "sea serpent" seen by boys fishing on July 22, 1892. The creature had a large, serpent-like head with fierce eyes and sharp, hooked teeth, and its body was described as light green on the breast, turning darker, almost black, towards the back. It was estimated to be about ten feet out of the water and moved at high speed. Investigation by the Lake Geneva Public Library found no mention of such an event in local historical records, leading the author to suspect this incident is also a hoax.

IV. The Petoskey, Lake Michigan Monster:

A group of tourists on Lake Michigan, about twelve miles from Petoskey, reported seeing a large sea serpent, estimated to be sixty to seventy-five feet long and four feet in diameter. It was described as dark brown, with vicious-looking eyes and sharp teeth. The Petoskey Public Library could not provide information as their newspapers only dated back to 1893. The author suggests this sighting should be considered a possible lake monster sighting pending further information.

V. The Lake Monsters of the Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, Region:

This section discusses sightings of large fish, possibly buffalo fish, in lakes such as La Belle, Fowler, Oconomowoc, and Okauchee. One account from June 1886 describes a large object in Fowler Lake, possibly a fish about 4 feet long and weighing 60-70 pounds. Another report mentions a buffalo fish six feet long and weighing 80-90 pounds. The Oconomowoc Public Library found no definite information, but noted that old-timers had heard of such stories. The Waukesha County Museum also found no references, but provided a "gag" postcard depicting fishermen with a giant fish. The author suggests these creatures might be exceptionally large fish.

VI. The Lake Minnetonka Monster:

An account from Lake Minnetonka describes a composite monster combining snake, toad, and turtle characteristics, approximately thirty feet long, with a single green eye and wart-like armor. The origin of the monster is attributed to the remorse of Edmond Dornier, who mistakenly shot and killed an Indian chief who had saved his daughter. The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society could not provide further information, and this incident is considered a hoax.

VII. The Mackinac Island Monster of Michigan:

Reports from Mackinac Island describe a snake-like creature seen by bathers. It was described as black and oily, nearly two hundred feet long, with a head like a Gila monster, pinkish eyes, and three-foot horns. The creature was observed to comb its whiskers and then swim away. The Detroit Public Library found no records of this incident, and it is suspected as a hoax.

VIII. The St. Clair, Michigan, Monster:

Captain Jenkins of the steambarge Fenton reported sighting a huge serpent, about thirty feet or more in length, in Lake Erie. The creature had a laterally compressed tail, a head about a foot long, blazing eyes, and a mouth with pointed teeth. It chased the steambarge for twenty miles. The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library could not locate any articles concerning a lake monster in Lake Erie in 1892, and the names of Captain Woods and Jenkins did not appear in their records. This incident is also considered suspect.

IX. The Devil's Lake Monster:

Reports from Devil's Lake describe a huge sea serpent sighted in August. Later, two such serpents were reportedly seen in mortal combat. The initial report came from young women, and subsequent sightings were made by four men. The creature had a large head, fin-like paddles, and swayed its head. This incident is presented without a definitive investigation result but is framed within the context of other potentially hoaxes.

X. The Chicago Monster:

Captain McKee reported seeing a serpent fully 180 feet long in Lake Michigan near Chicago. The creature had a Gila monster-like head, pinkish eyes, and three-foot horns. It was described as scaly, with a forked tail, and made a singular whirring noise. The author was unable to locate any further information on this incident.

Conclusion

The author concludes that out of the ten reported incidents, only Lakes Mendota, Monona, and Oconomowoc appear to be likely prospects for harboring unknown animals, with the latter possibly being a gigantic species of fish. The Muskegon incident is deemed a hoax. The remaining incidents are questioned as probable hoaxes, possibly perpetuated by the writers of the articles. The article's purpose is to present historical incidents for further research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the investigation of unexplained phenomena, specifically lake monsters. The editorial stance, as indicated by the Society's name and the founder Ivan T. Sanderson's dedication, is to explore and document reports that are often dismissed by mainstream science. The articles employ a method of presenting the original accounts and then attempting to corroborate or debunk them through research, often relying on historical newspaper archives and private communications. There is a clear emphasis on the Fortean approach of collecting and analyzing anomalous data, even if definitive proof remains elusive. The issue highlights the challenges in verifying historical accounts and the possibility that some phenomena might be misidentified known animals or outright fabrications.

Title: PURSUIT
Issue: Spring 1979
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Article 1: IS THE PANTHER MAKING A COMEBACK?

This article, by Susan Power Bratton with drawings by Lucia De Leiris, explores the possibility of the eastern mountain lion, also known as the panther or 'painter,' making a comeback in the Eastern United States, particularly in the Appalachians. Once considered extirpated from the region, recent evidence suggests a resurgence.

Sightings and Evidence

The article details numerous sightings, including a notable incident in 1975 in Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, where a female panther with kittens was seen by visitors. Park Service ranger Kent Higgins reported seeing a young panther in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Nicole Culbertson, a student researcher, concluded from interviews that at least forty-four reliable sightings had been made since the 1930s, with the highest concentration in areas of high deer density. Other credible witnesses include rangers, trail crews, and wildlife managers.

Evidence beyond sightings includes cat scats too large for bobcats found in areas of reported sightings. Ben Sanders of the U.S. Forest Service is collecting photos of predator kills, such as a dead buck in the Tremont area of Great Smokies, where the tooth marks suggest a panther kill. Panther tracks have also been identified in the region, with Park Service wildlife biologist Frank Singer finding them near a dead deer, and tracker J. R. Buchanan observing them along the Appalachian Trail.

Management and Conservation

The increasing reports necessitate a clearly defined management program. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Forest Service are initiating a regional study to determine the abundance and distribution of the eastern cougar. This study will involve investigating sightings, tracks, using scent posts, and recorded calls to attract predators for photography. The Forest Service also plans to use professional lion hunters to verify the presence of cougars on federal lands.

The presence of panthers could influence land management policies, such as proposed road-building projects like the controversial Transmountain Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Forest cutting practices that favor deer could also indirectly benefit panthers. The preservation of wilderness areas and protection from hunting, especially from poachers, are critical. Cooperation among state and federal agencies is deemed necessary for effective management. The return of the big cat has generated significant interest, with park and forest managers, like Superintendent Boyd Evison of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, actively collecting sightings and recognizing the panther's importance to future park management and the region's wilderness.

The article concludes by emphasizing the panther's role as a symbol of the eastern wilderness and the hope that it may once again become a permanent, undisturbed resident of the Southern Appalachians.

Author Background

Susan Bratton is an ecologist specializing in research on southeastern national parks, with studies on European wild boar, visitor use, and plant community structure.

Article 2: BLACK 'MOUNTAIN LIONS' IN CALIFORNIA?

By Loren Coleman, this article investigates the persistent reports of 'black panthers' in North America, particularly in California, and questions whether these sightings refer to melanistic pumas or a different phenomenon.

California Sightings

California is estimated to have around twenty-five hundred mountain lions. The article highlights numerous 'black panther' reports, especially near Ventura and in the Conejo Valley. A significant incident occurred on December 12, 1967, when Henry Madrid spotted a black panther near a Ventura County sewer plant, leading to a police pursuit that ended with the patrol car stuck in sludge. Another sighting by Kenneth French and his wife on January 9, 1968, added to the mystery. An airman was also reportedly trapped on a cliff while hunting for a panther in December 1967.

Northern California, particularly the San Francisco Bay Area, has a higher frequency of sightings. A survey of The Independent Journal from 1957-1975 revealed approximately thirty sightings of large, mountain lion-like animals, with 75% not specifying color, but 15% describing the cat as definitely black. Incidents include two women being chased by a 'panther' in June 1963 and a 'panther' sauntering through downtown Fairfax in March 1975, an unusual behavior for mountain lions near urban areas.

Mystery Cats vs. Mountain Lions

The article contrasts the reported 'black panther' behavior with that of actual mountain lions. While mountain lions are not typically black, the phantom cats are described as such. Furthermore, these mystery cats are reported to chase people and prowl during the day, unlike typical mountain lions that are shy and nocturnal. The author suggests that these 'black panthers' may not be 'black mountain lions' but reflect patterns found in ufological phenomena, occurring in waves ('flaps') and specific locations ('windows'). The year 1973 is noted as a significant year for both black panther sightings and 'humanoid' encounters in America.

The 'Devil' Connection

Coleman notes a recurring theme of 'devil' in place names associated with weird phenomena. Many Californian black panther sightings occur in the Diablo (Spanish for 'devil') Valley. The 'Black Mountain Lion of Devil's Hole' was frequently seen on Mt. Diablo. The author posits that these flaps and window areas might be where people are viewing creatures unlike mountain lions.

Other Incidents and Observations

Further reports include a sighting near Fremont of a black mountain lion dashing across Niles Canyon Road. In the East Bay area, UFO reports and black panther sightings coincided in the spring of 1972. The article also mentions a sighting of a black panther drinking from a pool, a behavior reported from Southern California in 1972 and Ohio in 1977. Another incident involved a rancher near Mt. Diablo noticing disappearing fowl, hearing guttural purring, and seeing a large black panther. Tracks found were about five inches across. The article also notes the presence of a tawny-colored cat-like animal accompanying the black panther in some sightings, reminiscent of a 1948 sighting in Richmond, Indiana.

Article 3: THE SEARCH FOR NORUMBEGA - Part II: Stars, Symbols, and Scholars

By Jon Douglas Singer, this article continues the investigation into the Mystery Hill site and its connection to pre-Columbian settlements and astronomical alignments.

The Radiocarbon Revolution and New Discoveries

The article discusses the impact of new radiocarbon dating methods, which have revised the ages of key European megalithic sites, placing them earlier than previously thought. This revolution in dating, along with the development of archaeoastronomy and findings from the Ancient Vermont Conference, has led scholars to view sites like Mystery Hill in a new light. The discovery of a Norse settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada, by Dr. Helge Ingstad, has further supported the idea of pre-Columbian European voyages to America.

Mystery Hill and Astronomical Alignments

Scholars are now examining Mystery Hill for astronomical alignments, similar to those found at Stonehenge. Researchers like Robert Stone and Osborn Stone have been measuring stones and walls, finding alignments with the winter sunrise position, summer solstice sunrise and sunset, and equinox sunrise and sunset. Pole Star alignments have also been detected. While some, like Connecticut historian Alfred Bingham, have criticized these findings, others, including Vermont NEARA member Betty Sincerbeaux, report that professional astronomers are impressed by the data.

Calendar Sites and Other Megalithic Structures

The article details several 'Calendar Sites' discovered in Vermont and Massachusetts. Calendar Site I, in central Vermont, is oriented to midwinter, equinox, and midsummer sunrise and sunset. It also features an inscription deciphered by Barry Fell as the name of the sun deity Bel. Calendar Site II, also in Vermont, includes a large stone chamber and standing stones, with alignments for winter solstice sunrise and equinox sunrise. The article also mentions a potential Norse site near Thunder Bay, Ontario, and a large alignment site in Massachusetts with stone walls, mounds, and petroglyphs, some of which Barry Fell interpreted as Egyptian hieratic cursive script.

The Norumbega Hypothesis

Singer explores the possibility that these numerous pre-Columbian structures in New England, many of which do not resemble Indian or Colonial constructions, might be remnants of a lost civilization called Norumbega. The article notes that some of these structures are found in areas historically known as 'Norumbega' on old maps. The possibility of submerged ruins in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, is also mentioned, drawing a parallel to H. P. Lovecraft's tales.

The Philadelphia Experiment

Briefly mentioned at the end of page 6, this section introduces a new book by Charles Berlitz and William Moore titled 'The Philadelphia Experiment: Project Invisibility.' The book claims to present evidence of secret Navy research on invisibility, including an experiment in 1943 where a ship allegedly vanished from the Philadelphia Navy Yard and reappeared in Norfolk, Virginia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics at the fringe of mainstream science and history, including cryptozoology (panthers), unexplained phenomena (UFOs, humanoids), and alternative archaeology (pre-Columbian voyages, ancient alignments). The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting evidence and theories that challenge conventional explanations, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond established scientific consensus. The publication aims to foster a sense of mystery and wonder, inviting readers to explore the unknown and question accepted narratives.

Title: PURSUIT
Issue: Spring 1979
Volume: 12
Publisher: The Sourcebook Project
Country: USA
Language: English
Cover Headline: WHAT IS TIME?

This issue of PURSUIT magazine, dated Spring 1979, features a cover story titled "WHAT IS TIME?" by Harry E. Mongold, exploring the philosophical, scientific, and even speculative aspects of time. The magazine also includes an article by E. Macer-Story titled "THE TIME PUMP or SPECULATIONS ON THE A-SPACIAL ENERGIES OF CHRONICITY."

"WHAT IS TIME?" by Harry E. Mongold

Harry E. Mongold's article challenges common notions of time, beginning with a quote from Bertrand Russell that defines time by the complete ordering of events. Mongold argues that our understanding of time is based on the sequence of moments, and that while knowledge expands, the fundamental framework of time remains. He critiques the idea of time as a direction or a fourth dimension in space-time, suggesting that this conceptualization is contradictory as motion requires time.

Mongold distinguishes between "psychological time" (our subjective experience of time) and the measurement of time by clocks. He discusses the concept of "time reversal" in subatomic physics, which refers to the order of cause-effect series rather than a literal reversal of time. He posits that time is an abstraction of our experience of change, and that "the Now" is the only objective reality.

The article delves into the paradoxes of Zeno of Elea, particularly the Achilles and the tortoise paradox, to illustrate the problems with the concept of continuous motion. Mongold argues that Zeno's paradoxes are solvable if motion is accepted as discontinuous, meaning that objects occupy discrete points in space and time rather than traversing them continuously. He contrasts this with the idea of continuous motion, which he suggests is an illusion arising from our limited senses.

He references the work of mathematicians Kasner and Newman, who suggest that motion is discontinuous, and philosophers like Bertrand Russell, who discuss the nature of touching points in space. Mongold also cites Samuel Reiss and Henri Bergson, who grapple with the idea of time being composed of durationless instants and the implications for motion and experience.

Mongold proposes that reality consists of discrete "Nows," and that the future is not predetermined. He suggests that the universe is constantly being replaced, with objects moving from one position to another by disappearing and reappearing. This concept is linked to unexplained phenomena such as mysterious disappearances and reappearances of aircraft.

The article concludes by discussing the idea of "replacement-time" and coexistent eternity, suggesting that these concepts might offer explanations for phenomena like ships disappearing without a trace or individuals appearing from nowhere. He asserts that the common-sense view of time as discontinuous is correct, despite philosophical and scientific attempts to frame it otherwise.

"THE TIME PUMP or SPECULATIONS ON THE A-SPACIAL ENERGIES OF CHRONICITY" by E. Macer-Story

E. Macer-Story's article explores the concept of "chronicity" as a-spacial energies, distinct from electromagnetic or gravitational energies. The author begins by emphasizing the importance of separating phenomena from the methods used to describe them, using the example of the word "chair" versus the actual object.

Macer-Story introduces the idea of "p-energies" (electromagnetic pulse frequency) and "g-energies" (gravitational suspension) and contrasts them with "chronicity" (a-spacial energies). He speculates about a hypothetical planet where "chronicity" is understood and utilized, allowing for objects to disappear from one location and reappear in another, thus circumventing the limitations of distance and time.

The author then translates this speculation to Earth, suggesting that unexplained appearances and disappearances of objects and people, often reported in the media, might be related to these a-spacial energies. He draws a parallel to Lewis Carroll's "Through the Looking-Glass," noting Carroll's background as a mathematician and the concept of "inversion" in mathematics, which involves rotating and reflecting a point to place it "behind the looking glass."

Macer-Story connects this to the number 23, which he notes is the international numerical symbol for the incomplete tetrahedral cubic point group and has been observed by Robert Anton Wilson in various synchronistic contexts. He suggests that since the energies of chronicity are a-spacial, there can be no tetrahedrons within this time-continuum.

The article highlights the problem on Earth of not having safe and effective means to utilize these energies, unlike the hypothetical planet where civilizations have developed practical applications. He concludes by stating that the "looking glass" acts as a barrier, reflecting only visible light and behaving according to ordinary electromagnetic and gravitational time, thus hindering our conceptual understanding of chronicity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of PURSUIT strongly engages with fundamental questions about the nature of time, reality, and perception. The editorial stance appears to favor a view of time as discontinuous, grounded in discrete "Nows," and suggests that conventional scientific and philosophical models may be incomplete or even misleading. The inclusion of articles discussing Zeno's paradoxes, relativity, and speculative concepts like "chronicity" indicates a broad interest in exploring alternative frameworks for understanding the universe, particularly in relation to unexplained phenomena such as UFOs. The magazine also emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and the separation of observed phenomena from the theoretical constructs used to explain them. The payment for articles section indicates a commitment to publishing original content and engaging with a community of writers and researchers interested in these topics.

Title: PURSUIT
Issue: Spring 1979
Volume: 11
Publisher: PURSUIT
Country: USA
Language: English
ISSN: 0033-4349

This issue of PURSUIT magazine, dated Spring 1979, explores profound and often speculative topics at the intersection of science, metaphysics, and the paranormal. The cover prominently features the title "THE KNOWN AND THE UNKNOWN," setting the stage for articles that challenge conventional understanding of reality, consciousness, and time.

Articles and Content

The Nature of Reality and Consciousness

The issue opens with a series of articles that question the fundamental nature of reality and the limitations of human perception and thought. Steven Mayne's article, "THE KNOWN AND THE UNKNOWN," argues that our understanding of knowledge is inherently paradoxical, as the act of knowing something transforms it from the unknown into the known. He posits that our minds are dominated by symbols and past experiences, hindering our ability to perceive new information or the true nature of the unknown. Mayne critiques the process of logical thought, suggesting it perpetuates a cycle of analysis based on existing data, thus preventing genuine discovery or apprehension of the unknown. He advocates for understanding the fluid interflow between the known and the unknown, rather than maintaining a rigid separation.

Time Travel and "ANOTHER"

Several articles delve into the theoretical possibilities of time travel and alternate realities, often referencing a hypothetical dimension or state referred to as "ANOTHER." T. B. Pawlicki's "TIME TRAVEL" article explains that a universe filled with radiant energy creates moire patterns that function as mental structures. Standing-waves, created by phase opposition, manifest as material particles. The continuous cycle of energy rotation between a "Virtual State" and our reality is presented as the mechanism for the flow of time. Pawlicki likens this to television broadcasting, where different receivers tuned to specific frequencies perceive different realities. He suggests that time travel is mechanically identical to space travel, involving the rotation of phase coordinates, and that phenomena like flying saucers may represent a technological mastery of time transport.

The "Time Pump" and Geometric Concepts

An exploration of "quantum jumps" into alternate continua is presented, where the speed of light might differ, altering the texture of matter. This concept is linked to the idea of a "time pump" or "time umbrella." The tetrahedron is discussed as a geometrically economical representation that can be considered an incomplete cube, potentially relating to a missing side or a secret chamber. The article suggests that by reducing the three-dimensional planes of a tetrahedron, one might collapse space and time, creating an "a-spacial chronicity continuum."

Electromagnetic Fields and "Black Box" Effects

The concept of an "electromagnetic solid" is introduced, described as a bounded, invisible solid that can transduce matter into a-spacial energies and then reconvert it. This process, while potentially altering matter, is not perfect, with research focusing on the accuracy of transduction. The article notes that some UFO sightings have been associated with magnetic alterations in the vicinity, leading to theories involving electrical plasma. The "black box" radiation effect is also mentioned, where the resonance mode of a cavity determines the frequency of emitted electromagnetic radiation.

The Legend of Count Saint-Germain

Curt Sutherly's article, "COUNT SAINT-GERMAIN: WHERE ARE YOU?" investigates the legend of the immortal Count Saint-Germain. The article recounts historical references to him from the 18th century and his alleged involvement in founding various "secret societies." A conversation with the Countess de Gergy is cited, where Saint-Germain implies extreme age. The article connects the legend to UFO phenomena, recounting a story from a UFO conference where a woman named Sandra shared an experience involving a mysterious man named Alex with no visible pupils, who resolved her family's problems. This story is linked by UFO researcher Allen Greenfield to the legend of Count Saint-Germain, suggesting the possibility of time-travelers or beings from "ANOTHER" dimension.

UFOs and Alternate Realities

The issue touches upon UFO phenomena, including the "Great Lakes Triangle" and reports of disorientation and disappearances. The "alternate reality" theory, which suggests UFOs might originate from other space-time continua or dimensions, is mentioned. The article also discusses the potential for parallel realities and divergent time streams, drawing parallels to biological processes like cell division and zygote twinning.

References and Further Reading

The issue includes a bibliography with references to works on quantum mechanics, crystallographic point groups, and UFO phenomena. Additional reading suggestions include works by J. Krishnamurti, Joseph Chilton Pearce, C.G. Jung, and Albert Einstein.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of reality, consciousness, and the limitations of human perception and knowledge. There is a strong emphasis on questioning established paradigms and exploring speculative theories, particularly concerning time travel, alternate dimensions ("ANOTHER"), and UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the unknown, encouraging readers to challenge their assumptions about what is considered "known" and to consider unconventional explanations for observed phenomena. The influence of J. Krishnamurti's philosophy on the nature of thought and consciousness is explicitly acknowledged, suggesting a leaning towards introspective and philosophical exploration alongside scientific and Fortean investigation.

This issue of PURSUIT, dated Spring 1979, is published by The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained and presents a diverse range of articles on paranormal phenomena, scientific theories, and historical anomalies. The cover prominently features 'The Notes of Charles Fort,' deciphered by Carl J. Pabst, which details historical unexplained events. The issue also includes discussions on time travel, reincarnation, UFOs, and reviews of relevant books.

Time Travel and Reality

The lead article delves into the complexities of time travel, introducing the 'Time Loop Paradox' and its resolution through the 'Time Loop Exclusion Principle.' This principle suggests that memories, whether of past lives or historical events, are influenced by present interactions, leading to a distortion of the original experience. The author uses the example of Bridey Murphy to illustrate how past-life recall is not an exact replica of the original life. Psychic experiences are described as 'manifestations of spontaneous crosstalk through the Virtual State,' essentially harmonic distortions of reality. The concept of 'Time Trekkers' is introduced, individuals who navigate different space/times. Their ability to harmonize physically with their environment is crucial for survival. The article explains that consciousness shapes perception, and a 'phase/frequency dislocation' between different cultural fields creates a 'space/time warp.' This warp can lead to varying degrees of misunderstanding or even invisibility between groups. Geographical coordinates are presented as phase divisions, and cultural differences are likened to manifestations of this phase/frequency difference. The article draws parallels between these concepts and the current UFO phenomenon, suggesting that our civilization is experiencing a similar disconnect.

The article further explores the idea that the future mind can perceive the past more readily than the primitive mind can perceive the future. It suggests that for communication across the time warp, a common phase/frequency must be established. Experiments by Kamiya and Brown are cited, indicating that changes in field frequency can alter consciousness. An alternative state of consciousness, if sufficiently different from the normal state, may not be accessible to the normal state, leading to phenomena like 'blackouts' in alcoholics or memory lapses in UFO contactees. The article concludes that time travel, if achieved, would lead to the end of time as we know it, making all knowledge instantly available and rendering the future an extension of the present, essentially a form of Nirvana.

Situations: Unexplained Events

This section is dedicated to reporting curious and unexplained events submitted by members. It includes several documented incidents from 1978:

• Hawk Attack in May: In Newton, Pennsylvania, a hawk attacked several joggers in Tyler State Park, with one victim requiring a tetanus shot.
• Snake Attack in July: In Jefferson County, Kentucky, a woman was bitten three times by a snake that had been living in her house for nearly a year.
• Chimpanzee Attack in August: At the Pittsburgh Zoo, an escaped chimpanzee attacked a foreman, leading to the deaths of two chimpanzees by police rifle fire.
• Python Attack in September: In Chattanooga, Tennessee, a performer was injured by two pythons during his act.
• Python Attack in October: In Florence, Kentucky, a man was found dead in his basement, apparently choked by one of his pet pythons.
• Two Lion Attacks in October: In Pleasanton, Texas, a lion attacked a pipeline worker. In Tallassee, Alabama, a lion broke its chain and killed its owner, Mrs. Haynie.

Book Reviews

The issue features several book reviews:

• Catastrophist Geology: This semi-annual journal is recommended for its study of geological and archaeological mysteries, focusing on 'discontinuities in Earth history.'
• Encounters with UFOs by Clifford Wilson: This series of tapes is described as an interesting presentation of UFO phenomena, with Dr. Wilson debunking claims and offering a paraphysical explanation. Tape 3 is highlighted for its critique of supposed UFO occurrences in the Bible.
• Reliving Past Lives: The Evidence Under Hypnosis by Helen Wambach: This book is praised for its insight into hypnosis and reincarnation, examining how past-life experiences can account for present attitudes and phobias. Dr. Wambach's research, based on over two thousand hypnotic regressions, is presented as new data on the subject.
• Congratulations: The UFO Reality by Eugenia Macer-Story: While presenting a fascinating thesis about psychic connections between UFO sightees and synchronicity, the book is criticized for its lack of convincing presentation and coherence, with the reviewer suggesting it relies too heavily on surrealism.

The Notes of Charles Fort

This extensive section, spanning multiple pages, is a compilation of historical anomalous events recorded by Charles Fort, deciphered by Carl J. Pabst. It is organized chronologically, starting from 1803 and continuing through the early 19th century. The entries detail a wide array of phenomena, including:

• Meteorological Events: Stonefalls, fireballs, blood-red moons, fog, lightning, and unusual storms.
• Geological Events: Earthquakes (denoted by 'q'), volcanic eruptions (Vesuvius), and unusual ground noises.
• Zoological Anomalies: Reports of toads falling from the sky, and various animal attacks (as detailed in the 'Situations' section).
• Other Phenomena: Unusual atmospheric conditions, and unexplained sounds.

Each entry provides a date, location, and a brief description of the event, often referencing sources like 'The London Times' (LT), 'American Journal of Science' (AM.J.Sci.), or 'The Book of the Damned' (D-228).

Symposium: Comments and Opinions

This section includes correspondence from readers:

• Letters to the Editor by Barbara Ivanova (USSR): Ivanova shares her experiences using healing techniques that combine bio-energy and psi-information, often working at a distance. She discusses the concept of 'previous incarnations' influencing current illnesses and how regression therapy can help individuals confront and resolve issues from past lives. She provides examples of patients who experienced relief from recurrent dreams and phobias after understanding their past-life connections. She emphasizes the importance of understanding reincarnation and 'far memory' to improve one's life and avoid 'collective Karma.'
• Letter to the Editor by Martin V. Vitums: Vitums corrects an article in a previous issue about pelicans in the Midwest, stating that white pelicans are common in the region and that brown pelicans are typically coastal.

Governing Board and Departments

The issue concludes with a listing of the Governing Board and Departments of The Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained, including key personnel like Robert C. Warth (Managing Editor) and R. Martin Wolf (Assistant Editor), and the Scientific Advisory Board, featuring prominent figures in various scientific and academic fields such as anthropology, astronomy, geology, and psychology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of unexplained phenomena, challenging conventional scientific paradigms, and investigating the nature of consciousness and reality. The magazine consistently presents information on UFOs, paranormal experiences, and historical anomalies, often drawing from anecdotal evidence, historical records, and alternative scientific theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into subjects that lie outside mainstream scientific acceptance, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond the ordinary and to investigate these phenomena further. The inclusion of 'The Notes of Charles Fort' and the detailed accounts of unusual events underscore a commitment to documenting and analyzing the unexplained.